Happy New Year, my true loves. Welcome to the 6th day of Christmas, New Years Eve, or as my father-in-law, God rest his soul, used to say, The anniversary of Baby Jesus' Briss. (It's true, Jews must circumcise their male Children in 6 days.) So what more fitting gift than the freshest Goose Eggs ever... Straight from the... whatever eggs come out of a goose from, of 6 Geese a Laying. Enjoy your omelettes, souffles, and custards for a whole year! I even built you a Goose Coop. Which reminds me of a Beach Boys Song, (Little Goose Coop?)
Speaking of songs, do you know what the number 7 favorite Christmas song of all time is? I'll tell ya. It's the legendary 12 PAINS of Christmas by Bobby Rivers. This was a landmarks song for several reasons. A) It accurately expresses the angst of the holiday season without depressing everyone around. 2) It established that you COULD vary the repetitions of the 12 days when spoofing this song. And D) It's very quotable, and has lent its catch phrases to the traditions of Christmas. What would a holiday season be without at least one person shouting, "One light goes out, they all go out!" or "She's a witch I hate her."
Not as depressing as the number 7 lump of coal in the stocking, "Blue Christmas." Yep. Our survey shows that we tend to dislike the songs about being alone on Christmas without our loved ones or friends. Plus... I CAN'T STAND the backing vocals. "ooOOOooOOoooo." Annoying.
Happy New Year, I'll have some beautiful swans for you to celebrate the new year with.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
12 Days of Christmas - Day 5
Well, my true loves, I got you 5 Golden Rings for today (yesterday) the 5th day of Christmas. Not Gold rings, sadly, but GoldEN rings. See the cost of gold nowadays is just devastating, so I had to get you copper, bronze and brass. So they're goldEN. I hope they don't turn your fingers funny colors.
Anyway, the number 8 Jewel in the crown of the baby Jesus is... White Christmas. It seems to be everyone's opinion that if Bing Crosby isn't singing this song, it's just not worth it. But I challenge that notion, and offer up the Drifters as a clever alternative. I, myself, prefer the doo-wop version to Bing. I can never get around the slow pace of the original song. The falsetto part in the second verse of the doo wop version is priceless and as iconic to me as Bing Crosby's voice is to others.
The number 8 lump of Oxen feces in the manger is.... Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. This song was a part of a trend from the 50s and 60s, the very first attempt at "Rock" Christmas songs. Most of the picks for worst Christmas songs are also attempts to make a pop music new favorite and sneak it into the pantheon of Holiday classics. It's comforting to know that no matter how WALK-fm has been trying, we haven't been falling for it. Rocking Around, and Jingle Bell Rock, and the like are worse offenders, because in hindsight, we realize that it isn't Rock at all. It's Country! These songs date back to the rockabilly era when rock and roll was really country swing sped up. Connie Francis, one of the least rockin' chicks around, tried to capitalize on the new trend by recording this pop flop, and was very effective for a while. But it hasn't stood the test of time.
I'm in the mood for eggs, how about you? See you tomorrow.
Anyway, the number 8 Jewel in the crown of the baby Jesus is... White Christmas. It seems to be everyone's opinion that if Bing Crosby isn't singing this song, it's just not worth it. But I challenge that notion, and offer up the Drifters as a clever alternative. I, myself, prefer the doo-wop version to Bing. I can never get around the slow pace of the original song. The falsetto part in the second verse of the doo wop version is priceless and as iconic to me as Bing Crosby's voice is to others.
The number 8 lump of Oxen feces in the manger is.... Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. This song was a part of a trend from the 50s and 60s, the very first attempt at "Rock" Christmas songs. Most of the picks for worst Christmas songs are also attempts to make a pop music new favorite and sneak it into the pantheon of Holiday classics. It's comforting to know that no matter how WALK-fm has been trying, we haven't been falling for it. Rocking Around, and Jingle Bell Rock, and the like are worse offenders, because in hindsight, we realize that it isn't Rock at all. It's Country! These songs date back to the rockabilly era when rock and roll was really country swing sped up. Connie Francis, one of the least rockin' chicks around, tried to capitalize on the new trend by recording this pop flop, and was very effective for a while. But it hasn't stood the test of time.
I'm in the mood for eggs, how about you? See you tomorrow.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
SLTM Films - A Final Review.
The family and I just shot the final film of SLTM Film's Project 52 this afternoon. I don't wish to spoil anything, but suffice it to say the final film alludes to the other films in the project. This got me thinking of a few things. First off, people who are not familiar with the rest of the films will be a bit confused. Secondly, While I've been doing my part to introduce people to the glory of Sean and Christine's work in a series of blog reviews ( 1 , 2, and 3,) I haven't written about the films at the end of the year, and I really owe them. So, do yourselves a favor... read the previous blogs, and then read below to catch up.
First of all, with the big holidays happening at the end of the year, this means a lot more weeks of the Fitz's playing the "Wild Card." These documentaries are very sweet and quite nicely done.
Week 36 - Follow Our Journey 3 - An Actor's Perspective - The third in the series of films ABOUT the project. This one featuring the actors who make it all happen. We learn not only what Sean and Christine are like to work with, but also what draws all of us to the project.
Week 46 - Make Every Dream Grow - Through a series of snapshots, we see the courtship and marriage of the Fitzgerald family, and celebrate their anniversary.
Week 48 -Measure Your Life In Love - Sean and Christine have a very special holiday celebration every year, and this year's was caught on video.
But then there are the other great fictional films.
Week 35 - Dodge The Bullet - A hitman holds a man at gunpoint, and as he pleads for his life, his life will be forever changed. Intense performances from Jerry Maggio and Steve Wangner in this one.
Week 37 - How I Learned to Love Charades - This one was conceived through a brainstorming session ONLINE. By the fans, starring the fans, and featuring ME and my WIFE! Besides that, though, it's an homage to the Twilight Zone, as a group of friends discover a strange karaoke machine that messes with their ability to communicate.
Week 38 - Kung-Fu Lessons - Hysterical Kung-fu Comedy which teaches us to be very careful when handling your girlfriend. Nicely choreographed fight scenes.
Week 39 - Dear Harold - A beautifully sweet tale of a man who writes letters in a desperate attempt to make a connection with somebody. Rivals "Heart and Soles" as the best film of the year.
Week 40 - Boys Will Be Boys - An intense playlet about the impact of bullying from the perspective of the parents involved. Nicely written and amazingly acted.
Week 44 - Hand In Hand - A sweet Romantic Comedy featuring the actor I love to watch get his heart broken, James O'Connor. Very funny, and guaranteed to melt your heart.
Week 47 - Let It Out - A concept piece about the sadness that engulfs the world. Mesmerizing and emotional.
Week 49 - Game On - Very silly and funny film about two friends competing over the final slice of pizza.
Week 50 - Naughty or Nice - A new holiday classic, at least in my house. A guy, desperately trying to impress his girlfriend's family, volunteers to play Santa at their holiday party. When his suit gets ripped, he improvises, with hilarious results.
Now, Sean is a HUGE fan of horror movies, so he set aside October to do 3. All terrifying, and creepy.
Week 41 - Devil's Night - Trick or Treaters show up a day early. You should really have candy.
Week 42 - Hush - A babysitter hears her worst nightmare over the baby monitor.
Week 43 - All Hallows Evil - Slasher flick. All you need to say.
And finally, a glimpse at the future of SLTM films.
Week 34 - The Awesome Adventures of Captain FlagWaver and the Boy Scout Episode 2 - Capture the Flag - Sean and Christine often talk about turning this into a web series. And I don't think that would be a bad thing. In this episode we see the Boy Scout's origin story, and are introduced to his nemesis.
Week 45 - No Place For Magic - A preview of a film Sean wants to make next year. It's a modern take on the classic story of Peter Pan. Peter is a cop, and Hook is a serial killer. Looks cool, I can't wait.
Now, at this time, I have not seen Week 51, and as I mentioned, we just wrapped week 52. That gives you, oh, about a week to catch up. Since no film is more than 15 minutes, it shouldn't take long to do a marathon.
I'm very proud of Sean and Christine for all their hard work. They've been an inspiration to me, and to everyone I know who has been involved in the films. Good luck to them in all their endeavors.
First of all, with the big holidays happening at the end of the year, this means a lot more weeks of the Fitz's playing the "Wild Card." These documentaries are very sweet and quite nicely done.
Week 36 - Follow Our Journey 3 - An Actor's Perspective - The third in the series of films ABOUT the project. This one featuring the actors who make it all happen. We learn not only what Sean and Christine are like to work with, but also what draws all of us to the project.
Week 46 - Make Every Dream Grow - Through a series of snapshots, we see the courtship and marriage of the Fitzgerald family, and celebrate their anniversary.
Week 48 -Measure Your Life In Love - Sean and Christine have a very special holiday celebration every year, and this year's was caught on video.
But then there are the other great fictional films.
Week 35 - Dodge The Bullet - A hitman holds a man at gunpoint, and as he pleads for his life, his life will be forever changed. Intense performances from Jerry Maggio and Steve Wangner in this one.
Week 37 - How I Learned to Love Charades - This one was conceived through a brainstorming session ONLINE. By the fans, starring the fans, and featuring ME and my WIFE! Besides that, though, it's an homage to the Twilight Zone, as a group of friends discover a strange karaoke machine that messes with their ability to communicate.
Week 38 - Kung-Fu Lessons - Hysterical Kung-fu Comedy which teaches us to be very careful when handling your girlfriend. Nicely choreographed fight scenes.
Week 39 - Dear Harold - A beautifully sweet tale of a man who writes letters in a desperate attempt to make a connection with somebody. Rivals "Heart and Soles" as the best film of the year.
Week 40 - Boys Will Be Boys - An intense playlet about the impact of bullying from the perspective of the parents involved. Nicely written and amazingly acted.
Week 44 - Hand In Hand - A sweet Romantic Comedy featuring the actor I love to watch get his heart broken, James O'Connor. Very funny, and guaranteed to melt your heart.
Week 47 - Let It Out - A concept piece about the sadness that engulfs the world. Mesmerizing and emotional.
Week 49 - Game On - Very silly and funny film about two friends competing over the final slice of pizza.
Week 50 - Naughty or Nice - A new holiday classic, at least in my house. A guy, desperately trying to impress his girlfriend's family, volunteers to play Santa at their holiday party. When his suit gets ripped, he improvises, with hilarious results.
Now, Sean is a HUGE fan of horror movies, so he set aside October to do 3. All terrifying, and creepy.
Week 41 - Devil's Night - Trick or Treaters show up a day early. You should really have candy.
Week 42 - Hush - A babysitter hears her worst nightmare over the baby monitor.
Week 43 - All Hallows Evil - Slasher flick. All you need to say.
And finally, a glimpse at the future of SLTM films.
Week 34 - The Awesome Adventures of Captain FlagWaver and the Boy Scout Episode 2 - Capture the Flag - Sean and Christine often talk about turning this into a web series. And I don't think that would be a bad thing. In this episode we see the Boy Scout's origin story, and are introduced to his nemesis.
Week 45 - No Place For Magic - A preview of a film Sean wants to make next year. It's a modern take on the classic story of Peter Pan. Peter is a cop, and Hook is a serial killer. Looks cool, I can't wait.
Now, at this time, I have not seen Week 51, and as I mentioned, we just wrapped week 52. That gives you, oh, about a week to catch up. Since no film is more than 15 minutes, it shouldn't take long to do a marathon.
I'm very proud of Sean and Christine for all their hard work. They've been an inspiration to me, and to everyone I know who has been involved in the films. Good luck to them in all their endeavors.
12 days of Christmas - Day 4
Whassaaaap? My True Loves! On this... the fourth day of Christmas, I give to you all four calling birds. Now, I will tell you that I had no idea that they would call quite so much until I got them home. And so often and so loudly. Sorry. Oh, well, just like the other birds, feel free to fry these suckers up as well!
Let's get to the important part... the NUMBER 9 Best Christmas song of all time according to all of you all: That would be... I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. Wow... In Dulci Jubilo, then It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, then this. When your head stops spinning, I'll tell you that this song is very cute, and sweet. I thought for years as a kid, that this song was about mom cheating with Santa. It wasn't until literally last year that I "got it." I know no elementary school assembly is complete without this song on the program. Which is kinda sick if you think about it.
At the other end of the scale, is the number 9 worst infectious pustule on the face of civilization that is... Frosty the Snowman. Let's face it, it's a dumb ass song! A magic hat brings a snowman to life. Really? A guess we're fortunate that it's a friendly snowman. I think many a horror movie was based on this premise going the other way. He leads them down through the streets of town, and only pauses a moment when the traffic cop yells stop. Really? I think panic would ensue when a living talking snowman is playing around with our kids. Leading them through the streets of town. And what the F is up with all the thumpety thump thumps???
I'm going to Jared. See you tomorrow!
Let's get to the important part... the NUMBER 9 Best Christmas song of all time according to all of you all: That would be... I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. Wow... In Dulci Jubilo, then It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, then this. When your head stops spinning, I'll tell you that this song is very cute, and sweet. I thought for years as a kid, that this song was about mom cheating with Santa. It wasn't until literally last year that I "got it." I know no elementary school assembly is complete without this song on the program. Which is kinda sick if you think about it.
At the other end of the scale, is the number 9 worst infectious pustule on the face of civilization that is... Frosty the Snowman. Let's face it, it's a dumb ass song! A magic hat brings a snowman to life. Really? A guess we're fortunate that it's a friendly snowman. I think many a horror movie was based on this premise going the other way. He leads them down through the streets of town, and only pauses a moment when the traffic cop yells stop. Really? I think panic would ensue when a living talking snowman is playing around with our kids. Leading them through the streets of town. And what the F is up with all the thumpety thump thumps???
I'm going to Jared. See you tomorrow!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
12 days of Christmas - Day 3
Happy Day, My True Loves. I give to you, today, on the third day of Christmas, Three French Hens. Because they are French, they are very snobby, and dislike Americans. So either enslave them in cages for their eggs, or, use them to make a groovy Chicken soup. Or Coq Au Vin. Or Chicken Burgers.
The Number 10 Best, most joyful and delightful Christmas Song, according to our survey is... It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. It's one of the lesser performed carols, but it's got to be one of the most beautiful and meditative. Like many Christmas Carols that appear in hymnals everywhere, the true beatuy of the poem is not in the first verse only, but the others as well. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Came_Upon_the_Midnight_Clear
On the other hand the number 10 song that makes us all want to take up Ebenezer Scrooge on the whole Stake of holly though the heart thing... is... The Chipmunks Song. Maybe it's backlash against the idiotic movie franchise, or as one voter put it, it puts emphasis on the Christmas list thing. (Thank God, not in the way Santa Baby does.) Whatever the reason, we hate it, and we want it to die a long slow death by hula hoop.
I'm off to call on some more birds. Have a happy day!
The Number 10 Best, most joyful and delightful Christmas Song, according to our survey is... It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. It's one of the lesser performed carols, but it's got to be one of the most beautiful and meditative. Like many Christmas Carols that appear in hymnals everywhere, the true beatuy of the poem is not in the first verse only, but the others as well. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Came_Upon_the_Midnight_Clear
On the other hand the number 10 song that makes us all want to take up Ebenezer Scrooge on the whole Stake of holly though the heart thing... is... The Chipmunks Song. Maybe it's backlash against the idiotic movie franchise, or as one voter put it, it puts emphasis on the Christmas list thing. (Thank God, not in the way Santa Baby does.) Whatever the reason, we hate it, and we want it to die a long slow death by hula hoop.
I'm off to call on some more birds. Have a happy day!
12 Days of Christmas -Day 2
Greetings, my true loves! I searched and searched, and found you two turtle doves. You know, love birds. They make great pets. And look, I think they love each other. What? Ew. They REALLY love each other. And they aren't stopping. OK, I'll cover their cage, and tell you all about the next songs on our countdown.
Our number 11 Favorite tune of magical wonderment is... In Dulci Jubilo. Otherwise known in English as "Good Christian Men Rejoice," or if you're PC, "Good Christian Friends Rejoice." It's a joyous carol that really captures for me the spirit of Christmas. For me, Christmas just sounds medieval or Baroque. As much as the more modern songs are lovely, the melodies that date back to ancient times are the ones I love best,
Meanwhile, the number 11 piece of burnt fruitcake in the sugar cookies is.... Santa Baby. This song taps into the worst part of holiday gift giving: telling people that you want expensive ridiculous presents, and suggesting that there will be sex involved if they get it. But you know it's not going to happen. This year, we made the patheticness a bit more creepy when Michael Buble included the song on HIS Christmas album. Ewww. It IS Hysterical, however, how while changing the lyrics to be more masculine, it comes off as over compensating.
OK... I'm off to get some French Hens. Enjoy your day!
Our number 11 Favorite tune of magical wonderment is... In Dulci Jubilo. Otherwise known in English as "Good Christian Men Rejoice," or if you're PC, "Good Christian Friends Rejoice." It's a joyous carol that really captures for me the spirit of Christmas. For me, Christmas just sounds medieval or Baroque. As much as the more modern songs are lovely, the melodies that date back to ancient times are the ones I love best,
Meanwhile, the number 11 piece of burnt fruitcake in the sugar cookies is.... Santa Baby. This song taps into the worst part of holiday gift giving: telling people that you want expensive ridiculous presents, and suggesting that there will be sex involved if they get it. But you know it's not going to happen. This year, we made the patheticness a bit more creepy when Michael Buble included the song on HIS Christmas album. Ewww. It IS Hysterical, however, how while changing the lyrics to be more masculine, it comes off as over compensating.
