solitary...breathing in the night...no comfort from a sky nonplussed...

how long did I sit here, trying not to think of you
the room has enclosed me, 'cause I wouldn't say 'embraced'
the ashtray is full, the coffee mug stained
and darkened beyond all hope

there shouldn't be anything left for me
no one promised me a thing
no one held me close and whispered in my ear
that this would work out

doesn't mean that I can't hold that ember
in what is an otherwise dark place
hold it close to my vest
and it would provide a reason otherwise
otherwise

                  

If then is what this is, listening to music all night
to try to remember because I almost forgot
I really did, I almost smiled,
but a wind picked up and I saw your hair in the breeze
and your eyes looked at me again
from somewhere
and all came back again
and I ask
when will it end

And if I collected all the songs and loosened them upon your heart
would it strike a chord, where you strike all of mine
with just a thought
fashion's folly am I a fool

...consider giving...

...consider the gifts in your life and how even the smallest gift can impact more than you realize...help feed a child or help give them a step up.  Right now is as good a moment as any...

Orange County Rescue Mission

Los Angeles Union Rescue Mission

Los Angeles Covenant House

Fullerton Boys and Girls Club - I have a special affinity for this place, since it kept me off of the streets when I was kid.  They provide children activities and pursuits they would otherwise miss if they just sat locked in an apartment all day.

...impressions of 'Maestro of the Movie' Hollywood Bowl Saturday August 31st 2013...

The orchestra filed to their seats with only ten minutes to showtime, the evening's event started promptly at 8pm.  A consummate professional, as he is just as prompt: Mr. John Williams, in white jacket and black slacks, comes out to thunderous applause.  Most of the theater took to their feet, since the man is deserving of some adulation after all: he has scored some 100 films in his life, and many, despite the wide chasm of knowledge to orchestral music, will know the familiar themes in some shape or form.  He is a living icon, and tonight's event, 'Maestro of the Movies' at the Bowl, will play to that.  To me, the first half of the card won me over, where the second was for the 'chasm'.

Mr. Williams quickly launches into his first piece, Flight to Neverland, with a soaring video montage of flight in movies.  It includes very early films, like Wings, through to Star Wars and to Star Trek.  Clips of the Reeve Superman delighted many and cheers would ring out.  It's a rousing piece and a great one to start the concert with.  [Although, as you will read soon, there was a dearth of video at the end, more than likely a hint at the recent acquisition of Star Wars by Disney perhaps preventing clips at this particular show.]

We are soon presented by a few words with Mr. Williams and he introduces Mrs. Blake Edwards, or Ms. Julie Andrews.  Ms. Andrews is stunning, as always, and appears stage left with a similar white on black ensemble.  She takes a podium and speaks to the relationship of Henry "Hank" Mancini and her husband of 44 years, Blake Edwards.  They had a unique relationship, he a comedic and musical director, while Mancini was an icon of his time with many familiar and poignant cinema classics.

To start the sequence off, a quick medley is performed with a mix of Mancini's television and movie work.  A great series of clips play-out of Peter Gunn, Hatari and shifting to the movie Charade.  All were a delight to see on the big screen again - especially Charade, since you get to see the best clips of Grant and Hepburn play with only the orchestration.  The orchestra is on point, with the crisp execution being underscored in timing with the clips (there did seem to be a bit of a stumble with one of the theme songs, where it broke with a guitar solo that seemed to falter a bit, but it may have been the intentional timing of the piece).  They are shifting gears quickly, but it sounds great.  My only real complaint is the acoustics of the venue, and more than likely the weather: the air was particularly humid this night, and the sound was a bit muffled.  I felt the lower end was struggling to stay balanced with the high - especially as William's arrangements were very based on brass and timpani.

This launches into some words about other works by Edwards and Mancini - in particular, The Pink Panther.  This is a crowd delight, where the comedic clips of Peter Sellers, in what I still maintain is an undisputed comedic high point of the 60s and 70s, had the crowds more into the video than the orchestration.  These movies should be mandatory for anyone who delights in comedic works - Sellers and Edwards had perfect visual timing.

