Displaced Brooklynite

In Development Hell

2010-09-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

Or I was in development hell. I have regained some of my enthusiam and urge for my project, which has had to be reduced down to a short, and will finally-FINALLY- be shooting in the next few weeks.

I think that one of the reasons why I was stuck was that I was in "analysis paralysis". My preporduction research had me in several different books about bicycles and their use around the world, researching on all the bike trends, ad hoc interviews, rights, etc. A year easily blew by in the preproduction before I could truly consider chopping this down to a short. It is amazing to me that so much research work can be done and there is not even a minute of film!

So, I will do my short, using the research that I have and simply get it done to share with people and introduce myself. I will start a new blog for that, and let the world know in a few days!

Monocle World Metros: We're #22!

2010-07-29T10:58:00.000-07:00

So I got my latest edition of Monocle magazine, and was pleasantly surprised and puzzled by Monocle ranking of Portland al;ong side such cities as Muchen, Geneva, Vancouver BC and Kyoto as one of the world's most inviting metropolis.

To be sure, Portland is tops on livability- if you are employed and making a good median wage for your profession. You can reinvent yourself, and newcomers have high levels of education. The farming sector is thriving here, and enjoy excellent support. We have a direct connection to Asia and Europe, and are enjoying modest investments from German and Scandinavian countries. We have Mayor Adams, who is devoted the city and has taken the mantle of responisbiliy for the metro area. To incorporate and start a business here is quick, efficient and of low cost. Environmental responsibility is very key here, with people walking the walk instead of merely talking about it.

However, wages are low, outright stagnant in some cases. The cost of living has risen; and Portland metro area is going a time of very high unemployment. There is a huge disconnect between Portland Metro and the rest of the state that can be contentious, and the city was incredibly unfair to ask working class Oregonians of all backgrounds to fund, via taxes, condo and co-ops for rich while forgoing funding for the schools.

Despite these issues, people are happy to be here. I wonder about the issues in the other metros that are listed in Monocle.

Janelle Monae turns rhythm and blues into science fiction

2010-07-21T22:08:00.000-07:00

Janelle Monae turns rhythm and blues into science fiction

This is someone who I have been rocking to this summer. A perfect intersection of pop music and film.

Is Oregon the Hokkaido of West Coast?

2010-07-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

As I was doing research on my doc project, I came across some blogs on Northern Japan and it's industry- or rather, the slow contraction of the industry found there. There is an educated and well connected urban population in Sapporo and Hokadate- and then there are successful small farms and some well to do harbors. But then , there are many abandoned villages and quite a few struggling towns where people struggle to make the minimum for their lives, where people see schools and community centers close due to lack of young people and money.

I wondered: "Is Oregon the Hokkaido of the West Coast"? Having only experience Sapporo, which is a lot like Portland, I could not say for sure. For one, our sheer land mass and tiny population (about 4 million, maybe) makes for a difficult comparison. However, the insular, selfish thinking, the over reliance on extractive economy and a stubborness towards outsiders has made Oregon backwards in ways that one would not see if you all thought of Oregon was beer, bicycles and mountains.

In this state, there is still- still!- bitterness over the listing of the Spotted Owl. And instead of immediately coming up with new farms and bioscience so that loggers could still have a excellent wage and quality of life, there was plenty of protesting and bitching and brooding and as a result entire towns went down the drain. There is belated recognition of this, only to now result in the chase after the next big thing.

There is a chase after trends, after what's new and what next, after what can be done with minimum discomfort and maximum ease. This is a desire to become Silicon Forest after Seattle metro area and Northern California, but without any investment in education funding that is necessary and without sustained outreach to outside business and personnel. There no support for minority owned and supported businesses and a great deal of resentment towards educated outsiders.

There is consumption here, but very little significant inputs, in general. This could describe a great deal of Hokkaido.

But how does a state like avoid this slide and pick it self up again? I don't know, really- it will depend on the citizenry deciding that education, bold retraining of the rural areas and investment in bringing in sustainable business is worth something more than getting a kicker check in the mail.

Oil Spillage

2010-06-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

I have not blogged about the oil spill because the reports kept changing, so I did not know what to believe, and this whole nightmare is the stuff of what I used to worry about in college over 12 years ago. Things like out ruthless, heedless consumption, and the junkie like dependence on crude oil to satisfy that consumption. All the shitty, tacky tat sold as clothing this past decade, plus the far flung imported foods, the overwhelming amounts of plastics, and the continuing sacrifice of our men and women in uniform for what looks like energy concerns is coming to a head: the explicit poisoning of our Gulf.

This slow death had been going on in the Gulf for a very long time now, but as long it is was a little at a time, invisible, not noticeable, then people ignored what was going on.

Now, it cannot be ignored.

We need to acknowledge our dependence on oil. We need to be leaders again as a country and develop ways to have transport and mobility with cleaner and less posionous sources of energy. And we need to support alternative development of plastics and films so that our sanitary standards can remain #1.

In doing my research for my film, it been becoming apparent to me that our lives are just as engineered as any machine- towards one way of mobility, transport and consumption. We are now at the point where we must re-engineer our lives and find a better way.

RIP Dennis Hopper

2010-05-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

Not about his politics; that can wait.

He was an excellent performer and director, an intellectual, and a lover and creator of modern art and pictures.

Here's Dennis Hopper with the Gorillaz:

Louis Levison- Filmmakers and Financing, 4th edition

2010-05-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

I just got through reading about 3/4ths of Louise Levison's Filmamakers and Financing, a throughly inspiring and depressing read about the whys and hows of raising funds for films. Like Dov SS Simens' Two Day Film School(tm), she through demystifies the mechanisms of film funding, writing a film business plan, proposals, how to choose a lawyer and forecasting, plus information of different distribution outlets. There is great information on the technolypse that was covered in "What is Film" earlier this year that Levison was able to foretell in her book. It's depressing in that all the research you think you have done would be sufficient, is not nearly enough. It's completely inspiring in that you realize that yes, despite the hardship, making a film and finding funding is entirely possible!

John Leguziamo is a biker, too!

2010-05-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a short article and video with John Leguziamo, talking about biking:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/05/06/leguizamo.urban.biking/index.html?hpt=C2

Amazing!

And now, fundraising fun!

2010-05-02T00:21:00.000-07:00

Now that I have done all of my research and notes for my project, now the fundraising fun begins! And by fun I mean not really fun at all! For making documentaries are a surprising competitive endeavour, even more so than making feature films. Even if you are making something so fabulous that you are sure tons of people will want to know about, getting the production money, plus the marketing money for festivals is not a sure thing.

I begin drawing up my plans tomorrow- and boy oh boy, is this nerve wracking!

My birthday and accomplishments PLUS a new discovery

2010-04-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

I did not forget about this blog- I have been busier than a worker bee making my documentary come to fruition. The research and preproduction part has been longer, and more fruitful, than what I expected. And then, working on several ideas for scripts for both screen and stage has taken up my month quite nicely.

I had my birthday on the 16th, and I realized that if only I left behind my scripts without production, that would be accomplishment enough. But I think that I have it in me to see at least one play placed into production by the end of the year, and to have my documentary short done by spring of next year. Pretty nice.

Now, on to the discoveries:

1) I Want Your Love: A short film by Travis Matthews. I recently discovered it while clicking away at the Gawker blog. It's an indie film (what the NYT critics would called mumblecore) that turns erotic pretty quickly. The framing and lighting is extremely well done- I was rather envious, actually. And the beginning script dialogue was extremely well done. If you want to see it, here is the link. WARNING: THERE IS EXPLICIT HOMOEROTIC SEX SCENES.

2) One of the leads from the movies, Brendan Shucart- a handsome, engaging fellow. Quite compelling. Here is his website: http://hiimicarus.blogspot.com/. I need to have him read for me for a project I want to work on.

3) And me: is it weird that I can watch an erotic film, and think about framing and lighting and dialogue? Even if it was straight erotica, I am still thinking framing. I need to stop.

HCR finally passed.

2010-03-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

So what does that mean for me?

Basically, more affordable health insurance coverage and better access to quality care. For my insurance company, tighter regulations- but more customers. For my health care providers: better payments and more patients, hopefully.

This is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful news. It really is wonderful!

And from Congressman Tim Ryan

2010-03-21T00:52:00.001-07:00

On the racist blather by the teabaggers:

2010-03-20T23:59:00.001-07:00

More film blather

2010-03-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

I got a no on the grant I applied for, which is sad but okay. If you think that feature narrative films is competitive, try documentaries, which is incredibly competitive! There is a chance of making real art and news with documentaries, plus you get to illuminate a little known part of the world. Ugh.

What I may need to do for this project is to construct a short on my own and simply try to get this project into festivals to attract interest!