OK... I'm off to get some French Hens. Enjoy your day!
Monday, December 26, 2011
12 Days of Christmas - Day 1
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com
Greetings, my true loves! Merry Christmas. Today is the 1st day, which means you get a partridge in a pear tree! What are you supposed to do with a partridge in a pear tree, you may ask? Well... um... Partridge is delicious! Or, if you're a vegetarian, perhaps they can be trained to deliver messages. Or.. Hey! Train them to deliver pears to people! I wonder what the average air speed of an unladen partridge is?
Anyway... It's time to count down YOUR favorite, and least favorite Christmas songs or all time. We got many, many interesting votes, but s few kept coming back around. Also, I put in my 2 cents, and that skewed the totals a bit. But here we are, and here we go.
Your number 12 song that brings a tear to your eye, and the Christmas spirit to your heart is.... Deck The Halls. It's just such a classic that it's undeniable. I can think of no song written since that captures most effectively the joy of decorating at Christmastime. And the Fa La La part is fun to play with. I've heard it done in 7/8 time, reharmonized, and even set to the tune of other classical pieces. It just... never gets old.
The number 12 tune that makes you all cringe with nausea around the winter season is... Do They Know It's Christmas? Yeah... I remember the 80s, too. I remember back when the famine in Ethiopia was so terrible, that Bob Geldof decided to help out with the proceeds from this song. It also brought about a new genre of music, the "Getting superstars together to raise money for a cause" genre. Often mocked, and, let's face it, no longer effective. Apparently, the famine was solved, because between Band Aid, Live Aid, and USA for Africa, we no longer hear about hunger in Africa. Now, we hear about genocide in Africa. Now, I don't know if the two are related at all; all I know is that this song is no longer relevant, not that it was a very good song in the first place.
Well, I'm off to find someone who sells turtle doves. No real reason. See you tomorrow!
Greetings, my true loves! Merry Christmas. Today is the 1st day, which means you get a partridge in a pear tree! What are you supposed to do with a partridge in a pear tree, you may ask? Well... um... Partridge is delicious! Or, if you're a vegetarian, perhaps they can be trained to deliver messages. Or.. Hey! Train them to deliver pears to people! I wonder what the average air speed of an unladen partridge is?
Anyway... It's time to count down YOUR favorite, and least favorite Christmas songs or all time. We got many, many interesting votes, but s few kept coming back around. Also, I put in my 2 cents, and that skewed the totals a bit. But here we are, and here we go.
Your number 12 song that brings a tear to your eye, and the Christmas spirit to your heart is.... Deck The Halls. It's just such a classic that it's undeniable. I can think of no song written since that captures most effectively the joy of decorating at Christmastime. And the Fa La La part is fun to play with. I've heard it done in 7/8 time, reharmonized, and even set to the tune of other classical pieces. It just... never gets old.
The number 12 tune that makes you all cringe with nausea around the winter season is... Do They Know It's Christmas? Yeah... I remember the 80s, too. I remember back when the famine in Ethiopia was so terrible, that Bob Geldof decided to help out with the proceeds from this song. It also brought about a new genre of music, the "Getting superstars together to raise money for a cause" genre. Often mocked, and, let's face it, no longer effective. Apparently, the famine was solved, because between Band Aid, Live Aid, and USA for Africa, we no longer hear about hunger in Africa. Now, we hear about genocide in Africa. Now, I don't know if the two are related at all; all I know is that this song is no longer relevant, not that it was a very good song in the first place.
Well, I'm off to find someone who sells turtle doves. No real reason. See you tomorrow!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
War on Christmas - The Final "Battle"
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
In case you haven't read Part 1, Part 2, or Part 3 of my 4 part trilogy about the "War on Christmas" Fox news keeps harping on; I don't believe in it. To sum up: In a world where tinsel throws up every which way from November to December 25th, and the Christmas holiday is all you see on TV and Advertising, the Christians are not being persecuted; it's faux-Christians reacting to the realization that there ARE other religions in the world who celebrate other things in December, and the Christmas tree is a pagan symbol of the life within the Earth, not a holy relic.
Just to put the final nail in the coffin of ignorance, allow me to refer you to my new favorite bible passage: Romans 2:24 - As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Meaning the actions of people calling themselves Christians which are less than Godly give Christians a bad name. As the comedian said, "Jesus is like Elvis: I like HIS work, but his fans get really annoying at times."
The so-called Christians who want to "Keep Christ in Christmas," and complain that the word "Happy:" being chosen over "Merry" are celebrating Christmas right now. They shouldn't be, you know. They should currently be celebrating ADVENT; the preparations for Christmas. Christmas doesn't happen until the 25th of December, and must continue for 12 days afterwards until January 6th. That is, according to the Church Calendar.
People who claim to be true Christians should recognize that there's only one good reason for the Christmas Season to start on Thanksgiving... It sells toys. This is the most wonderful time of the year for shoppers and retailers. In fact, retailers are starting earlier and earlier; like, Halloween! And yet, on December 26th, all of it will stop.
This is the reverse of what the Christian Church says about celebrating the season. The church designates the four Sundays before Christmas as Advent, a time of preparation. We tell the stories of the prophesy, and the angels coming to Mary and Joseph, and the journey to Bethlehem, but Christmas actually starts at midnight on the 24th. And we're blessed this year to have Christmas Day be a Sunday. I'm looking forward to going to church on Christmas morning. I'm even preparing special holiday music for the event. How about you?
If Bill O'Reilly is in church on Christmas morning, I'll take him seriously with his defense against the dark arts teachings. If ANYONE from Fox news is still greeting people with a Merry Christmas the first week of the new year, then I'll allow them to preach their anti-war-on-Christmas hate speech unharassed. But they won't. They, like too many of us, frankly, are caught up in the manufactured frenzy that is the Holiday Shopping Season.
The same frenzy that make people actually believe that if they don't tackle the crowd in order to be the first to get the Rock Me Elmo doll for their kid; well, then they're committing a Christmas sin of the worst magnitude. The frenzy that makes people forget the whole "peace on earth, good will to men" thing and nurture hatred of anyone who doesn't acknowledge a holiday they don't even celebrate. The frenzy that makes us forget the child who united the world as brothers, and instead attempts to divide us into those who celebrate Christmas and those who don't; rather than all of us who are celebrating happy holidays together.
Well, gentle readers, thank you for letting me vent. And for listening. I hope you'll bring up the points I've made next time someone ignorant harasses you for celebrating how you wish. And I wish you all a Merry Happy Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Epiphany, Ramadan, and Buttering of the Great Holy Potato.
P.S. Book mark my Blog page, and check in every day for the ACTUAL 12 days of Christmas. We'll count down the 12 best and 12 worst Christmas songs as selected by YOU the reader. Comment your 5 favorites and your 5 least favorites to vote. Or contact me via Facebook.
In case you haven't read Part 1, Part 2, or Part 3 of my 4 part trilogy about the "War on Christmas" Fox news keeps harping on; I don't believe in it. To sum up: In a world where tinsel throws up every which way from November to December 25th, and the Christmas holiday is all you see on TV and Advertising, the Christians are not being persecuted; it's faux-Christians reacting to the realization that there ARE other religions in the world who celebrate other things in December, and the Christmas tree is a pagan symbol of the life within the Earth, not a holy relic.
Just to put the final nail in the coffin of ignorance, allow me to refer you to my new favorite bible passage: Romans 2:24 - As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Meaning the actions of people calling themselves Christians which are less than Godly give Christians a bad name. As the comedian said, "Jesus is like Elvis: I like HIS work, but his fans get really annoying at times."
The so-called Christians who want to "Keep Christ in Christmas," and complain that the word "Happy:" being chosen over "Merry" are celebrating Christmas right now. They shouldn't be, you know. They should currently be celebrating ADVENT; the preparations for Christmas. Christmas doesn't happen until the 25th of December, and must continue for 12 days afterwards until January 6th. That is, according to the Church Calendar.
People who claim to be true Christians should recognize that there's only one good reason for the Christmas Season to start on Thanksgiving... It sells toys. This is the most wonderful time of the year for shoppers and retailers. In fact, retailers are starting earlier and earlier; like, Halloween! And yet, on December 26th, all of it will stop.
This is the reverse of what the Christian Church says about celebrating the season. The church designates the four Sundays before Christmas as Advent, a time of preparation. We tell the stories of the prophesy, and the angels coming to Mary and Joseph, and the journey to Bethlehem, but Christmas actually starts at midnight on the 24th. And we're blessed this year to have Christmas Day be a Sunday. I'm looking forward to going to church on Christmas morning. I'm even preparing special holiday music for the event. How about you?
If Bill O'Reilly is in church on Christmas morning, I'll take him seriously with his defense against the dark arts teachings. If ANYONE from Fox news is still greeting people with a Merry Christmas the first week of the new year, then I'll allow them to preach their anti-war-on-Christmas hate speech unharassed. But they won't. They, like too many of us, frankly, are caught up in the manufactured frenzy that is the Holiday Shopping Season.
The same frenzy that make people actually believe that if they don't tackle the crowd in order to be the first to get the Rock Me Elmo doll for their kid; well, then they're committing a Christmas sin of the worst magnitude. The frenzy that makes people forget the whole "peace on earth, good will to men" thing and nurture hatred of anyone who doesn't acknowledge a holiday they don't even celebrate. The frenzy that makes us forget the child who united the world as brothers, and instead attempts to divide us into those who celebrate Christmas and those who don't; rather than all of us who are celebrating happy holidays together.
Well, gentle readers, thank you for letting me vent. And for listening. I hope you'll bring up the points I've made next time someone ignorant harasses you for celebrating how you wish. And I wish you all a Merry Happy Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Epiphany, Ramadan, and Buttering of the Great Holy Potato.
P.S. Book mark my Blog page, and check in every day for the ACTUAL 12 days of Christmas. We'll count down the 12 best and 12 worst Christmas songs as selected by YOU the reader. Comment your 5 favorites and your 5 least favorites to vote. Or contact me via Facebook.
Friday, December 9, 2011
War on Christmas - Part 3 - Christmas Trees
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
For a moment there, I dared to hope against hope and wish against wish that I'm writing these blogs unnecessarily. I prayed that people were over this, and I'm just hashing out old, outdated opinions, even though the matter, in everyone else's mind has been settled. But... No.
Jon Stewart of The Daily Show jumped on my bandwagon this week by satirically declaring war on Christmas, and Bill O'Reilly shot back. This bit was a reaction to a conflict Fox "News" seems to have over the Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee leaving "Christmas" out of the Statehouse tree lighting ceremony invitation.
This of course is ridiculous, as previously discussed in the First Two Parts of this series. This was done to be inclusive of all people of all religions, not to exclude. I think the complaining has less to do with what Gov. Chafee did, and more to do with the fact that it's RI's first Christmas with a Democrat Governor. But I see their point. The Christmas Tree is a Christian symbol of a beautiful, loving, caring holiday; a symbol of peace, and of Christ's birth.... right?
Well, actually - I hate to be this guy again; you know, the smart, well informed one - but no, it isn't. The Christmas Tree that you are defending in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ... is a pagan symbol.
The tradtional evergreen branches started in Germany and the surrounding regions during the dark ages. It was called "Julmond" (Yule-Mont), or Yule for short. The Evergreen is green year round, and during the winter, a time when all trees, grass, and foliage around us are dying and withering, the Yule symbolized the life still dormant in the earth that WILL come again in the spring. It's a symbol of hope for next year's planting season for those who worship the spirits of the Earth.
At some point, people decorated the Yule with lights and pretty ribbons, and just as Christians usurped another Pagan Celebration, Saturnalia, they also incorporated the symbolic evergreen into their Christmas celebration, in the form of a fully formed Evergreen Tree.
The Christian symbolism assigned to the Tree is that it's everlasting green-ness symbolizes Christ's everlasting life. Well, if that's the case, my fake tree is more effective than your real live tree which will wither and die before New Years eve, it's lack of moisture and brittleness resulting in a potential fire hazard to the entire household. Merry Christmas! It also wasn't long before people grasping for straws pointed out the triangular shape of the tree symbolizes the Holy Trinity, but again... that's a stretch.
My point, Christians, is before you march into war, staging protests, to defend this very Christian symbol, you should really make sure that it is yours to defend. To quote Gov. Chaffee, "If it's in my house, it's a Christmas tree, but when I'm representing all of Rhode Island, I have to be respectful of everyone."
Whether you call it a Christmas Tree, Hannukah Bush, or Symbolic Conifer of Unspecified Derivation (SCUD, my personal favorite) remember that the tree symbolizes the SEASON; it symbolizes hope that no matter what is happening now, things will get better, and prosperity will come again. And people who celebrate ALL holidays may place whatever meaning they wish onto the tree, join hands around it in a circle and sing "Yahoo Flores, Dahoo, Dores..." if they want to.
I, personally, am looking forward to putting up and decorating my SCUD this weekend.
For a moment there, I dared to hope against hope and wish against wish that I'm writing these blogs unnecessarily. I prayed that people were over this, and I'm just hashing out old, outdated opinions, even though the matter, in everyone else's mind has been settled. But... No.
Jon Stewart of The Daily Show jumped on my bandwagon this week by satirically declaring war on Christmas, and Bill O'Reilly shot back. This bit was a reaction to a conflict Fox "News" seems to have over the Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee leaving "Christmas" out of the Statehouse tree lighting ceremony invitation.
This of course is ridiculous, as previously discussed in the First Two Parts of this series. This was done to be inclusive of all people of all religions, not to exclude. I think the complaining has less to do with what Gov. Chafee did, and more to do with the fact that it's RI's first Christmas with a Democrat Governor. But I see their point. The Christmas Tree is a Christian symbol of a beautiful, loving, caring holiday; a symbol of peace, and of Christ's birth.... right?
Well, actually - I hate to be this guy again; you know, the smart, well informed one - but no, it isn't. The Christmas Tree that you are defending in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ... is a pagan symbol.
The tradtional evergreen branches started in Germany and the surrounding regions during the dark ages. It was called "Julmond" (Yule-Mont), or Yule for short. The Evergreen is green year round, and during the winter, a time when all trees, grass, and foliage around us are dying and withering, the Yule symbolized the life still dormant in the earth that WILL come again in the spring. It's a symbol of hope for next year's planting season for those who worship the spirits of the Earth.
At some point, people decorated the Yule with lights and pretty ribbons, and just as Christians usurped another Pagan Celebration, Saturnalia, they also incorporated the symbolic evergreen into their Christmas celebration, in the form of a fully formed Evergreen Tree.
The Christian symbolism assigned to the Tree is that it's everlasting green-ness symbolizes Christ's everlasting life. Well, if that's the case, my fake tree is more effective than your real live tree which will wither and die before New Years eve, it's lack of moisture and brittleness resulting in a potential fire hazard to the entire household. Merry Christmas! It also wasn't long before people grasping for straws pointed out the triangular shape of the tree symbolizes the Holy Trinity, but again... that's a stretch.
My point, Christians, is before you march into war, staging protests, to defend this very Christian symbol, you should really make sure that it is yours to defend. To quote Gov. Chaffee, "If it's in my house, it's a Christmas tree, but when I'm representing all of Rhode Island, I have to be respectful of everyone."
Whether you call it a Christmas Tree, Hannukah Bush, or Symbolic Conifer of Unspecified Derivation (SCUD, my personal favorite) remember that the tree symbolizes the SEASON; it symbolizes hope that no matter what is happening now, things will get better, and prosperity will come again. And people who celebrate ALL holidays may place whatever meaning they wish onto the tree, join hands around it in a circle and sing "Yahoo Flores, Dahoo, Dores..." if they want to.
I, personally, am looking forward to putting up and decorating my SCUD this weekend.
Monday, December 5, 2011
War on Christmas - Part 2
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
As it is, the first reason I have for NOT believing in the alleged "War on Christmas" is a good one: It's stupid.
But if you need another one, how about this: It's Anti-Semitic. Let's face it. The complaints are not a reaction to Ramadan or Kwanzaa. It's Hanukkah.
During our drive into the city for Thanksgiving, my daughter expressed a troubling bit of news. She told us that one of her classmates said that Hanukkah only exists because the Jews don't celebrate Christmas. My first gut reaction, of course, was of disgust; but I always try to respond to ignorance with education. If this comment was to be considered bullying; I am less concerned with stopping the bully, which often will never happen, than I am with strengthening my daughter's response. However, I realized as I tried to explain the way things truly are to my daughter, that this chick wasn't entirely wrong.
Fact: Christmas is the second most important observance in the Christian calendar, second only to Easter. Fact: Hanukkah, just,... well,... isn't. It's a lovely celebration, and special to the Jewish people, but it is not to the Jews anywhere close to the importance and significance of Christmas and Easter. In fact the two most important high Holy days in Judaism are Yom Kippur (and arguably the whole New Year celebration starting with Rosh Hashanah) and Passover. Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday.
So, why do I get pressure to include Hanukkah music on my Winter Concert? Why MUST there be a Menorah alongside that Christmas Tree? Well, imagine that you're a young Jewish kid, going to school in a mostly gentile neighborhood. We Christians don't just observe Christmas, we allow Christmas to explode all over the freakin' place. Christmas Lights everywhere, non-stop Christmas music on everyone's radio and iPod, Shopping frenzies! Now through all the hubbub about Christmas, here is a lonely solitary Jewish child who doesn't celebrate it. How left out they must feel, and how lonely. As much as people might try to include them in their Christmas merry-making, the fact remains, Santa's not bringing toys to their house, this is someone else's celebration.
