If you're not paying attention, it's easy to get caught up in the silly goings on that is the world of fame and fortune.
Okay, let me just say that I wouldn't mind a dose of fame and fortune. Been working on it, but so far, unsuccessful in any way that constitutes being able to live without having to worry about money. Successful in other ways, and fortunately, the kind that leaves me unattractive to the world's media. So there are some benefits to relative obscurity!
But getting back to my original thought here. I couldn't help but notice - mostly because it currently features on every print, web and small screen (is 46" still considered small screen?) medium - the mind boggling scenario concerning Arnie and Maria ... and Mildred.
The whole thing is kind of off, but what caught my eye was the claim that Mildred "had kept [the secret] faithfully for 14 years" - as if that's supposed to give her some brownie points in our eyes.
A quick reminder that it takes two to make a child (in most cases), so while Mildred - or at least those who are speaking on her behalf - appear to be painting her as the oh so faithful and innocent party, the act itself and the silence on the matter by both her and Arnie are two wrongs that don't make it right.
It's always the risk when you play with more than one hand. And they should not be surprised that it's finally out in the open, and that the fallout is going to cost a lot and hurt, well, Maria and her children and the boy in question - not to mention those involved in the Terminator franchise, now that Arnie's put that on hold.
Perhaps the moral here is to not do the deed in the first place. But that would be way too simple and obvious, and rooted in common sense - the lack of which appears to be a permanent affliction not restricted to those blessed with fame and fortune.
Fame and fortune is not for everyone. Still, I wouldn't mind giving it a try - but without the cheating and the intense media focus, if that's okay ... and even possible!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
When we are at the end
I don't normally write about TV shows, but I feel compelled to natter on about one or two of them at this point in time.
With the apparent demise of Stargate Universe, I have to admit that I feel sad. Although I came into this series a few weeks after it began, I've stayed the course and watched it to the thrilling though bittersweet conclusion. That SyFy has grounded what was meant to be a 5-season series, right when it's come into its own, is confusing and frustrating.
Okay, I know that SGU is somewhat of a niche product, but you have to think that considering its heritage, in all likelihood there are enough fans out there to at least let it run to the finish line, especially given how it has powered the second season to such great heights. Each episode seemed to get getter and better, stronger and more compelling, dramatic and heartwarming, personal and extraordinary.
But hey, that's what I saw and I'm proud to say I'm a true SG supporter, through all it reincarnations.
When we are the end of a series, fans are naturally sad, but when the end is nigh and the fan base is still growing, it's hard to understand the argument for cancellation, or even care about ratings and reviews. When you love a show, you love it, and only you will be able to change your mind.
So, when the wrap is solid, makes sense for the characters, and provides just enough hope while allowing you to say, "Okay, I can live with that", then we are at least satisfied, to some degree, about that final episode. However, when the wrap is 'wrong', and we are left hanging with no satisfaction, no conclusion and no digestible explanation, well, it's hard to make any sense of the decision.
As a fan of Buffy and Angel, two great shows that have sadly wrapped (although still very much alive in various configurations), I experienced both "solid" and "wrong" situations. Yes, I would have liked Buffy to keep going, but the end for me was an end, and I said goodbye with a smile on my face.
However, when Angel was cancelled, the final episode seemed empty, pointless, hopeless, and altogether wrong. Okay, I could choose to speculate that they all survived, blah, blah, blah, but speculation is no substitute for a smile on my face. To this day, I wish there had been a movie or a last-minute reprieve to finish that series the way it deserved to go out, rather than cut it off at the knees, leaving the sick feeling that evil had won in the end.
When we are at the real end of a series, true fans know it and are willing to live with it, to varying degrees. But when it's all wrong, and the end is merely a transition from continuing storyline to budget cuts, well, there's not an ounce of satisfaction for anyone involved with the show.
At least Fringe is still going ... but that show gets better and better, which leaves me somewhat fearful about its future.
