Hope and Hopelessness

The Future of FANGORIA

As I continue to grow as a writer at my internship, I have been paying attention to more than just the articles in both the print and online versions of FANGORIA. My desire to learn how to better reach our readers has lead me to looking deeper into the social media presence of the magazine as well as new ways to to bring life to staple events and creating fun, monthly columns. A few ideas that I have been tossing around is a brand new Instagram account, pre-show entertainment at our free monthly screenings, as well as a new segment for the print version of the magazine.  

Recently, I sat down with Editor Emeritus, Tony Timpone one evening in New York to discuss my ideas and how they could benefit FANGORIA Entertainment. I felt confident in speaking with Tony as I was well prepared in my plan of action should he give the okay to move forward with my ideas.  After I went through all that I had to say on the matter, I was ecstatic over the fact that not only did he like my ideas but encouraged me to speak with Ken Hanley, the Managing Editor, and Mike Gingold, the Editor-In-Chief. I look forward to my ideas and suggestions coming to fruition with the help and support from the great team of creative minds from whom I'm learning so much.

Though I can't speak of the details of all my ideas that I pitched to Tony that evening until that are solidified, I believe that they will truly add a unique quality, more so than FANGORIA already has. 

Preparing For My Career...

Having a career in the entertainment industry is something I have always longed for. I have been preparing myself for this my whole life and now that I am only a few months away from graduating college, I know that it I must continue that planning.  Working as an intern for FANGORIA has been a part of that planning, and having this job in media it is important that I stay on top of what is happening, not only in print and online entertainment news, but the trends in the horror world. In order to be successful one must often stay one step ahead of the game and focus the up and coming.

One of the most important things I’m learning is that growing my contact list in this industry is extremely important.  In the few short months of my internship I have begun creating a list of contacts that could be a great help to me as I push further down the path of successes. I’m realizing that no one can do it alone, and the more people you meet the more resources you gain. Of course, knowing is half the battle, yet understanding is just as important.  In the entertainment industry, just like other industries, it is important to do your research and know your history.  In my circumstance I must learn about the entertainment and media industry and not just the past thirsty years, but from the beginning.  Without understanding the beginnings or this industry it is virtually impossible to create innovative work.

However, no matter how much knowledge you can learn, gaining skills and experiences, both personally and professionally is top of the list.  Selling yourself to future employers is also important and what better way to do so than with a stellar resume.  Building your resume may take a long time and making sure that it is comprehensive and worth reading can be just as challenging.  Currently I am in the process of creating a resume that will stand out amongst piles and piles of others. My resume must be a textual extension of myself.

The next step I am currently working on is my online presence.  In today’s day and age, who you are online is almost as important as who you are off-line.  That is why I am working on creating a personal website to post samples of my work, a copy of my resume and links to my blogs and twitter accounts. This is a great way to let people know who you are without out sending them on a goose chase through cyber space.  It is a fun and creative process and one that is truly teaching me about how I want others to see me. 

It's A Horror-able World

Since starting my journey at FANGORIA magazine I have had the opportunity to meet and work with a very talented group of people, learned a tremendous amount about the world of working at a magazine, as well as having my work published on their website www.fangoria.com. The past few months have been filled with a plethora of experiences that are changing my way of thinking, both creatively and scholastically, and  I am growing as both a writer and as a person.

Just another day at the office with my personal
photographer/cousin Sabrina Wilson-Barrett

Still, there is more for me to learn. There have been times throughout the course of  my internship thus far that have proved to be challenging. However I forced myself to dig deep and keep going. I've learned that sometimes one must take a few steps backwards in order to move ahead and though it is important to be persistent, being overly persistent is never a good idea.  

I used to believe that to win the race you had to run as fast as you can.  I now understand that if you don't stop to catch your breath  and re-energize, you'll never make it to the finish line.

The entertainment industry is cut throat, an unforgiving industry is which, more often than not, a successful career is unreachable. One must have thick skin and an insatiable want to succeed: I believe myself to be one of those people. My drive and ambition  to write for FANGORIA as a full time job as well as writing horror movies is the fuel that keeps me focused. The doors that are now opening and the people that I am coming in contact with due to this internship is incalculable. 