So, what do you do for that child? You talk to them about their own celebration. "Hey, aren't you celebrating something this month? What's that holiday all about? You give each other gifts, too, right? And you play that game with the top, right? And wait... you fry stuff? AWESOME!" Maybe then, the child feels better about their own culture, and can be included in everyone's celebration. The only downside to this inclusion, is that it often breeds competition. Which holiday is better?
This competition, in the mind of the uneducated, can evolve into hatred of the other holiday, and thus, a war is invented. Like my 5 year old who doesn't yet understand that when another child shares her toys, they aren't TAKING them away, she still gets to play with them, too. She throws a fit, and we step in, the voices of reason, and remind her that it's about fairness. She does that... because she's 5! Adults are supposed to have outgrown that kind of selfishness. However, some still believe that if we share the holiday season with people of other cultures, who celebrate other holidays; that they're taking their holiday away.
Whenever I hear the words "War on Christmas," I can't help but hear, "Those damned Jews jumping on Christmas' bandwagon. Why should I bother to acknowledge their culture?" Answer: Because that what civilized people of good character do, nimrod.
Epilogue: My wife brought that child's comment to the attention of our daughter's teacher, and she suggested that my wife bring in some dreidels, teach the class to play, and talk about Hanukkah. We're even bringing in gelt for the kids to bring home. (Nut-free for the allergic.) Another example of ignorance defeated by education. If everyone bothered to learn about other people's culture, maybe we wouldn't feel the need to compete during December, and instead could focus on what the holidays are really about.
Besides, who can argue with a week-long celebration of Frying?!
As it is, the first reason I have for NOT believing in the alleged "War on Christmas" is a good one: It's stupid.
But if you need another one, how about this: It's Anti-Semitic. Let's face it. The complaints are not a reaction to Ramadan or Kwanzaa. It's Hanukkah.
During our drive into the city for Thanksgiving, my daughter expressed a troubling bit of news. She told us that one of her classmates said that Hanukkah only exists because the Jews don't celebrate Christmas. My first gut reaction, of course, was of disgust; but I always try to respond to ignorance with education. If this comment was to be considered bullying; I am less concerned with stopping the bully, which often will never happen, than I am with strengthening my daughter's response. However, I realized as I tried to explain the way things truly are to my daughter, that this chick wasn't entirely wrong.
Fact: Christmas is the second most important observance in the Christian calendar, second only to Easter. Fact: Hanukkah, just,... well,... isn't. It's a lovely celebration, and special to the Jewish people, but it is not to the Jews anywhere close to the importance and significance of Christmas and Easter. In fact the two most important high Holy days in Judaism are Yom Kippur (and arguably the whole New Year celebration starting with Rosh Hashanah) and Passover. Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday.
So, why do I get pressure to include Hanukkah music on my Winter Concert? Why MUST there be a Menorah alongside that Christmas Tree? Well, imagine that you're a young Jewish kid, going to school in a mostly gentile neighborhood. We Christians don't just observe Christmas, we allow Christmas to explode all over the freakin' place. Christmas Lights everywhere, non-stop Christmas music on everyone's radio and iPod, Shopping frenzies! Now through all the hubbub about Christmas, here is a lonely solitary Jewish child who doesn't celebrate it. How left out they must feel, and how lonely. As much as people might try to include them in their Christmas merry-making, the fact remains, Santa's not bringing toys to their house, this is someone else's celebration.
So, what do you do for that child? You talk to them about their own celebration. "Hey, aren't you celebrating something this month? What's that holiday all about? You give each other gifts, too, right? And you play that game with the top, right? And wait... you fry stuff? AWESOME!" Maybe then, the child feels better about their own culture, and can be included in everyone's celebration. The only downside to this inclusion, is that it often breeds competition. Which holiday is better?
This competition, in the mind of the uneducated, can evolve into hatred of the other holiday, and thus, a war is invented. Like my 5 year old who doesn't yet understand that when another child shares her toys, they aren't TAKING them away, she still gets to play with them, too. She throws a fit, and we step in, the voices of reason, and remind her that it's about fairness. She does that... because she's 5! Adults are supposed to have outgrown that kind of selfishness. However, some still believe that if we share the holiday season with people of other cultures, who celebrate other holidays; that they're taking their holiday away.
Whenever I hear the words "War on Christmas," I can't help but hear, "Those damned Jews jumping on Christmas' bandwagon. Why should I bother to acknowledge their culture?" Answer: Because that what civilized people of good character do, nimrod.
Epilogue: My wife brought that child's comment to the attention of our daughter's teacher, and she suggested that my wife bring in some dreidels, teach the class to play, and talk about Hanukkah. We're even bringing in gelt for the kids to bring home. (Nut-free for the allergic.) Another example of ignorance defeated by education. If everyone bothered to learn about other people's culture, maybe we wouldn't feel the need to compete during December, and instead could focus on what the holidays are really about.
Besides, who can argue with a week-long celebration of Frying?!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
The "War on Christmas" - Chapter 1
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
I believe that my readers are too intelligent to fall for imaginary conflict when it is presented in media form. Which means that when Fox News, and other Republitard pundits start spewing their hatred and fueling a fabricated fire, most of you I'm sure will not fall for it. Rather, you'll engage the logic center in your brain, and come to the conclusion that there has to be fecal matter in their argument, and apparently, it is full of such material.
However, like the mythical Pickle on the Christmas Tree, or the belief that "the Christmas Shoes" is high quality Christmas music; the "War on Christmas" Myth is told so often, that it's permeating and infecting the joyous season that I love so dearly. So, today I begin a series of blog entries devoted to crushing and obliterating the ignorance and awakening the TRUE spirit of Christmas.
So, let's start with this: There is NO War on Christmas. Not that it's not that bad, or it's easily solved; it DOESN'T EXIST. The assumption asserted by the ironically named "Right" is that your freedom to celebrate Christmas as you see fit is in grave danger of becoming a memory. That some "force" out there is hunting down those who celebrate Christmas, and insisting that they stop it! This isn't happening. No such "Force" exists. Just calm down people!
The best evidence offered to back up this ridiculous idea is the fact that many stores, and public facilities have taken to greeting people with "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas." I don't believe that anyone truly ever saw this as an attack, but someone found it in their best interest to start that rumor, and start telling other idiots that it's true.
I'll never believe in the "War on Christmas" because I actually know my history. I know of several times in history when there truly WAS persecution against the Christmas holiday. It goes back to ancient Rome.
You may know of tales of the Ancient Romans throwing Christians to the Lions. In the days following Christ's resurrection, and the birth of Christianity, those who followed Jesus were not very welcomed by those in Rome. Many Christians chose to hide their religion in several ways. In fact, we now celebrate Christmas on December 25 for just this reason. That time of year coincides with the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which is celebrated with feasting, gift giving and all kinds of debauchery. Christians secretly celebrated the birth of Christ at the same time so that their celebration wouldn't stand out. Everyone was celebrating, and everyone's too drunk to ask specifically what was being celebrated.
And then there was England around the time of the Anglican Church, when King Henry insisted that all English people convert to the Church of England. Catholics that wouldn't convert were harassed and even arrested. Legend has it that the "12 Days of Christmas" is a symbolic code to teach children the tenets of Catholicism, such that no one would know what the song was truly about. Years later, when Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans took over rule of England, they abolished Christmas all together. The puritans didn't believe in celebrating Christmas, and Cromwell made that the law.
I don't think I even need to mention Nazi Germany, China, or the former Yugoslavia, or any other place where openly celebrating your religion can get you arrested, or even killed. THAT'S persecution my friend. Now, what inconvenience do you have to live with?
Oh, you mean rather than being greeted with "Merry Christmas" which applies only to Christians, they want you to greet people with "Happy Holidays," which applies to ALL faiths? Oh, the horror of having to include people whose beliefs differ from yours! You mean they also want to have a menorah featured alongside your Christmas tree in the public square? I'm sorry... Holiday Tree. (More on that later)
I'm sorry, people, but you aren't being persecuted; your faith is not being denied; and you aren't being asked to change your whole belief system. You're being asked to extend greetings to people who are NOT of the same faith as you. Which is common freaking courtesy, not a "War" on your faith!
We, the Christians, have basically all of December devoted to specials, movies, and music celebrating our holiday. No fewer than THREE different New York radio stations are currently playing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week of cheesy Christmas Music. The only place to find Hannukah music not written by Adam Sandler is on PBS. Hell, Christmas decorations have been up in the stores since Halloween! I say it again: There IS NO WAR ON CHRISTMAS!
Now, tell me that you have to move your Christmas party to another holiday date in order to hide the fact that you're Christian, lest you be thrown to the lions, and THEN you can talk to me about a "War on Christmas." When the president declares that Christmas is no longer a national holiday, and that people will be arrested for openly celebrating, then begin your crusade against Wal-mart. If a time ever comes that the government, or a community actively tries to restrict your freedom of religion, I will jump on the bandwagon, grab a flag, and take up arms to fight alongside you. You know, like when people attempt to shut down construction of a mosque, or vandalize a Jewish person's house with swastikas.
I believe that my readers are too intelligent to fall for imaginary conflict when it is presented in media form. Which means that when Fox News, and other Republitard pundits start spewing their hatred and fueling a fabricated fire, most of you I'm sure will not fall for it. Rather, you'll engage the logic center in your brain, and come to the conclusion that there has to be fecal matter in their argument, and apparently, it is full of such material.
However, like the mythical Pickle on the Christmas Tree, or the belief that "the Christmas Shoes" is high quality Christmas music; the "War on Christmas" Myth is told so often, that it's permeating and infecting the joyous season that I love so dearly. So, today I begin a series of blog entries devoted to crushing and obliterating the ignorance and awakening the TRUE spirit of Christmas.
So, let's start with this: There is NO War on Christmas. Not that it's not that bad, or it's easily solved; it DOESN'T EXIST. The assumption asserted by the ironically named "Right" is that your freedom to celebrate Christmas as you see fit is in grave danger of becoming a memory. That some "force" out there is hunting down those who celebrate Christmas, and insisting that they stop it! This isn't happening. No such "Force" exists. Just calm down people!
The best evidence offered to back up this ridiculous idea is the fact that many stores, and public facilities have taken to greeting people with "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas." I don't believe that anyone truly ever saw this as an attack, but someone found it in their best interest to start that rumor, and start telling other idiots that it's true.
I'll never believe in the "War on Christmas" because I actually know my history. I know of several times in history when there truly WAS persecution against the Christmas holiday. It goes back to ancient Rome.
You may know of tales of the Ancient Romans throwing Christians to the Lions. In the days following Christ's resurrection, and the birth of Christianity, those who followed Jesus were not very welcomed by those in Rome. Many Christians chose to hide their religion in several ways. In fact, we now celebrate Christmas on December 25 for just this reason. That time of year coincides with the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which is celebrated with feasting, gift giving and all kinds of debauchery. Christians secretly celebrated the birth of Christ at the same time so that their celebration wouldn't stand out. Everyone was celebrating, and everyone's too drunk to ask specifically what was being celebrated.
And then there was England around the time of the Anglican Church, when King Henry insisted that all English people convert to the Church of England. Catholics that wouldn't convert were harassed and even arrested. Legend has it that the "12 Days of Christmas" is a symbolic code to teach children the tenets of Catholicism, such that no one would know what the song was truly about. Years later, when Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans took over rule of England, they abolished Christmas all together. The puritans didn't believe in celebrating Christmas, and Cromwell made that the law.
I don't think I even need to mention Nazi Germany, China, or the former Yugoslavia, or any other place where openly celebrating your religion can get you arrested, or even killed. THAT'S persecution my friend. Now, what inconvenience do you have to live with?
Oh, you mean rather than being greeted with "Merry Christmas" which applies only to Christians, they want you to greet people with "Happy Holidays," which applies to ALL faiths? Oh, the horror of having to include people whose beliefs differ from yours! You mean they also want to have a menorah featured alongside your Christmas tree in the public square? I'm sorry... Holiday Tree. (More on that later)
I'm sorry, people, but you aren't being persecuted; your faith is not being denied; and you aren't being asked to change your whole belief system. You're being asked to extend greetings to people who are NOT of the same faith as you. Which is common freaking courtesy, not a "War" on your faith!
We, the Christians, have basically all of December devoted to specials, movies, and music celebrating our holiday. No fewer than THREE different New York radio stations are currently playing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week of cheesy Christmas Music. The only place to find Hannukah music not written by Adam Sandler is on PBS. Hell, Christmas decorations have been up in the stores since Halloween! I say it again: There IS NO WAR ON CHRISTMAS!
Now, tell me that you have to move your Christmas party to another holiday date in order to hide the fact that you're Christian, lest you be thrown to the lions, and THEN you can talk to me about a "War on Christmas." When the president declares that Christmas is no longer a national holiday, and that people will be arrested for openly celebrating, then begin your crusade against Wal-mart. If a time ever comes that the government, or a community actively tries to restrict your freedom of religion, I will jump on the bandwagon, grab a flag, and take up arms to fight alongside you. You know, like when people attempt to shut down construction of a mosque, or vandalize a Jewish person's house with swastikas.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Suggested List of OWS Demands
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
People often group me in with Liberals, and honestly that makes sense. Admittedly, most of my political views do often fall on the side of the Democrats. My dislike for the Republican party is probably not a secret. However, I must correct those people and remind you that I choose not to affiliate with ANY party. I believe that politicians should do what is RIGHT, and not what is in line with their party's agenda. I applaud those in Washington and Albany who come out and say, "Who cares what my colleagues think, this is the right thing to do, and I support it."
Because I am free to see all points of view, I actually agree with only one point the opposition to Occupy Wall Street brings up. This protest doesn't seem to have a point. Yes, the richest 1% have all the money, and are not paying their fair share of taxes. Yes, the banks and Wall Street got bailouts while the poor and middle class got screwed. The world is F-ed up, and it IS a problem, especially in this economy.
But even if the point has been driven home, the wealthy idiots who are the targets of the protest just don't get it. What do you people want us to do about it? They see their wealth as the reward for their hard work and success. Do you want them to stop being so awesome at their business that they lose money? Do you want them to give away all they have to charity, thus sentencing THEIR family to a life of poverty? Shall I ruin my business, and subject MORE people to unemployment?
They don't get it. They don't understand what they can do to make the situation better. Plus, there's really no end in sight for the protest. What needs to happen to satisfy the protesters and bring everything back to normal.
Well, I have a list of demands that I would like to offer to those participating in OWS. If they adopt this, and send THIS message to Wall Street, it at least sets boundaries and a negotiation starting point.
1. Stop C-Blocking attempts to raise taxes on the wealthy. The best, fastest solution to our economic troubles is to begin generating revenue. That means taxes. Poor and Middle Class families benefit most from government programs, so they best understand the need for tax dollars, and would pay more if they could. You guys can afford it, so, suck it up, do your patriotic duty. Instead of paying millions in lobbyists and bribes to politicians to keep them voting against tax increases on the rich; let them happen and pay a few hundred thousand more a year in taxes.
2. Release politicians from their anti-tax pledge. Many Republicans signed a pledge during their campaign to never, ever, ever raise taxes ever. There is still the threat of the consequences of breaking this pledge hanging over their heads. What if you released them from this, and instead suggested that you will support, vote for, and deify politicians that actually do something about the economy! Not talk about how the wealthy will save us... um... actually save us!
3. "Job Creators," how about actually creating jobs? Contrary to current Republican rhetoric, I know of no company that actually says, "I'm saving money thanks to tax cuts, so let me spend this additional income on hiring more staff." More likely, a company hires more staff because they have more work than people to do it. Or perhaps the wish to expand their company. Not hiring more people is a business choice, not an unfortunate result of high taxes. So, since the richest 1% are the "Job Creators,"create some frigging jobs! As I understand the President's Job bill, it's supposed to reward companies that hire new staff with a tax credit. It's also supposed to offer small businesses contracts to do work for government projects. More work = more staff = jobs. So... Pass This Bill!!!!
and
4. Every Bank must Re-finance Outstanding Mortgages and Credit Debt into a loan that is affordable. I'm not saying forgive outstanding debt, I'm saying roll it over into a loan with a logical, affordable monthly payment. Make it a condition that it must be paid regularly and payments must start immediately. Most people facing the threat of Foreclosure aren't there because they REFUSE to pay, they are there because they CAN'T AFFORD to pay. Start this project: go through your records, re-write the terms of every loan, contact the customers and offer them this chance to make their outstanding debt right again.
A) This creates Jobs! You now need to hire people to sort through all the paperwork. You need to hire people to train those people how to underwrite. JOBS, and not low level constructions jobs, (not that there's anything wrong with that,) but high level temp jobs to help people get back on their feet, and develop usable business skills.
B) It allows people to get out of their situation, and afford to spend money again, stimulating the economy. It also helps avoid foreclosure, which keeps them in their house, thus stimulating the real estate market.
and most importantly,
C) It makes you look like generous patriots interested in using your success and wealth to help the country recover from this crisis; not selfish douchebag elitists who care only about their own security. It would change your image, and prove the protesters wrong. It would gain BACK the trust of the people. Then, maybe, being a member of the richest 1% would become something people would WANT to be, instead of something people mock and insult. And then the 99% wouldn't feel the need to remind you that we are here, and we are hurt, and we are angry.
