Potential Vs Reality.

Upon seeing the results of the National Draft in the AFL last week I thought back to that well used joke that has a father getting his son to ask family members questions. The punchline was "Potentially we have a million dollars however in Reality we have......."

I smiled to myself when all of these prospective young guns were called The next (Ablett, Lockett, Buckley, Lindsay) First of all we should take into account these kids were generally born in 1993!!!!! Let that soak in like a fine liqueur into a spongecake and take these kids as potential quality players of the AFL. No one is going to be the next Wayne Carey!!! And trying to emulate him is only to take from your focus as playing a cog in the team's machine.

Although I must admit I do get sucked a little and wonder what our 1st draft recruit Ben (great name!) Cunnington (I hope I don't get too excited during a game and mispronounce that!!) is capable of and which youngsters are capable of stepping up straight away and producing. Another Jack Zeibell or Liam Anthony would definitely easy the blow of losing a Adam Simpson and another inevitable lacklustre season from Daniel Wells.

I will not guarantee anything especially at this time of year but the potential of the mighty Kangaroos is exciting and I am really looking forward to a cracker season next year!!!! We are jam packed with younger players and my honest opinion is that we should be looking at a Grand Final berth in the next 4 years.

I might blog about the New York Giants soon but frankly there hasn't been much to talk about. A solid start to the season (5-0) and a sputter in the middle (1-5). Lets hope the final 5 games will provide some relief!!!!! Although the prospect of Steve Smith cracking 90 receptions would be sweet!!!!! He should have 1000 yards in the next 2 games!!

Until then hail to the Shinboners!

Taking the next step!?

After reading another riveting installment/blog from the eponymous StinkBrown it got me thinking.

It skirted around the importance of knowing your limitations and then pounced on the importance of how to bend those limitations to your will.

Now I certainly know my limitations and I'm well aware there are some whoppers!!! By day I am a mild mannered (depending on the class!!) teacher who goes home to his beautiful wife and amazing son. So truthfully life couldn't really get much better than that. Sure we could all use more cash but even the rich dudes need more and then pi$$ it up at the casino Kerry Packer style.

However I do have some ambitions and as is well versed writing of the film script variety is one of them!! I don't want to harp on about it but I was fortunate enough to have an idea of my made in an award winner short film The Pessimist. This was a boost to the confidence of a poorly teacher but it has just spurred me on to succeed at a higher level. Where am I going this well hang on and you will see.....

I have completed a fully drafted feature length script that I stand behind and say "I would go to the cinemas to see that!!" The only question is? What next? I have it at a point where I need an outside eye to appraise it and tell me where the deficiencies are and I'll try to craft it a little more.

Earlier this year my brother and I wrote a short script titled "Soap". We bounced it back and forth a few times and hit a road where we needed an outside eye to guide us. We were lucky enough to have two producers look at it for a few weeks but other jobs came up and we were happy to have any help. Then a month later we teamed up with a director/producer partnership working under the Thunderstorm Productions blanket. After selling the rights to them we back and forth ed several times with Matt Pearson and in my humble opinion crafted a well metered story about a man who suffers from OCD. I personally found this collaboration invigorating and appreciated having a talented eye work with my words.

So.... back on track I am wondering what step is needed next for my feature. I am at a point where I NEED a talented eye to guide me in the right direction and ultimately towards production. Unfortunately the Aussie film industry is nigh on impossible to move onto that next step. So I'll keep toiling away but I'm well aware that this might just be a pipe dream and leave the real writing to Stinko!!

Until then hail to my limitations!

Top Ten - The Twos

It's been a long time!! So long I've had to rearrange a whole section.

Here are MY top TWOS!

Top Ten - The Twos

Movies

The Empire Strikes Back – I know!

I was a huge Star Wars fan as a kid. I have fond memories of shopping with my Nan and her buying me a star wars figurine every week. I had a relatively impressive collection and around the time of the digital remasters circa 1994ish I wondered where my old star wars figures were and my now ex-step-father arrogantly let me know he chucked them out a year or so before as I wasn’t using them. That is a story for later use in the yet undeveloped ‘Hedwig’ site.

Back in the golden age of VHS we had about a rotation of 20 and the original trilogy were a mainstay on 2-3 cassettes. I still remember being a shocked wide eyed kid looking at my older brother and asking if Vader was tricking or was he really Luke’s father (spoiler alert!!) The for the ‘father’ to then cut off his sons hand is hardcore. There were themes running through this the 5th episode that went over my head then and have resonated for the older a little less wide eyed James now. Han Solo being the epitome of cool was not one of them. With all the cool characters who possessed knowledge and power of the force my favourite was the scoundrel space-pirate who made vests and walking hairball companions cool.

The Set pieces are another draw card. (I’ll try to put these in order of preference rather than chronological) The Dagobah system. Yoda’s crib is important to the progression of the story but it’s more like Bangladesh (during their wet season obviously) than a cool planet. Bespin (Cloud City)- There’s a lot to like about Bespin, it’s the place Han is frozen in carbonite and utters the iconic “I know” in response to Leia’s declaration. It’s also where Vader’s equally important declaration to Luke. I pretty cool light saber duel and a severed off hand. Asteroid field – The Millennium Falcon shows of her (female pronoun for ships and planes?) wares and lands inside a space worm.

I’ve left the best till last. Planet Hoth – This opening set piece really held my imagination. Firstly the tauntauns. They weren’t that awesome but Han slicing ones guts open and sticking Luke in truly tickled my fancy. There are a few different types stormtroopers and the snow ones are my favourites. I enjoyed them on the screen and I really liked them as figurines in my bed under a white doona reenacting. Then hold it there’s more!!!! AT-AT’s These huge walking behemoths tearing the place up. And just to add a spice to it, it has Han being followed around my Leia who I knew didn’t want him to leave.

Finally, I also dug and still dig the fact it ended on a downer. Even as a kid I knew that was different and a part of me enjoys the fact that it didn’t end up all rosy tied up in a fancy ribbon.

Book

Scar Tissue – Anthony Kiedis

I like me a good autobiography and it’s usually movie stars/directors or sporting dudes. But I found this biography of the auto kind to be the most insightful and entertaining. Anthony opens up his life warts and all and doesn’t gloss over the not so bright parts. In fact he tends to dwell on the rough patches and wears these patches with pride of where he has come from and why he is there. It doesn’t hurt that Kiedis is my all-time favourite Band (Seen them live twice) and a lot of the book looks at the escapades of the quartet (including Hillel and the drummers before Chad Smith. If you like yourself an autobiography get this a go, even if the RHCP aren’t your thing!

Song

Miss Misery – Elliott Smith

I liked this song from the first time I heard it. During the credits of ‘Good Will Hunting’ as Matt Damon ‘badly’ drives down a road to his Skylar. It’s no secret I loved the movie and this version of this song was a killer way to cap it off. I have since become more of an aficionado in Elliott’s music and currently have 84 of his songs in my iTunes bank. I love the tone of the song, the lyrics of the song and the over mood of the song.

I'll fake it through the day
with some help from Johnny Walker red
Send the poisoned rain down the drain
to put bad thoughts in my head
Two tickets torn in half
and a lot of nothing to do
Do you miss me--
Miss Misery--
like you say you do?
A man in the park
read the lines in my hand
told me I'm strong,
hardly ever wrong
I said man you mean
You had plans for both of us
that involved a trip out of town
to a place I've seen in a magazine
that you left lying around
I don't have you with me
but I keep a good attitude
Do you miss me--
Miss Misery--
like you say you do?
I know you'd rather see me gone
than to see me the way that I am
but I am in your life, anyway
Next door TVs flashing
blueframes on the wall
It's a comedy of errors,
you see; it's about taking a fall
to vanish into oblivion
it's easy to do
and I try to be
but you know me
I come back when you want me to
Do you miss me--
Miss Misery--
like you say you do?

