I'm double blogging tonight. I have put nearly every responsibility on hold while working on Pterodactyls. It's not that I couldn't handle it all; but I was having so much fun working on the show, and I didn't want to take away from that. Pretty pathetic excuse, eh?
But now it's time to buckle down. It's time to get stuff done.
A list of things I want to accomplish by 11:59 p.m. on May 31st:
1. Memorize Cinderella Goes Disco (by May 2nd)
2. Clean my room
3. Clean out my car, Bertha
4. Purge my clothing
5. Reorganize my clothing
6. Perform in Cinderella Goes Disco
7. Trick out the lounge in the mall space
8. Sing at the Crestwood Art Space opening
9. Call Jennifer about the job.
10. Pay Miranda for Paramore/No Doubt tickets
11. Pay Carrie for Rent tickets (by April 30)
12. Pay off credit card
13. Read five new books
14. Start running
15. Sell back books
16. Attend theatre banquet
17. Reconnect with at least one old friend
18. Pass playwriting
19. Finish That 70's Show
20. Buy a pretty dress
Signing off,
Abigail
20 April 2009
Second Chance At Love
Puppy mills, which operate with the knowledge of the government by calling themselves "commercial breeders", breed dogs in incredibly high numbers and usually sell to pet shops. Typically, the conditions of a puppy mill are horrid - dogs often spend their entire lives moving from cage to cage, never knowing what it's like to run around. Females are bred constantly - they have a litter and are forced to get pregnant as soon as the puppies are weaned - until they die. It's often hundreds of dogs fighting for small amounts of food and water, and most never receive veterinary care.
And although many of these dogs have the potential to have a happy ending when a nice family buys them, they are often given up at a local shelter because puppy mill dogs often have severe mental and physical conditions.
Missouri is known as a "puppy mill state", and may even have the highest number of puppy mills in the country. It's estimated that the industry is valued at 40 million dollars here. The industry isn't monitored by the government at all, because nothing is done by the government until it is too late. But there is hope.
Finally, the public eye is starting to open to the reality of puppy mills. Over the past few months, several Missouri puppy mills have been raided (after calls from suspicious neighbors) and hundreds of dogs of all ages have been surrendered to the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO). Now, the HSMO needs your help. These dogs, starting this week, have begun to go up for adoption. These dogs have been nursed back to health, been spayed and neutered and have begun basic training. All they need now is a second chance at love. If you or any one you know is looking for a new dog (or any pet, for that matter) please tell them about the dogs at the HSMO. In order for them to continue to help dogs, they need the space to keep taking them in. There are dogs of all ages, colors, sizes and breeds. You may be concerned about these dogs having come from a puppy mill's substandard conditions, but the HSMO would never put a dog up for adoption that wasn't ready for a family. I know only a few people read this blog, but I felt compelled to say something. Please, if anyone you know is looking for a dog, pass this message on. I am even considering getting a four legged friend for the dog I have now.
The title of this blog links to the HSMO's adoptable pets page.
Signing off,
Abigail
And although many of these dogs have the potential to have a happy ending when a nice family buys them, they are often given up at a local shelter because puppy mill dogs often have severe mental and physical conditions.
Missouri is known as a "puppy mill state", and may even have the highest number of puppy mills in the country. It's estimated that the industry is valued at 40 million dollars here. The industry isn't monitored by the government at all, because nothing is done by the government until it is too late. But there is hope.
Finally, the public eye is starting to open to the reality of puppy mills. Over the past few months, several Missouri puppy mills have been raided (after calls from suspicious neighbors) and hundreds of dogs of all ages have been surrendered to the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO). Now, the HSMO needs your help. These dogs, starting this week, have begun to go up for adoption. These dogs have been nursed back to health, been spayed and neutered and have begun basic training. All they need now is a second chance at love. If you or any one you know is looking for a new dog (or any pet, for that matter) please tell them about the dogs at the HSMO. In order for them to continue to help dogs, they need the space to keep taking them in. There are dogs of all ages, colors, sizes and breeds. You may be concerned about these dogs having come from a puppy mill's substandard conditions, but the HSMO would never put a dog up for adoption that wasn't ready for a family. I know only a few people read this blog, but I felt compelled to say something. Please, if anyone you know is looking for a dog, pass this message on. I am even considering getting a four legged friend for the dog I have now.
