brainstormer

The Thundercloud's Tears

2010-03-13T10:36:36-05:00

High above the land,
A little cloud flew.
It watched from a comfortable plateau.
All the creatures of the world living their lives.
How the little cloud loved to watch and feel safe.

But, deep down, it wanted to play, too.
The cloud separated itself with caution.
It had not been taught how to properly interact.
So, there it remained, in the sky.
And, day after day, it found need in the world.

Everyone needed something.
And, the cloud wanted to provide.
It wanted to be a hero.
But, the cloud had not been taught
how to properly interact.

So, the cloud did what it could.
It made itself big and strong(or so it thought).
It pondered long and hard--
In an attempt to better please
and serve the masses--
Til one day when it became
a massive thundercloud.
So full of potential energy.
Bursting at the seems with ideas.
Surely, there were enough to help everyone.

But, the cloud had gone too far.
It had built itself up too big
(even if it still felt too small).
And, though the creatures cried out for rain,
The thundercloud's lightning was too terrifying.

When it called out to them,
they did not answer.
So, when it cried out even louder,
The creatures stayed further and further away.
It had held its voice for so long,
Now every word that escaped its mass
projected fear.
Instead of being beneficial,
The thundercloud was viewed as
a misunderstood threat.
This was the opposite of what it wanted.
Leaving the thundercloud with its weight of thoughts.

Day after day, the cloud rumbles with thunder,
Endlessly pondering the meaning of life.
Watching life from a distance.
Struggling to properly interact.
It wonders when all will make sense.
When the gifts it has to offer will benefit all.
And when it will finally find the happiness,
The peace of mind it desires.
[Perhaps when it ceases to be
just a thundercloud.]

--brainstormer 3-13-2010

Say You're Sorry; Don't Say Goodbye

2010-03-13T08:30:02-05:00

Just a quick thought this morning...

I just saw something posted by "thehughman" which reminded me of my feelings about the word "sorry". For those of you who don't know me that well, I don't like using that word(among others). Why? Well, let me give you an example...

When you are a little kid and pick on a sibling, you might lash out at them, break a toy, etc. And, when your parent/s would catch you in the act, they'd maybe grab you by the arm and take you back to face that sibling to say you are sorry. But, as much as you might cry and/or mean it(and most little kids rarely understand the value of "sorry"), the likelihood is that you will do what you did in some form again later in life. It's human nature!

So, I don't like it when people say "Sorry" because they rarely learn their lesson. It is said if you are capable of doing something once...if you do it...you are likely to repeat.

Rather than say "Sorry", I believe we need to "reconcile" what we do/did. We have to prove we are sorry by changing our ways or making up for what we did. If you hurt someone's feelings, make them feel better! If you broke their toy, give them a new one! Reconcile. Don't just say "Sorry".

-----

But, perhaps worse than "sorry"(to me) is "goodbye". Ever since I saw an episode of "The Fresh Prince of Bel Aire"(corny reference, right?:P) in which one of the girls from the movie "Clueless" said "You only say goodbye to those you never want to see again", those words have stuck with me. And, thus, I don't like it when people say a casual "bye" or "byeeeeee", etc. I fear it may be the last time I see them. I prefer people say "See you soon" or "Talk with you soon".

.....If I don't despise you, I'll talk with you again soon.

[Taps his stack of note cards on the podium, says "Thanks for your time" and leaves the stage.]

The White Rabbit Arcade

2010-03-11T02:03:16-05:00

Which of these classic video games
would YOU play if given the chance?

*If you can identify all 10 robots hidden in the letters,
I may give you a prize.
Possibly, of your own choosing(within reason).
Suggestions?

[Mega Man]

[Ninja Gaiden]

[Punch-Out]

[Double Dragon]

[Super Mario Bros.]

I will likely add more variations on the above
as well as other games in due time.
Yes, I have been very creative as of late.
Very busy being silly with these.
I hope you can appreciate my work:)

Karthik Callin Karthik--Hindi movie review

2010-03-09T19:48:10-05:00

Every now and then, a foreign film can surprise you. And, if you are fortunate enough to have a nearby theater that features some, you should take the opportunity to step out of the "mainstream" to see how another culture views life. "Karthik Calling Karthik" is a good example of a different perspective(a "Bollywood" perspective) on pop culture, recent suspense films and PG-13 romance. It is almost amusing in part when you see how it mimics other American works. It starts out simple, familiar, idealistic and very tame yet with beautiful visuals(including Shonali, Karthik's stunning coworker and love interest). But, as the film reaches its halfway point, the plot takes a turn and thickens. Thankfully, compared to other Indian films I have seen, there was no dozen women in saris dancing in the streets separate from another dozen men nor any prostitutes as main characters. [However, one character was called a prostitute in haste.]

The story is, as I said, simple. A pushover who slaves away for a bully of a boss at an Indian construction company and goes unnoticed by nearly everyone, including the one woman he adores from afar(Shonali/Sonahli*, played by Deepika Padukone), finally reaches his breaking point when life terminates him from a comfortable existence. [*Wikipedia quotes it as SHONALI, yet my memory sees it as SONAHLI.] In a moment of despair, he receives a call from a mysterious voice who claims to be, in fact, him. Though hard to believe, he is calling himself and telling him what he needs to do to be happy. This "genie" gives his Aladdin a boost of confidence with intense pressure to follow every instruction to the letter and to NEVER TELL ANYONE HE IS RECEIVING THESE CALLS. Not his family. Not his love interest. Not his boss. Not his therapist. No one must know. And, how Karthik handles this "powerful friend" is what decides the outcome of the story. [A questionable and debateable concept throughout the film. You might find yourself, as I did, arguing who is right and/or wrong multiple times.]

