Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Blog: Impression of Read Work
Blog: Impression of Read Work
I read various screenplays and adaptations of original screenplays. The one that I found the most helpful was the ‘Casablanca’ screenplay. It helped me create the love struggle and tension between Tim and Linda. Just like there is tension between Rick Blaine, played by Humphrey Bogart, and Ilsa Lund, played by Ingrid Bergman.
Both ‘Wire’ screenplays helped me figure out how to format my screenplay properly. The Wire was also very helpful in producing the right dialogue that was needed between characters. It was hard for me to think like a ten-year-old girl at some situations. The African Queen, again helped the character development.
Inception was very hard to get my head around, however, it did help integrate the flashbacks into the screenplay. The television show ‘Lost’ also helped me in transitioning between two time periods. Flashbacks are an integral part of this screenplay; the flashbacks bring Mary into the world of the young love struck Tim O’Brien.
None of these screenplays helped with the arrangement and order of operations within the story. The screenplay, based on The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, it is an adaptation of a short story with in a story. The screenplay dives into the love story between Tim O’Brien and Linda. Mary is the innocent on looker. She is the manifestation of what the reader would be seeing
All these models were helpful to me in producing and formatting my own work.
The Wire Season 1 Episode 101: http://kottke.org.s3.amazonaws.com/the-wire/The_Wire_1x01_-_The_Target.pdf
The Wire Season 1 Episode 109: http://www.vincasa.com/casabla.pdf
The African Queen: http://www.weeklyscript.com/African%20Queen,%20The%20(1951).txt
Casablanca 1942: http://www.vincasa.com/casabla.pdf
Inception: http://www.raindance.org/site/scripts/Inception.pdf
Friday, April 20, 2012
The Wire Conflict and Character
In The Wire by David Simon is a series that is based in Baltimore that revolves around the illegal drug industry. David Simon has a way of building conflict that both reveals new characters while also enhancing the plot in an intriguing and mysterious way.
David Simon, having experience at journalism, knows how to tell a compelling story. His use of handheld cameras and documentation style of filming makes The Wire more realistic. He also trusts the viewer to catch on to things and does not have very many flashbacks to patronize the viewer for not remembering. The Wire has one flashback, which was insisted upon by HBO, in the first episode at the end and truth be told it sticks out like a sore thumb and doesn’t sync well with the series.
The way that David first introduces the viewer to McNulty really grasps the viewer’s attention. They get to see what McNulty has to deal with on a day-to-day basis. The viewer starts to realize from the dialog, and the camera panning over a dead man, that this is a tough part of town. McNulty asked the question, “You called this guy snot?” this course of dialog between the witness and McNulty explains to the viewer how things are in the slums of Baltimore.
We see that McNulty’s character is not entirely trusted when he appears at the FBI office to visits his friend, Fitzhugh, and he is not allowed to proceed without an escort. This also represents the bad relationship and distrust between the FBI and municipal police.
The court case on page eleven is a perfect way to introduce two more important characters while also deepening the plot. First there is D’Angelo Barksdale who is on trial for murder. Then there is Stringer Bell who is dressed sharply and looks almost professional. When the court is adjourned and D’Angelo is found not guilty, McNulty casually leans in as he passes by Stringer Bell and says, “Nicely done. Very subtle” This confirms to the viewer what they have suspected, that McNulty knows what is happening.
It is also important to note that not everyone on the police force is as dedicated to the job. Detective Fred Barlow is more worried about his pressure-treated porch than his case that was just flipped. This shows that some cops are just there to clock the hours and not actually do any police work.
By: Josh Blake
Monday, March 5, 2012
President Obama's State of the Union Address
President Obama’s State of the Union Address was very inspirational and it was directed to a county that is in dire need of inspiration. Even before he starts his speech he embraces the congresswoman, Gabriel Giffords, who was shot in the previous year to express his deepest gratitude and happiness that she is still alive. This shows how much he cares about the people within his country. This quality will be a key if he is to win the next election.
