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Useless Fact
Dec. 15th, 2015 02:54 pmHershy Kay's music to the ballet The Clowns has never, it appears, been recorded for any sort of album release.
Sagittarius Horoscope for week of January 22, 2015
Italian composer Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) didn't like to work hard, and yet he was also prolific. In fact, his desire to avoid strenuous exertion was an important factor in his abundant output. He got things done fast. His most famous opera, The Barber of Seville, took him just 13 days to finish. Another trick he relied on to reduce his workload was plagiarizing himself. He sometimes recycled passages from his earlier works for use in new compositions. Feeling good was another key element in his approach to discipline. If given a choice, he would tap into his creative energy while lounging in bed or hanging out with his buddies. In the coming weeks, Sagittarius, I recommend you consider strategies like his.
"Looney Tunes", huh? Maybe I ought to find some cartoons to watch.
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FreeWill: She's a Frozen Fire...
Jun. 10th, 2014 11:59 amSagittarius Horoscope for week of June 12, 2014
Novelist Herman Melville wrote that in order to create art, "unlike things must meet and mate." Like what? "Sad patience" and "joyous energies," for example; both of them are necessary, he said. "Instinct and study" are crucial ingredients, as well as humility and pride, audacity and reverence, and "a flame to melt" and a "wind to freeze." Based on my interpretation of the astrological omens, Sagittarius, I believe you will soon need to meld opposites like these as you shape that supreme work of art -- your life.
...She's my one desire!
FreeWill: Hate Is In The Air
Apr. 30th, 2014 12:07 pmSagittarius Horoscope for week of May 1, 2014
Actor Matthew McConaughey prides himself on his willingness to learn from his mistakes and failures. A few years ago he collected and read all the negative reviews that critics had ever written about his work in films. It was "an interesting kind of experiment," he told Yahoo News. "There was some really good constructive criticism." According to my reading of the astrological omens, Sagittarius, now would be an excellent time for you to try an experiment comparable to McConaughey's. Be brave!
I aspire to other people's indifference.
Thinking? Allowed? FreeWill Weighs In
Jul. 16th, 2013 11:26 amSagittarius Horoscope for week of July 18, 2013
The Sagittarian writer and artist William Blake (1757-1827) made drawings of many eminent people who had died before he was born. Julius Caesar was the subject of one of his portraits. Others included Dante, Shakespeare, and Moses. How did Blake manage to capture their likenesses in such great detail? He said their spirits visited him in the form of apparitions. Really? I suppose that's possible. But it's also important to note that he had a robust and exquisite imagination. I suspect that in the coming weeks you, too, will have an exceptional ability to visualize things in your mind's eye. Maybe not with the gaudy skill of Blake, but potent nevertheless. What would be the best use of this magic power?
Fat lot of good it does to have an imagination in times when nobody else wants you to get ideas.
The Sagittarian writer and artist William Blake (1757-1827) made drawings of many eminent people who had died before he was born. Julius Caesar was the subject of one of his portraits. Others included Dante, Shakespeare, and Moses. How did Blake manage to capture their likenesses in such great detail? He said their spirits visited him in the form of apparitions. Really? I suppose that's possible. But it's also important to note that he had a robust and exquisite imagination. I suspect that in the coming weeks you, too, will have an exceptional ability to visualize things in your mind's eye. Maybe not with the gaudy skill of Blake, but potent nevertheless. What would be the best use of this magic power?
Fat lot of good it does to have an imagination in times when nobody else wants you to get ideas.
In Soviet Russia
Dec. 24th, 2012 06:21 pmGraphics Widget Customizes YOU
Ford Focus Coupe version (which I don't think we get in the U.S. for some reason).
PS: Oh, hay--it's the convertable version. Hmmph. Lexus can build theirs for the American market but Ford can't? Highly illogical.
Ford Focus Coupe version (which I don't think we get in the U.S. for some reason).
PS: Oh, hay--it's the convertable version. Hmmph. Lexus can build theirs for the American market but Ford can't? Highly illogical.
Bringing Back This Doodle
Dec. 2nd, 2012 08:31 pm
Over the weekend was the local IPMS club's Swap Meet, and I got several kits for very very cheap. Including a few more Spitfires.
Anybody feel like coming up with a paint scheme or two?
FP
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For me, it depends on what the changes ARE. For example, if GONE WITH THE WIND or THE WIZARD OF OZ got tweaked into a widescreen version that lost none of the visual impact but instead enhanced it, with remastered sound and clearer picture quality, I'm sure everybody would want that. But I've said before that colorization doesn't always work.
When ET: THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL was tweaked by Spielberg, there was some justified contraversy about him changing the Deputies' riot shotguns to walkie-talkies in the bicycle chase scene. And, of course, George Lucas' meddling with the STAR WARS movies hasn't won him a lot of friends. If changes are made, they have to benefit the work as a whole, not just add gimmicks.