On the Oscars: Kathryn Bigelow has always been a kick ass director. There are other kick ass directors, too: Barbara Streisand (yes, Prince of Tides) Jane Campion, Catherine Breillat. And if you look at episodic tv, there are tons of female directors and producers of tv shows. But it was thrilling, and wonderful to see Kathryn win- and awesome that her cast came up to celebrate with her!

On Monique-People have said that her speech seemed self serving, almost arrogant. 'Precious' got a lot of flack from the Jack and Jill contingent in the community. Her choice to take the role of a monster (when she is a bubbly, funny and deeply beautiful woman) was very shocking. So her speech was actually rather appropriate. She took real chances with her image and all that she has done before, without being a skinny blonde.

Back to work for me!

Ron Wyden: Real Reform

2010-02-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

In effect, changes the incentives that drive the system and empowers the consumer.

The idea : To hold insurance companies accountable and to fire them. If the interstate competition is done properly, increase choice and competition and costs transparency.

5% of all medicare patients uses 50% of all funds

2010-02-25T12:24:00.000-08:00

That's....breathtaking. The 5% are chronically ill. Yikes. This is what Coburn may have been referring to when he was talking about when he was talking about managing the chronic illness fiscally.

They took a break, so I did, too and more thought son Tom Coburn

2010-02-25T12:12:00.000-08:00

I went to the supermarket to some supplies and also to get in a bike ride that would ease some pressure.

The whole health reform summit has been crazy. The only Republican that was sane in that room was Dr. Tom Coburn ( I did not get his name earlier) He was right on a number of points that is not fully expressed in this bill:

1) We don't give incentives to doctors who successfuly manage chronic diseases; instead we do the medical route of prescribing as many pills as possible instead of preventive care. Coburn is right in point that out, and that is something that should be fixed- maybe in conjunction with the community health care centers?

2) Coburn is also right in saying that people on low income aid, like Food Assistance and subsidized School Lunch, often have chronic disease that is contributed by their diet, and that food assistance often supports a diet that will make people sick. Coburn is right- and WIC, School Lunch and Food Assistance does need to reflect a more nutritious and diverse diet that helps prevent chronic disease like diabetes, high blood pressure and some forms of digestive related disorders. I don't think that can be put in the Health Bills. But this is a serious issue that should be taken up in the next Farm Bill.

9:52- Biden- You are either in or out

2010-02-25T09:52:00.001-08:00

It really that simple,isn't it?

9:40: Eric Cantor: Mandates are awful and no one will pay for it?

2010-02-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

Again, with step back and set this aside. Are we doomed to listening to Republicans spout off talking points and not contributing any ideas?

9.26- McCain- This legislation was produced behind closed doors.

2010-02-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

People are angry because the process was....what? McCain seems to not read his own newspapers in his state- the states papers did report on the health care reform. And hey now, go back to and start over on legislation.

Now President Obama notes that this had the most hearings, longest markup on 22 years on a bill, and most meetings, so that is not behind the doors.

9:11- Again with the step back issue

2010-02-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

Republicans, enough with the step back issue- this is happening NOW.

And moaning about paperwork, and lying again about mandates and the costs. Ugh. Any new ideas?

9:01: James Clyburn : Emergency Rooms activity has doubled

2010-02-25T09:05:00.000-08:00

They were looking for grants to expand their size. 31% of the people they treat is not there for emergency procedures; but they are there for primarty care. Because these people have catastrophic insurance, they have something like 1500-2500 dedcutibles.

We must have expansion of community health care centers in order to take pressure off people who have these sorts of health insurance or have no insurance at all.

8:30- The Health exchange is like Expedia- shop around and get the best price!

2010-02-25T08:32:00.000-08:00

Wow. Interestingly, that would make transparency a cornerstone of the pricing of insurance plans and would hopefully would help contain costs.

8:23- Thousands and Thousands of pages of Legislation

2010-02-25T08:26:00.000-08:00

Um, excuse me, what is the point of mentioning thousands and thousands of pages of legislation. If that is the case, then it is your job to read it. Your job as Senator and House Rep is to read that legislation. If you cannot do that, maybe you should not be working as a People's rep.

8.19 : Public Option!

2010-02-25T08:21:00.000-08:00

After about an hour and twenty minutes, the public option is finally mentioned- but almost as an aside to explain increased competition and lower costs. It's something.

8:07: Savings by cutting fraud, abuse and management of chronic disease

2010-02-25T08:13:00.000-08:00

I missed the Doctor's (Tom Something) name here; he is talking about about prevention, tort reform ( which is related to medical malpractice insurance, needed for many doctors, nurses, and PAs) and incentivize the management of chronic diseases. But that is already in the health care bill.

Not factually accurate, Lamar- President Obama

2010-02-25T08:02:00.000-08:00

7.58: Oh, Lamar Alexander,trying to interrupt the President. And with inaccurancies, mind.

Harry Reid: Kaiser Foundation says 58% of Citizens want HCR

2010-02-25T07:52:00.000-08:00

Two snaps in Z formation: "Lamar, you are entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts."

Health Care Summit

2010-02-25T07:43:00.000-08:00

7.38: Nancy Pelosi is now speaking. She is relating anecdotes of health care costs, and is now noting that the upward spirals of costs is crippling the economy. Pelosi asks us to imagine an economy where people can take risks, start new enterprises and create art, without being shackled to a unfulfilling job, and where companies can reduce costs on their workplace.

Pelosi notes that this process started 6 weeks after Obama's inauguration.

Live Blogging: Health Care Summit:

2010-02-25T07:37:00.000-08:00

7:33- Lamar Alexander is babbling along, but is hitting the Republican talking points: To not use reconcillation to pass the present HCR bills in the Senate, that their plan can save money without widescale, Federal reform.

Catherine Breillat's Bluebeard

2010-02-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

Saw Bluebeard at last night's PIFF showing. It showcased Catherine Breillat as being a excellent cinematographer and director of actors; her shots truly have that painterly quality, and her actors composed themselves beautifully. The girls cast in the roles have a fresh, sweet unDisney prettiness that played to the story beautifully.

But Ms. Breillat is not a good story teller. Her thesis of sibling jealousy and punishment of female curiosity falls flat. After a charming and smartly done first act, the movie starts to crack and fall apart, and is then imploded by the director in the last 10 minutes. The ending was supposed to be ironic; but it felt like a big "F--- you" to the audience.

There were some minor mistakes:

1) The editing loops in a couple of key scenes should have been smoother; Breillat has been at this for a while so to see those scenes badly done was jarring. VERY Strong words to her editor!

2) Her costume mistress and dance instructor needed to be fired. The costumes lacked consistency; I have seen better at a Ren Faire ( and actually, had Ms. Breillat hired Ren Faire people in France, they would have given her a superior level of costuming) and girls makeup should have been better. There is a scene where Lord Blackbeard gives a fete, and the people dance- badly. Any village member, whether the gentry or not, would have danced those country dances well. These actors should had have time to rehearse more.

Strangely enough, even with it's faults, this movie is the most accessible of Breillat's films, and the least cruel. I do hope this gets a good run here in the States and Canada.

Keith Speaks the Obvious.

2010-02-17T20:55:00.001-08:00

Republicans actually were never embarrassed

2010-02-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

Stop surfing at work

2010-02-06T08:18:00.001-08:00

Spring Cleaning- um, late winter cleaning

2010-01-30T12:43:00.000-08:00

January seemed to go at a very slow pace this year. I spent gfar tioomuch money during Christmas, mostly on other people, and of course I had momentary regrets. But the look on people's faces was worth it. Of course, I ate far too much and drank plenty.

But with the advent of January I did a detox, vamped up my exercise program and did quite a bit of writing. But writing involves the use of imagination and memory, which can be tied up material objects, some good, emphasizing the best of your life, and some bad, highlighting times of sadness and regret. Both are good to have; but sometimes you need to let go of certain items and clean house, yo welcome in new possibilities.

That's what I am doing today.

Today was Carb Day

2010-01-24T22:26:00.000-08:00

Good heavens, but today was carb day! Usually, I have a pretty balanced diet- a wholesome breakfast of egg or tofu plus oatmeal, coffee, lunch is a salad + protein or a soup, dinner is a repeat of lunch or a stirfry with quinoa.

But Jesus, today was carbs, carbs, carbs- pancakes for brekkie, a big serving of sweet potato soup and salad, tortilla chips, and mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and salmon for dinner, plus a mini muffin with tea after dinner, yet.

Jesus- I blame the rainy weather.

I worked out at the gym and did a sauna section, but that certain did not offset the nosh fest that was today!

Obama RANTS

2010-01-24T22:21:00.001-08:00

From Sullivan's Blog- and can you blame him?

What you need to listen to, right now

2010-01-23T02:13:00.000-08:00

And for extra bonus points:

How to tell people they are racist

2010-01-20T01:57:00.000-08:00

Actually, this is good way to talk about any issue in which prejudice may come into play:

MLK Day

2010-01-18T02:17:00.000-08:00

All progress is precarious, and the solution to one problem brings us face to face with another problem.