With the apparent demise of Stargate Universe, I have to admit that I feel sad. Although I came into this series a few weeks after it began, I've stayed the course and watched it to the thrilling though bittersweet conclusion. That SyFy has grounded what was meant to be a 5-season series, right when it's come into its own, is confusing and frustrating.
Okay, I know that SGU is somewhat of a niche product, but you have to think that considering its heritage, in all likelihood there are enough fans out there to at least let it run to the finish line, especially given how it has powered the second season to such great heights. Each episode seemed to get getter and better, stronger and more compelling, dramatic and heartwarming, personal and extraordinary.
But hey, that's what I saw and I'm proud to say I'm a true SG supporter, through all it reincarnations.
When we are the end of a series, fans are naturally sad, but when the end is nigh and the fan base is still growing, it's hard to understand the argument for cancellation, or even care about ratings and reviews. When you love a show, you love it, and only you will be able to change your mind.
So, when the wrap is solid, makes sense for the characters, and provides just enough hope while allowing you to say, "Okay, I can live with that", then we are at least satisfied, to some degree, about that final episode. However, when the wrap is 'wrong', and we are left hanging with no satisfaction, no conclusion and no digestible explanation, well, it's hard to make any sense of the decision.
As a fan of Buffy and Angel, two great shows that have sadly wrapped (although still very much alive in various configurations), I experienced both "solid" and "wrong" situations. Yes, I would have liked Buffy to keep going, but the end for me was an end, and I said goodbye with a smile on my face.
However, when Angel was cancelled, the final episode seemed empty, pointless, hopeless, and altogether wrong. Okay, I could choose to speculate that they all survived, blah, blah, blah, but speculation is no substitute for a smile on my face. To this day, I wish there had been a movie or a last-minute reprieve to finish that series the way it deserved to go out, rather than cut it off at the knees, leaving the sick feeling that evil had won in the end.
When we are at the real end of a series, true fans know it and are willing to live with it, to varying degrees. But when it's all wrong, and the end is merely a transition from continuing storyline to budget cuts, well, there's not an ounce of satisfaction for anyone involved with the show.
At least Fringe is still going ... but that show gets better and better, which leaves me somewhat fearful about its future.
Anonymous no more
I love it when people make anonymous donations to worthy causes. When they leave little presents on someone's doorstep to brighten their day. When they give time without looking to see if anyone is noticing. When they step up without expecting accolades.
I love it when corporations give money without requiring that their name be attached to the building or arena or school or festival. When philanthropists go about their business without looking for kudos. When the smallest deed goes without saying, the smallest step is taken without knowledge, the smallest thought stirs others' souls without them ever realising the source.
I love anonymous, which is why I hate it when the anonymous benefactor decides to make themselves known for their own recognition. Look, giving in any way for any reason is absolutely to be applauded. But don't change horses midstream just so you can get some public accolades.
Even worse is when someone breaks the news and 'exposes' the anonymous benefactor without their knowledge or approval. Spoil sports!
Personally? I prefer to let the deed speak for itself. We don't all need to know who and why, and we don't all need the accolades.
I love it when corporations give money without requiring that their name be attached to the building or arena or school or festival. When philanthropists go about their business without looking for kudos. When the smallest deed goes without saying, the smallest step is taken without knowledge, the smallest thought stirs others' souls without them ever realising the source.
I love anonymous, which is why I hate it when the anonymous benefactor decides to make themselves known for their own recognition. Look, giving in any way for any reason is absolutely to be applauded. But don't change horses midstream just so you can get some public accolades.
Even worse is when someone breaks the news and 'exposes' the anonymous benefactor without their knowledge or approval. Spoil sports!
Personally? I prefer to let the deed speak for itself. We don't all need to know who and why, and we don't all need the accolades.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Who am I anyway?
I was working quietly today - not! - when an email popped up with a link to an article. Most days I don't have time to read all the links that come my way, but this one caught my eye.
