Sunday, July 06, 2008 Light of Day? POST A COMMENT In the midst of my own "Finish-the-script" screen writing class... So, I've been reading a few screenplays each week to learn the nut-and-bolts of how to write 'em -- I came across this cool book at the library: "Screen Plays" - that book examines the whole script to screen process with 25 examples of "how the stories we see in movies get made". It's interesting what ideas get made...and definately worth a look to see how an idea changes when it passed through so many hands. 'Also noticed the business aspects of Hollywood is such "IN"-boy's-club"...and the few outsiders that get "in" feel like they have a won the lottery. Labels: Books, feature screeplay, screenwriting posted by Henry Cruz at 3:50 PM Wednesday, June 18, 2008 When life gives you Duma... POST A COMMENT Just spent 21 plus hours with the book-on-tape version of Stephen King's Duma Key...I wont give away the storyline; but, let's just say the main character has the worst day of his life...and things get worse, and of course things get a bit spooky... I'll be interested to see the condensed film version. A great story, that starts off slow -- I might have edited it down...but, if you hang in there, it's definitely a worth-while journey. I'd tip my hat to the King, but I doubt he needs any tips from me -- (his last two novels, received overwhelmingly positive criticism from The New York Times). The Cruz "Duma Key" Book Review: **** 1/2 stars (Four and half stars, out of a possible Five stars) Labels: Books, Cruz book reviews, Duma Key, stephen king posted by Henry Cruz at 4:10 AM Wednesday, June 11, 2008 Bring on the Happiness! POST A COMMENT When did it become a duty to be happy? -- 'remember a time when showing up -- and praying everything didn't fall apart -- was enough. Today everybody drowns themselves in floods-of-endless-distractions -- (setting high expectations) -- to achieve an endless non-stop-parade of happiness...'guess, since I grew up in poverty, we made-do with left-overs and searched into ourselves for the basics: family, friends, music. Today, I'm okay with small pockets of 'happy-endings' -- more along the lines of distractions from the everyday grind, and I'm good-to-go: reading, traveling, movies, writing, hanging out with friends, and taking walks are enough for me...'a nice dinner and I'm maxed-out-on happy pills. If you gotta-go-there and drown yourself in an endless-happy-hour --(to fit in with the Jones), here are eight tips -- (thanks to The Happiness Project) -- for making yourself a lot happier in the next hour: 1. Boost your energy: stand up and pace while you talk on the phone or, even better, take a brisk ten-minute walk outside. Research shows that when people move faster, their metabolism speeds up, and the activity and sunlight are good for your focus, your mood, and the retention of information. Plus, because of “emotional contagion,” if you act energetic, you’ll help the people around you feel energetic, too. 2. Reach out to friends: make a lunch date or send an email to a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Having warm, close bonds with other people is one of the keys to happiness, so take the time to stay in touch. Somewhat surprisingly, it turns out that socializing boosts the moods not only of extroverts, but also of introverts. 3. Rid yourself of a nagging task: answer a difficult email, purchase something you need, or call to make that dentist’s appointment. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a big rush of energy and cheer, and you’ll be surprised that you procrastinated for so long. 4. Create a calmer environment: clear some physical and mental space around your desk by sorting papers, pitching junk, stowing supplies, sending out quick responses, filing, or even just making your piles neater. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizeable dent. Try to get in the habit of using the “one minute rule”—i.e., never postpone any task that can be completed in less than one minute. An uncluttered environment will contribute to a more serene mood. 5. Lay the groundwork for some future fun: order a book you’ve been wanting to read (important: not something you think you should read, but something you want to read) or plan a weekend excursion to a museum, hiking trail, sporting event, gardening store, movie theater—whatever sounds like fun. Studies show that having fun on a regular basis is a pillar of happiness, and anticipation is an important part of that pleasure. Try to involve friends or family, as well; people enjoy almost all activities more when they’re with other people than when they’re alone. 