Martin Luther King Jr.

It's a marathon, life is, not a sprint.

Daybreakers- Sam Neill Goes NOM NOM NOM

2010-01-16T22:49:00.000-08:00

Daybreakers is utterly and completely fun, pure schlock combined with corporate parody, a treatise on pharmaceuticals, screwed up family dynamics and commentary on Western business practices. The first 1/3 of the movie is something utterly fresh and original- just brilliant, briliant briliant.

The Sperieng Brothers.

And Sam Neill goes NOM NOM NOM.

Send your help to people helping Haiti

2010-01-13T15:04:00.000-08:00

Catholic Relief - http://crs.org/

Mercy Corps-- http://www.mercycorps.org/haiti

Medicine san Frontiers/Doctors Without Borders: http://doctorswithoutborders.org/

Text YELE to 501501- this enables $5 donation to Wyclef Jean's Haiti org : http://www.yele.org/

The President has pledged support but a combination of various government and NGO help is the only way this catastrophe can be abated.

I have an efficient body

2010-01-12T22:47:00.001-08:00

37 miles per gallon

Created by The Car Connection

What I think of research

2010-01-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

Greyness

2010-01-05T17:05:00.000-08:00

It is dark grey now, turning into a smoky blackness that describes the winter nights here in Oregon. Funny how for the New Year, we are encouraged to do a diet regime, clean our homes and do some exercise.

But how can one move, it is so grey outside? Grey and grey and grey and grey, steel gray skies with soft, misty insistent grey rain coming down, and even if you get a sunbreak, the only colors are the strange, flourescent green of the moss, the squichy dark brown of dirt and shit, and the ghostly grey of the lichen growing on sleeping trees.

Where are the clean winter smells of pine and fresh wind? All I get lately is the smell of rotting matter, fire smoke and humidity.

It makes one want to crawl into a truly sumptuous bed, perhaps one with very soft sheets and a down comforter, covered in a colorful duvet, with plenty of pillows and hot herbal tea and perhaps a few sweet biscuits and a book filled with pictures of tropiocal locales.

Oh, but people were not meant to TRULY work in this climate during these next six weeks. This was the time before Lent, fare well to the flesh. People who lived this high up on the Earth tended their animals and children, repaired things, and ate soup.

And slept.

Heck, my ancestors in the tropics didn't work for more than 6-7 hours tending rice and fish traps and smelting iron.

But now we are a plugged in, 24/7 society, aren't we, and we can anywhere and everywhere, even in greyness.

New Year- 2010!

2010-01-03T00:28:00.000-08:00

I rang in the New Year with wine, a hot bath and a newly broken toilet. Yikes!

I also got to hang with Michael W, who was kind enough to let me blow the rest of my Christmas money on Sherlock Holmes and a really superb late brunch at Laurelhurst Brewpub on Hoyt and NW 23rd.

All the blogs are talking about the year in review, the decade in review, a name for the decade and other such markers.

Let me say this about the past ten years:

It was a wash. I graduated college, studied post college, and found myself in one of the shittiest job markets in a supposedly desirable city. I moved to LA and came back due to the cost. And I still found the job market shitty and people desperate and cauht up in the real estate boom, which turned out to be a bust. I did write and edit and learn my craft- which is good. I really should have pushed my work more and perhaps stayed in LA, despite the cost and noise- which is a bad thing to admit.

I saw my home city attacked by planes, and watched symbols of childhood- symbols of a greater world than Brooklyn- burn and burn and burn.

I lost Eric.

Any semblance of fellow feeling from my family was lost. Strangely enough, I am not sorry.

I have worked hard only to see any gain evaporated. I have seen friends build up careers only to move back in with parents or aunts. My fellow writers in LA have to work 2 and 3 jobs just to keep their heads covered.

I have discovered my self to be exactly as the Mother Church has trained me to be- a socially conscious and aware liberal Catholic. When I was 22, I used to say that with a sense of irony. I now say that with a sense of true pride.

It was not all serious.

There were fantastic parties, the best parties when you are hungry and drunk and dancing all night long. There was incredible trips to Canada and Mexico and France and even sneaking into Belize. There were the fiery, poisonous sunsets in LA, and drizzling winters in Seattle and Portland.

There was Barack Obama.

How to describe him, his effect on me and friends and the world? How to describe a guy that made all good things in America seem possible, that hard work and application mean something again? How to describe a man that made you feel smarter 3 minutes after hearing him speak, who made you feel that reason and wit was important again?

You had to be there.

I was. You were there, too.

See, you and me, we were there, weren't we?

It was not a lost decade, no.

Avatar is Amazing.

2009-12-20T07:33:00.001-08:00

Avatar is amazing.

I will post more later- but Avatar is amazing.

Just go see it.

Oh, dear, not another deal

2009-12-15T22:04:00.001-08:00

Accepting the Nobel Prize in Oslo

2009-12-10T23:53:00.001-08:00

Wow- and being a war president, yet:

Why I stay on the left

2009-12-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting post from Andrew Sullivan from the Daily Dish, entitled Leaving the Right in which he discusses the origin of his Conservative thought, where he is coming from as a Briton who had the crushing hand of the State determine everything- from how much education you were entitled to, to housing, to medicine- to why personal liberty is important, and why the current manifestation of the Right is off the rails and no longer worthy of his personal support.

I studied Philosophy and Philosophy of Science, and understand the importance of not only Conservative thought, but also of well placed skepticism when it comes to imposition of the state upon personal liberty. But perhaps for the same reasons that Andrew became a Conservative in Thatcher's Britain, I became a left leaning progressive in the Bush Era.

I have a very Oakshottian skepticism over the role of the State to impose laws that tell people what to do concerning their private sexuality or even over the domain of their own bodies. I have a very real disagreement of using public funds to start wars without proper foundation and to enrich contractors, while not using public funds to proper maintain civil order in natural disasters (Katrina) to properly regulate large scale businesses ( The Real Estate Bubble and Banking Mess) and to strengthen national resources ( our infrastructure.)

Andrew drives on the right, I drive on the left; and yet we are fellow travelers on this journey called the American Experience.

Surprised Kitten

2009-11-30T02:27:00.001-08:00

I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!

New Look for Blog

2009-11-20T23:51:00.001-08:00

To go along with my own weight loss this year, I am also making some tweaks to the blog. You should expect to see some gateway links to other blogs and places of interest. In addition, I will have a direct link to the production blog as well.

What is Film Part II- So, what's in it for me?

2009-11-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

In my last post I talked about the conference What is Film and the major themes of creativity, shocks to the system and new ( or is it newly discovered) ways of distribution and content generation for new portals- mainly the internet. And of course, the new maxim is that if you are a writer, you must also be a producer of your own material and work to get that published/produced/distributed- a new way of thinking for those who have been trying to sell their work for option or who have had their work option, only to see it languish in line of other excellent work.

So what is in it for filmmakers, writers, actors and crew ? Quite possibly less opportunity to get into directly into the studios- after all, these are tangled multi- national corporations. It also means that the so-called 'stupid money'- independent financing- is not readily available, and so many project will require a sober prospectus, just like opening a store or a gallery. It may also mean taking out a SBA loan just as for a store!

What's in it for Portland? It means that the creative community here, which does tend to secret ourselves in our homes, wrapped in blankets while writing, must venture out and talk to each other more, and possibly try to collarbrate more with each other. Artists must also start to take their time seriously- which means while we all must work day jobs, to not allow those day jobs to distract their art and not let easy derision distract from their work as well.

What's it in for me (aka Edie S): All of the above, plus the idea of a multi- platform roll out for both my documentary and my play being workshopped right now. Multi platforms for me spell multi- work, but this is he significant way that films and theater work is promoted right now- through all channels that could command attention and notice for my works in progress.

On What is Film Conference: Nov 6-7

2009-11-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

Last week I attended the "What is Film?" conference that what put on by the University of Oregon in Portland. This was the kick off of their new concentration, Cinema Studies, that will available starting this upcoming year.

Between the creative writing talks of the The Zabels ( Bryce and Jackie) and the industry examination papers, there emerged a common consensus: The filmed entertainment business, barely 100 years old, is in self destructive, self changing mode yet again. And again, the driver is both change in technology and change in access in technology. Here is what I found most interesting, and here are the connections I made during that conference:

1) The access and scope of internet, of legal and illegal access to films, and ways to best capitalize on growing access to film material on the internet. My feeling is the same as it was 7 years with the music industry: Don't hype pirates up to much, but add supplementary material and special features that only legal downloads would have. This is being done to an extent by both Fox and Disney/ABC. As for feature films, I have seen pirated films in Europe on a laptop- lemme tell you, I was willing to pay for quality of image and sound, which is key to keeping feature film audiences.