T.V Series

Weeds / Arrested Development

The problem with taking so long to lock down a top ten is you find new gems or old ones lose their luster. I would like to make an adjustment with acknowledgement that it will probably change by the end of the year.

I would officially like to move Two guys a girl and pizza place into joint tenth place with the Twilight Zone ( I’m aware it’s a cop out bad luck it’s my top ten!) Ned and Stacey into 9th, My name is Earl into 8th, My wife and kids into 7th, Scrubs into 6th, Weeds into 5th, Entourage stays at 4th, The Office (US version) stays in 3rd and Arrested Development leap frogs into 2nd and 1st place is??? You’ll have to wait!

Okay for the reasons. The Scrubs move is basically because it has lost a little of its luster. Sorry but on a Sunday when I’m choosing a series to have on while I plan/mark slack off Scrubs has taken a real back seat. I originally had it in 2nd before I had ‘found’ Weeds, Entourage and Arrested Dev. 2 guys shares 10th with Twilight because I didn’t want to bump off either. Weeds is one that might lose it’s luster but I found it 4 days before Benjamin was born and really dug the writing and acting. Very different from the homogenized TV. shows I’ve been watching. Arrested Development leap frogs based on my 2nd viewing of the entire series. It is so bloody clever it deserves 2nd and will be a hard one to knock off!!!

Hope that clears things up!

Until then hail to the force!

Genes

The first thing people ask when you have a baby is who does he look like?

Who's eyes/nose/smile does he have. I have just been emailed a picture of me to be used on graduation night for my students and I thought that there were some features that may resemble me.

I know this doesn't mean he is going to grow up looking like me (for his sake I hope not!!) and personally I care either way. Sure I hope Ben inherits some of my better qualities but Annaliese has many more and I guess he would be better off getting those. I apparently looked a lot like my father when I was teenager but not really at all. Whereas my younger brother now looks a hell of lot like him now so I'm aware we change over time and I'm really looking forward to witness what changes occur in Benjamin.

Well the first pic is Benjamin and I'm obviously the second pic. So let me know what feature/s you think Ben and I shared at a young age!!

Until then hail to the chromosome!

Finish this sentence!

Again this is lifted from Stinkbrown!

1) My mother once: drove by herself from the Gold Coast to Townsville in 16 hours.
2) Never in my life: have I visited a prostitute. Sure I’m ugly and bad with women but I’ve never been that hard up.
3) When I was five: I was living in Sydney with my older brother and younger brother growing in my mother’s uterus.
4) High school was a: horrible time for me. I was very awkward around girls, hated most people and had to spend 5 out every 7 nights breaking –up, listening to or participating in drunken fights because my step-father at the time had his own issues to work through. I had one special friend who was a groomsman at my wedding and we still keep in touch although not as much as I like.
5) I will never forget: sitting next to my wife while two surgeons pulled and tugged my little Benjamin out of her. It’s meant to be a magical experience with tears of joy except I sat there trying to calm my wife while filling my pants with a stinkbrown of my own.
6) I once met: a girl at uni and although I was a third year had never come across before. We struck up a conversation that became daily conversation and now 7 years later we are the proud parents of a baby boy.
7) There’s this person I know who: would do anything for his family. Sometimes he even takes it too far and forgets to look after himself. I am self aware enough to know I will never as good a father/husband /friend as him but he is definitely someone I try to become more alike while almost always falling short.
Once, at a bar: I drank so much so quickly I was lost from my friends and was found at the end of the night lying in a ditch next to the taxi rank covered in mud. I eventually made it home by taxi with zero memory of the night.
9) By noon I’m usually: counting down the minutes to 3 o’clock so I can finish my day job as a teacher and go home and find out what my baby boy is up to.
10) Last night I: spent an hour pacing around my house with Ben in my arms crying. He was fed, clean and healthy but babies will be babies! By 11:15pm I pass Ben on so I could get some sleep so my day in the classroom the next day would be bearable. Which is sort of was.
11) If only I had: more money. They say money doesn’t buy you happiness but it can sure make life easier if you are retarded and still value the little things. I wouldn’t go out and buy a yacht or waste my money. I would pay off a house, pay off a nice car (not a $100k one but a sensible family one) and depending on how much I had I’d finance a short/feature movie. I have a script but I’m also smart enough to know it needs serious script editing and I wouldn’t put a cent to it until it was ready. I would also put a large portion away for Benjamin for when he is 25 (I had a little money inherited to me at 18 and I wasted it on a trip to America and going out) because having to wait until he is 25 will make him spend some time in the work force and appreciate how hard it is come by money and to use wisely. Having money would alleviate the stresses of impending bills and unexpected expenses so that life can be enjoyed.
12) Next time I go to church/temple: will probably be for the christening of my son just before Christmas.
13) Terri Schiavo: sounds like a mafia lady with a moustache
14) I like: it when things go to plan. Even the simple things. I appreciate it when I buy anything electric and take it home and it works first time. I don’t expect anything for free but when things don’t work/turn out like they should it really makes my blood boil.
15) When I turn my head left, I see: my teaching partner’s desk and the students desks in disarray.
16) When I turn my head right, I see: a whiteboard and computer speakers.
17) You know I’m lying when: I can’t make eye contact. I’ve never been told what my tell is, I’ll have to ask my wife.
18) In junior school: (does this mean primary school?) I had the best time until year 6 and then things changed for the worse. From 1988 til 2002 I was a very different person until met my future and since that day I have been slowly morphing back into the chipper cocky person I once was. Who knows maybe one day I slick my hair into an Elvis coiffe grab an ornament and rock out.
19) If I was a character written by Shakespeare: I’d be Prince Hamlet (the son not the father) because I feel empathy for the character and often feel like my life would be a drama. I’m also not that well versed in Shakespeare so am limited in choice!
20) By this time next year I: would love to have another short film produced. My brother and I have sold the rights for one we wrote together and the lads at Thunderstorm Productions have the intention of making it so fingers crossed. If not I have another couple ideas so lets see. Or even better one of my two feature length scripts optioned would be amazing, don’t care about the money!!!!
21) A better name for me would be: cynical or sarcastic. It’s reflected in my writing, my moods and my outlook on life.
22) I have a hard time understanding: why people have children when they have no intention in the raising of the child. The baby bonus is not that much!!!!
23) If I ever go back to school, I’ll: be studying film/script writing. I have no intention of doing this as I believe that I’ll either get better at doing it as hobby or go nowhere with it and just enjoy it for what it is!
24) You know I like you if: I ask you lots of questions. If I don’t like you I’ll listen to you but I probably won’t ask a question to perpetuate the conversation. I’ll also seek you out for a chat if I like you! If you’re reading this I’ve probably invited you to look so I like you. I doubt any random person off the street will bother reading this rant.
25) If I won an award, the first person I’d thank would be: my family. And that includes lots a people (I know it’s a cop out) from my brothers and mother, my wife and son and my in-laws. Overall I’d probably thank my wife for being responsible for me being who I am at the moment. The Pessimist has a won a few awards including Best Independent film but the producers win that award.
26) I hope that: I am able to successfully raise a son who is a good person.
27) Take my advice: when it comes to the AFL
28) My ideal breakfast is: Irish. Very much like an English breakfast with Bacon, sausage, hash browns, baked beans, toast, tomatoes and eggs but you are offered a Guinness with it.
29) A song I love but do not have is: Richard Cheeseman’s version of Get down with the sickness. Not if the title is exactly that or the artist but couldn’t be bothered googling it! Just a cool cruisey song from an awesome movie.
30) If you visit my home town, I suggest: you wear a bullet proof vest. It was rough when I grew up there but has apparently gotten worse.
31) Why won’t anyone: finance my scripts? It’s only money (;-) see 11)
32) If you spend the night at my house: it’s because I live in Charters Towers and you had to travel. At least we have a nice sofa bed!
33) I’d stop my wedding: too late as I’m into the 7th year.
34) The world could do without: kindness
35) I’d rather lick the belly of a roach than: than its ass.
36) My favourite thing is: spending quality time with my family.
37) Paper clips are more useful than: debt (stupid question stupid answer)
38) And by the way: is a catchy track on the eponymous album by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
39) The last time I was (really) drunk: I was overly friendly with a friend’s dad when home and threw up!!
40) My grandmother always: lived near us when I was growing up! I have happy memories or spending the day with her and she’d feed me up good and buy me star wars figures. One day I called her ‘The Ivster’ (her name is Ivy) and it stuck.