President Obama states that a growing number of Americans are getting richer while the poor are getting even poorer. While this is true, in America, I don’t think that this stance will gain him any more votes for his next election. Even though the majority of people in the states are struggling to get by, they are obsessed with the notion of ‘the American Dream’ and how everyone can make it. Unfortunately, this is not always that case and it is becoming more and more apparent, as Obama states, Warren Buffet, a billion air, pays a lower tax rate then his secretary.
I really enjoy his style of speech delivery. The fact that he can reduce the politics of a major world super power down to three quick and easily understandable points is incredible. These three points, which are apparent through out his speech and in many other contexts, gives the speech a more personal, down to Earth address. It makes the reader, or listener, feel that they are actually apart of the conversation, even though they do not say a single word. That is what makes a great speechwriter and a fantastic leader. I think that in these next election that are coming up the American people will see how much Obama has done for the people from getting out a recession to killing one of the most famous terrorists, Osama Bin Laden.
President Obama states that a growing number of Americans are getting richer while the poor are getting even poorer. While this is true, in America, I don’t think that this stance will gain him any more votes for his next election. Even though the majority of people in the states are struggling to get by, they are obsessed with the notion of ‘the American Dream’ and how everyone can make it. Unfortunately, this is not always that case and it is becoming more and more apparent, as Obama states, Warren Buffet, a billion air, pays a lower tax rate then his secretary.
I really enjoy his style of speech delivery. The fact that he can reduce the politics of a major world super power down to three quick and easily understandable points is incredible. These three points, which are apparent through out his speech and in many other contexts, gives the speech a more personal, down to Earth address. It makes the reader, or listener, feel that they are actually apart of the conversation, even though they do not say a single word. That is what makes a great speechwriter and a fantastic leader. I think that in these next election that are coming up the American people will see how much Obama has done for the people from getting out a recession to killing one of the most famous terrorists, Osama Bin Laden.
Tiger Woods with Unstoppable Game
Before his massive out break, Tiger Woods seemed more human than human. He seemed to many people to be unstoppable in the game of golf and ultimately completely focused on the task at hand, which was, to play the best game that he could. Even at friendly press conferences he seemed distant and uninterested. Of course, now we all know why. He was probably thinking of his girl, and by that I most certainly do not mean his wife. Phil Mickelson, however, could always talk candidly about his game and even be seen to smile at some of these press conferences.
It has become clear to many people that Tiger Woods has not moved on from the mentality of a 21-year-old frat boy, that cracks black penis jokes to reporters while surrounded by four women. Instead, however, he learned to distance himself from the game, reporters, noisy individuals, and eventually his wife to meet his frat boy lady quota.
The real question is if he returns to professional golf, after his sexcapades have been flaunted all over the public eye, will he still have what it takes to be the best? Will Tiger come back roaring or rustling? Of course with his sponsors leaving him in the dust it is impossible to think that he will ever be earning as much money as he was. But maybe that will not be the determining factor for his return, maybe he will return to prove to himself, and the golfing community, that this incident has had no affect on his game. Maybe he is going for that fifth green jacket. Where Phil Mickelson has a wife battling breast cancer to draw encouragement from, maybe, Tiger can get some encouragement from all this attention, because obviously he has not had enough over the years.
It has become clear to many people that Tiger Woods has not moved on from the mentality of a 21-year-old frat boy, that cracks black penis jokes to reporters while surrounded by four women. Instead, however, he learned to distance himself from the game, reporters, noisy individuals, and eventually his wife to meet his frat boy lady quota.
The real question is if he returns to professional golf, after his sexcapades have been flaunted all over the public eye, will he still have what it takes to be the best? Will Tiger come back roaring or rustling? Of course with his sponsors leaving him in the dust it is impossible to think that he will ever be earning as much money as he was. But maybe that will not be the determining factor for his return, maybe he will return to prove to himself, and the golfing community, that this incident has had no affect on his game. Maybe he is going for that fifth green jacket. Where Phil Mickelson has a wife battling breast cancer to draw encouragement from, maybe, Tiger can get some encouragement from all this attention, because obviously he has not had enough over the years.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
A Game of Thrones
A SONG OF FIRE AND ICE: GAME OF THRONES will suck you into a land of mystery, violence, and lust for glory: the alternate reality set in what we would relate to as the medieval times, however; in this world there are dragons, night crawlers, death eaters, and other things that go bump in the night.