With this being my senior year, finally, it has been extremely challenging to maintain my grades, and focus on my internship as well as preparing myself for what happens after graduation.  However, with the help of the professors and staff at school, the wonderful team at FANGORIA, and of course my friends and family, I am confident in saying that I am successfully on my way to achieving my goals; graduating with honors and writing for horror lovers all around the world.

I know now that it is a horror-able world and I'm going to be a part of it.

The Best Intern Ever

For most, starting a new job or an internship, which are one in the same, can be scary and most often intimidating. However, no matter what emotions you may be experiencing it is important to understand that you were chosen for a reason and being the best at what you are doing is very important. Sometimes I say to myself that I am the best and there is nothing that can stand in my way from being the best.  However, I do that for self motivation; to continuously remind myself that it is important to aim for the highest of goals. 

Over the past few months I have had the pleasure of learning a great deal about being an intern, specifically an intern at FANGORIA Magazine.  I’ve come to realize that patience is very important and with patience comes the power of self control and self discovery.  Also, I’ve learned that asking questions can be the difference between standing out in the crowd and simply fading into the background.  Yet, as easy as that may seem to do, for me it was not.  

At first I thought if I were to ask a question or too many questions, I would seem unknowledgeable on the particular subject at hand. Even worse, I feared I would become that annoying intern no one wants to work with. Now, through the guidance of teachers, co-workers, and my editor I understand that asking questions is not only important but necessary to successfully accomplishing the many tasks of which I am assigned.

Though it may seem crazy, I have yet to actually step foot in the office. Right now it is very important that I make a good impression through my ability to stay connected and up-to-date on what is happening at the magazine as well as submitting publishable work.  With that said, I have not had a chance to personally meet any of my co-workers which is also very important during the internship processes.  Within the next few weeks I will be beginning my weekly visits to the office and I am extremely excited to do so. I look forward to meeting all of my co-workers in person as well as even joining in on social events outside of the office.  

There are exciting times ahead and as long as I stay focused on being the best intern I can possibly be I know that I will succeed.  Furthermore, I will do all that I can to uphold the reputation of FANGORIA, be it asking questions, taking on more responsibilities, or constantly showing my dedication to the company. 

FANGORIA: The Beginning of My Journey

FANGORIA, the first in fright since 1979. This most simply written mission statement says it all.  Since its first inception in 1978 as FANTASTICA, FANGORIA has gone through many changes over the year.  With the changes in magazine publications and mass media as a whole, FANGORIA has never lost touch of being the forerunner in bringing genre fans up-to-date information on everything that encompasses the wonderful world of horror. 

I remember being a teenager running to Strawberries, Coconuts, and Sam Goodie, (all record stores now only a memory to some), or Borders and Barnes & Nobles to pick up the newest issue of FANGORIA. It’s funny, I never ordered a subscription because I didn’t want the mail man to bend it, so I would make my parents drive me to those aforementioned stores. Once in the store I grew so excited to see which movies would be featured in that particular months issue.

Instantly I would skim through the pages to get an idea of the many articles, however I would always read the “coming soon” section first.  It was the most exciting part of the magazine; to find out what was hitting the theater in the months to follow, sometimes in the year to follow. As my fingers would guide my eyes through each and every line of every article my heart would race with the anticipation that one day my name, whether I was the interviewer or interviewee, would be printed on those pages.

Now, those memories fuel my desire to be the most successful intern that this magazine has ever had.

It is with great honor that I have been chosen to not only work with such a great team of very talented men and women in the field, but also to be given the opportunity to write for the magazine itself.  I know that my love of horror and my utmost respect that I have for FANGORIA will only help me in providing the first in fright as others have before me.   

This is only the beginning of my journey.  I look forward to what the future has in store for me and it is with the greatest of hope that over the next year great things will be happening.  More to come soon...

Finding Beauty in Tragedy:

Photo taken by Frank Relle from his collection "Until the Water"

It is probably safe to say that Hurricane Katrina was one of the most devastating natural disasters that some Americans have ever faced. The loss of life, culture, and history was devastating, not to mention the immeasurable impact this force of nature had on Louisiana and the world itself. Now, ten years after the tragic events of August 21-August 31 of 2005, photojournalist Frank Relle has captured the horror and the beauty in his collection hauntingly titled "Until the Water. I discovered this particular photo in the Photography, Video, and Visual Journalism section of  New York Times. 

