And Now a Word from Old Spice...

I couldn't resist. I've been thinking about this ad for weeks --



It's clever, funny, relevant, and pitchman, Isaiah Mustafa is cutey cute. Who knew Old Spice had it in them? This just goes to show that with the right message (story), an irreverent way to deliver said message, any brand can make an impact and stand out. And in the case of OS, be water cooler cool.

Kudos to Weiden+Kennedy, Portland -- the ad agency responsible.

Pilot Season...

I have been remiss. Meant to mention that this is pilot season for all you TV watchers out there. The time of year networks decide which new shows might be coming to your TVs in the fall or mid-season next year.

Doesn't look too promising for women showrunners -- the creative/writer and director/producing kind.

And this is a stat that hasn't changed much in the last 20 years. Dismal, disappointing, and yes, expected.

Even though women-centric features have been kicking financial booty at the movies lately, that success still hasn't translated to TV. Even though much of the TV we see is also women-centric programming. And most feature writers are turning towards TV because of the steady paychecks, and greater opportunity. Mmm... does not compute, does not compute, Will Robinson.

And yes, because I'm not happy with these unrelenting stats, I'm writing/creating/producing my own stuff.

It's That Time...

Yep, it's February and two years ago the summer version was here.

Need I say more?

Wasn't really paying that much attention to all the pre-Olympic hype. Haven't really been following the Olympic trials in my fav winter sports -- short and long track speed skating, and then just plain skating, ice dancing, the long distance skiing events.

But now that it's here, I find my attention drawn to these events during the evening hours and some times during the day.

I'm digging it. Just like the other 90+ million others who've taken a peek or two since the games started last Friday night in Vancouver.

As a native Chicagoan, I can't even tell you how much it blows that we lost the Summer 2016 games. I mean ouch, but Rio better bring it. So far -- especially after severe and major power outages, I'm not that confident they can, but losers can't be choosy, huh...?

Did I mention it's taking place in one of my to-visit-destinations, Whistler? And that it's unseasonably warm there, like 50 degree plus days...?

A week and a half to go. USA, USA...

Image courtesy of John Thurlow.

I've hit a Speedbump...

I'm experiencing my own brand of contraction and retrenchment. What is going on with my students?

First couple sessions went like gangbusters, but I guess the reality of what it takes to write and write seriously is hitting home. People aren't doing the work, or are slacking.

Guess this means I've got to roll up my sleeves, cause this malaise can't happen on my watch.

The Passing of Salinger...

Forgot to mention, reclusive novelist J.D. Salinger of the infamous "The Catcher in the Rye", one of my favorite tomes, passed this week. He was 91.

Still can remember the joy and sense of recognition I felt upon reading this book the first time. And although Salinger turned his back on the fame and fortune this book brought to his life, he, and it, still left an undeniable and indelible impression.

RIP...

Photo by Left, Lotte Jacobi.

Pins and needles...

Ever have one of those days when you just can't get it in gear? There are things to do -- yes indeedy, but you just can't muster the focus to get that thing you've been wanting to do FOREVER, done.

I keep thinking about random, nonsensical stuff that has nothing to do with the task at hand... and something like this pops into my head --

Just light... direction, a way.

Thank goodness, I've had the wherewithal to get the little things done, but the big kahuna -- nada, bupkis. I'll get to it -- promise, but man, this tug-o-war within myself is making me batty.