I don't usually follow this stuff, but this one is just too weird not to notice...
http://www.cainer.com/
Thursday, 6th January 2005
ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 20)
Something very special is happening now. You are developing much greater inner strength and wisdom. There may not yet be much to show for this in a material sense but give it time. True strength involves the strength to resist pressure. True wisdom encompasses an understanding of the relative unimportance of most worldly ambitions. You are refining your priorities. You are reducing the number of interests and preferences you have. So that you can give full attention to just one, genuinely important, area of your life. You don't have to be afraid of anything or anyone in 2005.
Oh really??
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Carrie Bradshaw's Inner monologue
This is part of the monologue Carrie** has with herself as the show begins.
The producer loved it...
Can you see her doing those quirky things??
I kill myself with laughter when I re-read the comment about Big...
INT: DAY – KERRI’S new Loft in MONTREAL
KERRIopens up her I book and puts it on her kitchen table. She lights up a cigarette – Export A (green pack), takes a sip of coffee, inhales and begins to choke violently.
KERRI
GOD!! These are horrible! Deg-o-lasse!
(Butting out her cigarette, she begins to type)
So here we are – the four of us. Our successful series, finished after its 7 year itch. Will we all be on the rebound and dive into other HBO series? We have moved from one big city to another and taken most of our personal physical and emotional baggage with us as well. We may not travel light, but our neurotic luggage looks good wherever we go .
(She looks out the window)
POV shot of KERRI looking out the window next to the table. She sees the bustling street of St. Laurent in the morning.
KERRI
Life in another city… Sex in another city ?
(looks pensive)
Can any sequel be as exciting as the original?
(looks disturbed)
Does anybody really read the columns that I write or are they just trying to make me happy in saying that they do?
(whispers to herself)
Naa. I don’t think anybody wants to hear you drone on about your insecurities, just other people’s insecurities… Delete, delete, delete, delete.
(Sighs. Straightens herself up in her chair. She reaches for another pack of crumpled cigarettes, strikes a match and begins to type again…)
Can Miranda be a good mother without constantly shouting at her child “Order Order! You are in contempt of court’ when her child cries uncontrollably? Will Samantha be able to keep her vagina and orifices out of trouble? Will Charlotte ever be able to accept her husband in his role as the “Emperor has no clothes” – will she begin to call herself – Charr- lootte ? (said with a French accent)
(Pauses – looks contemplative)
And if big took Viagra, could Big get any bigger?
(Grins to herself, shrugs her shoulders and begins to type again)
(SOUND : TAPS ON THE KEYBOARD)
(pauses once more – looks off into the distance, her expression changes – becomes slightly more disturbed)
Will I ever be able to silence this stupid narrative, overly analytical voice in my head, and if not, will it be able to eventually speak French so it could be understood by the francophone community.
(Pauses and looks even more confused)
Why can you hear me talking to myself as I type? Is this thing on?
(taps the side of the computer, lifts up the laptop, looks underneath, shrugs her shoulders and continues typing.)
As I search for the answers to these prolific questions, so begins my first article from La Belle Province – Quebec, and the city with a heart – Montreal. A new year, a new adventure., new material and hopefully – a comedy show deal with the organizers of the Just for Laughs Festival…
FADE OUT
** Just to keep my butt out of trouble from the producers of the show and HBO, I have changed the Carrie in question to Kerri Babcock. Close but not close enough to be sued!!
*and by the way, this stuff IS copywrited...
The producer loved it...
Can you see her doing those quirky things??
I kill myself with laughter when I re-read the comment about Big...
INT: DAY – KERRI’S new Loft in MONTREAL
KERRIopens up her I book and puts it on her kitchen table. She lights up a cigarette – Export A (green pack), takes a sip of coffee, inhales and begins to choke violently.
KERRI
GOD!! These are horrible! Deg-o-lasse!
(Butting out her cigarette, she begins to type)
So here we are – the four of us. Our successful series, finished after its 7 year itch. Will we all be on the rebound and dive into other HBO series? We have moved from one big city to another and taken most of our personal physical and emotional baggage with us as well. We may not travel light, but our neurotic luggage looks good wherever we go .
(She looks out the window)
POV shot of KERRI looking out the window next to the table. She sees the bustling street of St. Laurent in the morning.
KERRI
Life in another city… Sex in another city ?
(looks pensive)
Can any sequel be as exciting as the original?
(looks disturbed)
Does anybody really read the columns that I write or are they just trying to make me happy in saying that they do?
(whispers to herself)
Naa. I don’t think anybody wants to hear you drone on about your insecurities, just other people’s insecurities… Delete, delete, delete, delete.
(Sighs. Straightens herself up in her chair. She reaches for another pack of crumpled cigarettes, strikes a match and begins to type again…)
Can Miranda be a good mother without constantly shouting at her child “Order Order! You are in contempt of court’ when her child cries uncontrollably? Will Samantha be able to keep her vagina and orifices out of trouble? Will Charlotte ever be able to accept her husband in his role as the “Emperor has no clothes” – will she begin to call herself – Charr- lootte ? (said with a French accent)
(Pauses – looks contemplative)
And if big took Viagra, could Big get any bigger?
(Grins to herself, shrugs her shoulders and begins to type again)
(SOUND : TAPS ON THE KEYBOARD)
(pauses once more – looks off into the distance, her expression changes – becomes slightly more disturbed)
Will I ever be able to silence this stupid narrative, overly analytical voice in my head, and if not, will it be able to eventually speak French so it could be understood by the francophone community.
(Pauses and looks even more confused)
Why can you hear me talking to myself as I type? Is this thing on?
(taps the side of the computer, lifts up the laptop, looks underneath, shrugs her shoulders and continues typing.)
As I search for the answers to these prolific questions, so begins my first article from La Belle Province – Quebec, and the city with a heart – Montreal. A new year, a new adventure., new material and hopefully – a comedy show deal with the organizers of the Just for Laughs Festival…
FADE OUT
** Just to keep my butt out of trouble from the producers of the show and HBO, I have changed the Carrie in question to Kerri Babcock. Close but not close enough to be sued!!
*and by the way, this stuff IS copywrited...
New Sex in A New City - the play!
Well gang...
I GOT IT!!
I met with the producer woman who wanted to make that 'Sex In The City' spoof/play, and three hours and some very sore stomach muscles from laughing so hard she said:
"OH MY GOD! You are soo perfect to write this play!! You want it? It's yours!!"