2) Speaking of which, the whole revival of 3-D, super jumbo screens and such is extremely similiar to what studios did with the advent of TV in the late 40s and onwards into the 1950s. Big budget, big explosions and plenty of special effects on special screens with special glasses are what drives the box office in the summer- just as in the 1950s, with Cinerama, improved coloration and special effects, 3-d technology, and increased amenities at the cinemas themselves ( Ben Hur, The Ten Commandants, Cleopatra). The hugeness of the movies subsided in the 60s and 70s, with big films but with lots of medium films put out by the studios. Then Spielberg and Lucas hit the industry with a one-two punch of their reinvention of the Saturday serial, TV got cable and new funding for smaller films on tv, and now once again there is the emphasis on technology, special effects and amenities at the cinemas.

3) Speaking of TV, a rather interesting presentation was made by Jennifer Holt titled It's Not Film, It's TV. This confirmed a bit of what I thought was going on with some of the major studios and their holdings in the big broadcast companies. My spin on what Ms. Holt was saying is that instead of the Saturday serials and Wednesday romances at the movies we get the same type of movies on TV, only in direct weekly format and significantly better story lines. It's the TV films and series driving the feature films, not the other way around, although the prestige is in feature films. Check out the Star Trek reboot: director J.J.Abrams was already proven director and producer not of films- but of TV serials. The lead for Spock, Zachary Quinto, makes his lead debut based on his work on-a tv series. The rest of the cast is well known for excellent character work on TV productions both here and in Australia/New Zealand. The film has plenty of tie ins from programming that Abrams was involved in, such as Fringe and Lost.

4) Speaking of Star Trek, Eileen Meehan made an interesting presentation about National Entertainments, Viacom, Paramount and CBS, and how separate companies are really tied to each other, in terms of cross promotional ties and platforms. Quite thought provoking.

All of this points to the fact that if you wish to create a film of any genre, you also have to be a producer and you must have an audience already in place. This has been done since the invention of the film industry, but it is more blatant now!

More Tomorrow.

This Time Last Year

2009-11-04T23:44:00.000-08:00

Drinking Champagne with Christine and Kevin and rushing out into the street of the Stepford neighborhood to talk to people.

Despite the tidy image, people are still struggling. Boy oh boy. And yet, by god, we might get healthcare, and may do a sensible withdrawal from an expensive and ill thought out war, an dmay finally start some new industries in this country.

It's a good time to be young and alive in this country. It really is.

Good Luck California

2009-10-27T23:35:00.001-07:00

We tried this in Oregon:

Nobel Peace Prize

2009-10-09T06:34:00.000-07:00

Now I really feel like a slacker.

Three years ago, no one knew about him, say that he was the honorable Senator from Illinois with a funny name.

The 2009 Nobel Peace Prize now goes to that guy with the funny name:

“The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama’s vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.

“Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama’s initiative, the United States is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.”

Wow.

Capitalism: A Love Story

2009-10-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

I went to see Michael Moore's Capitalism: A Love Story yesterday.

I cried.

It seems that Michael gets better and better as a filmmaker, and here, he goes back to the beginning- to Roger and Me, to his childhood, to all the stories about the American way of life that he was taught to revere, and what he saw done to his home town and then to his country.

There is something potent there, of a man of at the very height of his outrage, yet for the grandstanding (which is muted)and the very funny satiric parts, it's the people's stories that get through, and the way Michael simply shows malfeasance. He does not have to lecture, or hector, or explain it all. The stories are relentless, and his smart linking of these stories together leaves one breathless with shock and dismay and anger and strangely enough, hope.

There were critics in the local weekly who sniffed that Michael did not have any answers and was nothing but a grandstander, a cheap populist. Interesting, since most film students know that a documentary, at it's heart, does not propose to come up with answers; it is an act of storytelling that follows and asks questions of a subject.

Go see it.

The quest continues

2009-09-24T19:19:00.000-07:00

So, I called on an used Panasonic camera, but apparently I was 1 hour late! Yikes! So I am still looking for a suitable camera, but I am also prepared to rent a camera at this point in the project and simply store the film in a hard drive when needed for future editing.

Meanwhile, am gearing up for Wordstock 2009!

Boyfriend with Benefits

2009-09-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

I know y'all is bored with my politics and such, but sorry, this is funny:

Strange Things About The Gym

2009-09-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

So, I have been going to the gym since the beginning of the year, mostly to relieve stress. It has turned out that I have strengthened my body and lost about 20 pounds gained after Eric's death, which is good. But what is strange about the gym, so noteworthy and yet so ordinary, are the little rituals and sounds and sights that comprise a visit:

1) The sounds of agony. I workout partly in the weight room, and I always try to do a little ladylike huff when I am doing some work with weights. But there is always someone- usually a man- who sounds like he is being put to the question by the Inquisition. When it sounds like the person is being disemboweled, I put on some music from the iPod.

2) Japanese Sauna Hour. The Japanese community in Beaverton seem to all belong to the 24 hour Fitness, and when you want to do a sauna or a steam, thee seems to be an entire family of Japanese, catching up on the day and having a chat. I always feel as if there should be tea served. Konnichiwa!

3) The not so deep pool. I am very comfortable in the pool because it is not very deep- only 5 feet at it's deepest. So it's perfect for doing water exercises with old people, who like the fact that the pool is not too deep, either, honey.

Of course, I could talk about the basketball players, the fried tan worshippers, and the guys on the lookout for a hookup, but that has so stereotypical that I don't need to talk about them.

The Banana God.

2009-09-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

Just wow.

Evolution explains how life on Earth developed. It is a theory that has been tested both in the lab and the field. Yet, there are still doubters:

Wow. Just wow.

September 11

2009-09-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is September 11, 2009. I remember September 11, 2001. It was dawn, and I was just came off work as a nurse staffer. I ran a shower and turned on the tv. When I got back, Good Morning America was on live feed (it is usually on tape delay for the West Coast) and they were talking about a crash.

Then I saw what had happened.

And then I saw what had happened next.

Afterwards, I was in shock. I could not get through to my family in Brooklyn. Peole showed up to give blood down at the Red Cross.

But a lot of people died.

The economy, already teetering, crashed resoundly, and Oregon went into a deep recession until 2005. We started a war, then another war, and blame Muslim and dark skinned Arab citizens for the crimes, and took perverse pride in our newfound racism against a people who had nothing to do with it. People talked about the unity of the country.

And I also remember Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the whole country, thinking itself rich on cheap credit from overseas investors and paper inflation on property, basically told the New Orleans to go and drown, and if they drowned, it was their own fault for doing so.

So much for unity.

No memorials, no speeches from over-sterioded men. We had a President fly over the damage and reward no bid contracts to acquaintances. We saw the simpering horror of newscasters used to air conditioned offices.

But no help from the government, and only contempt from those same people who talked about the unity of the country.

Don't talk to a native New Yorker about September 11. The city recovered. New Orleans, however, is still waiting.

What Birthers Believe

2009-09-09T12:59:00.001-07:00

My letter to Jeff Merkley

2009-08-26T14:06:00.001-07:00

Dear Senator Merkley,

Hello from Beaverton! My name is Edie ________, and I am writing to you, in brief, about the upcoming health care reform bills that will be presented to the Senate.

I am asking that you consider a strong public option along with informed, rational regulation of the insurance market. I also asking that you not to push through mandates. I would like to put through my reasons why:

1) A strong public option helps those who have been deemed un-insurable, usually due to chronic diseases, age or (shamefully) gender- based conditions, such as fungal infections, hormonal based illnesses or prior childbirth. By insuring these people, they would be able to receive a base level of preventive and palliative care that they otherwise would not be able to receive. This is the care that prevents expensive visits to emergency rooms that wind up being borne by taxpayers.

2) Along with a public option there must be an informed review of insurance regulations, and if possible an overhaul of how health insurance companies in this country do business, with an eye for transparency of price and choice in services paid for. There is little transparency in how doctors, clinic and hospitals are paid for their services, little transparency in how prices are fixed with certain hospitals and clinics and no competition whatsoever in terms of choice and price.

3) No mandates without the above. The Massachuetts model, while admirable, is still expensive for many families there making $50K and under ( I know only because I have school friends who live in the Boston area). In addition, there is still very little transparency.
Mandates work when you own property, such as house or a car, because you have a choice to rent a home, to rent office space or farm fields, to not drive by taking public transport or hiring taxi service or by participating in car share co-ops. owning property implies risk and responsibility, and so having insurance for property makes sure that risks and responsibility is adequately covered.
You cannot apply this same thinking to health. The human body is in a state of infinite and minute change and cannot be subject to a model of thinking that includes it in the same class as property. You cannot get rid of your body willingly, nor rent it from another party. Yes, there are risks to living , and there are responsibilities, but these cannot be equated with owning vehicles or owning real property. Humans require preventive and palliative care in ways that inanimate object do not.
The only way that a mandate could work is with a strong public option and strong Federal regulation so that there is true choice in purchasing such a plan.Otherwise, this is welfare for an industry that does not seem to care for the welfare of its customers.