Set in the Seven Kingdoms, ruled over by one King that sits on the Iron Throne, a throne that is mad entirely of iron swords from battles past. Lord Eddard Stark is the steward of the north, however certain circumstances forces Lord Stark to become King Robert’s Hand. Thus having to move south. When Eddard arrives in the south he finds out many dark secrets. In the fight for the Iron Throne there is only winners, if you lose you die.
George R.R Martin will immerse you into this world and you will never want to leave. A page-turner till the end; it will leave you wanting to run out and buy the next installment.
Category: Fantasy Fiction
Format: Soft cover, 835 pages
Publisher: Bantam Books
ISBN: 0-553-57340-3
Price: $9.99
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Death of Gaddafi
Blog Post on Gaddafi’s Death.
Josh Blake
I was very happy to hear that the Libyan dictator, General Muammar Gaddafi, has been killed. Gaddafi was a dictator and ruled his country without mercy. If anyone tried to oppose him they would be arrested, tried, tortured, and eventually killed. I am happy that the Libyan people decided to rise up and take back their country. The International community was in the right to aid the rebels in their fight to regain Libya back from Gaddafi and his supporters. I do not dislike or think badly of Gaddafi’s supporters because I believe that fear is a very powerful motivator. It was not surprising, to me, that Surt, Gaddafi’s home town, was his last strong hold with the most supporters.
When the rebels captured Gaddafi it is not clear, at this point, if he was killed as a fugitive or a prisoner. This matters due to NATO’s involvement within Libya. NATO is responsible for the correct sentencing for Gaddafi’s supporters; they must make sure that these supporters are treated within their basic human rights. Even though NATO did not put any troops on the ground in Libya they supported the rebels from the air with supply drops, ammunition, food, and aerial counter strikes against Gaddafi strong holds. After all this is what ended up leading to the capture and death of Gaddafi. Gaddafi was fleeing his hometown of Surt within a convoy when a French air strike halted the convoy long enough for the Libyan rebel fighters to get there.
How will this event change Libya? This is the next major question in the international community. What will the free Libyans do next? How will they rebuild after decades of suffering under Gaddafi. The answer is democracy, with help from the international community. I think that it is fairly obvious, to anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock for the past couple of months, that the Libyan people want freedom and democracy without corruption and fear. If NATO and the Libyan people can rebuild from this uprising then it will be an even greater success for the people of Libya.
Josh Blake
I was very happy to hear that the Libyan dictator, General Muammar Gaddafi, has been killed. Gaddafi was a dictator and ruled his country without mercy. If anyone tried to oppose him they would be arrested, tried, tortured, and eventually killed. I am happy that the Libyan people decided to rise up and take back their country. The International community was in the right to aid the rebels in their fight to regain Libya back from Gaddafi and his supporters. I do not dislike or think badly of Gaddafi’s supporters because I believe that fear is a very powerful motivator. It was not surprising, to me, that Surt, Gaddafi’s home town, was his last strong hold with the most supporters.
When the rebels captured Gaddafi it is not clear, at this point, if he was killed as a fugitive or a prisoner. This matters due to NATO’s involvement within Libya. NATO is responsible for the correct sentencing for Gaddafi’s supporters; they must make sure that these supporters are treated within their basic human rights. Even though NATO did not put any troops on the ground in Libya they supported the rebels from the air with supply drops, ammunition, food, and aerial counter strikes against Gaddafi strong holds. After all this is what ended up leading to the capture and death of Gaddafi. Gaddafi was fleeing his hometown of Surt within a convoy when a French air strike halted the convoy long enough for the Libyan rebel fighters to get there.
How will this event change Libya? This is the next major question in the international community. What will the free Libyans do next? How will they rebuild after decades of suffering under Gaddafi. The answer is democracy, with help from the international community. I think that it is fairly obvious, to anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock for the past couple of months, that the Libyan people want freedom and democracy without corruption and fear. If NATO and the Libyan people can rebuild from this uprising then it will be an even greater success for the people of Libya.