I almost had a coronary.
Almost lost my lunch.
Almost fell off my chair.
Almost died and went to heaven.
I could not believe my ears. She was completely smitten and loving the little blurbs I wrote. She wanted a 'little sample', but me being me, gave her a whole episode! I sat nervously, biting my nails as I watched her eyes scan over the lines, smiling and snickering as she went along.
The comedic chemistry between us was great from the get-go. I knew that I had fallen upon a good thing when she said:
"And I want Miranda to be completely wigged out. I want to have her trying to abandon her baby, or kill it. She resents having a child now because it is putting a crimp in her career.'
My kind of humour. Twisted, dark and outrageous.
I came back with a scenario when Miranda tries to leave the baby at an outdoor farmer's market - ploughing away the mountains of tomatoes and fitting the baby inside.
The vendor looks over and calls to Miranda:
'Excuse me miss - you forgot your bag of tomatoes... And your baby!!"
Another scene has Miranda nonchalantly pushing the baby and the carriage with one foot into the tracks of the subway, but her attempt is thwarted as a good Samaritan intercepts the little bundle of her angst!!
We were laughing so hard, we almost created a spectacle. I was afraid that we were going to be asked to leave!!
I interjected - 'she has Munchausen by Proxy Disorder!!"
"That's brilliant!!"
And to top it all off...
Get this...
She wants me to AUDITION for the part of Miranda!!
"I really want you to get it too!!"
I was picking myself off the floor after falling over 5 tables and 10 espresso double lattés.
Shit!!
This is outrageous!AND THEN!!AND THEN!!!
I told her about one of my 'comedy - sketch/com' skits - the Greek version of "Cawffee Talk with Linda Richmond' - Athens Chat.
'Welcome to Athens Chat. My khname is Kaliope and khere we talk about everythkig Greek!'
Her face fell.
"Oh my God! You have to do this!! "
My response - "?????????"
Her reply: 'I used to work for and be the host for the Greek Channel here in the city! This is the kind of spoof that people would just go crazy over! It would be an overnight success!! We have to do this!!'
I took one of those comical double takes.
'You're Greek??"
"Yasou Neh mouri!" (loose translation - oh yea - right on bitch!)
I thought that I was going to implode and explode at the same time.
The centre of the universe had just opened up and lifted me up on golden wings.
"As soon as we finish the Fringe Festival, we will work on this! Oh! This is soo going to be a huge success!!"
Was I hearing right??!?
Was she speaking English, Greek? Nepalese? I had a momentary lapse of comprehension.
So it stands - the script (40- 60 minutes) and cast of characters (8-12) has to be finished by the beginning of March. It will be slated for a 6 day/night run. I am shaking as I write this. GOOD GOD!! A DREAM COME TRUE!! Well, I wont count my beans until they have sprouted.
But...
BUT!!!
And to top it all off, I found out that two galleries that had a call for submissions want my photos in their exhibitions!! And they are both expositions of (nudge, nudge) Erotic art/photography!! Because this is a 'clean site' I may not show which pix were accepted, but they are pretty steamy!! I am keeping all my limbs crossed and knocking so hard on wood I am getting splinters that this all pans out. Finally. Hopefully. Wonderfully. Perfectly.
I will keep you all posted!!
And thank you all for tagging along on this sometimes strange, bumpy, crazy, zany ride with me!!
I GOT IT!!
I met with the producer woman who wanted to make that 'Sex In The City' spoof/play, and three hours and some very sore stomach muscles from laughing so hard she said:
"OH MY GOD! You are soo perfect to write this play!! You want it? It's yours!!"
I almost had a coronary.
Almost lost my lunch.
Almost fell off my chair.
Almost died and went to heaven.
I could not believe my ears. She was completely smitten and loving the little blurbs I wrote. She wanted a 'little sample', but me being me, gave her a whole episode! I sat nervously, biting my nails as I watched her eyes scan over the lines, smiling and snickering as she went along.
The comedic chemistry between us was great from the get-go. I knew that I had fallen upon a good thing when she said:
"And I want Miranda to be completely wigged out. I want to have her trying to abandon her baby, or kill it. She resents having a child now because it is putting a crimp in her career.'
My kind of humour. Twisted, dark and outrageous.
I came back with a scenario when Miranda tries to leave the baby at an outdoor farmer's market - ploughing away the mountains of tomatoes and fitting the baby inside.
The vendor looks over and calls to Miranda:
'Excuse me miss - you forgot your bag of tomatoes... And your baby!!"
Another scene has Miranda nonchalantly pushing the baby and the carriage with one foot into the tracks of the subway, but her attempt is thwarted as a good Samaritan intercepts the little bundle of her angst!!
We were laughing so hard, we almost created a spectacle. I was afraid that we were going to be asked to leave!!
I interjected - 'she has Munchausen by Proxy Disorder!!"
"That's brilliant!!"
And to top it all off...
Get this...
She wants me to AUDITION for the part of Miranda!!
"I really want you to get it too!!"
I was picking myself off the floor after falling over 5 tables and 10 espresso double lattés.
Shit!!
This is outrageous!AND THEN!!AND THEN!!!
I told her about one of my 'comedy - sketch/com' skits - the Greek version of "Cawffee Talk with Linda Richmond' - Athens Chat.
'Welcome to Athens Chat. My khname is Kaliope and khere we talk about everythkig Greek!'
Her face fell.
"Oh my God! You have to do this!! "
My response - "?????????"
Her reply: 'I used to work for and be the host for the Greek Channel here in the city! This is the kind of spoof that people would just go crazy over! It would be an overnight success!! We have to do this!!'
I took one of those comical double takes.
'You're Greek??"
"Yasou Neh mouri!" (loose translation - oh yea - right on bitch!)
I thought that I was going to implode and explode at the same time.
The centre of the universe had just opened up and lifted me up on golden wings.
"As soon as we finish the Fringe Festival, we will work on this! Oh! This is soo going to be a huge success!!"
Was I hearing right??!?
Was she speaking English, Greek? Nepalese? I had a momentary lapse of comprehension.
So it stands - the script (40- 60 minutes) and cast of characters (8-12) has to be finished by the beginning of March. It will be slated for a 6 day/night run. I am shaking as I write this. GOOD GOD!! A DREAM COME TRUE!! Well, I wont count my beans until they have sprouted.
