a few of my websites:
www.myspace.com/renouncer
www.myspace.com/omwardrobe
www.myspace.com/vinylclocks
www.myspace.com/supermental
www.myspace.com/kirpalsingh
www.jeremyferrick.blogspot.com
www.renouncer.blogspot.com
www.renouncerband.blogspot.com
www.rawdrinks.blogspot.com
www.cdbaby.com/cd/vessel
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
One thing to remember: Positive is more powerful than the negative.
This is important to remember when you get tempted to be a victim instead of a victor.
A thought or two
Are you as rad as your creator wants you be?
Think of all of the potential that exists for us as human beings. Do you ever wonder why some people soar and some people crawl? I beg the universe to let me fly. I beg it with my heart and soul. I renouncer my complacency. I often find myself overwhelmed by the laws of attraction, knowing that I do have power over my thoughts, but realizing how bombarded I am not only by the bombardment of media, but the physical poison in food air and water. I beseech this universe to either let me make full use of my gifts or set me free!
Think of all of the potential that exists for us as human beings. Do you ever wonder why some people soar and some people crawl? I beg the universe to let me fly. I beg it with my heart and soul. I renouncer my complacency. I often find myself overwhelmed by the laws of attraction, knowing that I do have power over my thoughts, but realizing how bombarded I am not only by the bombardment of media, but the physical poison in food air and water. I beseech this universe to either let me make full use of my gifts or set me free!
Stop making porn start making love.
Real Love.
We want to be free to make real love again. Not digital, agitated, misguided, modern. We want to make love how our forefathers did without so many images implanted on the brain. We want to be turned on by naked bodies not by radiated glowing billboards. We want to lie in the grass with our lovers turned on and spurned by the masters of the universe, not by the masters of the media. We want to believe that love is real, not something you can fake but something you can feel.
I have indulged in the media masturbation and have not come out the wiser. I renounce your falsehoods. I will not be made a monkey robot. I am not your desperate warrior with one hand on my cock and one on the remote control. I throw it out the window along with your checkerboard bullshit football teams, with democrats one side, republicans on the other. I throw out your cookie cutter television talk show teachers. I renounce it all and begin to change my DNA by regarding the ways in which my brainswave.
We want to be free to make real love again. Not digital, agitated, misguided, modern. We want to make love how our forefathers did without so many images implanted on the brain. We want to be turned on by naked bodies not by radiated glowing billboards. We want to lie in the grass with our lovers turned on and spurned by the masters of the universe, not by the masters of the media. We want to believe that love is real, not something you can fake but something you can feel.
I have indulged in the media masturbation and have not come out the wiser. I renounce your falsehoods. I will not be made a monkey robot. I am not your desperate warrior with one hand on my cock and one on the remote control. I throw it out the window along with your checkerboard bullshit football teams, with democrats one side, republicans on the other. I throw out your cookie cutter television talk show teachers. I renounce it all and begin to change my DNA by regarding the ways in which my brainswave.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
vinyl clocks first album track listing
vinyl clocks 1st album track listing
give
work my way (around the world)
clever girl!
comatose
sit in the silence
maybe the meteor
sleepwalking angel
time of day
across the canal
brother older
1 cover (mockingbirds?)
produced by
2nd album
produced by rick rubin
give
work my way (around the world)
clever girl!
comatose
sit in the silence
maybe the meteor
sleepwalking angel
time of day
across the canal
brother older
1 cover (mockingbirds?)
produced by
2nd album
produced by rick rubin
Friday, August 22, 2008
bands review venues
I just got a great idea for a website: People in bands, etc. post their ideas on different venues, restaurants, etc. as they tour from city 2 city.
city2city.com!
city2city.com!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
My number one dream
So over and over again you hear that the best way to accomplish your dreams is to write them down. So here goes. Probably for 2 decades now, I have felt that the number one thing in life I MOST want to do is to be in a successful rock and roll band. If I would have known how fun it was to JUST PLAY and not be consumed with wanting to be more than that, I would have been doing that the whole time. But I also do want to play to bigger and bigger crowds. There's nothing funner! I write and have written lot's of songs, I will eventually post them here. Some other dreams include:
having a nice size role in a movie.
writing and or directing a movie.
recording albums with my band.
Career wise, that's what I really want. The combination of music and acting is what I really crave. So I wrote it down.
having a nice size role in a movie.
writing and or directing a movie.
recording albums with my band.
Career wise, that's what I really want. The combination of music and acting is what I really crave. So I wrote it down.
Anybody want to donate some final draft for me?
_______________________________________________
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-----Inline Message Follows-----
SCENE 1. Overview of SF Bridge and than the Richmond District. Random shots of Russian stores, etc.
Int. Mike's Electronix. Roman is aways off from Chris and John. He is quietly counting inventory and jotting down numbers on a clipboard.
Chris- Betcha five bucks he's a homo.
John- Nah, don't want to lose. (Roman can hear but tries to ignore it.)
Chris- Hey new guy- you're a homo, right? (Roman slowly shakes his head. Steve the Manager comes out from the back holding a clipboard.
Steve- (To Roman) When you're done with that, I've got more inventory in the back for you to count.
Scene 2. Int. Crowded Bus. Roman is squeezed between others uncomfortably. Looks out the window. There are couples, old people wiping noses, babies, crying, etc. CREDITS.
Scene 3. Int. Roman's house. Roman sits at the dining table which is set as Clara (mom) sets down some borscht.
Clara- How was your first day at work?
Roman- It was OK.
Clara- Did you meet anyone new?
Roman- Yeah.
Clara- Any nice girls Roman?
Roman- (Shrugs) Yeah, a few.
Clara- You should invite over some time for dinner.
Roman- OK.
Scene 4. EXT. Bus Stop. AS R is walking toward bus, Jack Lee, a middle aged chinese man, rides by in a '76 Toyota Corona. Roman waves to him. Jack Lee stops, rolls down the window.
Jack- Heard about the job!
Roman- Yeah. Finally got one. 'Bout time, isn't it?
Jack-Make the money than soon you can move out of Mama's house, no?
(chuckles.)(The Bus comes, they say their goodbyes.)
Scene 5. Int. Mike's Electronix. 5 employees including Roman gather around Steve.
Steve- So we need to increase sales. And offer warranties, only don't CALL them warranties. Call them service plans. Roman, you need to learn not to take 'no' for an answer so easily. Chris will show you how it's done, right?
Chris- I guess.
Steve- And another thing, guys. Soon we're gonna be offering cellphones. You can make a nice commission off of those.
John-Good. I'm tired of being broke.
Chris- You won't sell none anyways.
John- Buzz off.
Steve- Questions anyone? Ok, let's open the store. (He goes back to his office.)
John- I wish that he'd go home so that we could watch T.V.
Scene 6 Int. Mike's Electronix- a few hours later. Chris is collecting money from a customer for a television.
Chris- Would you like a service plan with that sir?
Customer- What's that?
John- For an extra 39.99 you can have this television under a service plan for a year so if anything goes wrong with it you can get it fixed or return it.
Customer- No thanks.
John- Well before you say no, you should know that appliances such as these don't last forever any more. In fact it's practically a guarantee that they'll break down. So id you don't have a service plan you'll just have to buy another one.
Customer- (Firmly) I said no.
Chris- Are you sure? It's really stupid not to.
Customer- NO.
Chris- Fine. (Gives him a receipt.) Don't say I didn't warn you. (Customer leaves.) Cheap bastard.
Roman- Wow, you're (a) very good salesperson.
Chris- Shut up.
Roman- I mean it as compliment.
Chris- Shut UP!
Steve comes out of the office. He's dressed to leave.
Steve- Al right, y'alls, I'm taking off....
Don't forget to vaccum and take out the trash before you leave.(As soon as he's gone John turns on the T.V.)
Chris- Put on the damn game.
John- I know, pisspot. (To Roman) Hey Roman. The vacuum cleaner is in the back. Get to it. (Roman goes and gets the VC. Turns it on and starts to vacuum.)
Chris- Turn it off, numbnuts!
Roman- What?
Chris- I said turn it off, MORON!
Roman- (Turning it off) But John told me to vacuum.
John- I meant on the break, idiot. Do the trash.
Ext. Mike's Electronix. Roman is outside with a large garbage bag. Throws it in the trash.
Int. M.E.
Chris- (To John) He does whatever we ask. Watch. (Roman comes back in.) Hey, refill the trash with plastic. (As Roman does this, they smirk to each other. A UPS guy comes in with a package.)
UPS GUY- Pistons playing the Lakers?
JOhn- Yeah, good game so far.
They adlib about sports, etc. as Roman looks on, clueless about it.
Scene 7. Int. Bus. Roman hangs wearily on a bar, again surrounded by people. Music plays.
Scene 8. Int. Jack Lee's Apt.
Roman- It's horrible.
Jack- Really, what's so bad about it?
Roman- The people are mean and I don't have anything to talk about with them.
Jack- Talk about anything. You're a friendly guy!
Roman- But they don't like me.
Jack- How do you know that?
Roman- Trust me, I know.
Int. J.L.'s Apt. Time has elapsed and they're sitting on the couch watching basketball.
Jack- See, that's a freethrow. Hes taking it because the guy fowled him. Each one he gets is worth a point.
Roman- Weird game. (Jack adlibs, trying to 'teach the game to him.'
Jack- Are you even paying attention?
Roman- Sorry. I wish I was more interested.
Jack- That's alright. I used to play it as a youngster. Maybe you just missed out on that.
Roman- (pointing to a picture of a woman.)That's your wife, right?
Jack- Yeah, she died a long time ago.
Roman- If you married my mom, you'd be my dad.
Jack- Don't be silly! (chuckles)
Scene 8. Int. Roman's house. Clara is waiting in the living room, candles aglow. Roman comes in.
Clara- Where in heavens have you been, Roman?
Roman- I was at Jack's.
Clara- Why do you always spend time with that old man, you ned to make friends with people who are your own age.
Roman- He's a good man.
Clara- It's better to-
Roman- Oh, mama, let's not argue. (Plants a kiss on her cheek.)
Scene 9. Int. Roman's house. Roman is sitting at the table playing chess with himself and eating oatmeal. Clara is doing the dishes.
Clara- You going to work soon?
Roman- Yeah, I'm almost done, mama.
Clara- You don't want to be late, Roman. (He folds up his chess set. Clara begins to cough. At first lightly, but than spitting up blood.)
Roman- Mama, are you OK?
Clara- Get me water, water.
Roman- (Quickly gets and gives her a glass of water.) That's not good, you need to see a doctor.
Clara- I'll be alright.
Roman- You can't just keep on praying away your sickness. You need medical help, mama.
Clara- Well I DON'T HAVE ANYONE TO HELP ME! Just go to work!
_______________________________________________
Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com
The most personalized portal on the Web!
SCENE 1. Overview of SF Bridge and than the Richmond District. Random shots of Russian stores, etc.
Int. Mike's Electronix. Roman is aways off from Chris and John. He is quietly counting inventory and jotting down numbers on a clipboard.
Chris- Betcha five bucks he's a homo.
John- Nah, don't want to lose. (Roman can hear but tries to ignore it.)
Chris- Hey new guy- you're a homo, right? (Roman slowly shakes his head. Steve the Manager comes out from the back holding a clipboard.