Christina Katz had written a piece titled "Elements of a Successful Fiction Platform", and since I'm sort of in that particular market, I decided to take a peek. Actually, I printed off several pages of great info to read in detail later, but it was what I saw right at the start that completely turned my day around.
Christina began with "To really make your name, you need to put it out there". Some of you might say, "Well, duh!", but those 12 words sparked a long-held-dormant realisation.
For months, I've been struggling to navigate the murky waters between doing what I love and doing what I have to do to stay afloat. And the wrong side has been winning, at least from a self-esteem perspective. What I took from Christina's words is that even before I put my name out there, I have to know what I want that name to say.
Right now, my name paints a picture of someone wearing too many hats and covering too diverse a territory. Not being committed to one hat or one genre is mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting because I am spread so thin that I can't be truly effective at any. And then constantly chastising myself for not "making time for what I love" serves no one, other than the "what I have to do to stay afloat" pundits, who benefit from my inability to act.
In other words, if I want to be a speaker and a writer, I have to tell myself that is who I am and then put my name out there for all to see. And if I'm going to tell myself who I am, I have do a better job at navigating those murky waters and finding my way to what I love. Hence, it's time to discard those things that weigh me down and only serve to make me feel bad about myself.
And when I do that? Well, I will either talk about it or write about it, or both - but that will be my choice because it will be what I love to do!
Christina Katz had written a piece titled "Elements of a Successful Fiction Platform", and since I'm sort of in that particular market, I decided to take a peek. Actually, I printed off several pages of great info to read in detail later, but it was what I saw right at the start that completely turned my day around.
Christina began with "To really make your name, you need to put it out there". Some of you might say, "Well, duh!", but those 12 words sparked a long-held-dormant realisation.
For months, I've been struggling to navigate the murky waters between doing what I love and doing what I have to do to stay afloat. And the wrong side has been winning, at least from a self-esteem perspective. What I took from Christina's words is that even before I put my name out there, I have to know what I want that name to say.
Right now, my name paints a picture of someone wearing too many hats and covering too diverse a territory. Not being committed to one hat or one genre is mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting because I am spread so thin that I can't be truly effective at any. And then constantly chastising myself for not "making time for what I love" serves no one, other than the "what I have to do to stay afloat" pundits, who benefit from my inability to act.
In other words, if I want to be a speaker and a writer, I have to tell myself that is who I am and then put my name out there for all to see. And if I'm going to tell myself who I am, I have do a better job at navigating those murky waters and finding my way to what I love. Hence, it's time to discard those things that weigh me down and only serve to make me feel bad about myself.
And when I do that? Well, I will either talk about it or write about it, or both - but that will be my choice because it will be what I love to do!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
This could be fun
In this age of social media and instant communication, it's easy to be distracted by the desire to connect. But given my recent hiatus from all things revealy, I wonder if it's really what I need right now?
Twitter is short and sweet, but I tried that and quickly realised I don't really have anything to offer my followers. Just uploading links from the Sydney Morning Herald doesn't seem all that inspiring or useful to anyone. My work isn't anywhere near the point where I have valuable insights and spectacular things worth sharing. So, I ended up twittering away the time reading other people's stuff. A big distraction when I'm already so busy with all my projects and numerous other commitments.
Facebook was the perfect remedy to the distance from my family and friends in Oz. I can happily talk to my nephews and nieces, my brother, the Haragoers, uni friends, ex-work friends, and assorted rellies and mates any time of the day and night. But then a whole whack of people I don't know and don't have time to get to know came knocking at the proverbial door, and I ended up spending a lot of time turning them away. Add to that the incessant desire to post something - anything! - and respond with a clever comment, or not, and you have a big time distraction.
Blogging was fun, but I used it for all the wrong reasons. It became a 'must do daily' exercise, even if I didn't have anything particularly interesting to say. And if I didn't post, I pouted, lamenting my inability to stick to a simple deadline. In effect, the whole thinking side of things turned into a disappointing distraction.
