There are lots of artists in the world… but there’s only one you– And the only person who has your point of view, is you. If you decide not to make things, all you’ve done is deprived the world of all the stuff that only you could have brought to it.
Category: video
The Birth of Ray Bradbury’s Writing Passion
With the recent passing of Ray Bradbury, I’ve had all sorts of emotions stirred within me. I never truly appreciated his writing because my first glimpse of his work was forced upon me when Fahrenheit 451 was assigned back in 7th grade. I realize now, as a mature and liberated reader, that my choices are entirely my own and that somehow I have gravitated back to his work. It’s like growing up and realizing that Brussels Sprouts are quite delicious after a childhood spent grimacing at them.
In all the reactionary dedication threads by internet mourners, the most inciting moment was when I stumbled upon a short clip of Bradbury lambasting students for their hesitation: http://youtu.be/mH6FpvfU8yc. “If you want to be a short story writer, then Goddammit, go do it!” (Well, okay, he wasn’t criticizing THEM, but their hesitation.)
This led me to the nearest bookstore, where I had to find a copy of Zen in the Art of Writing. In it, Bradbury describes all sorts of experiences and motivations that shaped him and molded his craft. There is one short anecdote that really struck me:
When did it all really begin? The writing, that is. Everything came together in the summer and fall and winter of 1932… He arrived with a seedy two-bit carnival, The Dill Brothers Combined Shows, during Labor Day weekend of 1932, when I was twelve. Every night for three nights, Mr. Electrico sat in his electric chair, being fired with volts of pure blue sizzling power… When he came to me, he tapped me on both shoulders and then the tip of my nose. The lightning jumped into me. Mr. Electrico cried: “Live forever!” I decided that was the greatest idea I ever heard…
I went to see Mr. Electrico the next day… We walked down to sit by Lake Michigan where Mr. Electrico spoke his small philosophies and I talked my big ones. Why he put up with me, I’ll never know. But he listened, or it seemed he listened, maybe because he was far from home, maybe because he had a son somewhere int he world, or had no son at all and wanted one… Finally , he gave me some special news.
“We’ve met before,” he said. “You were my best friend in France in 1918, and you died in my arms in the battle of Ardennes forest that year. And here you are, born again, in a new body, with a new name. Welcome back!”
I staggered away from that encounter with Mr. Electrico wonderfully uplifted by two gifts: the gift of having lived once before (and being told about it) … and the gift of trying somehow to live forever.
Why I Won’t be buying Mass Effect 3 On/Before Launch Day
[Regretful but steadfast] I will not be purchasing Mass Effect 3 on launch day because of the poor treatment I have received from EA. (Totally read that in an Elcor’s voice).
Continue reading Why I Won’t be buying Mass Effect 3 On/Before Launch Day
My Top 5 Unexpectedly Most Anticipated Movies of 2012; Reinterpretations Galore
It looks like 2012 will be a great year for fiction, games, movies and an everything. As far as movies go, sequels are abundant. I’m going to disregard the obvious titles like The Avengers, John Carter, Dark Knight Rises and The Hunger Games. The following is a list of movies I hope to see that have garnered very little buzz.
1. Being Flynn
Writing is a wretched, torturous process for some people. I’ve had my eye on Paul Dano ever since Knight and Day (which, was a silly mindless movie, but entertaining nonetheless).
2. Snow White and the Huntsman
Cherlize Theron’s narration is somewhat grating in the trailer, and Twilight‘s postergirl is not really known for unrivaled beauty, but I am looking forward to finally seeing a strong female protagonist. Well, this will be my fallback in case The Hunger Games isn’t satiating.
3. Odd Life of Timothy Green
Jennifer Garner seems to have found a niche for a childless woman yearning for motherhood. That’s perfectly fine. I’m hoping this movie will turn out like Big Fish.
4. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Lots of star power in this one. I think it’s nice to have a reminder of what life is like outside the concrete jungle, once in a while.
5. Jack the Giant Killer
Jack and the beanstalk is a pretty short story, so I’m interested to see how this will turn out.
Similar posts: http://ktranatx.com/2011/10/09/fall-2011-upcoming-movies-to-watch/
KTC 