Hi
Posted by Allison Mack | Filed under Blog
Hello all!
I apologize for the brief hiatus, I hope you all can forgive me! I have been completely bogged down with learning the new skill of directing and I’m spending pretty much all my spare time watching movies for research and learning as much as I can about this amazing craft.
It is so cool because I’m seeing the process of directing from a whole new light and it is beautiful!
Here is one of the videos I am feeling most inspired by right now! Enjoy and I will check in with some questions and thoughts very soon!
xoxo
allison
Tags: Directing, inspiration
153 Responses to “Hi”
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Marilyne Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 8:33 pmWell well well…that’s where you’ve been hiding!
The video is awesome, I can’t believe the time and practice it has needed to actually come up with that concept and to achieve it. Nice song also, quite sad though…
25 days, uh? I’m eager to learn directing facts from you! and of course see that fabulous episode!
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MaRviN Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 8:37 pmHi Allison!!
how are you??…
i love this song, people run in circles is a very very mad world!!
grettings from ens,B.C.,mexico -
Aysha Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 8:39 pmHey Allison,
First off, welcome back from the mini hiatus! As many of us have said in our posts, we are getting spoiled from the almost daily posts you have had previously! lol We can never get enough of your awesomeness! But, that is not to say that you HAVE to post on a regular basis, as you have a busy life and other responsibilities.
I hope the learning process for directing is going well for you! Is there anything that stands out to you in directing now that you hadn’t previously noticed before? In other words, how has your perspective of directing changed after aquiring more knowledge about the craft?
The video was amazingly done. It’s so funny because “Mad World” by Gary Jules has become one of my favorite songs just recently!
Isn’t it amazing what the human body can do and what it can emulate if we let our creativity run wild and free? That is what I got from the concept of this video and also the fact that we can be so small in comparison to what the world encompasses if we stand and observe it.
Speaking of which, I was wondering: Would you consider yourself an observer or a participant in life? (It’s an open-ended question for anyone, really) Are there times when you let yourself sit back and watch, while at other times you like to jump into the meat of things?
I would love to hear your thoughts, Allison, as well as what others have to say!
Take care as always and I can’t wait to see your directorial debut!
-Aysha
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MaRviN Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 8:39 pmlucky!!! with the episode #13
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Michael L Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 8:40 pmHey Allison glad your back we all missed you and don’t worry i’m sure every one well forgive you lol
Interesting video thank’s for posting.
Keep up the great work!
And i can’t wait to see your directorial debut have fun and don’t work to hard.
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Josh Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 8:57 pmThat was such a wonderful video. The effort and time put into the planning and coordination must have been immense. It was done to an amazing song too. The song brought something extra to the movements that wasn’t needed but really great. I would be very interested to hear what bystanders were thinking while they were filming it. Did they think the people were weird for dancing around or did they think that it was very cool and wanted to join in?
The countdown is nearing its end. It’ll be great when we can see the final product and see how all your hard work has paid off
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Josh Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 9:18 pmExcellent question Aysha. For me, I would have to say that I am more of an observer. I really enjoy watching how others interact with each other. How they treat new acquaintances, old friends, and people they don’t always agree with. It’s also intriguing to see how people act when they believe that others aren’t watching. When they feel like they’re “safe” to be themselves. Many people put on a different face when around different people. If we didn’t have so many different faces, how would be really act?
While I do like observing, it’s great to join in also. Being able to voice your opinions and thoughts is important to show who you are. It’s great to share what you think and believe with others. Swap ideas and go back and forth, learning with most conversations. This is such a great way to learn and expand your knowledge.
Observing and participating is a great way to learn about others and learn about yourself. You’re able to flush out your ideas and be able to incorporate other views with yours. It’s learning all around.
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taylor nikole Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 9:21 pmhaha thanks to darwin for PMing me… i would have never seen this blog LOL
*I dont really check anymore
*damn, i lost the bet… there was no falling in holes involved
Sounds fun though, learning is fun…
and suchehhh my brain is a little ehh today too much memorization…
I have test quetions + lines from my scene crowding in my head…
I’m not responding well today LOL<3 anywaysss…
love much
(this post was meaningless)
taylor -
taylor nikole Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 9:28 pmand by the way…
that video is fuckin rad LOL -
steph Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 9:31 pmthat was cool.
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David Hayes Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 10:01 pmBouroux guessed correctly.
Every other season of “Smallville” had “pipeline problems” where a few new episodes would come out then repeats then a few more new nes then repeats. This year, everyone is being very ambitious and committing to doing a long string of episodes before taking a break.
For me, I thought I was about to get a break. My designs went for review in front of the CEO and the owner of the company yesterday and the CEO said he had never seen so many people leave a meeting so happy at the company. Everyone loved the design … of course, they don’t know I had anything to do with it. But they loved it so much, they want a second, smaller version of the design immediately. The threat is that they will bring in someone to do the new design while I’m doing paperwork anyone could do. Working from computer models I’ve already created, I could have the new product ready in 5 days. If they get someone really good who isn’t familiar with the product or my models, they’ll be lucky to get the work done in a month or two. … but since the powers that be don’t even know I had anything to do with the current design, they see no need to have me on the “team.” I have no desire to watch this new project crash and burn … but the alternative is for me to burn out.
Year after year, I become more and more convinced that this life is only a test … perhaps an entrance exam. I thought that Allison stopped posting because she had finally figured it all out.
Well, 5 more hours until it starts all over again.
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Jamal Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 10:10 pmDirecting I imagine is a lot like poetry; no two films are alike but there shouldn’t be a wrong way to do it, of course blunders now and again occur as it is with written pieces; grammar and misspelling —often. I envy you.
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David Hayes Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 10:11 pmOn topic (for a change … for a moment) that video reminds me of a must see video of a live action stage show that involves a ping pong match played in the style of the “Matrix” movie. It’s unbelievable and when the “how” of it is revealed it seems all the more amazing.
Go to YouTube and search “matrix ping pong” and watch. It will add somthing to your life.
Hmmm. That song was interesting: “… the dreams I have of dying are the best I ever had….” Which makes me wonder what the WORST dreams he ever had were like? Maybe he dreamed that he woke up … and was me! Now that’s scary!
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Aysha Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 10:26 pmJosh: I totally agree with you. Sometimes when I am observing people from a distance, I almost feel like I am getting sneak peek at something about that person that he/she wouldn’t share otherwise.
With so many different reactions and mannerisms with many different people, it makes you wonder who is the real self? Or is the real self a compilation of all those different personas?
I learned in my social psych class that it is actually useful for a person to be adaptive to different situations and to be chameleons, in a sense. It makes them more flexible to different situations and people.
For me, I like to be in the core of things, but I like to sit on the sidelines every once in a while just to people watch.
I guess it just depends on the sitation for most people and which instances and settings they comfortable enough to jump into the action and become a team player.
The beauty of it all for me is that the setting that one is comfortable in, where one can be truly be him/herself changes from person to person. It’s great.
Taylor: it is perfectly okay to have random posts! It’s a great release!
David: I am sorry to hear that you are not getting enough credit for your work. I hope that it works out for you in the end and that your spirit isn’t dampened in the process.
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David Hayes Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 10:42 pmI just thought I’d share this with you … doesn’t look like I’ll get much sleep anyway. A few years ago, I got into a debate with someone about M.C. Escher’s “Relativity.” I said that the space depicted in the drawing could be built and useful in a space station where gravity wasn’t an issue. The person I was talking with said that “Relativity” was an optical illusion as was all of Escher’s work. I said that some of Escher’s work was meticulously drafted and 3-dimensionally valid. The person and others thought I was crazy. (I was right … but that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m not crazy.) I had long wanted to build a model of “Relativity” but knew it would take me days to do it right … and it would just be for me … and that wasn’t a good enough reason. Then it dawned on me that I was working on one of the best (don’t believe it) 3-D modeling software for product development. So, I spent less than two hours creating a bare bones 3-D model of “Relativity.” It was incredibly easy because the software wanted to snap to a grid as I “built” the stairs and I let it. Then there is this great software that makes E-Drawings from the file that people can shade and view and rotate without buying any software. The necessary software comes with the image. It is an executable file that will not harm your computer but I have heard that it won’t work on a Mac … but hopefully it will work for A. Mack (sorry … really, really, REALLY tired). If I had the time or reason, I could make a much more detailed model that could be “grown” in a prototype machine. Go to my site (daybow[dot]com) and add the following to the address to see what “Relativity” looks like and then to download a 3-D image:
/Exchange_File/Relativity.jpg
/Exchange_File/RELATIVITY.exe
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taylor nikole Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 10:48 pmhahah wait ….