But...
BUT!!!
And to top it all off, I found out that two galleries that had a call for submissions want my photos in their exhibitions!! And they are both expositions of (nudge, nudge) Erotic art/photography!! Because this is a 'clean site' I may not show which pix were accepted, but they are pretty steamy!! I am keeping all my limbs crossed and knocking so hard on wood I am getting splinters that this all pans out. Finally. Hopefully. Wonderfully. Perfectly.
I will keep you all posted!!
And thank you all for tagging along on this sometimes strange, bumpy, crazy, zany ride with me!!
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
The elusive moment of "now' or 'Strange days indeed...Most peculiar Momma - roll!!"
I love that line from the Doors song (which one is it? For the life of me, I can't remember. I just hear that stupid loop in my head. Now it's going to drive me crazy!!). It has been a strange day and past few days indeed...
My Galpal dropped by today. She loved the photos I took of her in her bathroom. All 200 of them!! If that were measured in 35 mm film rolls, I would be crying right now. Too expensive to even think about. But for digital, they came out nice. We are already planning another shoot when she has more time. She was thinking of doing something a la Clara Bow/flapper 1920's style. With my apartment and its art deco charm, I think we might just have an interesting session on our hands.
E passed me a note telling me to call back this doctor M. I have been on a waiting list for this woman for months! Granted, this appointment is only the initial assessment, but it is getting somewhere. I was looking at the paper and my Galpal gets a phone call on her cell. I hear through the receiver: This is Doctor M's office...
Could it be the same doctor?
Low and behold, it was...
She is amazing. Absolutely fantastic! She is the one I have been telling you about!!
That was just too creepy. Same doctor, two telephone calls to two friends on the same day...
I was also shaken after seeing the footage of the Tsunami hitting the resort last night. Have you ever had the feeling that you see something somewhere (any kind of visual cue) and it sparks a memory? Yea, I think it's called Deja Vu, but this was not a place that I had been before, rather something that I had dreamed just after Xmas. I can vaguely put the pieces together but the fact remains, I dreamt about a huge wave, carrying people, houses, cars and everything in its path away in one swoop. The tide was ridiculously high - about 7 stories tall, and it washed through what looked like an old Eastern European train station. The wave was almost cartoonish in its grandeur. I remember looking up and seeing it crest. I could hear people yelling, others running out into the water, some to 'catch the wave and Hang 10', others just out of curiosity. I was close but at the same time, far enough away to marvel at this ominous force of nature, able to watch the last of the tide wash over my feet and toes. I felt like Alice in Wonderland - big in a small space, and small in a big space. Very strange.
I didn't bother to write it down. I have had lots on my mind as of late, but watching TV last night brought all the images back into sharp focus. Shivers travelled up and down my spine as I stared at the screen.
The last time something like that happened to me (one of the more bizarre incidences) was when I was in my early teens. There was a time back in the 80's when it seemed like there was a plane crash every other week. In my state of somnambulism, I would dream of watching a plane crash in the distance, or sometimes be within several meters of the falling plane, and walking amid the carnage and wreckage. After these nightmares, I would wake up very disturbed, usually 20 minutes before my alarm went off then doze off again. I would then hear on the radio 'We have just received word of another plane crash in..." Once, twice was a fluke. When it reached the 7 mark over a 6 month period, I became a little freaked out...
I once read about Einstein's theory of time/space continuum - if you travel at the speed of light, and then surpass that top speed, you can see the past present and future simultaneously. I have a funny feeling that dreams must be some sort of portal into that realm. I can't explain it, and I don't pretend to know anything about physics, but the fact remains - humans only use 10% of their brains. Something has to be going on in the other 90% don't you think???
My Galpal dropped by today. She loved the photos I took of her in her bathroom. All 200 of them!! If that were measured in 35 mm film rolls, I would be crying right now. Too expensive to even think about. But for digital, they came out nice. We are already planning another shoot when she has more time. She was thinking of doing something a la Clara Bow/flapper 1920's style. With my apartment and its art deco charm, I think we might just have an interesting session on our hands.
E passed me a note telling me to call back this doctor M. I have been on a waiting list for this woman for months! Granted, this appointment is only the initial assessment, but it is getting somewhere. I was looking at the paper and my Galpal gets a phone call on her cell. I hear through the receiver: This is Doctor M's office...
Could it be the same doctor?
Low and behold, it was...
She is amazing. Absolutely fantastic! She is the one I have been telling you about!!
That was just too creepy. Same doctor, two telephone calls to two friends on the same day...
I was also shaken after seeing the footage of the Tsunami hitting the resort last night. Have you ever had the feeling that you see something somewhere (any kind of visual cue) and it sparks a memory? Yea, I think it's called Deja Vu, but this was not a place that I had been before, rather something that I had dreamed just after Xmas. I can vaguely put the pieces together but the fact remains, I dreamt about a huge wave, carrying people, houses, cars and everything in its path away in one swoop. The tide was ridiculously high - about 7 stories tall, and it washed through what looked like an old Eastern European train station. The wave was almost cartoonish in its grandeur. I remember looking up and seeing it crest. I could hear people yelling, others running out into the water, some to 'catch the wave and Hang 10', others just out of curiosity. I was close but at the same time, far enough away to marvel at this ominous force of nature, able to watch the last of the tide wash over my feet and toes. I felt like Alice in Wonderland - big in a small space, and small in a big space. Very strange.
I didn't bother to write it down. I have had lots on my mind as of late, but watching TV last night brought all the images back into sharp focus. Shivers travelled up and down my spine as I stared at the screen.
The last time something like that happened to me (one of the more bizarre incidences) was when I was in my early teens. There was a time back in the 80's when it seemed like there was a plane crash every other week. In my state of somnambulism, I would dream of watching a plane crash in the distance, or sometimes be within several meters of the falling plane, and walking amid the carnage and wreckage. After these nightmares, I would wake up very disturbed, usually 20 minutes before my alarm went off then doze off again. I would then hear on the radio 'We have just received word of another plane crash in..." Once, twice was a fluke. When it reached the 7 mark over a 6 month period, I became a little freaked out...
I once read about Einstein's theory of time/space continuum - if you travel at the speed of light, and then surpass that top speed, you can see the past present and future simultaneously. I have a funny feeling that dreams must be some sort of portal into that realm. I can't explain it, and I don't pretend to know anything about physics, but the fact remains - humans only use 10% of their brains. Something has to be going on in the other 90% don't you think???