In closing, may I say that I welcome your upcoming thoughts on this subject, and I look forward to a vigorous and thoughtful analysis by the Senate when you return in the fall.

May God Keep You,

Edie______

On The President's lost of support amongst Progressive

2009-08-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

We have all heard Dr. Krugman's schtick about Obama's lack of leadership- we heard this in the primaries; we heard this as late as April when it was clear that Mr. No Leadership Obama was going to take the candidacy. We heard Krugman's criticism of Obama's initial idea to make the health insurance more competitive and lower costs (anybody remember how happy Dr. Krugman was for mandates without checking the costs, as what was in Ms. Clinton's plan? Anyone?) And we have heard how Obama's overall, is too cerebral, too weak.

So, to paint Krugman's criticism, with polls being cited, as something new and unexpected is disingenous at best.

So, so much for Dr. Krugman (whom I deeply respect and admire; the studies that won the Nobel is truly amazing, and gives insight into not only human behaviour and trade ethics, it also can give an inout into how we, as a planet, can re-value what is important). Let's turn to polls.

That the president lost ground- from 70% overall to 58% overall- is not surprising. Why should it be? The economy is in the crapper, and though we have spent stimulus cash to help shore up the economy, many of us are suffering. The adminstration did not take the oppotunity re-regulate Wall Street after bailing out the banks. Jobs are elusive.

And then, Healthcare Reform. The Media has helped the Republican cause by focusing on protestors that act like feces throwing monkeys, not investigating lies and not doing the sadly simple research that many posters here on Daily Kos have done. And the Democrats, having been given a majority by the American people, have proven themselves to bumbling fools, focused on snatching defeat from the jaws of Victory (thanks, Eugene Robinson!). Obama, in trying to make the legislature work for the people, has inadvertantly shown a number of them to be whores.

But to then paint this as losing progressive support? Did the President ever have full Progressive support? Seriously?
I remember plenty of people that I was on the campaign trail in Oregon with would have not identified themselevs as progressives, while plenty progressives told me they were writing in Kucinich. I remember plenty of people last year, as Dr. Krugman said, that Obama's thoughtfulness is actually a weakness, and that he needs to scream and holler and carry on like a fool to show his passion.

I remember plenty of people on this very site ready to lash out against Obama with the passage of odious Prop 8 ( and lash out against African Americans over an incomplete poll; and not one apology, not one, when that poll was debunked.)

I am not surprised over the lowering of the President popularity rating, despite the hard work, our economy is still in a shitter. The adminstration did not take the opportunity to truly re-regulate banks and lending firms. Quite a number of Dems have shown themselves to be weak and whorish. It's easy to blame Obama for this.

But sorry. Obama already had enemies out for his neck as soon as he was elected- both on right and yes, definitely on the progressive left. He has death threats- written, verbal and implied-every single day since he became a candidate. He lost his mother to cancer, and his mother worried about the insurance coverage as she was dying, worried that she would not be able to take care of her children. Yet, Obama is portrayed as being a sellout, a weakling, lacking in leadership and simply out of touch.

Out of touch.

You can't lose something you don't have - and progressives' trust, whatever that is, whatever that means, is not what Obama seemed to have in the first place.

On health care reform- it's personal

2009-08-17T12:03:00.001-07:00

So, the past few weeks it has been healthcare reform debate. Actually, not so much of a debate as a reckoning: healthcare expenses will rise to be an unsustainable debt upon our country. By reforming how expenses are compensated, making premiums affordable, having an emphasis on preventive care and covering the majority of people in this country, healthcare can be a guaranteed resource in this country.

Of course, that's if you subscribe to reason, logic, order and ethics in your everyday life. For many of our house represetatives and Senators, they are fully for sale, not to be compared to prostitutes for they only sell their bodies. These representatives have sold their soul to stay in power. And for many people in this country, even though health care reform would benefit them, they are under the pathetic sway of heir own racism, fearing government even as they disproportionally benefit from it:

Military benefits, including VA healthcare
GI Bill for college
Federal subsidies for roads and bridges
EPA protection for air, soil and water
FDA protection for food and drugs
Local government funding police, fire services and parks

You get the picture. These are people are fine if they get benefits from the government; yet hate the idea that other people be they brown/black/yellow/white/purple/Klingons who also contributes services and taxes to this country. Of course, they gladly call themselves Christian.

Reason, logic, order and ethics- that's what is missing from the sturm und drang that this debate has generated.

Well, Edie, you may ask: How do you stand?

For me, it's personal. I pay for my own health insurance- $250/month with a $4500 deductible and 85% coverage. No prescription benefit. No vision. No dental. Vision and dental I pay for myself, and because of a Costco membership, I am able to get decent glasses at a good price. But for my healthcare, I must pay for exams and tests myself. I use Zoomcare here in the Metro area, and it is cheaper to pay out of pocket than to submit paperwork to BCBS, even though it should count towards my deductible. So I am basically paying for all of my healthcare needs, and still paying premiums for medical emergency coverage, which would still leaves me close to $5000 in the hole for expenses if something was to happen to me and it costs more than $5000.

That's $3000/year I could be doing something else with.

If we were to have real reform, which would either include a public option and/or coops, that could be cut in half, if not by two thirds. That's real money, for better coverage and care.

We, as a country, need health care reform.

Underground Love Story and My Neighbor Amy

2009-08-16T00:18:00.000-07:00

So, I am now obsessed over a new discovery, who is from my old neighborhood in Broklyn, and whose family is also from the Carribbean: NiLea,whose label, Underground Love Story was featured in ReadyMade magazine.

She has a true sense of feminine form, an eye for fabric and detail and her dresses are just very romantic and very sweet. She was featured in ReadyMade not just yet another Hipster in Brooklyn(tm) but as a person who is working a day job and still rocking her side businesses (she also has a vintage concern, and you can find that here, at NileaP Vintage.

Another absolutely brilliant person is my neighbor Amy, who makes truly exquisite scarves, hats and purses. I went over to her house for a tea party, which was truly an afternoon cocktails party, and was privileged to purchase a very pretty scarf for fall, in jewel blue and black tones, with beading, and a wonderful knit purse, also for fall, in golds and browns and flecks of jeweling. I paid far too little, and I really, really hope that she gets on Etsy- her stuff is very fun!

And yes, my self imposed summer vacation is over. I will start blogging more about politics, about the status of my documentary, perhaps some recipes and much more, starting tomorrow.

Not Just Black Oregonians, yo

2009-07-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

On Oregonian's Front page: If you are a _____-american and live here, it is highly likely you will be either unemployed or underemployed, period. Having a college degree does not necessarily help; having a graduate degree can sometimes hurt (as I and many friends have found) as both perception of education outside the state is negative and being a a woman and/ orperson of color with an education is seen as a threat.

Think about the types of major businesses that are located here: timber, farming, back office services, marketing arms of factories, retail and call centers. At first glance, this does seem diverse. But it really isn't. Much of the marketing arms have to do with just Nike, Columbia Sporting,or Addidas. The back office work here has o do with inusrance- Standard, Aetna, Farmers- all companies that are in not so great straits do to poor wall street investments and are needing new customers to replensih reserves. These companies, with headquarters back east, have no problem cutting staff here or closing offices altogether. Timber limps alongs, dependent of housing starts and federal welfare- and both are slow in coming. Retail assumes money already made, and does not pay well. Call center jobs of any sort don't last beyond a year- and if you do, or try to improve your skills, you are forced out.

All together, this is an economic climate that rewards people that don't have a lot of education or overall career ambition. And there is defacto discrimination- against women of all colors, against 'out' gay people and against many people of color here. If you consider hat the majority of people of color who willingly move to Oregon have college degrees, then must compete with white people who move here who also have college degrees, both must contend with a climate that does not welcome so called outsiders, inferior complexes from people who have degrees from OSU, cheapness and greed, then Oregon is not a place where a talented person should stay.

Oregon is a great place for people in their 20s I think, but if you have talent, not a good place to stay for long.

Healthcare Blip

2009-07-17T13:30:00.001-07:00

Apparently, Ron Wyden and five other Senators want more time to consider the health care reform bill. Read the story here According to the writer, this is a 'devastating blow' to health care reform bill being passed.

The thing is, this is not a 'major' blow to anything. Let's assume all the Republican will vote no- that's forty, of which three- Lieberman(despite what he claims), Snow and Collins. There's Ron Wyden, whose plan was rejected, and two others. That leaves a majority vote of 57-43, and the rest of the Democrats could use reconcilation to let the matter come to a head.

We went into war with a horrifying price tag of lives, destroyed property and huge debts, with no consideration at all and plenty of fear. Yet to do something for our country that cold make life better for businesses and citizens requires more time, more study, more belly button gazing?