The joys of fatherhood!

Annaliese and I have spent the 1st complete weekend, just us and Benjamin. At first it was a little daunting but when it comes down to it, all Ben needs to survive is mother's milk (from Annaliese not the awesome Chili Peppers album) and sleep. And maybe cuddles from dad!?!?

Friday afternoon is a little shaky with lots of crying and no sign of a solution. The feed came up and after that he slept like a baby (is that a simile?? sic) and mother and father were able to sleep peacefully through a DVD. He fed and slept throughout the night and was the perfect little champion Saturday morning spending 90 minutes in the pram without so much a murmur. He has his restless period during the afternoon (happy with that!) and slept from 7pm til midnight and woke up only once more during the night.

Sunday morning was spent dancing with daddy (he especially like Last Goodbye, Jeff Buckley and Seven Spanish Angels, Willie Nelson) and taking in the world. The attached photo was taken during one of our tours of the kitchen to visit mummy!

It is fair to say life is about as good as it gets and although it's constant it is definitely worth it!!

_______________________________________________________

I've also decided I need to really make an attempt at finishing my children's script!!!

Until then hail to the weekends!!!

Another Lindsay gets published!

You heard it right!!!! My geeky comic book lovin brother Stinkbrown is going to have a short essay of his, about Australian crime films published in a comic called Criminal. Some dude called Ed Brubaker (other comic nerds will know the name) emailed Stink and informed him of the impending publication. To top it off Sean Phillips (who I have actually heard of) drew the title page you can see at the top of the blog. I love The Proposition, one of the underrated movies made in this country!!

Very proud of you stink, we have both been published/produced lets hope Thunderstorm Productions can find some luck with "Soap".

Until then hail to the Criminal!

Benjamin James Lindsay

Well it's been a while but I think I have an excuse!!! On the 5th of October my wife went through the ordeal of giving birth to my first son Benjamin. He weighed in at 4400g or 9lb 11 and a half oz. Which if you aren't familiar is a very good weight!!!! He was also 55cm at birth which leads me to believe he might take after his paternal grandfather and he'll be a tall feller.

Since that day (3 weeks and 1 day) my life has revolved around this little bundle of joy! And I'm not complaining. It doesn't bother me when he starts crying at 2am for a feed or when I am wiping poo from his bottom or even when a jet stream of urine sprays all over me during bath time. I have to look after this little human and make sure he has the tools to function in society later in life.

As a teacher I have seen so many instances when a naughty boy just needed some love and compassion and he would be a different person. Therefore it is my responsibility to make sure Ben understands the difference between right and wrong and why he needs to do the right thing when he has the opportunity to go either way.

In the next week I'll post some photos to prove what a little champion he is!

Until then hail to procreating!

Top Ten - The Threes

Had the 37 week scan yesterday and everything is going well. Only 2-3 weeks to go!!!!!! Also had the baby capsule installed/fitted in the car so it’s definitely becoming a reality.

One week of school to go and I’ll be a father before I teach again. Let’s hope I’m ready for it!!!!

Here is the top 3

Movies

The Wanderers – I never did it to nobody’s daughter

This is another childhood movie that I might not have in my list if I wasn’t exposed to it early on. There are no real big names although Ken Wahl might disagree. Karen Allen is a moderate star and Terror also known as Dynamo.

It has a killer soundtrack and the penultimate Stand by me reference scene used to portray the nation’s pain during the announcement of J.F.K assassination.

Riddled with quote’s and iconic scenes this movie is perennial viewing in my house. Ducky boys and one of the all time Gridiron scenes ever.


Songs

Scene from an Italian restaurant - Billy Joel

A bottle of white, a bottle of red
Perhaps a bottle of rose instead
Get a table near the street
In our old familiar place
You and I face to face
A bottle of red, a bottle of white
It all depends on your appetite
I'll meet you any time you want
In our Italian Restaurant.
Things are okay with me these days
I got a good job,
I got a good office
I got a new wife, got a new life
And the family's fine
We lost touch long ago
You lost weight
I did not know
You could ever look so nice after
So much time.
Do you remember those days hanging out
At the village green
Engineer boots, leather jackets
And tight blue jeans
You drop a dime in the box
And play a song about New Orleans
Cold beer, hot lights
My sweet romantic teenage nights
Brenda and Eddie were the popular steadies
And the king and the queen of the prom
Riding around with the car top down and the radio on
Nobody looked any finer
Or was more of a hit at the Parkway Diner
We never knew we could want more than that out of life
Sure that Brenda and Eddie would always know how to survive.
Brenda and Eddie were still going steady in the summer of '75
When they decided the marriage would be at the end of July
Everyone said they were crazyBrenda you know that you're much too lazy
And Eddie could never afford to live that kind of life
But there we were wavin' Brenda and Eddie goodbye.
Well they got an apartment
With deep pile carpets
And a couple of paintings from Sears
A big waterbed
That they bought with the bread
They had saved for a couple of years
They started to fight When the money got tight
And they just didn't count on the tearsROCK and ROLL
Well they lived for a while In a very nice style
But it's always the same in the end
They got a divorce
As a matter of course
And they parted the closest of friends
Then the king and the queen Went back to the green
But you can never go back there again.
Brenda and Eddie had had it all ready by the summer of '75
From the high to the low to the end of the show for the rest of their lives
Couldn't go back to the greasers
The best they could do was pick up their pieces
We always knew they would both find a way to get by
And that's all I heard about Brenda and Eddie
Can't tell you more cause I told you already
And here we are wavin' Brenda and Eddie goodbye.
Bottle of reds, ooo a bottle of whites
Whatever kind of mood you're in tonight
Meet you anytime you want
In our Italian Restaurant.

I loved this song in my teens but as I’ve grown older and drifted away from high school these is even more pertinent. I’ve stuck by my rule of only one artist so William was always going to be here and this is my standout of many great tracks.

T.V Series

The Office – That’s what she said

Now the purists might disagree but I prefer the U.S version. Yes I was originally hooked on the Gervais version and he is very funny although cringe worthy. However as an ensemble the U.S is funnier and has longevity going for it. Dwight is all-time and there is something about Pam but Michael Scott is the heart behind it all. Speaking of ensemble every character brings something to the mix, from Creed to Stanley’s face and Kevin’s sly dog eyes!!

Books

Rebel without a crew – Robert Rodriguez

This book single handedly inspired me to give writing a go. I was always interested and thought it would be a great idea to try but after reading this the first time I started writing a feature length script with my older brother. Looking back it’s pretty average but I’m sure most first scripts are. I have since written 2 other feature length scripts of which one is average and one in my humble opinion is very doable. I’ve also had a short script produced and featured in 3 film festivals so far and in the only competitive one won best film. I’ve also co-written a short with my younger brother and is currently being reviewed for funding and will go into pre-production soon if successful. None of this would have occurred if not for the inspirational tale of a 23 year old that had a plan and is now a major film-maker in Hollywood. I have read this 3-4 times cover to cover and certain chapters more times. Anyone remotely interested in the movie business and how a film can be made this is a must read. Even as I’m writing this I’m wondering if it should be 1 or 2 on my list.

32 questions about books and reading!!