I found this on a physics website - it explains it more eloquently than I ever could...
NOTHING is more fundamental to human experience than the impression of time passing. We can hardly make sense of our lives other than in the context of a fixed past of events that can never be changed and a future of unrealised potentialities. Between them sits the mysterious and elusive moment of "now".This basic human perception of the flow of time is, however, at odds with accepted scientific theory. In Einstein's general relativity, space and time are combined into the indivisible block known as space-time, in which past, present and future all exist together. Space-time is a frozen fabric that does not evolve. Our own existence, from birth to death, is set out in space-time in a timeless way. There is no flow, and no place for now.
If there is no place for 'now' what are we doing 'here' ????
A happy day, a sad day...
THIS POST HAPPENED TO FIND IT WAY SOMEWHERE OTHER THAN WHERE ITS SUPPOSED TO BE...
FIND MY PLACE HOME...
What a day of ups and downs!
Just as I was getting rid of the visitor and that crazy roller coaster ride...
Went to rehearsal today. Charlotte said that we were going to work on specific exercises to bring us deeper into our characters, explore our boundaries and expand ourselves. I had no clue what to expect, but was looking forward to something interesting.
I have no formal training in theater - so all of this is completely new to me. All the rehearsals, the blocking, the memorizing of the lines, it's all such a rush! As a little girl I dreamed about acting, but knew that it took alot of hard work and that not everybody made it. It would have been a tough life. I think it took me this long to realize that at the place I am in my life right now, all my 'life experience' behind me,l I am in a good spot to try acting. It takes a certain level of maturity and self-knowledge to be able to use yourself as a vehicle for whatever character you are going to play.
So we did the standard exercises - warm up, shake down etc. Then we started to get a little funky. That is when Charlotte pulled out a blanket and said:Are we all ready to have some fun?
The purpose of this exercise was all about trust and concentration. With one person lying on the blanket, on the floor, the rest of the group stood around them. Standing over the sleeping person, we moved our hands over their body, concentrating and imagining them as weightless. At the count of three, all of us took our little spot on the blanket and lifted the person up to about eye level, then on another que - up above out heads. The first one was trippy. Carrie lay down on the blanket. Her tiny frame covered the length and we had to tuck her long hair behind her head so we wouldn't end up tugging it by mistake. We all took a deep breath, paced our breathing together and lifted. She felt so light! She said that she felt the same way too. We then hoisted her above our heads and kept her up about 10 seconds and then carefully set her back down. The look on her face on the way back down was that of complete peace.Oh my God guys! That was so trippy! I felt like I was floating! Hearing that, everybody who was first apprehensive asked to go next.
We cycled through the whole gang of 10. When it got to my turn, I was a wee bit nervous - I am afraid of heights, but hopped into the center of the ring. I was already pretty relaxed so I tried to keep my composure on the way up. Well, let me tell you! It was as if I was floating in water, high above the room! And on the way down!! Even more bizarre - gravity takes its toll, pushing down on you but at the same time, you are being suspended and think you are still high up, not anticipating the floor. It felt like I was descending for 5 minutes. An experience unlike any I had before. We all got a kick out of it...
The next series of exercises were for our characters - in one set, we had to say our lines in the way we would normally, and the second - exaggerate to the maximum - body gestures, voice - everything to boot. It's interesting how 'reserved' people are normally, even actors. The difference between their exaggerated personas and their 'normal' ones was like night and day; the exaggerated versions often a lot stronger and more convincing than the later. Sometimes over the top is good - but through this exercise, we were able to feel and compare the two and try to find a middle ground.
The one I thought was most amusing was the three way conversation. The main person sat in the middle and two other characters sat on either side. The purpose of this was to practice concentration while two streams of dialogs going on. The results were hysterical! The funniest one was when Miranda waa being bombarded by Steve and Big. Keeping in character the whole time, we watched her evolution from calm cool and collected to the quick tempered redhead firing off sarcastic one liners to each guy. We 'exercised' for about 4 hours. It 's an understatement to say that it was a full afternoon!
On a sad note, a good friend of mine, Matt, had to accompany his sister to the vet to put her cat down. He called me while I was in rehearsal - he was really upset. I wish I had the opportunity to talk to him because I know what that is like. Such sadness on a shitty Saturday afternoon. My prayers are with you my dear.
FIND MY PLACE HOME...
What a day of ups and downs!
Just as I was getting rid of the visitor and that crazy roller coaster ride...
Went to rehearsal today. Charlotte said that we were going to work on specific exercises to bring us deeper into our characters, explore our boundaries and expand ourselves. I had no clue what to expect, but was looking forward to something interesting.
I have no formal training in theater - so all of this is completely new to me. All the rehearsals, the blocking, the memorizing of the lines, it's all such a rush! As a little girl I dreamed about acting, but knew that it took alot of hard work and that not everybody made it. It would have been a tough life. I think it took me this long to realize that at the place I am in my life right now, all my 'life experience' behind me,l I am in a good spot to try acting. It takes a certain level of maturity and self-knowledge to be able to use yourself as a vehicle for whatever character you are going to play.
So we did the standard exercises - warm up, shake down etc. Then we started to get a little funky. That is when Charlotte pulled out a blanket and said:Are we all ready to have some fun?
The purpose of this exercise was all about trust and concentration. With one person lying on the blanket, on the floor, the rest of the group stood around them. Standing over the sleeping person, we moved our hands over their body, concentrating and imagining them as weightless. At the count of three, all of us took our little spot on the blanket and lifted the person up to about eye level, then on another que - up above out heads. The first one was trippy. Carrie lay down on the blanket. Her tiny frame covered the length and we had to tuck her long hair behind her head so we wouldn't end up tugging it by mistake. We all took a deep breath, paced our breathing together and lifted. She felt so light! She said that she felt the same way too. We then hoisted her above our heads and kept her up about 10 seconds and then carefully set her back down. The look on her face on the way back down was that of complete peace.Oh my God guys! That was so trippy! I felt like I was floating! Hearing that, everybody who was first apprehensive asked to go next.