Sorry, that's not even a roadblock; it is bump, nothing more.

Resignation Song

2009-07-06T04:41:00.001-07:00

Michael Jackson and Transformers II

2009-06-27T22:02:00.000-07:00

No, they don't go together.

But they both happened this week, and both happenings- Michael Jackson untimely death, and the hyped opening of Transformers II- were both awful, disgusting and heartbreaking.

1) Awful: Michael Jackson was dying (or already dead) when the ambulances came to his home. Yet, as they were leaving, the vehicles had to slow down to avoid hitting the paparazzi, swarming already like vultures around the gate of the home where Michael was renting.

Transformers II was the movie that my godson, David, wanted to see for his birthday. Along came the neighboring girls and off we all went to the theater. After paying that money, the two little girls got sick because of too much cake and candy and the length of the movie. Transformers II is loud, vulgar, and most horrid of all, not very interesting. It's boring.

2)Disgusting: All the tributes from hangers on and assorted spaced out celebrities and gossip sites for Michael Jackson just smelled of sick. Where were these people when he obviously spent far, far too much, when he was cutting up his handsome brown face, when his relationships with children veered in the appearance of impropiety? Oh, right they were part of the crew, simply sucking in the aura of beauty that Michael brought everywhere, sucking in his money and favors.

Transformers II is incredibly gross. There's really bad character design and execution ( the robots should not look that complex at all to transform) incredibly crude language, girls who look a bit too put together to be in an action flick, and horrid of all jive talking, cursing robots who was supposed to comic relief but instead fall flat.

2) Heartbreaking: Michael was supposed to do a series of concerts in London this summer, hopefully reinventing himself once again, hopefully pulling the magic out his hat. No more. Read this by Andrew Sullivan about Michael here.

Transformers II took $60 of our money, and now we wont get it back :(.

Airborne Toxic Event

2009-06-25T06:12:00.000-07:00

Something must be in the air.

Over the past couple of weeks, the people of Iran decided to vote, the Governor of South Carolina lost his damn mind, an dwe are ever inching towards some sort of Healthcare.

Also, I have a new band to obsess over. Look at the title.

You people need to tell me about this stuff. Really, as your resident blipster I need to be told these things!

UP!

2009-06-07T13:10:00.001-07:00

After a great deal of heat, we have returned to cooler, damper weather here i Portland. Not that this is unwelcome; indeed, the respite to enjoy mildly warm weather while biking or walking or running is welcome.

What is even more welcoming is finisnhing my spec doc script- it's two pages from being revised and posted. Now, to money making....

A great movie to see on a day like is Up- the unlikely adventure of an older gentleman with a Wilderness Scout and a dog with a talking collar. A summation will not do it justice. Just go see it.

We kill that we do not like

2009-06-01T17:05:00.001-07:00

Dr. George Tiller, a medical provider who also performed abortions, was assassinated yesterday,in his church allegedly by a rabid anti-abortion, super right winger who had previously had a history of violence.

This is our country- the ugly, crappy side of it we have been seeing for few months- the race baiting, the gay hating, the ignorance loving, the selfishness and greed, the embrace of stupid hypocrisy.

This ugliness will only get worse, I think. Some of these people want some one to get shot, someone to pay for their perceived lot in life, and the all the pale,soft, sweaty shysters on tv and radio who feed into resentments and fear and greed will continue to get richer.

Stork and Owl

2009-05-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

Have a great Friday!

On Prop 8

2009-05-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

When Prop 8 passed, I was deeply surprised, and disgusted. It was similar in spirit and intent as the constitutional ban here in Oregon. So, it was with some trepidation I awaited the judgment on whether Prop 8 should be overturned.

As you all know, it was not overturned- and for good reason. When things are present to a vote as part of the process of representation, people have the right to choose the best choice open to them, however abhorrent. After reading the judgement, I can see where the judges where coming from. When this was frame as the will of the people, you cannot simply overturn the proposition simply because the process is imperfect.

This, in a small nutshell, is what is wrong with California's initiative process. Instead of having proportional representative democracy, you have the tyranny of the majority bullies. This is why you have California bankrupt, again, because of Prop 13, in which a majority of Californians will not pay proportional taxes, while at the same time voting all sort of services in for themselves.

It's not really state democracy, where there is discussion and consensus and a reasoned vote. States that do that- Iowa, Connecticut, Massachusetts and soon New Hampshire, D.C. and New York- don't have the self serving, self centered sort of majority government,and don't have as many funding problems ( not to say that these states are not financially hurting.) Discussion and consensus is necessary

I think the key to fixing Prop 8 is to acknowledge the overall problems in the initiative process itself, to acknowledge the blatant class discrimination at various levels for gay/lesbian partnerships (there are severe medical and tax implications that are not present for straight partners at all) and to acknowledge a larger sense of community. For so long California has been associated with individualism and freedom- now it's associated with conformity and repression of civil rights. I think that consensus and understand the differences in one's community will go a long way in getting Prop 8 overturned.

Old Star Trek made to look like New Star Trek

2009-05-21T00:09:00.000-07:00

Thousand times funnier if you have seen the new film:

Oh, that's what I am now

2009-05-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gents, I had no idea that my lifestyle had a particular name for it, but here it is: I am a black hipster, or hey, you can call me a blipster.

You may read more here, at The Root.

Read and weep, my friends. It's a whole new kind of funky.

*PS, we used to be called bohos, actually.

Angels and Demons- Sci Fi film?

2009-05-19T08:25:00.001-07:00

I saw Angels and Demons with my friend Michael yesterday. We agreed it was beyond silly, but it was quite entertaining nonetheless. The art direction was lovely, and Ron Howard’s use of themes of fire, circles of completion, mute statues and swirling people and history was quite affecting, and raised the film aesthetically higher than Da Vinci Code.

Then I got to thinking, as is my want, and thought about one of the central plot points in the film- the use of a supercollider ( at CERN ) to generate anti-matter (!) . The potential for antimatter- for good or ill, is one of the pivots upon which the film turns. The speculative nature of science itself duels with the power of faith and is the very underpinning of the mystery.

This is science fiction folks- real science fiction, and not the allegorical, speculative stuff we saw with relaunched Star Trek. Not since, I dunno, 2010, ( released in 1984 or 1986, I think) have we seen really inspired, real science based science fiction . No laser guns, no (discernable) aliens, no green women but an informed sense of where technology is now and where it could go and the ramifications, both materially and spiritually.

So yes, A & D is a bit flawed. But so is religion, and science, and all of humankinds’ endeavours. If there is only one true sci-fi film you could see this year, I do recommend Angels and Demons.

So far, so hard work

2009-05-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

I have been working on this film scheme for about 2 months full blast now, after working on possible scripts for abut another 4 months. Now comes the truly hard part of the whole enterprise: getting money to fund principal photography and to have post production done. In the meanwhile, I have been looking for work to fund this - most likely something very short term, 4 months. We shall see.

In the meanwhile I had an interview with a company today, but I could not find the bloody office for a good 30 minutes. A comedy of errors; I went away, bruised and pissed that sucjh lovely day was wasted looking for an office I did not want to work at anyways! Stay lost, office! Stay lost!

So I did the reasonable thjing and went to the mall, where i was invited to apply for a couple of jobs. Ugh, working at the mall- very regressive, indeed! All I need is bubble gum and attitude hair and I could back working at Albee Square in Brooklyn.

Instead of drowning in drink, I will go to the gym.

*****

You will notice I did not gush about the movies that came out. Well, here it is:

X Men Origins:Wolverine - Should have been so much better. I want my money back. Even if I got to see Hugh Jackman's beautiful flesh.

Star Trek (revamped) - Not bad, but no morals, and a surprising nihilism. But hey, we got to see Leonard Nimoy, who manages to outclass everyone and looks downright cuddly. And then there is Zoe Saldana, who is going to be a super star.

Spencerworks

2009-05-05T00:32:00.001-07:00

No, she really does.

I have put up the my new blog for my company! It's Spencerworks.blogspot.com, so go check it out. IN the upcoming week there will snippets of script, my bike film proposal and more! I figured that my business show have it's own space instead of boring all of you with my stuff here!

The Taliban

2009-04-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

The Taliban- it's not about religion purity, it's about cruelty and control. It's about men who have no empathy, no respect, no compassion finding an organization that will shelter them. It's about raping, demeaning and killing women and harming children.

The Taliban is yet another example of the utter banality of evil. This is what we have failed to stop and what we must be able to work with the world to stop!

Taxing day

2009-04-15T22:58:00.001-07:00

So, I paid the state taxes and I am expecting a refund from the Feds. It's rather all routine, now and I must accept the fact that my taxes will go towards such weirdness as subsidizing Major League Soccer. Sigh.