6. Do a good deed: make an email introduction of two people who could help each other, or set up a blind date, or shoot someone a piece of useful information or gratifying praise. Do good, feel good—this really works. Also, although we often believe that we act because of the way we feel, in fact, we often feel because of the way we act. When you act in a friendly way, you’ll strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people. 7. Act happy: put a smile on your face right now, and keep smiling. Research shows that even an artificially induced smile has a positive influence on your emotions—turns out that just going through the motion of happiness brightens your mood. And if you’re smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable. 8. Listen to your favorite music. Studies show that listening to music is one of the most effective ways to boost your energy and mood (second only to exercise). In fact, in one study, 92% of people felt happier when they listened to music they liked. For an added boost, dance around the room, too. This Gnarls Barkley music video makes me happy: Source: The Happiness Project Labels: Books, Duma Key, stephen king, The Happiness Project posted by Henry Cruz at 7:28 PM Sunday, May 25, 2008 That Library is closing? POST A COMMENT Here's a novel idea: let's open a chain of store's it'll be like a big coffee shop with a lot of reading material... call it "Barnes and Noble" -- yeah, it seems that plan ain't working out so good. I know, I know...it's supposed to create a welcoming environment; but, if folks can sit all day and read, why would they buy that book afterwards? After some serious hurting, B & N now got a management team to study the "feasibility" of a possible Barnes & Noble-Border's combination...so, they can both go out of business together. Fact is less folks are reading books; the price is another thing, what's the incentive to pay $20 for the new paperbacks? Worse, B & N charging $25 "memberships" so we can save 10% on a book...I'd get that management team working on getting the next generation to slow down and read more, and actually enjoy reading more - (to ensure future customers). Main things effecting the book-slump is technology -- aside from gearing us all to move faster and get-it-now... how 'bout the fact that Barnes and Noble can't hold a candle to something like Amazon.com where you can find almost any single book I can think of, and always at prices cheaper than B&N. More so, since they added the ability to buy used books from other dealers through their website. What I'm reading: Mary Monroe's "In Sheep's Clothing" - okay, the book cover art sucks...but, it has a strong opening, with a likable female protagonist. I'll report back when I'm done reading it...'got any good books of note, drop me a line (leave a comment)...always looking for something new. Resource: CNBC News Labels: Books, In Sheeps Clothing, Mary Monroe, News Trends, novels, what I'm reading posted by Henry Cruz at 1:21 PM Monday, May 19, 2008 Balance it all out... POST A COMMENT I've been trying to do more reading and writing...'things are good, and generally I'm a feet-on-the-ground-type-of-person...'but, from-time-to-time...I get those brief moments when... Life slips out-of-control...'found a few tips for Well-Balanced Life - (sharing a few here, adding my own three cents) - My solutions are basic, surround myself with good people, challenge the brain - (usually by reading, thinking, listening to various types of music)...other's can be even more basic - Tip: Manage Your Time Better Having effective time management skills will allow you to spend more time with your family and friends....Then here are a few steps to help you improve your skills: Prioritize your time by rating tasks in the order of importance and urgency then direct additional time to activities that are most meaningful to you. Deal with procrastination by using a day planner, breaking large projects into smaller ones, and setting short-term deadlines. Keep a record of how you spend your time, including work, family, and leisure and make adjustments accordingly. Save time by focusing, concentrating, and realizing when it’s time to delegate responsibilities to others. Don’t over or under commit yourself or commit to anything that’s not important to you. * (I'm a big believer in setting realistic goals for time management; but, I am the ultimate procastinator so this is a good one to tackle). - Tip: Evaluate Your Lifestyle You may not realize this but in most instances our behavior and lifestyle choices greatly affect whether or not our life is balanced. To get things into perspective examine your beliefs to reduce conflict between the life you believe you live and the life you really live. This does not bring balance directly to your life, but it can interfere with the way your body deals with stress in edition to other issues. If your perception is different from your reality try to: Balance your personal, work, and family needs according with your other obligations. Get to know yourself by spending some quality