I, Me, Mine

Stupid and Stupider

2008-05-29T17:28:00.004-04:00

Those who complained were annoying...Dunkin Donuts pulling the ad is just idiotic.

********
Dunkin' Donuts pulls Rachael Ray ad after complaints
By MARK JEWELL – 4 hours ago
BOSTON (AP) — Dunkin' Donuts has pulled an online advertisement featuring Rachael Ray after complaints that a fringed black-and-white scarf that the celebrity chef wore in the ad offers symbolic support for Muslim extremism and terrorism.
The coffee and baked goods chain said the ad that began appearing online May 7 was pulled over the past weekend because "the possibility of misperception detracted from its original intention to promote our iced coffee."
In the spot, Ray holds an iced coffee while standing in front of trees with pink blossoms.
Critics, including conservative commentator Michelle Malkin, complained that the scarf wrapped around her looked like a kaffiyeh, the traditional Arab headdress. Critics who fueled online complaints about the ad in blogs say such scarves have come to symbolize Muslim extremism and terrorism.
The kaffiyeh, Malkin wrote in a column posted online last Friday, "has come to symbolize murderous Palestinian jihad. Popularized by Yasser Arafat and a regular adornment of Muslim terrorists appearing in beheading and hostage-taking videos, the apparel has been mainstreamed by both ignorant (and not-so-ignorant) fashion designers, celebrities, and left-wing icons."
A statement issued Wednesday by Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin' Brands Inc., however, said the scarf had a paisley design, and was selected by a stylist for the advertising shoot.
"Absolutely no symbolism was intended," the company said.
Dunkin' spokeswoman Michelle King said the ad appeared on the chain's Web site, as well as other commercial sites.
Amahl Bishara, an anthropology lecturer at the University of Chicago who specializes in media matters relating to the Middle East, said complaints about the scarf's use in the ad demonstrate misunderstandings of Arab culture and the multiple meanings that symbols can take on depending on someone's perspective.
"I think that a right-wing blogger making an association between a kaffiyeh and terrorism is just an example of how so much of the complexity of Arab culture has been reduced to a very narrow vision of the Arab world on the part of some people in the U.S.," Bishara said in a phone interview. "Kaffiyehs are worn every day on the street by Palestinians and other people in the Middle East — by people going to work, going to school, taking care of their families, and just trying to keep warm."
While some extremists and terrorists may wear kaffiyehs, "To reduce their meaning to support for terrorism has a tacit racist tone to it," Bishara said.
Malkin, in a posting following up on last week's column, said of Dunkin's decision to pull the ad, "It's refreshing to see an American company show sensitivity to the concerns of Americans opposed to Islamic jihad and its apologists."
Ray, host of the Food Network television program "30 Minute Meals" as well as a syndicated daytime talk show, began appearing in ads for Dunkin' Donuts in March 2007. When Dunkin' announced the partnership, it said Ray would be featured in TV, print, radio and online spots in a campaign running through 2010.

Trailer for a film exhibit I was part of last summer...fun!

2008-05-14T00:56:00.000-04:00

And here is the main reason why we don't live in Why-OWA any more!

2008-04-13T17:07:00.007-04:00

Today marks the two year anniversary of the Iowa City tornado. Below are two videos (one news, one home movie) that sum up what happened. We were suppose to move to NC in July 2006, but after the tornado we decide to move that date up and headed out of town on May 21.

Pause this one at 2:03 to see the size of this thing. It got close enough to my three story apartment building to shake us good and hard.

********Here's a Recent News Article about a few more tornados that struck down in the area two days ago*******

Tornado sirens wailed Thursday night between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. after a tornado allegedly was spotted about 15 miles northwest of Iowa City.

John Haase, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said at 9:30 p.m. that the Iowa City area had been doused with three quarters of an inch of rain on Thursday. The rain began around sunrise and trailed off in the afternoon before picking up again Thursday evening.

There was some strong winds and hail as well.

The timing of the first tornado warning of the year probably was not lost on many Iowa City residents. Almost two years ago, on April 13, 2006, a tornado tore through Iowa City, heavily damaging many homes and businesses.

The day began, however, as a typical, albeit chilly, spring day.

Although the amount of rainfall was much higher than the tenth of an inch normal for this time of year, the winds during the day might have been the bigger problem. Haase said sustained winds during the day whipped through the area at 35 miles per hour and gusts hit highs of almost 50 miles per hour.

"It was really howling," Haase said.

The Johnson County Sheriff's Office said they didn't have any reports of storm-related damage Thursday night.

What a smart and cute little doxie - we've gotta get Dru one of these!

2008-04-12T18:43:00.001-04:00

Carlyle B. Joy - You Will Be Missed

2008-03-28T13:45:00.006-04:00

Because of our age difference it might have seemed like Carl and I would be unlikely best friends, but a love of cameras, Mexican food, corny jokes, classical music, and all things Austin, TX made us exactly that.

In the nearly ten years that I knew Carl he went from being a volunteer at the radio station where I worked (shout out to KMFA 89.5 Classical Austin) to being my adopted grandfather and dearest friend.

Carl had a life I admired, respected and envied. He had tons of family and friends and lived in one of the coolest neighborhoods in my favorite city in the world for more than 50 years. I can only hope to have the amazingly rich and diverse life that Carl had. RIP dear friend....with all my heart...and the hearts of so many others...You Will Be Missed.

************
Below is his obituary from the Austin American Statesman:

Carlyle B. Joy Sept. 7, 1917 - Mar. 21, 2008 Carl Joy chose Good Friday to begin his next adventure, passing peacefully from this life to the next in Decatur, Alabama, with family at his side. He was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, attended schools there, and in spite of living and working for more that 50 years in Texas, never lost his New England accent. During his service in the Army in World War II, he married Elisabeth Stines, moved to Texas in 1951 and raised his family in Austin, Texas. He worked for the State of Texas as a purchasing manager and was certified by the National Association of Purchasing Managers. He was energetic and committed in everything he did, including his long service as deacon of University Baptist Church, as a volunteer with radio station KMFA, and over 60 years with the Boy Scouts of America. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award; the highest award scouting can give. Among his many talents and hobbies were artistic leather craft, nature photography, silver smithing and jewelry making with semi-precious stones. After over forty years of marriage, Elisabeth passed away, and he married Anne Broman, enjoying another fourteen years until her passing in 2001. In 2006, he moved to Decatur, Alabama to be near his daughter Betty and her husband Billy Jeffreys, who passed away suddenly in February, 2008. He is survived by his brother, Bob Joy and wife Jean of Brockton, Massachusetts; his children James David Joy of Austin, Betty Marie Jeffreys of Trinity, Alabama, Duane Daniel Joy of Lubbock, and Margaret Broman Young of San Marcos; his grandchildren Lynette McMillin, Brian Giles, Maria Appolito, Carlyle B. Joy III, Eric Young, Wende Young, and David Young; and nine great-grandchildren. Viewing will take place at Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home at 2610 South Congress Avenue, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2008. A memorial service will be held at University Baptist Church on Friday, March 28, 2008, at 1:00 p.m., the Reverend Dr. Larry Bethune officiating. In lieu of flowers contributions may be directed to the organ fund at University Baptist Church, 2200 San Antonio, Austin, Texas 78705, or Edwin Hodges Ministries, P.O. Box 1921, Decatur, Alabama, 35602. Memorials and guestbook online at http://wcfish.com

Click your heels three times...oh, sorry, but first you'll need those shoes

2008-02-27T17:05:00.003-05:00

Etsy...Buy and Sell Handmade

2007-11-13T12:17:00.000-05:00

Click on the title above to visit Etsy...my new favorite website.

What is Etsy?

Etsy is an online marketplace for buying & selling all things handmade. Their mission is to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers. Their vision is to build a new economy and present a better choice: Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade.

Its a really damn cool site!

Film Travel. Train Travel. Summer Short.

2007-11-12T20:52:00.000-05:00

Devouring distance at the rate of fifteen leagues an hour, the steam engine, that powerful stage manager, throws the switches, changes the decor, and shifts the point of view every moment; in quick succession it presents the astonished traveler with happy scenes, sad scenes, burlesque interludes, brilliant fireworks, all visions that disappear as soon as they are seen; it sets in motion nature clad in all its light and dark costumes, showing us skeletons and lovers, clouds and rays of light, happy vistas and sombre views, nuptials, baptisms, and cemeteries.
--Benjamin Gastineau

Pumpkin Carving!