I'd been thinking about the movie MIDWAY. So much of that was stolen from other movies, that if it were me, I'd use modern tech to redo the parts that were from archives and so make it more honest and authentic. I'd redo the Doolittle Raid sequence so it wouldn't be from THIRTY SECONDS OVER TOKYO or even the PEARL HARBOR remake. I'd redo the sinking of the USS Lexington in the Coral Sea. I'd redo the Japanese raid on Midway Island so it isn't footage from TORA TORA TORA and THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN. And I'd redo thing's like George Gay's crash into the ocean and the ordeal of USS Yorktown. But I wouldn't think of changing the scenes with Fonda, Heston, Mifune and company. The drama is where it's good. It's the other elements that work against it.
For me, it depends on what the changes ARE. For example, if GONE WITH THE WIND or THE WIZARD OF OZ got tweaked into a widescreen version that lost none of the visual impact but instead enhanced it, with remastered sound and clearer picture quality, I'm sure everybody would want that. But I've said before that colorization doesn't always work.
When ET: THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL was tweaked by Spielberg, there was some justified contraversy about him changing the Deputies' riot shotguns to walkie-talkies in the bicycle chase scene. And, of course, George Lucas' meddling with the STAR WARS movies hasn't won him a lot of friends. If changes are made, they have to benefit the work as a whole, not just add gimmicks.
I'd been thinking about the movie MIDWAY. So much of that was stolen from other movies, that if it were me, I'd use modern tech to redo the parts that were from archives and so make it more honest and authentic. I'd redo the Doolittle Raid sequence so it wouldn't be from THIRTY SECONDS OVER TOKYO or even the PEARL HARBOR remake. I'd redo the sinking of the USS Lexington in the Coral Sea. I'd redo the Japanese raid on Midway Island so it isn't footage from TORA TORA TORA and THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN. And I'd redo thing's like George Gay's crash into the ocean and the ordeal of USS Yorktown. But I wouldn't think of changing the scenes with Fonda, Heston, Mifune and company. The drama is where it's good. It's the other elements that work against it.
For The Holiday...
Apr. 8th, 2012 02:49 pm...I present the condensed PEEPS storyline from Starline X. Hodge's webcomic Candi. The story so far: Candi and a classmate have an assignment to do a performance art skit...
( Read more... )
I claim Fair Use. I'm not making any money off this and I want people to look up the webcomic for themselves!
( Read more... )I claim Fair Use. I'm not making any money off this and I want people to look up the webcomic for themselves!
Is it a ploy to recruit teens into the People's Liberation Army, or just to sell action figures? I'm talking about 《正义红师》, a.k.a. "The Red Division of Justice".
And what's stranger is the inclusion of the "psychedelic blues" rock act The SuperVC (think they filed the serial numbers off completely?):
Hmm. There are videos on Chinese websites.
And what's stranger is the inclusion of the "psychedelic blues" rock act The SuperVC (think they filed the serial numbers off completely?):
Hmm. There are videos on Chinese websites.
A while ago here I voiced my desires to make a race car-based horror movie. Paul liked my initial premise, but thought it too expensive to pull off, and wanted to do something else, which I still may participate in if I get all the resources together.
Meanwhile, I'd come to the thought--on the racetrack smaller cars can easily, more safely, and less expensively handle the action. As some of the "track" will have to be rendered as miniature sets, that means that stunts and crashes can be done using miniatures, thus removing risk to players and stand-ins.
So I'm now thinking about using Legends and Baby Grand cars as the structural basis for the machines in the story/movie. There would be mockup cars for acting around that wouldn't have to be operational. Perhaps a truck-with-cockpit rig like as used in the Fast And The Furious movies for the actors to ride in and pretend to drive.
And since the Legends and Baby Grand cars use fiberglass bodies as designed, new bodies just for the movie can be designed and fabricated for these. Which means some room for artistic creativity.
I need more info. *Pokes around the Internet and ruminates...*
Meanwhile, I'd come to the thought--on the racetrack smaller cars can easily, more safely, and less expensively handle the action. As some of the "track" will have to be rendered as miniature sets, that means that stunts and crashes can be done using miniatures, thus removing risk to players and stand-ins.
So I'm now thinking about using Legends and Baby Grand cars as the structural basis for the machines in the story/movie. There would be mockup cars for acting around that wouldn't have to be operational. Perhaps a truck-with-cockpit rig like as used in the Fast And The Furious movies for the actors to ride in and pretend to drive.
And since the Legends and Baby Grand cars use fiberglass bodies as designed, new bodies just for the movie can be designed and fabricated for these. Which means some room for artistic creativity.
I need more info. *Pokes around the Internet and ruminates...*
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(no subject)
Jun. 29th, 2011 01:49 amSagittarius Horoscope for week of June 30, 2011
In 1498, Leonardo da Vinci completed one of his masterworks, the mural known as "The Last Supper." Nineteen years later, the paint had begun to flake off, and by 1556 Leonardo's biographer considered the whole thing to be "ruined." Over the centuries, further deterioration occurred, even as many experts tried to restore and repair it. The most recent reclamation project, finished in 1999, lasted more than two decades. I hope that in the coming months, Sagittarius, you will show a similar dedication to the high art of regeneration. Please work long and hard on bringing vitality back into what has fallen into decay or stagnancy.
