PARANORMAL STATE is the new kid on the block on cable channel A&E.
That’s A&E, which formerly stood for Arts and Entertainment. I suppose it still does, but it seemed like the channel made an abrupt change some tiime ago to bring in a younger audience. And that’s ok, it’s all about the numbers. But I’m still having trouble figuring out whether “Growing Up Gotti” and “Dog the Bounty Hunter” were considered arts, or considered entertainment… 
This new show, featuring college students who’ve formed a paranormal research society, falls neatly into that niche. That isn’t to say it isn’t worth watching. I found myself glued to the tv for the first two episodes, intrigued. Ghosts. A demon. Noises taped on a digital recorder. Doors spontaneously closing. A kid who sees dead people. What’s not to like? :razz:
My only disappointment (and this may be me, since I’m already a believer in the paranormal) was watching them pretty well prove something weird was going on…
And then leaving the situations, advising the use of holy water and the local priests. :shock:
What did I expect them to do?
I don’t know! More investigating, or get more solid proof, or—or SOMETHING. Hell, bring in the gang from Scooby-Doo!
I’m sorry…but it’s a little like meeting a fantastic man, really enjoying the foreplay, finally getting him naked and then saying, “Aha! You ARE as fine as I thought you’d be.”
And then leaving, satisfied with knowing you were right. :nonono:
But it is an interesting show, lol. Watch an episode or two if you’re into the ghosthunting thing. :yesyesyes:
This, ladies and gentlemen, is sidewalk art.
This painting was done on a plain, flat pavement, using simple pastels.
This painting was done by an artist who was forced to sit for 5-6 hours at a time, crosslegged, on that sidewalk to render the work.
This painting was done on a sidewalk, without regard to the elements, or traffic, or longevity…done for the sake of the art itself.
This remarkable artist’s name is Kurt Wenner, and he has since moved on to more permanent, ambitious projects (including a commission from the Pope himself). For a better look at his work, you’ll find more on his website.
Makes me wish I had more work—good work—to give away.
Let’s face it…we all need the $$$. But I love the idea of putting the art out there, just for the sake of art.
Guess I’ll have to learn to write faster (and better, lol). 
It’s Friday. Oh, thank God! :yesyesyes:
Bernita Harris is sponsoring a writing contest on her website. Go show your stuff! :grin:
The Good, The Bad, and The Unread is featuring a Twelve Days of Christmas series, with feature authors and others blogging about twelve of their favorite things for the season. 
Otherwise—sharpen your stilettoes, ladies, and bring ‘em on over to the CHICAS.
We’re serving Rocky Mountain Oysters—on a platter. :twisted:
Just for the record—I haven’t eaten at McDonald’s in years, lol.
But I must give them credit for this commercial.
If you haven’t seen it, and you have a moment to spare, take a look-see.
This weird, wonderful little boy is a hit as far as I’m concerned.
And the icing on the cake is watching his father’s expression shift from disbelief to the urge to jam right along.
Good for at least one smile. Maybe two. :grin:
McDonald’s Cha-Cha Slide Commercial
The unpretentious lady on the book cover above is Shirley Jackson, one of the top short story writers in American history, whose work has influenced modern writers such as Stephen King and Richard Matheson.
If you haven’t read Ms. Jackson, you’re missing a treat. Not only is she the author of “The Haunting of Hill House”, but the fabulous short story called “The Lottery”.
“The Lottery” was first published by The New Yorker in June of 1948.
Without giving away any spoilers, let’s just say it presented a rather unsettling glimpse into human nature.
It was so bloody good that the magazine made only a single editorial adjustment to the original manuscript—and that was the date of the event.
“The Lottery” then proceeded to generate a response that “no New Yorker story had ever received.” Hundreds of letters poured in.
Interestingly, the later letters were the ones that seemed concerned about the ‘meaning’ of the story.
The earlier letters were mainly from people who wanted to know where such lotteries were held, and if they could go there and watch.
Personally, I find that as disturbing as the story itself.
And I sometimes wonder whether, as authors/poets/bloggers, we are really aware of the effect—intended or not—our words may have on the people who read them.
(If you haven’t read it, and are interested in doing so, an on-line version of the story can be found here.)
« Previous Page
« Previous Page