We cycled through the whole gang of 10. When it got to my turn, I was a wee bit nervous - I am afraid of heights, but hopped into the center of the ring. I was already pretty relaxed so I tried to keep my composure on the way up. Well, let me tell you! It was as if I was floating in water, high above the room! And on the way down!! Even more bizarre - gravity takes its toll, pushing down on you but at the same time, you are being suspended and think you are still high up, not anticipating the floor. It felt like I was descending for 5 minutes. An experience unlike any I had before. We all got a kick out of it...
The next series of exercises were for our characters - in one set, we had to say our lines in the way we would normally, and the second - exaggerate to the maximum - body gestures, voice - everything to boot. It's interesting how 'reserved' people are normally, even actors. The difference between their exaggerated personas and their 'normal' ones was like night and day; the exaggerated versions often a lot stronger and more convincing than the later. Sometimes over the top is good - but through this exercise, we were able to feel and compare the two and try to find a middle ground.
The one I thought was most amusing was the three way conversation. The main person sat in the middle and two other characters sat on either side. The purpose of this was to practice concentration while two streams of dialogs going on. The results were hysterical! The funniest one was when Miranda waa being bombarded by Steve and Big. Keeping in character the whole time, we watched her evolution from calm cool and collected to the quick tempered redhead firing off sarcastic one liners to each guy. We 'exercised' for about 4 hours. It 's an understatement to say that it was a full afternoon!
On a sad note, a good friend of mine, Matt, had to accompany his sister to the vet to put her cat down. He called me while I was in rehearsal - he was really upset. I wish I had the opportunity to talk to him because I know what that is like. Such sadness on a shitty Saturday afternoon. My prayers are with you my dear.
Standby Shmandby.
So he did not get to go to Barbados after all!
Does that not bite?!?I would have thrown such a hissy fit at the counter, they would have no choice but to put me on the plane - either that or sedate me.
He called me from the airport and said: "I'm coming home..."
And the irony of it all was as he was driving back, it started to snow really hard...
I got a call from the producer woman who wants me to write that Sex In The City spoof. Her associate and partner in crime had spoken to her about me. She left me a message and I was to call her back after dinner. I wolfed down my chicken Jambalaya and waited impatiently for 7pm to roll around.
We spoke and began to laugh hysterically almost immediately. She has a great and outrageous sense of humour. She threw out some ideas to me and I ran with them right to the 40 yard line of funny.
Carrie has a 5 â 7 to attend and has must buy a pair of shoes - but all the designer stores are closed, and the only ones open past 7pm are in shopping malls and - they are ALL PAYLESS SHOE STORES!!! Charlotte wrinkles her nose the way only Charlotte can do and asks:
What is a payless shoe store? It sounds like only white trailer trash park people would shop there!"
So Carrie has to buy a pair of shoes - but they are the quintessentially tacky, and because Carrie just has a huge horseshoe up her butt, the strap snaps and the heel breaks off during the event, sending her plate full of canapés and glass of red wine all over the host!
I think that little bit of improv is what solidified the deal. We were definetly on the same wavelength. For the next 20 minutes we tossed around some really great ideas. I am meeting her on Wednesday and I can't wait! I am soo looking forward to this! I think if anything, it's going to be more fun than a barrel of monkeys!! (And we all know how much fun a barrel of monkeys can be... Who the hell ever came up with that saying? And just how many monkeys can you fit into a barrel anyway??)
Does that not bite?!?I would have thrown such a hissy fit at the counter, they would have no choice but to put me on the plane - either that or sedate me.
He called me from the airport and said: "I'm coming home..."
And the irony of it all was as he was driving back, it started to snow really hard...
I got a call from the producer woman who wants me to write that Sex In The City spoof. Her associate and partner in crime had spoken to her about me. She left me a message and I was to call her back after dinner. I wolfed down my chicken Jambalaya and waited impatiently for 7pm to roll around.
We spoke and began to laugh hysterically almost immediately. She has a great and outrageous sense of humour. She threw out some ideas to me and I ran with them right to the 40 yard line of funny.
Carrie has a 5 â 7 to attend and has must buy a pair of shoes - but all the designer stores are closed, and the only ones open past 7pm are in shopping malls and - they are ALL PAYLESS SHOE STORES!!! Charlotte wrinkles her nose the way only Charlotte can do and asks:
What is a payless shoe store? It sounds like only white trailer trash park people would shop there!"
So Carrie has to buy a pair of shoes - but they are the quintessentially tacky, and because Carrie just has a huge horseshoe up her butt, the strap snaps and the heel breaks off during the event, sending her plate full of canapés and glass of red wine all over the host!
I think that little bit of improv is what solidified the deal. We were definetly on the same wavelength. For the next 20 minutes we tossed around some really great ideas. I am meeting her on Wednesday and I can't wait! I am soo looking forward to this! I think if anything, it's going to be more fun than a barrel of monkeys!! (And we all know how much fun a barrel of monkeys can be... Who the hell ever came up with that saying? And just how many monkeys can you fit into a barrel anyway??)
Monday, January 03, 2005
Playa Cubano
The beaches were so beautiful - this was on a 'Cuban beach' . The place was deserted. No tourists anywhere. It really pays to hang out with the locals!! 
Sunday, January 02, 2005
8am - first early start to a new year day 2.
Day two of 2005.
Does it feel different?
Not really - well, yea. A little bit...
My attitude is different - maybe it's the medication, maybe it's because I am passed that time of the month and for the next 15 days I will be keeping my head above water. Maybe it's just the idea of starting a new month and a new year at the same time. Whatever the reason, I feel positive. There is an feeling of movement within - a Tsunami of creative energy is about to wash over me and into my world and it's all good. I am ready for the wave - no more baby floatees. This is the big wave and I am ready for the surf of my life.
I can't believe it is sooo early! When was the last time I was up at 7am on a Sunday - two days after New Year's eve? Hmmmm- last time working on a movie set?? My man is off to Barbados, and as of 11am, he and his father will be flying through the skies to a warmer sunnier climate; that is if they get on the flight. They are flying stand-by which is always a nail biter - basically the luck of the draw. If somebody does not show up, and if there is enough room on the plane - you're on. If not? Well, no go unless you don't mind riding in cargo. I really hope he gets the flight. I know how much good a change to a hot climate can do during the winter months like these. Although, this time last year I was getting pumped about going to Cuba!! Ahh - I remember it like it was yesterday! I also remember not feeling guilty about leaving the -40 with the wind chill weather behind. That was a huge first for me - going on vacation to another country by myself. Some people thought I was out of my mind (you're going to a resort? By yourself?? To Cuba??) and some people (to my surprise - my biggest advocate was my mother!!) told me that it would be the best experience in the world, and it was. Actually, I really enjoyed myself by myself. I did whatever I wanted to whenever I wanted to. I had my own barrel of monkeys. Yea, it was great, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I thank God (knock on wood) that so far, the weather has not been the bone snapping into a million pieces cold that we had this time last year. It makes the wait for my next trip to a tropical climate a little less painful.