Again, great visuals throughout the film despite the goofy appearances of Karthik trying to be suave and confident. [Which seem rather dated...as in 1980s...even though technology in the film appears up-to-date.] There are a number of utopian moments when Karthik says or does just the right thing to make us(and Shonali) smile. It's a little too perfect, in a way. But, still amusing. I could relate to the character well for the first part. It is when Karthik's good fortune takes a turn for the worse that the film starts to lose me. Though typical of the suspense genre, the cinematography served the film well. Particularly with the use of telephone sounds and heartbeats. When I walked into the theater, I had the title "Karthik VERSUS Karthik" replaying in my mind. [I think my subconscious mind had a good reason.] And, just when I thought I had everything figured out, there was a little surprise near the end. This gave me a bit of a headache and spoiled my expectations/thought process partially. I would have prefered a more idealistic ending to match the beginning. I would have liked true love to prevail in its purest form. However, this was not the case. And, I somewhat felt like the movie was turning into an "after-school special" trying to educate me. That is exactly what ruined "Happy Feet" for me. [And, I could have done without the "Bollywood boy band love ballad". Try saying that five times fast.]

Still, I found my low expectations of this film's intelligence(even 45 minutes into it) were corrected, and I walked away with my headache and a small smile. "Karthik Calling Karthik"(a two plus hour film--with English subtitles mixed with English and Indian dialogue--which I will rate a tame PG-13 for a tiny bit of language and some adult scenarios) showed potential and diversion from the Bollywood norm. It stuck one foot in the mainstream of film yet preserved some of its cultural innocence and "statue quo". The opening credit sequence is very intuitive and artistically talented. Perhaps, in time, either Indian films will finally resemble American films in every detail or, idealistically, they will find their own means of standing out from the crowd yet be able to appeal to a wider audience so as not to be shunned or disregarded by other "too busy for different" cultures. I give it 3.5 stars out of 5(2.25 out of 4). Anyone from the age of 14 and up can safely watch and perhaps take something away from seeing this. [I just hope you don't walk away with a headache(like I did) or find it boring. And, if you like this one, you will likely enjoy "Saawariya"(on which I wrote a review back in 2008). Though, the latter is more musical like "Moulin Rouge". If you see "Karthik", I would like your opinion/analysis of the ending. Mine differs from that of the Wikipedia listing which should only be viewed AFTER seeing the movie.]

--brainstormer, free-lance movie critic
[If I get drunk, will you take advantage of me? No. Then, what is the point?]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karthik_Calling_Karthik

The Leaders of Second Thoughts--part 6

2010-03-09T01:08:24-05:00

Part Six--We've Got Company

The day came when an airship from the shiny towers of Thoughtsland Central appeared over the countryside. With a greeting from Bob Miami and the tune "When You Wish Upon a Star", it deposited a group of "visitors" wearing long, white coats with sky blue trimmings and dark, square sunglasses. Members of the very secret organization(the head cogs) in charge of operating and maintaining Thoughtsland. They claimed to be friendly and mingled with guests and citizens alike. Anonymis hesitated yet found a potential friendship with at least one of them. [Meanwhile, the cunning monkey Darius Maximus, reappearing after a long hiatus with a chocolate mistress, began sniffing around with budding interest in all of them.] Contests were issued, and select guests were summoned to gather at various "charitable" events while these "visitors" secretly(and, sometimes, not-so-secretly) went about establishing a "new world order". In their effort, personal possessions vanished and verbal communication among citizens was disrupted(yet again). [But, this time, it lasted considerably longer.] So began a gradual transformation of the environment. The present age of kings/queens and deputies would never be the same.

In the midst of questionable change, small flashes of hope emerged. New strangers offered their hands in friendship. [Some, like Awen Innocent, came, went, changed faces as they pleased and were at one time thought to be deleted. But, they returned. Including a 2D puzzle woman with several missing pieces who proved to be an intellectual wonder.] Old friends(including the cowgirl Annie "Whereyouwantogo" Trailblazer--formerly Annie Mindscape--and the white flower Orchid) and foes who had now become friends(including the tigress Windsong and the mother hen Silver Tongue) soon returned. Once more, Anonymis felt the fleeting chance of redemption within his grasp. Once more, he pondered the possibilities of turning the tides and restoring peace with the humble rewards of general happiness and the affections of someone special. The odds reminded him that such things may not last. But, he would face the next day of challenges like the last with whatever traces of faith and courage he could muster.

-----

And, as the world of Thoughtsland prepares to undergo yet another drastic makeover, we usher in the next chapter of our story...

Book Three:
One Love Reloaded

[Meanwhile, enjoy "The Eternal Nonconformist", the continuing adventures of Anonymis. Some of which will be more fiction than fact. Fantasy tales with various old and new characters. Semblances of the "Fate-al" division resulting from use of the heart-shaped box of chocolates.][A work in progress open to suggestions/input.]

The LOST--part 5

2010-03-09T00:46:41-05:00

Part Five--Righteous Fury

After seeking understanding and befriending neighbors(a flowering berry bush and a spirited tornado who darted around Thoughtsland with a speed rivaling that of Amelia Braveheart's private jet) of the Downunder twins, Anonymis discovered a great disturbance sweeping across Thoughtsland. A buzz of discontent causing friends to become enemies, once more. And, in the center of the commotion, the serpent stood, calling out words of wisdom and personal beliefs from a raised platform. Anonymis could see her human upper body clear as day now. Waves of raven hair splashed around her beaming face, giving her penetrating eyes more ferocity. A metallic, scale-like chestplate gave her a shred of dignity. A golden crown of slender spires gave her a genuine royal appearance(though she repeatedly shunned her popular status after her previous departure). Like Poseidon, she attempted to tame the tides of opposition with a wave of her hand(adorned with a golden snake coil wristband) and strong words.

Other similar forces(including Tat Cat, a rusty green metal giant, a cynical red firecracker and a frightfully fuzzy orange german shepherd dog) began to appear, casting their own codes of conduct upon the people. [One wailing for peace while dreading hopelessness and sharing drinks with the troubled masses. One claiming innocence while erecting his own emerald throne. One condoning the chaos from his mountain palace while teaching "one hate". And, one self-proclaimed sheriff tacking his own version of right all over Thoughtsland while trying to be a comedian. All reminiscent of characters whom the white rabbit had already met.] As the waves of sound collided and engaged in ebb and flow, a ball of pink light emerged from the golden fields and rose to the clouds in the sky. It began to burn a bright red and flashed with sparks of crimson lightning. Making an annoying buzzing sound, it zig-zagged around the crowd, snatching random young women for a brief flight(reminiscent of the monkey Darius Maximus). Those who opposed the ominous fireball tried to shoot it down, claiming it was a lustful spirit of death. But, this only angered the dynamo which then started assaulting anyone who spoke out against it. Fires erupted across the plains. And, the ground began to quake at intervals of intense discord.