Steve- (To Roman) When you're done with that, I've got more inventory in the back for you to count.
Scene 2. Int. Crowded Bus. Roman is squeezed between others uncomfortably. Looks out the window. There are couples, old people wiping noses, babies, crying, etc. CREDITS.
Scene 3. Int. Roman's house. Roman sits at the dining table which is set as Clara (mom) sets down some borscht.
Clara- How was your first day at work?
Roman- It was OK.
Clara- Did you meet anyone new?
Roman- Yeah.
Clara- Any nice girls Roman?
Roman- (Shrugs) Yeah, a few.
Clara- You should invite over some time for dinner.
Roman- OK.
Scene 4. EXT. Bus Stop. AS R is walking toward bus, Jack Lee, a middle aged chinese man, rides by in a '76 Toyota Corona. Roman waves to him. Jack Lee stops, rolls down the window.
Jack- Heard about the job!
Roman- Yeah. Finally got one. 'Bout time, isn't it?
Jack-Make the money than soon you can move out of Mama's house, no?
(chuckles.)(The Bus comes, they say their goodbyes.)
Scene 5. Int. Mike's Electronix. 5 employees including Roman gather around Steve.
Steve- So we need to increase sales. And offer warranties, only don't CALL them warranties. Call them service plans. Roman, you need to learn not to take 'no' for an answer so easily. Chris will show you how it's done, right?
Chris- I guess.
Steve- And another thing, guys. Soon we're gonna be offering cellphones. You can make a nice commission off of those.
John-Good. I'm tired of being broke.
Chris- You won't sell none anyways.
John- Buzz off.
Steve- Questions anyone? Ok, let's open the store. (He goes back to his office.)
John- I wish that he'd go home so that we could watch T.V.
Scene 6 Int. Mike's Electronix- a few hours later. Chris is collecting money from a customer for a television.
Chris- Would you like a service plan with that sir?
Customer- What's that?
John- For an extra 39.99 you can have this television under a service plan for a year so if anything goes wrong with it you can get it fixed or return it.
Customer- No thanks.
John- Well before you say no, you should know that appliances such as these don't last forever any more. In fact it's practically a guarantee that they'll break down. So id you don't have a service plan you'll just have to buy another one.
Customer- (Firmly) I said no.
Chris- Are you sure? It's really stupid not to.
Customer- NO.
Chris- Fine. (Gives him a receipt.) Don't say I didn't warn you. (Customer leaves.) Cheap bastard.
Roman- Wow, you're (a) very good salesperson.
Chris- Shut up.
Roman- I mean it as compliment.
Chris- Shut UP!
Steve comes out of the office. He's dressed to leave.
Steve- Al right, y'alls, I'm taking off....
Don't forget to vaccum and take out the trash before you leave.(As soon as he's gone John turns on the T.V.)
Chris- Put on the damn game.
John- I know, pisspot. (To Roman) Hey Roman. The vacuum cleaner is in the back. Get to it. (Roman goes and gets the VC. Turns it on and starts to vacuum.)
Chris- Turn it off, numbnuts!
Roman- What?
Chris- I said turn it off, MORON!
Roman- (Turning it off) But John told me to vacuum.
John- I meant on the break, idiot. Do the trash.
Ext. Mike's Electronix. Roman is outside with a large garbage bag. Throws it in the trash.
Int. M.E.
Chris- (To John) He does whatever we ask. Watch. (Roman comes back in.) Hey, refill the trash with plastic. (As Roman does this, they smirk to each other. A UPS guy comes in with a package.)
UPS GUY- Pistons playing the Lakers?
JOhn- Yeah, good game so far.
They adlib about sports, etc. as Roman looks on, clueless about it.
Scene 7. Int. Bus. Roman hangs wearily on a bar, again surrounded by people. Music plays.
Scene 8. Int. Jack Lee's Apt.
Roman- It's horrible.
Jack- Really, what's so bad about it?
Roman- The people are mean and I don't have anything to talk about with them.
Jack- Talk about anything. You're a friendly guy!
Roman- But they don't like me.
Jack- How do you know that?
Roman- Trust me, I know.
Int. J.L.'s Apt. Time has elapsed and they're sitting on the couch watching basketball.
Jack- See, that's a freethrow. Hes taking it because the guy fowled him. Each one he gets is worth a point.
Roman- Weird game. (Jack adlibs, trying to 'teach the game to him.'
Jack- Are you even paying attention?
Roman- Sorry. I wish I was more interested.
Jack- That's alright. I used to play it as a youngster. Maybe you just missed out on that.
Roman- (pointing to a picture of a woman.)That's your wife, right?
Jack- Yeah, she died a long time ago.
Roman- If you married my mom, you'd be my dad.
Jack- Don't be silly! (chuckles)
Scene 8. Int. Roman's house. Clara is waiting in the living room, candles aglow. Roman comes in.
Clara- Where in heavens have you been, Roman?
Roman- I was at Jack's.
Clara- Why do you always spend time with that old man, you ned to make friends with people who are your own age.
Roman- He's a good man.
Clara- It's better to-
Roman- Oh, mama, let's not argue. (Plants a kiss on her cheek.)
Scene 9. Int. Roman's house. Roman is sitting at the table playing chess with himself and eating oatmeal. Clara is doing the dishes.
Clara- You going to work soon?
Roman- Yeah, I'm almost done, mama.
Clara- You don't want to be late, Roman. (He folds up his chess set. Clara begins to cough. At first lightly, but than spitting up blood.)
Roman- Mama, are you OK?
Clara- Get me water, water.
Roman- (Quickly gets and gives her a glass of water.) That's not good, you need to see a doctor.
Clara- I'll be alright.
Roman- You can't just keep on praying away your sickness. You need medical help, mama.
Clara- Well I DON'T HAVE ANYONE TO HELP ME! Just go to work!
Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com
The most personalized portal on the Web!
-----Inline Message Follows-----
SCENE 1. Overview of SF Bridge and than the Richmond District. Random shots of Russian stores, etc.
Int. Mike's Electronix. Roman is aways off from Chris and John. He is quietly counting inventory and jotting down numbers on a clipboard.
Chris- Betcha five bucks he's a homo.
John- Nah, don't want to lose. (Roman can hear but tries to ignore it.)
Chris- Hey new guy- you're a homo, right? (Roman slowly shakes his head. Steve the Manager comes out from the back holding a clipboard.
Steve- (To Roman) When you're done with that, I've got more inventory in the back for you to count.
Scene 2. Int. Crowded Bus. Roman is squeezed between others uncomfortably. Looks out the window. There are couples, old people wiping noses, babies, crying, etc. CREDITS.
Scene 3. Int. Roman's house. Roman sits at the dining table which is set as Clara (mom) sets down some borscht.
Clara- How was your first day at work?
Roman- It was OK.
Clara- Did you meet anyone new?
Roman- Yeah.
Clara- Any nice girls Roman?
Roman- (Shrugs) Yeah, a few.
Clara- You should invite over some time for dinner.
Roman- OK.
Scene 4. EXT. Bus Stop. AS R is walking toward bus, Jack Lee, a middle aged chinese man, rides by in a '76 Toyota Corona. Roman waves to him. Jack Lee stops, rolls down the window.
Jack- Heard about the job!
Roman- Yeah. Finally got one. 'Bout time, isn't it?
Jack-Make the money than soon you can move out of Mama's house, no?
(chuckles.)(The Bus comes, they say their goodbyes.)
Scene 5. Int. Mike's Electronix. 5 employees including Roman gather around Steve.
Steve- So we need to increase sales. And offer warranties, only don't CALL them warranties. Call them service plans. Roman, you need to learn not to take 'no' for an answer so easily. Chris will show you how it's done, right?
Chris- I guess.
Steve- And another thing, guys. Soon we're gonna be offering cellphones. You can make a nice commission off of those.
John-Good. I'm tired of being broke.
Chris- You won't sell none anyways.
John- Buzz off.
Steve- Questions anyone? Ok, let's open the store. (He goes back to his office.)
John- I wish that he'd go home so that we could watch T.V.
Scene 6 Int. Mike's Electronix- a few hours later. Chris is collecting money from a customer for a television.
Chris- Would you like a service plan with that sir?
Customer- What's that?
John- For an extra 39.99 you can have this television under a service plan for a year so if anything goes wrong with it you can get it fixed or return it.
Customer- No thanks.
John- Well before you say no, you should know that appliances such as these don't last forever any more. In fact it's practically a guarantee that they'll break down. So id you don't have a service plan you'll just have to buy another one.
Customer- (Firmly) I said no.
Chris- Are you sure? It's really stupid not to.
Customer- NO.
Chris- Fine. (Gives him a receipt.) Don't say I didn't warn you. (Customer leaves.) Cheap bastard.
Roman- Wow, you're (a) very good salesperson.
Chris- Shut up.
Roman- I mean it as compliment.
Chris- Shut UP!
Steve comes out of the office. He's dressed to leave.
Steve- Al right, y'alls, I'm taking off....
Don't forget to vaccum and take out the trash before you leave.(As soon as he's gone John turns on the T.V.)
Chris- Put on the damn game.
John- I know, pisspot. (To Roman) Hey Roman. The vacuum cleaner is in the back. Get to it. (Roman goes and gets the VC. Turns it on and starts to vacuum.)
Chris- Turn it off, numbnuts!
Roman- What?
Chris- I said turn it off, MORON!
Roman- (Turning it off) But John told me to vacuum.
John- I meant on the break, idiot. Do the trash.
Ext. Mike's Electronix. Roman is outside with a large garbage bag. Throws it in the trash.
Int. M.E.
Chris- (To John) He does whatever we ask. Watch. (Roman comes back in.) Hey, refill the trash with plastic. (As Roman does this, they smirk to each other. A UPS guy comes in with a package.)
UPS GUY- Pistons playing the Lakers?
JOhn- Yeah, good game so far.
They adlib about sports, etc. as Roman looks on, clueless about it.
Scene 7. Int. Bus. Roman hangs wearily on a bar, again surrounded by people. Music plays.
Scene 8. Int. Jack Lee's Apt.
Roman- It's horrible.
Jack- Really, what's so bad about it?
Roman- The people are mean and I don't have anything to talk about with them.
Jack- Talk about anything. You're a friendly guy!
Roman- But they don't like me.
Jack- How do you know that?
Roman- Trust me, I know.
Int. J.L.'s Apt. Time has elapsed and they're sitting on the couch watching basketball.
Jack- See, that's a freethrow. Hes taking it because the guy fowled him. Each one he gets is worth a point.
Roman- Weird game. (Jack adlibs, trying to 'teach the game to him.'
Jack- Are you even paying attention?
Roman- Sorry. I wish I was more interested.
Jack- That's alright. I used to play it as a youngster. Maybe you just missed out on that.
Roman- (pointing to a picture of a woman.)That's your wife, right?
Jack- Yeah, she died a long time ago.
Roman- If you married my mom, you'd be my dad.
Jack- Don't be silly! (chuckles)
Scene 8. Int. Roman's house. Clara is waiting in the living room, candles aglow. Roman comes in.
Clara- Where in heavens have you been, Roman?
Roman- I was at Jack's.
Clara- Why do you always spend time with that old man, you ned to make friends with people who are your own age.
Roman- He's a good man.
Clara- It's better to-
Roman- Oh, mama, let's not argue. (Plants a kiss on her cheek.)