So New Year's Eve was quiet but enjoyable. We ended up at a house party who's host served champagne at midnight, chocolate/pot cake and chips . The countdown was not an official one' (I really have a thing for watching the ball drop in NYC - it seems more official when it's on TV and hundreds of thousands of people bring in the new year at the same time...), but it was quick and painless. Out with the old - in with the new. Let's get busy! I met some new friends, had fun with some old ones, laughed allot and shared my plans for the upcoming 365 days with some of the people I felt would be part of my 'new and improved' posse. It was not the 'rock and roll' night I had hoped for, but in another way, I got to see the true colours of some people who I thought I knew. Not a disappointing thing, more like a reality check.
2005 is all about reality checks - out with the old - in with the new, and making dreams a reality. I know that I am capable of doing next to the impossible cause I have done it before. I feel a tenacious streak growing in my belly. Don't tell me I can't do something cause I will die trying to prove you wrong - especially if it's about something that you think I 'won't be able to handle' or 'can't do' for whatever reason (does that whole sentence make sense? It's still 'too early' for me despite being on my 2nd cup of java...).
Here is to the tenacious 2005 and making all our dreams come true!!!
Does it feel different?
Not really - well, yea. A little bit...
My attitude is different - maybe it's the medication, maybe it's because I am passed that time of the month and for the next 15 days I will be keeping my head above water. Maybe it's just the idea of starting a new month and a new year at the same time. Whatever the reason, I feel positive. There is an feeling of movement within - a Tsunami of creative energy is about to wash over me and into my world and it's all good. I am ready for the wave - no more baby floatees. This is the big wave and I am ready for the surf of my life.
I can't believe it is sooo early! When was the last time I was up at 7am on a Sunday - two days after New Year's eve? Hmmmm- last time working on a movie set?? My man is off to Barbados, and as of 11am, he and his father will be flying through the skies to a warmer sunnier climate; that is if they get on the flight. They are flying stand-by which is always a nail biter - basically the luck of the draw. If somebody does not show up, and if there is enough room on the plane - you're on. If not? Well, no go unless you don't mind riding in cargo. I really hope he gets the flight. I know how much good a change to a hot climate can do during the winter months like these. Although, this time last year I was getting pumped about going to Cuba!! Ahh - I remember it like it was yesterday! I also remember not feeling guilty about leaving the -40 with the wind chill weather behind. That was a huge first for me - going on vacation to another country by myself. Some people thought I was out of my mind (you're going to a resort? By yourself?? To Cuba??) and some people (to my surprise - my biggest advocate was my mother!!) told me that it would be the best experience in the world, and it was. Actually, I really enjoyed myself by myself. I did whatever I wanted to whenever I wanted to. I had my own barrel of monkeys. Yea, it was great, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I thank God (knock on wood) that so far, the weather has not been the bone snapping into a million pieces cold that we had this time last year. It makes the wait for my next trip to a tropical climate a little less painful.
So New Year's Eve was quiet but enjoyable. We ended up at a house party who's host served champagne at midnight, chocolate/pot cake and chips . The countdown was not an official one' (I really have a thing for watching the ball drop in NYC - it seems more official when it's on TV and hundreds of thousands of people bring in the new year at the same time...), but it was quick and painless. Out with the old - in with the new. Let's get busy! I met some new friends, had fun with some old ones, laughed allot and shared my plans for the upcoming 365 days with some of the people I felt would be part of my 'new and improved' posse. It was not the 'rock and roll' night I had hoped for, but in another way, I got to see the true colours of some people who I thought I knew. Not a disappointing thing, more like a reality check.
2005 is all about reality checks - out with the old - in with the new, and making dreams a reality. I know that I am capable of doing next to the impossible cause I have done it before. I feel a tenacious streak growing in my belly. Don't tell me I can't do something cause I will die trying to prove you wrong - especially if it's about something that you think I 'won't be able to handle' or 'can't do' for whatever reason (does that whole sentence make sense? It's still 'too early' for me despite being on my 2nd cup of java...).
Here is to the tenacious 2005 and making all our dreams come true!!!
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Happy New Year!
Well, I made it through 2004, a little bruised and battered for wear, but alive. I have many battle scars to serve as evidence of all the shit and shrapnel that I dodged in 12 long months, but as 2005 begins, the wounds are starting to heal.
My resolutions?
C'mon! Everybody has even some 'closet resolutions'!!
Here are mine. I am trying to be realistic about things...
By this time next year, have pretty well established myself as a artistic presence in the photographic community.
I am going to have at least one solo photo exhibition by next year.
I am going to go to the gym at least (AT LEAST ) 3 times a week.
I will begin to transcribe the 'best of the best' from the journals I have kept for the past 25 years and put that material into a book.
I will be in the process of pre-production for my documentary on scars.
I will (for once and for all) get my licence.
Go to New York.
Go to Havana.
Live life by taking it by the balls, and then squeezing really hard.
Do at least one nice thing for somebody every day.
Do at least three nice things for myself every day.
Live without regrets.
I know, it's a tall order, but you'll never know what you can do or what your limits are if you don't try...
So here I am, sitting, typing, mellowing out from a chocolate pot cake and white beer carried over from the night before. I am hoping that 2005 will be my year to remember - in more good ways than one.
My resolutions?
C'mon! Everybody has even some 'closet resolutions'!!
Here are mine. I am trying to be realistic about things...
By this time next year, have pretty well established myself as a artistic presence in the photographic community.
I am going to have at least one solo photo exhibition by next year.
I am going to go to the gym at least (AT LEAST ) 3 times a week.
I will begin to transcribe the 'best of the best' from the journals I have kept for the past 25 years and put that material into a book.
I will be in the process of pre-production for my documentary on scars.
I will (for once and for all) get my licence.
Go to New York.
Go to Havana.
Live life by taking it by the balls, and then squeezing really hard.
Do at least one nice thing for somebody every day.
