Sunday, February 24, 2008

Hurray For Stop Action

On Saturday night I went and saw the new film Be Kind, Rewind. Can I say here's to movies with heart? If its playing at a movie theater near you, I recommend it. It took me back to the days when I too was a fledgling filmmaker in Claremont, California. If I remember correctly, most of our movies involved incredible special effects and breathtaking stunts. Here's one of our old scripts:
Will: Hey bro, what's up?
Brian(facing away from the camera): Oh, my eyes hurt so bad!
Will: What is it? Let me take a look.
(Brian turns around quickly, revealing giant swollen eyes [made using ping-pong balls])
Brian: I think I have pinkeye.
End Scene
Afterwards, Amy made this guy that was trying to get with her stay and watch it. Amy laughed her head off. The guy didn't know what to do. It took everything in him not to gouge his eyeballs out and stick them in his ears to avoid the misery. When I someday accept some award for that film, or any other award which I am sure to accrue, your name will be on the list under little people.
Unfortunately that film was destroyed. Will recorded over it. Here's another movie.

Sweded - Ghostbusters

Monday, February 18, 2008

To The Point

So, I can honestly say that this was the worst valentines day I've ever had. If you know me, you already know why, if not, don't ask.
On an unrelated topic I do think it's appropriate that our celebration of love coincides with the death of a martyr.
Laura, I'm sorry that you never got the flowers, just wait till it stops raining though, there'll be poppies all over for you.

P.s. I found this picture of myself floating around the internet.

Sunday, February 03, 2008

Sing, Sweet Nightingale


Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!
No hungry generations tread thee down;
The voice I hear this passing night was heard
In ancient days by emperor and clown:
Perhaps the self-same song that found a path
Through the sad heart of Ruth, when, sick for home,
She stood in tears amid the alien corn;
The same that oft-times hath
Charm'd magic casements, opening on the foam
Of perilous seas, in faery lands forlorn.

Forlorn! the very word is like a bell
To toll me back from thee to my sole self!
Adieu! the fancy cannot cheat so well
As she is fam'd to do, deceiving elf.
Adieu! adieu! thy plaintive anthem fades
Past the near meadows, over the still stream,
Up the hill-side; and now 'tis buried deep
In the next valley-glades:
Was it a vision, or a waking dream?
Fled is that music --- Do I wake or sleep?

-- John Keats

When I was a boy, there was a nightingale that lived in a bush by my window. Very late, as I would lay in the peaceful dark of the night, I would hear it singing. When we moved, I missed her evening song. I would lay awake at night and never know what it was I was missing. I suppose I never really recognized her.
It wasn't until years later that I realized what it was. I was in front of a friends house, and in the middle of our conversation I heard the old melody. I probably looked crazy, but I just sat there, transfixed, listening.
There are somethings that revive our senses. This last week was a bit melancholy. I haven't slept very well. I keep having strange dreams. I wake up a billion times, and walk in haze for most of the day. Friday, however, as I was walking home, I heard a bird sing. This is a rare occasion int the cold winter months. I had been staring at the ground for most of the day, and for the first time, I looked up. It was just a little black bird but it was beautiful. I realized that it was a beautiful day. I saw the other birds flying about. It made me glad.
I am glad that God sent little birds to brighten our dreary days. I am grateful that he sent his Son to lighten them. I hope you all can enjoy yourselves this week.