GJ Willis' Art Notes

I am greatly distressed because I can not upload images to this page. My mojo is gone. Maybe it shall return tomorrow.....

In other news I just finished completing three postcards that I intend to mail out. This will be my first foray in mail art. Unfortunately, as you have read I can’t post the images. I can’t even post a link to the bloody cards! I always thought that blogger was a reliable service. I suppose I thought wrong.....

I’m upset and I don’t feel like telling you what the Writer’s Digest writing prompt if for today.

The Odd Couple (Theme Song to The Odd Couple), Words by Sammy Cahan, Music by Neal Hefti, @1968 by Famous Music Corporation

This was another theme song I found the lyrics for. However, I can see why the words were never sung. They put a whole new subtext on, The Odd Couple. It makes them appear to be a gay couple. Which kind of makes me wonder if the original intention was for Felix and Oscar to be gay. Who knows maybe Neil Simon told the great lyricist Sammy Cahan his true intent for the show and he ran with it. The networks most likely were horrified and afraid that they’d loose sponsors. Thus, the instrumental version of the theme song was used. This is all pure speculation on my part. However, one thing is for sure, Felix, was definitely the most effeminate or queer acting of the two.

There appeared to be a problem with blogger earlier this morning I tried to upload pictures but no dice. I hope they fix the problem. I hope that I’m not single handedly maxing out the server with my need to show the pretty pictures I made. Well no one from Blogger has written me an angry letter saying, “Cut it out!”

I saw a car yesterday were the owner was asking for $500 for it. It was pretty old. The only thing wrong wrong it that I could see was that it needed a paint job. It was a BMW from the 80’s. I don’t know much about cars all I know is that I’ve always wanted to own a BMW since I was kid. I remember telling my brother that one of my goals in life was to own a BMW. If I got it I’d like to paint it purple or pink. I guess now I’ll have to wait to get my license and see what repairs are needed on Arlesia’s car. My dad said that he feel that it wouldn't cost more than $100-200 to have her car fixed. If the repairs on Arlesia’s old car is greater than $500 then I’ll just sell it and buy the geriatric BMW.

My nephew, Little David wants to get a computer. I told him I would be willing to contribute on getting him one. He said he’s not too particular on the type of computer all he wants to do is burn cd’s on it. He saw a Compaq in the newspaper on sale for around $400. I’m kind of leery about it. $400, sounds a wee to cheap to me. I don’t want to get him a computer and it breaks down five minutes later or the day after the warranty expires. Besides, I recall hearing a while back that Compaq makes lousy computers. Personally, I’d rather he get an eMac. I’m a bit biased on this because I love Macs. In fact I’m writing this blog on my ancient lime green iMac. To appear fair and unbiased I have a question for all you computer experts out their, “Can you give me the name of a good cheap computer that has a cd burner on it?”

The writing prompt for today says to write a children's story where all the characters are food items.

The Real McCoys (The Song to The Real McCoys), Words and Music by Harry Rush, @1958 by Bregman, Vocco & Conn, Inc., Copyright Renewed and Assigned 1986 to Harry Ruby Music, Administered by the Songwriters Guild of America

Today, I went to the movies to avoid the heat. When I made my weekly trek down to Lexington Market to buy my weekly supply of fruit, I was shocked. Yes, shocked to learn that according to an announcer on WYPR that it was already 89’ outside at 11 AM. One though came to mind and that was that if it was already 89’ so early in the morning it could only get hotter. My only choice of recourse was to make an executive decision. My decision was to go to the movies.

I didn’t really care too much what movie I saw. Right now there is no must see movies playing. There are just three movies that I have a vague interest in seeing, Bend It Like Beckham, The Italian Job, and Bruce Almighty.

I want to see Bend it Like Beckham because it’s gotten rave reviews and I have an interest in movies about cultural differences. Besides, I don’t know too much about Pakistani people, despite having a lot of Pakistani co-workers and classmates in college.

I have an interest in seeing The Italian Job again. because of the reviews. I also want to see it because of the cast. I’m curious to see what Mos Def does with his role. My interest in him began with his starring role in the Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway play, Top Dog/Underdog. Also I like Ed Norton. I feel he’s a very talented actor. I’ve seen him in a number of movies and have never been disappointed by his performance. My only gripe about Norton is his insistence that he’s from Baltimore. Norton is from Columbia, Maryland, the suburbs, albeit a very nice affluent one. The only drawback for me about seeing the movie was Marky Mark Wahlberg. I have never really liked Marky Mark Wahlberg. I’m still angry at him because of the racist comments he made to one of his black bodyguard during the filming of Planet of the Apes. I still do not understand why he was ever chosen to be a Calvin Klein model. He looks very plain and ordinary. Heck, to further emphasize it Wahlberg looks like he’s from Baltimore.

I want to see Bruce Almighty because it’s in the Top 5 grossing movies for last week. Ok, ok the real reason is because I’m a closeted Jim Carrey fan. I will never, I say NEVER admit this to anyone in my life. I feel so ashamed for admitting that Jim Carey makes me laugh. It feels so out of character for me a vegetarian, NPR listening, Ralph Nader voting, tree hugging hippie to admit. I’ve based my entire life on being unique, following the road less traveled. My personal motto has been that if 1 Million Elvis fans like it then avoid it at all costs.

The movie I ended up seeing today was The Italian Job.The main number one reason I went to see this movie was because of Ed Norton, Mos Def, and Seth Green. I also was surprised by Chalize Theron in the movie.

As usual Ed Norton pulled in a stellar performance. I was absolutely stunned to find out during a plot twist that he was the villain. I got to say he had me convinced that he was a ruthless killer. Mos Def’s character was barely there. I wish he had more lines. Seth Green played a computer hacker. I would hardly call Green’s character a major acting stretch for him. Charlize Theron also was better than expected. I’ve never seen a movie with Theron in it. All I know about her is that she appears in a lot of glossy magazines wearing really nice clothes and showing off her body. I was surprised that she could actually act. However, I still vehemently hate Marky Mark Wahlberg.

Todays writing prompt is to reread one of your favorite books then write a poem from one of the character’s point of view.