Do at least three nice things for myself every day.
Live without regrets.
I know, it's a tall order, but you'll never know what you can do or what your limits are if you don't try...
So here I am, sitting, typing, mellowing out from a chocolate pot cake and white beer carried over from the night before. I am hoping that 2005 will be my year to remember - in more good ways than one.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Last one for 2004.
I am back - but only for a short short blog.
Things have been up and down - been sick, lost my voice, found it again, and then lost it partially as of today. Looked under the bed, in the closet but it's nowhere to be found.
I am asking the universe for inspiration and strength for the new year.
I feel that I am on the cusp of something great. All I need is the energy and the focus to get through it all.
I am thankful for all the sunny days so far - they manage to get me through these winter months.
I took this photo last night at one of my gal pal's place. She is ripping up her bathroom of the downstairs apartment - it looks like hell - quite literally. We thought that something industrial would look cool. The idea behind this was ' a nice girl ends up in a bad place'. One night, you drink too much, black out for a little while, and then wake up to find yourself someplace where you know you should not be. I really think it works. The conditions were horrible (literally shit mixed with damp earth on the floor) - it was cold, damp and dark. I really had fun with her - we work really well together. She believe in my work and thinks this stuff is exhibition quality. I value her opinion highly - she is not one to give out compliments easily.
These are dark dark photos. Funny - the eye sees before the mind does.
On that note (oh - how depressing!!!) I wish all my readers a happy happy new year and may all your dreams come true in 2005!!!
Things have been up and down - been sick, lost my voice, found it again, and then lost it partially as of today. Looked under the bed, in the closet but it's nowhere to be found.
I am asking the universe for inspiration and strength for the new year.
I feel that I am on the cusp of something great. All I need is the energy and the focus to get through it all.
I am thankful for all the sunny days so far - they manage to get me through these winter months.
I took this photo last night at one of my gal pal's place. She is ripping up her bathroom of the downstairs apartment - it looks like hell - quite literally. We thought that something industrial would look cool. The idea behind this was ' a nice girl ends up in a bad place'. One night, you drink too much, black out for a little while, and then wake up to find yourself someplace where you know you should not be. I really think it works. The conditions were horrible (literally shit mixed with damp earth on the floor) - it was cold, damp and dark. I really had fun with her - we work really well together. She believe in my work and thinks this stuff is exhibition quality. I value her opinion highly - she is not one to give out compliments easily.
These are dark dark photos. Funny - the eye sees before the mind does.
On that note (oh - how depressing!!!) I wish all my readers a happy happy new year and may all your dreams come true in 2005!!!
Thursday, December 23, 2004
The night before the night before Xmas.
Lost my voice today. Not fun. Although it is kinda cool sounding like a big Italian mobster's wife (or at least what the stereotypical ones sound like - deep throaty sexy voice). I can talk but it hurts like hell and at times I sound like a 12 year old boy who's voice is in transition.
It was sooo miserable today.
I finished up some xmas presents, E got home and we did the last of the shopping rounds. It's strange having Xmas eve on a Friday. I can guarantee that there will be people taking full advantage of shopping till 9pm (if the stores stay open that long). Christmas in retail land. What fond (NOT!) memories...
The wind is whipping against the thin panes of glass of my window. I'm listening to Coldplay (let's go down a few notes on the scale of melancholia) and hoping to finish the last last little bit of xmas crafts and cooking. I can't believe a year has gone by so quickly. I really didn't notice the summer, and now, already the end of December? Wow. I can remember being a kid and asking how long it would be before I could cross a busy 4 lane street by myself. "Soon' seemed like forever in those days. Now, soon is too soon .
So Xmas rituals - tomorrow PM - E's parents house, eat, open presents, church, then back to pick up presents and left overs. Xmas day, mom and gmom's house - eat, eat and eat some more. 5 minutes of opening presents, sipping some eggnog for another hour and then home. In 24 hours it's all over.
Bleh.
I wish it were April already.
Buds start to poke out through the branches of the bare trees, the smell of dry earth and grass fill the air with a sweet crispness that just signals the beginning of spring. Its going to be along winter, unless I can find some $$ and get my white little butt to a hot tropical place between now and then...
Merry Xmas, Happy holidays and a fantastic new year everybody. ;-)
It was sooo miserable today.
I finished up some xmas presents, E got home and we did the last of the shopping rounds. It's strange having Xmas eve on a Friday. I can guarantee that there will be people taking full advantage of shopping till 9pm (if the stores stay open that long). Christmas in retail land. What fond (NOT!) memories...
The wind is whipping against the thin panes of glass of my window. I'm listening to Coldplay (let's go down a few notes on the scale of melancholia) and hoping to finish the last last little bit of xmas crafts and cooking. I can't believe a year has gone by so quickly. I really didn't notice the summer, and now, already the end of December? Wow. I can remember being a kid and asking how long it would be before I could cross a busy 4 lane street by myself. "Soon' seemed like forever in those days. Now, soon is too soon .
So Xmas rituals - tomorrow PM - E's parents house, eat, open presents, church, then back to pick up presents and left overs. Xmas day, mom and gmom's house - eat, eat and eat some more. 5 minutes of opening presents, sipping some eggnog for another hour and then home. In 24 hours it's all over.
Bleh.
I wish it were April already.
Buds start to poke out through the branches of the bare trees, the smell of dry earth and grass fill the air with a sweet crispness that just signals the beginning of spring. Its going to be along winter, unless I can find some $$ and get my white little butt to a hot tropical place between now and then...
Merry Xmas, Happy holidays and a fantastic new year everybody. ;-)
Deck the halls with germs and phlegm...
Man oh man. Those flu shots are shit!
I have been sick the past four days - four serious 'lying in my deathbed' days. The week before it was on and off, but since the weekend I have been growing roots into my mattress. I am up now because my coughing has kept me awake! I am trying to get myself drunk on 'cough/congestion due to colds' syrup so I can finally sleep!
I have been flipping out, trying to find last minute gifts for everybody. When all else fails, cookies and other sweets usually do the trick. Baked goods always get allot of 'oohs' and 'ahhhs' , especially when something is made from scratch. Standing near a hot oven sure beats dealing with irate salespeople, having to hear spoiled kids wailing and throw themselves on the floor in a grand mal temper tantrum, standing in line-ups longer than the breadlines in the former USSR. I thought I'd get creative this year, but that first attempt failed miserably. I have managed to save my sanity and 6 stretched canvases I bought with a good (but mind you, not very feasible) idea in mind. I won't say what it is in case one of you readers will be the recipient of one of these 'home made' gifts.