“Taylor: it is perfectly okay to have random posts! It’s a great release!”
i didn’t mean hers.. i meant my response LOL
if thats what you thought
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David Hayes Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 10:55 pmAysha (Blog comment post count total Jan. thru June 2008: 9),
I think that observing and enjoying are skills too. I can’t sing (and i’ve proved that) or play a musical instrument but sometimes when I am really allowing a musical number to reverberate through me, I get this probably undeserved and arrogant feeling that my enjoyment of that music at that moment is a great skill and that I an beyond equal in how I am affected by it. I wonder how many people secretly feel the same way. I know some peopl do when they can’t help but to begin conducting or playing air guitar as they listen to music that moves them. Of course, compared to me, they are amateurs ….
Boy, I am tired! But I have to be these days. I still have to sleep sitting up for a couple more weeks. I still DREAM that I am lying down.
Four hours and the alarm will ring. I’d better go give it another try.
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Matthew Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 11:08 pmI love it!! the camera angles and lighting are amazing. A very fallish kind of feel to it all, and the art expressed through this is unbelievable! its amazing that people cant work together and put their minds to use in such a creative way. I can see why it inspires you. great. have fun directing, looking foward to seeing what you do and your take on the story.
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Aysha Says:
October 15th, 2008 at 11:11 pmTaylor, I meant yours, LOL.
Yes, I agree, David, enjoying is a skill as well. Appreciating something means that you have at the least, partially understood what a piece of work is conveying to you.
Hmmm, 9 posts.
On the behalf of all of us, thank you for compiling that data for us, by the by!
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David Hayes Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 4:13 amYou’re welcome Aysha. You’re way up there on my list … at the top … near Arash. But when I realized that I prbably have another 80 hours in this just to get caught up, I wonder what I was thinking. Thae answer is … I wasn’t. This kind of feels like the time I volunteered to transcribe the commentary on The “Smallville” episode “Rosetta Stone” for a deaf woman. That was nearly impossible. No lips to watch and people talking over each other. Al and Miles were tough enough (especially Al), but when Michael Rosenbaum was doing sound effects and impersonations, it took things to a whole new level and I was completely out of my depth.
Well, I have a lot of important decisions to make today. For instance, do I finally get around to trimming my toe nails, or do I just buy shoes that are a size larger … or invent an open toed dress shoe for men … or spend the bucks t go to one of those people they talk about that groom take care of your toe nails for you … what do they call them? Ped-a-files?? Then I have 19 drawings to do and whatever else might come up plus the 2 hours commuting. But I did fall right to sleep last night and get an almost full 4 hours.
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David Hayes Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 4:16 amMatthew Said:
“I love it!! the camera angles and lighting are amazing. A very fallish kind of feel to it all,”
It sure did! I thought someone was going to fall off that roof very time the camera did a loop-de-loop back up to the roof then back to the pavement!
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David Hayes Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 5:33 am***SPOILER WARNING***
On Kryptonsite I saw images of Allison strapped to a chair wired to give Allison an electric shock. That didn’t have anything to do with the lateness of this Blog posting, did it? Who was the unknown poster behind that translucent mask??
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Maria Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 7:24 amAWESOME VIDEO!! The song was a bit sad but i loved it’s rythm! And I could see why you’re inspired by it cause the camera action and angles are quite good. It’s a VERY different way to direct a video!
Good Luck with your directing debut!!
Xo
Maria
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David Hayes Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 7:47 amAllison,
I hope you don’t try to do everything you’ve always wanted to do in a single episode. You’ll have other opportunities. Count on it.
What was weird is that, on the way to work, I saw something I wouldn’t believe if I saw it in a movie or TV show. In a clear sky was a dark flock of birds moving across the sky. The shape of the community of birds undulated a little as it moved, but it was an unmistakable inverted diamond shape — the Superman symbol in profile.
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Nita Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 8:27 amTO DREAM
anything that you want to dream,
thats the powerful beauty of the human mind.
TO DO
anything you want to,
thats the strength of the human spirit
TO TRUST
yourself to test your limits,
thats the courage to achieve -
Lexie Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 8:29 amWelcome back Allison! Love the video you posted. Can’t wait to see your work on Smallville! Only 24 days!!
P.S. Did you ever get the chance to check out Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Cancer?
http://www.crazysexycancer.com/ -
vegas911 Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 8:35 amI love this song…it was played in an epp of Smallville in season two I think…..I’ve always wanted to know who sang it so that I could download it…what an original concept……very creative…..best wishes Allison…..good luck with directing…can’t wait to see what your going to do!!!
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Allie Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 8:55 amHey, that’s the song they use for one of the final scenes of Donnie Darko…which would explain the Frank Bunny Mask at the title….
Anywho,
that really is a great video. It’s so interesting, with the overhead view they use. I wonder how that was all coordinated and such, must have taken FOREVER to figure out where everybody should go, and what looked good from overhead etc. Crazyness…So are you finding it difficult, or just challenging in a good way to direct, and think about each separate shot and what looks good etc?
Also, random question, but by preparing for directing do you find yourself analyzing “scenes” from your everyday life, and wondering how they would be filmed, and what could have been a better way to say something, or at what camera angle, or which background music you would use? And I realize that this question…as well as my other question, may make no sense, as I am not fully coherent at the moment (…I just got out of my philosophy class…so my brain is fried! Lol ) so if they make no sense just pretend they aren’t there…
Yeah….
Anywho…Hope that your week is going well!
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viviane Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 9:04 amwow! good that you are back! I know that you will not need to because you are a very intelligent and wonderful but good luck in the direction of the episode of Smallville, I am anxious to see this episode … as you always this wonderful in Smallville
I know this song, but had never seen this video, found it very nice, must have given a Work to do these choreographed! wonderful!
a big kiss, take care! love!Viviane – Brazil
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SolShine7 Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 9:44 amThat’s cool. Who are some of your favorite directors? Yimou Zhang and David Nutter are a couple of mine. What Zhang did with the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Summer Olympics was brilliant!
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David Hayes Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 9:51 amAnother thing about the video, it gives hope for future career opportunities to people who were in the Ohio State marching band.
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Melissa Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 10:08 amHi!!! I missed you so much!!! I’m so glad to have you back here!!! Thanks for shring this video, the direction of this videos is fantastic, I can almost feel how you are inspired by this video. So much luck with the episode you are directing!!!! You’ll be wonderful as always!!!! Take care! Bye, greetings from Peru!
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Darwin Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 10:09 amAllie said:
“…random question, but by preparing for directing do you find yourself analyzing “scenes” from your everyday life, and wondering how they would be filmed, and what could have been a better way to say something, or at what camera angle, or which background music you would use?”
*laughs* I am not certain if you will find this comforting…
…actually you will more than likely find it disturbing in an “OH NO! I am thinking like Darwin” kind-of-way…
But I do that all the time.
And regarding THIS statement:
“…I just got out of my philosophy class…so my brain is fried! Lol so if they make no sense just pretend they aren’t there
THAT is best thing to do with a philosophy class…
When they make no sense pretend they are not there! *smiles*
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Darwin Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 10:22 amTaylor Nikole:
You are MOST welcome for the distraction that led you here!
David Hayes:
You need an agent.