I stole this from my bro's blog Stinkbrown who stole it from someone etc etc go see Gone baby gone for details!!!!!
1) Which author do you own the most books by?
Stephen King, I have em all and have read every single on of them except Tommyknockers and Dolores Claiborne.
2) Which book do you own the most copies of?
Don't usually buy more than one copy of a book that's worth buying. Although I already had a generic copy of The shining when I came across a first edition at a second hand book sore.
3) Did it bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions?
In context to the big things in life ending a sentence with a preposition of a conjuction is the least of them.
4) Which fictional character are you secretly in love with?
I don't have many secrets!!!!
5) What book have you read the most times in your life? (Excluding picture books read to children.)
The Phantom Tollbooth. It is just such a clever book for children and adults alike!!
6) What was your favourite book when you were ten years old?
Croos between The Machine Gunners and The Cay
7) What is the worst book you’ve read in the past year?
Twilight.'(Read well before the movie hype!!!!!! It's not that it's bad it's just that I have read some really good books, see next question!!!!
8)What is the best book you’ve read in the past year?
Very hard question this year. Considering I've read A clockwork Orange, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Needful Things and a heap of quality Hard Case Crime books I would have to say The curious case of the dog in the night-time. Maybe because I'm a teacher but it had a definate effect on me!!!
9) If you could force everyone you tagged to read one book, what would it be?
I would never want to force anyone to read!!!! Do it cause you want to!!!!
10) Who deserves to win the next Nobel Prize for Literature?
Stephen King for being so underrated in his development of the character!!!!
11) What book would you most like to see made into a movie?
I am Legend, but done with the original message and story.
12) What book would you least like to see made into a movie?
The Da Vinci Code, opps too late!!!!!
13) Describe your weirdest dream involving a writer, book, or literary character.
I dreamt I was a writer and I was arguing with a producer of the millions I would receive for my work!!
14) What is the most lowbrow book you’ve read as an adult?
That would have to be either of Bruce Campbell’s book. If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B-Movie Actor
15) What is the most difficult book you’ve ever read?
Pet Semetary. My wife was/is pregnany during the reading!!! Yes Ryan you did warn me!!!
16) What is the most obscure Shakespeare play you’ve seen?
We will rock you!!!
17) Do you prefer the French or the Russians?
Russians but only when black!!
18) Roth or Updike?
Barely heard of either so don't care!
19) David Sedaris or Dave Eggers?
This is sad now, I’ve never heard of either.
20) Shakespeare, Milton, or Chaucer?
Interested but uneducated in all but been to Shakespeare's birthplace and visited the Chaucer theme museum in Canterbury.
21) Austen or Eliot?
Neither!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
21a) Hammett or Chandler
Tough one, both interesting but must be honest as I'm not fluent in either!!!!
21b) Okay, McCarthy, Cormac V Palahniuk, Chuck
Read No country for Old men but only for Coen reasons so also uneducated!!!!
22) What is the biggest or most embarrassing gap in your reading?
Not embarressed, just having got to yet!!!!
23) What is your favourite novel?
Changes weekly. About 5 Kingy's fill the top 6 spot though!!!
24) Play?
The Tempest
25) Poem?
Insert dirty limerick!!!!
26) Essay?
Essay?? Hated them at uni so no comment!!!
27) Short Story?
These walls thy sphere by Ryan Lindsay or any from I sing the body the electric by Ray Bradbury
28) Work of nonfiction?
Rebel without a crew by Robert Rodriguez, inspirational!!!!!
29) Who is your favourite writer?
Stephen King for his contant ability to get me hook within the first chapter!!!!
30) Who is the most overrated writer alive today?
Changes by the year from J.KRowling to Dan Brown and now Stephanie Meyer!!!!!
31) What is your desert island book?
Either It or The Stand by Stphen King. Both lengthy and worthy books.
32) And… what are you reading right now?
Log book You only look twice by Ian Flening
The Voyage of the dawn treader by C.S Lewis (Bille Brown as Coriakin will rock!!)
Michael Stahan - Behing the helmet - Michael Strahan (Thanks Rowey!!)
1599 -A year in the life of William Shakespeare by James Shapiro
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In other news my script Soap has been submitted for funding in South Australia and Ryan and I are awaiting news on that frint!!!
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In 40 minutes my wife will be 4 weeks from producing a child!!!!!!

Until then hail to enquiry!!

Film's fickle nature

At some 1 to 2 years ago my brother sent me a bunch of short stories he had written. They were an eclectic bunch in the vein of Gates of Eden by Ethan Coen. Each one had its own flavour and tickled me in some way.

Last X-mas I was celebrating with my family and was also fortunate enough to have been at the premiere of my first short film The Pessimist in Brisbane. Boxing day I was sitting around with both brothers drinking talking the usual stuff, movies, comics and books. Well this year we covered my movie as well and the prospect of any others I might interested in. I do have about 3 short scripts and another feature length one. However my mind for some reason thought about one of those stories mentioned earlier.

It was about a dude with OCD who has to wash his hands every hour on the hour. That premise alone has potential but the kicker for me was what would happen if he was caught in a bank robbery? Ryan hadn't finished the story and as he is want to do moved on to another more impressive project.

Well with a gut full of white rum I asked Ryan if he minded me taking that premise and turning it into a short film. I am much more visual!!!! He slurred his acceptance and the topic moved on. Four weeks later I had a skeleton of where I thought the story might go and wondered what he thought so far. The returning email was so full of red comments that before we knew it the story now titled 'Soap' is co-written by us (similar to Good Will Hunting sic).

We had the script as tight as we could get it without outside opinions and ventured into the scary world of producers and directors. I sent feeler emails out to about 5 producers and only one offered to even read the script. After reading it she was interested and we had a producer giving points and leading to a point where we could attract funding. Then there was a stalemate and Ryan and I couldn't offer any fresh approach and the producer had moved onto a new venture. And good luck I say.

So one day I'm trolling websites about short films and I stumble onto www.australianshortfilms.com and while looking on the message board I notice a guy David Ockenden has written a thread about being a South Australian and looking for new writers and scripts. I checked him out on www.imdb.com and he checks out. I send him a direct email and he lets me know he'll get back to me. 3 weeks go by and nothing. Then I get an email from his producing partner Matt Pearson expressing interest in Soap with him producing, Ockenden directing and the Lindsay Bros. writing. Well a weeks worth of re-writes and back and forths and I posted the contract to Ryan today with my signature and he'll post it to Matt with his and God willing we might see the production of Soap before the end of 2009.

So yeah sometimes things just happen.

On another but still exciting note The Pessimist won Best Indy Film at the QLD New Filmmakers Awards (BIFF) as well as best sound last Friday. It can be seen screening next in Venice next month.

Until then hail to the trolling.

Qualities to aspire to.

I'm am going to have another scan for our baby tomorrow (It's week 32 already) and will be doing that every two week til week 36 then weekly.

We have a checklist of things to buy, do and finish.

The nursery is complete. We have bought a cot (thanks mum!!), a change table (thanks Poppa), a stroller (thanks other mum and dad!), had a built in wardrobe installed and painted the walls a lovely pale green (neutral).

Some would be forgiven for thinking that take care of it. But then there's clothes, nappies, washers, towels. The list literally goes on and on.

Then there is the anxiety for mum and dad's to be about the actual birth process. Yeah dad worry too, we like to be in control and this is something we just have to stand and witness!!

Annaliese and I (mostly her) are pretty organised and have this list covered.

Now that I don't have to worry as much about this stuff my mind constantly drifts to the important issue of what kind of father am I going to be?

As a teacher I need to wear many hats including, educator, nurse, psychologist, mediator, confidant, cousellor, role model and in some cases father figure. Over the 6 years I have been teaching I have developed a style that suits me and hopefully one that most of my students appreciate. When I get sworn at and it happen frequently, I need to be patient, firm and understanding. I could let it upset me and get angry, frustrated or sad but I need to take into account what the situation is for that particular student. Did he have breakfast that morning? Was he kept up all night with irresponsible parents? Is he frustrated by his inability to understand what other students find easy? I'm not saying I should let them off scott free but simply yelling at them often has the adverse affect. They get screamed at when they are home so are used to dealing with that and ofter shut up shop and makes the situation worse. If I calmly explain the consequences of their actions they are usually more willing to follow a direction. Plus for future interactions you have developed a relationship where you aren't the evil enemy and they will ofter respond to you.