But then I remembered why I started blogging in the first place - my friend Brian said he thought I would be a natural. Ooh, that kind of compliment was all I needed to put fingers to keyboard. And for a while, it was natural, but then it became forced and that's when it all went from go to woe.
Anyway, no more woe. I am going to revert back to the initial impetus for my blog - to write what I live and say what I feel. Some of it will be drivel, and some will be aligned with where I am in my sabbatical - oh yes, that's still going, but I've got a new plan. Again.
So, if you are still reading, stay tuned - this could be fun!
Twitter is short and sweet, but I tried that and quickly realised I don't really have anything to offer my followers. Just uploading links from the Sydney Morning Herald doesn't seem all that inspiring or useful to anyone. My work isn't anywhere near the point where I have valuable insights and spectacular things worth sharing. So, I ended up twittering away the time reading other people's stuff. A big distraction when I'm already so busy with all my projects and numerous other commitments.
Facebook was the perfect remedy to the distance from my family and friends in Oz. I can happily talk to my nephews and nieces, my brother, the Haragoers, uni friends, ex-work friends, and assorted rellies and mates any time of the day and night. But then a whole whack of people I don't know and don't have time to get to know came knocking at the proverbial door, and I ended up spending a lot of time turning them away. Add to that the incessant desire to post something - anything! - and respond with a clever comment, or not, and you have a big time distraction.
Blogging was fun, but I used it for all the wrong reasons. It became a 'must do daily' exercise, even if I didn't have anything particularly interesting to say. And if I didn't post, I pouted, lamenting my inability to stick to a simple deadline. In effect, the whole thinking side of things turned into a disappointing distraction.
But then I remembered why I started blogging in the first place - my friend Brian said he thought I would be a natural. Ooh, that kind of compliment was all I needed to put fingers to keyboard. And for a while, it was natural, but then it became forced and that's when it all went from go to woe.
Anyway, no more woe. I am going to revert back to the initial impetus for my blog - to write what I live and say what I feel. Some of it will be drivel, and some will be aligned with where I am in my sabbatical - oh yes, that's still going, but I've got a new plan. Again.
So, if you are still reading, stay tuned - this could be fun!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Day 17: Day after day
Work continues, but reporting does not. And I'm perfectly fine with that, because I don't want to get into the habit of switching work time for blog time. Not right now, at least, when there is still so much to do and not all the time in the world in which to do it all.
Suffice to say that the speeches are moving along and I am happy with how they are going. Am successfully managing interruptions, and paying attention to books and other ideas instead of leaving them to flounder on their own and then attacking myself for ignoring them.
So, back to it. Later!
Suffice to say that the speeches are moving along and I am happy with how they are going. Am successfully managing interruptions, and paying attention to books and other ideas instead of leaving them to flounder on their own and then attacking myself for ignoring them.
So, back to it. Later!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Day 10: Interruptions be damned!
Steady progress came to a complete halt today with several interruptions and a few tasks that simply would not be deterred. Okay, yes, so I could have put them off, but commitments that they were required me to act accordingly.
As well, hearts are broken with the devastating news of deadly flooding in Queensland. Not my home state, but my country and my roots, and it's shocking to bear witness from a distance and be served details on a regular basis such that we can only stand and weep.
It's enough to make one stop working altogether and wonder how those poor buggers are faring. The least I can do is stay true to my course, and maybe then be able to offer my voice and my pen in ways that are meaningful and true.
Interruptions be damned! You will not have your natural impact for long.
As well, hearts are broken with the devastating news of deadly flooding in Queensland. Not my home state, but my country and my roots, and it's shocking to bear witness from a distance and be served details on a regular basis such that we can only stand and weep.
It's enough to make one stop working altogether and wonder how those poor buggers are faring. The least I can do is stay true to my course, and maybe then be able to offer my voice and my pen in ways that are meaningful and true.
Interruptions be damned! You will not have your natural impact for long.