So just when I thought my life was back in the 'remedial' class, I get an email that almost had me tumble down the stairs (I live on the 3rd floor, so it's quite a tumble down)!! Somebody saw my profile on www.Mandy.com (a showbiz site - people who are looking for showbiz work) and emailed me asking if I wanted to be a writer on one of their comedy projects. I wrote back right away, telling them about the whole fiasco with the comedy network (that insane deadline thing) and that buried deep in my cerebellum was a degree in Creative Writing, which I pull out every once and a while to impress people at church bazaars and funerals.
I got an email back and on it the last line said:
Also the producer would like to speak to you.
The producer!! The producer of the production in question?? Wow!! Did I feel important!! Funny, just the other day I was asking a friend of mine if this 'comedy writing thing' was just a waste of my time, or did I really have a diamond in the rough? Long story made into a commercial, I spoke to the co-producer/director and got the info on the project. It sounds like something I can really sink my teeth (and those false chattering wind up teeth) into. The deadline is February (Pishaw!! February??! That is a vacation compared to the 5 hours I had to bang out a treatment!!) and are looking for someone who can write a play that will catch the attention of the viewing public. I am totally up to the challenge! I am also thinking that by networking with these two women, I might just be adding some creative elbow grease (and chick power) to my upcoming sketch-com project!!
I will keep you all posted as the events unfold...
So now, my carpal tunnel syndrome is setting in (the first time I heard that term, I could not figure out how somebody could suffer from 'Car-pool- tunnel syndrome?)*** and it's getting hard to type as I yelp between hitting the space bar and reaching over for the caps lock button...
So to all my readers - I wish you all a happy and wonderful Holiday season!!
** that is my skit idea so don't steal it!!
I have been sick the past four days - four serious 'lying in my deathbed' days. The week before it was on and off, but since the weekend I have been growing roots into my mattress. I am up now because my coughing has kept me awake! I am trying to get myself drunk on 'cough/congestion due to colds' syrup so I can finally sleep!
I have been flipping out, trying to find last minute gifts for everybody. When all else fails, cookies and other sweets usually do the trick. Baked goods always get allot of 'oohs' and 'ahhhs' , especially when something is made from scratch. Standing near a hot oven sure beats dealing with irate salespeople, having to hear spoiled kids wailing and throw themselves on the floor in a grand mal temper tantrum, standing in line-ups longer than the breadlines in the former USSR. I thought I'd get creative this year, but that first attempt failed miserably. I have managed to save my sanity and 6 stretched canvases I bought with a good (but mind you, not very feasible) idea in mind. I won't say what it is in case one of you readers will be the recipient of one of these 'home made' gifts.
So just when I thought my life was back in the 'remedial' class, I get an email that almost had me tumble down the stairs (I live on the 3rd floor, so it's quite a tumble down)!! Somebody saw my profile on www.Mandy.com (a showbiz site - people who are looking for showbiz work) and emailed me asking if I wanted to be a writer on one of their comedy projects. I wrote back right away, telling them about the whole fiasco with the comedy network (that insane deadline thing) and that buried deep in my cerebellum was a degree in Creative Writing, which I pull out every once and a while to impress people at church bazaars and funerals.
I got an email back and on it the last line said:
Also the producer would like to speak to you.
The producer!! The producer of the production in question?? Wow!! Did I feel important!! Funny, just the other day I was asking a friend of mine if this 'comedy writing thing' was just a waste of my time, or did I really have a diamond in the rough? Long story made into a commercial, I spoke to the co-producer/director and got the info on the project. It sounds like something I can really sink my teeth (and those false chattering wind up teeth) into. The deadline is February (Pishaw!! February??! That is a vacation compared to the 5 hours I had to bang out a treatment!!) and are looking for someone who can write a play that will catch the attention of the viewing public. I am totally up to the challenge! I am also thinking that by networking with these two women, I might just be adding some creative elbow grease (and chick power) to my upcoming sketch-com project!!
I will keep you all posted as the events unfold...
So now, my carpal tunnel syndrome is setting in (the first time I heard that term, I could not figure out how somebody could suffer from 'Car-pool- tunnel syndrome?)*** and it's getting hard to type as I yelp between hitting the space bar and reaching over for the caps lock button...
So to all my readers - I wish you all a happy and wonderful Holiday season!!
** that is my skit idea so don't steal it!!
Monday, December 20, 2004
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Cookies and more cookies!
What a wonderful time I had this afternoon!
E and I were invited to a friend's house where we were greeted with a warm welcome and a glass of hot wine a la Swedish style. I have never been to a cookie party, but I must admit, it was completely decadent! My Galpal told me that this was a family tradition in her country (and they have a Christmas goat, no Santa!!! )
Here junior, you've been so good all year, here is a bag of wool! Hoo hoo hoo!!
Sorry, had to add that in..
But the atmosphere was filled with smiles and laughter, everybody sampling more than a dozen sorts of treats and cakes. There were even gingerbread housed (which, unfortunately began to collapse because of humidity) that had lots of character. E said they were gingerbread houses from Florida because they were falling apart.
Gotta love the comedic relief!!
So on a grey and cold winter afternoon, we passed the time with some friends, both new and old. It really put me in the spirit of Christmas...
Now, I have to work like a fiend to get all my shopping done!!!!!
E and I were invited to a friend's house where we were greeted with a warm welcome and a glass of hot wine a la Swedish style. I have never been to a cookie party, but I must admit, it was completely decadent! My Galpal told me that this was a family tradition in her country (and they have a Christmas goat, no Santa!!! )
Here junior, you've been so good all year, here is a bag of wool! Hoo hoo hoo!!
Sorry, had to add that in..
But the atmosphere was filled with smiles and laughter, everybody sampling more than a dozen sorts of treats and cakes. There were even gingerbread housed (which, unfortunately began to collapse because of humidity) that had lots of character. E said they were gingerbread houses from Florida because they were falling apart.
Gotta love the comedic relief!!
So on a grey and cold winter afternoon, we passed the time with some friends, both new and old. It really put me in the spirit of Christmas...
Now, I have to work like a fiend to get all my shopping done!!!!!
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