Not sure in what sequence this was, but Ms. Andrews breaks from the comedy and speaks to her marriage.  This leads to a wonderful clip I had never see before and the interplay between the orchestra and the clip were wonderful.  The clip was the beginning of the first movie Edwards' would direct his new wife, which was Darling Lili and its first number, Whispering in the Dark.  Within the context of the introduction and never had seen the clip (few have, it was a box office disaster for 1970 Paramount) - anyone who appreciates Edwards' work will find this single shot, sparse lighting and haunting melody something of a high point of his career.  I recommend trying to find an HD version of this clip.  When we came back to Ms. Andrews, I almost believed we would see her tearing up.

For the iconography of the night, Moon River, from Breakfast at Tiffany's, would be next.  The glowing introduction, with the story of how the executives of the movie studio hated the song would get a curt retort from Audrey Hepburn, "Over my dead body [will that song get replaced]."  Next, a perfect rendition of Moon River punctuating a series of clips of George Peppard and Hepburn.  This coming out of the beautiful clip of Hepburn performing it lazily on a guitar on her fire escape.

Next, Monica Mancini, daughter of the composer, came out to sing a pitch perfect rendition of Days of Wine and Roses.  If only we could have gotten one more tune of out her!

That wound down the first act, with Ms. Andrews receiving roses from a Pink Panther.  She gave Mr. Williams a rose from her spray.  Then, a smoke break.  [As an aside, my friend Eric was absolutely incensed that Julie did not sing.  Something from anything would have done the trick.  I had to point out, as disappointing as it is, the ticket did make it clear that Ms. Andrews was narrating and not singing.  To be honest, considering the venue and seating, I highly doubt being able to project in such a place.  Remember that her range was incredible and time may have done its worst.  Besides, who knows, perhaps she doesn't sing after her husband died?  Speculation? ]

from Los Angeles Times

I would be remiss if I didn't say that this was a historic event of sorts.  The degree of separation is only off by Ms. Andrews and being orchestrated by a living legend - so, the first act paid off for me.  It was a celebration of these two icons - with Edwards' one of my favorite directors as a child and I listened to Mancini outside of the movies (what would be considered 'musak' today was actually the rotation on 104.3 KBIG back in the late 70s).  I listen to Mancini as I would many other jazz musicians from that time.  Overall, the first act was fifty minute exactly, and they filled it in with a fulfilling variety of pieces, asides and video that paid homage to a variety of themes.

The next act was 'for the fans'. 

Mr. Williams started off saying that he would like to explore a bit of Indiana Jones, to the applause of the Bowl.  In that, he started off with a series of fun clips, which I believe was the 'Scherzo' piece of the films (don't have the notes with me).  It then led into Marion's motif from the first movie Raiders.  I have to say that was a favorite of mine and nice to hear the orchestration unimpeded by the movie.

Beyond that, we get treated to a funny Lego clip of how Mr. Williams is 'inspired' in his collaboration with George Lucas.  It's a great clip with Darth Vader leading him on the piano with the familiar theme "dum-dum-dum da-da-da dum-da-dum".  This launches a couple hundred light sabers to go up in the audience, with the orchestra smiling and staring out into the cacophony of light.

Interestingly, as stated before, we have no clips.  I hope that Disney reconsiders providing it for such events - since it's what the people want to see.  But, for the majority of the second act, we only have the Indiana Jones video, nothing of Star Wars or E.T.

The only other highlight to speak of is that, on the second encore (of three), he delighted me with piece Yoda's Theme.  Now, if I can make a pitch.  Back when Empire came out, the break from the space pop was a genre-shifting twist, especially for the generation of kid's at that time.  With it, beyond just being a solid movie, it had an incredible soundtrack. I would listen to that cassette probably a hundred times all the way through.  If you enjoy Mr. Williams work, I would suggest the investment of the full sountrack and do something we don't do nearly as much anymore - just listen to it without distraction.  Don't go running, don't read a book, just sit in a dark room and listen.  It is a delight of a soundtrack and he finds the right notes in the film.