The so-called Tea Party protest happened today in Pioneer Place. Interesting that these people were not around when US treasuries started to ramp up sales to Asian countries ten years ago, when a costly and foolish war was started seven years ago, when credit card companies pushed forward the more stringent and costly bankruptcy laws that screw so many, not around for corporate raids on tax deffered status in their communities. And if John McCain was the President, none of these fools would have shown up.

But now, now, by golly, these people are hopping mad.

Whatever.

Happy Easter- and a bit of funny

2009-04-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

http://devilsdue.net/images/barbarian.jpg

Happy Easter, Guys- and check out that new Obama Poster!

Well, there goes my trip to Italy this year

2009-04-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

Horrible news. At least 150 dead; 1500 wounded. Simply awful.

I really need to go back to Oahu

2009-03-12T00:49:00.000-07:00

I really need to go back to Oahu. My film treatment is stuck, my freelance assignments are taking their sweet time paying me and I am still here in Oregon when I was supposed to be in DC.

I am tired of the chill, of the constant rattle of bad news and the accompanying anger I seem to read on people's faces.

Oahu is probably going through a lot as well; Hawai'i depends on international trade and tourism, and both are not doing so well. If I go, it won't be an escape as much as a reminder and a concentration of the woes that are beset us.

But it would be warm, and rum is cheap at the ABC store. You can buy Coke, too, and mix your drink right on Waikiki beach, sipping slowly and watching the sunset over Diamond Head, or take it to one of the Hula dancing exhibitions on the beach, remembering to give $10 to one of teh Grannies who had to drive the troupe there.

Yes, I need to return to Oahu.

And now the new world

2009-03-02T02:37:00.001-08:00

No, not a political post; rather a observation that I think we have jolted, painfully, into the 21st century;not by electing Obama per se, but by the budget that was presented to Congress.

It's huge. It's really scary in scope of spending. And in order to pay for it, we as a country must swallow our pride and borrow the money.

Sadly enough, we were freely borrowing to pay for the war effort, to pay for our stupid finance instruments and the houses and cars that went along with it. So many people thought that they were rich; in reality, it was all figments of the imagination.

Here, read it and weep. Orpray, if you wish!

Ideabox and Adair Home at The Portland Home Garden Show

2009-02-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had a brilliant afternoon, so I finished up some work early and went to the Home and Garden show at the Portland Expo Center. I had been there once before , several years ago, but this year I went to specifically to check out two housing concepts: Ideabox, and Adair homes.

Placed amongst brilliant installations of garden and patio art, the homes represented what may be new, more appropriate ways of thinking about homes and their place in urban/suburban areas. The homes were placed in relatively small spaces, with landscaping development that spoke to two complete different profiles of customers- one, a DINK (Double Income No Kids) and one a small, traditional family.

Ideabox was the obvious appeal to the DINKs- a small elegantly appointed space with the sort of finishes that would appeal to the modern buyer- light bamboo floors, low VOC paint, clean lines, stainless steel appliances and a kitchen island, ideal for eating and cooking. The interior was done by Design Within Reach, with modern Scandinavian furniture. The exterior was landscaped by Sycamore Designs, who imagined a couple who was hardworking, and need a retreat. According to the story for the home, one spouse loved going to spa and having wine, and one spouse loved golf.

Thus the design of the landscaping was to have a California inspired outdoor living room, with a fireplace, a outdoor kitchen ( with a grill, a small fridge and drinks dispenser), semi permeable pavers, a mini putting green, and a hot tub on a deck built outside the house. All of this, on a space that approximately 45’ x 60’ – a little more than half of a standard 50’x100 plot that would be sold in Portland. With some tweaking, a developer or a group of friends could put these sleek modular units on one standard city plot, and save quite a bit on development costs. Construction of Idea box would take about 6 weeks. Buttoning would take an additional week

The problem with Ideabox is financing and the placement of interior spaces. You must have a plot ready with utilities- and many plots in Beaverton/Portland metro are still overpriced. Placement of utilities, foundation and buttoning would run between 12K-20K in costs, in addition to the Ideabox itself ($85,000 for the confluence, $20,000 for additional ‘cubes’). Add another $7K for modern Swedish furniture and another for $10K for stylish landscaping.

The interior spaces are streamlined and sleek, with the living spaces in the middle of the home and sleeping spaces at the ends- really ideal for privacy in a small family or roommates, or having an home office in one space without it spilling out into the living space. The only issue I have the narrowness of the living space- a mere 14’. This cuts down on possible costs for oversized loads going down highways, but there is not enough space for a dining table for when the deck is not a suitable option ( like 6 months of the year).

We then moved on the more traditional Adair homes, which have a building system based on a sort of Craftsman sort of architecture, but I think it appeals best to a small traditional family. The model was one level, 1290 sq ft home neatly landscaped with decking, small evergreens and bulb flowers- easy to care for, easy to switch out if needed, and unfortunately easy to forget. The interior was not finished, but was diagrammed to show the floor plan when finished. The flow of space was not particularly imaginative – two wings of a home, separated by a long, narrow hall, small bedrooms and somewhat cramped baths. The space flow is not helped by the garage being a whopping 20’x 20’ feet- making the garage the largest space in the home. There is something wrong when the living room and master bedroom are the same size, when the garage is bigger than both.

But what Adair offered to many families is very appealing- help in securing land and financing, ecologically friendly insulation and paint, and quick turnaround- once everything is set, construction can be complete in about 120 days. The exterior finish of the homes are wonderful- strong, low VOC, non fading paint, composite wood siding with a 50 year warranty, composite decking with same. The exterior of the home will look bright and strong for years, with little to no maintenance- very good for young, busy, growing families.

The overall message, even with the miniature sized appliances and such, is that of comfort, affordability, sustainability and stability. A good message for any Portland metro buyer or person looking for home, and just a house.

Links: http://www.ideabox.us

http://www.adairhomes.com/

Nerd's tribute to Ricardo Montalban

2009-02-16T23:53:00.000-08:00

He acted for over 60 years, had a terrific marriage and 4 kids, and acted in a variety of roles, from Lain lover to musicals and adventures to tv dramas and off broadway roles.

Ricardo Montalban- god, how he ruled.

Here is a bit from Star Trek II:

And now look at a very young Ricardo in this musical, holding his own against the goddess of American Dance Cid Charisse:

No love

2009-02-16T22:46:00.000-08:00

For me, sometimes February feels like the shortest and longest month. In terms of our new leadership, it must feel very short indeed, and yet a whole bunch of bills just got passed, and one whopper of a stimulus/jobs package, which made it's way through. Damn. That's a lot to get done in just 3 1/2 weeks ( yes, remember, Obama was just sworn in on Jan 19th).

Amazing. I need to become more productive in that way. I started my bike project, but it's not ready for Congress. But then again, I don't have the biggest and brightest brains in the country helping me out, so I will give myself a pass. A small one.

Stimulus The Opera

2009-02-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

So, the economy. It’s on everybody’s mind. And so we had a stimulus package that was equal to 3% GDP. The thing is, it looks like our stimulus package will be a lot weaker (apparently mass transit and support our national factories is somehow ‘wild pork barrel spending’). The President, despite having the Republicans over for dinner and drinks, was not Bipartisan enough.

Right.

So, it seems that Mr. Obama’s patience has now run thin, and thus now the hard push- the interviews on TV, the speeches to wimpy Democrats and the not so subtle exhortation that “the voters chose different”, of course meaning that the voters chose him.

And of course the for this is we, the people, stuck with watching the either the economic abyss or the possible Renaissance- but we don’t the ending at all.

They are all still singing.

Dear Sam Adams:

2009-01-21T10:02:00.000-08:00

Really?

There are people saying that you should resign (The Oregonian and the Tribune) because of the stupid set of lies you put out about your relationship with Mr. B.
I don't think you should resign. You have worked for 10 years to get to this point. You have served the City of Portland with energy, enthuisam and creativity. You lived in a working class neighborhood; you addressed the concerns of working class and middle class residents.

But really, Sam? There wasn't someone, anyone, in the City of Portland and environs wasn't at least 21 and over? Or closer to your age (43?) Did you not observe what happened with Neil Goldschmidt, and how his lack of control destroyed any federal aspirations, and cut down the statewide good he could have for Oregonians? Did you not see that the working class Portlanders who love you and supported you - white, black and Asian- would easily and completely brushed off the relationship- had you just told the damn truth

Because, really that is what this is really what it about. If it is true that you did not fool about until Mr. B was 18, then no worries. But now, by lying, people are truly worried that you may prosecuted by Randy for statutory rape. And boy, is that needed in the Gay/Lesbian of Oregon, who already got their butt kicked after repeal of marriage rights! Wonderful!

Damn and blast. Damn!

I think you can do wonderful things for Portland. But by god, you just shot yourself in the foot with this.

Damn!