The title of this blog links to the HSMO's adoptable pets page.
Signing off,
Abigail
16 April 2009
Stop The Hate
Hate Week. A good concept overall. I've been looking forward to seeing how it went.
The focal point of this week long "activity" (for lack of a better word) was the Hate Wall. The purpose of the hate wall, is for people to cover it with the cruel names that they have been called, or to write down other things that have hurt them. Even things that they hate about themselves. And then it was going to be destroyed. (Destroying the hate.)
I was appalled to see written on the back of this wall, "I hate" followed by the name of a friend of mine. It would sadden me to see that written about anybody, but it just makes it worse for me because it's someone I know. And to be honest, I don't even know how you could hate her. She is one of the most perpetually awesome people I know.
I don't think I want to see hate week back. Not if something like this can happen. It really is a good idea, but obviously people on campus are no where near mature enough to handle it.
I fear I'll never stop being disappointed by the human race. Stop the hate.
"A true man hates no one."
- Napoleon Bonaparte
Signing off,
Abigail
The focal point of this week long "activity" (for lack of a better word) was the Hate Wall. The purpose of the hate wall, is for people to cover it with the cruel names that they have been called, or to write down other things that have hurt them. Even things that they hate about themselves. And then it was going to be destroyed. (Destroying the hate.)
I was appalled to see written on the back of this wall, "I hate" followed by the name of a friend of mine. It would sadden me to see that written about anybody, but it just makes it worse for me because it's someone I know. And to be honest, I don't even know how you could hate her. She is one of the most perpetually awesome people I know.
I don't think I want to see hate week back. Not if something like this can happen. It really is a good idea, but obviously people on campus are no where near mature enough to handle it.
I fear I'll never stop being disappointed by the human race. Stop the hate.
"A true man hates no one."
- Napoleon Bonaparte
Signing off,
Abigail
RE: Excuse Me?!
Stevie, I am posting a response to your latest on here because I cannot seem to comment on your blog itself. Here goes...
This makes me sad. It reminds me of something similar when I was a junior, although, you are lucky that you get to go.
A good friend of mine was a senior at Cor Jesu, a Catholic girls' high school, and wasn't dating anyone at the time, and instead of asking a guy friend, she wanted to share the night with me, her friend. However, we couldn't even think about it because at Cor Jesu (and many other religiously affiliated schools) the girls are not allowed to bring same sex dates to dances.
Besides the obvious discrimination against homosexual couples, that just puts ridiculous amounts of pressure on young women! You MUST find a boy to bring (sorry to all of you stuck in your socially awkward phase) or hang out with friends from your school. Now, I guess it's not so bad to hang out with only school friends, but what if your best friend goes somewhere else, or worse, what if you just don't have any friends at school? You shouldn't be denied your prom if you still want it. It's infuriating. That has always made me mad.
It's time for the Church's discrimination to end as well, but that's a different discussion for another day.
Signing off,
Abigail
This makes me sad. It reminds me of something similar when I was a junior, although, you are lucky that you get to go.
A good friend of mine was a senior at Cor Jesu, a Catholic girls' high school, and wasn't dating anyone at the time, and instead of asking a guy friend, she wanted to share the night with me, her friend. However, we couldn't even think about it because at Cor Jesu (and many other religiously affiliated schools) the girls are not allowed to bring same sex dates to dances.
Besides the obvious discrimination against homosexual couples, that just puts ridiculous amounts of pressure on young women! You MUST find a boy to bring (sorry to all of you stuck in your socially awkward phase) or hang out with friends from your school. Now, I guess it's not so bad to hang out with only school friends, but what if your best friend goes somewhere else, or worse, what if you just don't have any friends at school? You shouldn't be denied your prom if you still want it. It's infuriating. That has always made me mad.
It's time for the Church's discrimination to end as well, but that's a different discussion for another day.