When Tat Cat turned white and fled for safety, Anonymis assumed this was the "red menace" of which she previously had so often spoke. Though he had repeatedly put himself in harm's way in the past for the sake of beauty and potential love, the white rabbit decided to take the cat-woman's hint and let this battle play out on its own without him. [Though they were distant and distorted memories, previous encounters with the likes of the monkey Darius Maximus, the german shepherd Clutch and the wannabe god Xerxes Syntax had exhausted his fighting spirit.] As much as he wanted to remain a peacemaker, he found himself being sucked into a sea of bitterness. Trying to escape the field of dispute, he was soon smothered by a tidal wave of harsh words and negative emotions. As he fought to break free, he felt the icy fingers of deja vu pitting him against accusations of hypocrisy and bullying.

As if living a nightmare, his face burned brightly. With eyes wide open, he turned and fled to the nearest lake. The very same lake where his mysterious friend was preparing to once again paint the night sky. But, as he smothered her friendly greeting with hasty words of panic, confusion and misguided anger, she turned into a shooting star and sped away into the night. Anonymis quickly found himself standing alone beside the water with a mournful heart and a frightful chill running up his spine. He forgot his own words and fell to the ground in tears, repeating to himself, "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry..." Suddenly, the world felt impossibly empty and potentially hopeless, yet again.

And, though the loss seemed tragic, it was not the end of the conflict continuing to flash and rumble across Thoughtsland. Wherever he found a heated mob, he saw the serpent bathing in a brilliant ray of sunlight from a raised platform as she waved her hands and spread her words of wisdom with passion in her crystal-clear voice. Anonymis upheld his pledge of honesty in her honor and continued to support her with accolades(to which she had no reassuring response). Some lurking in the shadows would whisper of her being partially to blame for the chaos. But, Anonymis refused to believe this(even if he felt her beauty was having a strange effect upon the people).

To make matters worse, a reunion with the Downunder twins quickly turned the white rabbit's friendship with them volatile. And, old acquaintances were quickly forgotten(though Daisy May claimed she had recently found friendship with them) with a hasty but brief battle that tested the boundaries of existence. Walking away bruised and disappointed by old and some new friends, Anonymis issued a stern warning. But, he carried with him a burning resentment that he did not like one bit. He neither enjoyed the bitter taste of deja vu nor shook the aching suspicion of echoing dismay. It was likely, one day soon, they would meet and collide, again. [And, Daisy May would most unfortunately be caught in the middle.]

NEXT: Part Six--We've Got Company

The Leaders of Second Thoughts--part 4

2010-03-09T00:37:19-05:00

Part Four--Essence of Clarity

In his ongoing quest to ferret out purpose and happiness, Anonymis came upon a dense jungle where his thoughts quickly became jumbled and clouded. His movements slowed as he clawed at his forehead in frustration. He tried to ignore the gibberish crowding his mind from the many shadows nearby, but the battle proved futile. Just when he thought he might collapse from exhaustion and insanity, he felt a strange presence. His head penetrated a suspended pocket of cool water which swiftly cleared his mind and filled his lungs with fresh air. Upon nearing its center, he heard a woman's voice coming from within a shimmering pyramid of golden light. Unlike the disorienting din outside the bubble, this voice proved remarkably clear, refreshing and wise. Every word from her lips resonated with harmony in the coils of his mind.

Like a religious experience, Anonymis stumbled toward the pyramid of light and fell to his knees in reverence as the stranger revealed herself. But, the goddess of wisdom he envisioned was, in fact, a snake named Polaris Crystalis. A metallic fire serpent with a human eye painted upon her forehead. When the light waves attained a certain frequency, the white rabbit DID manage to see the upper body of a woman with penetrating eyes and a cunning smile. Her arms parted in humble invitation as she welcomed all "children of light" to her company.

Just when he thought he had found his heart's ultimate desire, a crowd began to form. And, in a matter of minutes, he was one little fish in a big pond. [She had swiftly taken over Silver Tongue's throne.] This was no different than his previous encounters with "queens" and "goddesses". But, the serpent's words were strong enough for all and continued to bathe the white rabbit in serenity and contentment. Though his negative emotional reflexes told him that the others were only interested in her body, she insisted that such thoughts were the last thing she would ever want from anyone(which he refused to believe based upon popular response) and pointed to her fellow intellectual minds.

Suddenly, the white rabbit became feverish. A cold sweat penetrated his forehead. He felt unfit and feared rejection. With great sorrow and hesitation, he recoiled to his feet and bowed politely as he backed away from the broad circle of worshippers. But, his heart continued to beat for the serpent.

There came a day when the perceptive snake vanished from the land for a time, leaving word that her faith in humanity had been shaken too far. Anonymis felt as if the the greatest light of hope and understanding had left for good. But, that did not last. [The idea fairy, Awen Innocent, reappeared after a long absence and attempted to rekindle her friendship with the white rabbit.] And, with her less-than-cheerful return, a strangely familiar dark shadow began to follow the fire serpent wherever she went. It stood by her like an imaginary friend. [The white rabbit couldn't help wondering and worrying about this "relationship".]

NEXT: Part Five--Righteous Fury

The LOST--part 3

2010-03-09T00:30:30-05:00

Part Three--Where Gentle Breezes May Blow

In the spring, Anonymis crossed paths with a graceful globetrekker, Amelia Braveheart, as she parachuted down from her private jet in uniquely stylish flight apparel(including boots with seven-inch heels). [It was during this time that his newest river friend left Thoughtsland to rejuvenate herself though she promised to return, leaving him with one final token to assist him in finding a better life. This token was neither swiftly put to use--due to the white rabbit's separation anxiety--nor ever forgotten.] The obviously high-class woman claimed to be making a short stop on her neverending trip around the world. Though she spoke the same language, Anonymis had a difficult time understanding her. Several words spun from her mouth in riddles like little tornadoes. When she removed her flight cap, a river of brown hair swished gently in the air, dazzling the white rabbit's eyes in an instant(like a cat with a ball of yarn). Lifestyle differences and her wealthy entourage proved to be discouraging. Anonymis once more found himself outclassed yet unable to simply walk away. If he could not understand her or be her equal, he was at a loss. Eventually losing control of his senses, he chased the daring(and childless) adventuress' hair(a brown comet) all over Thoughtsland as she resumed circling the world.