Listening to Yoda's theme, there is a majestic quality: a transcendence of the form they are working in.  It calls a back story to Yoda that is implicit, and that is what Williams does best here.  He is additive to the story with Empire - not just underscoring moments.  His ballad and quieter motifs do this in all his works.

He ends off with E.T.

Overall, a tremendous performance and a 'fun' night.  How many orchestral moments will you be able to say that with?  I love the concerts I've been too and gotten the visceral needs from it, don't get me wrong.  But to have a living legend perform the songs that are part of our DNA is simple, geeky fun.

Now, to my friend's concerns, he wanted more.  There was Jaws, there Close Encounters...yes, so many.  However, the ticket was clear as it being Star Wars.  Personally, I could have used Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan and other personal favorites - but it's a two hour show and an 81-year-old man.  Let's let him rest up since he hinted at 'being here next year and playing you pieces from the new Star Wars'.  There's nothing wrong with that statement and I'm at peace hearing what I heard tonight.

from Wikipedia

...to meet the emptiness of the chamber around...24augosto...

Morello 'White Don Quixote'

I dream of you, to wake: would that I might, Dream of you and not wake but slumber on - Monna Innominata, Christina Rossetti, 1881

The ocean's breeze carried with it the sounds of lovers laughing. They laughed in little snippets that caught up in tendrils of air, shifting up and about. I could not make them out, this part of the shore was dark. Where only moments ago I could make shadows shifting in the darkening air, I saw only dark. The horizon before me blocked in only two shades. I could barely make out the light of a boat as it moved deeper into the wet air beyond. Diffused and singular, it went out like a dying ember.

The sand was warm just inches under the top-most layer. I fell back onto the ball of my hoodie, arms outstretched.

Stars were impossible to see here. There was only the red glow of light from tungsten. It reached outward and up, but never allowed for the dark of sky to be charitable and allow us to see stars again. I would have to drive 20 miles out to see anything.

My phone lay on my chest. I had just deleted the last thread of texts. It didn't make it that much better - I just knew it was right. Those moments were lost to the ether. I looked blankly at my phone. The wallpaper was the last remnants of light to my right - as it emblazoned the thousand lights of San Pedro, well off in the distance.

"What could I do?" Nothing seemed to be the cast of the chasm immediately in front of me, it's as if I didn't see it. Nothing. The grand question came to me then, after all the torment, the lost sleep, the self-loathing that burned itself into my face, all of the buckets of shit. It was the question that I asked to myself and I was embarrassed to hear it, to entertain it. It carried with it more truth than the other thousand questions that came before.

"What about me?"

I hope that beyond that insipid feeling my heart carries you in it because of all that was laid bare before. The heart cannot be tricked or cajoled for the breadth and heights of ecstatic wont. It just was. It sought you out when I did not ask, even now. I don't try. It comes to me like a wash of an unexpected breeze. And, always, always to you. Maybe not like the epic strain of the orchestra at the conclusion of a row, but still there like the easy pull of a chord along a violin - are either not more fulfilling than the other?

"You." "You." "You: not me." I don't know as I collapsed deeper into my sullenness. This is what it is. A year's gone by. And still this remains. I only picture a raised glass in a room of the most baroque opulence, but the goblet, elaborate and refined and lovingly made as it is, meets only the emptiness of the chamber around it.

...addicted to the following...7 great comics on Comixology right now...

Comixology is a digital comic book reader and store that's been in place for a few years now.  For those not wholly addicted to paper, it's a tremendous resource.  The only drawback is that the resolution needs to deepen a bit, I'd prefer that as one of the few additions.  [And paper has its place, especially for the books we love of course.]

Morning Glories (Image) - I'm addicted to this surprise of a series.  The writing and art hit all the right notes, along with the elaborate story crafting of Nick Spencer and art by Joe Eisma.  Covers by Rodin Esquejo add the last touch of intrigue with each issue.  Generally the series can be described as a prep academy as "The Prisoner".  Six kids are taken to the mysterious and sadistic school and fight to stay alive, literally.  Not all is what it seems, since there are smart turns and shifts as to what forces are controlling the Morning Glory Academy.