2007-10-28T00:59:00.000-04:00

shannon gets things started

dru oversees production

andre creates the masterpiece

it is done!

and then other days

2007-10-25T15:57:00.000-04:00

it works out

one of those days

2007-10-24T21:40:00.000-04:00

some days...no matter how postive your agenda, no matter how hard you try, no matter how much effort you put in, no matter how many people you try to please...

it still goes unappreciated.

Jenni Pics - Aint She Lovely?!

2007-10-12T20:11:00.000-04:00

Told you Id get this kid updated with photos.

Flying to Texas...to See Jenni!

2007-10-05T00:08:00.000-04:00

Have I mentioned how much I love going to Austin, Texas? Favorite place on earth.

More Jenni Photos

2007-09-18T16:19:00.000-04:00

Finally! More pictures of the baby have been coming in. So take a peak!

Im thinking I gotta get there soon and shoot some photos - my mom and dad are taking some crazy shots of this kid. :-)

New Bike and Yoga Room

2007-09-17T09:55:00.000-04:00

Bought a new bike yesterday. Isn't she pretty? We had thought about joining the YMCA since we both love to swim, but the monthly rates are super high and its such a closed in facility (not many windows!) that we decided to buy me a bike instead. Now we can enjoy exploring our neighborhood (and eventually wilmington) like we use to in Austin and Iowa City (when I had my old bike, RIP) and save the bucks.
"
We also set up our "guest room" future "nursery room" as a current "yoga room." We go to a Monday night class at the Unitarian church and a Saturday morning class at Wilmington Yoga Center where both places we study with this woman Donna who we absolutely love, but her other classes fall when we teach so we've set up our new room to work at home twice a week when we have freeier schedules.

Hopefully all these changes will lead to healthier, less stressed Silvas. Send us happy, good luck thoughts please.

A Little Longhorn

2007-09-10T13:02:00.000-04:00

We're training her early...I think my dad even has a little UT cheerleader outfit for her...scary!

Welcome Jenni!

2007-09-04T23:55:00.000-04:00

Great, great joy for the family today. My lovely sister gave birth to my first niece "Jenni Ormand" today around lunch time. Whooohooo!

More pics than you could ever want will probably be coming your way in the next few weeks...you've been warned.

This is your song...

2007-08-25T16:52:00.000-04:00

"Has anyone ever given anything to you
In your darkest hours
Did you ever give it back
Well, I have
I have given that to you
If it's all I ever do
This is your song"
-Stevie Nicks, Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You?

On July 28th at Noon, Trish died. That sentence and its intense finality has taken me a long time to write, but I felt like after my last post there was nothing more to do than update you before I could write anything else on this particular blog.

Her last few weeks were not easy ones, but they were ones of strength and love and for that Im immensely happy. She never wavered. She was always Trish. Spunky, talkative, full of life and energy. Fighting all the way, but never in a negative way. Just doing her best to do what she felt she was being called to do. I wish things could have been easier for her in a variety of ways, but ultimately, now that she's moved on to the next life I don't suppose those sorts of things matter either way. Her death was one of dignity and in the end she passed away surrounded by those she loved and who loved her. I think that's the most any of us can ask for.

For Andre and I, her illness and death has been life changing. I think we learned more about ourselves, our relationship and our family this summer than we've learned in a lifetime. For that Im forever grateful to Trish. She helped us see how strong we all could be when we came together with one goal.

In case you're curious...The above picture is of Stevie Nicks. Trish, like many women who grew up in the 70s, was a huge fan and when I was little she would babysit me and we would listen to Fleetwood Mac or Stevie Nicks and sing together as we danced around in circles. Her love of female singer/songwriters is something she passed on to me, her daughters, and her granddaughter. Perhaps the most vivid way we'll remember her is through the songs and artists she loved the most: Stevie, Lucinda Williams, Joan Baez, Carol King, Sarah Mclaughlin, etc...

For you Trish, this is your song. Enjoy the otherside with all the passion that you enjoyed this one and we'll see you soon.

Shannon

A Joyful Deep Ache Melancholy

2007-07-11T22:12:00.001-04:00

Im just now back from a week of helping my mom take care of my Aunt Trish. Trish is 44. About 2 months ago she found out she's had cancer for over 10 years. Its taken over her body - lungs, breasts, brain, stomach and legs. Despite this sudden and intense news she continues to be spunky, organized, determined. That's not to say that she doesn't have her moments of breaking and tears, but just that they are few and most of the time she just continues on with her fight to keep this horrible disease from conquering her.

Ive spent the past four years dealing with great anxiety. Since the death of my cousin in 2002 I have been dealing with PTSD and anxiety related to control issues (flying, severe weather, death). Ive been to nearly every doctor you could imagine, and yet the thing Ive noticed in the last few weeks is that I have more peace now than Ive had in years. My aunt is facing everything I fear. Loss of control. Serious illness. Financial instability. Deep alone-ness that simply can't be cured by the attention or love of your familiy or friends. And yet she's still standing. Strong. Firm. Unwavering. And she brings me peace. She inspires me to rest, to be still, to just face each moment as it comes and do the best I can.

For my aunt I feel a deep ache, a melancholy. I looked up these two things on google because....well...that's what I do sometimes, and I thought these two images explain exactly how and why just perfectly. We are all facing a wide, beautiful and amazing unknown over which we have no control...and yet we are still carefree, young children who want to embrace joy and feel it from the tips of our toes to the ends of our hair as we spin happily out of control.

Juice Fast-er!

2007-06-10T21:31:00.000-04:00

Today we did a juice fast. Beets, cucumbers, carrots and garlic. Let me tell you righ now - detoxing sucks. Ive had a headache for hours and all I want is food. I normally crave chocolate, but that went away by noon, now Im at the point where plain scrambled eggs sound like a decadent feast.

We also went to get curtains at World Market. They are white with little green embroidered flowers. Then one sagey colored panel in the middle. All very see through and breezy.

While we were out walking around we passed Mama Fu's (a decent place to get brown rice and veggies) and nearly died from wanting to go in. Andre talked me off the ledge.

So now, 9:28pm, all I can think is: my head hurts, i wish it was tomorrow and i could have some oatmeal and yogurt, and damn don't our curtains look nice?

New House Photos!

2007-06-02T20:51:00.000-04:00

If you don't recycle...now's the time to start

2007-05-28T08:48:00.000-04:00

The United States uses two million plastic beverage bottles every five minutes.

Latest Film Festival Screenings for 29 Places I Once Called Home

2007-04-30T12:41:00.000-04:00

Ive been lax about updated the blog with news about my 29 Places I Once Called Home screenings so here's a quick note on a few recent festivals that it showed at (or is showing at).

Rural Route Film Festival and Tour - kicking off at Anthology Film Archives in NY July 20th-22nd.

Athens International Film & Video Festival (Athens, OH) - Competition Film Selection, Monday April 30th

Iowa City International Documentary Festival (Iowa City, IA) - Competition Film Selection, Saturday April 21st

Hearts and Minds (Wilmington, DE) - Main Selection, Saturday March 24th

If you were able to attend the screenings let me know how they went!

You're So Far Behind You Think You're First

2007-04-01T00:18:00.000-04:00

I put off watching Shortbus for months because it felt over-hyped and I didn't want to watch it only to be annoyed and let down. Finally, after much pestering from Andre, I watched it tonight and I have to admit it was better than I expected. In fact, it included a rare beast - a couple I actually liked and wanted to see stay together. PJ Deboys starts off a bit annoying, but by the end of it you love him for loving his partner and trying his best to make things work. And yeah for Paul Dawson. He breaks my heart with all his teary eyed angst.

That would make you Polish then?

2007-03-20T19:24:00.000-04:00

As a kid I HATED All in the Family. I couldn't understand why they let such a hateful man as Archie Bunker on TV. Satire escaped me. Now I love the show and am always shocked when I see an episode and realise how relevant it is still today. Cheers to everyone involved in this show.

Another interesting thing to me is that I really resisted watching the show with my family because I didn't "like the way it looked." The texture and lighting of it depressed me. When I tried to explain why all I could come up with was that the look of it felt too soft and fabric-y. Too real and tangible. Now I realise what I was responding to was that it was shot on video. And just like today I preferred the look of film. Go figure...