Scene 9. Int. Roman's house. Roman is sitting at the table playing chess with himself and eating oatmeal. Clara is doing the dishes.
Clara- You going to work soon?
Roman- Yeah, I'm almost done, mama.
Clara- You don't want to be late, Roman. (He folds up his chess set. Clara begins to cough. At first lightly, but than spitting up blood.)
Roman- Mama, are you OK?
Clara- Get me water, water.
Roman- (Quickly gets and gives her a glass of water.) That's not good, you need to see a doctor.
Clara- I'll be alright.
Roman- You can't just keep on praying away your sickness. You need medical help, mama.
Clara- Well I DON'T HAVE ANYONE TO HELP ME! Just go to work!
_______________________________________________
Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com
The most personalized portal on the Web!
SCENE 1. Overview of SF Bridge and than the Richmond District. Random shots of Russian stores, etc.
Int. Mike's Electronix. Roman is aways off from Chris and John. He is quietly counting inventory and jotting down numbers on a clipboard.
Chris- Betcha five bucks he's a homo.
John- Nah, don't want to lose. (Roman can hear but tries to ignore it.)
Chris- Hey new guy- you're a homo, right? (Roman slowly shakes his head. Steve the Manager comes out from the back holding a clipboard.
Steve- (To Roman) When you're done with that, I've got more inventory in the back for you to count.
Scene 2. Int. Crowded Bus. Roman is squeezed between others uncomfortably. Looks out the window. There are couples, old people wiping noses, babies, crying, etc. CREDITS.
Scene 3. Int. Roman's house. Roman sits at the dining table which is set as Clara (mom) sets down some borscht.
Clara- How was your first day at work?
Roman- It was OK.
Clara- Did you meet anyone new?
Roman- Yeah.
Clara- Any nice girls Roman?
Roman- (Shrugs) Yeah, a few.
Clara- You should invite over some time for dinner.
Roman- OK.
Scene 4. EXT. Bus Stop. AS R is walking toward bus, Jack Lee, a middle aged chinese man, rides by in a '76 Toyota Corona. Roman waves to him. Jack Lee stops, rolls down the window.
Jack- Heard about the job!
Roman- Yeah. Finally got one. 'Bout time, isn't it?
Jack-Make the money than soon you can move out of Mama's house, no?
(chuckles.)(The Bus comes, they say their goodbyes.)
Scene 5. Int. Mike's Electronix. 5 employees including Roman gather around Steve.
Steve- So we need to increase sales. And offer warranties, only don't CALL them warranties. Call them service plans. Roman, you need to learn not to take 'no' for an answer so easily. Chris will show you how it's done, right?
Chris- I guess.
Steve- And another thing, guys. Soon we're gonna be offering cellphones. You can make a nice commission off of those.
John-Good. I'm tired of being broke.
Chris- You won't sell none anyways.
John- Buzz off.
Steve- Questions anyone? Ok, let's open the store. (He goes back to his office.)
John- I wish that he'd go home so that we could watch T.V.
Scene 6 Int. Mike's Electronix- a few hours later. Chris is collecting money from a customer for a television.
Chris- Would you like a service plan with that sir?
Customer- What's that?
John- For an extra 39.99 you can have this television under a service plan for a year so if anything goes wrong with it you can get it fixed or return it.
Customer- No thanks.
John- Well before you say no, you should know that appliances such as these don't last forever any more. In fact it's practically a guarantee that they'll break down. So id you don't have a service plan you'll just have to buy another one.
Customer- (Firmly) I said no.
Chris- Are you sure? It's really stupid not to.
Customer- NO.
Chris- Fine. (Gives him a receipt.) Don't say I didn't warn you. (Customer leaves.) Cheap bastard.
Roman- Wow, you're (a) very good salesperson.
Chris- Shut up.
Roman- I mean it as compliment.
Chris- Shut UP!
Steve comes out of the office. He's dressed to leave.
Steve- Al right, y'alls, I'm taking off....
Don't forget to vaccum and take out the trash before you leave.(As soon as he's gone John turns on the T.V.)
Chris- Put on the damn game.
John- I know, pisspot. (To Roman) Hey Roman. The vacuum cleaner is in the back. Get to it. (Roman goes and gets the VC. Turns it on and starts to vacuum.)
Chris- Turn it off, numbnuts!
Roman- What?
Chris- I said turn it off, MORON!
Roman- (Turning it off) But John told me to vacuum.
John- I meant on the break, idiot. Do the trash.
Ext. Mike's Electronix. Roman is outside with a large garbage bag. Throws it in the trash.
Int. M.E.
Chris- (To John) He does whatever we ask. Watch. (Roman comes back in.) Hey, refill the trash with plastic. (As Roman does this, they smirk to each other. A UPS guy comes in with a package.)
UPS GUY- Pistons playing the Lakers?
JOhn- Yeah, good game so far.
They adlib about sports, etc. as Roman looks on, clueless about it.
Scene 7. Int. Bus. Roman hangs wearily on a bar, again surrounded by people. Music plays.
Scene 8. Int. Jack Lee's Apt.
Roman- It's horrible.
Jack- Really, what's so bad about it?
Roman- The people are mean and I don't have anything to talk about with them.
Jack- Talk about anything. You're a friendly guy!
Roman- But they don't like me.
Jack- How do you know that?
Roman- Trust me, I know.
Int. J.L.'s Apt. Time has elapsed and they're sitting on the couch watching basketball.
Jack- See, that's a freethrow. Hes taking it because the guy fowled him. Each one he gets is worth a point.
Roman- Weird game. (Jack adlibs, trying to 'teach the game to him.'
Jack- Are you even paying attention?
Roman- Sorry. I wish I was more interested.
Jack- That's alright. I used to play it as a youngster. Maybe you just missed out on that.
Roman- (pointing to a picture of a woman.)That's your wife, right?
Jack- Yeah, she died a long time ago.
Roman- If you married my mom, you'd be my dad.
Jack- Don't be silly! (chuckles)
Scene 8. Int. Roman's house. Clara is waiting in the living room, candles aglow. Roman comes in.
Clara- Where in heavens have you been, Roman?
Roman- I was at Jack's.
Clara- Why do you always spend time with that old man, you ned to make friends with people who are your own age.
Roman- He's a good man.
Clara- It's better to-
Roman- Oh, mama, let's not argue. (Plants a kiss on her cheek.)
Scene 9. Int. Roman's house. Roman is sitting at the table playing chess with himself and eating oatmeal. Clara is doing the dishes.
Clara- You going to work soon?
Roman- Yeah, I'm almost done, mama.
Clara- You don't want to be late, Roman. (He folds up his chess set. Clara begins to cough. At first lightly, but than spitting up blood.)
Roman- Mama, are you OK?
Clara- Get me water, water.
Roman- (Quickly gets and gives her a glass of water.) That's not good, you need to see a doctor.
Clara- I'll be alright.
Roman- You can't just keep on praying away your sickness. You need medical help, mama.
Clara- Well I DON'T HAVE ANYONE TO HELP ME! Just go to work!
lyrics
save the royal treatment for the fools
who think they need it
got my own set of rules
I alone am sent to bleed for it.
She comes into your life at the perfect time
you wonder if she knows about
your only crime
you ponder does she see beyond this grand disguise
she will charter
a flight straight through to your soul
there are no layovers.
My head is spinning again she said
round and round because I only wish
to do the right thing
we've both
been through this before
we're here to help each other realize
that there's something more
you won't listen to my excuses
maybe that's
just what I need
we are survivors she said
stepping forward is our creed
my head is spinning she said
turn the soundsystem up
with a song that doesn't make me feel
like I've done something wrong
she's the one who made
me feel like I'm the one
she's the one who melts
my heart into the sun
She showed up right when I was craving
the company of somebody to convince myself
that I don't need saving.
who think they need it
got my own set of rules
I alone am sent to bleed for it.
She comes into your life at the perfect time
you wonder if she knows about
your only crime
you ponder does she see beyond this grand disguise
she will charter
a flight straight through to your soul
there are no layovers.
My head is spinning again she said
round and round because I only wish
to do the right thing
we've both
been through this before
we're here to help each other realize
that there's something more
you won't listen to my excuses
maybe that's
just what I need
we are survivors she said
stepping forward is our creed
my head is spinning she said
turn the soundsystem up
with a song that doesn't make me feel
like I've done something wrong
she's the one who made
me feel like I'm the one
she's the one who melts
my heart into the sun
She showed up right when I was craving
the company of somebody to convince myself
that I don't need saving.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
charm factory
Name for a band: charm factory. Overeager PA on the playboy set: I CAN DO THIS! Everything’s chill at this house. But if you don’t say a blessing before eating you get slapped. And for gods sakes, don’t mix your milk and meat or you’ll get a nose wallop.
I don’t want my kneecaps broken for this but I’m going to have to speak the truth. The punk rockers work at starbucks now I don’t need any proof. The true punks are trapped under rafters and oceans full of ice. They’re trapped in a world of dementia where it’s impossible to be nice. Deliberately courting diseases again in the wind- without a jacket, self destructive like shiva again, you bounce back and forth like a yoyo, friend. And out dancing in the rain again. The bugs crawling out of your brain again. Set your sights on the roses blue, and you had time to miss your curfew. You went painting your shoes bright colors and hues you’re cultivating charm as if you’re raking the
I don’t want my kneecaps broken for this but I’m going to have to speak the truth. The punk rockers work at starbucks now I don’t need any proof. The true punks are trapped under rafters and oceans full of ice. They’re trapped in a world of dementia where it’s impossible to be nice. Deliberately courting diseases again in the wind- without a jacket, self destructive like shiva again, you bounce back and forth like a yoyo, friend. And out dancing in the rain again. The bugs crawling out of your brain again. Set your sights on the roses blue, and you had time to miss your curfew. You went painting your shoes bright colors and hues you’re cultivating charm as if you’re raking the
lyrics
When you make that face, when you paint a smile I will fall from grace I won’t wait a while and the evening comes, a fiesta moon we will watch the dove fly into his doom. They will make us stare they won’t let us sing we must decide for ourselves rejoicings we can bring in a delicate shout. Along your soul’s canals a lazy hummingbird sings and you cannot hear anything.
some songs I've written
Song list: across the canal, angry candy, bang and a shout, beautiful world, billion dollar hotel, black cat found, bring back the pidgeons,broken mirrors, brother older, clever girl, crazy, deadtown, disengage, drop like flies, drink eagerly the moment, dry spot,electric shock treatment, eternity’s hour,guild horse, happy again, he threw his baby from a bridge, hurry up and wait, I met an old man, judas kiss, lavender evening,let’s party, letter to Merriam,listen to the world, mad man mind vacations, me and my mythologies, misty movements, moonrise over madness st, move to the city, pomegranite head, she always smiles, shock parade, slave of time, sleeping on floors, sleepwalking angel, slowly but surely, small packages, still here, starfish, superman with a broken heart, swallow me, take me outside, try, wait right here for you, walk on wires, walls, wanted and the give, watching and waiting, wave goodbye, weak bullfighter, without compromises, you are a light, your power
Me and my brothers are direct descendents of vietnam and holocaust survivors.
OK so nobody wants to hear about the Holocaust anymore. Certain ignoramuses claim it never happened, certain people claim we’re all just cashing in on some false fable. I know it happened cause I can see it in my grandma’s eyes, in the pictures of her siblings and parents who lost their lives.