People often group me in with Liberals, and honestly that makes sense. Admittedly, most of my political views do often fall on the side of the Democrats. My dislike for the Republican party is probably not a secret. However, I must correct those people and remind you that I choose not to affiliate with ANY party. I believe that politicians should do what is RIGHT, and not what is in line with their party's agenda. I applaud those in Washington and Albany who come out and say, "Who cares what my colleagues think, this is the right thing to do, and I support it."
Because I am free to see all points of view, I actually agree with only one point the opposition to Occupy Wall Street brings up. This protest doesn't seem to have a point. Yes, the richest 1% have all the money, and are not paying their fair share of taxes. Yes, the banks and Wall Street got bailouts while the poor and middle class got screwed. The world is F-ed up, and it IS a problem, especially in this economy.
But even if the point has been driven home, the wealthy idiots who are the targets of the protest just don't get it. What do you people want us to do about it? They see their wealth as the reward for their hard work and success. Do you want them to stop being so awesome at their business that they lose money? Do you want them to give away all they have to charity, thus sentencing THEIR family to a life of poverty? Shall I ruin my business, and subject MORE people to unemployment?
They don't get it. They don't understand what they can do to make the situation better. Plus, there's really no end in sight for the protest. What needs to happen to satisfy the protesters and bring everything back to normal.
Well, I have a list of demands that I would like to offer to those participating in OWS. If they adopt this, and send THIS message to Wall Street, it at least sets boundaries and a negotiation starting point.
1. Stop C-Blocking attempts to raise taxes on the wealthy. The best, fastest solution to our economic troubles is to begin generating revenue. That means taxes. Poor and Middle Class families benefit most from government programs, so they best understand the need for tax dollars, and would pay more if they could. You guys can afford it, so, suck it up, do your patriotic duty. Instead of paying millions in lobbyists and bribes to politicians to keep them voting against tax increases on the rich; let them happen and pay a few hundred thousand more a year in taxes.
2. Release politicians from their anti-tax pledge. Many Republicans signed a pledge during their campaign to never, ever, ever raise taxes ever. There is still the threat of the consequences of breaking this pledge hanging over their heads. What if you released them from this, and instead suggested that you will support, vote for, and deify politicians that actually do something about the economy! Not talk about how the wealthy will save us... um... actually save us!
3. "Job Creators," how about actually creating jobs? Contrary to current Republican rhetoric, I know of no company that actually says, "I'm saving money thanks to tax cuts, so let me spend this additional income on hiring more staff." More likely, a company hires more staff because they have more work than people to do it. Or perhaps the wish to expand their company. Not hiring more people is a business choice, not an unfortunate result of high taxes. So, since the richest 1% are the "Job Creators,"create some frigging jobs! As I understand the President's Job bill, it's supposed to reward companies that hire new staff with a tax credit. It's also supposed to offer small businesses contracts to do work for government projects. More work = more staff = jobs. So... Pass This Bill!!!!
and
4. Every Bank must Re-finance Outstanding Mortgages and Credit Debt into a loan that is affordable. I'm not saying forgive outstanding debt, I'm saying roll it over into a loan with a logical, affordable monthly payment. Make it a condition that it must be paid regularly and payments must start immediately. Most people facing the threat of Foreclosure aren't there because they REFUSE to pay, they are there because they CAN'T AFFORD to pay. Start this project: go through your records, re-write the terms of every loan, contact the customers and offer them this chance to make their outstanding debt right again.
A) This creates Jobs! You now need to hire people to sort through all the paperwork. You need to hire people to train those people how to underwrite. JOBS, and not low level constructions jobs, (not that there's anything wrong with that,) but high level temp jobs to help people get back on their feet, and develop usable business skills.
B) It allows people to get out of their situation, and afford to spend money again, stimulating the economy. It also helps avoid foreclosure, which keeps them in their house, thus stimulating the real estate market.
and most importantly,
C) It makes you look like generous patriots interested in using your success and wealth to help the country recover from this crisis; not selfish douchebag elitists who care only about their own security. It would change your image, and prove the protesters wrong. It would gain BACK the trust of the people. Then, maybe, being a member of the richest 1% would become something people would WANT to be, instead of something people mock and insult. And then the 99% wouldn't feel the need to remind you that we are here, and we are hurt, and we are angry.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Thirteen Observations made by Lemony Snicket while watching Occupy Wall Street from a Discreet Distance
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/ and http://occupywriters.com/
by Lemony Snicket
1. If you work hard, and become successful, it does not necessarily mean you are successful because you worked hard, just as if you are tall with long hair it doesn’t mean you would be a midget if you were bald.
2. “Fortune” is a word for having a lot of money and for having a lot of luck, but that does not mean the word has two definitions.
3. Money is like a child—rarely unaccompanied. When it disappears, look to those who were supposed to be keeping an eye on it while you were at the grocery store. You might also look for someone who has a lot of extra children sitting around, with long, suspicious explanations for how they got there.
4. People who say money doesn’t matter are like people who say cake doesn’t matter—it’s probably because they’ve already had a few slices.
5. There may not be a reason to share your cake. It is, after all, yours. You probably baked it yourself, in an oven of your own construction with ingredients you harvested yourself. It may be possible to keep your entire cake while explaining to any nearby hungry people just how reasonable you are.
6. Nobody wants to fall into a safety net, because it means the structure in which they’ve been living is in a state of collapse and they have no choice but to tumble downwards. However, it beats the alternative.
7. Someone feeling wronged is like someone feeling thirsty. Don’t tell them they aren’t. Sit with them and have a drink.
8. Don’t ask yourself if something is fair. Ask someone else—a stranger in the street, for example.
9. People gathering in the streets feeling wronged tend to be loud, as it is difficult to make oneself heard on the other side of an impressive edifice.
10. It is not always the job of people shouting outside impressive buildings to solve problems. It is often the job of the people inside, who have paper, pens, desks, and an impressive view.
11. Historically, a story about people inside impressive buildings ignoring or even taunting people standing outside shouting at them turns out to be a story with an unhappy ending.
12. If you have a large crowd shouting outside your building, there might not be room for a safety net if you’re the one tumbling down when it collapses.
13. 99 percent is a very large percentage. For instance, easily 99 percent of people want a roof over their heads, food on their tables, and the occasional slice of cake for dessert. Surely an arrangement can be made with that niggling 1 percent who disagree.
by Lemony Snicket
1. If you work hard, and become successful, it does not necessarily mean you are successful because you worked hard, just as if you are tall with long hair it doesn’t mean you would be a midget if you were bald.
2. “Fortune” is a word for having a lot of money and for having a lot of luck, but that does not mean the word has two definitions.
3. Money is like a child—rarely unaccompanied. When it disappears, look to those who were supposed to be keeping an eye on it while you were at the grocery store. You might also look for someone who has a lot of extra children sitting around, with long, suspicious explanations for how they got there.
4. People who say money doesn’t matter are like people who say cake doesn’t matter—it’s probably because they’ve already had a few slices.
5. There may not be a reason to share your cake. It is, after all, yours. You probably baked it yourself, in an oven of your own construction with ingredients you harvested yourself. It may be possible to keep your entire cake while explaining to any nearby hungry people just how reasonable you are.
6. Nobody wants to fall into a safety net, because it means the structure in which they’ve been living is in a state of collapse and they have no choice but to tumble downwards. However, it beats the alternative.
7. Someone feeling wronged is like someone feeling thirsty. Don’t tell them they aren’t. Sit with them and have a drink.
8. Don’t ask yourself if something is fair. Ask someone else—a stranger in the street, for example.
9. People gathering in the streets feeling wronged tend to be loud, as it is difficult to make oneself heard on the other side of an impressive edifice.
10. It is not always the job of people shouting outside impressive buildings to solve problems. It is often the job of the people inside, who have paper, pens, desks, and an impressive view.
11. Historically, a story about people inside impressive buildings ignoring or even taunting people standing outside shouting at them turns out to be a story with an unhappy ending.
12. If you have a large crowd shouting outside your building, there might not be room for a safety net if you’re the one tumbling down when it collapses.
13. 99 percent is a very large percentage. For instance, easily 99 percent of people want a roof over their heads, food on their tables, and the occasional slice of cake for dessert. Surely an arrangement can be made with that niggling 1 percent who disagree.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Comparisons to Hitler
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
Hank Williams Jr. recently got "fired" from Monday Night Football because of an unfortunate comment he made on Fox News. What he said was that President Obama and Speaker Boehner playing golf together was like Hitler playing golf with Bibi Netanyahu. This was perceived by many as comparing Obama to Hitler. And it infuriated many.
This is not an isolated incident. The memory of Adolph Hitler is often dredged up by pundits and politicians trying to drive home their point in an extreme manner intended to shock and draw attention. Our two most recent presidents have both been often mentioned in the same sentence as the former Nazi leader. This often generates a very visceral response; as if this is radically inappropriate.
I think people need to understand why we feel the need to continue dredging up the memory of this mass murderer. Adolph Hitler has become the true embodiment of evil. What he did in Germany was about as despicable as the human race gets. Many comedians have pointed out that Adolph ruined the Hitler name for everyone else. (not to mention the name Adolph.) Even people who don't fully understand what he did, or the ramifications of the final solution, understand that his name means bad news. When we mean ultimate evil, we could use the name Satan, but the devil is abstract; we imagine what hell must be like, but we have no actual reports of any events involving the prince of darkness. Most of our other extreme images of evil are fictional, and therefore a very nice concept, but useless as a political image. No, Adolph Hitler is the one man in history whose evil actions are so well documented, studied, and had so much of an impact on the world. He's not the only person to commit genocide, but he's the only one to take it to that level. There are others who epitomize extreme prejudice, but they often look up to A.H. as their predecessor and mentor.
So, why make the comparison in the first place? Well, I have been known to evoke the name when talking about Rudolph Giuliani. I don't think that it's a secret that I do not like the man. It's mainly because of his feelings on the subject of censorship, (he favors it), and public education, (he opposes it). When people respond to this by saying, "Well, you gotta hand it to him, he cleaned up New York!" I respond by reminding them that Hitler brought Germany out of a post World War I depression. Am I comparing Giuliani to Hitler? No. I'm pointing out that doing one great thing doesn't make you a wonderful man; by pointing out that even Hitler, mankind's most evil person, did at least one good thing as a leader. My point is that, yes, Rudy cleaned up New York, but he also actively sabotaged the NYC public school system, and pushed for the de-funding of a museum because he was offended by one of the paintings. Never forget that on September 10, 2001, Rudy Giuliani was one of the most hated men in NY.
Hank Williams was not comparing President Obama to Hilter, he was using the image of Hitler playing golf with Benjamin Netanyahu as an illustration of the concept of enemies palling around and being sociable. In his mind, as with many idiot teabaggers, Democrats and Republicans are not colleagues on opposite ends of the political spactrum, but rather the archnemesis of the other; one good, one evil; one bent on world domination, and the other the only man who can stop him. This comparison proves that Hank Williams is a moron, but not that he's speaking inappropriately about the president.
There are two ways to counteract an argument, either you have the knowledge to prove it wrong, or you make people afraid of it. Thus, when people "got nothing" in a debate, they often turn to demonizing their opponent. Glenn Beck was fond of comparing Obama to Hitler. Obama, he claims, is a socialist. (He's not, by the way.) Hitler was a socialist. Ooooh I'm scared now. But he fails to mention that Adolph Hitler's socialist policies are NOT what made him evil. No one thinks, "Damn, that Adolph Hitler, and his universal healthcare. And his state funded educational system." It wasn't his socialism that made him evil, it was the totalitarianism, the fascism, and the mass extermination of an entire race that did that.
Compare that to when some compared George W. Bush to Hitler. THAT was because Bush implemented the Patriot act, that allowed the government to monitor citizen's actions and communications. He also ordered military takeovers of other countries. Hitler actually DID both of those things. Did it make him feel bad to be compared to Hitler? Probably. Did his opposition have a point? Well, they had more of a point than Obama's opposition do.
What I'm saying here, is that Adolph Hitler is the perfect symbol of all things evil. And if you're going to use that symbol to make a political point, just make sure your comparison makes sense. And hey, compared to Hitler, most of us are pretty OK people. So being compared to Hitler isn't so bad. Being LIKE Hitler is really awful.
Hank Williams Jr. recently got "fired" from Monday Night Football because of an unfortunate comment he made on Fox News. What he said was that President Obama and Speaker Boehner playing golf together was like Hitler playing golf with Bibi Netanyahu. This was perceived by many as comparing Obama to Hitler. And it infuriated many.
This is not an isolated incident. The memory of Adolph Hitler is often dredged up by pundits and politicians trying to drive home their point in an extreme manner intended to shock and draw attention. Our two most recent presidents have both been often mentioned in the same sentence as the former Nazi leader. This often generates a very visceral response; as if this is radically inappropriate.
I think people need to understand why we feel the need to continue dredging up the memory of this mass murderer. Adolph Hitler has become the true embodiment of evil. What he did in Germany was about as despicable as the human race gets. Many comedians have pointed out that Adolph ruined the Hitler name for everyone else. (not to mention the name Adolph.) Even people who don't fully understand what he did, or the ramifications of the final solution, understand that his name means bad news. When we mean ultimate evil, we could use the name Satan, but the devil is abstract; we imagine what hell must be like, but we have no actual reports of any events involving the prince of darkness. Most of our other extreme images of evil are fictional, and therefore a very nice concept, but useless as a political image. No, Adolph Hitler is the one man in history whose evil actions are so well documented, studied, and had so much of an impact on the world. He's not the only person to commit genocide, but he's the only one to take it to that level. There are others who epitomize extreme prejudice, but they often look up to A.H. as their predecessor and mentor.
So, why make the comparison in the first place? Well, I have been known to evoke the name when talking about Rudolph Giuliani. I don't think that it's a secret that I do not like the man. It's mainly because of his feelings on the subject of censorship, (he favors it), and public education, (he opposes it). When people respond to this by saying, "Well, you gotta hand it to him, he cleaned up New York!" I respond by reminding them that Hitler brought Germany out of a post World War I depression. Am I comparing Giuliani to Hitler? No. I'm pointing out that doing one great thing doesn't make you a wonderful man; by pointing out that even Hitler, mankind's most evil person, did at least one good thing as a leader. My point is that, yes, Rudy cleaned up New York, but he also actively sabotaged the NYC public school system, and pushed for the de-funding of a museum because he was offended by one of the paintings. Never forget that on September 10, 2001, Rudy Giuliani was one of the most hated men in NY.
Hank Williams was not comparing President Obama to Hilter, he was using the image of Hitler playing golf with Benjamin Netanyahu as an illustration of the concept of enemies palling around and being sociable. In his mind, as with many idiot teabaggers, Democrats and Republicans are not colleagues on opposite ends of the political spactrum, but rather the archnemesis of the other; one good, one evil; one bent on world domination, and the other the only man who can stop him. This comparison proves that Hank Williams is a moron, but not that he's speaking inappropriately about the president.
There are two ways to counteract an argument, either you have the knowledge to prove it wrong, or you make people afraid of it. Thus, when people "got nothing" in a debate, they often turn to demonizing their opponent. Glenn Beck was fond of comparing Obama to Hitler. Obama, he claims, is a socialist. (He's not, by the way.) Hitler was a socialist. Ooooh I'm scared now. But he fails to mention that Adolph Hitler's socialist policies are NOT what made him evil. No one thinks, "Damn, that Adolph Hitler, and his universal healthcare. And his state funded educational system." It wasn't his socialism that made him evil, it was the totalitarianism, the fascism, and the mass extermination of an entire race that did that.
Compare that to when some compared George W. Bush to Hitler. THAT was because Bush implemented the Patriot act, that allowed the government to monitor citizen's actions and communications. He also ordered military takeovers of other countries. Hitler actually DID both of those things. Did it make him feel bad to be compared to Hitler? Probably. Did his opposition have a point? Well, they had more of a point than Obama's opposition do.
What I'm saying here, is that Adolph Hitler is the perfect symbol of all things evil. And if you're going to use that symbol to make a political point, just make sure your comparison makes sense. And hey, compared to Hitler, most of us are pretty OK people. So being compared to Hitler isn't so bad. Being LIKE Hitler is really awful.
Monday, October 3, 2011
What I'm Watching on SUNDAY! (or not)
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com
SUNDAY is the new Thursday! Thanks to HBO, the big night for programming is on Sunday. The networks are following suit.
On HBO at the moment, it's all about Boardwalk Empire. Building on the popularity of gangster shows like the Sopranos, but set during prohibition era Atlantic City. This show lunches you into a realistic depiction of the actual politics of that era, and how Prohibition actually cause crime to BOOM. Steve Buscemi is amazing as Nucky Thompson, who is based on real life figure Nucky Johnson. They changed the name to give the writers the freedom to deviate dramatically from actual history; but most of the events that happen in the show, actually happened.
Hung, I can do without. And How to make it In America, not so much.
Fox has a whole animation block on Sundays. And as I mentioned before, the only time FOX comedies really work is when they are animated. The only "appointment" programming they have in my opinion is Family Guy. It's not that the Simpsons isn't funny, or The Cleveland Show, or American Dad. It's really more that I had to choose one, and FG won.
NBC reserves Sunday for special events like mini-series and sporting events. Someday they'll have programming, but not right now.
CBS has the Amazing Race, which should be more exciting. I mean it's a race around the world. It's won Emmys. The problem with AR is that it falls into the trap all Reality shows fall into. It's more about the wacky people on the show than it is about the competition.