Friday, October 21, 2011
After the Falls Blog
Cathy’s relationships with her Mom and Dad
Cathy has a very weird relationship with her parents throughout the novel. When Cathy is young, she and her father have a very close relationship. But as she gets older they start to drift apart a little bit. When Cathy’s father’s health starts to deteriorate she starts to reconnect and visit her parents more, knowing that they will not be around forever. Cathy and her mother have an affectionate relationship; however, she always avoids difficult situations. When Cathy and her parents are moving away from Lewiston her mother is very submissive and believes that everything that Jim decides should be supported fully by her.
Cathy’s mother knew what would make her father upset and therefore did not mention everything to him. This is evident when two policemen show up at Cathy’s house to tell her about a boy named Tom Drescher and how her is connected to some recent vandalism in Amherst. Cathy’s mother just smiles and offers coffee while Cathy is left to defend her self, alone in her living room. When the police left Cathy went to her room and stayed there until it was time to go out for dinner at the Four Seasons Restaurant. At dinner; “Neither of us mentioned any police visit.” Pg 81 to her father. Which shows how Cathy’s mother avoids confrontation and difficult situations.
Cathy loves her father very much, especially toward the end of his life when his brain tumor was slowly killing him. Cathy was surprised that when they went out to the Four Seasons Restaurant he could remember that Thursday was “chicken cordon blue night but he could forget that he had a brain tumor.” Pg 157. This shows Cathy’s fathers early memory loss due to his brain tumor. That night, when they got back from the restaurant Cathy took her fathers keys stating that he had a brain tumor and could not be driving because he would be a danger to himself, other drivers, and her mother.
The influence of popular culture (e.g. fashion, music, entertainment, the arts, advertising, political events, athletics)
The influence of popular culture on Cathy during her life is very prevalent. Throughout the book she is bombarded with popular culture such as music, fashion, political events/movements, and the arts; which all contribute to the person that she becomes later in the book and life. The influence of popular music at the time when she is growing up and discovering the opposite gender is very crucial to her trust in males and relationships. Even when she does find a boy that she likes, Laurie, it does not end well.
When Cathy and Fran are hiding in the closet during the sexual abuse of Veronica Nebozenko, Cathy realizes that boys are not as nice as some people might think. This event gives more insight to why Cathy never really had any major relationships with boys, except for Laurie. When Veronica leaves and the coast is clear, Cathy and Fran go upstairs to bed. While in bed they listen to the WKBW radio station and a new song comes on by Shirelles called ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?’ “Late that night, when we were lying silently in the dark in Fran’s twin beds, listening to WKBW radio, the deejay said he was going to play a new song from the Shirelles called ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?’” Pg 62. This makes Cathy think about Veronica and how none of those boys will love her tomorrow.
I would be lying if I said that popular culture has had no influence on me because in this day and age it is so hard to get away from it. We are constantly surrounded with distractions that come in the form of cell phones and computers that feed us our daily dose of music, movies and other entertainment to get away from our boring mundane lives. The main popular culture phenomenon that I have been most connected to is entertainment and music. This is mainly because they are the most accessible and publicized forms of popular culture. A person can access and download movies and music in the blink of an eye. Popular culture for me is just distractions from the greater things in life like living and nature.
Cathy’s work life (McClure’s Drugs, Mary Kay Cosmetics, The Dunk, Howard Johnsons, New York State Welfare, Hengerer’s Department Store)
Cathy has had many experiences with work in her life. She started at four years old stocking shelves and helping deliver medicine with Roy at her fathers Pharmacy in Lewiston. Then went on to start work at a doughnut shop called The Dunk, where she had to lie about her age to the owner to get the job.
When Cathy was four years old she used to stock shelves at her fathers pharmacy in Lewiston. She did this due to an abundant amount of energy she had. She would stock shelves with candy and aspirins as a way to burn off extra energy. When Cathy was a little bit older and more experienced at working in the shop she would go on deliveries with Roy, the delivery truck diver. Roy couldn’t read and even at a young age Cathy could read and give out the right drug to the right person. “I thought of all the times Roy and I had risked out lives delivering medication on roads with blowing snow and black ice, or worked after midnight to get someone insulin” pg 8. Even as a child Cathy is working past midnight to get medication to the right person.