If it wasn’t for the Holocaust or the Vietnam war, I wouldn’t be here. My parents were products of both. If it wasn’t for the holocaust my grandparents wouldn’t have met after the liberation of Auschwitz and gotten married. Grandpa already had a wife and two daughters before the war, who perished, grandma had a fiancée, who perished. So if it wasn’t for the Holocaust, not only would I nor my brothers be here, but neither would my mother, her sister, and her children. Does that make me a fan of what happened? No, I would give my existence back to the universe if I could, but I can’t. It is what it is. But every time I hear about holocaust denial I feel a violent sting. I feel like they’re denying my existence.
Than my father survived Vietnam. If he hadn’t gone through Vietnam he would have never had the life that led to meeting my mom. They met at los angeles city college in, I think, 1969. Without going through that war, my dad would have definitely married someone else. The funny thing is, I think the pain that both of those terrors, the holocaust, which affected my mother more indirectly than Vietnam affected my father, could have been part of what solidified the chemistry between them. My mother probably subconsciously was able to deal with my Dad’s Post traumatic stress and other disorders from the war because she had dealt with her parent’s.
So life is strange folks, or at least mine is. And I don’t believe in holding grudges against any nations who may have been responsible for atrocities towards my people. Any country can be propagandized to, and usually it’s the minority of people who speak out against them. And sins of the fathers have no bearing on their son’s character, of course. I must say it gives my life a burning sense of purpose. That I was made to express something. We all were though. I just want to dare to love. Dare to love the enemy, the one who demeans. Because often times, their thoughts are not their own.
If it wasn’t for the Holocaust or the Vietnam war, I wouldn’t be here. My parents were products of both. If it wasn’t for the holocaust my grandparents wouldn’t have met after the liberation of Auschwitz and gotten married. Grandpa already had a wife and two daughters before the war, who perished, grandma had a fiancée, who perished. So if it wasn’t for the Holocaust, not only would I nor my brothers be here, but neither would my mother, her sister, and her children. Does that make me a fan of what happened? No, I would give my existence back to the universe if I could, but I can’t. It is what it is. But every time I hear about holocaust denial I feel a violent sting. I feel like they’re denying my existence.
Than my father survived Vietnam. If he hadn’t gone through Vietnam he would have never had the life that led to meeting my mom. They met at los angeles city college in, I think, 1969. Without going through that war, my dad would have definitely married someone else. The funny thing is, I think the pain that both of those terrors, the holocaust, which affected my mother more indirectly than Vietnam affected my father, could have been part of what solidified the chemistry between them. My mother probably subconsciously was able to deal with my Dad’s Post traumatic stress and other disorders from the war because she had dealt with her parent’s.
So life is strange folks, or at least mine is. And I don’t believe in holding grudges against any nations who may have been responsible for atrocities towards my people. Any country can be propagandized to, and usually it’s the minority of people who speak out against them. And sins of the fathers have no bearing on their son’s character, of course. I must say it gives my life a burning sense of purpose. That I was made to express something. We all were though. I just want to dare to love. Dare to love the enemy, the one who demeans. Because often times, their thoughts are not their own.
Lyric Idea: Been down so long
She flew away, like ill gotten gain.
She stayed around till there was pain.
Now people like to play it easy
No one likes to hang it tough
Cause when the going gets going
Enough is enough.
But I’ve been down so long that it don’t even matter anymore
Took me along time
To learn this lesson well
You don’t have to keep everything that comes
You don’t have to stay in hell
But sometimes it’s easier to stay put than to move along
It’s always safer to be wrong.
But I’ve been down so long that it don’t even matter anymore.
You can choose the high road
Or settle for what’s left
And thank them all for the crumbs that they throw you
I only want the best, for you.
You been down so long that it don’t even matter anymore
What are you waiting for, when there’s nothing left to lose
But it’s up to you, the decisions that you choose.
She stayed around till there was pain.
Now people like to play it easy
No one likes to hang it tough
Cause when the going gets going
Enough is enough.
But I’ve been down so long that it don’t even matter anymore
Took me along time
To learn this lesson well
You don’t have to keep everything that comes
You don’t have to stay in hell
But sometimes it’s easier to stay put than to move along
It’s always safer to be wrong.
But I’ve been down so long that it don’t even matter anymore.
You can choose the high road
Or settle for what’s left
And thank them all for the crumbs that they throw you
I only want the best, for you.
You been down so long that it don’t even matter anymore
What are you waiting for, when there’s nothing left to lose
But it’s up to you, the decisions that you choose.
Folk singing cab driver: the musical.
I’m going to write a movie for my friend Jordan. It’s about a folk singing cab driver.
He is a street performer who is innocent and gets caught up in the L.A. nights.
I’m going to use actual events from what I go through.
Overheard dialogue, etc.
In the la merigot bar: “Man: That’s mormons!” woman: they go travel for like years at a time, like missions or something? Another man: No, that’s the amish.
Scene 1 j. is busking on the beach. Takes a cab to the beach.
J- I need to get an amp, I need to go electric man! Like Dylan at the festival!
He goes into a music shop, eyes amplifiers, etc. cabbie tells him he should get a job working for the cabs, saves up for his permit and walks in with a fistful of dollars.
He has a training night with zarko, who shows him the ropes.
His first night a guy offers him 500 dollars if he can show him the good drug spots. I think this is a good one! (the guy gets out and gives him 10 bucks.)
He picks up junkie girl from pavilions motel, the cops stop them let them go. She says she has a famous dad. The dad has the money and pays maybe a dime over the meter and says keep the change.
Hanging out on the canal, he sings the first verse of ‘across the canals’
becomes angry at the world and almost gets involved in heist after realizing he wants to leave L.A. but than he meets hummingbird, a young girl who convinces him of otherwise………..
He is a street performer who is innocent and gets caught up in the L.A. nights.
I’m going to use actual events from what I go through.
Overheard dialogue, etc.
In the la merigot bar: “Man: That’s mormons!” woman: they go travel for like years at a time, like missions or something? Another man: No, that’s the amish.
Scene 1 j. is busking on the beach. Takes a cab to the beach.
J- I need to get an amp, I need to go electric man! Like Dylan at the festival!
He goes into a music shop, eyes amplifiers, etc. cabbie tells him he should get a job working for the cabs, saves up for his permit and walks in with a fistful of dollars.
He has a training night with zarko, who shows him the ropes.
His first night a guy offers him 500 dollars if he can show him the good drug spots. I think this is a good one! (the guy gets out and gives him 10 bucks.)
He picks up junkie girl from pavilions motel, the cops stop them let them go. She says she has a famous dad. The dad has the money and pays maybe a dime over the meter and says keep the change.
Hanging out on the canal, he sings the first verse of ‘across the canals’
becomes angry at the world and almost gets involved in heist after realizing he wants to leave L.A. but than he meets hummingbird, a young girl who convinces him of otherwise………..
30 year old concert goer (written in 06)
Is 30 old? I mean, maybe to some 18 year old at a concert I look a bit older, but I actually feel more apt to go out and see shows now than when I was 18. I did go to shows, but I also stayed in a lot and read Kerouac and other forms of beatnik literature more often. Probably most the guys who got it all out of their system are ‘over it’ and onto their mortgages and 9 to 5’s. Here I am in my 38th job, and ready to spend half of my paycheck on concerts.
For me, Rock concerts are the most viable and meaningful from of entertainment. I would get bored at sports shows and movies are cool but they aren’t very social. I remember a girl I used to go to high school with thought that it was creepy for older people to go to punk shows. I think it’s great! I think hard fast aggressive music is good for an aging brain! I think scientists should investigate whether rock music aids in preventing alzheimers! Seriously! I bet it does in the same way doing jigsaw puzzles do. It’s Omega 3 for the soul, for god’s sake. I saw an old lady getting down to the Pogues last night. I also saw 2 old ladies walk out on the Pogues the night before that, so it depends, like everything, of course.
I don’t believe I’ll ever stop going to shows. And living in L.A. doesn’t help. On Thursday there were 4 different venues I wanted to go to. I chose a certain Irish band, of course.
For me, Rock concerts are the most viable and meaningful from of entertainment. I would get bored at sports shows and movies are cool but they aren’t very social. I remember a girl I used to go to high school with thought that it was creepy for older people to go to punk shows. I think it’s great! I think hard fast aggressive music is good for an aging brain! I think scientists should investigate whether rock music aids in preventing alzheimers! Seriously! I bet it does in the same way doing jigsaw puzzles do. It’s Omega 3 for the soul, for god’s sake. I saw an old lady getting down to the Pogues last night. I also saw 2 old ladies walk out on the Pogues the night before that, so it depends, like everything, of course.
I don’t believe I’ll ever stop going to shows. And living in L.A. doesn’t help. On Thursday there were 4 different venues I wanted to go to. I chose a certain Irish band, of course.
2 silly songs I wrote in 06
Serious as cancer/wish I was a dancer/ cause when I’d get out on your floor/all the girls would shake their noggin/soon we’d be a snoggin’/tell me who do you adore/ ain’t my fault that the man you came with is a bore/and he’s dumb as a door!
Yes alrighty/ praise the lord almighty/ twisting like the heavens above./don’t tell your mama or your bald headed daddy/ you might have just fallen in love./
Well I ain’t got no P.H.D./but I got something else that’s pretty hard to beat/I can take you places on a Saturday night/make you feel like flying my kite
I’m a (hit) PEACOCK STRUTTER (hit)
Slap that butter (hit)
All over your frying pan.
Yeah I might be lazy
But I can spin your daisy
Like nobody else out there can.
Yeah gimme a dollar
Cause I ain’t no white collar
Living out the garbage can
With my Casanova stare
Come on baby take my hand
Got a new tuxedo
Holy Toledo (or move over guido)
Jump inside my Cadillac
Cause I got me a baby
Who knows I’m half way crazy
Still she knows I’m better than that. &she la loves me
Almost as much as her cat.
(That ain’t bad.)
Song 2 (rockthisshithole)
Hey old lady go play bingo and don’t forget to bring your cane!
We’re rocking out if you’re stickin’ around you may as well go insane!
We’re gonna rock this shithole, rock this shithole!
Back to kingdom come. Rock this shithole, rock this shithole!
Tell all the betties to come cause if there ain’t no birds you know it just! won’t be any fun!
Bonesy’s gonna bring his garbage can!
Gonna light it on fire like custer’s last stand!
Get all the freaks from kalamazoo!
Bring the mental cases and the nurses too!
We’ll have a praying spot for the Moslems and jews!
You gotta shake hands in the hot air balloon.!
Johnny’s gonna bring his electric jaws harp!
He’ll be buzzing and a twanging like ol’ meadowlark!
This rockabillygirl from the movie set !
Gonna kill you all in poker so I ain’t gonna bet!
But I’ll get her panties wet!
Playing fooz ball in a broken elevator dirty mick ‘ll be !
Banging on an old carburetor!
We’re gonna light us all a fire and say we built it with love!
Go outside and try to count the stars above!
Rock this shithole!