When the chase grew tiresome(and Amelia's following of wealthy suitors multiplied), he met with a humble yet cheerful nun, Sister Jubilee, while catching his breath. She offered him counsel and a place to stay and chat which proved to be not far from where Daisy May liked to dwell. Her kindness seemed as pure as her name. The rabbit hastily desired to remove her hood and see her face. But, just as his big, brown friend paid a visit, the nun vanished without a word, leaving Anonymis wondering if she was an illusion or if she felt threattened by the bear's presence.

Leaving Daisy once more to think in private, one warm summer night, the white rabbit took refuge beside a lake. There he quenched his thirst and resumed quiet reflection til dusk when he witnessed the painting of the night sky. [Unlike the biker babe Venus Verve, this reserved stranger's work was not the least bit erotic.] For three nights, he watched a story unfold before forcing himself to seek out the artist. The source, a mystery woman named Paradise Eve(a silhouette like the sky-riding cowgirl Annie Mindscape), proved to be quite the sympathetic ear, possessing a refreshing way with words which fed Anonymis' creative mind, softened his nerves and embraced his tender feelings. He thought she might be his recently absent river friend(among others) in disguise, but she quickly put that theory to rest. Together, the compassionate duo shared many tales and creative pursuits. But, the stranger remained bashful and hidden. It would take some time and effort for Anonymis to bring this one into light. [And, he wasn't the only one taking an interest in this mysterious dreamer.]

NEXT: Part Four--Essence of Clarity

The Leaders of Second Thoughts--part 2

2010-03-09T00:22:30-05:00

Part Two--The Red Carpet Event

In the year that followed...

Anonymis received an invitation to a gathering of famous faces, reunion of "celebrities", from the far corners of Thoughtsland. There he met the hostess, M. J. Gibbon who revealed herself in a puff of smoke(like a magician). A "goddess" capable of powerful hypnosis and shape-shifting. Highly sexual, she enjoyed lighting incense beacons while weaving tales of erotic delights which put the guests into a state of perpetual euphoria. Her embrace was warm, inviting and very strong. When Anonymis blurted his helpless attraction, she gave the white rabbit a nickname and admitted her own feelings with a stroke of an index finger upon his chin. But, keeping that attention proved difficult as the woman frequently vanished in a puff of smoke to attend "other business", leaving Anonymis with an edgy, bitter temperment.

If not for the kindly assistance of her faithful(married) and equally alluring culinary friend Belle Pepper, Anonymis might not have learned of the hostess' children and another lover who were among the party guests. And, he might have fallen under the influence of her intoxicating vapors. Still, it was quite difficult--during this time--for him to tame the tiger within himself which repeatedly became restless in her presence. And, at one tense moment, he expressed his dislike of "excessive sexuality" which the other party guests found disrespectful. [A scenario reminiscent of one with Princess Jun Chikawawa. But, unlike the Princess, this woman did not reject him.]

Though not invited, a mysterious, striped cat-woman named Tat Cat appeared in the shadows with the flash of a brilliant smile and the tip of a top hat trimmed with a flowing, purple silk ribbon. The creature favored listening to MJ's erotic tales while painting pictures on her body. With every stroke of her claws, the stripes in her fur changed into a dark, disturbing image with traces of blood. She danced around the fire that was a bewildered bunch of guests and then, attempting to share some tales of her own, changed into various shapes to fit her storytelling needs. While inflicting harm upon herself, she absorbed the emotions of those around her like a sponge before wailing like a banshee. [She and M. J. could have been sisters.]

Though frightful and potentially dangerous, Anonymis found himself drawn to the creature's unusual beauty. He sensed a strange kinship with the dark cat-woman(who claimed to be a child of light). She returned his fascination with a playful smile and a stimulating massage. But, like the incense-loving hostess, she had a litter of her own and made frequent disappearing acts. That swiftly put the white rabbit in his place. Though his heart went out to her, he could not resist her charms nor tolerate her unsettling tales for long.

While Tat Cat and M. J. Gibbon became good friends, Anonymis excused himself and spent some time in quiet reflection. [Though he was unaware of it at the time, it was the start of a chain reaction in which those he met became friends of those met in recent past while his own connection to them tended to waver. It was later learned that Tat Cat's shape-shifting powers became necessary when she needed to escape the threats of "the red menace".] During that time, he met with several brief "flings", creatures that came and went before he had a chance to embrace them. [Or, perhaps he was simply too slow and/or hesitant.] Among them were a cheerful, firey sprite dusted with soot from a miserable existence who stirred his thoughts with wonderous possibilities and a gentle, helpful green river "spirit" who was not the most attractive physically but swiftly awed him with her dynamic creativity and reminded him of Daisy May with her nurturing.

NEXT: Part Three--Where Gentle Breezes May Blow

WRiT Year Two: The LOST Summary--part 1

2010-03-09T00:09:41-05:00

Summary of Book Two:

The Leaders of
Second Thoughts
[The LOST]
(Anonymis Returns)

Part One--Second Chance

When we last saw Anonymis the white rabbit, he had been summoned to the home of Frown and Smiley Downunder(twin sisters with drastically different appearances and personalities) upon the sudden and radical reconstruction of Thoughtsland by Bob Miami and the other members of the Thoughtsland Trinity. Having written off Thoughtsland Central and doubting his own reason for staying, he submitted himself to the lottery that was the mysterious heart-shaped box of what appeared to be chocolates stashed under his tunic.

Unaware was Anonymis of the dark twin's plot. From the moment she had his curiosity wrapped around her little finger, Frown Downunder's lust for toying with the Fates was once more ignited. She lied to Anonymis about being the source of the heart-shaped box yet managed to weave a spell upon the contents. Regardless which piece he bit, his spirit was divided among parallel worlds without any chance of reunification. Thus, giving Frown multiple scenarios in which she might delight her mischievous mind. [Or so she thought.]