Morning Glories #24

Mad Magazine (DC) - happy to see this very recent addition to the DC catalog.  When I was a tyke, Mad would publish one particular year with mini-magazines dedicated to the earliest issues.  They were not complete, but the level of thoughtful and whacked-out humor drew me into comics in general.  The flat comedic tone and striking images of the early Mad are something to behold.  Plus, the first issue is free right now!

Blue Estate (Image) - I'm really into Robert Valley's work right now.  The first exposure was with the Beatles' Rock Band cinematics - truly incredible concepts in lines and feel.  XBOX Dance Central's cinematics followed closely behind.  Then there was Tron Uprising and the upcoming Wonder Woman.  The only Comixology that has Valley's work is Blue Estate.  The story is fairly straightforward, but the hard lined visuals is what draws me in to this series.

Remains (IDW) - An almost by-the-numbers tale of survivors in Vegas.  However, Steve Niles and Kieron Dwyer craft more of a tale of what life would really be like when you are stuck with a person you barely tolerate but completely rely upon.  Was almost going to add the 'Remains' trailer, but the comics are so much better than the filmed adaptation.

Simpsons (Bongo) - not much to say that folks don't know, but the Simpsons as a comic book is an inventive and fresh take on the series that understands the comic book format as well as how to make things still funny.

Adventure Time (BOOM!) - probably already covered this one in another post, but AT is such a fresh take on the whole cartoon genre, that the foray into comics, and its success seem inevitable.  The richness is all graphical, since the story cannot be overly deep.  But the fun is terribly satisfying.

Before Watchman: Silk Spectre (DC) - probably with most of the comic populace, touching what is Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon's work fills me with dread as well: taking an artist's work and playing upon it, may it be in the form of revisionism or other dread form of 'update', is physically sickening.  But DC smelled money and went for it - the result is intriguing in the same way that revisioned movies are being done.  Most fail, some succeed, some transcend...the Before Watchman don't transcend the masterwork of the original, but they are a pale homage that proved engaging enough.  It's probably more fascinating that DC went for it and some artists either embraced or revolted - and here are their works.  But, honestly, Moore and Gibbon's place with the original are well established.

...a few to here, to date...18aug13

August is slipping away like satin through a soft hand.

- Jay-Z and Nikolai Czage break free of King Uros' castle in the latest installment of The Time Traveler H.O.V.A.
- Spent time on Filipino Cookbook today, I'm enjoying the way my protagonist's behave like gentlemen of a different time.
- Went through the entire blog history early this morning to pull  snippets of other stories to make sure they are captured:

WATTPAD:
- CHARLIE GUEST
- MISS KITTY
- PROCTOR ELECT
- NUMBERS GAME
- TIME TRAVELER H.O.V.A.

SCIENCE FICTION:
- TEH SEXEH BLASTER
- THE LAB
- BLUE  - io9.com writing prompt
- BUS STOP - io9.com writing prompt

FANTASY:
- PACE SHORT PIECE
- GHEYMOND FITZGERALD
- ARYNA of OEASTERN

MYTHOLOGICAL:
- CEYX AND ALCYONE

ROMANTICAL/ PICARESQUE:
- PERFECIA
- LATE 50s
- WICKED
- POISON
- SELFISH CREATURES
- THE NIGHT
- OVERBOARD

Thanks for visiting - I appreciate it greatly!

...of the Lady Aryna in the Oestern Wilds...

It was here, as a child, she understood what causes death in the wilds.  The lands of the Oestern were in perpetual snow, but now, in the first freeze of the season, the late summer warmth and its flowing streams were growing solid.  A light veneer of ice formed a fragile shell along the rivulets here and there.  The rock of the hills still contrasted against the snow, they not yet covered.  This allowed for sure footing, this allowed for sure hunting.

She tightened the lashes on her leggings and felt about her furs: all was assured.  She took in a deep breath of the harshly frozen air, cooling quickly in the late of day.  As the sun would drop quickly here, the countless ravines already in shadow would be in pitch soon.  She relished the challenge of making camp in darkness, it had been many seasons since last did so.  The wind picked up and chilled through her fur capes.  Leather provided little protection as night fell.  It woke her mind.  Her green eyes scanned the landscape.