Yes alrighty/ praise the lord almighty/ twisting like the heavens above./don’t tell your mama or your bald headed daddy/ you might have just fallen in love./
Well I ain’t got no P.H.D./but I got something else that’s pretty hard to beat/I can take you places on a Saturday night/make you feel like flying my kite
I’m a (hit) PEACOCK STRUTTER (hit)
Slap that butter (hit)
All over your frying pan.
Yeah I might be lazy
But I can spin your daisy
Like nobody else out there can.
Yeah gimme a dollar
Cause I ain’t no white collar
Living out the garbage can
With my Casanova stare
Come on baby take my hand
Got a new tuxedo
Holy Toledo (or move over guido)
Jump inside my Cadillac
Cause I got me a baby
Who knows I’m half way crazy
Still she knows I’m better than that. &she la loves me
Almost as much as her cat.
(That ain’t bad.)
Song 2 (rockthisshithole)
Hey old lady go play bingo and don’t forget to bring your cane!
We’re rocking out if you’re stickin’ around you may as well go insane!
We’re gonna rock this shithole, rock this shithole!
Back to kingdom come. Rock this shithole, rock this shithole!
Tell all the betties to come cause if there ain’t no birds you know it just! won’t be any fun!
Bonesy’s gonna bring his garbage can!
Gonna light it on fire like custer’s last stand!
Get all the freaks from kalamazoo!
Bring the mental cases and the nurses too!
We’ll have a praying spot for the Moslems and jews!
You gotta shake hands in the hot air balloon.!
Johnny’s gonna bring his electric jaws harp!
He’ll be buzzing and a twanging like ol’ meadowlark!
This rockabillygirl from the movie set !
Gonna kill you all in poker so I ain’t gonna bet!
But I’ll get her panties wet!
Playing fooz ball in a broken elevator dirty mick ‘ll be !
Banging on an old carburetor!
We’re gonna light us all a fire and say we built it with love!
Go outside and try to count the stars above!
Rock this shithole!
My very own concoction: enough anti oxidants to run across the desert.
Che's Cocoa delight
So if you're trying to abolish processed sugar from your diet, and you want something that will really give you a pep at the same time, I have a great solution for you. This particular drink is simple to prepare and also helpful if you're trying to give up caffeine, as it is loaded with natural 'uppers' as well! For each serving:
8 OZ. Organic Oat Beverage
1 TBSP. Organic Agave Syrup
1 TBSP. Cacao Powder.
blend it.
Drink up!
So if you're trying to abolish processed sugar from your diet, and you want something that will really give you a pep at the same time, I have a great solution for you. This particular drink is simple to prepare and also helpful if you're trying to give up caffeine, as it is loaded with natural 'uppers' as well! For each serving:
8 OZ. Organic Oat Beverage
1 TBSP. Organic Agave Syrup
1 TBSP. Cacao Powder.
blend it.
Drink up!
Book Review
J Hamilton Kelley’s new e-book “Beyond Mind Power” is quite interesting and refreshing. It makes you feel as there is a source you can tap into, something that has been there in our minds all along but that most of us have ignored. It is the access into this entity that this particular work is about. Kelley’s book keeps you enraptured and wanting to drink every page slowly, so that everything is digested and nothing overlooked. What if we could somehow “soak up” the same powers of the universe that cause an oak tree to grow and use these powers for the strengthening of our mental capacities? This is not something that just comes naturally.
Drawing from specialized knowledge from fairly obscure resources as well as research that has been thought out for a lengthy period of time, you feel as if you have been let in on a secret. If you don’t want to miss out on some esoteric knowledge that you can really use in a pragmatic manner, read this book, and read it today. Don’t wait one more day!
Drawing from specialized knowledge from fairly obscure resources as well as research that has been thought out for a lengthy period of time, you feel as if you have been let in on a secret. If you don’t want to miss out on some esoteric knowledge that you can really use in a pragmatic manner, read this book, and read it today. Don’t wait one more day!
lyrical forte- notes from a cab driver
Every time we’re on san Vicente/ you say it’s a speed trap baby / you gotta watch your back/ cause they will attack/ and khakis are neutral/ but I like how your shirt and tie clash so perfectly/ I love how you talk fashion cause I don’t know anything./ Take us to the palisades/ wasn’t it funny yesterday/ everybody in town thought you got laid/ you know that if I did/ I could never get away with my joke at the supper table/ with fingers in the air, et cetera, yes yes you were quite lacking in grace, and if it were true she would have spilled her drink in your face. Anybody blue, anybody blue? Can’t tell if what they said was true.
Honey she said you took a bit of a long time in the shower before the soiree we have to stop in for the flowers, a ripe bouquet that says what we couldn’t say. Honey he said I wish you wouldn’t pressure me and the cab driver snorts I remember when men acted like men hey what did he say to me? Nothing at all, nothing at all. But I actually said
And your philosophies they served a purpose baby I don’t want you to be nervous. everybody has the right to earn a living and wake up with a reason to be forgiving. But don’t let the see saw see saw sideways wake up when you find you’ve gone the wrong way
all of the women in this lovely country treat their little men like silly babies.
So the train has run aground and spun around into the other direction. We don’t need another resurrection what we need is a new correction. We need to do unto others do unto others like what we would have done unto us, unto us.
Honey she said you took a bit of a long time in the shower before the soiree we have to stop in for the flowers, a ripe bouquet that says what we couldn’t say. Honey he said I wish you wouldn’t pressure me and the cab driver snorts I remember when men acted like men hey what did he say to me? Nothing at all, nothing at all. But I actually said
And your philosophies they served a purpose baby I don’t want you to be nervous. everybody has the right to earn a living and wake up with a reason to be forgiving. But don’t let the see saw see saw sideways wake up when you find you’ve gone the wrong way
all of the women in this lovely country treat their little men like silly babies.
So the train has run aground and spun around into the other direction. We don’t need another resurrection what we need is a new correction. We need to do unto others do unto others like what we would have done unto us, unto us.
Speech I made at Beverly Hills Hotel
I, jeremy ferrick, am a grandson of holocaust survivors. My grandmother sophie, who is here today, and grandfather max, who passed in 1980, survived the concentration camps, sailed to Israel, and than immigrated to the states in 1951. My grandmother, at 85 years old, is tenacious, strong willed, generous, and kind hearted. She wanted o instill in her grandchildren a passion for being jewish. For several years growing up she sent us every summer to camp alonim in the simi valley, where we met other young jews, learned Hebrew songs, and bonded with our jewish faith.
One particular summer while I was there, I was particularly interested in filmmaking and acting, and screenwriting. I had a chance to meet Stephen Spielberg, who showed up by the basketball courts where I was with some friends of mine. He was scouting scenery that he could use for his movie ‘jurassic park.’ He came over to us and shook our hands. I told him I had an idea for a movie about a young man in a concentration camp. He told me he was already working on a movie about the holocaust. That movie came out a few years later, and was called schindlers list. I’m sure most of you here have seen it. By the time I got to see it, I already felt like I was an expert on the holocaust. I had listened to my grandmother’s interview about surviving the camps which was made at ucla as part of a research study, I had read all the best books on the subject, including escape from sobibor, alissa appleman jurman’s autobiography, selected works of primo levi, viktor frankl, elie wiesel, and even poet/surivivor paul celan. I had seen countless Tv movies about it. I remember watching a particular film on tv about the holocaust when I was about 5, later finding out that my grandparents had survived the same horrible atrocities!
I remember the knowledge of the holocaust seeping out slowly in other waysthroughout my youth. Like when I was particularly distraught over some missing baseball cards and my mother let me know how petty I was being. “you think that’s hard? Try growing up with no aunts, uncles, cousins or grandparents because they were all murdered in the camps,” she said.of course She later became a therapist and apologized for saying that, realizing it had been a bit calloused.
How are we not to be a bit calloused knowing what our loved ones have gone through? And than going through, what I’m sure all of you out here have gone through, listening to holocaust deniers, like for instance the guy in my psychology class in junior college claiming to me in a conspiratorial manner that the holocaust never happened, not realizing that I am a direct result of it. i told him that it did happen. I told him what my grandparents went through, and hopefully it helped change his mind. But we are not here to evangelize to people who would rather close their ears to the truth. Let them rot in their ignorance. We know what happened. That people would want to disclaim what had happened to our brethren, to turn truth into a pack of lies, I did not know how to deal with that. Elie wiesel has a quote, it’s about dismissing evil with silence. But is silence enough?
We who are offspring of survivors are a different breed. We are a product of what happened. One way to look at it is that if it had never happened we wouldn’t be here. My mother wouldn’t be here. My aunt and her children wouldn’t be here( My grandfather had a whole other set of daughters and a wife who perished before he even met my grandmother.)
My grandfather max lazar of blessed memory passed when I was four years old. Whenever I come to an event like this I have about a dozen people tell me what a wonderful guy he was. Everybody would say he’s a real mensch, would never talk bad about anybody or anything, was a real socialite, etc. etc. But the story I remember most about him was that while in Auschwitz, he actually told a nazi guard that he would outlive the camps! That takes some bravery I would say. If only I had that much chutzpah! I have a feeling I would play it a bit safer than that!
When I decided to go to Europe 5 years ago, I called my grandmother and asked her if she wanted me to take any photographs of her hometown, lodz. I was going there anyways to take pictures for another family friend of ours who’s parents were also from lodz. She was not interested in reliving her memories, and I can’t say that I blame her.
Before going to lodz, I stopped in Krakow for about a week. In kazmierz, the jewish section of the city, there is a sign that tells people not to walk down a small stretch of sidewalk out of respect for the many people murdered in mass graves there. I wanted to scream at the poles who just ignored the sign. I talked to an Israeli man outside of a hotel on the same street. I asked him how he liked Krakow. He stated that he did not,that Poland felt like a massive jewish graveyard, and that he was only here to visit Auschwitz out of a sense of duty. I visited Auschwitz too. On an unconscious level, I also felt like it was my duty to see where my grandparents had suffered. At 26, I was already older than grandma had been. I always would think, what if I was in the same position. We can imagine it, but not completely.
The question I have now is. How do we acknowledge what happened to us in the past, and yet move into the future with optimism? We have plenty of anger and enough righteous injustice to last us for more than our lifetime. But how do we move on from there into emotions that are more productive?
I believe my grandmother has done a very good job despite what he has gone through and is a model of bravery. She has pushed on through her hardships, had two wonderful daughters who love her and they love each other very much, as well as half a dozen grandchildren and one great grandson. I believe she has taught me a lot about facing fear and a difficult past with dignity and pride.
We who are children and grandchildren of survivors, although we did not physically encounter the horror of the ghetto and the camps, are survivors as well. It is our duty to stretch ourselves in this life as much as possible. Because we are blessed by the fact that we are here. We are here and in hitler’s eyes we weren’t supposed to be. So we are given carte blanche to live our dreams, to follow our destinies as we see fit. And in doing so we rebel against the past. We dance on the face of the future for we are now stronger than ever. And we let the world know that what happened once will never happen again. Thank you.