Little did Frown know that Anonymis' loyal friend Daisy May, the bear, had stuffed a special gift under the white rabbit's tunic one night while he was asleep. A seemingly simple valentine card(which expressed her feelings for the white rabbit) granted Anonymis the power...the opportunity...the reason to return to Thoughtsland. It is uncertain if the power of the card brought the pieces of the white rabbit back together. But, in one form or another, he returned and once again began to wander the "cyber-wilderness" with the desire to find purpose and someone special. Though many of the faces he had come to know appeared to be missing more often than not, Daisy May was never far behind.

NEXT: Part Two--The Red Carpet Event

Alice in Wonderland(2010)--IMAX 3D movie review

2010-03-06T15:10:45-05:00

What is the hatter with me? Have I gone mad? No, it's not the $9 ticket price which was enforced to utilize the "new" 3D IMAX glasses(versus the $8 ticket price I paid before for Digital REAL 3D). No, it's not that nor five other impossible things. It's that Alice is not quite her OLD self in Disney's newest incarnation of "Alice in Wonderland". Something is a bit amiss. And, she needs time to think to set it right. She will be just a moment, surviving assault at the hand of the Red Queen's army and her fearsome beasts while protecting her friends and seeking the counsel of the currently "unemployed" White Queen. It's just a silly, mad dream. Isn't it? Perhaps. But, it's one wild ride full of gasps, growth spurts, shrinking spurts, disappearing spurts and smiles. Yet, it is perpetually late for tea.

This Tim Burton "reconstruction" begins with a young Alice awaking from another dream filled with strange creatures as her father, Charles, is in the process of doing trading route business with his colleagues. Father Charles gives her some advice before we are "hatted" off to the dawn of her twentieth birthday where she is destined to marry a cowardly, "germaphobic" weasel. In the midst of guests who favor the characters of her dream(not unlike those in "The Wizard of Oz"), she is visited by a white rabbit who eventually leads her down his famous rabbit hole to a familiar room(for those who know the stories). [You'd think Alice would remember these things from the last time. But, that is the enigma of a dream. Is it not?] Once reunited with her Underland...I mean...or do I? Anyway, she meets old friends and some "new" enemies and learns of changes that are due and decided for her. This, as with her impending engagement, does not sit well with her. And, no one is sure Alice is who they are seeking for their dire quest. [And, with that, I'll leave the rest to your undertaking as I vanish like the Cheshire Cat.]

Visual effects, characters and atmosphere are top notch. I've never felt as enchanted with a Wonderland story as I was with this one. Previous versions were often "small" in setting and lacking in magic. The old characters were just as cleverly dressed but more mad than they were logical/sensible. Even if madness seems to be "suited" to the stories, you need a little sense to avoid a headache. And, that is what often bothers me about these stories. Lack of sense for the sake of crazy characters. This latest incarnation is, thankfully, a little less "mad". Johnny Depp(as the Mad Hatter of the white queen's entourage) does a good job of helping. There's nothing particularly impressive or special about many characters, including the White Rabbit and all those creatures that no longer hold a song in this version. But, the Red Queen, the Cheshire Cat, the Dormouse(or "door mouse"?), Tweedle Dee and Dum and the Knave(the one-eyed Jack of Hearts) get special attention. And, I've never loved the white and red armies more. Their new look is very impressive and appealing.

However, bits of dialogue get lost in the "jabbering", and that bothered me repeatedly. And, what was to be a climatic final battle seems to be missing something(not unlike Alice herself). The Jabberwocky isn't nearly as fearsome as it was in its former costumed form. [Of course, I was a kid when I saw those films on television.] If Alice would have had a moment to remember past words and put them to better use, the sequence might have made a bit more sense and would have brought it all together nicely. Still, overall, it is a fun ride I was a bit sad to leave.

But, alas, we all must wake up eventually while I give "Alice in Wonderland" 2010(rated PG at approximately two hours long)4 stars out of 5(3.5 out of 4). Perhaps a "madly" generous rating for such a "crazy dream" and costly movie experience. But, one might learn that good things can come of kindness. And, this white rabbit left the theater with a silly, child-like smile. We make the best path in life that we can. And, sometimes, we can even achieve the impossible. Bring a butterfly net and don't forget your hat.

[And, no matter what you think, do not remove your 3D glasses from the moment the trailers start. I did it to see the difference between my eyes and the glasses during an amazing trailer sequence. It messed with my vision during the film. Follow this sound advice, and you might leave "with your head" in better fashion.]

--brainstormer, free-lance movie critic
[She's not Alice. Not in the very least.]

Oh, You Think You Are So Clever

2010-02-28T22:00:51-05:00

If you zip a few pages ahead into the list of recent posts, you will find a string of posts by different IDs with similar words regarding ONLINE COMMUNICATION. Oh sure, they change it up to discuss a mishap on FACEBOOK or MSN or how they are WITHOUT INTERNET...

But, if you see a few of the profile pics, you notice similar faces in blue shirts on a few. AHA! Not so fast. And, almost too obvious. But, you tried to be clever and sneaky, didn't you, you internet sales bots. Whatever you are selling from the Philippines or India or wherever, give it up and go home. This is not the black market. And, frankly, I am sick of seeing salespeople and advertising on sites like this. If it is paying for the site, then by all means, someone leave your business card where they post the link below. And, someone make note that you are registered with this site. Otherwise, you are just another obnoxious telemarketer team in my face, distracting me from doing what I come to do...and trying to deceive instead of being honest, upfront sales folk.

Even if you were upfront and honest, I'd probably still ignore you because you are hawking where I do not come to buy or sell. So...you're wasting your and all of our time.

Burning Inspiration 2-25-10

2010-02-26T00:20:17-05:00

It comes at possibly the worst time.
It sparks with a simple word, a phrase
Uttered by a passerby.
Just a thought that crosses boundaries.
A bridge between logic and imagination.

And, in that moment, the fire is lit.
Once lit, it is nearly impossible to extinguish.
It burns and yearns and torments its host
While they are busy with more earthly matters.
Duties without much personal value
And even less interest
While the fire alarm is sounding.