When I was thirteen years old I decided that I wanted a job. I was looking around but all the jobs in my area were for people who were at least sixteen years old. I was playing a lot of hockey then and I found out through an older friend that hockey referees only need to be fourteen to get the job. So I went along to the local hockey rink and asked about becoming a referee for the younger kids house league teams. They asked me to take a course, which I completed, and then I got to work the next week. They conveniently never asked how old I was so I didn’t see the point in telling them. I am happy that this worked out because it has given me an opportunity to experience a working environment and also get a few dollars in my pocket.
Cathy’s friendships (Roy, her Father, Fran “hit the dirt” Stephens, Kip Rogers, Leora Sterne)
Cathy’s friendship throughout the novel differs with each stage of her life. When Cathy is really young and living in the small town of Lewiston her friends included her Father, Mother, and Roy. Then after moving from Lewiston to Buffalo she is alone and needs to find friends, which she does and moves from the “nobody lunch table to ‘the girls’ lunch table” Pg 51 which in turn boosts her self confidence.
It takes a lot of courage for Cathy to deliver the news that she is having a slumber party to all the popular kids. I can understand why she didn’t send out formal invitations due to fear of rejection by her classmates. “That afternoon I made out invitations and then tore them up. Way too thought-out … The following Monday after homeroom, I said to the girls in the clique, ‘Oh yeah, I’m having a slumber pizza thing on Friday. Come if you want – but it’ll be crowded.’” Pg 45. After hosting the slumber party she is accepted into the popular girls group and had a friend base, which makes her life at school bearable.
Cathy started working at the young age of four due to her abundant energy level. One of her best friends at the time was Roy but also her father. When her father dies at the end of the book she remembers how content her father was when they were working together at McClure’s Drugs when she was young. “I thought he looked as contented as he had behind the prescription counter at McClure’s Drugs back in the 1950s, when I would load the candy counter and he would glance up from mixing some unguent, grin and say, Great work. Peaches.” Pg 340. This shows how much of a connection, friendship, and adoration that Cathy has for her father.
- Josh Blake
Cathy has a very weird relationship with her parents throughout the novel. When Cathy is young, she and her father have a very close relationship. But as she gets older they start to drift apart a little bit. When Cathy’s father’s health starts to deteriorate she starts to reconnect and visit her parents more, knowing that they will not be around forever. Cathy and her mother have an affectionate relationship; however, she always avoids difficult situations. When Cathy and her parents are moving away from Lewiston her mother is very submissive and believes that everything that Jim decides should be supported fully by her.
Cathy’s mother knew what would make her father upset and therefore did not mention everything to him. This is evident when two policemen show up at Cathy’s house to tell her about a boy named Tom Drescher and how her is connected to some recent vandalism in Amherst. Cathy’s mother just smiles and offers coffee while Cathy is left to defend her self, alone in her living room. When the police left Cathy went to her room and stayed there until it was time to go out for dinner at the Four Seasons Restaurant. At dinner; “Neither of us mentioned any police visit.” Pg 81 to her father. Which shows how Cathy’s mother avoids confrontation and difficult situations.
Cathy loves her father very much, especially toward the end of his life when his brain tumor was slowly killing him. Cathy was surprised that when they went out to the Four Seasons Restaurant he could remember that Thursday was “chicken cordon blue night but he could forget that he had a brain tumor.” Pg 157. This shows Cathy’s fathers early memory loss due to his brain tumor. That night, when they got back from the restaurant Cathy took her fathers keys stating that he had a brain tumor and could not be driving because he would be a danger to himself, other drivers, and her mother.
The influence of popular culture (e.g. fashion, music, entertainment, the arts, advertising, political events, athletics)
The influence of popular culture on Cathy during her life is very prevalent. Throughout the book she is bombarded with popular culture such as music, fashion, political events/movements, and the arts; which all contribute to the person that she becomes later in the book and life. The influence of popular music at the time when she is growing up and discovering the opposite gender is very crucial to her trust in males and relationships. Even when she does find a boy that she likes, Laurie, it does not end well.