One particular summer while I was there, I was particularly interested in filmmaking and acting, and screenwriting. I had a chance to meet Stephen Spielberg, who showed up by the basketball courts where I was with some friends of mine. He was scouting scenery that he could use for his movie ‘jurassic park.’ He came over to us and shook our hands. I told him I had an idea for a movie about a young man in a concentration camp. He told me he was already working on a movie about the holocaust. That movie came out a few years later, and was called schindlers list. I’m sure most of you here have seen it. By the time I got to see it, I already felt like I was an expert on the holocaust. I had listened to my grandmother’s interview about surviving the camps which was made at ucla as part of a research study, I had read all the best books on the subject, including escape from sobibor, alissa appleman jurman’s autobiography, selected works of primo levi, viktor frankl, elie wiesel, and even poet/surivivor paul celan. I had seen countless Tv movies about it. I remember watching a particular film on tv about the holocaust when I was about 5, later finding out that my grandparents had survived the same horrible atrocities!
I remember the knowledge of the holocaust seeping out slowly in other waysthroughout my youth. Like when I was particularly distraught over some missing baseball cards and my mother let me know how petty I was being. “you think that’s hard? Try growing up with no aunts, uncles, cousins or grandparents because they were all murdered in the camps,” she said.of course She later became a therapist and apologized for saying that, realizing it had been a bit calloused.
How are we not to be a bit calloused knowing what our loved ones have gone through? And than going through, what I’m sure all of you out here have gone through, listening to holocaust deniers, like for instance the guy in my psychology class in junior college claiming to me in a conspiratorial manner that the holocaust never happened, not realizing that I am a direct result of it. i told him that it did happen. I told him what my grandparents went through, and hopefully it helped change his mind. But we are not here to evangelize to people who would rather close their ears to the truth. Let them rot in their ignorance. We know what happened. That people would want to disclaim what had happened to our brethren, to turn truth into a pack of lies, I did not know how to deal with that. Elie wiesel has a quote, it’s about dismissing evil with silence. But is silence enough?
We who are offspring of survivors are a different breed. We are a product of what happened. One way to look at it is that if it had never happened we wouldn’t be here. My mother wouldn’t be here. My aunt and her children wouldn’t be here( My grandfather had a whole other set of daughters and a wife who perished before he even met my grandmother.)
My grandfather max lazar of blessed memory passed when I was four years old. Whenever I come to an event like this I have about a dozen people tell me what a wonderful guy he was. Everybody would say he’s a real mensch, would never talk bad about anybody or anything, was a real socialite, etc. etc. But the story I remember most about him was that while in Auschwitz, he actually told a nazi guard that he would outlive the camps! That takes some bravery I would say. If only I had that much chutzpah! I have a feeling I would play it a bit safer than that!
When I decided to go to Europe 5 years ago, I called my grandmother and asked her if she wanted me to take any photographs of her hometown, lodz. I was going there anyways to take pictures for another family friend of ours who’s parents were also from lodz. She was not interested in reliving her memories, and I can’t say that I blame her.
Before going to lodz, I stopped in Krakow for about a week. In kazmierz, the jewish section of the city, there is a sign that tells people not to walk down a small stretch of sidewalk out of respect for the many people murdered in mass graves there. I wanted to scream at the poles who just ignored the sign. I talked to an Israeli man outside of a hotel on the same street. I asked him how he liked Krakow. He stated that he did not,that Poland felt like a massive jewish graveyard, and that he was only here to visit Auschwitz out of a sense of duty. I visited Auschwitz too. On an unconscious level, I also felt like it was my duty to see where my grandparents had suffered. At 26, I was already older than grandma had been. I always would think, what if I was in the same position. We can imagine it, but not completely.
The question I have now is. How do we acknowledge what happened to us in the past, and yet move into the future with optimism? We have plenty of anger and enough righteous injustice to last us for more than our lifetime. But how do we move on from there into emotions that are more productive?
I believe my grandmother has done a very good job despite what he has gone through and is a model of bravery. She has pushed on through her hardships, had two wonderful daughters who love her and they love each other very much, as well as half a dozen grandchildren and one great grandson. I believe she has taught me a lot about facing fear and a difficult past with dignity and pride.
We who are children and grandchildren of survivors, although we did not physically encounter the horror of the ghetto and the camps, are survivors as well. It is our duty to stretch ourselves in this life as much as possible. Because we are blessed by the fact that we are here. We are here and in hitler’s eyes we weren’t supposed to be. So we are given carte blanche to live our dreams, to follow our destinies as we see fit. And in doing so we rebel against the past. We dance on the face of the future for we are now stronger than ever. And we let the world know that what happened once will never happen again. Thank you.
Pogues Concert Review written October 06
Friday, October 20, 2006
POGUES CONCERT @ THE WILTERN WAS GREAT
See, God answers prayers sometimes. I got to see Shane Mcgowan and the Pogues live at the Wiltern in Los Angeles on the night of October 19, 2006. I have wanted to see them for about the last decade and a half and never thought I would get the chance. I was supposed to see Shane with the Popes (his other band) in 99 at the house of blues but the show was cancelled. Than when I was in Ireland I would hear about his concerts, but always the day after.
So after work I jogged down La Cienega to Wilshire and hopped on the bus because I didn't want to worry about parking. I got a scalped ticket from some guyfor 23 dollars. I watched most of the opening act, the 88..s, from the nosebleed section where my ticket directed me. But than I realized there was plenty of empty seating smack dab in the center and very front of the balcony, which I felt were the best seats in the house because I could lean over the light fixture and see everything.
There was a lady who introduced herself to me as Anne and danced profusely throughout the set until a security guard repeatedly told her to sit down. I was kind of knelt down over the balcony as if in a pew, wih the most perfect view- not only of Shane and the band, but of Bobbing heads, groups of people with their arms around each other..s necks, chanting loudly with beer held high to the sky. The clash's straight to hell.. was playing as they took the stage. I began to think about the meaning of those lyrics. It sounded to me like it was a story about marines being stuck in Vietnam, fighting in a war they didn't understand, sent there by powerful figures who sent them straight to hell. Just like my dad who had been sent there, not even knowing what he was getting into, thinking that maybe he'd get a trip to Europe and some life experience. It made me realize that I didn't trust anything in this world that we are led to believe protects us, be it the system, the banks, the 9 to 5 existence.
When Shane took the stage and began singing, I had tears in my eyes because I knew what life was worth living for. I can't imagine LONDON LULLABY ever sounding better than it did that night. Life was worth living for the songs you love the most, the ladies who love to dance in the balconies, the life long buddies and punkers who threw their arms in the air enraptured in song. That was what mattered to me. And that is what really matters in all of our hearts- passion- it may not all be the same passion for everybody, but whatever your own passion is, that..s what..s important.
When Jem Finer played Thousands are sailing, it was the only time I was content with Shane not singing. He was the life of he party, knocking over the mike stands with his microphone wire, beating his head with a silver pizza pie looking tin. He sang a lot of the classics. I saw some old ladies enjoy a few songs than decided it was a bit much and they were soon gone. But that is what is so important and interesting about the Pogues. Their music crosses generations. In Ireland I saw an old guy playing ..Dirty Old town.. in a pub once. You see the young dudes and dudettes and a few senior citizens rocking out too.
They played a few from ..if I should fall from grace from God.. including the title track. Their music was so exciting I was afraid I was going to get overly confident and fly off of the balcony. When they did their encore, Shane came out with a woman and did ..Fairy tale in New York,.. a song I..ve done with a lady friend of mine in a Karaoke bar in San Francisco several times. It may have been the most perfect number I have ever seen in a venue ever. It was complete with fake snow, and even pirouettes from Jem Finer as he elegantly strummed his guitar, and ended with Shane and the young lady (Jem's daughter, I think) waltzing off into a glamorous finish.
Thank you Shane Mcgowan, for being you. I saw a picture of you at 19 years old, dancing at the side of the stage at a Clash show. Thank you for inspiring people to be themselves, by simply being yourself. I..m forever in your debt. With Warm regards, JEREMY FERRICK
POGUES CONCERT @ THE WILTERN WAS GREAT
See, God answers prayers sometimes. I got to see Shane Mcgowan and the Pogues live at the Wiltern in Los Angeles on the night of October 19, 2006. I have wanted to see them for about the last decade and a half and never thought I would get the chance. I was supposed to see Shane with the Popes (his other band) in 99 at the house of blues but the show was cancelled. Than when I was in Ireland I would hear about his concerts, but always the day after.
So after work I jogged down La Cienega to Wilshire and hopped on the bus because I didn't want to worry about parking. I got a scalped ticket from some guyfor 23 dollars. I watched most of the opening act, the 88..s, from the nosebleed section where my ticket directed me. But than I realized there was plenty of empty seating smack dab in the center and very front of the balcony, which I felt were the best seats in the house because I could lean over the light fixture and see everything.
There was a lady who introduced herself to me as Anne and danced profusely throughout the set until a security guard repeatedly told her to sit down. I was kind of knelt down over the balcony as if in a pew, wih the most perfect view- not only of Shane and the band, but of Bobbing heads, groups of people with their arms around each other..s necks, chanting loudly with beer held high to the sky. The clash's straight to hell.. was playing as they took the stage. I began to think about the meaning of those lyrics. It sounded to me like it was a story about marines being stuck in Vietnam, fighting in a war they didn't understand, sent there by powerful figures who sent them straight to hell. Just like my dad who had been sent there, not even knowing what he was getting into, thinking that maybe he'd get a trip to Europe and some life experience. It made me realize that I didn't trust anything in this world that we are led to believe protects us, be it the system, the banks, the 9 to 5 existence.
When Shane took the stage and began singing, I had tears in my eyes because I knew what life was worth living for. I can't imagine LONDON LULLABY ever sounding better than it did that night. Life was worth living for the songs you love the most, the ladies who love to dance in the balconies, the life long buddies and punkers who threw their arms in the air enraptured in song. That was what mattered to me. And that is what really matters in all of our hearts- passion- it may not all be the same passion for everybody, but whatever your own passion is, that..s what..s important.
When Jem Finer played Thousands are sailing, it was the only time I was content with Shane not singing. He was the life of he party, knocking over the mike stands with his microphone wire, beating his head with a silver pizza pie looking tin. He sang a lot of the classics. I saw some old ladies enjoy a few songs than decided it was a bit much and they were soon gone. But that is what is so important and interesting about the Pogues. Their music crosses generations. In Ireland I saw an old guy playing ..Dirty Old town.. in a pub once. You see the young dudes and dudettes and a few senior citizens rocking out too.
They played a few from ..if I should fall from grace from God.. including the title track. Their music was so exciting I was afraid I was going to get overly confident and fly off of the balcony. When they did their encore, Shane came out with a woman and did ..Fairy tale in New York,.. a song I..ve done with a lady friend of mine in a Karaoke bar in San Francisco several times. It may have been the most perfect number I have ever seen in a venue ever. It was complete with fake snow, and even pirouettes from Jem Finer as he elegantly strummed his guitar, and ended with Shane and the young lady (Jem's daughter, I think) waltzing off into a glamorous finish.
Thank you Shane Mcgowan, for being you. I saw a picture of you at 19 years old, dancing at the side of the stage at a Clash show. Thank you for inspiring people to be themselves, by simply being yourself. I..m forever in your debt. With Warm regards, JEREMY FERRICK
corn angels
This is a new idea for a script:
Corn Angels
Arturo, 35 has been in America one year. He Is an artisan from Ecatepec Mexico. Sells his wares on the Venice beach boardwalk. Lives homeless on the beach. He is part of an artisan tradition in mexico who are finding it harder to sell their wares in Mexico and decide to make it work in America.
Connie Waldman, 45, successful screenwriter, lives in pacific palisades
Bob Waldman, 45, Connie’s husband. Screenwriter also.