The screaming call for an artist to put life aside
And respond to the knock of opportunity.
The receptionist in the head continues to page,
Sounding more and more angry with every call.
The face is burning red now.
Full of fire, nearing the breaking point.
People will start to look disturbed now,
Seeing this intensity putting strain on the face.
Potentially dangerous this person does appear.
Ready to explode.
All because of a simple little spark
That grew and grew
Til it overtook the entire consciousness.
And, with one final silent cry,
The artist retreats for quiet space
Where they may finally release the flames.
And, still, their face burns
As they pour words and images
Furiously upon the page.
No hand can work fast enough
To fully satisfy this enraged volcano.
But, try they must
To endure the mach speed of thought
And, hopefully, come out of this race
With victory and joy.

[And, unfortunately, I cannot express it here as brilliantly as it feels/felt.]

This has been my torment the past few days. And, especially today when a simple unrelated phrase started a fire in my brain. And, the result was a jumpstart to one of many stories that my mind manages to initiate but never finish. And, as with all of them, I can only hope to stick it out and complete it. But, what a brilliant, wild ride it is to get such a fire going and put it to paper. Just unfortunate it had to happen while at work.

The White Rabbit Returns

2010-02-23T23:46:22-05:00

I am contemplating bringing back an old write I started during the end of my first year on this site. I turned my experiences and the people I met into a sort of "Alice in Wonderland" story which I conveniently titled "White Rabbit in Thoughtsland".

It proved for many if not all to be a bit confusing and disjointed. It did often not get the response for which I had hoped. And, I practically had to beg some people to read it and give me their opinion. Some who DID read it came in after those involved became "old hat"(some even vanished from the site). Thus, they were rather clueless and didn't follow through on promises they made...which was a bit disheartening. A quiz few bothered to take. I even started two clubs and posted a survey about the creative process for this...and only a handful responded with next to no help.

But, it was a semi-fun creative process. And, as anyone who has been with me many the February(here) knows, this is a peak creative month for me. So, I am having the bug. And, pondering a suggestion of a friend from a while back...I am thinking about it. Partly, because the website is getting a facelift. And, I thought...what better time to jumpstart the old project? I've already worked up some pictures and a summation of the year I failed to write.

I stopped for not only the above reasons but also because I felt it was getting a bit personal. I thought it might be more "revealing" than my own regular postings and expose some things people prefered more private.

So, I am asking all who might care enough to read this...

1)Who is interested in reading?
2)Who can honestly say they read the original series? If not all, how much of it?
3)Who has a problem/concern with being a character?
4)Does anyone have suggestions for character design/s and/or title/s?
5)If you DID read the first series of events, would you prefer:

A)I write more of the same?
B)I write more original stories featuring the white rabbit with some here as characters that do NOT involve real events that take/took place here?

-----

Too much to ask? Tough. I need answers before March 13th(the ides, ironically). So, if you could/would. Help. Suggest. Offer. Thanks.

And, if you need a clue...the first series has always been available in the blog links to the right under "The White Rabbit Stories".

Freaky! A Tragic Irony

2010-02-19T01:22:52-05:00

[Just sharing one of the more freaky, unusual moments of watching late night television.]

I was just watching an episode of the old Incredible Hulk show(with Bill Bixby) when I noticed the remarkable actress playing a psychic whose visions came upon touching someone ever since she was a child. Despite the goofy situations David Banner(Bixby) led himself into just to turn into the Hulk, Annie Caplan kept drawing my attention. There was something about her character that spoke to me with the word "potential". Something about her made her stand out from so many other small role actresses.

At the episode's end, she stops David from committing suicide--telling him all sorts of reasons why it's wrong--and later gives Banner one last hug before they part ways. She sees something in one of her many visions. But, "they" don't show us what she saw. By the teary-eyed look on her face, I had the impression something tragic was going to happen to her after they parted. Thus, she says "Goodbye, David" instead of wishing him well to see him another day(as she did before). [Keep this in mind and continue.]

So, when the show was over, I didn't catch her name in the credits. Thus, I was forced to "Google". And, there it was. Brenda Benet. Turns out she was Bixby's ex-wife at the time of the show. [If I read it right. It says the show was in 1980 while the page I read claimed she gave up showbusiness in the 70s after divorcing Bixby.] Together, they had one child, a son. But, after that child died during a ski trip, she committed suicide.

Talk about tragic irony! Freaky, indeed! What a shame. Such a beautiful actress. Much potential.

[Here's the only half-decent pic I could find of her with Bill Bixby.]

A Plate of Cookies

2010-02-18T12:36:02-05:00

Martha and Graham were a lucky couple...for a time. They grew old together like many would often say and dream. They spent their young lives venturing around the world...usually in their imagination. They never had much money nor kids of their own. But, they had plenty of love for each other and two creative minds that were always cooking up stories and never running out of youth. They were two big kids playing under a tent made of a blanket and two chairs. Guests would always shake their heads in wonder while sampling some of Martha's trademark cookies.

Martha loved to bake. And, cookies were her specialty. At least, Graham thought they were, and that's what mattered to her. Whenever company came, she'd dash into the kitchen--with Graham not far behind--and whip up a batch(usually chocolate chip). He'd always pat her on the butt and give her a quick peck on the cheek(to which she would giggle, smile and shake her hips). And, every Saturday night, she and Graham would sit in their tiny cubical home on the floral living room sofa covered in white lace which sat in line with the swinging natural wood kitchen doors under the paling, amber, evening light of the veiled living room windows. They'd make time to watch a movie together while nibbling cookies with milk.

The light of the television danced along the charm strung around Martha's neck. A pearl necklace with a golden heart pendant bearing a rose-color, pearl-like gem in the center. It was one of the few big purchases Graham had made for Martha. Neither of them were fond of materialism at their age(or even when they were younger). But, the moment he saw the necklace, he knew it befitted his lover. And, if she didn't realize how much it meant to him, Martha would have insisted he take it back immediately. But, she kept it around her neck, fondled it frequently and promised to never give it up til there was no breath left in her body.

[Not the exact necklace I envisioned.]