SO!!! More importantly what sort of father do I want to be? I'm assuming it will dependant on the personality of the child but I know I need to be careful not to be their bud!!! I need to find that blend between a friend who the kid can feel comfortable with and trust always but also a father who has to lay down the law when it is broken and kids will always do that.

On a less serious note I would love for my kids to follow the Kangaroos (the Giants would the cherry on top!) but I am also aware of not forcing the issue or even broaching it. Push and they are likely to hate AFL and a little part of me. I just have to hope subliminal messages are affective that they claim to be!!!

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On another note every Sunday mark the next week in the pregnancy, next Sunday will be week 33 out of 40. Every Sunday when we wake up we read 'Up the duff' and the current week. It focuses on the what is happening for the baby and the mum. I loving having this update to look forward to. This Saturday just gone I thought, there isn't a book that really speak to the dad to be and gives him information. I would title it 'You've put the bun in the oven, now what?

I would still included info about how the baby is doing. But instead of using fruit analogies like it would be the size of a grapefruit I would use man talk like sporting equipment, the size of a cricket ball, squash ball, can of beer etc. I would also let men know what is expected of them from getting the nursery reading, to behaving when bub arrives. I might write up a draft in the coming weeks. When my brother publishes one of his books I'll get him to put in the good word to look at mine!!!!

I guess I better pull up stumps!!!

Until then hail to the bun in Annaliese's oven!

Burst of writing!

Although I don't officially call myself a writer - yet!!!I do write and I find I either can or I can't. Black and white. When I can't I may as well not bother and I usually don't. But when I can it flows and I get hooked on the feeling. In the last 48 hours I have written 1 and a half short scripts and polished another.

Let's just hope there is something there worth reading.

Until then hail to the Black and white!

Top Ten - The Fours

Just had a relaxing day off (Charters Towers Show) and NO I didn't go!!!

Saw Milk, yes Sean Penn was good, although there were a few times I thought I was watching I am Sam. Interesting that Penn acts gay and mentally impaired similarly??

Finished reading another HardCase Crime book Home is the Sailor. Good, clever but not The Gutter and the Grave.

Top Tens - The Fours

Movies

Chasing Amy - What's a nubian?

The fact that I found it so hard to pick a 'quote' tells a story about how many times I seen it and how clever it really is!!

Sure for Kevin Smith's 3rd feature it is a case of 'talking heads'. But I will always take a quality script over stylised camera work. Michael Bay is reading this with a tear in his eye. The difference is Kevin Smith's tear is emotional, see Affleck chewing up the scenary outside the ice rink. Whereas Michael Bay's tear is all about the crystal shape as it slides down the check in slow motion.

I saw this at the cinemas with my brother (Stinkbrown), long story and thought Ben Affleck tore it up. However after many many viewing I think Jason Lee more than holds his own.

This is obviously my favourite of the Smith films and at one point would have sat at number one. The themes of insecurity and friendship really hit at the time.

Songs

How Far Have We Really Come? - Powderfinger

Despite the miseries
And the lessons learned from history
The pattern still repeats
Never to surrender don't you ever retreat
How far have we really come?
Until the ones who are leading us
Make peace their resolution tonight
Make peace your resolution tonight
There's an arms race to be run
Building bigger better dagger headed bombs
So let's drink to the daughters and sons
Never to return to their mother's arms
For every battle lost and won are these the ones that we offer up?

Great lyrics, melody and a good tune to sing along to!

T.V Series

Entourage - Lets Hug it out Bitch

I only found this series 8 months ago. It was aired in an aweful timeslot (much like Arrested Development) and was viewed mainly on pay T.V which I don't have. My bro of the stink variety has all of the seasons on his laptop, I'm assured legally!!! We watched the entire first season in the 3 nights we stayed with him. The next week my wife and I stayed at the beach (Caloundra) and bought season 2,3 and 4. During the course of our 8 night stay we watched every episode and even found time to conceive a baby.

I find Vince 'Vinny' Chase to be vacuous and boring. E is okay and Turtle holds his own but the two stand out characters and probably both are in my top ten characters are Ari Gold, Vinny's agent and Johnny 'Drama' Vinny's more talanted older brother actor.

My lovely wife thinks my anger issues are very similar to Ari's. He has many of the best lines like 'The script's been changed more times than Andy Dick's vibrator' and his many tirades in Lloyd direction.

I am a member of the fan club of Johnny 'Drama' on facebook but that doesn't come close to showing how funny I think his character is. Kevin Dillon has been underrated for a long time and many would be excused for thinking he peaked back in the 80's with his breakout (in my opinion) performance in The Blob. That would have been correct until Entourage premiered. Many of Dramas best moments are reactions of his in the background and the everpresent look of hurt on his face. FREEDOM!!!!!!!!

Books

American Psycho - Bret Easton Ellis

Before I start, opps I already have, I did read this before the movie was made. However Christian Bale chews it up!! yum yum!

This was one of the first book I read that I thought 'Are you allowed to write about stuff like this?' I also dug the conversation it generated about the themes particularly when he goes back to the apartment of someone he killed and the creepy lady talks to him. I still need to read more Ellis so any suggestion on which one would be great!!


That's the fours and the threes will be here within the week.

Bub is approximately 8 and a half weeks.

Until then hail to the four way intersection!

The Waiting game

My brother and I have officially submitted a short film script for a pair of producers to decide whether they want to raise money to make it. I find the wiating part the hardest. I find myself constantly checking my emails and wondering if someone else will find the musings of a pair of Lindsays worthy of a full scale production. My first (and only thus far) script to be made into a legitimate film happened so quickly and easily I could be forgiven for believe it's that easy with every script. Admittedly it has opened door for producers to read my work, one of the hardest parts of the process. If we get the go ahead for our lastest you are sure to read about it here!!!

On another note it's half time in the Kangaroos V Lions game and I'm wondering why a struggling club (Kangaroos) persists with players who are consistently not performing. Yes I'll name names. David Hale is our full forward and when he manages to actually be lucky enough have a kick for goal, he needs to be even luckier manage a score. Sam Power's kicking seems to be getting worse and Lindsay Thomas throws himself around like he's Jake the Muss' wife. Thomas cook the man some fu$%ing (sorry trying to keep it clean!) eggs. Plus dropping Grima is a travesty when we (read Kangaroos) need to see where the future is and he's playing quite well.

Bub is due around Grand Final day so at least I don't have to worry about missing my team in September action. Yes that's right as of tomorrow it's only 9 week til till my brood swells.

Until then hail to the youth policy!

Hard Case Crime

I've had 2 weeks holiday. Luckily for me that is something I can say every 10 weeks as I'm a teacher. My wife is pregnant and due is 11 weeks so I didn't do a hell of a lot. Sadly no writing (don't ask!!) but I hit Entourage pretty hard and my in-laws visited briefly. I also found a love. I have read at least one Stephen King book every year since 1995. I have met another 'book' I would like to strike up another passion. Hard Case Crime!!! My well read little brother bought me one for X-mas last year. The Colorado Kid by Stephen King, yes I notice the irony! I really enjoyed the book (read it before New Years) but didn't really notice the HCC connection. My Bro then informed me there were many more and quality amoungst them!!!!! So I purchased The Vengeful Virgin and The Gutter and the Grave. In 3 days I had read both and was hooked. I read the former 1st and loved it. I could envision the smoke and the atmosphere. Like a Coen Brothers movies staring Bogart. Very 50's very noir. I then read the latter and fell hard. Clever dialogue and more twists than a fonzie (see Twisties). I have since bought several more and cannot wait to delve into the universe of noir!!

