South Of Someplace: May 2015

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes?

They say that gentlemen prefer blondes, but the guys who run around town chasing blondes aren't the gentlemen.

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Art and Control

Every work of art contains a component that the artist could not control, a surprising and serendipitous element or combination of elements that elevates the piece beyond sheer craftsmanship and inspires an emotional connection with the audience.

This is what separates art from engineering. One cannot create art only by following rules and applying techniques. Rules and techniques are useful to the process, but art requires something more.

The artist must remain open-minded and aware throughout the process. When the glimmer of unforeseen inspiration presents itself, the artist must recognize what he or she has discovered and then develop it with care and diligence. If the inspiration is overlooked, or if it's not developed effectively, the work will be mundane and forgettable. But if the artist can capture that unexpected, magical component and weave it into the fabric of their work, the audience will respond to its presence.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Letterman Signs Off

Leave it to David Letterman, our perennial, affable, goofy "college pal" from the Midwest with the gap in his teeth and the unflattering haircut to bring us the classiest sign-off in the history of television. The Top Ten list presented by famous friends of the show was obviously very meaningful to the host. Dave's kind comments about the staff, his family, and the TV audience were beautifully genuine and supportive. And the back story about the Foo Fighters canceling their tour to play for Dave on his first show after his heart surgery was incredibly touching.

Thanks for all of the years of laughter and fun, Dave! What an amazing milestone in the entertainment business!

Saturday, May 16, 2015

My Approach To Writing

I enjoy writing, but I'm not a writer.

Writers do research. Writers cite sources and develop outlines. Writers study the work of other writers. Writers quote usage rules for amusement.

My approach to writing is intuitive and improvisational. I stream ideas and let the structure evolve naturally and the edit to optimize flow and clarity.

I'd like to think that my writing contains elements of poetry and lyricism. The sound of each word and phrase is as important as its meaning. I want the reader to experience each paragraph as though it were a short piece of music.

I can't listen to music while I'm writing. External sounds interfere with the melody and rhythm of my words and phrases. Every sentence has to sound right in my head and when I read it aloud, or I'll rewrite it until it does.

Clarity and efficiency are critical, as well. Why say more than is necessary? Who has time to read fluff? Readers shouldn't have to turn to the good part. It should all be the good part, or they shouldn't bother reading it.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Stupid People Now Control Colorado

In 2009, Colorado implemented a state-wide health program for young women. From 2009 to 2013, teen pregnancy rates dropped a dramatic 40 percent (i.e. almost to half of their original number). The state saved an estimated $42 million in expenses related to teen births. Further, teen abortion rates fell by 35 percent. One out of three girls aged 15-19 who would have sought to have an abortion before the program, did not have an abortion as a direct result of this program.

You don't have to take my work for it. There are many articles on the subject. To summarize: teen births reduced by 40 percent, teen abortions reduced by 35 percent, $42 million saved. Win-win, right?

When Republicans took control of the Colorado state legislature this year, guess what they did. They killed the entire program by cutting its funding. It's gone.

Why would they do this? I have no idea.The program PREVENTED teen pregnancies. It PREVENTED abortions. It SAVED the taxpayers money. What do you think will happen now that the program has been discontinued? It's a safe bet that teen pregnancy will rise and that more Colorado teens will be making that regrettable trip to the abortion clinic.

The Republicans who control the state legislature in Colorado have made their statement. They are PRO-abortion. They are PRO-unwanted teen pregnancy. And they don't care if taxpayers have to spend money supporting the children of teenagers. Try as they might to argue to the contrary, their actions have spoken. More abortions, please! That's what the Republican legislators wanted, and that's what they're going to get.

Nice going there, idiots!

Monday, May 11, 2015

Television Is So Competitive Today

Former top shows 'CSI' and 'American Idol' were just cancelled!

But don't worry! Quality programming such as The Bachelor and the Kardashians will be back next season. :-P

Friday, May 8, 2015

A Crazy Thought

If you think that you're not crazy, you might be right!

Life's Small Certainties

I take comfort in life's small certainties, like the fact that Sir Mix-A-Lot and I will never be attracted to the same woman.

Which One Will You Choose Today?

Life is like a mountain. We have three choices - climb up, slide back down, or walk around in circles.

Which one will you choose TODAY?

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Life Is Like An Election

If you haven't resigned
And you didn't retire,
But you're out of a job,
Then you must have been fired.

Monday, May 4, 2015

Naming the Royal Baby

For multiple reasons, I think that the royals should have named their kid Mayweather.

May the Fourth!

Well, that was an amazing weekend! In addition to a couple of wonderful and significant family events, I got in a couple of long runs in beautiful weather, invested considerable time developing new creative projects, crossed some important items off of my to do list, and met some good friends for dinner.

I even found time to update my LinkedIn after a year of neglect. ;-)

May the Fourth be with you! :-)

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Floyd and Manny

Floyd and Manny - the names don't sound so tough, but the men are legendary. Congratulations on a match that will be remembered for decades.

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Does Your Dog Really Love You?

A dog's love might be unconditional, but it's not exclusive. Put the dog in another house with another family for a couple of weeks, and he will "love" them as much as he "loved" his original owner. Bonding to the pack is a survival instinct for dogs.

We wouldn't think too much of our spouses if they could fall in love with another person every couple of weeks. Somehow, the ability to bond quickly seems endearing in a canine.

South Of Someplace