Me and Archie Bunker...we never change.

Niece? Nephew?

2007-02-26T21:51:00.000-05:00

For those of you who haven't already heard, my baby sister is having a baby of her own! This picture proves it...sort of...

Isnt she/he the cutest little blob you've ever seen? Yay baby!

Hummerkids.com

2007-02-24T00:34:00.001-05:00

Thats right. Go to Hummerkids.com and you can build your own Hummer, print out coloring pages of hummers, do crossword activities about Hummers, or go on action adventures in your Hummer.

According to Harpers the site gets a minimum of 40,000 hits per month. Lets get that number up kids!

Really Cool Stuff Happening in Andre's Class

2007-02-21T16:42:00.000-05:00

Earth, Wind, Fire and Water - Handmade Film

Hand Processing

High Priestess of Ichthyopolis

2007-02-17T23:21:00.000-05:00

Today we filmed my section of Andre's animated epic Ichthyopolis. Its been three years coming and was well worth the wait. Im totally in love with the costume he and his assistants made for me and thought I would share it with you as a sneak peak to the film.

Cool, no?

Mmmmm Gooooood....

2007-02-15T09:04:00.000-05:00

Ben & Jerry's is fudging the truthiness.
The maker of Phish Food, Cherry Garcia and Vermonty Python is adding Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream to its collection of cult figure-inspired ice cream flavors.
Billed as "the sweet taste of liberty in your mouth," Americone Dream is vanilla ice cream packed with fudge-covered pieces of waffle cone and a caramel—or is that a conservative?—swirl.
"I'm not afraid to say it. Dessert has a well-known liberal agenda," Colbert said in a statement. "What I hope to do with this ice cream is bring some balance back to the freezer case."
- Natlie Finn, E!Online

She's A Super Freak!

2007-02-11T22:09:00.000-05:00

Everytime I watch this scene from Little Miss Sunshine I feel happy. (Note: If you haven't seen the film yet...then by all means do not watch this clip)

Feeling a bit like Oscar this week...

2007-02-08T10:39:00.000-05:00

I noticed yesterday that I recommend this film (Nobody's Business by Alan Berliner) to my student's more than any other. Its a wonderful example of: mixing formats, taking something personal and expanding it into a larger context, dealing with a difficult interviewee, finding your own place in the film as the filmmaker, and so much more...

So now, I'll recommend it to you all.

Plus, Alan Berliner, as one student pointed out, looks a little like Chuck Norris...so how can I not recommend his films to everyone?

For more information about all of Alan Berliners work visit: http://alanberliner.com/

Its been one of those days...

2007-02-06T19:11:00.001-05:00

Where these people could really push me over the edge.

If any of you out there have any doubt that grading is demanding work...think again.

One of my students posted this on their own blog...

2007-02-02T22:08:00.000-05:00

And I thought it was worth stealing. Thanks Chris!

Drus First Trip to the Beach

2007-01-28T19:01:00.000-05:00

Doggie to the Beach

2007-01-28T13:09:00.001-05:00

We're taking Dru to the beach for the first time today. We'll post video later to let you know how it goes.

For four winters...

2007-01-24T11:45:00.000-05:00

This is the Iowa we knew. Too much for this Texas girl!

Photos That Should Inspire You 398ers In Your First Assignment. You Know Who You Are.

2007-01-22T19:49:00.000-05:00

(Note: the three at the bottom of the post are by high school students!)

Photo by: Dennis Dunleavy

Photo by: Dennis Dunleavy

Photo by: Dorothea Lang

Photo by: Julia Cumes

Photo by: Walker Evans

Photo by: Julia Cumes

Photo by: Suzette Gonzales

Photo by: Tina Shin

Photo by: Katie Servino

Im In, Im In to Win

2007-01-20T11:15:00.000-05:00

Hillary Clinton launches presidential bid

New York: United States Senator Hillary Clinton announced on Saturday her campaign for the presidency.

"I'm in and I'm in to win," she said on her website. In a videotaped message, Clinton invites voters to begin a dialogue with her on the major issues, such as health care, Social Security and Medicare, and the war in Iraq.

OBAMA ANNOUNCES EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE FOR '08

2007-01-16T19:19:00.000-05:00

Another Simple Solution

2007-01-15T17:20:00.001-05:00

How did we miss it?

SCHOOLS IN SESSION!

2007-01-11T13:34:00.000-05:00

(image totally stolen from the MS. Films website...visit it...it rocks!)

So last night was the first class of the semester. Senior Seminar Documentary. As always, lots of energy and excitement amongst the students. Have I mentioned that I love teaching this class? Its always hard to leave Austin when holiday is over, but coming back home Andre and I both felt like we were launching yet another new adventure. Wilmington is such a positive place for us as filmmakers and teachers. Every day we're thankful.

Sisters

2007-01-09T23:42:00.000-05:00

So good news and bad news today.

First the good news. Ended our holiday travels with three days at my middle sister Tammy's house. This is only the third time Ive seen her in my whole life. Such an exciting thing to be getting to know her after all these years. She's an amazing sculptor and has these three rowdy, beautiful boys so its always an adventure when Im there.

Isn't she lovely?

On a sadder note: My baby sister Diana is having doggy troubles. Her new puppy Rivers (who became Dru's BFF over Christmas) has gotten Parvo (a very serious, very taxing viral disease). Right now he's in the hospital getting plenty of fluids and care, but all your positive thoughts and prayers will be greatly appreciated as he recovers. Andre and I get sad every time we imagine him with a little IV. Get well Rivers!

Reason #bazillion why Austin TX rocks

2006-12-26T23:55:00.000-05:00

Well, so far we've been to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema twice this visit. Once for the Christmas Pops Sing Along where we sang old and new Christmas tunes and Joanna got sick competing in an Eggnog slamming contest. Afterwards Jesus and Santa took us downtown caroling with about 60 others and then to Jackalopes for free drinks.

Tonight we took my lil' sis Diana and her husband Bruce to see Darkside of the Rainbow as one of their Christmas presents. This time Tim kicked things off with a joint rolling contest. Classy. Andre and Bruce shared a bucket o' beer while Diana and I went straight edge with our Dt. Dr. Peppers and Pizza.

Next week I think we're going to spend our last night at the Ladies of the 80's sing along. Hopefully we can get both families and all our friends to go. Always more fun to mock Tiffany as a large group.

Wish you were here!

Vision '06 Organizers!

2006-12-11T17:58:00.000-05:00

My Independent Study kids outside Jengo's Playhouse. Ashli Bogart, Meghann Sumner, Lexi Lefkowitz and Travis Currin. Student organizers of the Vision ,06 Student Filmmakers Showcase at Cucalorus.

Day 8

2006-12-10T00:48:00.000-05:00

Dont worry, we'll get over the picture taking soon. Right now she's just too new for us to not be nerdy about it!

Dru's Very Merry Sweater

2006-12-08T21:43:00.000-05:00

So we swore we'd never do the sweater thing...but Dru's on the skinny side and freezing in the 20 degree weather here in Wilmington. Thus, the very merry sweater!

495 Senior Documentary Class

2006-12-07T16:45:00.000-05:00

Last night of class. Missing Kayce, Chad and Kristin, but rest accounted for: Meredith, Adam, Micki, Matt, Stephanie, Me, Ashli, Airlie, Ben, Elaine and Brandon.

Adam on set.

Elaine on set.

The Countdown Begins...

2006-12-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

10 Days Until our Texas Christmas begins.

Ahhhhhhh...Austin. Please keep it weird.

Stick Another Yellow Ribbon on Your SUV!

2006-11-28T22:21:00.001-05:00

Joanna sent this my way today and it made me smile. Thought I would share.

Ballard Street Makes Me Happy

2006-11-27T23:49:00.000-05:00

Ive always had a serious Ballard Street problem. Andre's at a loss. Hopefully someone else out there finds it all as amusing as I do.

Fluish

2006-11-26T21:05:00.000-05:00

Around all the little ones this weekend and caught a bug. Bleck! Sore throat, 101 temp and overall acheyness. Flu? Sounds like it to me.

Luckily our five hour drive back today was sunny and pleasantly uneventful. Even took a little detour through Newton Grove to avoid the direct sunlight in our eyes. Sort of looked like Iowa for a bit.