The good news is that The Good Wife has moved to Sundays. This show is amazing, if you haven't seen it, you're missing out. Alicia Florrick (Juliana Marguiles) is the wife of disgraced State's Attorney Peter Florrick, who cheated on her with a hooker. While he was in jail, she went back to work for a law firm, and turns out she's a pretty good lawyer. She becomes friends with the awesome private investigator that works for the firm, Kalinda. Turns out, though, Kalinda used to work for Alicia's husband and they slept together. This has finally broken up their marriage, and gave Alicia the courage to sleep with Will Gardner, one of the firm's partners. Now, she's SEXY Alicia, and Peter, who is now out of jail, and re-elected, is looking to mess with her firm. Any questions, just write to me.
I can't deal with ABC's lineup. Desperate Housewives is just terrible guilty pleasure stuff. Brothers and Sisters, same thing. Extreme Makeover: The only edition that made any sense is overplayed, and in the reality show rut.
What I AM getting into is Pan Am. It's not anything really amazing or thrilling, and the hype of the show eclipses the actual content. But it has a charming group of characters, the pilots and stewardesses of Pan Am Airlines in the 60s. It discusses the image of the job, against the thrill of traveling the world, against the realities of the position. Add to that the intrigue of one stewardess who has been recruited by the CIA, and the side trips of the airline to evacuate refugees during the Bay of Pigs, and it's just interesting enough to hold my interest for now. Plus I know one of the core extras, so we play a game of "Spot Ray Gobes" during every episode.
So, my DVR is set for the return of House, and all the aforementioned programs. My DVR will be full for a few months. All is right with my entertainment. Please... enjoy. And if you profoundly disagree with any of my opinions. Use the web wisely.... leave a comment.
SUNDAY is the new Thursday! Thanks to HBO, the big night for programming is on Sunday. The networks are following suit.
On HBO at the moment, it's all about Boardwalk Empire. Building on the popularity of gangster shows like the Sopranos, but set during prohibition era Atlantic City. This show lunches you into a realistic depiction of the actual politics of that era, and how Prohibition actually cause crime to BOOM. Steve Buscemi is amazing as Nucky Thompson, who is based on real life figure Nucky Johnson. They changed the name to give the writers the freedom to deviate dramatically from actual history; but most of the events that happen in the show, actually happened.
Hung, I can do without. And How to make it In America, not so much.
Fox has a whole animation block on Sundays. And as I mentioned before, the only time FOX comedies really work is when they are animated. The only "appointment" programming they have in my opinion is Family Guy. It's not that the Simpsons isn't funny, or The Cleveland Show, or American Dad. It's really more that I had to choose one, and FG won.
NBC reserves Sunday for special events like mini-series and sporting events. Someday they'll have programming, but not right now.
CBS has the Amazing Race, which should be more exciting. I mean it's a race around the world. It's won Emmys. The problem with AR is that it falls into the trap all Reality shows fall into. It's more about the wacky people on the show than it is about the competition.
The good news is that The Good Wife has moved to Sundays. This show is amazing, if you haven't seen it, you're missing out. Alicia Florrick (Juliana Marguiles) is the wife of disgraced State's Attorney Peter Florrick, who cheated on her with a hooker. While he was in jail, she went back to work for a law firm, and turns out she's a pretty good lawyer. She becomes friends with the awesome private investigator that works for the firm, Kalinda. Turns out, though, Kalinda used to work for Alicia's husband and they slept together. This has finally broken up their marriage, and gave Alicia the courage to sleep with Will Gardner, one of the firm's partners. Now, she's SEXY Alicia, and Peter, who is now out of jail, and re-elected, is looking to mess with her firm. Any questions, just write to me.
I can't deal with ABC's lineup. Desperate Housewives is just terrible guilty pleasure stuff. Brothers and Sisters, same thing. Extreme Makeover: The only edition that made any sense is overplayed, and in the reality show rut.
What I AM getting into is Pan Am. It's not anything really amazing or thrilling, and the hype of the show eclipses the actual content. But it has a charming group of characters, the pilots and stewardesses of Pan Am Airlines in the 60s. It discusses the image of the job, against the thrill of traveling the world, against the realities of the position. Add to that the intrigue of one stewardess who has been recruited by the CIA, and the side trips of the airline to evacuate refugees during the Bay of Pigs, and it's just interesting enough to hold my interest for now. Plus I know one of the core extras, so we play a game of "Spot Ray Gobes" during every episode.
So, my DVR is set for the return of House, and all the aforementioned programs. My DVR will be full for a few months. All is right with my entertainment. Please... enjoy. And if you profoundly disagree with any of my opinions. Use the web wisely.... leave a comment.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
What I'm watching (or Not) 2011 - Thursday
Courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com
Fridays and Saturdays are basically re-run days, so Thursdays are the final day of the TV week, that is... until Sunday! I remember when Thursdays were "Must See TV." You would not make plans for Thursdays, because you HAD to be home to watch TV, so that you could discuss the shows at work the next day. That's when it was all about NBC's Comedy line up. Those days are OVER!
The only current NBC Thursday night comedy I can stomach is Community. The producers hit gold with the perfect casting, tone, and writing to this show. They also play with genre and concept which brings them a lot of flexibility with their storylines. If you haven't seen it; the plot revolves around a study group of various ages, races, and personal situations at a second rate community college. The genius is setting it at a COMMUNITY college means that older actors and younger actors can all act like immature school kids.
I think, psychologically, my issue with Parks and Recreation and The Office is my desire for escapism. Both shows center around characters who are in charge, and yet are completely incompetent. I deal with that in real life, and simply don't find it funny. I also get very irritated with the whole "Mockumetary" style of storytelling.
I think, psychologically, my issue with Whitney, is... well.. it sucks. Whitney Cummings is simply not funny, and the writing is amateurishly horrible.
While we're on the subject of sitcoms, How To Be a Gentleman is ALSO not good. It's trying, but not hitting the marks.
I'm very offended by comedy based on mockery of so-called "Nerds." I did NOT like Napoleon Dynamite, and for the same reason, I don't like Big Bang Theory. People love it. I know. Jim Parsons plays an effeminate nerd quite realistically, and people enjoy laughing at the smart guy intentionally written to be unsympathetic so that we don't feel guilty for laughing at him. I, personally, don't find it funny, and will pass, thank you.
I never got into The Mentalist. See my commentary about Castle. I'm also not a fan of Prime Suspect but for different reasons. I REALLY don't like the tone of it. It was created by Peter Berg, and I am not a fan of his work.
Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. No.
The New Charlie's Angels should be awesome, what with modern action techniques and all. The acting, however, is TERRIBLE. It's also a remake, and remakes hardly ever work. I think Battlestar Galactica is the only time.
Person of Interest on the other hand, is original, well acted, and superiorly written. And since J.J.Abrams has his hand in it, you can bet that there's more to the story than is on the surface. Jim Caviezel is amazing, and Michael Emerson is, well, Michael Emerson. (Which is to say Awesome!) The story involves a computer created after 9/11 intended to monitor all cellphone activity, and track patterns in order to hunt down terrorists. A side effect is that it also finds possible murders and other crimes, but considers them to be "Irrelevant." Emerson, the computer's programmer enlists ex-CIA hitman Caviezel to find the people on the "Irrelevant" list and help to stop the murders.
Next up... SUNDAY!
In the meantime... Check out my opinions about...
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Fridays and Saturdays are basically re-run days, so Thursdays are the final day of the TV week, that is... until Sunday! I remember when Thursdays were "Must See TV." You would not make plans for Thursdays, because you HAD to be home to watch TV, so that you could discuss the shows at work the next day. That's when it was all about NBC's Comedy line up. Those days are OVER!
The only current NBC Thursday night comedy I can stomach is Community. The producers hit gold with the perfect casting, tone, and writing to this show. They also play with genre and concept which brings them a lot of flexibility with their storylines. If you haven't seen it; the plot revolves around a study group of various ages, races, and personal situations at a second rate community college. The genius is setting it at a COMMUNITY college means that older actors and younger actors can all act like immature school kids.
I think, psychologically, my issue with Parks and Recreation and The Office is my desire for escapism. Both shows center around characters who are in charge, and yet are completely incompetent. I deal with that in real life, and simply don't find it funny. I also get very irritated with the whole "Mockumetary" style of storytelling.
I think, psychologically, my issue with Whitney, is... well.. it sucks. Whitney Cummings is simply not funny, and the writing is amateurishly horrible.
While we're on the subject of sitcoms, How To Be a Gentleman is ALSO not good. It's trying, but not hitting the marks.
I'm very offended by comedy based on mockery of so-called "Nerds." I did NOT like Napoleon Dynamite, and for the same reason, I don't like Big Bang Theory. People love it. I know. Jim Parsons plays an effeminate nerd quite realistically, and people enjoy laughing at the smart guy intentionally written to be unsympathetic so that we don't feel guilty for laughing at him. I, personally, don't find it funny, and will pass, thank you.
I never got into The Mentalist. See my commentary about Castle. I'm also not a fan of Prime Suspect but for different reasons. I REALLY don't like the tone of it. It was created by Peter Berg, and I am not a fan of his work.
Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. No.
The New Charlie's Angels should be awesome, what with modern action techniques and all. The acting, however, is TERRIBLE. It's also a remake, and remakes hardly ever work. I think Battlestar Galactica is the only time.
Person of Interest on the other hand, is original, well acted, and superiorly written. And since J.J.Abrams has his hand in it, you can bet that there's more to the story than is on the surface. Jim Caviezel is amazing, and Michael Emerson is, well, Michael Emerson. (Which is to say Awesome!) The story involves a computer created after 9/11 intended to monitor all cellphone activity, and track patterns in order to hunt down terrorists. A side effect is that it also finds possible murders and other crimes, but considers them to be "Irrelevant." Emerson, the computer's programmer enlists ex-CIA hitman Caviezel to find the people on the "Irrelevant" list and help to stop the murders.
Next up... SUNDAY!
In the meantime... Check out my opinions about...
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday, September 29, 2011
What I'm Watching (or not) 2011 - Wednesday
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com
We continue my recommendations and rants about the new TV season with Wednesday night's offerings.
Right off the bat, let's get the two "reality" shows out of the way. I have hated Survivor ever since it became clear that it was, indeed, NOT about surviving on a desert island. When Richard Hatch won, not by being the best at camping, hunting and foraging, but rather by being sneaky and "playing the game;" that's when I decided never to watch it again. It also burst the bubble of mystique that surrounds all "reality" shows: the illusion that it is based in "reality." (Thus the word "reality" being in quotes.)
The X-factor is off my list because I already know it's going to suck. How? Because American Idol and America's Got Talent suck. And don't let the change in name, or adjustment of age restrictions fool you, it's the same damned search for the next big over hyped music business failure.
The thing about Criminal Minds and L&O:SVU, is my thing about cop shows. Procedurals like most of these programs bore me, unless they have a cool character, or interesting twist that grabs me. CSI:Crime Scene Investigation, for example has a look and "attitude" about it that drew me in immediately, and no matter how cheesy the plot lines get, I'm hooked, and won't stop watching until the show starts to suck, which hasn't happened yet. I liked Harry's Law at first, but it lost me after a few episodes.
So now, the GOOD stuff. I knew from the early promos that I would LOVE Up All Night. As a father, I can relate to the experience of being a new parent and the changes that occur in one's life when a baby comes into the picture. What makes this show truly great is the great performances by Christina Applegate, Will Arnett, and Maya Rudolph. Also, it's not entirely about new parenthood, this is just the backdrop for comedy based on these very funny characters. Well done.
On the other hand, Free Agents, is not as great. These characters are not as funny or lovable, and the writing is just too... sitcom-y. The Middle, on the other hand, is very funny, and is also kid friendly enough that my daughters love it. The writing is clever, and the characters are quirky exaggerations of realistic characters. Many families nowadays feel as if they're in the same situations as the Hecks. That's what I love about it. There's a piece of my whole family in every plot line.
I DON'T connect with Modern Family, Suburgatory or Happy Endings. I know, Emmy winner, and ABC favorite, but, to me, not funny. Modern Family's humor is based on stereotype and that wacky humor that killed Cougar Town for me.
Which brings me to the most exciting show of the new season... Revenge. This drama about what is going to be a brilliant revenge plot against a privileged Hamptons family that ruins careers and reputations. Victoria Grayson destroyed Amanda's family by falsely accusing her father of aiding terrorists. She has now changed her name and is back in the Hamptons to systematically destroy each person involved with the plot against her family, including Victoria. The back story is told gradually through flashbacks and you secretly get a nice feeling of catharsis when each of these scumbags get theirs. Very well done, and not to be missed. Sadly, the concept limits the show to one season, unless they pull a "Prison Break" and make Emily help someone else seek revenge against the people who wronged THEM. But I don't see that happening.
Check out past blogs regarding:
Mondays
Tuesdays
We continue my recommendations and rants about the new TV season with Wednesday night's offerings.
Right off the bat, let's get the two "reality" shows out of the way. I have hated Survivor ever since it became clear that it was, indeed, NOT about surviving on a desert island. When Richard Hatch won, not by being the best at camping, hunting and foraging, but rather by being sneaky and "playing the game;" that's when I decided never to watch it again. It also burst the bubble of mystique that surrounds all "reality" shows: the illusion that it is based in "reality." (Thus the word "reality" being in quotes.)
The X-factor is off my list because I already know it's going to suck. How? Because American Idol and America's Got Talent suck. And don't let the change in name, or adjustment of age restrictions fool you, it's the same damned search for the next big over hyped music business failure.
The thing about Criminal Minds and L&O:SVU, is my thing about cop shows. Procedurals like most of these programs bore me, unless they have a cool character, or interesting twist that grabs me. CSI:Crime Scene Investigation, for example has a look and "attitude" about it that drew me in immediately, and no matter how cheesy the plot lines get, I'm hooked, and won't stop watching until the show starts to suck, which hasn't happened yet. I liked Harry's Law at first, but it lost me after a few episodes.
So now, the GOOD stuff. I knew from the early promos that I would LOVE Up All Night. As a father, I can relate to the experience of being a new parent and the changes that occur in one's life when a baby comes into the picture. What makes this show truly great is the great performances by Christina Applegate, Will Arnett, and Maya Rudolph. Also, it's not entirely about new parenthood, this is just the backdrop for comedy based on these very funny characters. Well done.
On the other hand, Free Agents, is not as great. These characters are not as funny or lovable, and the writing is just too... sitcom-y. The Middle, on the other hand, is very funny, and is also kid friendly enough that my daughters love it. The writing is clever, and the characters are quirky exaggerations of realistic characters. Many families nowadays feel as if they're in the same situations as the Hecks. That's what I love about it. There's a piece of my whole family in every plot line.
I DON'T connect with Modern Family, Suburgatory or Happy Endings. I know, Emmy winner, and ABC favorite, but, to me, not funny. Modern Family's humor is based on stereotype and that wacky humor that killed Cougar Town for me.
Which brings me to the most exciting show of the new season... Revenge. This drama about what is going to be a brilliant revenge plot against a privileged Hamptons family that ruins careers and reputations. Victoria Grayson destroyed Amanda's family by falsely accusing her father of aiding terrorists. She has now changed her name and is back in the Hamptons to systematically destroy each person involved with the plot against her family, including Victoria. The back story is told gradually through flashbacks and you secretly get a nice feeling of catharsis when each of these scumbags get theirs. Very well done, and not to be missed. Sadly, the concept limits the show to one season, unless they pull a "Prison Break" and make Emily help someone else seek revenge against the people who wronged THEM. But I don't see that happening.
Check out past blogs regarding:
Mondays
Tuesdays
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
What I'm Watching (or not) - Tuesday
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com
Monday's line up is a virtual treasure trove of quality programming. Tuesday is so much easier. With the exception of one very nice show, everything else is crap.
I'm aware that FX's Sons of Anarchy is on Tuesday, and it's apparently very good. I haven't seen it, so SoA is going to be the show I rent on video starting from the first season. If FX would rerun the series between seasons (hint, hint) I would ABSOLUTELY be there, but in the meantime, I'm sticking to network shows.
Tuesday is dominated by "reality" competitions. ABC has the reveal show of Dancing with the Stars, which I could never get into. The whole premise of this show is that we will get people with no talent for dance, and watch them as they embarrass themselves in competition. At least we are told on American Idol that the competitors are SUPPOSED to be good! DWTS is built on the idea that Nancy Grace is going to try to dance, and it's going to be hysterical. One good thing I'll say about the show is that it is consistent with my philosophy: That with hard work, proper instruction, and lots of practice; ANYONE can participate in the arts. I still won't watch it, though.
The Biggest Loser also has a good message to it. I know of several people who use the show as inspiration for their own weight loss. I have nothing bad to say about the show, except that I dislike reality television, ergo, my beliefs forbid my indulgence.
Glee. I am so happy that this might be the last season of this: the bane of my existence. The Glee audience took a while to come around, but are starting to realize what I realized from the get go. This show SUCKS!
NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles are CSI wannabes. I LOVE CSI, and see Miami, NY, and NCIS as being knock offs. I stick to the original!
Unforgettable had an interesting premise, a woman with a perfect memory who remembers absolutely everything. Except for that one traumatic event she can't remember. Oh, and she can't remember stuff right away, she has to really think about it, and she often misses details until the very end when it's dramatically convenient to get that one important clue.... So disappointed.
Parenthood is about a family that I can only stand for a 2-hour movie, but cannot possibly see myself tuning in for 13 episodes. I'm sure the show's good, but it turned me off.