Prey would come from their holes and use what little time they had to forage in the last of the light.  Larger predators were already here with Aryna, some would be aware of her.  She hadn't been long enough in the wilds to smell of the wilds.  It would take a few days.  A few days for the stench of Edithion to wear from her hair and furs.  The smells of men: of smoke, meat and mead.

She crouched into the folds of a large spur in the hill.  She would no longer be downwind.  The breeze of night shifted and spilled down from the top of the mounts into the valleys.  Aryna pressed herself against the rock.  She kept the bow close to her body, keeping an arrow notched.  The warmth would keep the string from going taunt.

The sky above turned to a deep azure.  Trees crowned the mounts here.  She hadn't run into a trapper for some time, but there were a few out here.  Oestern was vast.  The mounts grew higher and higher as they moved east.  No one in her travels even spoke of what was beyond.  There were bard's tales that they grew eventually so high that they reached into the sky.  Snow from the highest peaks created the star's light.  The sun would rest, nestled into the rock.  The twin moons, Aechulus and Kili, came from the seas, where they bathed in the day.  She stared as far as she could into the fog of the East, but only saw haze.  There were tales the clouds were taken in by the mountains to satiate the Filial Dragoons.

The forest before her came to life.  The smallest rodents skittered from cover to cover.  The larger ones were finding vegetation.  They couldn't be seen, as was the point.  But they were making a cacophony that was an otherwise silent forest hours before.  The predators here, the fox and a snow mongoose, should be out shortly, Ignaius willing.  She silently prayed for the former - the mongoose was a terrible meal and only for those on the verge of starvation.  There were tricks of course, you could boil the stench for a full day and put in a handful of spices, but she had no cauldron.

Her eyes caught something in the black.  It was a back of something light.  It didn't need protection as it was the predator.  It was hopping on something on the ground, pounding a rabbit into submission.  It had to be a wild dog.  That would be a worse meal than the mongoose.  She let it go - but not before scaring the hell of it with a few rocks and a hoarse shout, "Kelia man su rach!"

The spur grew silent.  The dog ran off somewhere down the mountain.  Aryna found the rabbit, dead, but intact.  The dog hadn't broken the skin with its teeth.  It was cut, but only by the claws.  It would be fine.  She tied its legs to her belt and felt her way back up the mount.

A flat spit of land was a short climb from the peak.  It had been slightly worn by other hunters in the recent past.  But she would not take from its store, nor use what was there to create a shelter.  She was here to strengthen her skills, not make it easy.

Using a crude knife of stone, she cut into the trees, getting six large branches of ihrilung.  It was enough to cover her body tonight.  It would get wet otherwise.  Out here, now, even slight dampness could equate to death.  She used leather straps to put together a lean-to, using a clear portion of the mountain as the second wall.  It was enough to sit upright, which was key to comfort.

A small hole was made with flat wood tool, near where her legs would be tonight.  In it, she produced a kit, the most important was an ember she had saved from Edithion's tavern two days ago.  In a few moments, she produced a lively little fire.  Twigs surrounded it to hopefully dry in the hour it would take to prepare the rabbit.

It was known as a 'tempest' rabbit.  It was three-palm large, with great incisors that extended a finger's width from its mouth.  The teeth were used by wood maker's for etching finery.  It's fur would fetch some bronze.  The meat is what was needed to tonight.  After preparing it, she threw the offal as far as she could downwind and returned to the lean-to. The fire had made it warm.  The twigs were drying.  She would have enough heat, barely, to cook the meat tonight.

The furs were laid upon the ground, atop a bed of ihrilung needles.  She loosened her leather trappings, just to allow for them to breathe, without taking them fully off.  The meat cooked slowly on small spits around the tiny fire.  To pass the time she rubbed at her muscles and loosened her hair.  The locks of wheat-colored hair fell down her back.  She twisted her head slightly to allow it fall further when she saw the face of the dog, probably the very one she stole the trophy from, staring at her from the folds of the leaves.  It growled in a low guttural way: it was upset and it meant to kill her.

...