Now we're home and happily settling in for the night. Got my lesson plan written up for both classes tomorrow and now, off to bed.

Almost Thanksgiving!

2006-11-21T13:55:00.000-05:00

Its almost Thanksgiving! God the year has flown by. We're leaving for Virginia tomorrow morning to spend the holiday with my Grandmother and all my aunts, uncles and cousins on my mom's side of the family.

Thought I would take a quick minute to write out a few things Im thankful for this year:

*That Im married to Andre.
*That Im working at UNCW.
*That my students are so friggin' enthusiastic and cool.
*That the FST faculty is filled with good-natured, talented and dedicated professors who love their jobs.
*That my mother's foot is finally healing after she broke it in September.
*That my baby sister is having such a great time being a newlywed.
*That Im visiting my middle sister twice a year now (after not having seen her for 16 years!).
*That Ive met so many great people through Women's Studies - yeah Susan and Donna!
*That Cucalorus is in Wilmington and happens every year.
*That Im living in the south and not experiencing below zero temps this winter.
*That we're going to Austin for Christmas!
*That Michelle has promised to give us surfing lessons next summer.
*That my MKA film is finally happening.

Im sure there is much more and I will have to add to the list as the week goes on...but for now...think about what you're thankful for and if you have time, leave it in my comments section.

Slim Goodbody

2006-11-18T15:55:00.000-05:00

This guy use to be on PBS or something. He creeped me out. Thought I'd share.

Just in Case You Ever Wondered...

2006-11-17T17:57:00.000-05:00

Ken was introduced to Barbie in 1961 and get this...he has a last name: Carson.

Ken Carson. Who knew?

Withdrawal Symptoms

2006-11-12T12:41:00.000-05:00

Definition: Physical and mental effects resulting from withdrawal of addictive substances by patients who have become habituated or addicted to them.

Yes, its true, Cucalorus wrapped last night and already I'm feeling the withdrawal symptoms kicking in. Especially that sad little pit that grows larger when I take a deep breath and reflect on the fact that it will be an entire 12 months until the town is so filled again with film, filmmakers, film enthusiasts and rowdy film anarchist. Definately three days that made me so very happy to have moved to Wilmington, NC. Thank you Cucalorus!

So for those of you who care for a list of my favorite films from the fest, I'll post below. Keep in mind that I saw about 3-4 blocks a day (sometime feature, mostly shorts), but there were at least five blocks a day that I missed but wanted to see. So, I'll give you a list of favorites from the shows I did get to and hope you'll comment with anything I missed but should catch at other fests or should check out from Cucalorus' library (access with membership baby!).

1) Angelmakers

Director: Astrid Bussink

The Angelmakers is an observational portrait of the sleepy village of Nagyrev in rural Hungary. The forgotten story of the women who killed their husbands. An intriguing web of stories unfolds though the characters’ memories which recapture old but ever-lasting tales of life, death and the struggle between the sexes.

2) Escape Velocity

Director: Scott Ligon
www.ligon-art.com

Digital Artist Scott Ligon has recently completed his first animated short film, “Escape Velocity”. The film explores the connection between A.D.D. and creativity using his own life in self-deprecating, humorous examples. Scott forms a stream of consciousness, multi-layered narrative that attempts to emulate the day to day A.D.D. experience.

3) Old Joy

Director: Kelly Reichardt
www.kino.com/oldjoy/

OLD JOY is the story of two old friends, Kurt (Will Oldham) and Mark (Daniel London), who reunite for a weekend camping trip in the Cascade mountain range east of Portland, Oregon. For Mark, the weekend outing offers a respite from the pressure of his imminent fatherhood; for Kurt, it is part of a long series of carefree adventures. As the hours progress and the landscape evolves, the twin seekers move through a range of subtle emotions, enacting a pilgrimage of mutual confusion, sudden insight, and spiritual battle. When they arrive at their final destination, a hot spring in an old growth forest, they must either confront the divergent paths they have taken, or somehow transcend their growing tensions.

4) The Abortion Diaries

Director: Penny Lane
www/theabortiondiaries.com

The Abortion Diaries is a new documentary by Penny Lane featuring 12 women who speak candidly about their experiences with abortion. The women are doctors, subway workers, artists, activists, military personnel, teachers and students; they are Black, Latina, Jewish and White; they are mothers or child-free; they range in age from 19 to 54. Their stories weave together with the diary entries of the filmmaker’s to present a compelling, moving and at times surprisingly funny “dinner party” where the audience is invited to hear what woman say behind closed doors about motherhood, medical technology, sex, spirituality, love work and their own bodies.

5) Tim's Island

Director: Laszlo Fulop & Wickes Helmboldt

On August 29, 2005 the worst natural disaster in US History hit the Gulf Coast region. Sixteen people, seven dogs and eight cats took shelter in an old dairy in Mid-City, New Orleans. When the Force of Hurricane Katrina breached the levees, they found themselves surrounded by eight feet of water. Soon they had to escape the flooded city. This cinema verite-style documentary is a wry sociological study of group behavior as the members of the group cope with survival.

6) Cold

Director: Norwood Cheek

A man wants to find some clothing and to find the warmth that he has lost. His wish quickly comes true, answered from the heavens above. This one-shot, one-take film shot on one 50 foot cartridge of ektachrome super 8 film in Singapore, March 2006.

7) The Drill

Director: Joel Davenport

During a 1950's nuclear bomb drill, 3 grade school boys learn to come to terms with the era in which they live.

********Also, didn't get into three screenings on my planned list (by the time we got to the venue the house was at full capacity and we were turned away!), but I have seen three films that played in those blocks that I would highly recommend catching when you can***************

1) The Girls of Elizabeth Street

Director: Tad Davis

A ten-year-old-boy deals with the changing feelings in his life when it comes to the opposite sex. An autobiographical account f coming of age in the 1970’s.

2) Her Heart is Washed in Water and then Weighed

Director: Sasha Waters

When you die, everything you know disappears. A love letter to the abject beauty of human frailty with bubbles and a story about roast chicken.

3) Ringo

Director: Dave Monahan

Lawman saves Outlaw, Lawman loses Outlaw, Lawman becomes Outlaw. A rapid-fire found-footage saga of male bonding with a vengeance.

The Time They Are A Changin'

2006-11-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

Then - Scary Man "Grrrrr..."

Now - Happy Film Festival "Prrrr..."

The Bones Brigade is still cool, right?

2006-11-03T22:38:00.000-05:00

Went to Cucalorus tonight and saw a pre-screening of Catching the Lotus a doc that looks at the evolution of American surfers. Was glad to see that Stacy Peralta was included and that there was mention of the skateboard scene that branched out of the surfing in Venice Beach. My 9th grade boyfriend had the Tony Hawk board you see above. He also had a 1/4 pipe in his back yard where I tried my best to learn to skate, but with no luck. I spent more time bleeding than actually skating, but it didn't matter. My boyfriend was actually quite good and I liked the skateboading competitions where we would watch Tony Hawk and Lance Mountain in action. I'll always be a Powell & Peralta girl at heart.

It Knows What Scares You

2006-10-29T17:06:00.000-05:00

The Halloween party last night was a blast. Good food, happy new friends and even a few costumes. Started the night off screening Halloween and Poltergeist muted to the tunes of Beck's new CD and ended with Brother's Quay and tipsy laughter. Mango margaritas were had by all after an initial blender death and a subsequent Target run by Andre. Now I've spent the day grading and munching on left over 7-layer dip and caramel brownies. Ummmm, goodness...

Happy Halloween week to everyone!

The Revolution Will Not Be Broadcast

2006-10-27T20:08:00.000-04:00

A huge thank you to Jen Simmons and Chuck Olsen for visiting UNCW's Moviemaker's and Film Scholars Series to discuss Videoblogging and Self-Distribution. I left feeling greatly inspired and can't wait to see what student vlogs pop up as a result.

For those who missed the discussion or who are interested in getting help to set up your own filmmaker's vlog visit http://www.freevlog.org/ for easy to follow tutorials and inspiration!

Jen Simmons and Chuck Olsen at UNCW!!!