You are much to humble to sing your own praises…and battle on your own behalf.
An agent will reap you great rewards…even at ten or fifteen percent…
Because someone pointing out your value will be able to negotiate a couple of thousand fold MORE than that…either from your current employer…or a better one who realizes your worth!
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Ross UK Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 10:24 amWelcome back Allison. Glad to hear that things are progressing for you.
I’m on an antique laptop at the moment that doesn’t like YouTube, or anything particular strenuous, so I’ll have to watch the video later on my real computer. I recognise the song that everyone’s talking about. It was topped the music charts here at Christmas about five years ago, which always struck me as strange as the Christmas number one is usually seasonal, or the winner of some televised talent show.
I still hear it on the radio regularly and it always makes me relax and ponder – it has an almost hypnotic, lulling rhythm/melody.
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Jimmy Valentime Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 10:50 amAlison are you aiming to give you episode a different look or are you going to make it look like a typical smallville episode
off topic but
you are a really thoughtful person and I wanted to know if you been following the election going on in the states and what your thoughts are…
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David Hayes Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 11:02 amHmmm. An agent. If I could get an agent who will take 20% … of my losses … yeah!
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David Hayes Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 11:03 amPolitics … To me it looks like we will soon be known as the Obama-Nation. In parts of the world, we already are.
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Robin Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 11:30 amNo need to apologise, we are all behind you with your directing adventure and we just wish you the best of luck.
Can’t wait to see how the World(or is that universe) and characters of Smallville appear through your eyes!
Enjoy the experience of a lifetime …and remember to yell action and cut.
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David Hayes Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 11:35 amMost importantly, has the new director’s chair been ordered yet?
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Ana_Sullivan Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 12:00 pmHi Allison!
I love the song lyrics and video!
Enjoy with all the good things in your life! I wish you all the best!! -
gaylady Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 12:01 pmAnyone know what i need to type into youtube to see the vid allison’s talking about? It doesn’t come up on my phone.
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James Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 12:09 pmMad world…great choice of inspiration:)
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David Hayes Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 12:12 pmGay Lady,
Try this:
watch?v=v52Igdotisk
I promise, it’s the one Allison has on this blog entry and not the video with my singing debut. I wouldn’t do that … or would I?
[Insert evil laugh here.]
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David Hayes Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 12:12 pm[keywords Michael Andrews Mad World]
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Smallvillekent Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 12:38 pmHi Allison, Glad your back ! We missed you! Nice video. As always good luck directing! Peter
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Ruth Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 12:47 pmglad you’re finding inspiration, Allison…obviously, we’re all looking forward with anticipation to your directorial debut as much as we look forward to reading your posts!
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gaylady Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 12:57 pmThanx david, but it’s not working on my phone. Is it the official video for the song or something someone put together to the song? Great song by the way. I have an application on my phone that allows me to see most of what’s on the internet but some addresses don’t work. There’s a mobile site called vuclip that enables me to see what’s on youtube, etc.
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David Hayes Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 1:08 pmHmmm. Wasn’t there a movie called “Gay Lady Down” ?? Probably about someone who couldn’t get YouTube on her phone. I once complained that I had no shoes, then I met a man who had no YouTube capability or texting on his phone … then I complained that I didn’t have that stuff either … to the man with no feet. He wasn’t very sympathetic.
Boy am I tired. I’ll try to get more than 4 hours sleep tonight. No need for beauty sleep for me. I could sleep longer than Rip Van Winkle and it wouldn’t do me a bit of good.
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Taty Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 1:16 pmWelcome back Allison… We missed you!!!
I wish you really all the best in this new challenge!!!
xoxo
Ps.: Nice Video…
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gaylady Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 1:17 pmI know of a film called gray lady down about a nuclear sub. Was made before youtube existed tho…
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gaylady Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 1:20 pmHmmm… seems smiley faces don’t work. How does one convey sarcasm…?
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shinefloyd / luigi Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 1:58 pmThanks… very nice video!….
and very relaxing music.
I hope you can learn so much… directing.
You are very smart… and you can do it very well.
Use your imagination and instincts too.
Good luck!!!
We are waiting…to see your job.
Hope the best of you.
Best wishes. -
The Friday Philosopher Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 2:55 pmWell, just in case you haven’t got the picture by now. We missed you!!!
I personally have been having withdrawal symptoms. It’s ok now though. The tablets the doctor gave me are working their magic!
I have liked this version of the song ever since it’s release, but today is the first time I’ve seen the video to it! Now I have seen it, I feel like watching Donnie Darko again!
Which reminds me! From an outside point of view, films such as Donnie Darko make me wonder what actually goes through the mind of a director whilst doing the job. I mean is Richard Kelly just simply a dark minded individual, did he have to really stretch himself to make the film or was it all down to a lethal concoction of hallucinogenic barbiturates?
I am a methodical person, I lay out my work in its appropriate steps and then follow them until my work is complete, but direction is the exact opposite. One day you could be filming a scene from the beginning and then the next it could be the end and then back to the beginning again! I now there is usually more than one person involved in the process and there’s storyboarding and such, but I would probably fall apart or have a nervous breakdown by the end of the first week if I were a director.
I would imagine that it is easier to understand for someone who grew up within the industry; which also reminds me, I along with everybody else on this site would like to wish you luck on your directing début. However, I’m not sure I can wait until they air your episode; I’ve already started taking bets on whether or not it will be the best episode of Smallville ever!
Friday
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Ross UK Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 4:16 pmI’ve now seen the video and understand what people are talking about. It’s very cleverly done – there was a phase about a year ago where all sorts of adverts on UK tv used that sort of thing and you forget after a while how hard it must be to pull off.
I’m curious, Allison – is it the video that inspires you or the music? I usually find music more moving than something visual and find that a video or film without music just doesn’t have the same impact on me, although given your current workload I can understand if you’re concentrating more on the direction of the video.
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Ross UK Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 4:19 pmA couple of songs that always inspire me are “Streets of London” by Ralph McTell and “(You’ve got the) Touch” by Stan Bush.
The first is by no means a ‘feel-good’ song – in fact its subject is a bit depressing – but whenever I’m feeling down I can listen to it and I always feel better. The whole point of the song is to be thankful for what and more importantly who you’ve got. It always makes me realise how thankful I am for the people in my life. The second basically says that you’re stronger than you think and there’s nothing you can’t do if you set your mind to it.
Essentially the first picks me and the second gives me a push in the right direction. What songs or videos inspire everyone else?
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David Hayes Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 6:58 pm“She Bangs” as performed by William Hung never fails to bring a tear to my eye. I know that if I work and practice long and hard that I can someday sing maybe half as well as he can.
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Scott Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 8:58 pmAh, Mad World.
The song doesn’t feel like it fits the video. Separately, I think they’re quite amazing, though. The people were very highly coordinated which made for a fun show, and the song has a strong mood.
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James Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 9:30 pmThis scene always inspires me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6pOXjQLh7Y -
jennygirl Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 10:01 pmThe video was cool.
And Darwin! I totally picture the camera angles on my day if it were a movie! And a soundtrack. And ESPECIALLY sound effects! I enjoy the use of the freeze frame. I think it’s funny. Like the end of a C.H.iP.s episode!
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Brittany Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 10:39 pmHey Allison! That’s where you’ve been! No worries, no apologizing needed. We can just be thankful for this amazing site and how you contact with us, emotionally and creatively. That video was awesome! I was amazed! I’m so excited for you to direct Smallville! I’m so proud of what you’ve accomplished and I wish you the best and I support you to the fullest! Last weekend I went to the Winnipeg Comic-Con and I got a chance to meet Erica Durance and Justin Hartley. I was seriously blown away by them. They are the sweetest people ever and I got to talk with them! It sounds like you guys have lots of fun on set! I hope you come to a Comic-Con in Winnipeg! I think I would die. But please let me know if your coming to Winnipeg any time soon
.