Raising Hope suffers from "Fox sitcom syndrome." It's trying to be original and quirky, and "out there" to the point where it's not really funny. They keep trying, but the only way that formula works is if the show is animated. I don't know; maybe it's the fact that animation separates it from reality enough to allow for the zaniness. Even sitcoms that used this idea effectively like Scrubs, used it in dream sequences to separate it from reality. Fox shows, and other bad sitcoms often go from the premise that this zany world where everything is off the wall is REAL. I don't buy it, which is why I don't buy into shows like the Office, Parks and Rec, Big Bang Theory.
That having been said, I absolutely LOVE The New Girl. Which is strange because Zooey Deschanel usually creeps me out. But she delivers a nice quirky casualness to her awkwardness to this character that grounds her, and makes this a very funny show. The guys she moves in with are also silly, but realistic, and play off each other as if they're actually friends, and genuinely care for their new roommate. And it's written well. I like the show. The formula works here. Do more of that, Fox.
So now, I only need to see Body of Proof. I didn't see the preview mini-season, because honestly, I didn't think I'd like it. But not to dismiss something before learning about it, I will check it out tonight, and see what's up. I'll get back to you on that.
Tomorrow: CSI and REVENGE!!!!
Monday's line up is a virtual treasure trove of quality programming. Tuesday is so much easier. With the exception of one very nice show, everything else is crap.
I'm aware that FX's Sons of Anarchy is on Tuesday, and it's apparently very good. I haven't seen it, so SoA is going to be the show I rent on video starting from the first season. If FX would rerun the series between seasons (hint, hint) I would ABSOLUTELY be there, but in the meantime, I'm sticking to network shows.
Tuesday is dominated by "reality" competitions. ABC has the reveal show of Dancing with the Stars, which I could never get into. The whole premise of this show is that we will get people with no talent for dance, and watch them as they embarrass themselves in competition. At least we are told on American Idol that the competitors are SUPPOSED to be good! DWTS is built on the idea that Nancy Grace is going to try to dance, and it's going to be hysterical. One good thing I'll say about the show is that it is consistent with my philosophy: That with hard work, proper instruction, and lots of practice; ANYONE can participate in the arts. I still won't watch it, though.
The Biggest Loser also has a good message to it. I know of several people who use the show as inspiration for their own weight loss. I have nothing bad to say about the show, except that I dislike reality television, ergo, my beliefs forbid my indulgence.
Glee. I am so happy that this might be the last season of this: the bane of my existence. The Glee audience took a while to come around, but are starting to realize what I realized from the get go. This show SUCKS!
NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles are CSI wannabes. I LOVE CSI, and see Miami, NY, and NCIS as being knock offs. I stick to the original!
Unforgettable had an interesting premise, a woman with a perfect memory who remembers absolutely everything. Except for that one traumatic event she can't remember. Oh, and she can't remember stuff right away, she has to really think about it, and she often misses details until the very end when it's dramatically convenient to get that one important clue.... So disappointed.
Parenthood is about a family that I can only stand for a 2-hour movie, but cannot possibly see myself tuning in for 13 episodes. I'm sure the show's good, but it turned me off.
Raising Hope suffers from "Fox sitcom syndrome." It's trying to be original and quirky, and "out there" to the point where it's not really funny. They keep trying, but the only way that formula works is if the show is animated. I don't know; maybe it's the fact that animation separates it from reality enough to allow for the zaniness. Even sitcoms that used this idea effectively like Scrubs, used it in dream sequences to separate it from reality. Fox shows, and other bad sitcoms often go from the premise that this zany world where everything is off the wall is REAL. I don't buy it, which is why I don't buy into shows like the Office, Parks and Rec, Big Bang Theory.
That having been said, I absolutely LOVE The New Girl. Which is strange because Zooey Deschanel usually creeps me out. But she delivers a nice quirky casualness to her awkwardness to this character that grounds her, and makes this a very funny show. The guys she moves in with are also silly, but realistic, and play off each other as if they're actually friends, and genuinely care for their new roommate. And it's written well. I like the show. The formula works here. Do more of that, Fox.
So now, I only need to see Body of Proof. I didn't see the preview mini-season, because honestly, I didn't think I'd like it. But not to dismiss something before learning about it, I will check it out tonight, and see what's up. I'll get back to you on that.
Tomorrow: CSI and REVENGE!!!!
Monday, September 26, 2011
What I'm Watching 2011 (Or Not) - Mondays
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com
Well, TV Premiere Week is ended, and we're headlong into the new season. Every year, I DVR every first episode of as many shows as possible, then watch. Some I love immediately. Some, well, not so much.
Monday - I'm in a quandary! I'm a HUGE How I Met Your Mother fan, and yet, there are two powerhouse shows on at exactly the same time, and my DVR can only tape two shows at once. So, as consistently awesome as HIMYM is... I'll have to catch you on the Internet, because The Sing-off is on!
I'm a rabid fan of a cappella music, which explains my obsession with this singing competition for a cappella groups, but there's more that brings this show above and beyond the quality of shows like American Idol, or it's illegitimate evil demonic twin, the X-Factor. Whereas other "singing" shows are about embellishing the crap out of a melody, and blasting away the microphone's decibel limit the power of your screaming; Sing-off shows of genuine musicianship. Also, Sing-off has actual judges who a) know what they're talking about, and b)offer constructive MUSICAL criticism to the groups. They've also lost their weak link, Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger, for whom the first comment was, "You mean you all sing different notes? What's that like?" She's been replace by the infinitely more knowledgeable Sara Bareilles, who like Shawn Stockman, and unlike Ben Folds, was actually IN an a cappella group.
Tonight, I check out Terra Nova, and if Fox doesn't screw it up, it will be awesome!
Meanwhile, 2 Broke Girls SUCKED! In the first scene, the main character rudely tells off a customer in the diner she works in, and rattles off a series of "jokes" that, while it would be cool for someone to put someone else in their place like that, establish that this is going to be a show that is build on "wisecracking." I just found it grating, and annoying, and not really funny. I DID find it interesting that it was co-created by Whitney Cummings, and after watching her other show, Whitney, I'm not surprised it's so bad. Cummings made her name by being featured in Comedy Central Roasts, and that brand of humor works there, but not so much in a sitcom. Plus, her stand up is the stereotypical epitome of the bad female comic.
The Playboy Club looked sexy but then I watched a whole episode and....zzzzzzzzzz. They started with a plot of one of the bunnies killing a mobster, and then something else happened, and I was so bored I shut it off. Clearly NBC is trying to sell the show as being provocative and sexy, but yeah, plot matters also.
I'm also back on Hawaii Five-0. I missed a few episodes, and got lost, but I'm back now, and so is 5-0. Terry O'Quinn is on the show now, and it's only a matter of time before they turn the wheel and make the island of Kauai disappear into the fabric of time. Or is that another show set in Hawaii starring Daniel Dae Kim?
For the record, I actually LIKED Charlie Sheen before his meltdown, and thought he was funny. Jon Cryer is awesome. Hot Shots and Hot Shots Part Deux are two of my favorite comedies. But the writing of Two and a Half Men didn't grab me, and I decided not to watch it, even when I LIKED the cast. Now Ashton Kutcher's on it. And I hate him. So why would I watch it now? Just to see Charlie's character die? No Thanks.
Mike and Molly, Sweet Show, well done, but just, eh. Nothing brilliant or addicting about it to make it worth my DVR space. And Castle? I know people like it, but it feeds into a pet peeve of mine. I prefer crime shows where the cops catch the criminals. There have been a string of shows where civilians with "Special powers" help the cops, and actually solve the crimes better than the police would. The Mentalist, a magician. Numbers, Math. The new show, Unforgettable. And also Castle where a mystery writer can solve a mystery better than a cop can. Not feeling it. And before you bring up Psych, don't forget that he is passing himself off as a psychic, but has actually been trained by his father as a detective. So, he's more of a private eye, which is OK. Well, that covers Monday. See you tomorrow.
Well, TV Premiere Week is ended, and we're headlong into the new season. Every year, I DVR every first episode of as many shows as possible, then watch. Some I love immediately. Some, well, not so much.
Monday - I'm in a quandary! I'm a HUGE How I Met Your Mother fan, and yet, there are two powerhouse shows on at exactly the same time, and my DVR can only tape two shows at once. So, as consistently awesome as HIMYM is... I'll have to catch you on the Internet, because The Sing-off is on!
I'm a rabid fan of a cappella music, which explains my obsession with this singing competition for a cappella groups, but there's more that brings this show above and beyond the quality of shows like American Idol, or it's illegitimate evil demonic twin, the X-Factor. Whereas other "singing" shows are about embellishing the crap out of a melody, and blasting away the microphone's decibel limit the power of your screaming; Sing-off shows of genuine musicianship. Also, Sing-off has actual judges who a) know what they're talking about, and b)offer constructive MUSICAL criticism to the groups. They've also lost their weak link, Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger, for whom the first comment was, "You mean you all sing different notes? What's that like?" She's been replace by the infinitely more knowledgeable Sara Bareilles, who like Shawn Stockman, and unlike Ben Folds, was actually IN an a cappella group.
Tonight, I check out Terra Nova, and if Fox doesn't screw it up, it will be awesome!
Meanwhile, 2 Broke Girls SUCKED! In the first scene, the main character rudely tells off a customer in the diner she works in, and rattles off a series of "jokes" that, while it would be cool for someone to put someone else in their place like that, establish that this is going to be a show that is build on "wisecracking." I just found it grating, and annoying, and not really funny. I DID find it interesting that it was co-created by Whitney Cummings, and after watching her other show, Whitney, I'm not surprised it's so bad. Cummings made her name by being featured in Comedy Central Roasts, and that brand of humor works there, but not so much in a sitcom. Plus, her stand up is the stereotypical epitome of the bad female comic.
The Playboy Club looked sexy but then I watched a whole episode and....zzzzzzzzzz. They started with a plot of one of the bunnies killing a mobster, and then something else happened, and I was so bored I shut it off. Clearly NBC is trying to sell the show as being provocative and sexy, but yeah, plot matters also.
I'm also back on Hawaii Five-0. I missed a few episodes, and got lost, but I'm back now, and so is 5-0. Terry O'Quinn is on the show now, and it's only a matter of time before they turn the wheel and make the island of Kauai disappear into the fabric of time. Or is that another show set in Hawaii starring Daniel Dae Kim?
For the record, I actually LIKED Charlie Sheen before his meltdown, and thought he was funny. Jon Cryer is awesome. Hot Shots and Hot Shots Part Deux are two of my favorite comedies. But the writing of Two and a Half Men didn't grab me, and I decided not to watch it, even when I LIKED the cast. Now Ashton Kutcher's on it. And I hate him. So why would I watch it now? Just to see Charlie's character die? No Thanks.
Mike and Molly, Sweet Show, well done, but just, eh. Nothing brilliant or addicting about it to make it worth my DVR space. And Castle? I know people like it, but it feeds into a pet peeve of mine. I prefer crime shows where the cops catch the criminals. There have been a string of shows where civilians with "Special powers" help the cops, and actually solve the crimes better than the police would. The Mentalist, a magician. Numbers, Math. The new show, Unforgettable. And also Castle where a mystery writer can solve a mystery better than a cop can. Not feeling it. And before you bring up Psych, don't forget that he is passing himself off as a psychic, but has actually been trained by his father as a detective. So, he's more of a private eye, which is OK. Well, that covers Monday. See you tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Haven't Blogged in a while.
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
I haven't blogged in a while, so allow me to just drop a few random thoughts your way to catch up.
I realize that both last year, and this year, I tend to blog heavily from Jan to June, and then Sept to Dec. Summer blogs are relatively light. And that's the time that I have the most free time to write. There's only one explanation for this... I tend to blog in order to avoid work.
My best guess is that the writers of this year's Emmy awards telecast were being satirical. Their point seemed to be that awards shows are really stupid, so let's amp up the stupid in order to illustrate how stupid it is. Stupid opening scene, Stupid banter, Stupid voice over announcements when winners go up, stupid stupid stupid! One highlight: Freak Bill Macy!
Don't Ask Don't Tell ended today. For my thoughts on this issue, click here.... Just let me add my thoughts from this morning. It hit me... there are ALREADY gays in the military and they have been closeted. So in other words, the troops that politicians have been praising, and supporting, include the gay ones. Being in favor of DADT, is to say, "I support the troops, they're true heroes, except for the gay ones."
Can I just mention something.... President Obama can only create government jobs. Business owners can create real jobs. Tax cuts to business owners are a nice incentive, but ultimately, jobs are created when there is a demand for a larger workforce. If you can run your business with 2 people, you don't need to hire a third. No business owner in history has ever said, "I got a nice tax break, which leaves me with all this extra money. Let's add a few staffers." More likely they'll celebrate the added profit by buying stuff, or pocketing the cash. Now, the opposite IS true: If business is losing money, and they can't afford to have so many employees, they may be forced to cut. But the only thing that will create more work, is... more work.
Why is it that whenever I hear the president speak lately, all I can think about is "The American President?" Particularly the final speech?
It's now three weeks into the new school year, and I keep feeling like it's December, and my students are way behind. Then I remind myself, it's only September, and we're on track.
Through my bullshit filter, all I hear from the Republicans complaining about the HPV vaccine is... "How DARE you protect my daughter from cancer? You can't make me help keep my daughter healthy! If I want to put my 12 year old daughter at risk of contracting a virus that has been known to cause cervical cancer, then the government can't make me do otherwise. I have every right to be stupid!"
Sunday, I played in a band with some friends for their son's 1st birthday. We did kid's songs, and many original pieces. Last night I watched "The Sing-off." Today, I want to start a children's group, a band, and an a cappella group.
I haven't blogged in a while, so allow me to just drop a few random thoughts your way to catch up.
I realize that both last year, and this year, I tend to blog heavily from Jan to June, and then Sept to Dec. Summer blogs are relatively light. And that's the time that I have the most free time to write. There's only one explanation for this... I tend to blog in order to avoid work.
My best guess is that the writers of this year's Emmy awards telecast were being satirical. Their point seemed to be that awards shows are really stupid, so let's amp up the stupid in order to illustrate how stupid it is. Stupid opening scene, Stupid banter, Stupid voice over announcements when winners go up, stupid stupid stupid! One highlight: Freak Bill Macy!
Don't Ask Don't Tell ended today. For my thoughts on this issue, click here.... Just let me add my thoughts from this morning. It hit me... there are ALREADY gays in the military and they have been closeted. So in other words, the troops that politicians have been praising, and supporting, include the gay ones. Being in favor of DADT, is to say, "I support the troops, they're true heroes, except for the gay ones."
Can I just mention something.... President Obama can only create government jobs. Business owners can create real jobs. Tax cuts to business owners are a nice incentive, but ultimately, jobs are created when there is a demand for a larger workforce. If you can run your business with 2 people, you don't need to hire a third. No business owner in history has ever said, "I got a nice tax break, which leaves me with all this extra money. Let's add a few staffers." More likely they'll celebrate the added profit by buying stuff, or pocketing the cash. Now, the opposite IS true: If business is losing money, and they can't afford to have so many employees, they may be forced to cut. But the only thing that will create more work, is... more work.
Why is it that whenever I hear the president speak lately, all I can think about is "The American President?" Particularly the final speech?
It's now three weeks into the new school year, and I keep feeling like it's December, and my students are way behind. Then I remind myself, it's only September, and we're on track.
Through my bullshit filter, all I hear from the Republicans complaining about the HPV vaccine is... "How DARE you protect my daughter from cancer? You can't make me help keep my daughter healthy! If I want to put my 12 year old daughter at risk of contracting a virus that has been known to cause cervical cancer, then the government can't make me do otherwise. I have every right to be stupid!"
Sunday, I played in a band with some friends for their son's 1st birthday. We did kid's songs, and many original pieces. Last night I watched "The Sing-off." Today, I want to start a children's group, a band, and an a cappella group.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
I Know What Sean and Christine Did Last Summer
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com
They have just 19 more weeks, and Sean and Christine Fitzgerald have had an amazing summer creating film brilliance for Project 52. As in my previous Blog Entries, I will take you through the Summer of 2011; Films number 21-33.
Week 21 - SHOWDOWN - They immediately stepped up their game by creating the action packed "Showdown." Inspired by Westerns, Sean created a modern day series of battles between two awesome fight choreographers. The fights are epic, and there's a twist that will keep you wondering through the entire film. I give it 4 swords up!
Week 22 - HUNGRY - Next came a very fun "sports movie." I put "Sports" in quotes because the sport in question is competitive eating. Sean did a lot of research for this story of the preparations, training, and conflict between two competitive eaters gearing up for a "Kamikaze" battle, where they have no idea what the food will be. Funny, and clever! I give this film 4 Marshmallows!
Week 23 - PAPER CUTS - This one is my daughter's favorite. A boy who is procrastinating doing his homework is visited by a PAPER MONSTER!!!! It's very cute and nicely paced. I give it 4 paper balls!
Week 24 - FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY PART 2 - While we were spending the weekend recording "Love Is..." Christine was putting together this compendium of all the films so far. This is a great place to start if you're new to the Project. I give it 3 movie clips.
Week 25 - IL DESTINO - A Foreign Film! They cleverly rose to this task. With narration in Italian, the film follows a man in Central Park as he searches for the woman he loves. Beautifully done! I give it 4 pink balloons!