And, as the evening wore on, Graham would take a seat in the big, brown recliner beside the television and page through one of his childhood adventure storybooks while Martha cleaned up and readied herself for bedtime. He would always fall asleep before she was done. Martha would come back, smile at the sleeping goof in his chair, turn out the lights and pull a blanket over herself as she laid on the sofa beside him. The pearl necklace--still secured around her neck--glistened in the moon light.

On one cold, winter Saturday night when the television was silent, a plate of Martha's trademark cookies sat on the kitchen counter. It was cold as ice. And, along one edge of the plate sat the pearl necklace, glistening in the moonlight streaming from the kitchen window. The swinging doors hung open just enough to see Graham hunched over the seat of the big, brown recliner with his face in his hands. Tears streaming down his weathered cheeks as he struggled to look at the lifeless form laying on the living room sofa. The woman that was once a bundle of life energy. His lover. His companion. His buddy.

Martha walked into the room without her necklace and without a word. Gazing down through half-round spectacles at the motionless man in the big, brown recliner bathing in the warm light of the nearby floor lamp, she laid a blanket over him and tried to hold back the tears that had already stained her weathered cheeks. Then, she laid herself on the floral sofa draped in white lace, closed her eyes and gradually cried herself to sleep. Eventually, the tears evaporated. And, a strangely friendly smile crept across her face.

Some weeks later, a tour was given to eager young couples looking for their first home. As they unwittingly passed through the kitchen, the real estate agent bumped into the kitchen counter and turned to find a plate of cookies and a pearl necklace. Apparently, it had been missed when the house was prepped for show. The young woman with thick, reddish brown hair pinned back tightly, gazed over half-round spectacles beneath a fan of feathered bangs in wonder. The young blonde standing behind her asked about the origin of both the cookies and necklace. But, the agent had no information. No stories to tell. And, frankly, no imagination at that moment.

Meanwhile, a tent made of two chairs and a blanket stood upon the roof of the small home. Beneath the thick, wool tapestry sat a young couple, gazing at the moon and stars in a twilight sky. Their hands linked together beside a plate of cookies. They swore they would grow old together and have many adventures.....

--brainstormer
[One of my moments of divine inspiration. A story "told" to me in the twilight hours.]

[I want you, the readers to(help) decide what becomes of the necklace. Does it get collected by some agency and sold for profit? Is it given to someone special? Buried with the couple? Tell me what you think. Also, if you have a better title for the story, feel free to suggest.]

My Club

2010-02-16T12:29:23-05:00

Want to join my club? It's a very special club. But, I don't know if you are qualified. You have to be a special type(which I will explain shortly). So, do you wan't to be in this club?

The rules are simple. There are only two rules to "NO FIGHT CLUB".

1)Honesty. You have to be honest to members' faces and not talk behind their backs about them in a different light with others.

Well now, wait. We are all human here. So, it is possible that one day we might not be in the best mood and get into a "snit" with someone in the club. And, that day, we may need to vent our frustrations without stirring trouble talking to that person's face. Or, we might just be afraid to say what we are truly feeling about a person at the moment to their faces and seek a second opinion. So, we might want/need to do so privately and avoid a "royal rumble". Which brings us to...

2)Privacy. If this is going to be a club, we need some privacy. 'Can't have everyone and anyone listening in on our discussions. So, we will have a meeting room where only members may go and speak to each other. Our clubhouse.

Well now, wait. I suppose it would be easy to start this in the Group section. But, then it starts to feel a bit like excessive secrecy. I mean, does anyone really go in there and partake in a club? To me, it's a dead zone...a dark corner where the "cyber-geeks" hang out around a small table under a flickering lightbulb orbitted by a horsefly. I've started a few and achieved next to no participation. So, who honestly uses them? Show of hands?

Moreso, those who are not invited or members might get the wrong idea. 'Might get suspicious of why they are not a member and/or if they are the topic of discussion. So, maybe the Groups area is a bad idea.

But, I don't want this to be a Friend List thing. That's a different club. A separate club. This one is for "business". The Friend List is for OTHER people. People I trust with certain personal and other related things. But, wait, if that's the case...then maybe I am going back on or twisting #1.

And, anyone who knows me knows I refuse to venture into MySpace or Facebook for this sort of thing. That is just a shark tank waiting to happen.

Well, the least we can do is keep certain things private by contacting each other via email, chat or telephone(or snail mail if you prefer). That way membership is a little more open. People don't have to feel like they are restricted to a broom closet meeting room with a special knock or whatever. And, we don't have to share everything with everyone...

OH, WAIT! We have all that right here and now! On this site. Yes, we have the Friends List separation which I prefer to call something like JOURNAL SPACE or CIRCLE OF TRUST or CONFIDENTIAL(other name ideas welcome). We have bookmarks and email. We WILL eventually have chat working, again. We have privacy and sharing space. So, I guess this IS the club, ay?

Well, there you have it, folks. THIS is the club. However, that one rule still remains important to me. Honesty. I cannot tolerate double talk for long. Nor can we have either of the following:

1)Public statements about a particular person spoken in a hateful manner with or without names. [I think that has been mentioned/discussed in the "philosophy" of this site, already.]

2)Quarrels brought to unrelated topics. [When you have a "beef", you do not start pointing fingers or thrusting spears and/or arrows at someone without them pertaining to the topic at hand. That is like walking into a court room and starting a personal feud with the judge about apples while the court is settling a case on oranges. You either discuss/debate oranges or stay out of that room. You can talk to the judge later in private about your apples.]

So, do your "humanly" best to uphold the code. If you find yourself speaking nicely to someone in public only to turn and grill them in private with your "fellow minions", then please refrain from doing either in this club. We will all be better off for it lest someone get the wrong impression and have their feelings hurt. Afterall, we all tend to become sensitive(and insensitive) souls here.

So, who's with me? Want to join my club?

What English Has Taught Me 2-16-10

2010-02-16T12:25:13-05:00

One thing that sticks in my head from MANY an English class...

The teacher ALWAYS warned us about using such terms as NEVER, ALWAYS, ALL, NONE, NO...in regards to anything we are describing when giving an assessment. I was taught to avoid the absolutes to avoid critics saying I have no evidence to back up those statements. My teachers would ALWAYS say, "Use SOME or A FEW or MANY but never ALL or even MOST because you can't prove it." It seems easy as humans to slip into this bad habit of grouping ALL of one type together. Stereotyping, in a way. But, since my school days, I've NEVER liked it when people would do this.