Much love and support,
Brittany XOXOXO
Goodnight yall….. -
Kingposer Says:
October 17th, 2008 at 10:57 amI just wanted to stop by and say Hi! This video is great and is inspiring. I am looking forward to the episode that you will be directing on Smallville. Another video that you need to see is called kiwi. Look for it on Youtube. Hopefully I will talk to you later.
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Sherann JOhnson Says:
October 17th, 2008 at 12:06 pmthat was a sweeeet video! it really shows just how beautiful of an art form film is, and how it can be used to send a message and make an impact into someones life. As an aspiring director I’m stoked to hear all you have to say about your experiences of directing smallville.
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Darwin Says:
October 17th, 2008 at 1:12 pmjennygirl: Cool! It is SO fun isn’t it! I LOVE your freeze frame idea! I will have to try that today!
My day quite often has a laugh track included…
…mostly by passerbys mind you…
*smiles*
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David Hayes Says:
October 17th, 2008 at 2:24 pmYesterday, the gas bubble put in my left eye to support my detached retina during surgery finally dissipated. I gave a little cheer of joy. At last I could lie down to sleep at night. At last I didn’t have to look through a bubble. Then I noticed something. I called the doctor’s office. I was told that what I was seeing was an after effect of the surgery. By the time I had put in my 13 hours at work, I wasn’t so sure. So, this morning I saw my eye doctor. Everyone was sure I was wasting their time. I wish I had been. The side of my retina that didn’t detach earlier decided that it was its turn to fall down on the job. So, I had the first half of my eye surgery today (3 eye injections and a new gas bubble in place). Hopefully, I will have the rest of the surgery tomorrow. But before the first part of the surgery, I went to work and cleared out my cubicle. Old people with health problems are disposable. They gambled right by not hiring me. They have already lined someone up to take over for me on Monday. In many ways I feel relieved. So if anyone knows anyone that needs an old fart to design products for them, let me know. Well, I did get to sleep lying down for one night. Maybe I’ll be back sleeping on my back in another month.
I hope the surgery won’t keep me from going to the Ghoulardi Fest tomorrow. Paul Thomas Anderson won’t be attending, but his sister might be. If I see her, I’ll let her know that Allison Mack would love to be in one of her brother’s movies. Then I might head over to Screaming Tiki in Niles, Ohio and hang out with Noelle Neil and Julie Newmar and discuss hot topics like the benefits of support stockings.
I guess I should take the time to finish writing the treatment for my movie … or finish compiling the blog statistics!
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The Friday Philosopher Says:
October 17th, 2008 at 3:14 pmI’m really sorry to hear about your eye David. I was really looking forward to some form of trans-Atlantic celebration when you were once again able to sleep on your back!
Never mind hay!
I can kind of sympathise with you about the employer situation, they have already told me that my job will not continue after the 31st of December this year, yet they still expect me to conform to their targets so that they can have their bonuses! I suppose with you, one thing you can be certain of is that the person that they replace you with won’t be anywhere near as good at the job as you are. I’m a strong believer that no matter how many qualifications you have, there is no substitute for experience!
I too hope that surgery won’t keep you from your festival, if only for the fact that men of our age shouldn’t be tied down. Like stray dogs we should be free to roam the world without question!
I truly hope that your eyes are back to full working order very soon!
Take care all!
Friday
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Robbo Says:
October 17th, 2008 at 3:54 pmThe song expresses many feelings, the video is beautiful, thanks so much Allison, It’s a very very mad world, The test is what is happening in the world these days….the collapse of the economy!
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robbo by Italy Says:
October 17th, 2008 at 3:59 pmThe song expresses many feelings, the video is beautiful, thanks so much Allison, It’s a very very mad world, The test is what is happening in the world these days….the collapse of the economy!
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rosa Says:
October 18th, 2008 at 4:51 amHI!!!! ALLISON.SORRYYY.NO HABLO INGLES.BUENO ESPERO QUE TE LO PUEDAN TRADUCIR JAJAJJA.EL VIDEO ESTA GENIAL .BUENO CUIDATE BYE BYEEEEEEE AND SORRYYYY
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Jackie Says:
October 18th, 2008 at 7:26 amwow……..
that is amazing. thats one raw talent there that they’re able to be so in syphnic (sp?) with each other and are so cordinated. wowzers….
well, im sure you’ll do great on your episode! I CANT WAIT! haha. good luck! l8rs! : ) -
renee Says:
October 18th, 2008 at 8:34 amAllison I have faith that you will do well.I would ask Tom for advice or get ahold of M.R. just be your amazing self and have the go power to see the episode the way you want. I hope that day for you is easy and fast and none of cast horses around to much. God Bless Renee<
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jennygirl Says:
October 18th, 2008 at 4:25 pmAllison, what did you read at the event at Lick a few days ago? Anything cool we should look for?
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Laetitia Says:
October 18th, 2008 at 4:43 pmI can feel this song, that for me the expression of real feeling of all the people. That my life this song just ir…and that really sad because it’s just like some much people live with this strange stuff no too much hope.
Just dreams who gone.
Like we have an aim but we don’t no what is it…I really love this song she speak to me.(sorry for this “english” I’am a french girl)
xoxo L -
Neil Says:
October 19th, 2008 at 12:58 amAwesome, Allison!! I’m so glad your back in action again. I was getting worried you were done with all of us. :>) But be careful not to overwork yourself learning the art of “directing”. Make sure you get plenty of rest and make sure you eat regularly. Gotta keep up your strength and energy levels (which seem to very very high … LOL) Don’t be a stranger for too long!
Neil
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david Says:
October 19th, 2008 at 2:46 amI had all but forgotten this song which was originally done by Tears for Fears in the 80′s. I was re-aquanted with it after visiting Brandon Routh’s myspace page, and if there was a song that could say something about my core being it would be this one. Then i saw the movie Donnie Darko, and it just blew me away. There was just soo much that i had in common with the charactor Donnie. We both were in High school during that time period, and i was so inthralled with time travel. The aspects of it. As well as every scenerio that could happen if i could. During that time i was smart in some area’s, and really retarded in others. I didn’t have to take any medication, but people sure thought that i should have a shrink, so much in fact that my special ed. teacher brought someone in to evaluate me. They came up with ,i am very smart, but lacking in social skills. That my emotional growth had stopped when i was probably in elementary school. Which makes sense just cause that is about the time my family started moving around. By the time i graduated high school i must have attended more than 13 different schools. Which would make sense why i really like the song. That and the fact that i can remember almost every dream that i have ever had. No matter where i went, or what new surroundings. The people were always the same, and i was the one running in circles trying to think that people were different. If they were, or came from a different place than i, but they weren’t they were all just the same. Looking for something, wondering why, and wanting to be something more. I am sorry if this is a long one, but one very short thing, i actually blogged this video with the Donnie Darko movie promo, and one of my friends thought i was turning all dark, just cause the movie is a bit dark, and the song sounds dark as well, but it does say alot about myself in the movie, and the song. I don’t really know if i will come off as a psycho now, but i thought i would share. Just cause the movie, and song, i just relate to them so very much.
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Robin Says:
October 19th, 2008 at 4:23 amDavid and Friday Philosopher,
Sorry to hear about your employment troubles, in a similar position myself as awaitng my start date for a permanent job and have been getting by (just) through tempory work, which unfortunately comes to an end in November.
Still the best way to live is day to day and as one door closes another opens…
Good luck to the both of you, to new beginnings and new adventures!
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Jennifer Says:
October 19th, 2008 at 6:05 amHey Allison welcome back. That video was really awesome! I heard that song not too long ago playing in a store I was in.
I am so excited and anxious for your Smallville directorial debut. Your going to do an outstanding job. <3
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alicia Says:
October 19th, 2008 at 8:21 amWOW, welcome Allison, i love this video! and its a nice song. Good luck in your directing. It will be a great experience…I wish you the best!