After Arturo saves Connie from drowning, the couple later invite him to a dinner party where there are 4 other NPR types. After letting everybody know that he lives on the beach, bob invites him to stay with them.
Arturo is very spritual and becomes close with the couple, who are having problems in their marriage. Connie becomes more and more attracted, and bob notices this. He is passive aggressive in his anger, which only makes the rift between him and Connie worse. She initiates a kiss with Arturo, and Bob comes in thinking it’s worse than it actually is. But he’s also afraid of seeming jealous. Until one day Arturo makes them corn angel artcrafts, and bob refuses the gift. Arturo finally realizes that he doesn’t want to stay in the house, and departs amicably.
Ext. Venice beach boardwalk. Show artists peddling their wares, street musicians, etc. Arturo has his set up, he is making corn dolls. He sits on a blanket and daydreams.
Ext. Ecatepec, Mexico. Arturo as a younger man being taught by his grandfather how to make the corndolls, in Spanish with engish subtitles.
oconnorm@mac.com music publisher.
Int. Malibu beachhouse. Connie Waldman is sipping tea and typing on her laptop in her bedroom. Bob is sleeping. The alarm goes off, bob yawns, hits the snooze button.
Bob- Already had your cup of coffee? (She nods) Gonna have another one?
Connie- No, but I’ll make you some if you want.
Bob- (looks up for a minute, hesitates) Um, ok. (rolls back over and goes back to sleep.)
Int. beachhouse kitchen. Connie is grinding the coffee beans. She looks out the window to see Arturo walking with his threadbare bag towards the beach bathroom.
Ext. Malibu beach bathroom. Arturo is shaving, looking through a dirty mirror.
Int. beachhouse kitchen. The coffee maker drips.
Int. bedroom. Bob has his pillow shoved over his face. Connie brings in his coffee, looks at him a minute, puts the coffee on the nightstand.
Ext. beachhouse. Connie kicks off her shoes and begins running toward the beach. She runs past the bathroom, and all the way to the waves where she jumps in and begins to swim.
Ext. Malibu bathroom. Arturo is showering in the outdoor showers, shampooing his hair. He looks out to the waves and notices Connie swimming.
Ext. The ocean. Connie appears to be struggling against the tide.
Ext. bathroom. Arturo is toweling his hair. Looks out and sees Connie- pays closer attention.
Ext. Now it looks like she’s in trouble. Arturo runs to her rescue, jumps in and swims, pulls her out. She is breathless on the shore.
Arturo- Are you OK?
Connie- (hyperventilating) This…..never happens. ……I think you just saved my life.
Arturo- But are you alright?
Connie- I just got swept up in that tide, I’ve been swimming here every day for three years, I can’t believe-
Arturo-(sh signal) (He reaches into his pocket and gives her a corn doll.) This, for good luck. For you.
Connie- What is it?
Arturo- I made it. I sell them. But it’s free for you. Don’t go swim alone no more.
Connie- (Taking the doll) thanks for the doll.
Arturo- It’s a corn angel.
Connie This doesn’t usually happen. I will try swim closer to the shore next time..
Arturo- No. Promise me no more swim alone. Mother Nature very strong.
Connie- OK, I won’t….swim alone. Thanks.
Int. beachhouse bedroom. Bob sits at the laptop with his cup of coffee. Connie walks in with her corn doll. Bob notices it.
Bob- What’s that?
Connie- Some guy just gave it to me. After he saved me from drowning.
Bob- (stands up, very seriously) What?
Connie- I got caught up in this horrible tide, and this man comes out of nowhere. I don’t know if I would have made it out without him.
Bob- What? But you’re like a female mark spitz.
Connie- The tide was really strong. He made me promise not to go out alone any more.
I kind of feel like I should heed his caution. Maybe he’s some kind of shaman or something.
Bob- I’m sure you were alright. Sometimes you just have to go with the tide. You were probably in a panic. You would have gone with it and been alright.
Connie- I don’t know, bob. (bob motions her to come over. She comes and sits by him, they embrace.)
Ext. Venice Beach Boardwalk. Arturo has his artwork set up on a Mexican blanket. A young woman comes by and picks one out, gives him 5 dollars.
Young woman- very nice, I like this one.
Arturo- Thanks, thank you very much. (She walks off.) (Guy with a boom box walks by)
Guy w/boombox- Hey, you know that’s my spot?
Arturo- Wha?
Guy – that’s right hombre. We got rules here. And every day at 1 PM I do my thing over here, and you gots to scram.
Arturo- No comprende!
Guy- Hey, I no speakie no Spanish. (Calls to a guy down the road) Enrique get yo crustie ass over and explain something for me.
Enrique- (running over) Que paso?
Guy- tell him about the rules of this place, that he just can’t come here and run roughshod over MY business.
Enrique- (to Arturo in Spanish) Hey, these guys are real assholes man. You need to leave here while he plays, but you can come back here in a few hours. Try going down a few blocks. (He points North)
Arturo- But I was here first!
Enrique- Come back later!
Ext. Malibu. Arturo walks by under Malibu house kitchen window.
Int. Malibu kitchen. Connie is peeling carrots, Bob is typing. She sees Arturo through the window.
Connie- Bob- come here, that’s him. (She points out the window) (Arturo sits down on the sand.) Should we invite him in?
Bob- No. No.
Connie- but he just saved my life- could it hurt to have him over for dinner?
Bob- It’s risky. He could try to come over every night.
Connie- So what. (She opens the window) Hi! (She waves to Arturo, who waves back.)
Bob- What…….are you doing……
Connie- Are you hungry? (He doesn’t understand.) Hambre? Hambre hombre?
Arturo- Pequito hambre.
Connie- You come inside for dinner?
Arturo- Is okay.
Connie- tu comer en mi casa?
Arturo- No, is okay.
Connie- Why not? (Arturo shrugs.)
Int. Malibu beachhouse dining table. Bob, connie, and Arturo are eating.
Bob- So you make a lot of money selling those dolls?
Arturo- Hmmm?
Connie- Mucho deniro?
Arturo- No mucho. But I can buy food with them. In mexico, I make almost no money. Here, I make some.
Connie- Your dolls are beautiful. Maybe you could sell some of them at the flea market- maybe you’d make more money.
Arturo- Is Ok, I don’t need more than I already make-
Bob- More money is always good to have man, you never know when you might need more.
Connie- So are you in love with anyone?
Arturo- Yes. But she is in Mexico City- she will be out here soon. (shows her a picture from his wallet.) Her name is Sonja. She is from argentina, and she is a dancer.
Connie- wow! Beautiful.
Int. Connie and Bob’s bedroom. They are sitting at desks separate from each other working on computers, writing on the same project.
Bob- no no no. that’s way too soon. They have not known each other long enough to move in together.
Connie- well how about us? We moved in together 2 weeks after meeting each other!\
Bob- Yeah, but that never happens any more. And it could be part of the reason why we now are in therapy.
Connie- bob, every body needs a therapist. Whoever thinks they don’t soon will. Problems are always waiting to happen. Therapy is a process of prevention against that king of thing.
Bob- whatever happened to talking things over with people you know and love?
Connie- Friends and family already have enough problems. Vomit in one spot, it’s easier to clean up the mess.
Bob- I guess you have a point. (A beat) Writing with you used to be so much more productive. Now every line we write seems to come with an adjoining argument. Why is that?
Connie- Could be that you’re stubborn as a mule?
Bob- And you’re not? (they laugh.)
Ext. Venice beach boardwalk. We see street acts and artists, basketball games and rollerbladers. Arturo sets up his artwork and a can for money. He gazes at the sun.
Ext. Mexico small town. Arturo as a boy sitting next to an old man who smokes a cigarette.
Viejo- (in Spanish) If you stare long enough at the setting sun, soon enough you will meet god.
Int. Mexico, arturo’s grandmother. She is teaching him how to make corn dolls.
Grandmother- (in Spanish) You must first find your angel in your heart. And than you will be ready to make him or her out of these leaves of corn. And the person who you give this angel to will in turn give you money as a token of his or her appreciation. It is these coins that are your livelihood from the sweat of your brow, from the heights of your spirit. The bread upon which you buy from the money you earn will taste sweeter than the cakes of the most prosperous kingdoms. If you put your heart and soul into this craft it will take you to many foreign lands.
Ext. Venice beach boardwalk. Arturo halts staring at the sun and looks at a family of 4 who are looking at the corndolls. They are European.
Young girl- you made these yourself?
Arturo- Yes.
Young girl- (to the guy) Daddy, I want one.
Daddy- well pick one out than.
Younger brother- (Looking scarily at the angels) They look scary!
Young girl- I’m not sure if I want this one or that one. Daddy can I just have both?
Daddy- (to Arturo) How much for 2?
Arturo- $10. (daddy slaps down a ten spot and the girl takes off with the two dolls, thrusting one of them in the face of her little brother who yelps and runs behind his dad’s legs.
Ext. Venice Arturo walks down the street, counting his money. He stops in a shop and buys a Mexican phone card.
INT. MEXICO CITY. Sonja sits on a chair smoking a cigarette. Her back is to us, we cannot see her face. We see a Close up of an ancient telephone. It rings. The following conversation is all in Spanish.
Sonja- hello? Arturo my love! How are you doing?
Arturo- When are you coming to the U.S. I miss you like crazy.
Sonja- darling, you know I haven’t the money for that sort of trip.
Arturo- I don’t care. I am making money selling my dolls now. Soon I will send you enough money for a ticket.
Sonja- that would be beautiful, my love.
Arturo- How is the dancing going?
Sonja- Handsome, that is like asking me how my breathing going. It is steady and passionate.
Arturo- Maybe you can come out here and teach some day?
Sonja- that would be wonderful. Wire me the money and I will be there immediately.
Arturo- yes darling.
Ext. mexico city outside of sabrina’s window is a male flamenco dancer.
Dancer- Sonja!
Sonja- (Looks out the window at him, blows him a kiss and waves him to come upstairs.) I must go now my lover! I shall meet you soon on foreign soil. Kisses!
Arturo- Kisses!
Sonja hangs up the phone and flings open the door, takes the flamenco dancer in her hand, passionately kissing him and throwing her arms around her. There is flamenco music coming on stronger and stronger during this scene.
Ext. Connie and bob’s home. Their Mexican gardener is trimming hedges on the front lawn.
Int. Connie and bob’s home. We see a computer screen with the words THE END.
Connie- I really can’t believe we did it!
Bob- we’re going to have to celebrate! Call everyone. We’re having a party next Friday.
Connie- don’t you want to see if Jem’s happy with it first?
Bob- doesn’t matter. The hard part’s done. Rewrites are easy.
Connie- we really are opposites if you think that. Maybe I should haul off to St. tropez while you work. Now THAT would be easy.
Bob- Come here. (she goes and sits on his lap and they kiss.)
Ext. Venice mission, evening. Arturo walks in. He goes into the back area where there are several homeless people sleeping on dorm style beds. He falls on one of the beds, flings his bag to the ground and closes his eyes. Than he opens them again, stares at the ceiling, and closes his eyes again.
Arturo, 35 has been in America one year. He Is an artisan from Ecatepec Mexico. Sells his wares on the Venice beach boardwalk. Lives homeless on the beach. He is part of an artisan tradition in mexico who are finding it harder to sell their wares in Mexico and decide to make it work in America.