When Cathy and Fran are hiding in the closet during the sexual abuse of Veronica Nebozenko, Cathy realizes that boys are not as nice as some people might think. This event gives more insight to why Cathy never really had any major relationships with boys, except for Laurie. When Veronica leaves and the coast is clear, Cathy and Fran go upstairs to bed. While in bed they listen to the WKBW radio station and a new song comes on by Shirelles called ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?’ “Late that night, when we were lying silently in the dark in Fran’s twin beds, listening to WKBW radio, the deejay said he was going to play a new song from the Shirelles called ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?’” Pg 62. This makes Cathy think about Veronica and how none of those boys will love her tomorrow.
I would be lying if I said that popular culture has had no influence on me because in this day and age it is so hard to get away from it. We are constantly surrounded with distractions that come in the form of cell phones and computers that feed us our daily dose of music, movies and other entertainment to get away from our boring mundane lives. The main popular culture phenomenon that I have been most connected to is entertainment and music. This is mainly because they are the most accessible and publicized forms of popular culture. A person can access and download movies and music in the blink of an eye. Popular culture for me is just distractions from the greater things in life like living and nature.
Cathy’s work life (McClure’s Drugs, Mary Kay Cosmetics, The Dunk, Howard Johnsons, New York State Welfare, Hengerer’s Department Store)
Cathy has had many experiences with work in her life. She started at four years old stocking shelves and helping deliver medicine with Roy at her fathers Pharmacy in Lewiston. Then went on to start work at a doughnut shop called The Dunk, where she had to lie about her age to the owner to get the job.
When Cathy was four years old she used to stock shelves at her fathers pharmacy in Lewiston. She did this due to an abundant amount of energy she had. She would stock shelves with candy and aspirins as a way to burn off extra energy. When Cathy was a little bit older and more experienced at working in the shop she would go on deliveries with Roy, the delivery truck diver. Roy couldn’t read and even at a young age Cathy could read and give out the right drug to the right person. “I thought of all the times Roy and I had risked out lives delivering medication on roads with blowing snow and black ice, or worked after midnight to get someone insulin” pg 8. Even as a child Cathy is working past midnight to get medication to the right person.
When I was thirteen years old I decided that I wanted a job. I was looking around but all the jobs in my area were for people who were at least sixteen years old. I was playing a lot of hockey then and I found out through an older friend that hockey referees only need to be fourteen to get the job. So I went along to the local hockey rink and asked about becoming a referee for the younger kids house league teams. They asked me to take a course, which I completed, and then I got to work the next week. They conveniently never asked how old I was so I didn’t see the point in telling them. I am happy that this worked out because it has given me an opportunity to experience a working environment and also get a few dollars in my pocket.
Cathy’s friendships (Roy, her Father, Fran “hit the dirt” Stephens, Kip Rogers, Leora Sterne)
Cathy’s friendship throughout the novel differs with each stage of her life. When Cathy is really young and living in the small town of Lewiston her friends included her Father, Mother, and Roy. Then after moving from Lewiston to Buffalo she is alone and needs to find friends, which she does and moves from the “nobody lunch table to ‘the girls’ lunch table” Pg 51 which in turn boosts her self confidence.
It takes a lot of courage for Cathy to deliver the news that she is having a slumber party to all the popular kids. I can understand why she didn’t send out formal invitations due to fear of rejection by her classmates. “That afternoon I made out invitations and then tore them up. Way too thought-out … The following Monday after homeroom, I said to the girls in the clique, ‘Oh yeah, I’m having a slumber pizza thing on Friday. Come if you want – but it’ll be crowded.’” Pg 45. After hosting the slumber party she is accepted into the popular girls group and had a friend base, which makes her life at school bearable.
Cathy started working at the young age of four due to her abundant energy level. One of her best friends at the time was Roy but also her father. When her father dies at the end of the book she remembers how content her father was when they were working together at McClure’s Drugs when she was young. “I thought he looked as contented as he had behind the prescription counter at McClure’s Drugs back in the 1950s, when I would load the candy counter and he would glance up from mixing some unguent, grin and say, Great work. Peaches.” Pg 340. This shows how much of a connection, friendship, and adoration that Cathy has for her father.
- Josh Blake
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