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Corrie Says:
October 19th, 2008 at 9:26 amHi, Allison! I have an idea for a MackEvent:
Listen to an individual or group with which they don’t or don’t normally agree. For example, if you’re a conservative, listen to a liberal professor give a lecture on something political…or if you’re liberal, attend a Republican meeting (and really listen to what they have to say). Or even just have a calm, intelligent conversation with someone with whom you disagree. I’ve found that doing things like these (here at Berkeley I am fortunate enough to have available MANY different views to try to listen to) really help broaden my perspective, and sometimes I end up changing my mind about issues.
Hope the directing journey is going well!
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Ross UK Says:
October 19th, 2008 at 11:01 amCorrie: or to take things one step further, one should actually take up the side of an argument with which you may not necessarily agree. The best way to find out about opposing views is not just to listen to them but to immerse yourself in them. After listening to differing views, try and explain them to/persuade other people. I have a friend who will quite happily argue with anyone about anything – he’s not a disagreeable person but he likes stimulating conversation. Just make sure it doesn’t descend into this YouTube clip:
watch?v=pXRobCPmF1I
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me Rachel Says:
October 19th, 2008 at 11:48 amUm…the 40 day negavitve fast thing is over…
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David Hayes Says:
October 19th, 2008 at 5:22 pmAre you positive that it’s over?
PS. The blog stats are updated now for 2008 thru the first July 24th entry (“Balance”).
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Ross UK Says:
October 19th, 2008 at 5:55 pmWoah, David, you’re really powering away with those stats. I’ve just taken a look and see you’ve got nearly 900 distinct usernames. I also looked at the total number of posts and I think you may be the runaway winner for the restraining order
Taylor Nicole is running a “close” second. I’m in last place since you haven’t reached any of my posts yet.
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David Hayes Says:
October 19th, 2008 at 7:33 pmI am just getting to the point where Allison made the daily commitment. More Blog entries but less time for comments before new entries appear. The additional new users make my “cheat sheets” outdated too fast. I’ll have to get my printer hooked up at home before I go much further.
I guess I have an option to return to work. The thing is that they pay me like an employee but without job security or benefits or credit. They won’t pay me the rate they pay for a temp because I am my own company and they consider that too much money … althought I produce better quality product and as about 10 times as productive overall as someone that bills them $30.00 an hour more than me. So … do I stay home and see if they somehow get the point and appreciate me enough to either hire me or pay me the going consulting rate … or go back for more of the same. I don’t know if I can afford my principles or not. In the meantime, someone with no experience or design sense will be altering my 3-D models. It may sound arrogant for me to put it this way, but I feel like DaVinci might feel if his client brought in someone to alter Mona Lisa’s smile. Yeah … that does sound arrogant!
I also got a copy of a book that just came out about a Cleveland TV Show that ran 44 years. For 13 of those years, the show opened with a close up of an architectural model I built. It was one of several props I built for the show. I also wrote for the show and offered some advice that changed the show in various ways … most importantly giving the man behind the show to continue the last 31 years of the program. I guess I shouldn’t feel too slighted that I was slighted by getting no mention in the book. No one working behind the scenes got any credit. The book basically was a list of famous people who admired the show and did guest appearances on it.
It’s nice to see that at least on “Smallville,” a lot of the behind the scenes people have been honored for their work.
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Rahul Dey Says:
October 19th, 2008 at 7:37 pmvegas911: It was used at the end of Visage (season two, epsiode eleven, production number 175060). On at least the region one dvd, it was at 40:27 through 42:55, in its original form (mostly piano, strings and vocals).
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David Hayes Says:
October 20th, 2008 at 12:15 amThe next blog statistics update will have over 100 new names on it — 72 names alone from Allison’s Birthday entry. I’ve gone through 500 comments tonight. I’ll do another 180 before I update the spreadsheet and repost it. But not tonight! It’s 3:00am and I have a full day ahead of me tomorrow.
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Gnome Says:
October 20th, 2008 at 5:27 pmHey guys………. I’m back!!!
What did I miss? -
Ana Flávia Says:
October 20th, 2008 at 7:49 pmHello there Allison Mack!
I am studying to be a director, so I get what you mean by studying hard. I am not going to direct anything soon, though. And I am not so sure I’ll actually be a director. because I’m studying Cinema in general, so I may end up becoming an editor, or a director of photography…. I don’t really know. It’s a tough career to choose here in Brazil, filmmaking, but I’m willing to take my chances so that I can do what I love.
Anyway, I watched your “Cookie Lady” video and I believe you would make an extraordinary Documentary filmmaker, too. The way you asked her questions and just let her talk is true professional’s work.
Congratulations on becoming a director and I wish you all the best with everything you do.
A fan,
Ana -
christa link Says:
October 20th, 2008 at 8:26 pmi really liked the video allison. if i could ever make one it would look like that. i have seen one like that a few years ago and i hoped that i would see one like that again. thats one reason why i like reading your blogs. i am really looking forward to seeing you in your directing debut. hope you are well. you can wait for a while to be on your blog no one will hold it against you for wanting to be being happy.
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David Hayes Says:
October 20th, 2008 at 11:54 pmThe blog spreadsheet is updated again. It includes all 2008 blog comments through the end of July. Comments were made under over 1000 names by that point.
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zheng ze an Says:
October 21st, 2008 at 7:55 ami fucking love it
???
allison -
Scott123 Says:
October 21st, 2008 at 9:20 amDearest Allison,
i knew you’d show up with a cookie!
Great video! Reminds me of MC Escher. I always love a trick of the eye with a photograph or a piece of film. What really grabbed me were three things:
The whole thing was done in one shot.
They created a special effect without any special effects.
The camera was out on a plank some 60 or 70 feet in the air! (wayyyyy cool…)
It is good to learn the fundamentals of film making, but to me, after all the craftsmanship, there are two really important things to remember (I have said this before):
celebrate the other artists around you.
have fun with the camera!Your friend in Trick or Treat Optics,
Scott123 -
Bouroux Says:
October 21st, 2008 at 8:07 pmWelcome back Allison.
Glad to hear that things are progressing for you.
It would be very nice if videoclips were done before and during the filming of the episode that you direct. In these clip you could explain what you do. This could reassure you in your approach. Explain what you are doing and why give confidence. After the filming of the episode, you could do with all the small clips filmed a making of the episode 8-13.
Remember you, your teaching blog and all the positive feedbacks you got.“Isn’t it amazing how explaining something to someone allows you such amazing insight into that thing.”
Your making of might be in the DVD of season 8. It would be instructive and very interesting.
Have a good night and good luck.
Bye
Claude. -
Robin Hebert Says:
October 21st, 2008 at 10:07 pmThanks so much for this. I love it. Very sad but so true in so many ways…we have to find our happiness somehow eh? God bless you Allison. Missed you.
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Avitable Says:
October 22nd, 2008 at 12:24 pmI’m new to your blog, but I am a fan of yours who wanted to take a minute to say that I’m impressed by your frankness and appreciate reading your thoughts.
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me Rachel Says:
October 22nd, 2008 at 4:32 pmI’m sure it’s over.
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David Hayes Says:
October 22nd, 2008 at 5:03 pmme Rachel,
Can you share with us what you learned from your fast? With a diet, I have found that I go into it with no real desire for food and come out of it with an obsession for food. Is putting aside your negativity the same kind of experience? I have heard that any natural feeling that is denied becomes more powerful … and I have heard that it takes 10,000 repetitions to form a habit. Do you find yourself less or more prone to negative thoughts after the fast … or about the same?
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David Hayes Says:
October 22nd, 2008 at 5:09 pm… and I have 45 more blogs to go through to get the raw data before I can start looking for patterns. There are a few patterns I can see already. There are a lot of people who come on to post comments a few times to catch Allison’s attention and, failing to do so, don’t post again. There are a few constant supporters of the blog and more that come and go . Only a few of the new posters become regular posters. And, obvious observation, I post way too much. At least compiling the stats is keeping me from posting as much … except for these updates on my progress.