Week 26 - THE GIRLFRIEND - Lest you think I'm going to give 4 "stars" to everything, we now come to one that's not really my favorite. It's a great idea about a liaison turned psychotic as a woman leaves creepy notes written in red crayon to the girlfriend of a man she's obsessed with. Don't get me wrong, it's well made, and nicely acted. Here's the inside scoop... the dialogue was completely improvised. Impressive; except some details of the plot got me confused which kind of left me with unanswered questions. I give this one a mere 2 1/2 red crayons.
Week 27 - HELLO CRUEL WORLD - The greatest gift given to the SLTM team is this week's random element, "A Character from a previous Project 52 film." This gave S&C the freedom to revisit the funniest buddies from the series, Sam and Fred from Goodbye Cruel World. In a very "Brian and Stewie" kind of series of plot twists, the duo time travel into the other P52 films. It's hysterical, but in order to truly appreciate it, you need to have seen all of the films. Save it for last. I give it 3 Scented Markers.
Week 28 - BROKEN ROAD - This one is intense. Cole Richard Hochenberger, who shows off his immense talent in several of the P52 films, gives a heart wrenching performance as a man struggling with guilt after a car accident that claims the lives of his 2 best friends and his fiancee. Amazingly acted and beautifully filmed. The supporting cast provides a brilliant contrast between the love and genuine friendship of the flashbacks and the intense emotion of the recovery. 4 1/2 wheelchairs for this one!
Week 29 - "LOVE IS..." - Because of an obvious conflict of interest (I co-wrote it), I can't review this amazingly filmed, acted and sung movie musical which sets the bar for all future musical projects. But see my previous entry for the background info. (I DO love how it came out and give it 4 webcams!!!)
Week 30 - BORED GAMES - How do you follow up 2 months of development and build-up to the musical event of the summer? With a cute family film. A brother and sister are bored stiff at grandma's house, and grandma finds a clever way to bring the siblings together. Nicely done, despite the challenges of directing child actors! I give it 3 mystery boxes!
Week 31 - IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING - A poignant twist on Little Red Riding Hood, "Red" meets an African-American man for a picnic. When attacked by three rednecks, the series of events will keep you wondering, "Where's the wolf?" Some of Sean's best films are told through imagery without words, and this is no exception. 3 1/2 Creepy Wolf Contact Lenses.
Week 32 - THERE WILL BE FLOOD - Finally, a water fight during the summer! And it was shot on the hottest day of the year. This "War movie" recreates some of the most iconic action film scenes using water guns. It follows the brilliant practice of playing the scenes straight, and just letting the hilarious scenarios speak for themselves. Just brilliant! 4 Water Balloons!
And Finally... the newest
Week 33 - DISCONNECTED - They've been dying to do a Zombie movie all year, and they finally get to!!! Creepy make up and everything! In a post-apocalyptic world where zombies have turned everyone on earth, Charles has survived, and receives a random phone call from another survivor named Alexis. Amazingly acted, with a close shot on Charles with just a voice over from Alexis through most of the film. It draws you into their world and as they feel each other's pain. That is, before the physical pain kicks in. 4 Baseball Bats covered in fake blood!!!
Things to look forward to this fall? 19 more amazing films! Another installment of "Follow Our Journey" featuring interviews with cast members. Plus everyone is wondering the same thing... how will this project end...? Keep watching, sharing, "like"ing and subscribing!!!!
They have just 19 more weeks, and Sean and Christine Fitzgerald have had an amazing summer creating film brilliance for Project 52. As in my previous Blog Entries, I will take you through the Summer of 2011; Films number 21-33.
Week 21 - SHOWDOWN - They immediately stepped up their game by creating the action packed "Showdown." Inspired by Westerns, Sean created a modern day series of battles between two awesome fight choreographers. The fights are epic, and there's a twist that will keep you wondering through the entire film. I give it 4 swords up!
Week 22 - HUNGRY - Next came a very fun "sports movie." I put "Sports" in quotes because the sport in question is competitive eating. Sean did a lot of research for this story of the preparations, training, and conflict between two competitive eaters gearing up for a "Kamikaze" battle, where they have no idea what the food will be. Funny, and clever! I give this film 4 Marshmallows!
Week 23 - PAPER CUTS - This one is my daughter's favorite. A boy who is procrastinating doing his homework is visited by a PAPER MONSTER!!!! It's very cute and nicely paced. I give it 4 paper balls!
Week 24 - FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY PART 2 - While we were spending the weekend recording "Love Is..." Christine was putting together this compendium of all the films so far. This is a great place to start if you're new to the Project. I give it 3 movie clips.
Week 25 - IL DESTINO - A Foreign Film! They cleverly rose to this task. With narration in Italian, the film follows a man in Central Park as he searches for the woman he loves. Beautifully done! I give it 4 pink balloons!
Week 26 - THE GIRLFRIEND - Lest you think I'm going to give 4 "stars" to everything, we now come to one that's not really my favorite. It's a great idea about a liaison turned psychotic as a woman leaves creepy notes written in red crayon to the girlfriend of a man she's obsessed with. Don't get me wrong, it's well made, and nicely acted. Here's the inside scoop... the dialogue was completely improvised. Impressive; except some details of the plot got me confused which kind of left me with unanswered questions. I give this one a mere 2 1/2 red crayons.
Week 27 - HELLO CRUEL WORLD - The greatest gift given to the SLTM team is this week's random element, "A Character from a previous Project 52 film." This gave S&C the freedom to revisit the funniest buddies from the series, Sam and Fred from Goodbye Cruel World. In a very "Brian and Stewie" kind of series of plot twists, the duo time travel into the other P52 films. It's hysterical, but in order to truly appreciate it, you need to have seen all of the films. Save it for last. I give it 3 Scented Markers.
Week 28 - BROKEN ROAD - This one is intense. Cole Richard Hochenberger, who shows off his immense talent in several of the P52 films, gives a heart wrenching performance as a man struggling with guilt after a car accident that claims the lives of his 2 best friends and his fiancee. Amazingly acted and beautifully filmed. The supporting cast provides a brilliant contrast between the love and genuine friendship of the flashbacks and the intense emotion of the recovery. 4 1/2 wheelchairs for this one!
Week 29 - "LOVE IS..." - Because of an obvious conflict of interest (I co-wrote it), I can't review this amazingly filmed, acted and sung movie musical which sets the bar for all future musical projects. But see my previous entry for the background info. (I DO love how it came out and give it 4 webcams!!!)
Week 30 - BORED GAMES - How do you follow up 2 months of development and build-up to the musical event of the summer? With a cute family film. A brother and sister are bored stiff at grandma's house, and grandma finds a clever way to bring the siblings together. Nicely done, despite the challenges of directing child actors! I give it 3 mystery boxes!
Week 31 - IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING - A poignant twist on Little Red Riding Hood, "Red" meets an African-American man for a picnic. When attacked by three rednecks, the series of events will keep you wondering, "Where's the wolf?" Some of Sean's best films are told through imagery without words, and this is no exception. 3 1/2 Creepy Wolf Contact Lenses.
Week 32 - THERE WILL BE FLOOD - Finally, a water fight during the summer! And it was shot on the hottest day of the year. This "War movie" recreates some of the most iconic action film scenes using water guns. It follows the brilliant practice of playing the scenes straight, and just letting the hilarious scenarios speak for themselves. Just brilliant! 4 Water Balloons!
And Finally... the newest
Week 33 - DISCONNECTED - They've been dying to do a Zombie movie all year, and they finally get to!!! Creepy make up and everything! In a post-apocalyptic world where zombies have turned everyone on earth, Charles has survived, and receives a random phone call from another survivor named Alexis. Amazingly acted, with a close shot on Charles with just a voice over from Alexis through most of the film. It draws you into their world and as they feel each other's pain. That is, before the physical pain kicks in. 4 Baseball Bats covered in fake blood!!!
Things to look forward to this fall? 19 more amazing films! Another installment of "Follow Our Journey" featuring interviews with cast members. Plus everyone is wondering the same thing... how will this project end...? Keep watching, sharing, "like"ing and subscribing!!!!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
"Love Is..." - My SLTM Experience
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
Just as Sean and Christine Fitzgerald have devoted 2011 to making a short film every week for a year; I seem to have devoted much of this blog to telling everyone how amazing their films are! Well, as of Tuesday, July 26, 2011; I can take a little credit for their awesomeness, with the premiere of "Love Is...", the first SLTM Films Musical!
Here's how it happened : So, we're all getting into the films, and supporting S & C as well as all of our friends who appear in the films. I believe I started it with an off-hand comment, "When you guys do a musical, you know who to call." Sean, in fact, was almost in the debut production of "Legend of St. Nicholas," before personal business took him out. That's when we met. At least that's when I first remembered who he was. It's a long story.
ANyhoo, a big part of Project 52 is that they randomly select different genres of film each week. Apparently, other people had asked what would happen if they suddenly got the call to do a musical. Their first step was to call me.
Sean and Christine usually write, cast, rehearse, shoot, and edit the films during the course of a week. They realized that there was no WAY they could include writing a song, reheasing, recording, and filming a musical in that time. They asked me to have a song ready ahead of time, just in case this should happen. My schedule was getting tight, and I was finding myself unavailable for shoots and meeting times. (I was almost in The Return, but my job gt in the way.) Plus, I was planning vacations towards the beginning of the summer. So it was a good thing to plan ahead.
Sean had this idea of doing a sort of 21st Century version of "Telephone Hour" from Bye, Bye, Birdie; only with couples singing to each other on webcams. That's all I had to go on. So, I played with some ideas. I used a song written for an abandoned project, an Opera version of Orwell's "1984." It would have been, probably, the only love song, called "Just for a Moment." In the opera, it would have represented Winston and Julia's hectic lifestyle of working, and going about their business pretending not to have their relationship, until the moments that they meet in their secret annex. The riff for the song combined two contrasting accompaniment patterns that intentionally didn't go together in order to create dissonance until a very neo-classical, and tonal refrain. In the rewrite, the dissonance would have been the couples' relating what was going on in their life, and the refrain would be them expressing how much they missed each other, and how good it was to be with them, "Just for a moment."
Sean nixed that idea. Fans of SLTM Films may have noted how his work tends to be dark, and at times creepy. Often, in fact, that's what I love about them. He wanted the musical to be much more upbeat. I also wrote the song with 2 maybe 3 couples in mind. I didn't want it to be too complicated. No, he said. He was thinking more along the lines of 5 couples. We also discussed these couples representing different kinds of love; "Aspects of Love," if you will. We'd have a married couple with a family; a dating couple taking their relationship to the next level, a couple just starting on their first date, a father/son couple, and a platonic frienship. Oh, yeah, and one of the couples should be gay.
I got back to work. I decided that the more positive thing to focus on would be the fact that they are together, sort of... over the internet, where they could really see each other and connect. The song was now called "Good to See You." I took the contasting riffs, and changed it to a peppier rhythm, but keeping the modern chord structure of the original. I also omitted the lovely chorus, and rewrote a new bridge.
I sat down one evening while judging the NYSSMA solo festival, and dealing with a large number of no-shows; and improvised some lyrics. Christine had commented on how "beautiful" my lyrics were in St. Nick; and I seemed to think that these lyrics would be rather matter-of-fact and ordinary. So, I felt a little pressure to get all poetic and stuff. I jotted down some ideas, and made a mental note NOT TO LOSE THEM. We scheduled a time to meet so I could play the song for Sean and Chris.
Now here's the part I haven't even admitted to the Fitz's. I lost them. The morning of the meeting, I frantically searched my house for where I had put my notes, and when I couldn't find them, I frantically tried to remember what I had written, and re-wrote the lyrics to the song. They came over, I played what I re-wrote, and they loved it.
Over a discussion about the dating couple who meet via Match.com, we wondered if this was really common enough to include, and I mentioned that my brother-in-law met his wife in a chat room, and it turned into an online relationship of a few years before they met in real life, and eventually moved in together, and got married. They liked that story better, and asked me to change that part of the song. We also started discussing the real production issues involved. Where would these people be chatting from? What locations would we need? Would we need Extras? I brought up the fact that if we HAD extras, they should sing as well. In fact, in true Long Island Musical fashion, the extras in each location should all be the same people hamming it up in the background. This led to the idea of having a "Greek Chorus" who would lead us through all the relationships.
I knew that if we were going to rehearse this, some people would learn by rote, but some people would need a score to follow. So I set to work on writing a score. It was easier than usual because of the repetative accompaniment. But I had a problem. I LOST THE DAMN LYRICS AGAIN! So, again, I frantically re-wrote the lyrics as per our discussion; re-wrote the online couple's part, and wound up with, I think, better lyrics than originally done. (Listen to the preview, you'll hear the differences.)
So, Sean and Christine had auditions, and chose their cast. The one minor change was that our Father/Son would become a Father/Daughter. We got the scripts and scores together, and had our first rehearsal. They picked up on the song very well. Sean, Christine and I encouraged input from them about lyrics, melodies, harmonies, etc. It was REALLY a true collaboration, which I loved. My favorite part of staging "St. Nick" was collaborating with the director, producer and cast to tweak the show and make it work better on stage, and, I feel, make it a better show overall.
So, I get a call after our first rehearsal, and Christine has this idea of having a prelude to the song which would A) Set up the theme of the film, the many types of love; 2) serve as the beginning of the film, in lieu of dialogue; and D) give our talented chorus more to do. (I actually hadn't really arranged their background parts yet.) We stayed up, chatting on Facebook about ideas, searching for poignant quotes that would sum it all up. Finally, my wife, Paula, chimed in. "Why don't you just say what each relationship is like. Something like... 'Love is comfort... a familiar face....'" She then laid out the whole prologue, lyrically. It was like that scene from that dumb musical when they just come right out with the perfect song. I tweaked it to fit the melody, a little bit, but mostly, what you hear in the film is what Paula wrote.
We then rehearsed more, arranged harmonies, tweaked the form of the song somewhat, and finally, we were ready for recording. We called a friend, Bill Herman of Paradiddle Records and asked to use his studio. With the rental of the studio, we were hoping to keep the recording session to under 8 hours. We did it in 4 1/2! It was almost perfect. I was so proud of everyone. Recording the instrumental tracks was perfect in the 2nd take! After mastering, and editing, we had our soundtrack. We now had only to film it.
They shot it over the course of week 29. 10 different locations, 5 of which ALL featured the chorus, over the course of 6 days. And by Friday, July 22, it was wrapped. And finally.... Here it is....
I am so proud of the cast and creative team, and all the hard work we did to bring this to fruition. It was suggested by the actors that this story isn't done... This is just the start of a bigger musical based on these characters. Where do their relationships go from here? I totally think that musical could happen. We'll see...
Thank you Sean and Christine for this opportunity. May this not be our final collaboration! And you, Reader, GO SEE THE OTHER FILMS!!!! Share them with your friends, and Subscribe to SLTM. You won't be sorry!
Just as Sean and Christine Fitzgerald have devoted 2011 to making a short film every week for a year; I seem to have devoted much of this blog to telling everyone how amazing their films are! Well, as of Tuesday, July 26, 2011; I can take a little credit for their awesomeness, with the premiere of "Love Is...", the first SLTM Films Musical!
Here's how it happened : So, we're all getting into the films, and supporting S & C as well as all of our friends who appear in the films. I believe I started it with an off-hand comment, "When you guys do a musical, you know who to call." Sean, in fact, was almost in the debut production of "Legend of St. Nicholas," before personal business took him out. That's when we met. At least that's when I first remembered who he was. It's a long story.
ANyhoo, a big part of Project 52 is that they randomly select different genres of film each week. Apparently, other people had asked what would happen if they suddenly got the call to do a musical. Their first step was to call me.
Sean and Christine usually write, cast, rehearse, shoot, and edit the films during the course of a week. They realized that there was no WAY they could include writing a song, reheasing, recording, and filming a musical in that time. They asked me to have a song ready ahead of time, just in case this should happen. My schedule was getting tight, and I was finding myself unavailable for shoots and meeting times. (I was almost in The Return, but my job gt in the way.) Plus, I was planning vacations towards the beginning of the summer. So it was a good thing to plan ahead.
Sean had this idea of doing a sort of 21st Century version of "Telephone Hour" from Bye, Bye, Birdie; only with couples singing to each other on webcams. That's all I had to go on. So, I played with some ideas. I used a song written for an abandoned project, an Opera version of Orwell's "1984." It would have been, probably, the only love song, called "Just for a Moment." In the opera, it would have represented Winston and Julia's hectic lifestyle of working, and going about their business pretending not to have their relationship, until the moments that they meet in their secret annex. The riff for the song combined two contrasting accompaniment patterns that intentionally didn't go together in order to create dissonance until a very neo-classical, and tonal refrain. In the rewrite, the dissonance would have been the couples' relating what was going on in their life, and the refrain would be them expressing how much they missed each other, and how good it was to be with them, "Just for a moment."
Sean nixed that idea. Fans of SLTM Films may have noted how his work tends to be dark, and at times creepy. Often, in fact, that's what I love about them. He wanted the musical to be much more upbeat. I also wrote the song with 2 maybe 3 couples in mind. I didn't want it to be too complicated. No, he said. He was thinking more along the lines of 5 couples. We also discussed these couples representing different kinds of love; "Aspects of Love," if you will. We'd have a married couple with a family; a dating couple taking their relationship to the next level, a couple just starting on their first date, a father/son couple, and a platonic frienship. Oh, yeah, and one of the couples should be gay.
I got back to work. I decided that the more positive thing to focus on would be the fact that they are together, sort of... over the internet, where they could really see each other and connect. The song was now called "Good to See You." I took the contasting riffs, and changed it to a peppier rhythm, but keeping the modern chord structure of the original. I also omitted the lovely chorus, and rewrote a new bridge.