Until then thanks Bro!!!

The Pessimistic venetian!

This might at first sound like boasting (and I guess partly it is!) but too bad.

I'd like to congratulate everyone at Lav Productions (partcularly Lav Bodnaruk and Michale Mier) for there success with their short film The Pessimist. The Pessimist penned by moi has been nominated for 4 awards at the QFNA (Qld New Filmmakers Awards) this year. Best independent drama, best sound, best producer and best director. Sure I'm not up for best writer but I am so happy for everybody involved for how it has turned out!!

Then to cap it off The Pessimist will be screening in Venice. That's right the home of the gondola!!!! For the Circuito Off Venice International Short Film Festival.

Until then hail to the gloater!!

Why a 2nd draft is so hard!

Ryan and I have embarked on a mission to write a successful short film script. Ryan gave me the concept and I went away and wrote the script. I sent it on to Ryan who had heaps of changes and ideas and we persisted with this system for about 8 emails each. Once we were both happy with the story etc I did my best to get a producer to read it. I was very lucky last year to have one of my script mades into a quality short which has put me on IMDB and given me some credability as a credited writer. This has given us the 'foot in the door' for producers to actually open my emails and a few producers have said when they have an open window they would be interested in talking to us about a deal.

Two producers have expressed a little more interest with Alex Hartwin from Dark Geometry stating that he is booked up for the next 6 months but if the script is still on the table would be interested in a deal.

Also 2 producing partners in Brisbane, Angela Faria and Sonia Armstrong are interested in seeing a 2nd draft and generating government funding (meaning I will get paid for this one!) and making a real go on the Festival circuit.

To hark back to the title of the blog, I am finding it very hard to produce a 'real' 2nd draft. Why? Because Ryan and I were relatively happy with the first draft and seeing where the changes were needed is much harder. Hence I need an honest appraisement of what works and more importantly what does not work. That way I would be able to focus on a particular character, scene or overall story arc. Anyone interested in giving their honest appraisal can contact me on jlind78@gmail.com

Although Ryan I have come up with a different spin and will do up a version 2 and send it on to you!

On another note Annaliese is 20 weeks pregnant (halfway) and doing very well!!

Until then hail to Big Daddy!

Top Ten - The Fives

I'm staring down the barrel of a 4 day weekend! Gotta love teaching!! I get the usual two days off plus Monday for Labor Day and Tuesday is our 18 week scan including a 3D picture of my little bambino. We're also having a 15 month old girl staying with us (including parents) so that will definately go some way to preparing us for what is ahead. But for now we'll have to settle for the top 5!

Top Ten - The Fives

Movies

Good Will Hunting – Gotta Go See About a girl

This is the script I wish I had written. There’s very little I question about this movie. At one point this my #1 on my list but fortunately I’m a much happier person.

Although Ben and Matt probably peaked at the start they have both continued to have quality careers.

This movie is built around an amazing script and layered with an eminent cast and director. And sprinkled with quotes and one-liners like double burger and step forth silent rogue and receive thy prize, not to mention a couple of stirring monologues.

Songs

Angel – Jack Johnson

I've got an angel
She doesn't wear any wings
She wears a heart that can melt my own
She wears a smile that can make me wanna sing
She gives me presents
With her presence alone
She gives me everything I could wish for
She gives me kisses on the lips just for coming home
She could make angels
I've seen it with my own eyes
You gotta be careful when you've got good love
Cause the angels will just keep on multiplying
But you're so busy changing the world
Just one smile and you can change all of mine
We share the same soul Oh oh oh oh oh ohhh
We Share the same soul Oh oh oh oh oh ohhh

We Share the same soul Oh oh oh oh oh ohhh
Oh oh oh oh oh ohhh Umm umm umm uhhhhhhmm

Obviously at this minute I’m very aware of my place in world and what is important to me. This is why this song is in my #5. I knew I would have a Jack Johnson song and there were a few options, Banana Pancakes, Better Together but this earned the right to be here! Just a lovely song to listen to alone and close my eyes. Soft maybe, but I don’t care!

T.V. Series

Arrested development - Never Nude

I know I said the true test of a great series was longevity but 3 seasons of this is better than 50 seasons of Will and Grace. There are heaps of textured characters and tasty scenarios. Between Tobias and all his foibles and George the Magician I can’t pick my favourites. Although I’m looking forward to the movie it’s only if they do it right, otherwise leave it to be the cult it already is! Every episode is tighter than an Eli Manning spiral. Blueman! haha

Books

I am Legend – Richard Mathieson

I grew up as a Lindsay boy and that meant a few things. One of them is an eerily similar taste in movies. Omega Man was one of them. Charlton Heston rocked the shit in it, he even was the first to hook up in an interracial ‘love’ scene on celluloid. Then I found out about 15-20 years ago it was based on a novel. I tracked the novel down and this is it!

I bought it, read it and loved it. I dug the atmosphere and loved the shit out of the ending. It was one of the few times when I read the last line and went ‘oh’. It really made me think!! And NO it did not have the syrupy, Hollywood ending of the Will Smith 3star ending. I am Legend means much more in the book as it should. I have a feeling my venerated brother will write a tome one day that has the same reaction. At least I hope so!



Well I hope that didn't disappoint!

Until then I AM going to see about my girl!

The Carport's up baby!

I have finally done it!!! With some help obviously!! I've laid a slab and now erected the carport. Here are some pics (proof) of my achievement! On a side note Annaliese is 17 weeks pregnant tomorrow, hurray to me!! oh and her!

Top Ten - The Sixes

It's been two weeks and this count down isn't getting any easier! However in the last two weeks I've finished the first term for the year, seen my mum for her 60th brithday and travelled to Melbourne with my pregnant wife to see my beloved Kangaroos lose to the Hawks at Etihad Stadium and caught with up my only/best mate from down south Leroy. Okay okay no more delay here are the sixes!!

Top Ten - The Sixes

Movies

Lantana

As someone who has officially called script writing a hobby, this is a script I would have loved to write. It’s a great character study about normal people with normal problems. Cheatings on our partners, being cheated on by our partners, making mistakes and even just to be tempted by mistakes. The casting is sublime, even Glenn Robbins manages to fit in. Vince Colomoso is MY stand out as the every day husband/father who becomes a suspect to murder. If there is any hope for the Aussie Film industry this is it!

Songs

Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen

Well there's a girl that lives up the block
back in school she could turn all the boy's heads
Sometimes on a Friday I'll stop by
and have a few drinks after she put her kids to bed
Her and her husband Bobby well they split up
I guess it's two years gone by now
We just sit around talking about the old times,
she says when she feels like crying
she starts laughing thinking about

I have always been a huge fan of this song and as every year passes and I get older and more nostalgic it becomes more pertinent. It has a kick ass beat and lyrics that I have learnt mostly over the years. I have very fond memories of playing this in the lounge room with my dad and brothers really enjoying the moment man!

T.V Series

My wife and kids

5 seasons of solid funny! Damon Wayans is great as the father Michael Kyle and he is supported by an able cast. However this show like ‘Earl’ wouldn’t be the same without the lead creative, Damon. While it was airing I wouldn’t miss an episode and WILL buy the seasons when it’s for sale. I won’t go on too much but suffice to say this ickled my funny bone.

Books

The Wanderers – Richard Price

Yes sure this is one of the few occasions where I saw the movie first but both are fantastic and as far as books go there are only 5 others I rate higher than this one! One thing that I particularly liked about this book was that it wasn’t a novalisation of the movie. There are sub plots not touched on in the movie that are very interesting including a very nasty scene about pre tweens pushing a kid off a roof and Eugene the conquerer nailing a deaf girl that my younger bro and I found very funny.

In other news I am still waiting to hear back from a producer in Brisbane.

I finished reading a novel written by my younger bro Ryan and I loved it. Sure we have the same humour but I truely believe this is a publishable manuscript and would be so happy for him if he lives the dream and makes it a reality.