2006-10-21T15:53:00.000-04:00

THE UNCW FILM STUDIES DEPARTMENT PRESENTS:

JEN SIMMONS AND CHUCK OLSEN - VLOGGING AND SELF-DISTRIBUTION:
HOW TO USE NEW ONLINE TECHNOLOGY TO DISTRIBUTE YOUR OWN IDEAS AND WORK AROUND THE GLOBE
October 26th, 6:30-9:15pm, Lumina Theatre, Fisher Student Union

This is an exciting time to be a mediamaker. The digital video revolution has given us access to the tools to make our own media and the online video revolution gives us the power to distribute without gatekeepers.

As part of the upcoming Moviemakers and Film Scholars Series, Chuck Olsen and Jen Simmons, leaders in the online mediamaking revolution, will discuss what innovative mediamakers are doing with this new power of broadcasting: sharing personal experiences, telling otherwise-underrepresented stories, and revolutionizing what film and television can be. They will also talk about what tools are available for you, for free, to distribute your own ideas and work around the globe.

*****
Chuck Olsen is the founder of Minnesota Stories (mnstories.com) called one of the best videoblogs by the New York Times. He is the producer-director of "Blogumentary," the first documentary film about the rise of political and personal blogs. He also works as the Minneapolis correspondent for Rocketboom.com and is a web production specialist for Clockwork Active Media Systems. His personal blog (blogumentary.typepad.com) was nominated for Best Weblog at the South By Southwest Interactive Festival in 2004.

Previously, Chuck was Senior Web Producer at Twin Cities Public Television where he managed the design, technology, and strategy of the corporate web site serving many audiences. He also helped produce web sites for nearly every local and national production, including sites for Liberty! The American Revolution, DragonflyTV, and many others on Webby award-winning PBS.ORG.

Chuck has spoken about blogs, videoblogs, and journalism around the country, including: SXSW 2006, Vloggercon, Woods Hole Film Festival, International Symposium on Local E-democracy, International Symposium on Online Journalism, Preview Forum, Twin Cities Citizen Media Fair, Minnesota Public Radio, Twin Cities Public Television, and numerous colleges.

**********
Jen Simmons is a writer, designer and director with almost 20 years experience mixing computer-generated media with traditions from theater, film and visual art. She also runs her own web design company, specializing in internet-based media broadcasting systems (podcasting / videoblogging / IPTV), as well as other blog technologies, and standards-based websites. She has taught and spoken at media centers, universities and conferences throughout the U.S.

Her short films Inclinations (super-16mm, 2005) and Bush for Peace (video, 2004) have shown to over two hundred thousand people via the internet and at over 130 film festivals (including Rotterdam, Media That Matters, Resfest, Frameline, NewFest, and Inside Out.) WFAA-TV in Dallas-Forth Worth called Bush for Peace "a brilliantly spliced national address that turns the commander in chief into a dove."
From 1992-2000, Jen worked at the Esperanza Center in San Antonio Tejas, running a multicultural safe space for the artistic expression of people of color, women, lesbians and gay men.

Jen also creates interactive projection compositions for the stage, most recently for Violet Fire: A Multimedia Opera about Nikola Tesla. Running both pre-edited and dynamically-generated images to four projectors from one computer, Violet Fire premiered at the National Theater of Serbia on the 150th anniversary of Tesla's birth, and in New York at the Brooklyn Academy of Music's New Wave Festival.

Armor of God

2006-10-19T22:33:00.000-04:00

Went to the Moviemakers and Scholars series tonight where Dan Brawley (we love you Cucalorus!) presented nearly a dozen films from the Cucalorus Tribute DVD. Among the films was the short doc Armor of God. I've seen this one many time and afterwards Im always filled with a huge desire to run out and see this guy actually perform. Definately one of my favorite fest shorts that I've seen over the years.

Here's the synoposis for the film: "Can ear-splitting improvisational noise be considered "Christian music"? North Carolina musician Scotty Irving certainly thinks so. In his one-man act, Clang Quartet, he bangs the ground with hammers, plays instruments made out of hockey masks and crutches, and generally cranks it up for the Lord. Armor of God uses Irving's arresting performance to peer into his motivations for walking so far out on musical and theological limbs."

TMJ Sucks

2006-10-18T11:12:00.000-04:00

For about three weeks my head/neck/shoulder dilemma was doing so much better that I found myself thinking, "What has all the fuss been about? I can do anything!"

And then about two days ago my TMJ reared its ugly little head again and boom, headache, shoulder ache galore. Its pure evilness I tell you. I'm a grinder, especially when things get busy, so my night gaurd, though not attractive, is my best friggin' friend sometimes.

In case you want a little TMJ education...here you go:

Who is Affected by TMJ Diseases/Disorders:
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that over 10 million people in the United States suffer from TMJ problems at any given time.

Causes:
Not all causes are known. Some possible causes or contributing factors are injuries to the jaw area, various forms of Arthritis, dental procedures, genetics, hormones, low-level infections, auto-immune diseases, stretching of the jaw as occurs with inserting a breathing tube before surgery, and clenching or grinding of the teeth.

Diagnosis:
Diagnosing TMJ diseases and disorders can be difficult and confusing. For example, facial pain can be a symptom of many conditions, such as sinus or ear infections, decayed or abscessed teeth, various types of headache, and facial neuralgia (nerve-related facial pain).

Symptoms:
Pain is the most common symptom. TMJ pain is often described as a dull aching pain in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear, which comes and goes.

Treatment:
Because most common jaw joint and muscle problems are temporary, lasting only weeks or months, simple care is all that is usually needed to relieve the discomfort. Self-care practices, for example, eating soft foods, applying ice or moist heat, and avoiding extreme jaw movements (such as wide yawning, loud singing, and gum chewing) are useful in easing symptoms.

Happy Goodness

2006-10-15T19:43:00.000-04:00

Then

Now

And that pretty much sums it up.

Hung out at Top Sail beach today. Walked with Andre. Read with Andre. Napped with Andre.

Sundays should always be this sweet.

Buffy Studies at www.Slayage.tv

2006-10-10T21:49:00.000-04:00

In case anyone feels like geeking out on all the research and studies done on BTVS...click on the title above and visit the site dedicated to everything Buffy Studies.

Kittens and Republicans

2006-10-06T13:38:00.000-04:00

Not a fan of kittens or voting republican since Im highly allergic to both, but felt it my duty as a good citizen to pass on the warning.

I'll Post What I Want To...

2006-10-04T11:43:00.000-04:00

Yep, that's right, today my post will be dedicated to my little sister's new hair cut. Which ROCKS!

Girls on Film

2006-10-03T11:14:00.000-04:00

Meeting today with the Chair of Women's Studies. Very interested in this idea of starting a Girls on Film group. May take a while to really get it rolling, but if we could find a way to make it an ongoing DIS or even a course I think it could be a really amazing way to create a connection between UNCW and the community. My goal would be to involve FST majors as well as Women's Studies minors in the teaching. Then the Kids with Cameras workshops would be a model. Partnering with Women's Studies and focusing on girls learning new technology seems like it would be an amazing collaboration.

Refusing to Participate

2006-10-01T17:32:00.000-04:00

Very seldom do I simply break down and refuse to participate, but yesterday was one of those days. With grading to do, reading to do, a press release to write, two projects to coordinate, grocery shopping waiting and simple bathing calling my name...I shut down. Watched DVD TV nearly all day. And now, my Sunday has been spent catching up. Worth it? I would say so. After weeks of running non-stop and the last few days on fumes I feel like yesterday was a day I had to reclaim for myself. Apparently that translated into drinking a nice big cup of non-productivity. I guess sometimes you just have to cave.

Fourth Friday Gallery Crawl

2006-09-23T16:36:00.000-04:00

Monica, Andre and I checked out the Fourth Friday Gallery crawl in downtown Wilmington last night. Overall the galleries are sort of underwhelming, but the Bottega Gallery was my favorite by far. The show was set up to highlight work by UNCW art professors and selected students that they mentor. It was interesting to see how the teacher's work influenced (or didn't really influence) that of the student's. It was also a cute, funky little space. Very Austin vibe.

Many of the other galleries had too much beachy / cutesy type art. Not my thing.

We also ate at Circa 1922. Yummy food. Great Vino Verde.

JonasMekas.com

2006-09-16T12:46:00.000-04:00

Coming this fall: Mekas plans to film 365 short videos for Apple's Video iPod, releasing one a day on his website.

At jonasmekas.com you can enter your email address to receive information about upcoming exhibitions, film screenings, and other exciting news.

Check out jonasmekas.com by clicking on the post title above.