Signing off,
Abigail
14 April 2009
Red Sees Red
Kitty: Okay, let's watch some T.V. because that makes us all happy. Okay, here we go...the "Brady Bunch Variety Hour" is on.
Red: Oh, who the hell gave those people an entire hour?
Kitty: Well, I think this program is fun for the whole family. They've got Charro, and, and the rock band "Kiss". Okay see, now this is nice. A nice family, who gets along, and sings, and dances.
Eric: Yeah, I love the Bradys. Oh, remember that episode where Mr. Brady went completely insane and put bells on all the doors?
Red: Hey, did you see the one where Greg was a real wise-ass, and Mr. Brady took him outside and cleaned is clock?
Lori: Did you ever see the one where I hated living here?!
Hyde: That one's my favorite.
I'm going through watching the entire That '70s Show series. I forgot how much I love this show. I'm also in love with the fashion and my wardrobe is beginning to reflect that. This excerpt from season three really made me laugh and I felt like posting it. That's all.
EDIT: Further into the episode, a scene plays out in Kitty's imagination where the Brady Bunch Variety Hour turns into the Foreman Bunch Variety Hour. Eric and Hyde announced their departure from the show, and then Shirley Jones enters and the boys tell Kitty they are leaving to join the Partridge family. And to make it better, Shirley calls Lori a whore. This show is great!
Signing off,
Abigail
Red: Oh, who the hell gave those people an entire hour?
Kitty: Well, I think this program is fun for the whole family. They've got Charro, and, and the rock band "Kiss". Okay see, now this is nice. A nice family, who gets along, and sings, and dances.
Eric: Yeah, I love the Bradys. Oh, remember that episode where Mr. Brady went completely insane and put bells on all the doors?
Red: Hey, did you see the one where Greg was a real wise-ass, and Mr. Brady took him outside and cleaned is clock?
Lori: Did you ever see the one where I hated living here?!
Hyde: That one's my favorite.
I'm going through watching the entire That '70s Show series. I forgot how much I love this show. I'm also in love with the fashion and my wardrobe is beginning to reflect that. This excerpt from season three really made me laugh and I felt like posting it. That's all.
EDIT: Further into the episode, a scene plays out in Kitty's imagination where the Brady Bunch Variety Hour turns into the Foreman Bunch Variety Hour. Eric and Hyde announced their departure from the show, and then Shirley Jones enters and the boys tell Kitty they are leaving to join the Partridge family. And to make it better, Shirley calls Lori a whore. This show is great!
Signing off,
Abigail
13 April 2009
Planet of the Dead
(I won't be explaining the plot of the episode, but would still beware spoilers, starting NOW.)
"Your song is ending, sir. It is returning. It is returning through the dark. And then, Doctor, he will knock four times."
- Carmen, from Planet of the Dead
And so begins David Tennant's final stretch in his most celebrated role as the Doctor. I must admit that I think my expectations were too high for Planet of the Dead. I think, in an ordinary season (not this season of specials) where I was unaware of impending regeneration, I would have very much enjoyed this episode. I'm sure they will get better. I really liked the foreshadowing at the end (see quote). It was pleasantly creepy and it's so nice to have something to babble on about while we wait for the Waters of Mars.
What is returning? The Master? Davros? The Weeping Angels? Dalek or Cyberman, yet again? The Doctor was warned throughout the past season about the darkness. The Ood, also last season, told the Doctor, "Your song must end soon." And if you haven't already connected the four knocks, just think back to theMaster's hypnotic drumming from season three.
The Doctor also told Lady Christina that he would never bring another companion onto the TARDIS. This surely won't last forever. The question is, when will he break? Who do we want to see back? Lady Christina has already asked (and she is a rumored possibility), but personally, at this point I want to see Malcom join the Doctor. I enjoyed his character a lot.
And last - will Donna be back? She's rumored to have been seen on set. She could just be visiting...but is she filming?
This will be a long wait...Novemberish. Expect a "nightmarish" episode. And hope for a release on Halloween?
Signing off,
Abigail
"Your song is ending, sir. It is returning. It is returning through the dark. And then, Doctor, he will knock four times."