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midwestslp Says:
October 22nd, 2008 at 5:37 pmTo David Hayes: You and taylor nicole and Ross UK and Friday Philosopher and a few others are regulars and I enjoy reading what all of you have to say. This is only my 3rd post (hope that helps a little with the stats), but I stop by daily just to skim through the comments and keep updated on what the community is chatting about. I don’t have much time, which is why I don’t post.
But, again, I really enjoy reading through the comments as much as time allows me to. You guys have made me laugh, cry and ponder.
I’ve read from day 1 and have often wished to participate, but time hasn’t allowed. There must be a lot of us in this situation. Well, anyway, thanks, guys for making this such an interesting blog.
And thanks Allison for having brought us together.
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David Hayes Says:
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:54 pmmidwestsip,
The more I work on the stats, the more I ask myself what the point is. A person could make only one post on this site and have more impact than someone posting dozens of times or on every blog entry. One person has posted several times and the post is always the same — that his plans are to come to the US and marry Allison. One consistant person posting here is Kyle … but I have no way of knowing if there is only one person posting under the name Kyle. For all I know, each Kyle may have only posted once. It’s probably not true with Kyle, but I am getting to recognise some of the posters under the same name as different individuals. So the statistics are already flawed before I even begin to draw any conclusions from them. So, why to I continue? A few people seem to want me to … it’s a challenge … I’m somewhat committed to it in my own mind.
I do think that feedback is important. A lot of people may think they have nothing to say or that their point has ben made. But Allison’s only payment for posting blog entries is feedback … and self-satisfaction. But if all the feedback were to disappear, Allison might decide that she might as well just write her thoughts in a journal or reserve them for her non-cyber friends. Personally, I gave up writing due to lack of feedback. I was initially asked to write and pushed into it and then fueled by the feedback … and carried on for quite a while with no one saying a thing about anything I wrote. So, the inspiration went back wherever it came from and, for all I know, the world is not diminished in any way because I stopped. So, I will look through these blog entry comments and make some meaningless statistics because I have gotten some interest in it so far and no death threats (like I got from my YouTube efforts) … for now.
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Adrian P Says:
October 22nd, 2008 at 10:58 pmsorry to read this late…. we’ve missed u
well, that’s a real nice piece of inspiration your getting with gary jules… i like him too and hadn’t watched the video’s song. really impressive the things they got there done… that’s what happens when all the people so to the same goal… that’s real art and i love it.
btw, how you feeling now in the last few days before the directing phase?and davis, i get your point u must check everypost and that must be tiring isn’t it?
anyways i like your posts (sometimes u talk too much but it’s ok)…and i indtend to be a regular, but i leave for a few hours and this is full agian.. (much redding to do..).
btw, i’m sorry about your eye problem.
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Jendi Says:
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:10 amYeah I’m with midwestslp; I go through stages, if a topic or debate interests my desire to show my opinion I do, otherwise I often just come and read what you other taylors, davids, fridays, arashs, matthrew oh and there about another dozen or so…..I think the people who read are just as important..
My mother used to say her father told her (my granddad)
“the wise old owl lived in the oak;
the more he heard the less he spoke;
the less he spoke the more he heard;
why can’t we all be like that bird!Perhaps that shows a character trait of mine:)
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Darwin Says:
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:54 amDavid Hayes! Buddy!
Herculian efforts my friend! Herculian efforts!
You are climbing a mountain because it’s there!
This is a fast fading aspect of collective human character…the desire to challenge oneself simply for the sake of rising to the challenge.
And not necessarily for the “glory” if you will.
You mentioned a profound lack of feedback…
When you look at the other end of the scale…you get adulation…
And adulation CAN be poison.
And obviously…leads to the wrong reasons for doing things.
I ALSO am blessed with the absense of adulation *laughs*
So we can instead rejoice in our protection from the danger of such poisoning!
And be happy to challenge ourselves in good ways (like writing) regardless of peer pressure OR peer support or approval.
And then like Herman Melville say: “Give me a condor’s quill! Give me Vesuvius’ crater for an inkstand!”
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Christnot Says:
October 25th, 2008 at 12:30 amRoss UK: ‘What songs or videos inspire everyone else?’
My core inspiration comes from Alice In Chains “Jar of Flies” Album.
I have it as my alarm clock for my Ipod.
I wake up everyday to it and I have no regrets.I just love the feeling of isolation, autumn and dusk in this album.
It’s the only sounds and words, and feelings I can relate to.This is defiantly the life album and my funeral theme.
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Adrian P Says:
October 25th, 2008 at 1:48 pmChristnot: I just check Alice In Chains out, and it’s a nice type o sound, refreshing.
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Christnot Says:
October 25th, 2008 at 2:31 pmAdrian: Yes it is. I’ve been on the AIC band wagon for 3 years, my longest addiction yet. I can even recall the first song I remember hearing in my life was “I Stay Away” from AIC Jar of Flies (Was like 5 or 6 back then). I remember being in that black ford car with my mom and bro, summer time and smelling my brothers cigarette and watching the sun beating down my eyes and the wind beating my hair.
After all those years, listing to that song 3 years ago gave me goose bumps and flash backs.
AIC is a great band to check out. Each album has a different feel, Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell made magic together.
Defiantly an underrated band. Bands today can not touch there heavenly and hellish sounds.
From Dirt to Jar of Flies, to Sap, Unplugged, Facelift…
Damn what a band. *lol* -
David Hayes Says:
October 25th, 2008 at 2:45 pmI’m attempting to finish gathering the data on the August blog entries tonight. That will leave me only 29 more blog entries to review. I’m putting everything into a single Excel spreadsheet. What I’m wondering is if there is anyone out there familiar with using Excel to total rows and columns. I have a book somewhere but would have to find it and then educate myself on it. Is anyone willing to take the data I gather and fix the spreadsheet to compute the totals?
I also wish I knew how to use alternate character sets because some of the foreign names have accent marks I don’t know how to duplicate. I have enough trouble with my apostropes and quotation marks turning into bizzare characters in the blog.
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me Rachel Says:
October 25th, 2008 at 4:04 pmIn responce to Davids question:
By catching myself every time I had a negative thought, I made a habit of stopping it before it affected me. So no, it didnt make me want to think negative thoughts any more than when I started.
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David Hayes Says:
October 25th, 2008 at 4:14 pmAnother Me Rachel question. Since I’ve never seen you and I’m Rachel at the same time, are you I’m? Or are you only me?
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arash Says:
October 25th, 2008 at 6:39 pmHey,
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me Rachel Says:
October 25th, 2008 at 6:43 pmI have no idea what you just said…
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Allie Says:
October 25th, 2008 at 6:55 pm@David Hayes- I just took a class on Excel, and would be more than happy to do totals etc. once you’ve compiled the data!
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David Hayes Says:
October 25th, 2008 at 6:59 pmme Rachel,
Just kidding around. There’s you (me Rachel) and another screen name (I’m Rachel) posting comments on the blog. Out of over 1000 screen names, it seems strange that only people with Rachel names put personal pronouns in front of their names. And when you stopped posting for a while was when I’m Rachel started posting. Since I am doing these statistics, I will combine screen names if someone has posted under different screen names and lets me know about it.
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David Hayes Says:
October 25th, 2008 at 7:08 pmThanks Allie. Only 29 blog entries to process. I wish I had paper big enough to print the thing out. I would highlight the print and break down the figures a lot of different ways … such as:
Total comments posted.
No of blogs posted in.
Percentage of blogs posted in.
Percentage of blogs posted in since first post.
Average number of posts per blog entry.
Average number of posts per blog entry since first post.
Number of people who have commented.
Number of people who have commentedmore than once.