I have had a breakthrough on my feature length script, it's still a little tighter!

My amazing wife is 16 weeks and 4 days pregnant.

I am also close to completing the carport, finally.

Until then my boys can swim!

Top Ten - The Sevens

Sorting out the sevens from sixes and fives is hard. Yes I will change my mind as time goes by but these are my picks for the Sevens at the moment!

Top Ten - The Sevens

Movies

Fight Club - How much can you know about yourself if you've never been in a fight?

To be honest I wasn’t sure about this movie when I first saw it. Didn’t get it at all. Then the second time I thought it was very good and now it's my lucky SEVEN and the rest is history. Two of the best actors of their generation at the top of their game, directed by one of the best directors in anyones generation at the top of his game was always going to be good. This has it all, stylish, clever and ballsy. It also spurned one of the world’s most powerful publishing houses, see Stinkbrown.

Songs

Question – Rhett Miller

Someday somebody's gonna ask you
A question that you should say yes to
Once in your life
Maybe tonight
I've got a question for you
She'd had no idea
Started to cry
She said in a good way
He took her by the hand
Walked her back home
They took the long way

This is on the Scrubs Season 2 soundtrack. I fell for this track straight away. The melody is sweet and message sweeter. As a happily married man with a baby on the way this is just the song for me at the moment.

T.V. Series

My Name is Earl - Hey crab man!!

Jason Lee, Jason Lee and Jason Lee. Anyone who has known me for the last 10 years knows Jason has been my favourite actor. I’m aware he doesn’t chew up the scenery in a Brad Pitt way but he does command attention. This show was always going to be on my radar and it hasn’t disappointed. Add Ethan Suplee and a well cast ensemble and this show is guaranteed laughs in my book. Another stable for a good T.V Series is the cameos and this show does not disappoint.

Books

Dr No – Ian Fleming

I’ve read most of the Bonds and while they are all quality this is by far the best. First of all the baddie Dr. No is original and unique. Very much like the 1st Bond movie. However the kicker (spoiler alert!!!) is that Bond does him in by using Guano. Yep, a huge steaming pile of crap!!! But not before Bond is put through the toughest obstacle course committed to paper. If you read, action, adventure or thriller makes this the Bond for you!!


That's it for the Sevens, next up six (sux for my Kiwi fans). In other news:

I have managed to get a couple of producers to read Ryan and my script Soap. Fingers crossed.

I'm editing Wet Sand my feature length script and hoping to chisel out something resembling a shootable movie. Hallmark movie channel here I come!

I've left the best til last!!! My beautiful wife is 14 and a 1/2 weeks pregnant and I'll take a healthy baby over any of the above!!!

Keep an eye out for the Sixes!!!!

Until then don't drop the soap!

Top Ten - The Eights

I didn't realise how hard this process was going to be until I brought it up with my wife and she asked about the movies she knows I love. So now she has opened a can of worms and after The Ones I might have call and apologise to some people. I will be more frequent with my entries but for now here are the eights.

Top Ten - The Eights

Movies
Shawshank redemption Do you trust your wife?

This is a case of an exceptional novella being adapted into an exceptional script and filmed by exceptional cast and crew. I saw this at the cinemas in 1995 with two close friends and we were the only people in the cinema. After word of mouth reserved for movie experiences like Sixth Sense and Sideways a few more people saw it at the cinemas however not enough. Then it was nominated for 7 oscars and people started to take notice. After building up steam people started to hire the movie out and the rest as we say in the biz is history. #1 movie of all-time in many lists including www.imdb.com and Empire.

Sure this movie is better than most of my movies in the top 7 but I’m a sucker for mass acceptance and more of a fan of lesser known pieces of art. Silly but it’s me!

Song
Twilight time - Platters
Heavenly shades of night are falling /It's twilight time / Out of the mist your voice is calling / It's twilight time /When purple colored curtains/ Mark the end of the day / I hear you my dear at twilight time

If you have ever been in love, and I’ve been lucky enough to feel it once, then you WILL understand this song. Sure you wouldn’t want to mosh to it but you need a repertoire of songs for ALL of the different emotions and situations you might find yourself on. This is my sitting at home having a candle lit dinner with my wife song, and I love it!

It also doesn’t hurt that I’m a big fan of the Platters, this is another hark back to my childhood and the music my parents listened to.

In a nut shell this song is cooler than the other side of a pillow.

T.V Series
Ned and Stacey - Smoke up the house Ezy-E

This breaks the rule of longevity but not through the fault of Ned Dorsey (Thomas Haden Church) and his crazy antics. Not only did he have to put up with Stacey Colbert (Debra Messing) he also got to play with partner in crime Rico (Greg Germann). Every episode is tried and tested and Ned does NOT come up wanting!

This had to be in my top ten however longevity and other quality shows has it representing the Eight.

Book
Phantom Tollbooth - The Demon of Insincerity

With out a doubt one of the ‘wittiest’ books I have ever read. Short of writing a 1500 word thesis I’ll try to pay tribute and spell it out for you.
Milo finds a package in his bedroom containing a miniature purple tollbooth and a map of the Kingdom of Wisdom. He drives in his toy car, and is instantly transported to Wisdom. Enjoying the ride, he pays no attention to his route and soon becomes lost in the Doldrums, a colorless place where thinking and laughing are not allowed. However, he is found there and rescued by Tock, a watchdog with the body of an alarm clock, who joins him on his journey.
First stop is Dictionopolis, one of two capital cities of Wisdom. They visit the word marketplace, where all the world's words are bought and sold. After an altercation between the Spelling Bee and the blustering Humbug, Milo and Tock are imprisoned by the very short Officer Shrift. In the prison, Milo learns the history of Wisdom. Its two rulers, King Azaz the Unabridged and the Mathemagician, had two adopted younger sisters, Rhyme and Reason, who had settled all disputes in the kingdom. Everyone lived in harmony until the rulers disagreed with the princesses' decision that letters and numbers were equally important. They banished the princesses to the Castle in the Air, and since then, the kingdom has been plagued with discord and disharmony.
Milo and Tock leave the dungeon and attend a banquet given by King Azaz, where the participants literally eat their words. King Azaz allows Milo and the Humbug to talk themselves into a quest to rescue the princesses. Azaz appoints the Humbug as a guide, and he, Milo and Tock set off for the Mathemagician's capital of Digitopolis to get his approval for their quest.
Along the way they meet fantastic characters like Alec Bings, a little boy who sees through things and grows until he reaches the ground, and have adventures like watching Chroma conduct his orchestra in playing the colors of the sunset.
In Digitopolis, their first stop is the mine where numbers are dug out and precious stones are thrown away. They eat subtraction stew, which makes the diner hungrier. The Mathemagician erases the mine with his magic pencil eraser, he and Milo discuss Infinity, and Milo proves to the Mathemagician that he must allow them to rescue the princesses.
In the Mountains of Ignorance, the three intrepid journeyers contend with lurking, obstructionist demons like the Terrible Trivium and the Senses Taker. Milo thwarts them from stopping his quest by using gifts he has received in Wisdom. After overcoming all obstacles and their own fears, the questers reach the Castle in the Air. The two princesses welcome Milo and agree to return to Wisdom. When the group leaves, Tock carries them through the sky, because, after all, time flies. The armies of Wisdom welcome the princesses home, King Azaz and the Mathemagician are reconciled, and all enjoy a three-day celebration of the return of Rhyme and Reason.
This is something I wish I had the talent to write!!

I hope you enjoyed the list! I certainly did!

Until then leanr to use soap!

Top Ten - The Nines

Alrighty then, I sense the Nines coming up. Before I start however I would like to issue a disclaimer. MY top ten is based on my tastes and preferences not what high flying literati deem worthy. My books WON’T include the complete collection of Shakespeare and the bible. My movies WON’T include Citizen Kane (although it’s an awesome movie) or Blue Velvet (another good movie). My songs WON’T include Beethoven’s 9th or Celine Dion. My T.V. series WON’T include documentaries about Hitler or Alzheimer’s Disease. They WILL include entries that have touched and inspired me. Anyway here we go!