time with you. This will help you to find your sense of purpose in life. Don’t drink or smoke and make sure you get enough sleep. These are major stressors to your body and cause you to feel “out of balance.” Yes your doctor was right—you need moderate exercise several times a week and a balanced diet for a physical and mental strength. Think about it … how do you feel after you eat a Big Mac? Enough said! Do something for someone else and expect nothing in return. This will help boost your “feel good” endorphins! * (Wow, doing something for somebody else...weird huh, and "expect nothing in return"...is an very against this new-gen of me, me, me...I'm gonna try that one). - Tip: Change Your Thinking When an event triggers negative thoughts, this may cause you to feel out of balance. Usually when this happens you experience fear, insecurity, anxiety, depression, rage, guilt, and a sense of worthlessness or powerlessness. These are all emotions that trigger your mind and body to disconnect and cause you to react instead of act. When issues such as these come up the best way to get your self back into a safe zone, where you feel you are in control is change your way of thinking and act (not react) on the problem. To change your way of thinking start by: Ridding your mind of any irrational thoughts. This will help you avoid exaggerating the negative thought, anticipating the worst, interpreting an event incorrectly, and will eliminate unnecessary stress. Learning to solve your problems by identifying all aspects of the issue. Then instead of putting it off find ways to deal with it immediately. Changing your communication style so that you communicate in a way that makes your views known without making others feel put down, hostile, or intimidated. Poor communication causes a lot of issues that otherwise would never have surfaced. * (This is harder then it seems, after you reach a certain point in life...stepping outside of your "comfort zone" - talking differently, or clearer is so basic...but, I definitely see where it boosts brain functions up a level). In the meanwhile, speaking of well-balanced, enjoy Pitbulls' Anthem: * (my editorial comments were put here, but the helpful tips came from another website, see Source right below)...got some other good Well-balanced tips for a better life, add them here by leaving your own comments! Source: Divine Caroline Labels: Books, Jennifer Armintrout, new music video, Tips, Well-Balanced Life posted by Henry Cruz at 3:13 AM Sunday, May 18, 2008 Sympathy for the Demons POST A COMMENT Reading 'bout the legendarily-out-spoken Eszterhas, (known for being one of Hollywood's highest-paid screenwriter) -- ironically, happens to be responsible for some of the worst films to come out of the studio system: Basic Instinct, Showgirls, and Flashdance...) - 'gotta wonder how so many bad films get 'green lighted in Hollywood, I did. I'm cheating by listening to the unabridged book-on-tape of "Hollywood Animal" But, in Eszterhas defense, he's a great conversationalist, and offers an honest and interesting insight into his world: how old School Hollywood really works - or doesn't, in this case -- (since most of ya'll don't bother reading books, Slate Magazine offered up the Books most salacious-Hotpoint's here). Eszterhas, way before his time, his lifes story is a modern "object lesson" in the perils - (and financial benefits) - of the now Brand Name Economy. Creating a brand name in a flawed system -- that runs on fear and greed to get films made: It's easier for studios to drop millions to make bad movies with people they have heard of...then working with untried newbies. I spoke earlier 'bout how emerging media is changing how films will get made -- (click here) It was Eszterhas, who in the 90's, invented the celebrity screenwriter. "He's a run of the mill screenwriter who created a myth that he was an idiosyncratic rebel," offers Entertainment Weekly critic Owen Gleiberman. A self-promoter, that's pure Hollywood - Those contridictions: an exaggerated sense of importance... who also considers himself a great artist. "This is Eszterhas' tragedy and the dark side of his celebrity." Says Slate Magazine. "When he writes sensationalist schlock, he gets the attention he craves. When he writes moving, interesting drama, he doesn't. So schlock it will be." Labels: Books, hollywood animal, Joe Eszterhas, screenwriting posted by Henry Cruz at 1:37 AM Thursday, May 15, 2008 Defending A Million Little Lies POST A COMMENT I've told my fare share of Lies in my lifetime...nothings worse that being called-to the principles office, out in public -- for a smack-down... ('poor 'lil James Frey) -- a pissed-Mommy-Winfrey-wagging her finger at you...'spittle flying out her lips...