Number of people that have commented in more than 10 blog entries. -
Ross UK Says:
October 25th, 2008 at 7:09 pmDavid, I found that when I was helping out with counting the posts, the easiest way to handle names with strange characters was to just copy and paste it from the blog. I’d be happy to help out with organising the spreadsheet when you’re done – it’s quite easy to total the columns and reorganise them into various different orders.
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Ana Flávia Says:
October 25th, 2008 at 7:11 pmHello Allison!
I have no idea if/how often you read this, but I’m writing it directed to you anyway…
I’ve posted a comment here about a week ago, telling you how I’m studying to be a director and all… I’m now sending you the link for the first and only short movie I’ve directed. It’s really bad, because we didn’t really have a good teacher or anyone else to teach us or help us properly, and it was the first thing we’d ever done, but at least we managed to finish it and all…
Ana
PS: That’s the link for it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5jy1d0dJZg -
David Hayes Says:
October 25th, 2008 at 9:52 pmRossUK and Allie,
I’ll let you know when I’m done. I’m running out of time before I’m back at work. The spreadsheet on my site is updated again with 29 more blog topics to review. 1166 screen names in the list so far. I’m sure that there are more than one name for some people and I am sure that multiple people have posted comments under the same name.
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Jonny Says:
October 26th, 2008 at 7:16 amhi allison sorry i haven’t been in touch recently but i’ve been having a rough time. I moved back over to the UK with my girlfriend when i was in a car accident.
I only broke some bones but sadly my girlfriend, hannah, passed away. if you ever have any spare time please email me on kingvegeta08@hotmail.co.uk because id really like to chat.ciao.
Jonny.
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me Rachel Says:
October 26th, 2008 at 7:52 amOh. Haha. That is pretty ironic.
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David Hayes Says:
October 26th, 2008 at 9:13 amJust for the record because I know how thesepostings happen and how they can be misread ue to the order in which they appear (and since they can’t be editted later), me Rachel’s response was to an earlier post by me and not a response to jonny’s post.
jonny, best wishes for the future for you in these hard times! Keep healing and come back.
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arash Says:
October 26th, 2008 at 9:18 amI don’t know if they keep track of it, but it is good to know the percentage of posts and people moderated.
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David Hayes Says:
October 26th, 2008 at 10:16 amYep, that messes up the statistics too. Postings by people with new screen names, at least for a while, were held back until they were moderated. And I’m pretty sure that at least some of my inane, yet unoffensive posts never got cleared for posting. Some of the comments … I am surprised that they were allowed. But that shows that at least not all of the comments by new posters get sanitized.
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me Rachel Says:
October 26th, 2008 at 10:35 amcomment
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Adrian P Says:
October 26th, 2008 at 2:03 pmsorry for ur loss jhonny…
now david, why dont the other people just dont change their screen name? they’re making the process harder
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David Hayes Says:
October 26th, 2008 at 3:21 pmIf there was a registration process for the blog, that would prevent the same people from using the same screen name … but a lot of people might not register just to comment. I know I am registered all kinds of places I don’t visit anymore and would like my name off their books. I just finished the blog “A Bit About You” and was able to verify that, in one case, three screen names represent a single person. I’ll combine them. But if there is any doubt at all, I won’t. I have a hunch that Stephen K. and Steve K. are the same person and will probably combine them.
I joked about people posting in alphabetical order to help me out … and sure enough, out of the randomness, a lot of the posts go straight down my list at times.
I wish I could work more on this tonight, but I emptied out my cubicle at work when I left 9 days ago and now have to search through the boxes I brought home for the essentials I will need for work tomorrow.
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Bouroux Says:
October 26th, 2008 at 11:29 pmHi Allison.
Your name is synonymous iced cream.
It was delicious. Remember to take breaks and eat ice cream.
http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=icecream01ea6.jpgYou are amazing in season 8. You smile often and it’s fabulous.
Have a good week.
ByeClaude.
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Scott Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 1:16 amThis is another one I’m not quite sure why I’m writing. But I am. Because it just feels right.
It is toward Allison, though I don’t know if she reads it or if the real purpose is to reach other people besides her.
Many celebrities have a following that likes their celebrity status. When I was younger, I didn’t understand why anyone would become so enamored with another person just because he or she is a celebrity. Why not just like people for them, and throw “status” out the window?
I realized recently how deep that goes. A lot of people like celebrities because they idolize the celebrity because of his or her fame, fortune and for some, a personal interpretation of that celebrity as the idealized form of a human being. What they wish they could become.
I’m getting to a really good point here, so patience.
What you have here is people who either love you for you, or loved you for the roles you play on TV shows and came to love you for you when they got to know the real you a little better. When I say love, I mean love, not like or infatuated with or have a crush on.
I don’t know where to go from there in what I was saying. I was trying to sleep. My thoughts gradually crept from me and my life to you and trying to perceive from your side, flawed as that can easily be.
I think that’s all. I know my words will mean something to the world because every action and inaction has an effect, but I hope it MEANS something to someone.
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David Hayes Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 3:37 amI think many people find a celebrity they can relate to and that they hope can relate to them. If by some chance, that celebrity recognizes themin some fashion, that goes a long way towards soothing a fragile ego or low self-esteem. “If someone important thinks I’m OK, then I must really be OK!” Problem is, the attention given can (usually) never be enough and ends up being hollow compared to a real relationship.
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Gnome Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 4:36 amHey guys,
This blog just made me do something that I thought I would never do by myself.
Remember an old post, “Scare”, in wich Allison said that changes uses to scare us and then she just challenged us to somenthing about this?
So…
I just decided to go by myself to Egypt.
Crazy, huh? And I have to admit that it was a lot scary!!!But it was a great experience. I made a bunch of friends there and my trip end up to be more than pleasant. It became unforgettable.
I had a good time along side with my new friend Tut Ankh Amun.
I also payed a visit to Isis and Osiris and had a good time feeding Horus.The place is amazing!!!! The people are amazing!!! The experience was freak’ntastic!!!
Thank you for the ispiration to move me into the change!!!
I miss the deep thoughts of this blog!!!!!!
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David Hayes Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 5:46 amI hear that Tut is uncommon and that Isis has a good foundation. Since you fed Horus, did he follow you home? If so, whatever you do, don’t look your gift Horus in the mouth!
And to keep my statistics straight … since you are a traveller now, are you going to change your screen name to the Expedia Gnome?
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Gnome Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 6:19 amHey dear David Hayes…
I tried bring Horus with me but I got caught by immigration for traffic of wild animals. It wasn’t pretty.
Isis is indeed very busy now…
Osiris left to buy a cigar and hasnt come back yet. Maybe the foundation is for helping the abandoning wives.
About the change on my screen name… I would have to stick with the nickname the egypts gave me during the trip: Maria Magnuna, wich means, Crazy Maria.
My next travel will be to Peru, Machu Picchu, on the begining of December.
I’m gonna pay a visit to Quetzacoalt.
Let’s wait for my next nickname ….
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David Hayes Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 6:47 amHmmm. Wrote a poem about him back in June 2007 for this Blog when Allison was on her trip to Mexico:
There once was a god
Quetzalcoatl.
He asked just a little
Not a lottle.
He built many roads
Without potholes.
In return for fresh hearts
In clay bottles. -
Gnome Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 7:50 amNice poem…………
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Ross UK Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 8:01 amOooh, this is getting confusing now. I’ve been trying to keep track of when people are posting ie. how long ago it was, to see if people are online now or if they passed through a couple of hours ago. Anyway, I got used to doing the time difference calculation in my head and I’ve just spent five minutes looking at the screen wondering why I’m apparently looking at the posts that aren’t going to be made for an hour or so, before I finally realised all my clocks have all changed automatically from British Summer Time (like Daylight Saving) to GMT. Since when did they start doing it without telling me?!
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David Hayes Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 8:29 amIn Ohio (USA) we won’t “Fall back” untill next weekend. I used to hate it when the Fall back happened in the middle of a work shift and I had to re-work that hour all over again.