Former Texas governor Ann Richards dies

2006-09-14T10:38:00.000-04:00

Very sad news today.

AUSTIN - Former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, the witty and flamboyant Democrat who went from homemaker to national political celebrity, died Wednesday night at her home in Austin surrounded by her family after a battle with cancer, a family spokeswoman said. She was 73.

Richards's keynote address to the 1988 Democratic National Convention put her in the national spotlight when she uttered the famous line, about the wealthy, then-Vice President George H. W. Bush, "Poor George, he can't help it...He was born with a silver foot in his mouth." The speech set the tone for her political future; she was a real Texan who established herself as a candidate who appealed to suburban voters as well as to the traditional Democratic base that included African-Americans and Hispanics.

Flex Fest 06

2006-09-07T22:44:00.000-04:00

Good news tonight. Just found out that my thesis film "29 Places I Once Called Home" has been selected for inclusion in FLEX '06, the Florida Experimental Film/Video Festival, taking place in Gainesville, Florida from November 2-5. This is very exciting for me since Roger Beebe (an amazing experimental filmmaker and scholar) runs the fest. Not to mention Craig Baldwin (Other Cinema) and Andrea Grover (Aurora Picture Show) are jurors. Whoohoo! So very excited.

Also, its a festival that tours. Always a bonus.

Anyway, going to sleep amazingly happy tonight. Hope you are too.

Stick Me With The Pin Please

2006-09-07T11:05:00.000-04:00

Starting back to accupuncture tomorrow. I feel very positive about the fact that the woman I'm seeing here in Wilmington graduated from the Academy of Oriental Medicine in Austin (http://www.aoma.edu/). Matt, a friend of ours who we trust immensely also graduated from there. He firmly believed in acupuncture's ability to help with hormone balance and fertility. So we'll see. I know that even western OBGYNs (mine in Iowa City included) now recommend acupuncture. So we thought we'de give it a try. Wish us luck!

Huge Sigh of Relief

2006-09-06T13:48:00.000-04:00

I know I'm going to sleep better tonight. Hope you will too.

Our Life is Your Vacation

2006-09-04T16:33:00.000-04:00

I think that's how the Wilmington saying goes...but we're new...so forgive me if the quote is slightly off. No matter though, cause the sentiment is there. People vacation where we live. How cool is that?

I'm not rubbing it in, I'm saying it more in amazement. Yesterday we drove out to the beach and did what I guess is body surfing for about two hours. Afterwards we were exhausted but ridiculously giddy. So much so that we went and got a boogie board. Next Sunday we're taking a picnic lunch and not coming home till the sun goes down!

Tropical Storm? Hurricane? Just can't decide...

2006-08-31T21:35:00.000-04:00

Thank goodness for the internet and our handy little Red Cross weather radio.

Baptism

2006-08-31T09:08:00.000-04:00

Forcast: 100% Chance of Heavy Rains.

Oh yeah, we're the newbies. I've only been at the beach during one tropical storm (that I can remember). That was in 2003 and I was in South Padre. Luckily the house we were in had storm shutters (large, thick, metal shutters that pulled down over or across each window or door). It was a little scary that night, all sorts of things blowing around and hitting the house, but I was with my family so we played cards by flashlight and had a good time being trapped inside together.

Now we're in NC. Just me and the boy. We have our water, our NOAA battery powered weather radio and probably enough food for three days. If this storm is anything like the one in Padre...we're over prepared...except the window part. Our current condo has these rules that we can't cover the windows with anything unless we intend to pay for damages. If the windows are damaged by the storm their insurance will cover it. Hmm... Whatever...

I guess its cool though, cause none of our neighbors seem concerned. Andre and I will just get the 'ole scrabble board ready, keep papers out for grading and just go with it...

Come Friday we'll have been through our first storm here and come out the other side. Baptised mother nature's way.

If there were any doubts left...

2006-08-30T14:37:00.000-04:00

...about the unrealistic images being promoted to us by the news media...even Katie Courics boobs get spin.

From Newsday.com
CBS's promotional magazine Watch digitally altered this photo of Katie Couric to make her look slimmer. The photograph on the left is the undoctored version, and the photograph on the right is the version that is in the magazine.

Spin Until You Can't See Straight

2006-08-30T09:39:00.000-04:00

Andre and I went to see Little Miss Sunshine on Sunday, AND I highly recommend it to everyone. All ages, genders and sizes. Especially if you've had a rough day. Its scrappy as far as production goes, but for us every actor was endearing on some level and we left feeling good. Hopeful. Which sometimes is just what you need.

My second recommendation - if you feel like spinning until you can't see straight afterwards...absolutely do it. Go out into the garish movie theatre entry way and amongst all the over the top colors, sounds and chemical butter smells just spin to your hearts content. Hopefully your friends will join you...but if not...who cares!?

Another Huge Setback For The Little Guy

2006-08-24T17:30:00.000-04:00

Excerpts from Todays News About Pluto's Downgrade

************
Dinky Pluto loses its status as planet
By WILLIAM J. KOLE
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- Pluto, beloved by some as a cosmic underdog but scorned by astronomers who considered it too dinky and distant, was unceremoniously stripped of its status as a planet Thursday.

The International Astronomical Union, dramatically reversing course just a week after floating the idea of reaffirming Pluto's planethood and adding three new planets to Earth's neighborhood, downgraded the ninth rock from the sun in historic new galactic guidelines.

Pluto, a planet since 1930, got the boot because it didn't meet the new rules, which say a planet not only must orbit the sun and be large enough to assume a nearly round shape, but must "clear the neighborhood around its orbit." That disqualifies Pluto, whose oblong orbit overlaps Neptune's, downsizing the solar system to eight planets from the traditional nine.

The decision by the IAU, the official arbiter of heavenly objects, restricts membership in the elite cosmic club to the eight classical planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

Pluto and objects like it will be known as "dwarf planets," which raised some thorny questions about semantics: If a raincoat is still a coat, and a cell phone is still a phone, why isn't a dwarf planet still a planet?

Cool Sites

2006-08-23T11:37:00.000-04:00

Chuck at Minnesota Stories (http://mnstories.com/) just turned me on to Chasing Windmills (http://chasingmills.blogspot.com/) a weekly web video series.

Both sites represent exciting news ways of looking at distribution and interacting with your audience/community.

Enjoy!

A little Happiness blip!

2006-08-21T20:53:00.000-04:00

Here's a link to a review of the All Dressed in White exhibit that's currenlty at Women and Their Work (downtown Austin, TX - my place of happiness). Appropriately, my film "And Happiness Everywhere" is screening as part of the show through mid September. Even got a little blip of a blurb. Yeah!

http://www.dtweekend.com/080306/bridezilla.php

Check it out if you happen to be in the area.

Film Premiere

2006-08-05T09:10:00.000-04:00

In other good news, my thesis film 29 Places I Once Called Home premiered last night in LA at the UFVA Conference as part of the NextFrame International Film and Video Touring Festival.

For more details on Nextframe and UFVA check out: www.ufva.org

On a Fest Note...

2006-08-05T09:04:00.000-04:00

On a fest note - if anyone is in Dallas next weekend Andre and I both have films playing at Dallas Video Festival (as does Jen Proctor, longtime Cinemaker and Iowa friend).

Screenings are as follows:

Saturday, Aug 12
Dollar Disobedience (Andre)
29 Places I Once Called Home (Shannon)
The One and the Many (Andre)

Sunday, Aug 13
Alternative Forms of Energy (Jen)

For more details check out: www.videofest.org!

Starting a new life...

2006-08-02T12:50:00.000-04:00

Well, after 5 weeks of travel we're finally back home in Wilmington. It was a crazy summer. Graduation, moving across country, visiting family in Alabama, Mississippi and Texas. Even had a few weird grown up life experiences (saw my baby sister get married, saw my middle sister prepare two of her boys for the beginning of school, started talking about adoption for ourselves).

On the way home we bought the CD version of the book "Gods Politics" and its been a bit life changing. We both feel on a mission to ask what we can do on a personal, familial, community and global level to change the tide of what is happening in America and around the world. We both have felt for some time that things are going further and further out of control and we complain about the Bush administration ALOT, but the reality is that complaining just isnt enough, it isn't stopping what is happening, it isn't getting us anywhere. Something, no many things, have to be done. So we are taking the next few weeks to look at our lives, to see where we are failing, to see where we can do more, to see what positive changes might be possible if we reconsider what we've been putting our time and funds towards - and how we can do better.