('Jesus Christ, I hope never to-do anything bad enough to piss off Ms. Oprah)...Saying she felt "duped" - (by "A Million Little Pieces" - which was marketed as a memoir, and...cough, cough, had a few exaggerations of sorts) -- Miss-thang yelled like I never seen her yell, making him confess, and apologize for "lying." But, let's get it together here...'reality check: was the story any less moving because it was marketed as truth-ful-(ish)? Don't we all imbellish stories...what's so bad about being a damn good liar? "Both "Robinson Crusoe" and "Gulliver's Travels" were first marketed as nonfiction accounts, and even included prefaces by their publishers swearing to their veracity." Says the Washington Post. "There's always been a blurry line between fiction and nonfiction, and Frey isn't the first or last writer to conga on that line." - It sounds like to me a bunch of literary elites-out-there should be more pissed at the marketing, and forgot the real thing is to say whether the story was effective... I don't know if the new book is any good...NY Times offers this: "He got another chance. Look what he did with it. He stepped up to the plate and hit one out of the park. No more lying, no more melodrama, still run-on sentences, still funny punctuation, but so what. He became a furiously good storyteller this time." 'glad Frey's writing again...starting fresh with the city of Angels....After all is said and done, shouldn't it be about the story -- (truth or lies) -- and how it impacts us...a good story has the ability to transport us into the writer's world, and effects-us for the better...and in my book, those are good things. here's that video clip of Ms. Oprah's smack-down: Source: Yahoo News Labels: Books, James Frey, Oprah's Book Club posted by Henry Cruz at 3:50 AM Sunday, May 11, 2008 Not Naming Names... POST A COMMENT Former MTV exec - just penned a memoir of his life in the hip hop industry as a peter-puffer... 'guess-in to push book sales...gaaak, he claims some of the folks in Hip-Hop are actually Gay. Using fake names, dropping clues -- (to pseudo-Out)-- various butt-pirates getting their Hip-Hop-freak-on-the-D.L. -- (or poss. to avoid those law-suits from high profile celebs if he did name-names). 'The book is not about outing people.' Dean Said. 'I wrote it so that people realise the industry has a gay subculture and we are part of this music...' During Dean's interview on the Wendy Williams Radio show (see audio clip), the opening comments pretty much sum it up: He's a "Nasty tattle-tale..." Wendy says. "I'm almost bored with the topic..." -- over the course of the interview hints are dropped...but, none confirmed... boomp3.com In an excerpt posted online, (it reads like an E. Lynn Harris novel): “...like two lovers in heat. We wanted each other badly. We explored each other’s bodies as we peeled off our clothes and strewn them throughout the room...Preston was ferocious in bed...We kissed tenderly, and then passionately. Our tongues danced in each other’s mouths.” Hmm, Yawn...sounds very Low-Rent- and Trashy...And if you really think about it for a second...I'm not buying a tell-all Hip-Hop book that keeps me guessing... worse, makes the reader do all this extra work to figure out who the bone smugglers. Snoooze, Wake me when actual names are revealed. Labels: Books, Gay Hip-Hop, Hiding in Hip Hop, Terrance Dean, Wendy Williams posted by Henry Cruz at 2:38 AM Friday, April 25, 2008 Just Give it Away... POST A COMMENT "You can always spot an amateur...here is the number one tell sign of an amateur writer," I overheard someone say the other day. "They are the folks focused on getting copyrights for their work." Thinking they had that one original idea...yeah, good luck with that. Which leads me the biggest trend on the web: the rise of "freeconomics," as suggested by the editors of Wired Magazine, which is being driven by the underlying technologies that make everybody a user. So, as technology moves more to a "google-ish" business model ...the cost of production is less and less...so, what's left? The craigslist.org model that focuses on charging for premium ads... And then you only have: Ideas...But, you say, "Writers often have the same ideas," though they will go out and develop them differently. How do we maintain our originality? You could work months on a story or even years perfecting it's and then it's rejected because a similar one was just published. Yeah, most of the really good ideas have already been used...and abused. With the web, everything is very much about: How fast can you go? And getting it: now...so, what do you do? You give it away...eek, Free? Giving it away free allows you to claim a stake on that "idea." Like a turf war of ideas....Yep, look at the book "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" -- it's available totally free on the web and yet it's become a number one hit on the Times best seller list. Why would people pay for something that they can get for free? In