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Ross UK Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 9:03 amOur clocks change at 2:00 am Sunday morning on the last weekends of October and March so it doesn’t affect the working day. It does sometimes affect closing time on our nights out depending on what bar we’re in.
I remember last year I was out seeing a late showing of some film or other (300 I think) and I came out and checked my watch and was shocked to see the film had been 4 hours long – forgetting that my watch is radio-calibrated every night and so had automatically reset…
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David Hayes Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 10:43 amTough day. First day back at work. Tried to get comfort food for lunch … and I must have inadvertantly turned on my powers of invisibilty … because my waitress wouldn’t wait on me.
The book about the TV show I used to work for came out. The author lists a lot of people in the book simply because they were fans of the show … and have celebrity status. He even listed a woman who was part of the audience a few times in the final years of the program. She also had baked him and the co-host some pies. But people that worked hundreds of hours for him for free (or almost free), didn’t get mentioned at all.
Maybe, when Allison gets back, she can make a list for us of the people behind the scenes on “Smallville” that none of us have ever heard of but that help her to shine like she does on the program. Who makes it possible for her to come across so powerfully as Chloe Sullivan?
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David Hayes Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 10:45 am(But I got even with the waitress by only leaving her a 40% tip!)
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Ross UK Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 1:01 pmI’ve had a really strange day today. I woke up this morning with a real “go get ‘em” attitude, feeling really positive, and I’ve been really active all day. Now, at the end of the day, I’m looking back and realising I haven’t actually accomplished anything.
Does anyone else ever get this? Is it that our enthusiasm is sometimes the very thing that can hold us back?
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Cara Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 3:21 pmIt’s funny how this worked out. I’ve been addicted to this song for quit some time now, and finding this video on your website just surprised me!
But I’m glad you did share this with us. It was a very interesting video and played out the song very well.
When I first heard this song it really called out to me mostly because of how the lyrics could be so true. How the world spins ‘madly’ on. People don’t take a moment and breathe.
They “go around in circles…going nowhere…” in reason of what is the rush, when what you do today-is repetitive to tomorrow? Why not go somwhere new, do something new?
“Find it kind of funny, find it kind of sad, the dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had,” to break the cycle of a day-to-day life, the never ending cycle.
“children waiting for the day they feel good, happy birthday-feel every child should, sit and listen-went to school and I was very nervous, no one knew me-teacher tell me what’s my lesson, look right threw me” I think this all means, as a Child you are new to the cycle of how the world works-life.
You go to school to learn. Most of the time, a broader lesson, asking ‘what is my lesson, what’s the purpose to all of this?’ and even the Teacher, the adult, is still trying to figure it out as well.
And going back to ‘the dream in which I’m dying is the best I’ve ever had’ because, in some religions and beliefs, you get the answer once you’ve completed life, on the planet earth that spins madly on.
Thanks for sharing this video, and thanks to those whove read this response!
Have a good day
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Scott Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 8:08 pmThat’s true too, David. I’m sure there’s all kinds of complex psychology to it that we’d never be able to fully tap, especially since everyone’s a little different in some ways.
I need more time. Badly. I have so much to do and no time to do it in.
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David Hayes Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 8:44 pmI always wished I cold step out of time and get everything done. Then I realize that I would get older and tireder than everyone else and there would be no way to charge for hours that are outside of time. So it would be a lose-lose for me … but it WOULD take the pressure off. In a sense, it has happened to me. I worked around the clock for years and got old before my time … and I’m tired enough to retire but far from it … and I didn’t get paid for most of those overtime hours. I guess some wishes DO come true … unfortunately.
Theblog seemed to have gone down for a while when I was working on the statistics. It gave me time to get a list of all the 2008 blog topics made. Twenty-four more blog entries to compile. I find myself stopping to read as I go. Memories ….
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Dream_Walker Says:
October 28th, 2008 at 6:05 amWow directing mustbe totally exciting, i know id be psyched
Glad to see thing working really great for You, its understandable You lack time to post, we dont love You less for it, we still support You 100%, i know i do
When i saw this video i had to post a comment, usually i dont. Video is a coolest thing ive seen in 6 months lol no joke. Group of people working together in such harmony …..bedazzling, thanks for sharing with us Sharing is caring 
Best of luck in everything You do, im sure Youll do great as always, waiting for future posts eagerly, Cheers and Peace…DW
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Hi Says:
October 28th, 2008 at 12:12 pmThat would make a beautiful dream sequence. You could use all kinds of movement to flow shapes and designs.
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David Hayes Says:
October 28th, 2008 at 1:11 pmIs this year almost over yet?
I know that this life is only a test … but enough with the testing already!
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David Hayes Says:
October 28th, 2008 at 1:17 pmHmmmm.
“Rockapella” … November 2nd in Syracuse, NY.
I think I am a cappella-ed out for the year.
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David Hayes Says:
October 28th, 2008 at 1:28 pmThere definately is a reason why it is fair that I get to count all the posts made on this blog this year. At least I don’t have to stand at a chalkboard and do it.
“David … write “I believe … I am believing … I believed … I have believed … He believed … She believed … We ALL believed” 3000 times on the blackboard.”
“Yes, Teacher”
Do schools even have blackboards anymore? Or is it all dry erase now? Jennygirl, I throw that question to you.
Is the expression “Chalk one up for …” obsolete? “Dry erase one up for the Gipper!”
It’s been another one of those days, folks.
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Lizeth Says:
October 28th, 2008 at 1:53 pmHello guys! I nominated my chorus teacher, Ms. Quattrin for techer of the month and she got selected for teacher of the month by the WGNand we were interviewed I hope you find the time to watch us October 29th Tomorrow! ON THE WGN NEW AT 9PM. thank you all!!!!!!
LOTS OF LOVE!!!-Diana Lizeth
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Lizeth Says:
October 28th, 2008 at 1:54 pmI nominated my chorus teacher, Ms. Quattrin for techer of the month and she got selected for teacher of the month by the WGNand we were interviewed I hope you find the time to watch us October 29th Tomorrow! ON THE WGN NEW AT 9PM. thank you all!!!!!!
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Ross UK Says:
October 28th, 2008 at 2:44 pmWhen I left school to go to university about 8 years ago the whiteboards were outnumbering the blackboards, but from what I understand even the whiteboards are now becoming obsolete. They’re replacing them in the UK with ‘interactive whiteboards’ which is basically a laptop attached to a projector.
My mum’s a teacher and her school got in a load of laptops for use in the classroom but told the teachers they had to take them all home at night because the school didn’t want the pay the insurance premium! I think my antique laptop is one of those old ones and still has some of the interactive whiteboard programs on it.
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Ross UK Says:
October 28th, 2008 at 2:46 pmIf you want to write all that about belief on a blackboard that could be your contribution to the last MackEvent…
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David Hayes Says:
October 28th, 2008 at 7:35 pmIt finally came to me the other day. I have a movie that someone will make someday (because the idea is so obvious that someone else will stumble on it or one of the people I’ve told about it will do something with it long after I’m gone) … and I always thought that there was no good role in it for Allison .. because the lead role needs to be a man for various reasons and there can’t really be a love interest. But there was one role I never really thought of for Allison that is probably the one with the most air time other than the lead — it is a demon that encourages the main character to keep up the ‘good’ work. She wants to do a darker role … and this is kind of interesting because it marries the ‘muse’ aspects of Allison with a darker purpose. Like the evil Jiminy Cricket we discussed in an earlier blog. Maybe just the thought of her in the story will get me in the frame of mind to write the treatment for the film. Who knows …?
It’s a few days until Halloween. What’s everyone dressing up as this year? I think I’m going to make a Taylor Nikole costume. I’d better go now and start practicing speed typing on a phone!
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EO Says:
November 6th, 2008 at 5:10 pmHey Allison, I heard you were directing an episode of Smallville this season. Can’t wait for it to air. By the way, loving the direction your character is taking this season. Keep up the great work.
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