Top Ten – The Nines

Movie
El Mariachi - Bucho

This is almost the single biggest force in inspiring me to write for the screen. Robert Rodriguez is a film making tour du force and epitomizes everything I love about the film creation process. Technically El is not Rodriguez’s best outing but for ME watching this (particularly with the audio commentary on) makes me want to grab a camera and shoot!

Song
Killer Queen – Queen - Caviar and cigarettes Well versed in etiquette Extraordinarily nice

Queen had to be in my top ten. The only question was where. As a little boy I would hold a figurine of my mothers and mouth the words as Freddie belted out the words. My dad was a huge fan, my brothers are huge fans and damn it so am I!!! Forget Harvey Milk I’d be more interested in seeing a Mercury movie extravaganza. While living in England when my lovely wife game me the chace to pick a ‘show’to see, we saw We Will Rock You. Front Row centre seat and I was in Queen heaven. Tell me you don't read the above lyrics you don’t start singing the song. Sure there are many other songs by Queen that could have made this list but I had to stick by one and although it changed 5 times, this is it, just finished listening to the Live Killers version and it ROCKS!!!!

T.V. Series
The Twilght Zone - This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone.

I’m talking about the Rod Serling series that started in ’59 and lasted 5 seasons. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the ‘80’s series and the movie. Rod Serling’s opening monologue precludes to strange happenings about to be fed into my Gulliver. One of the great things to come out of doing my own top tens (and I recommend you all try for yourself) is the soul searching and surprises that come out of it. This was one of those surprises, I knew I liked The Twilight Zone but how much wasn’t prevalent until I had to place it within a hierarchy.

Book
The Great and Secret Show – Clive Barker – Seth and Owen.

My esteemed brother would be proud that the Liverpoolian homosexual is included here. Ryan got me onto this author and overall I am impressed. TGSS is the epic of epics. So many subplots spin and revolve on a pin head in this strange story, too many for me to blog on about but I will say the characters are rich, plot think and prose silky smooth.

That’s all for the Nines!

Hope you’ve enjoyed it. If not comment! If so comment!

Until then hail to the king baby!

Paper Street Publishing teams up with Tight Spot Productions

I haven't been as excited about a script since the good gentlemen at Lav Productions took on one of my shorts. In a first for me I'm collaborating, although it's with my brother and we have been talking movies since Kurt Russell was rocking out the beard and fighting aliens.

Having written many scripts that have started out well but puttered to a smokey demise, I can sense that this script is polishing up nicely and has already taken on a life and identity. All I will say is that it's titled 'SOAP' and it's NOT an homage to American History X. Watch this space.


I would also like to welcome a very good mate of mine to the real world. AKA share accommodation. He's bought a Wii so I don't think his housemates will kick him out just yet. All hail Roweyboy!!!


As for literature the next post WILL be the nines but I would like to share that I've just started reading Needful Things - Stephen King and there are few authors who can consistently make me excited to delve into the depths of a story.

Until then go Rooboys!!!

Top Ten - The Tens

Over the next ten installments I will be counting down my favourite movies, books, songs and television series’. Some of my choices will be made with the heart, some with my brain and hopefully some of them with both. If you know me relatively well you’ll probably have a 70-80% success rate but getting the order right might be trickier. I won’t just bang out the ten like a cheap hooker. I’m going explain why each one deserves the right to represent.

Let’s not delay, here are the ones who scraped into the 10th spot.

Movie
Boyz n the Hood – All you do is eat sleep and shit

This one is definitely more heart than head, hell isn’t that what 10th place is for? A wise movie critic once pointed out to me that this would be a perfect midday movie if not for the repeated use of the F word. I don’t care! Watching Tre being raised on the mean ghetto streets by his wise father Furious is uplifting and entertaining. There’s definitely heart in this movie, but it also showed the chops of a young black director names John Singleton. There are ya convinced yet?

Song
Better - Screaming Jets - You say you never get anywhere!

This is one of the all-time pub sing along songs. It has a kickin beat and lyrics you can really sink your teeth into. I remember playing it in my car once and my grandfather was nodding his head to the beat, or maybe he was falling asleep. Either way I can always find time to listen to this song, it rocks!

T.V Series
Two Guys and Girl and a Pizza Place – Ryan Reynolds

I really dig the first few seasons of this and even though it didn’t keep up the high standards I still enjoyed most episodes. Again this is why there is a 10th position. Longevity has a lot to say about a series and four seasons ain't too bad. I’ll have more to write about other series’.

Book
A Clockwork Orange – Anthony Burgess – A malenky bit of the old ultra-violence

I finished this book two days ago and it’s the only book on the list I’ve read in the last three years. Once I wrapped my head around the slavo talk I just enjoyed the book for what it is. A social commentary about youth, violence and the rights of the government. I on a rare occasion saw the movie before I read the book and although I highly rate the movie, the book is superior. A clever book by an author at the top of his game. I have no apologies for this selection.

Well that’s all for the Tens!! The Nines are on their way!!

Until then!
Jame$

First Blog!! Who am I?

I would like to say welcome and sorry. Welcome because this is my first attempt at blogging. Sorry because if you are used to reading Ryan’s blog on www.stinkbrown.org then I might not meet his overly high standards.

I’ll start with a little about me and finish with a more comprehensive picture of the enigma wrapped in a riddle RKL (Notice how his initials sound like Urkel from Family Matters?)

I’m a primary school teacher in North QLD and hobbyist writer. I found my love and confidence in writing in 2000 when I started university by co-writing a feature length script with our older brother Marc. It’s amateurish but it’s a start and since then I have written more and more. This has resulted in Lav Bodnaruk and Michael Mier taking a short film idea I’d written and making it a reality. I received a copy of The Pessimist today in fact and it’s amazing what they have accomplished with such a simple idea of mine. I will always be grateful to the boys from www.lavproductions.com for being my opening into the film business, whether I do anything with it is my own fault/choice. While I’m praising the/my movie I’d like to mention Bille Brown. This cat has contacts with Monty Python and is an amazing character actor. Check out Ascension on youtube and be blown away! I don’t know who I didn’t sleep with to make so happy but I’m happy to not do it again.

Ryan was also correct when he stated I will discuss the mighty North Melbourne Kangaroos and the New York Football Giants but for today I’ve covered me/The Pessimist and now here’s my over view of Ryan.

Ryan has always been a conundrum within our family. Growing up with two older brother reading Stephen King Ryan was reading Stephen King in primary school. He was following me to the movies with my friends and probably understanding the movie more than my friends.

Any who I’ll be talking all stuff top ten in the next couple of weks so please stay tuned!!!!

Until then have a week Jame$

James Lindsay - My Brother

To kick this brand new blog off, let me introduce you to James Lindsay, my brother.
He's the one on the left, I'm the goon with the cereal halfway to the mouth and the brain halfway kicked in.

He's a writer of great note; his short film, The Pessimist, was shot, cut and produced within the last few months. James came up with the idea (which made me laugh my ass off in parts) and partnered with a man he trusted, Lav Bodnaruk, to get this film made.

In other times James works on a lot of different writing. Eclecticism (is that a word?) and genius always have gone hand in hand, James is no exception.

James' reading is varied and erudite, too, but I will let him come up with his own lists of top tens to regale you all with.

James is also a wicked sports fan, and player, and I have no doubt this blog will discuss the North Melbourne Kangaroos and New York Giants over the course of time.

Overall, being my older brother, James is my hero. He does it all right and all of the time. An exceptional quality and one that I try to emulate every day.

And, who am I? I'm just some kid who still reads comics, and www.stinkbrown.org is proof of that. Yeah, bro, I got a plug in, sorry.