In other words, if you are a woman who has had bad luck with men, you don't say "ALL men..." or "MEN suck". That is unfair to the good guys out there...wherever they may be. And, if you had a bad apple or two, you don't say "I hate APPLES". Surely, not all apples prepared every way possible are bad. I personally have been turned off peaches and tomatoes among other things, but if they were prepared a certain way, I might learn to like them. In fact, I have allowed tomatoes back into my life in salads and sandwiches I purchase. I still won't buy them myself:P hehe But, I tolerate them more...again.

So, people, mind your "Ps and Qs". Mind your ALWAYS and NEVER. It is easy to do. But, it doesn't make it right. That's what English has taught me. [I am sure that is not a problem in other languages; is it?]

Sloppy Sloppy Vancouver Sloppy!

2010-02-15T23:26:57-05:00

What is going on with these Vancouver Olympics??

The courses are falling apart due to warm weather. Accidents abound. Even the indoor ice rinks suffer! Speed skating teams shake their heads at the danger.

And, there are only nice words being shared during pairs ice skating even though these couples are making several big mistakes! I've never seen such sloppy skating! And, the overly nice scores have surprised the commentators! It is as if we have gone back in time or decided mediocre at best is great! It's okay to fall all over the place? and be out of sync? Since when?

What is going on??

PJatO: The Lightning Thief--movie review

2010-02-14T15:30:59-05:00

Three kids older than the story explains go on a mission to find Zeus' missing master lightning bolt and, in turn, save the world from a war of the gods in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief", a loose adaptation of the mediocre, modern-day, mythological epic. It's an introductory tale for kids to dive into the world of Greek Mythology, but from the moment the young heroes get off the bus, this story takes a sharp left turn from the original text. And, in the process, some elements of that mythology and key details in the story go missing. Having witnessed the rise of the Harry Potter "empire" along with the first few "bites" of the Twilight saga, I felt this was my golden opportunity to get in to the next child(not truly young adult) fiction franchise on the first floor. Unfortunately, my good fortune of reading a book before the movie adaptation was ever mentioned has turned up sour--not golden--apples.

The film begins with a meeting between Zeus and Poseiden who discuss the potential for war among the gods if Zeus' lightning bolt is not returned before the summer solstice. Then, we find TEENAGE Percy Jackson(who is twelve years old in the book) struggling with a form of dislexia in school before going home to his single mother who is berated by her smelly beau and "landlord", Gabe, who Percy despises with every fiber of his deeply vexed being. We are swept away on a field trip to a museum featuring statues of the Greek gods. There, Percy finds he is able to translate ancient Greek while sharing a few words with his buddy Grover(who walks with crutches). While one wheelchair-bound teacher gives the other students a lesson, his other semi-creepy female teacher, Mrs. Dodds, takes him aside only to turn into a vile bat-like creature, called one of the Furies, which threatens his life while insisting he turn over Zeus' lightning bolt. After a swift rescue, Percy is deemed to be in danger and sent away to Camp Half-Blood where all children of the gods, demi-gods, are sent to be trained for greater missions. There he meets Annabeth, daughter of Athena, and Luke, son of Hermes. After minimal training and awareness of his powers, he learns that his mother is one more pawn in the eminent war of the gods in the hands of Hades. He sneaks off to save her with the slightly overly friendly Grover and the boldly gazing BRUNETTE Annabeth at his side(sans her mother's New York Yankee's baseball cap of invisibility). They journey west across the USA to retrieve three pearls of Persephone in order to safely enter and escape the underworld without any clue as to where this missing lightning bolt might be. Along the very brief way, they face some of the legendary Greek monsters and quickly escape with their lives. [Not-so-long story short, the young heroes prove successful in their mission with some small chances of losing one of their team along the way. But, this is only the first of the adventures these three will take. Like Harry Potter, there are several books in the series.]

The good news: This is a visually stunning film with decent casting. Nearly every character, with the exceptions of Zeus and Gabe, fit the descriptions in the book. However, I believe(as I noted earlier) Annabeth is supposed to be a tough yet graceful blonde with glowing blue eyes. The CG people for this film should be pleased. They did an exceptional job depicting the creatures and elemental powers. And, Uma Thurman does a decent--if not impressive--job as Medusa(although her screen time is cut short).

The bad news: I've already said it often enough. This is not the story I read. Perhaps, thirty percent is true to the text. But, so much more has been changed. Gabe is played by a gay man who doesn't seem nearly big or burly enough to be the stinky pig and does not meet the fate that he did in the original story. Ares is completely missing from the plot(which anyone who has read the book knows is a big "OOPS!"). The kids drive most of the way across the country. Their ages are never mentioned, but this shows they are NOT remotely twelve years old. And, they never visit the St. Louis Arch. The list goes on and continued to make me shake my head. I can understand changes for the sake of brevity. Some details must be omitted or altered to fit a time frame that won't make people with suffering attention spans restless. But, obviously, the makers of this film were of a rebellious mind under the rule of Hades in Hollywood out to make the other sons and daughters of the gods angry. I'd say they did a fair job.

I'll pass on the lotus cakes and give the movie version of "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief"(rated PG at 2 hours in length) 2.25 stars out of 5(edging 2 out of 4). If I had not read the book, which--normally--is the case, I'd have had much more fun viewing this. But, since I crossed the threshold into this world of books and movies, I am forced to face the "furies" of "deviant frustration". Again, the artistry is top notch, and I continue to enjoy seeing characters of Greek Mythology on film. But, this was just too different from the author's tale to be worthy of admiration. What sense does it make to write a book only to have moviemakers change nearly everything? The least they could do would be to have a segment somewhere before or after the film where the author could give the reasoning and consent behind this. Otherwise, it feels like a cheap crime.

Next time, film makers, a little more accuracy and a little less deviation will bring a little less funk and a little more satisfaction. Kapeesh? Satisfy me.

--brainstormer, free-lance movie critic
[Be prepared. Everything is about to change.]