I sat down one evening while judging the NYSSMA solo festival, and dealing with a large number of no-shows; and improvised some lyrics. Christine had commented on how "beautiful" my lyrics were in St. Nick; and I seemed to think that these lyrics would be rather matter-of-fact and ordinary. So, I felt a little pressure to get all poetic and stuff. I jotted down some ideas, and made a mental note NOT TO LOSE THEM. We scheduled a time to meet so I could play the song for Sean and Chris.
Now here's the part I haven't even admitted to the Fitz's. I lost them. The morning of the meeting, I frantically searched my house for where I had put my notes, and when I couldn't find them, I frantically tried to remember what I had written, and re-wrote the lyrics to the song. They came over, I played what I re-wrote, and they loved it.
Over a discussion about the dating couple who meet via Match.com, we wondered if this was really common enough to include, and I mentioned that my brother-in-law met his wife in a chat room, and it turned into an online relationship of a few years before they met in real life, and eventually moved in together, and got married. They liked that story better, and asked me to change that part of the song. We also started discussing the real production issues involved. Where would these people be chatting from? What locations would we need? Would we need Extras? I brought up the fact that if we HAD extras, they should sing as well. In fact, in true Long Island Musical fashion, the extras in each location should all be the same people hamming it up in the background. This led to the idea of having a "Greek Chorus" who would lead us through all the relationships.
I knew that if we were going to rehearse this, some people would learn by rote, but some people would need a score to follow. So I set to work on writing a score. It was easier than usual because of the repetative accompaniment. But I had a problem. I LOST THE DAMN LYRICS AGAIN! So, again, I frantically re-wrote the lyrics as per our discussion; re-wrote the online couple's part, and wound up with, I think, better lyrics than originally done. (Listen to the preview, you'll hear the differences.)
So, Sean and Christine had auditions, and chose their cast. The one minor change was that our Father/Son would become a Father/Daughter. We got the scripts and scores together, and had our first rehearsal. They picked up on the song very well. Sean, Christine and I encouraged input from them about lyrics, melodies, harmonies, etc. It was REALLY a true collaboration, which I loved. My favorite part of staging "St. Nick" was collaborating with the director, producer and cast to tweak the show and make it work better on stage, and, I feel, make it a better show overall.
So, I get a call after our first rehearsal, and Christine has this idea of having a prelude to the song which would A) Set up the theme of the film, the many types of love; 2) serve as the beginning of the film, in lieu of dialogue; and D) give our talented chorus more to do. (I actually hadn't really arranged their background parts yet.) We stayed up, chatting on Facebook about ideas, searching for poignant quotes that would sum it all up. Finally, my wife, Paula, chimed in. "Why don't you just say what each relationship is like. Something like... 'Love is comfort... a familiar face....'" She then laid out the whole prologue, lyrically. It was like that scene from that dumb musical when they just come right out with the perfect song. I tweaked it to fit the melody, a little bit, but mostly, what you hear in the film is what Paula wrote.
We then rehearsed more, arranged harmonies, tweaked the form of the song somewhat, and finally, we were ready for recording. We called a friend, Bill Herman of Paradiddle Records and asked to use his studio. With the rental of the studio, we were hoping to keep the recording session to under 8 hours. We did it in 4 1/2! It was almost perfect. I was so proud of everyone. Recording the instrumental tracks was perfect in the 2nd take! After mastering, and editing, we had our soundtrack. We now had only to film it.
They shot it over the course of week 29. 10 different locations, 5 of which ALL featured the chorus, over the course of 6 days. And by Friday, July 22, it was wrapped. And finally.... Here it is....
I am so proud of the cast and creative team, and all the hard work we did to bring this to fruition. It was suggested by the actors that this story isn't done... This is just the start of a bigger musical based on these characters. Where do their relationships go from here? I totally think that musical could happen. We'll see...
Thank you Sean and Christine for this opportunity. May this not be our final collaboration! And you, Reader, GO SEE THE OTHER FILMS!!!! Share them with your friends, and Subscribe to SLTM. You won't be sorry!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Recent events
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
Weinergate - First of all, it's rather Orwellian that we put the suffix -gate on any scandal. It's very similar to newspeak. If you don't know what I'm talking about, read 1984.
Second of all. This "scandal" is embarrassing and humiliating, but let's put it out there : We all masturbate. Many of us get freaky about it, stimulating ourselves with internet porn, or chat sites. But it's supposed to be private. To have it exposed publicly is devastating. I would be destroyed with embarrassment if any of you found out about my extensive collection of pictures of my junk on my computer. oops...
However, I'll say it. Rep. Weiner should NOT have resigned. As embarrassing as this is, his private escapades ultimately have no bearing on his ability to lead, or do his job. Just as your private sexual activities do not make you any less of a businessman, teacher, or plumber. But on the other hand, the word Weiner from now on will have a completely different meaning. So it's unlikely that this will be avoided in future political campaigns. "My Republican opponents want to cut back on social programs which benefit so many Americans." "Yeah, well... he showed his junk!"
Also, let's put THIS out there. The chicks broke the code! Come on... they aren't victims here... many of them requested the pics be sent, and hey, they were sexually tweeting with the congressman, too. When two people choose to do this, they enter into a pact. No one is to know about this. I'll bet you that some female politicians do the same or similar things in THEIR private life, but the men they do it with understand the code, so we never find out about it.
The "Sarah Palin Tour." Does anybody REALLY not get that she's running for president? Really? Is there anyone who is such a mental midget that they believe that she's just taking a vacation? I'm going to Disneyworld with my family in a few weeks, and I'll tell you... I'm thinking of decking out a tour bus, giving all the media outlets an itinerary of where I'm going; and while I'm there, do a couple of interviews.
Speaking of Orwell... did anyone catch the re-writing of history Palin and Fox did? She royally screwed up her answer to that question about Paul Revere, then instead of taking the hit, and clarifying, you know, like Miss South Carolina did; she went out and told us that HER version of history, turns out, is TRUE! Not, I wasn't prepared for the question, or I misspoke; but Paul Revere DID ride to warn the British, and that the British DID want to take away our guns. Winston Smith had the exact same job. Winston Smith? Oh, Come ON people, READ 1984!
Marriage Equality - The bill is up for a vote in New York. Yay, Cuomo finally did something good! For my thoughts on the Gay Marriage Issue, Click Here.
Tonys I usually do a rant about the Tony Awards, but you know what? This year was pretty good. I got no problems here. In fact stay tuned for a review of the nominated musicals' cast albums.
Weinergate - First of all, it's rather Orwellian that we put the suffix -gate on any scandal. It's very similar to newspeak. If you don't know what I'm talking about, read 1984.
Second of all. This "scandal" is embarrassing and humiliating, but let's put it out there : We all masturbate. Many of us get freaky about it, stimulating ourselves with internet porn, or chat sites. But it's supposed to be private. To have it exposed publicly is devastating. I would be destroyed with embarrassment if any of you found out about my extensive collection of pictures of my junk on my computer. oops...
However, I'll say it. Rep. Weiner should NOT have resigned. As embarrassing as this is, his private escapades ultimately have no bearing on his ability to lead, or do his job. Just as your private sexual activities do not make you any less of a businessman, teacher, or plumber. But on the other hand, the word Weiner from now on will have a completely different meaning. So it's unlikely that this will be avoided in future political campaigns. "My Republican opponents want to cut back on social programs which benefit so many Americans." "Yeah, well... he showed his junk!"
Also, let's put THIS out there. The chicks broke the code! Come on... they aren't victims here... many of them requested the pics be sent, and hey, they were sexually tweeting with the congressman, too. When two people choose to do this, they enter into a pact. No one is to know about this. I'll bet you that some female politicians do the same or similar things in THEIR private life, but the men they do it with understand the code, so we never find out about it.
The "Sarah Palin Tour." Does anybody REALLY not get that she's running for president? Really? Is there anyone who is such a mental midget that they believe that she's just taking a vacation? I'm going to Disneyworld with my family in a few weeks, and I'll tell you... I'm thinking of decking out a tour bus, giving all the media outlets an itinerary of where I'm going; and while I'm there, do a couple of interviews.
Speaking of Orwell... did anyone catch the re-writing of history Palin and Fox did? She royally screwed up her answer to that question about Paul Revere, then instead of taking the hit, and clarifying, you know, like Miss South Carolina did; she went out and told us that HER version of history, turns out, is TRUE! Not, I wasn't prepared for the question, or I misspoke; but Paul Revere DID ride to warn the British, and that the British DID want to take away our guns. Winston Smith had the exact same job. Winston Smith? Oh, Come ON people, READ 1984!
Marriage Equality - The bill is up for a vote in New York. Yay, Cuomo finally did something good! For my thoughts on the Gay Marriage Issue, Click Here.
Tonys I usually do a rant about the Tony Awards, but you know what? This year was pretty good. I got no problems here. In fact stay tuned for a review of the nominated musicals' cast albums.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Project 52 - Weeks 11-20
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
Have I mentioned how much of a fan of Sean and Christine Fitzgerald I am? They make up most of SLTM Films, along with Matt Bowden and Dave Cohen. They are currently engaged in something they call Project 52. This was inspired by the fad on facebook of doing 365 pictures, and posting one a day; or the "30 Day Song Challenge" where you post a link to a different song every day for a month. Sean wanted to try to make one short film every week for the entire year 2011.
I love this for a few reasons. A) They're all VERY talented. Sean and Christine at Directing; Christine at Producing, Matt and Dave for writing and acting and everything else that they do. 2) I know how it feels to put yourself out there creatively and have only crickets respond. The Fitzgeralds aren't doing this for the applause or recognition, but especially when there's so much genuine talent behind it, they should get that recognition. And D) It's being done in the interest of learning and growth. Every week, random cast members select the genre, theme, and random elements to be used in each film. The crew then have a week to turn those suggestions into a film. It's a challenge, but can yield amazing results.
I've already blogged about their first 10 films. So, now let's go through the next in their journey.
Lets start with their "wild cards:" They've given themselves the leeway to occasionally stray from the format of this project and just make whatever movie inspires them. They did this three times so far:
Follow Our Journey (Week 12) Sean and Christine promised themselves if they could get a certain number of hits and subscribers, then they'd go to Florida for "Playlist Live," a YouTube fan convention. They chronicled their trip, and talk a little about what they're doing with Project 52. A nice starting point for anyone who'd like to catch up with the Fitz's.
If Only You'd Listen (Week 16) Both Sean and Christine's lives have been touched by Autism. They took two weeks to devote to Autism Awareness. In the first film, they show how Autistic people are just like you and me. The images are powerful, as are the words expressed by the people from all over Long Island. It's a beautiful film.
Autism: A Parent's Perspective (Week 17) They had so much footage left over from "If Only You'd Listen" that Christine put together another documentary, this time focusing on the issues facing parents who have children with Autism. This one is more informative. It's like a next lesson in the unit. Week 16 introduced the issue, and Week 17 gives some perspective.
But they didn't just do docs. They also had some fun. Here are the other films in order of my personal preference:
Goodbye Cruel World (Week 13) In the first batch, Sean tried a few comedies. I commented that even his comedy has a kind of dark sense of humor. So, of course when someone draws "Black Comedy," you know it's going to be amazing. Ed Heuther and Brian Smith are hysterical in this film, in which two friends have difficulty executing a suicide pact. And HILARITY ensues!
The Return (Week 18) - I was almost in this one. It was beautifully acted and written and directed. Chris has been gone for 10 years, and through a metaphysical phenomenon, comes back to see his wife, who has moved on. Bonus: It stars my daughter as Chrissy, the little girl.
Bystander (Week 11) I have only left a film viscerally feeling the gut wrenching emotion behind it twice in my life. Once was Se7en, and the other was Bystander, where a guy witnesses a murder in progress and must choose whether or not to get involved. (Spoiler alert: He really should have.)
SPLAT (Week 20) In this Slapstick Comedy, Christine gets a taste of something that every new parent has experienced, the joy of feeding an infant. It's gross, silly, and a lot of fun.
Para-sight (Week 19) This Sci Fi/horror film involves a documentary film crew who go around researching paranormal phenomena. They uncover the secret of the "Montauk Monster." This stands on its own, but I hear it on good authority that there is a special alternate ending that adds the trademark "Fitzgerald Twist."
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Flagwaver and the Boy Scout - Episode 1 (Week 15) Just when you think Sean has that dark sense of humor, by week 15, I started to realize that he has a very silly side as well. Dave Cohen wrote this one, a parody of superhero movies. It resembles "Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog," but then again, so do all superhero parodies. At least this one wasn't a musical. (Spoiler Alert: That comes later.)
Gone (Week 14) Now that I'm so "intimately" involved with the Fitzgeralds, I get all kinds of insider information. Like the fact that this film remains unfinished. It's supposed to be a mystery, but as it is now, it isn't really. In true Sean Fitzgerald form, what you think is going on at the start of the film, isn't what's going on at all. So, consider this a teaser, meant to draw you into an eventual long form version of this where the truth will finally be revealed.
Please subscribe to SLTM's channel, and be on the lookout for the next 32 films. (I hear that Week 29 is going to be amazing!) And please share the links with everyone you know who loves film.
Have I mentioned how much of a fan of Sean and Christine Fitzgerald I am? They make up most of SLTM Films, along with Matt Bowden and Dave Cohen. They are currently engaged in something they call Project 52. This was inspired by the fad on facebook of doing 365 pictures, and posting one a day; or the "30 Day Song Challenge" where you post a link to a different song every day for a month. Sean wanted to try to make one short film every week for the entire year 2011.
I love this for a few reasons. A) They're all VERY talented. Sean and Christine at Directing; Christine at Producing, Matt and Dave for writing and acting and everything else that they do. 2) I know how it feels to put yourself out there creatively and have only crickets respond. The Fitzgeralds aren't doing this for the applause or recognition, but especially when there's so much genuine talent behind it, they should get that recognition. And D) It's being done in the interest of learning and growth. Every week, random cast members select the genre, theme, and random elements to be used in each film. The crew then have a week to turn those suggestions into a film. It's a challenge, but can yield amazing results.
I've already blogged about their first 10 films. So, now let's go through the next in their journey.
Lets start with their "wild cards:" They've given themselves the leeway to occasionally stray from the format of this project and just make whatever movie inspires them. They did this three times so far:
Follow Our Journey (Week 12) Sean and Christine promised themselves if they could get a certain number of hits and subscribers, then they'd go to Florida for "Playlist Live," a YouTube fan convention. They chronicled their trip, and talk a little about what they're doing with Project 52. A nice starting point for anyone who'd like to catch up with the Fitz's.
If Only You'd Listen (Week 16) Both Sean and Christine's lives have been touched by Autism. They took two weeks to devote to Autism Awareness. In the first film, they show how Autistic people are just like you and me. The images are powerful, as are the words expressed by the people from all over Long Island. It's a beautiful film.
Autism: A Parent's Perspective (Week 17) They had so much footage left over from "If Only You'd Listen" that Christine put together another documentary, this time focusing on the issues facing parents who have children with Autism. This one is more informative. It's like a next lesson in the unit. Week 16 introduced the issue, and Week 17 gives some perspective.
But they didn't just do docs. They also had some fun. Here are the other films in order of my personal preference:
Goodbye Cruel World (Week 13) In the first batch, Sean tried a few comedies. I commented that even his comedy has a kind of dark sense of humor. So, of course when someone draws "Black Comedy," you know it's going to be amazing. Ed Heuther and Brian Smith are hysterical in this film, in which two friends have difficulty executing a suicide pact. And HILARITY ensues!
The Return (Week 18) - I was almost in this one. It was beautifully acted and written and directed. Chris has been gone for 10 years, and through a metaphysical phenomenon, comes back to see his wife, who has moved on. Bonus: It stars my daughter as Chrissy, the little girl.
Bystander (Week 11) I have only left a film viscerally feeling the gut wrenching emotion behind it twice in my life. Once was Se7en, and the other was Bystander, where a guy witnesses a murder in progress and must choose whether or not to get involved. (Spoiler alert: He really should have.)
SPLAT (Week 20) In this Slapstick Comedy, Christine gets a taste of something that every new parent has experienced, the joy of feeding an infant. It's gross, silly, and a lot of fun.
Para-sight (Week 19) This Sci Fi/horror film involves a documentary film crew who go around researching paranormal phenomena. They uncover the secret of the "Montauk Monster." This stands on its own, but I hear it on good authority that there is a special alternate ending that adds the trademark "Fitzgerald Twist."
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Flagwaver and the Boy Scout - Episode 1 (Week 15) Just when you think Sean has that dark sense of humor, by week 15, I started to realize that he has a very silly side as well. Dave Cohen wrote this one, a parody of superhero movies. It resembles "Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog," but then again, so do all superhero parodies. At least this one wasn't a musical. (Spoiler Alert: That comes later.)
Gone (Week 14) Now that I'm so "intimately" involved with the Fitzgeralds, I get all kinds of insider information. Like the fact that this film remains unfinished. It's supposed to be a mystery, but as it is now, it isn't really. In true Sean Fitzgerald form, what you think is going on at the start of the film, isn't what's going on at all. So, consider this a teaser, meant to draw you into an eventual long form version of this where the truth will finally be revealed.
Please subscribe to SLTM's channel, and be on the lookout for the next 32 films. (I hear that Week 29 is going to be amazing!) And please share the links with everyone you know who loves film.
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