In the book the author talks about budgets being "moral documents" meaning that if you look at a family's budget you see where its priorities are. Andre and I talk about this often and this week traveling across country it really hit home. We use to see a rare Hummer when we traveled, but now they are everywhere in every city and town. When we juxtapose this excessive expense with the fact that my Aunt (who has stage 4 breast cancer) has just had her chemo treatments cancelled because she has no insurance my mind turns to mush. Basically she is being handed a death sentence. "Sorry mam, you don't have insurance so we have to let you die." I can barely speak I see so much red. But I can accept that if I want things to change I have to start at home. Andre and I have to look at our own budget. See where we are putting our priorities (eating out, buying books, purchasing on itunes). Sacrifice our own conveniences and give back to those in need if we want others to do the same.

If we have any hope for the next election and for the world's future we are going to have to start the work now. For a few years I have felt a deep frustration towards the American two party system which does not even attempt to represent the diversity of voices and values that exist in our communities. But no more. It is clear that I can do more than complain. I can say in my own daily life that I can create a different way, a more positive way. And that's what I am going to work on doing now. Andre and I are in a new place and starting a new life. The possibilities are endless.

and speaking of eco friendly ideas...

2006-06-24T09:58:00.000-04:00

here's one we've done for years...reusable bottles for water. so many people drink bottled water now that companies have started to make bottles that can be reused without the plastic breaking down. much safer and longer lasting that reusing a dasani bottle (or whatever brand you prefer). you can buy these safer bottles at whole foods (austin), wheatsville (austin), new pioneer (iowa city), tidal creek coop (wilmington), and i'm sure many other places in your area.

we refill ours with our brita filtered water before we leave the house and we've got 34 ounces to go. you'll spend $40 initially ($8 bottle, $30 brita filter) but it saves tons in bottled water in the end. that stuffs expensive!

Global Warming = Bad; Ideas = Good

2006-06-23T10:21:00.000-04:00

Alright, we're still working on our list, but here's a few things Andre and I are going to do...

1) Change all our light bulbs to energy star. Yes, they are more white than yellow light, but we've thrown a warm colored lamp shade over them, saved tons of energy and called it a day.
2) No more using plastic bags or even brown sacks for grocery shopping. Instead we have five canvas totes (ones that I've collected over the years from film festivals, writing conferences and pledge drives at KMFA - but you can also buy hip ones at Whole Foods or your local coop or hell, Target for that matter...) and we're keeping them in our trunk for grocery shopping days.
3) We currently drive a vehicle that gets 37 miles to the gallon on the interstate (which isn't bad), but next summer we're going hybrid (50-60mpg!)
4) We're going to start a campaign in Wilmington for more bike trails and bike racks around town.
5) We've started taking a reusable container from home when we eat out and instead of getting their styro-foam to-go containers we get our leftovers in our own take home container.

What about you? Leave comments and let me know what easy everyday ideas you are putting into action that we might be able to incorporate.

An Inconvenient, but well worth it, Weekend

2006-06-22T11:56:00.000-04:00

We're back in Wilmington for two days before heading to Texas. Our weekend trip was fun, but oh boy hectic. We left Friday and had a really lovely drive to Durham. Good conversation, nice weather, fast driving. All things I love. We cut the timing close for the 9pm show, but figured we'de drop off our luggage, check into the hotel and then get to the outdoor screening just a few minutes late. HOWEVER, when we got to the hotel there was a snag. It went something like this.

"Can you grab the suitcase from the trunk?"
"What suitcase?"
"Oh crap..."

And thus began our five day trip with only one outfit each....Luckily Kohl's was open till 10pm and we were able to buy two t-shirts for $4 each and some underwear and socks to get through the week. Disaster avoided.

So then off to Hi Mom! for the midnight show where we caught a screening of about a dozen very scrappy, very fun shorts. In particular I enjoyed "Every Boy I've Fucked" by Jennifer Matotek. This one cut to the quick. It's raw and honest and something I wish I would have made myself. I like when a film evens the playing field by just saying what we all know but avoid talking about. Afterwards Andre asked, "If we broke up what would my generic boyfriend name have been?" To which I replied, "Organic, Bicycle, Factoid Boy" His smile let me know that he approved.

The next morning we went to the Varsity Theatre for a screening of An Inconvenient Truth (hosted by UNC's Public Health Dept.) All I can say is, "Go see this movie. And take a friend." We're already organic junkies and do small things that were on Gore's list, but we left the screening ready to really change our lives and the lives of others as much as we can. I really hope Gore will consider running in 2008. The world has been Bushwacked until its bleeding.

After seeing the movie Andre and I took some time to make a list of things we can do to do our part. Our first goal is to get the owners of our apartment building to install a bike rack on the property. There are quite a few people that already ride bike's in our building, but we figure if there were a bike rack then it might encourage even more people to do so. Our second goal is to create and distribute (or post) an "easy to do" list of things that can be done in our everyday lives to help stop global warming (so be sure to check back in.) For now you can go to the films website at www.climatecrisis.org for ways to do your part.

Post screening high we drove to VA and visited the family. Stayed at my dad's on Father's Day (first time I've spent the night at his house in 30 years! - went very smoothly). The next day was spent with my cousins and their kids (who I absolutely adore and want to steal!). The next day we packed grandma into the car and visited my mom's sisters in Hampton. Three days of hanging out and catching up.

Now we're home for two days. Lots to do before we leave. Have no idea how to prepare the apartment for a hurricane season that we will largely be absent from. Guess its time to meet the neighbors...

Carolina, Virginia, Texas - Oh my!

2006-06-13T18:04:00.000-04:00

All done with Iowa? Yeah buddy! Thesis? Check. MFA? Check. Moved to Carolina with boxes unpacked? Check.

Now the fun summer begins. After three weeks of exploring Wilmington (which we love!) we're off to Chapel Hill for the Hi Mom! Film Fest and a special screening of An Inconvenient Truth (hosted by UNC's Public Health Department) this weekend. Then we are going to take a few days in Virginia to visit my dad, grandma, aunts and cousins. Figure we'll be back home by next Wednesday, stay a few days to rest and catch the films at Cucaloris and then we'll be off to Texas for my sister's wedding. Planning to hang out there for about a month.

Hope to see many of you along the way!

New Digs!

2006-03-12T14:11:00.000-05:00

That's right, we're moving in May 26th. Yeah! And that's our apartment building in the picture above.

As for the thesis...very excited. Have the first 4 minutes and the last 5 and a half minutes laid down. Today I'm working on the image for the middle section. Then the rest of the week will be mixing sound and fine tuning image. Then its time for a view of a first cut and meetings with Leighton and Sasha (committee members).

Getting so very close...

Distortions, Creative Liberties and Lameness

2006-03-04T22:53:00.000-05:00

Spent most of the day going through the tapes we recorded when I was traveling with mom, grandma and diana shooting danville, greensboro and raleigh. It was draining to listen to them. Everyone was trying so hard in so many different ways and yet we were running into obstacles (some of memory, some of developmental changes in the layout of the cities). It wore on everyones nerves. Makes for good drama for the film, but leaves me feeling sad. Sad for how frustrated mom felt. Sad that grandma and Diana had to mediate. Sad that I put them through such a difficult experience. However, in the end everyone has said they appreciated being able to be on the trip. Seeing the locations meant a lot to them. I think its just taking these instances in isolation and listening to them out of context that is hard.

At any rate - as an interesting end to the day I went to see Capote with Andre, Kaspar and Sabine tonight. PSH was amazing I we all greatly enjoyed the film, but I left feeling yet even more overwhelmed by my thesis. Nonfiction is just a complicated beast. You don't want to exploit anyone, but its inevitable on some level and the "truth" never actually translates because once one person takes hold of the story it will be edited to their liking. Distortion, creative liberties, lame attempts at pretending to have answers...

Oh, its so time for Buffy.

A Love Hate Relationship

2006-03-02T12:32:00.000-05:00

After the Gatten workshop I feel a mixture of emotions. Terrified about all the fix I inhaled in my twenties, apprehensive about ever handprocessing again and what it will mean to my body and the environment, and absolutely obsessed with developing my thesis titles and transitional footage on hi con. Its all such a contradiction and struggle. I need the look of film for this project, not video. The whole point was to shoot on film and transfer to video to underline the give and take between past and present. To have titles and images shot on video just doesn't work for this project. Luckily, David's method of processing is much less toxic and time consuming that what I've done in the past so this will be a short, but sweet end to my love affair. At least that's what my plan is for now.