Connie Waldman, 45, successful screenwriter, lives in pacific palisades
Bob Waldman, 45, Connie’s husband. Screenwriter also.
After Arturo saves Connie from drowning, the couple later invite him to a dinner party where there are 4 other NPR types. After letting everybody know that he lives on the beach, bob invites him to stay with them.
Arturo is very spritual and becomes close with the couple, who are having problems in their marriage. Connie becomes more and more attracted, and bob notices this. He is passive aggressive in his anger, which only makes the rift between him and Connie worse. She initiates a kiss with Arturo, and Bob comes in thinking it’s worse than it actually is. But he’s also afraid of seeming jealous. Until one day Arturo makes them corn angel artcrafts, and bob refuses the gift. Arturo finally realizes that he doesn’t want to stay in the house, and departs amicably.
Ext. Venice beach boardwalk. Show artists peddling their wares, street musicians, etc. Arturo has his set up, he is making corn dolls. He sits on a blanket and daydreams.
Ext. Ecatepec, Mexico. Arturo as a younger man being taught by his grandfather how to make the corndolls, in Spanish with engish subtitles.
oconnorm@mac.com music publisher.
Int. Malibu beachhouse. Connie Waldman is sipping tea and typing on her laptop in her bedroom. Bob is sleeping. The alarm goes off, bob yawns, hits the snooze button.
Bob- Already had your cup of coffee? (She nods) Gonna have another one?
Connie- No, but I’ll make you some if you want.
Bob- (looks up for a minute, hesitates) Um, ok. (rolls back over and goes back to sleep.)
Int. beachhouse kitchen. Connie is grinding the coffee beans. She looks out the window to see Arturo walking with his threadbare bag towards the beach bathroom.
Ext. Malibu beach bathroom. Arturo is shaving, looking through a dirty mirror.
Int. beachhouse kitchen. The coffee maker drips.
Int. bedroom. Bob has his pillow shoved over his face. Connie brings in his coffee, looks at him a minute, puts the coffee on the nightstand.
Ext. beachhouse. Connie kicks off her shoes and begins running toward the beach. She runs past the bathroom, and all the way to the waves where she jumps in and begins to swim.
Ext. Malibu bathroom. Arturo is showering in the outdoor showers, shampooing his hair. He looks out to the waves and notices Connie swimming.
Ext. The ocean. Connie appears to be struggling against the tide.
Ext. bathroom. Arturo is toweling his hair. Looks out and sees Connie- pays closer attention.
Ext. Now it looks like she’s in trouble. Arturo runs to her rescue, jumps in and swims, pulls her out. She is breathless on the shore.
Arturo- Are you OK?
Connie- (hyperventilating) This…..never happens. ……I think you just saved my life.
Arturo- But are you alright?
Connie- I just got swept up in that tide, I’ve been swimming here every day for three years, I can’t believe-
Arturo-(sh signal) (He reaches into his pocket and gives her a corn doll.) This, for good luck. For you.
Connie- What is it?
Arturo- I made it. I sell them. But it’s free for you. Don’t go swim alone no more.
Connie- (Taking the doll) thanks for the doll.
Arturo- It’s a corn angel.
Connie This doesn’t usually happen. I will try swim closer to the shore next time..
Arturo- No. Promise me no more swim alone. Mother Nature very strong.
Connie- OK, I won’t….swim alone. Thanks.
Int. beachhouse bedroom. Bob sits at the laptop with his cup of coffee. Connie walks in with her corn doll. Bob notices it.
Bob- What’s that?
Connie- Some guy just gave it to me. After he saved me from drowning.
Bob- (stands up, very seriously) What?
Connie- I got caught up in this horrible tide, and this man comes out of nowhere. I don’t know if I would have made it out without him.
Bob- What? But you’re like a female mark spitz.
Connie- The tide was really strong. He made me promise not to go out alone any more.
I kind of feel like I should heed his caution. Maybe he’s some kind of shaman or something.
Bob- I’m sure you were alright. Sometimes you just have to go with the tide. You were probably in a panic. You would have gone with it and been alright.
Connie- I don’t know, bob. (bob motions her to come over. She comes and sits by him, they embrace.)
Ext. Venice Beach Boardwalk. Arturo has his artwork set up on a Mexican blanket. A young woman comes by and picks one out, gives him 5 dollars.
Young woman- very nice, I like this one.
Arturo- Thanks, thank you very much. (She walks off.) (Guy with a boom box walks by)
Guy w/boombox- Hey, you know that’s my spot?
Arturo- Wha?
Guy – that’s right hombre. We got rules here. And every day at 1 PM I do my thing over here, and you gots to scram.
Arturo- No comprende!
Guy- Hey, I no speakie no Spanish. (Calls to a guy down the road) Enrique get yo crustie ass over and explain something for me.
Enrique- (running over) Que paso?
Guy- tell him about the rules of this place, that he just can’t come here and run roughshod over MY business.
Enrique- (to Arturo in Spanish) Hey, these guys are real assholes man. You need to leave here while he plays, but you can come back here in a few hours. Try going down a few blocks. (He points North)
Arturo- But I was here first!
Enrique- Come back later!
Ext. Malibu. Arturo walks by under Malibu house kitchen window.
Int. Malibu kitchen. Connie is peeling carrots, Bob is typing. She sees Arturo through the window.
Connie- Bob- come here, that’s him. (She points out the window) (Arturo sits down on the sand.) Should we invite him in?
Bob- No. No.
Connie- but he just saved my life- could it hurt to have him over for dinner?
Bob- It’s risky. He could try to come over every night.
Connie- So what. (She opens the window) Hi! (She waves to Arturo, who waves back.)
Bob- What…….are you doing……
Connie- Are you hungry? (He doesn’t understand.) Hambre? Hambre hombre?
Arturo- Pequito hambre.
Connie- You come inside for dinner?
Arturo- Is okay.
Connie- tu comer en mi casa?
Arturo- No, is okay.
Connie- Why not? (Arturo shrugs.)
Int. Malibu beachhouse dining table. Bob, connie, and Arturo are eating.
Bob- So you make a lot of money selling those dolls?
Arturo- Hmmm?
Connie- Mucho deniro?
Arturo- No mucho. But I can buy food with them. In mexico, I make almost no money. Here, I make some.
Connie- Your dolls are beautiful. Maybe you could sell some of them at the flea market- maybe you’d make more money.
Arturo- Is Ok, I don’t need more than I already make-
Bob- More money is always good to have man, you never know when you might need more.
Connie- So are you in love with anyone?
Arturo- Yes. But she is in Mexico City- she will be out here soon. (shows her a picture from his wallet.) Her name is Sonja. She is from argentina, and she is a dancer.
Connie- wow! Beautiful.
Int. Connie and Bob’s bedroom. They are sitting at desks separate from each other working on computers, writing on the same project.
Bob- no no no. that’s way too soon. They have not known each other long enough to move in together.
Connie- well how about us? We moved in together 2 weeks after meeting each other!\
Bob- Yeah, but that never happens any more. And it could be part of the reason why we now are in therapy.
Connie- bob, every body needs a therapist. Whoever thinks they don’t soon will. Problems are always waiting to happen. Therapy is a process of prevention against that king of thing.
Bob- whatever happened to talking things over with people you know and love?
Connie- Friends and family already have enough problems. Vomit in one spot, it’s easier to clean up the mess.
Bob- I guess you have a point. (A beat) Writing with you used to be so much more productive. Now every line we write seems to come with an adjoining argument. Why is that?
Connie- Could be that you’re stubborn as a mule?
Bob- And you’re not? (they laugh.)
Ext. Venice beach boardwalk. We see street acts and artists, basketball games and rollerbladers. Arturo sets up his artwork and a can for money. He gazes at the sun.
Ext. Mexico small town. Arturo as a boy sitting next to an old man who smokes a cigarette.
Viejo- (in Spanish) If you stare long enough at the setting sun, soon enough you will meet god.
Int. Mexico, arturo’s grandmother. She is teaching him how to make corn dolls.
Grandmother- (in Spanish) You must first find your angel in your heart. And than you will be ready to make him or her out of these leaves of corn. And the person who you give this angel to will in turn give you money as a token of his or her appreciation. It is these coins that are your livelihood from the sweat of your brow, from the heights of your spirit. The bread upon which you buy from the money you earn will taste sweeter than the cakes of the most prosperous kingdoms. If you put your heart and soul into this craft it will take you to many foreign lands.
Ext. Venice beach boardwalk. Arturo halts staring at the sun and looks at a family of 4 who are looking at the corndolls. They are European.
Young girl- you made these yourself?
Arturo- Yes.
Young girl- (to the guy) Daddy, I want one.
Daddy- well pick one out than.
Younger brother- (Looking scarily at the angels) They look scary!
Young girl- I’m not sure if I want this one or that one. Daddy can I just have both?
Daddy- (to Arturo) How much for 2?
Arturo- $10. (daddy slaps down a ten spot and the girl takes off with the two dolls, thrusting one of them in the face of her little brother who yelps and runs behind his dad’s legs.
Ext. Venice Arturo walks down the street, counting his money. He stops in a shop and buys a Mexican phone card.
INT. MEXICO CITY. Sonja sits on a chair smoking a cigarette. Her back is to us, we cannot see her face. We see a Close up of an ancient telephone. It rings. The following conversation is all in Spanish.
Sonja- hello? Arturo my love! How are you doing?
Arturo- When are you coming to the U.S. I miss you like crazy.
Sonja- darling, you know I haven’t the money for that sort of trip.
Arturo- I don’t care. I am making money selling my dolls now. Soon I will send you enough money for a ticket.
Sonja- that would be beautiful, my love.
Arturo- How is the dancing going?
Sonja- Handsome, that is like asking me how my breathing going. It is steady and passionate.
Arturo- Maybe you can come out here and teach some day?
Sonja- that would be wonderful. Wire me the money and I will be there immediately.
Arturo- yes darling.
Ext. mexico city outside of sabrina’s window is a male flamenco dancer.
Dancer- Sonja!
Sonja- (Looks out the window at him, blows him a kiss and waves him to come upstairs.) I must go now my lover! I shall meet you soon on foreign soil. Kisses!
Arturo- Kisses!
Sonja hangs up the phone and flings open the door, takes the flamenco dancer in her hand, passionately kissing him and throwing her arms around her. There is flamenco music coming on stronger and stronger during this scene.
Ext. Connie and bob’s home. Their Mexican gardener is trimming hedges on the front lawn.
Int. Connie and bob’s home. We see a computer screen with the words THE END.
Connie- I really can’t believe we did it!
Bob- we’re going to have to celebrate! Call everyone. We’re having a party next Friday.
Connie- don’t you want to see if Jem’s happy with it first?
Bob- doesn’t matter. The hard part’s done. Rewrites are easy.
Connie- we really are opposites if you think that. Maybe I should haul off to St. tropez while you work. Now THAT would be easy.
Bob- Come here. (she goes and sits on his lap and they kiss.)
Ext. Venice mission, evening. Arturo walks in. He goes into the back area where there are several homeless people sleeping on dorm style beds. He falls on one of the beds, flings his bag to the ground and closes his eyes. Than he opens them again, stares at the ceiling, and closes his eyes again.
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