a free market you'll always get folks that want the "premium" model. Now, you just figure out how to make a premium model out that to pay your bills while doing it, and we're all good (sorta, kinda). Labels: Books, freeconomics, ideas posted by Henry Cruz at 2:19 PM Thursday, April 24, 2008 Does Jesus have baby-daddy issues? POST A COMMENT Hollywood's got a Michael Moore-ish History-of-RE-visionism and "F-ing" with the status quo...so I look at that pending book, by the Director of "Total Recall" - (yeah, that film title "Total Recall" might be a clue us in as to his passion for a good 'ol sci-fi yarn) -- as more of a convenient search for the truth: Stir-the-pott...Mr. Paul Verhoeven, (who also blessed us with that classic burning-bush-scene, with a younger Sharon Stone, in "Basic Instinct"), is suggesting according to Fox News that the... "Virgin Mary may have been a rape victim, the book will also say that Christ was not betrayed by Judas Iscariot, one of the 12 original apostles of Jesus, as the New Testament states." Now I'm not a religious nut, nor am I one to get all up people's bizness - (what Mary does in her private time is not our bizness, and I know quite a few ladies claiming to be Virgins, who are a little-too-loosey-goosey down there to honor such claims, but I don't hate them for trying) -- plus, I doubt we can call somebody and collect any forensic evidence...so all this become a hearsay parade...like the folks at Fox News pushing that Bush was smart for invading Iraq. And there are those people that even claim Jesus was a black man (which might help in stopping every white women I met from grabbing their purse in elevators, so I'm all for it)...yeah, that's also possible. But, since we are dealing with a mythology that was man-made...I'll buy Dan Brown's view of hi-story: "Since the beginning of recorded time, history has been written by the "winners" (those societies and belief systems that conquered and survived)." Source: Fox News Labels: Books, religion posted by Henry Cruz at 4:34 AM Friday, April 11, 2008 Up on...'Saving Cats...? POST A COMMENT We all need someone to "lean on." Someone who might...um, feed a stray cat...or rescue him from a tree. I think that's the concept of this Blake Snyder book: "Save The Cat!" with the ominous tag: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need -- which is a book that talks about the characters we spend time with on screen. Do they all need "heroic" qualities...personally, I love me a F-up -(ed) person fighting for control.... I heard rumblings about it (from various members) at my recent script 'meet up' script and get that 'likeable' characters on the screen are what turn a good movie into a great one. I wonder how Tony Soprano would fit into that thesis. Although, he did have enough issues that we can relate to... Labels: Books, screenwriting posted by Henry Cruz at 1:32 AM Wednesday, September 19, 2007 Is the Internet killing our Culture? POST A COMMENT Now here's one book I'll pass on...Keen's basic premise here is that the Internet is helping in the "dumbing-down-of-America" -- 'cause, we are all talking (or blogging), and nobodies really listening to the real experts -- (like him): 'listen to Keen suck the life out of the room there; kinda makes me wish I were too dumb to understand the words coming out of his mouth. Ultimately, we could all use a lesson (or two) on listening better -- and sure, we should all consume more knowledge before speaking 'bout it...but, that aside...Mr. Keen's narrow views here show that he is missing the big picture -- the good shit on the web (and all the views out there now...'oh, and the speed at which we can now get information)...'come on dude, 'doesn't that far outweigh the stupidity factor?!...(um, hopefully somebody out there is listening). Labels: Books posted by Henry Cruz at 3:20 AM Tuesday, September 11, 2007 Revenge of the Ghetto Nerd POST A COMMENT hey...'sounds like my life on the page: story of a 'ghetto nerd' trapped in his own fantasies...(that was so me...except for the nerd part)....'have to check that out: "The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao" 'in an interview the author, Junot Diaz, offers this: "whether you come from the kind of neighborhood I came from or whether you came from a place like Cambridge, I think that the intellectual life is amazingly lonely in a country like ours." -- um, sounds like Junot just called us all dumb for socializing with our peers! -- (with a nerdy name like Juuuu--not, no less.) I'll still check out your book Ju-not...hopefully, 'smart enough to finish 339 pages. Labels: Books posted by Henry Cruz at 3:55 AM     ARCHIVES October 2005 . November 2005 . December 2005 . August 2007 . September 2007 . October 2007 . November 2007 . December 2007 . March 2008 . April 2008 . 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