Written Thesis

2006-02-28T15:43:00.000-05:00

In addition to working on my cut, I have spent the past two days reading through my early thesis diary/cutting sections/moving sections around - all in hopes of sculpting the first section of my written thesis. In reality I may have more than that. Much of it leads to production and post productions issues that I can write about and further explore in the following sections.

One of the most interesting things about this early diary is how inaccurate many of my memories were. I didn't know the names of more than two or three apartment complexes and the names I could remember I connected with the wrong locations. I also have so many memories written down that I now realise are a bunch of BS. Or are they? Maybe now I've created a whole new set of BS stories to replace the real ones. Who knows? At any rate, its baffling, and beautiful and complicated.

Gotta Gotta Cut Loose

2006-01-26T20:08:00.000-05:00

Well, in all sincerity, Id like to take a moment to remember Chris Penn who died yesterday. He was just 40 years old. Its always upsetting for me when a star I grew up watching in films dies. When I was a kid, Footloose was one of my favorite films (right after the Outsiders) and for the hope and giggles he brought to all us awkward underdog preteens not naturally inclined to the dancing I say he deserves a little time to be remembered. Thanks Chris and happy trails to wherever the journey takes you next.

Beyond being sad about his death I have been working on the thesis today. Got all my photos imported and organized neatly in their little bins. Now I'm about to start going through the sound from this christmas and placing it over the 4710 super 8 footage. Its a quiet night here at the apt., Andre's out projecting for the Proseminar class, and I'm enjoying the silence.

BUY NOTHING SEMESTER!!!

2006-01-17T23:42:00.000-05:00

Our friend Maggie sent the below challenge to us earlier tonight and we're taking it! Highly encouraging everyone to consider joining us.

Shannon

********
Dear friends,

I've been reading Kalle Lasn's book, "Culture Jam: How to Reverse America's Suicidal Consumer Binge--And Why We Must"--he's the guy that started Adbusters, TV Turnoff Week, and Buy Nothing Day--and while his writing style isn't my favorite, I'm inspired by the content. Last January, after Heal read his book, we decided to try a Buy Nothing Semester, limiting our material purchases to food and toiletries for an entire semester. It sucked, especially in April when it was still ten degrees out and I was sick to death of all my sweaters.

Nevertheless, we're doing it again. And we're inviting you to do it with us! Sound fun? It's a great way to save money (I mean, we bought a *house* after it was over!), a good excuse to gripe, and hey, a little renunciation is good for you every once in a while.

This is a self-motivated, self-monitored kind of thing, and those who join us should feel free to make your own list of exceptions (i.e. gifts, school supplies, gold jewelry)--we have no interest in being Buy Nothing Semester cops. We're just looking for some folks to commiserate with when it's week 10 and all our white t-shirts look yellow, we're bored with our CD collection, and the cats won't stop harassing us about that new catnip mouse they want.

**********
Interested parties should post their committment in "comments." The sooner the better, given that the semester, and the buying nothing, started today.

Cinemaker - 5 years later

2005-12-30T12:14:00.000-05:00

We went to Victoria's last night for dinner and her bi-annual salon. Those present included: Me, Andre, Jodie Keeling, Travis Weller, Chris Immel, John and Deanna Finley, Mary Smiley, my sister Diana, Vic and her son Jack. We started out the night on the deck with appetizers and pasta and salad - all food amazing! After, we headed indoors (as the weather was hitting a nippy Texas 50) for a belated 40th B-day cake for our hostess spectacular. Then...the screening began.

It was absolutely stunning to see the different routes all of us have taken in our work. Chris, now attending the School of Visual Art in New York, has put down Super 8 temporarily and made his first video piece. The title escapes me right now, but appropriately, it is a piece that is both calculated (literally using some program he designed) and organic in its imagery and movement. Andre has now moved far into his own world of mixing computer generated animation, video and film with his obsession of all things absurd. His sense of humor, always present in his work, now has happily become the heart of his work. My work, once almost entirely hand manipulation and image driven, has stayed true to its Super 8 roots, but now is more experience/story driven, focusing on my domestic life and personal concerns. And Travis has just completed a score for Aaron Valdez's "Life and Times of RFK." I've seen this film at least 10 times with a temporary Phillip Glass score and always felt it was a powerful film, but seeing it with Travis' score made it feel complete in a way I had never experienced before. It finally seemed "done" and just knocked my socks off.

Beyond the film and music-makers, other cinemakers were present and have life changing experiences happening right now too.

The Finley's first baby is due in March. No word on the sex - and none will be coming until the big day!

Jodie, Kidney transplant successfully complete and happily certified/teaching Yoga at Yoga Yoga, is starting to plan her next life step - most likely graduate school!

Victoria (not an official Cinemaker, but a supporter and judge of many screenings) has just acquired her first mortgage and her house (located in South Austin) already has the Vic touch with amazing paintings, drawings and sculptures for decoration and an entire wall lined with austin flavored CD choices.

My sister Diana, once one of our youngest cinemaker's, has just announced her engagement to her long-time boyfriend Bruce and is planning a wedding for next July.

Jack, now almost as tall as Vic, is about to wrap up his tour of duty at Bryker Woods elementary and move over to 7th grade at the magnet school Filmore on south congress.

And

Mary, firmly settled in her new house, with roomate and two kitties is contemplating a new life that involves rock climbing!

And that is why I love Austin. When we visit, everyone is up to so many new things. The world is always changing and art is always being made in some way or another.

Needless to say, Boi and I went to bed full and happy with smiles on our faces. Such sweetness cannot be forced...it just happens sometimes.

Shindigs and Hootinannies

2005-12-27T12:10:00.000-05:00

We're still in Texas and realising why we love visiting so much. Last night we went to my young cousins birthday out in Bastrop. Tons of family and star gazing and Shiner beer. Gotta love it.

On the thesis front, I've hit a snag on my sound that I wanted to pick up here. I have the quiet box and mic that I need, but my parents camera does not have the mic input that our GL2 does. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to borrow a camera from a friend once everyone is back in town, but right now the weather is so similar to when I shot last Dec. that its killing me not to be able to record. I also want to pick up two interview questions with my mom and step-dad while I'm here, but figure that can wait for a little while.

I also had sort of a relief last night when I realised that much of my written thesis can be done at work next semester. Things get slow in the office and they encourage us to stay busy with course work. I find it difficult to write for my workshop classes when I'm not at home alone, but I think the written thesis will be doable in the office space.

Also, just as a teaser, we have interviews in early Feb. for teaching positions! A really amazing program on the east coast is flying us out to interview for two open assistant professorships. I can say no more for fear of jinxing the whole thing, but I will say we are very excited to have made it this far...and together...sort of against everything we were told was possible.

Beyond that, things are moving along as usual. Enjoying the holidays, reading and working only a little (promise) and getting in some much earned sleep time. For New Years we are going to mix it up at a country dance (or is it a shindig, or a hootinanny - where's Oz when you need him?) in Kyle with the Grandparents, and then back to my mom and dad's place for fireworks and mixed drink consuming with the fam and many friends. Hope any who read this have had a wonderful holiday so far and that it continues into the new year.

To Make Boi Happy

2005-12-11T22:14:00.000-05:00

All through the day, I, Me, Mine, I, Me, Mine, I, Me, Mine...

It has been requested by Boi that I get this blog spot rolling. No word on where his blog is, but that apparently is not the point. (He's the darlingest so he can get away with such things).

Currently it is about 20 degrees in Iowa and we (me and Boi) are three days away from hopping a greyhound to Texas. In Texas I plan to hug all the new babies, cheer up our Margo who has moved there but feels quite overwhelmed as a stranger in a strange land, and wrack up some serious sister/mom time.

For the next three days we will be scrambling to wrap up finals week, handling interviews with UNCW, and x-mas shopping.

Tomorrow I have to get up at 6:45am and go out into the bitter morning freeze for a production meeting at Carla's (director of film I'm production managing). Everytime this occurs to me, I scowl.

Why on earth you would care about any this I do not know. But there's my blog for today.