The Inauguration

2009-01-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

So, like most others yesterday, I got up early, opened a bottle a Cremant and switched on the telly to watch The Inauguration in DC. I was going to go, but KLM/NWA overbooked their flights, and so I missed my chance to mill about with the other 2 million people who crammed into DC to usher in a new era.

And it does feel like a new era- honestly, it does. It feels like the 21st century just got started!

It was heartening to see all those people braving the cold. Michelle Obama looked lovely, in a gold dress and matching coat hat accentuated her clear dark skin, and Barack looked serious and elegant in a dark navy overcoat and a red tie. There was the tank like Caddy limosuine, and all the hubby-hub of the milling celebrities (including John Cusack and Jay-Z! ) and all the cameras and gushing newspeople. But really touched my heart was seeing the closeup of people's faces. The tears, the yearning, the happiness, the joy.

Aretha Franklin rocked.

Reverend Lowery was wonderful.

Then in walked Barack unto the viewing platform- silent, serene, centered. The very picture of what it means to be Zen

It was hilarious that Barack and the Justice flubbed their lines. So much for perfection!

And after, I got dressed, and slight drunk, went out to walk in the cold January air. There are so many challenges ahead- our state unemployment rate went to 9% ( which means it is probably at 10-12%)our national economy is a mess, we are in two stupid and badly run wars. Yet, I really do feel hopeful and optimistic for the future. I really do.

Israel v Palesine

2009-01-14T12:23:00.000-08:00

Um, could you guys stop? Because really, you guys will destroy each other. No, really, you will.

Just stop. Stop.

Ann Coulter, please go back to being a lawyer

2009-01-08T02:52:00.000-08:00

So, when I was watching the morning news shows, and here's Ann Coulter, blabbing and hawking her newest book, "Guilty"- another spew about how liberals are yet again ruining the country.Who is Ann Coulter? She has a law degree, and did do some research and counsel for the Heritage Foundation, but her main gig is writing.

She's seriously weird. For the last 16 years, she has been part of the conservative machine who blames everything wrong by the ominous, overwhelming left wing media who is out to destroy America. You may think of her as the Rush Limbaugh of print- except that Rush can be genuinely funny and can also be rather understanding, when he is not carrying water for The Republicans. Also, Rush Limbaugh has a better command of English and grammatical structure than Miss Coulter. Her books are torturous to read, the jokes in poor taste or belabored, her research skills and bibliographies shocking poor- as if this woman did not have a JD.

Look at the covers of her books. They are ridiculous. She is always in a cocktail dress, with heavy base and straightened hair- as if she was stuck in the early 1990s Robert Palmer video? Her latest one shows her in a black satin gown, her facial skin too tight for her head,her large, empty eyes and strange baby-eating grin frozen on her face, her small breasts sagging in the tight material of her gown, and her too thin frame accentuated by the heavy black material. It's creepy. She and her dressers thinks she looks sexy. She looks like a figure of death.

I watched her on Harry Smith, who looked like he was being asked to drink a bottle of castor oil, and watched this ridiculous waste of a woman carry on about conservatives being the TRUE victims. Of course, she had nothing to say about their policies, or how those policies have hurt and crippled their base, or why part of the national discourse does not swing her way any more.

Sigh. She sells a lot of books- but then again, her books are often on remainder.

Ann, go back to being a lawyer- or if your research skills are that poor, maybe a librarian?

Happy (Belated) New Year!

2009-01-06T02:54:00.000-08:00

So, happy New Year to all of you! I have been snowbound, then done under by a nasty cold that turn into bronchitis, so I have done much blogging about being in the rainy city lately.

So, what's new?

Ah, yes, the world biggest Ponzi scam, headed by Bernie (to his friends) Madoff. Much has been spewed about this fellow, who basically cheated some incredibly rich people out of their largesse. I would enjoy this immensely- okay, I'll be real, I have been enjoying this immensely- but there is the matter of many Jewish non-profits and NGOs who work for peace, alleviating suffering and doing good works for culture have been hurt, sometimes fatally so. A French aristocrat offed himself. European banks have suffered seriously ad must know answer questions from seriously pissed off shareholders. And the SEC, who was warned about Madoff's fund by quite a few economists, has revealed themselves to be protectors of scammers from investors ( that would be you and me and our 401k/IRAs).

This, along with the recession, the slow but steady collapse of our banking system, the outright stealing of our taxes by businesses who did not know f**k all what they were doing (otherwise know as a government rescue)- ah, but 2008 was so very instructive, was it not? It was if we were all asleep, lulled by lies and illusions of consequence free wealth, of cheap money lent to us at low interest so some of us can live it up, and why, the dream was yours if you just worked harder....took more sacrifices....went without healthcare or guarantee of anything...

2009 can only better and brighter.

Seriously.

Right?

Rick Rolled

2008-12-21T09:41:00.000-08:00

Rick Warren will giving the Inaugural invocation at the Inaugural. Because he ( like many other Evangelical pastors) does not condone gay marriage, a shitstorm has ensued in the blogosphere, calling the center-liberal President a failure and worse.

Really? Somehow, pastor Lowery, a progressive Christian, has been completely overlooked as the giver of the benediction. And excuse me, but Aretha Franklin is singing, yet somehow, we care about Rick Warren?

The cornerstone of this is the crappy job HRC ran in trying to defeat Prop 8 in California and the high visibility of Evangelicals who poured money in Cali to defeat it.

The reaction that came after- the nasty racist "Well, lets blame the black Baptists" after an incomplete poll taken after the election, the readiness to not do outreach, the readiness to scream only after the fact and not treat this as the right to the pursuit of happiness and private property issue that 'gay marriage'- that marriage, period- is about- says a great deal about the LGBT movement.

It says:

1) There's a lot of white skin privilege going on.

2) There's a alot of upper class privilege going on.

3) There's a willful lack of connection to other issues going on in this country, and how focusing on marriage rights keeps the rest of the country diverted from problems.

4) Different regions where gay people live are not connected, period.

5)Many gay people think complaining loudly will get them somewhere.

6) Alot of gay people are remarkably shortsighted and foolish.

All of this is not pretty or attractive in any sort of way. Unless there is serious, truly serious discussion of issues that affects gays in real ways- DADT, maintenance of property, discrimination, white skin privilege ( sorry, it is NOT like interracial marriage nor is it like legalising marriage, thanks so much)class issues, drug and substance abuse- I am sorry, but so called gay leaders cannot be taken seriously.

That's what this election was about- taking stuff stuff seriously. And if some gay people think the way to accomplish to scream like children instead of working like adults, then you will continue to be seen childishly.

Rick Warren is not about stomping on gay rights- he has made a real connection to people about poverty and work issues. Why use that as a jumping point, and then talk about gay families and how life is much harder when they cannot even guarantee their own property will go to their loved ones in case of death?

Snow and cosiness

2008-12-20T16:53:00.000-08:00

This has been one big snow week. Snow, snow, snow. For the valley dwellers, this is something that is really rare. Unfortunately, this has happened at a time when people would be shopping for their Christmas gifts and doing last minute temp work.

Instead, you look outside, and want to stay in, making pots of soup, pans of cookies and drinking hot cocoa. Board games come out, Vince Guaraldi goes on the sound system, and friends come over for chats and walks in the snow.

Not very profitable, to be sure, but very cosy, indeed.

One thing with James Kunstler

2008-12-15T17:14:00.000-08:00

He means well, that JK. He writes effectively about poor planning, the pretension and overall ugliness of suburbs, and the waste of resources that they entail. But what JK does not get is the potential for suburbs to become fully functional towns of their own ( with business and shopping centers) and for larger suburban lots to have a part in become part of the urban farm movement. He fail to see the possiblity of modernism and science and plain old creativity.

Instead, Kunstler looks to a sort of modern day medievalism, where Rome has completely burnt down, all knowledge is subsumed or lost completely, and everyone will be living in localised smaller towns or city-states, and where the food is local, local, local. Everyone is well adjusted, and not greedy at all. Everyone bikes or walks or rides a horse.

The thing is, very few societies have ever lived that way- not during our most ancient days as humans, not certainly during the Empires of the Greeks, Romans, Mayans, Aztecs and Egyptians, and not now. A surplus of a crop was often traded with something else and - boom!- an economy was created. That's what humans do. As for the oil crisis and peak oil- there is no disagreement there. What Kunstler fails to understand is that our American Empire, and all the other Empires, where created before the mass utilization of petroleum. Oil crisis? Tell that to the Greeks, Romans, Hebrews and all the other Mediterrean peoples who harvested tonnes of olive oil for daily usage for thousands of years. Materialism? The Romans were greediest motherf***s ever and I do mean ever, and they ruled, nastily, for about 1000 years.

The problem is petroleum, or even how we use it. Rather, the problem is how we conceive of ourselves, our needs and our country. Our world view of how resources should and ought to be used.

Enough about peak oil, already.