I could use a Time Lord's dose of regeneration. Have a new actor play my role, a redesigned set for the shots, new costumes and props...
But I'm willing to settle for getting a career--just about ANY career!--on the path to sustainability again.
In 1498, Leonardo da Vinci completed one of his masterworks, the mural known as "The Last Supper." Nineteen years later, the paint had begun to flake off, and by 1556 Leonardo's biographer considered the whole thing to be "ruined." Over the centuries, further deterioration occurred, even as many experts tried to restore and repair it. The most recent reclamation project, finished in 1999, lasted more than two decades. I hope that in the coming months, Sagittarius, you will show a similar dedication to the high art of regeneration. Please work long and hard on bringing vitality back into what has fallen into decay or stagnancy.
I could use a Time Lord's dose of regeneration. Have a new actor play my role, a redesigned set for the shots, new costumes and props...
But I'm willing to settle for getting a career--just about ANY career!--on the path to sustainability again.
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Writer's Block (Subject Lost To Time)
Jun. 28th, 2011 07:39 pm[Error: unknown template qotd]
I'd take my brother with me...with our first mission attempting to rescue a friend of his from a very stupid accidental death. If we don't get to do that, we'll witness the Beatles recording the Sgt. Pepper's album.
I'd take my brother with me...with our first mission attempting to rescue a friend of his from a very stupid accidental death. If we don't get to do that, we'll witness the Beatles recording the Sgt. Pepper's album.
Crafts And Arts
Jun. 22nd, 2011 03:50 pmWent to Alcoa/Maryville to check out the new Aldi market there, and to get a paint marker at Hobby Lobby. At the latter, I also found a little artist mannekin keychain. The mannekin doesn't have much articulation, but is a useful size (roughly 1/25 scale). So I bought it and removed it from its keychain components.
Hey.
This season there are all sorts of ads on TV from IBM about how they're developing software systems that can so analyse written language to nail down meaning that they could possibly beat Jeopardy!'s double-entendre-laden game model.
I'm intrigued, but not so concerned yet.
The reason being that I wonder if anybody has found a way to analyse "tone of voice".
On DeviantArt, there is a worksheet created by Nancy Lorenz called "25 Essential Expressions Challenge", intended to train cartoonists and comic artists in designing characters that are consistant no matter what mood they are in, but still easy to read mood-wise.
The Expressions:
* Happy * Sad * Pleased * Angry * Confused * Tired * Surprised/Shocked * Irritated * WTF?! * Triumphant * Afraid * Bereft * Flirty * Serious/Interested * Silly * Hollow/Blank * Incredulous * Confident * Fierce * Despondent * Impaired * Raging * Ironic/Sarcastic * Disgusted * Ill/Nauseous
Now, in theory each and every one of those Expressions corresponds to a tone of voice, as spoken or as heard. If we can get artificial intelligences to both recognize just those 25, and respond correctly to those, we'll have come a very very long way toward fulfilling the technology's potential.
Besides, I wish Xtranormal could upgrade its dialogue system to include expressions as the above. Not only would it make the resulting videos more fun to watch, it would make it more attractive to use Xtranormal.
FP
This season there are all sorts of ads on TV from IBM about how they're developing software systems that can so analyse written language to nail down meaning that they could possibly beat Jeopardy!'s double-entendre-laden game model.
I'm intrigued, but not so concerned yet.
The reason being that I wonder if anybody has found a way to analyse "tone of voice".
On DeviantArt, there is a worksheet created by Nancy Lorenz called "25 Essential Expressions Challenge", intended to train cartoonists and comic artists in designing characters that are consistant no matter what mood they are in, but still easy to read mood-wise.
The Expressions:
* Happy * Sad * Pleased * Angry * Confused * Tired * Surprised/Shocked * Irritated * WTF?! * Triumphant * Afraid * Bereft * Flirty * Serious/Interested * Silly * Hollow/Blank * Incredulous * Confident * Fierce * Despondent * Impaired * Raging * Ironic/Sarcastic * Disgusted * Ill/Nauseous
Now, in theory each and every one of those Expressions corresponds to a tone of voice, as spoken or as heard. If we can get artificial intelligences to both recognize just those 25, and respond correctly to those, we'll have come a very very long way toward fulfilling the technology's potential.
Besides, I wish Xtranormal could upgrade its dialogue system to include expressions as the above. Not only would it make the resulting videos more fun to watch, it would make it more attractive to use Xtranormal.
FP
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This Could Be MY Independence Day. Nah.
Jan. 13th, 2011 12:14 am
I used to "work" for an independent comics publisher back in Florida in the early Nineties. Most exciting time of my life. Got blown off by two artists, and never got paid. Looking back, I should be glad I never got actually published then--my writing sucked!
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