- Carmen, from Planet of the Dead
And so begins David Tennant's final stretch in his most celebrated role as the Doctor. I must admit that I think my expectations were too high for Planet of the Dead. I think, in an ordinary season (not this season of specials) where I was unaware of impending regeneration, I would have very much enjoyed this episode. I'm sure they will get better. I really liked the foreshadowing at the end (see quote). It was pleasantly creepy and it's so nice to have something to babble on about while we wait for the Waters of Mars.
What is returning? The Master? Davros? The Weeping Angels? Dalek or Cyberman, yet again? The Doctor was warned throughout the past season about the darkness. The Ood, also last season, told the Doctor, "Your song must end soon." And if you haven't already connected the four knocks, just think back to theMaster's hypnotic drumming from season three.
The Doctor also told Lady Christina that he would never bring another companion onto the TARDIS. This surely won't last forever. The question is, when will he break? Who do we want to see back? Lady Christina has already asked (and she is a rumored possibility), but personally, at this point I want to see Malcom join the Doctor. I enjoyed his character a lot.
And last - will Donna be back? She's rumored to have been seen on set. She could just be visiting...but is she filming?
This will be a long wait...Novemberish. Expect a "nightmarish" episode. And hope for a release on Halloween?
Signing off,
Abigail
The Rose of Battle
Rose of all Roses, Rose of all the world!
You, too, have come where the dim tides are hurled
Upon the wharves of sorrow and heard ring
The bell that calls us on; the sweet far thing.
Beauty grown sad with it's eternity
Made you of us, and the dim grey sea.
Our long ships loose thought-woven sails and wait,
For God has bid them share and equal fate;
And when at last, defeated in His wars,
They have gone down under the same white stars,
We shall no longer here the little cry
Of our sad hearts, that may not live nor die
From The Rose of Battle, by W.B. Yeats
I think too much. I need an outlet. I also wanted to share this poem with you. Actually, what I've shared above is only an excerpt; it's a long poem, and if you enjoy it or take an interest in it, then it is easily found.
The 'plot' of this poem is simple. A battle, a war is being fought but the speaker reasons that the fighting will not bring peace, and begs any man who has loved a woman to return home to her, the Rose.
This is an Irish poem and speaks immensely to it's bloody history. The Irish have always fought. The Irish fought against British rule, and the Irish Protestants fought against the Irish Catholics. And in Yeats' time, there was no victory. The Nationalist resistance of the British was futile, which gives the poem a sad romance, for as long as the fight continues, the Rose, the devoted women of Ireland, were doomed to lose their champions to the violent history of their land.
I hope I got you thinking a little bit. I've gotten into poetry lately, especially poetry with such historic themes (I've always been a history buff).
Signing off,
Abigail
You, too, have come where the dim tides are hurled
Upon the wharves of sorrow and heard ring
The bell that calls us on; the sweet far thing.
Beauty grown sad with it's eternity
Made you of us, and the dim grey sea.
Our long ships loose thought-woven sails and wait,
For God has bid them share and equal fate;
And when at last, defeated in His wars,
They have gone down under the same white stars,
We shall no longer here the little cry
Of our sad hearts, that may not live nor die
From The Rose of Battle, by W.B. Yeats
I think too much. I need an outlet. I also wanted to share this poem with you. Actually, what I've shared above is only an excerpt; it's a long poem, and if you enjoy it or take an interest in it, then it is easily found.
The 'plot' of this poem is simple. A battle, a war is being fought but the speaker reasons that the fighting will not bring peace, and begs any man who has loved a woman to return home to her, the Rose.
This is an Irish poem and speaks immensely to it's bloody history. The Irish have always fought. The Irish fought against British rule, and the Irish Protestants fought against the Irish Catholics. And in Yeats' time, there was no victory. The Nationalist resistance of the British was futile, which gives the poem a sad romance, for as long as the fight continues, the Rose, the devoted women of Ireland, were doomed to lose their champions to the violent history of their land.
I hope I got you thinking a little bit. I've gotten into poetry lately, especially poetry with such historic themes (I've always been a history buff).
Signing off,
Abigail
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