Instantly I felt a deep connection with the picture for a few reason, one being, I didn't actually think it was real. At first glance it looked like an advertisement for a scary attraction, or new horror movie hitting the theaters.  It wasn't until I actually read the tag line for the photo that it in fact it was an image of an area that had fallen victim to mother natures powerful vengeance. 

The depth of perception and the way the water acts as a mirror to the sadness allows any viewer to create thousands of stories about the who, what, when, where, how, and why.  It is as universal as it is central. The use of lighting allows the image to almost seem 3-D. The background color of the sky seems to push forward the foreground to a level that surpasses the page, making the viewer a part of the image. Even the darkness itself plays a large role in creating a sense of dread and consumption of emptiness that makes this photograph haunting and unimaginably real.  However, there is still a sense of hope that one could feel from this, as the bright color of green pushing through the waters edge as well as from atop the almost lifeless cypress trees. 

Anyway you look at this picture, one can find the beauty and the beast of life and disaster. This photograph, along with the entire collection that Relle has collected thus far, enables audiences to see life through the eyes of an artist. His ability to capture the realness of life is spectacular as well as honorable.  

Here are a few other samples of "Until the Water", which is still in the process of being completed...

Follow along as we look at more pictures from Frank Relle as well as a glimpse into the life of the photojournalist himself. 

...next time we will take a look into Nightscapes

We Still Have Hope: A Review of Southpaw

Staring:                                               Directed By:                       Written By:

Jake Gyllenhaal                                  Antoine Fuqua                    Kurt Sutter     

Rachel McAdams

Forest Whitaker

Oona Laurence

Naomie Harris

Unabashedly heartbreaking, undeniably inspiring, and undisputedly a champion of films amongst some lackluster entries this summer.

Boxing has been in the center ring of many a film including Rocky and Raging Bull, and when it comes to sport flicks, stories are often rehashed for younger generations. Yet, what separates these films and makes them unique is the work and effort put into the storyline and characters.  In this boxing film, hot-headed street-kid turned world famous boxer Billy Hope, must over come the tragic death of his wife, (this is not a spoiler…it’s in the preview folks), his daughters sentence to be taken into child protective services, and the complete deconstruction of his life and career. A film, when introduced like so, may seem comparable to other films, however this is not the case with Southpaw.

Kurt Sutter 

Antoine Fuqua 

After seeing this moving film, it was obvious that the men and women that worked on this project were at the top of their games. Kurt Sutter, hot off the final, and brilliant season of the epic Sons of Anarchy, creates a world that is realistic, harsh, and soulfully deep. Antoine Fuqua, director of Training Day and Olympus Has Fallen, (and if you have not seen those two films...you need to), brilliantly directs this film in a way that makes you feel as if you are a part of this journey of self redemption. Southpaw hits audiences with a combination of beautifully damaged characters, and phenomenal actors bringing them to life.  The movie never once hits the breaks on action, emotions, and storyline.

Jake Gyllenhaal Variety

With Jake Gyllenhaal at the top of his game, both physically and professionally, it is hard to even imagine anyone else playing Billy Hope. The role was originally set to be played by Eminem however his part in the films musical tone was top notch. Phenomenal, is quiet brilliant and could very well be the newest Eye of the Tiger. Gyllenhaal brought such life to his performance that he seemed to disappear into the character and for the two hour running time, there was only Hope; his pain, his sadness, and his undefeatable strength. He just may finally have his day at the Oscars.

Rachel McAdams Huffington Post

Forest Whitaker Variety

Oona Laurence 

The supporting cast of Southpaw shines brightly making this film more than your average boxing flick. Rachel McAdams, the ill-fated wife of Hope is superb and her death scene alone deserves a best supporting actress nomination. More so, Forest Whitaker undoubtedly deserves a nomination and a win for his role as Willis, an ex-professional boxer, trainer, and Hopes’ (one) blue-eyed mentor. Whitaker seemed so comfortable and each time he spoke you knew he was going to say something memorable.  As far as moving performances, 10 year old Oona Laurence will break your heart and then piece it back together for you…bring tissues…for you emotional types.

Terrific through and through, Southpaw may very well have a chance in becoming a contender as one of the greatest boxing films in cinematic history.  Yet, that all depends on what you think.  Go to the movies, buy a ticket, sit back with an champion-sized popcorn and soda, and enjoy the film.

        Please, feel free to tweet me or comment here telling me what you thought of the film! 

  

A Leap of Faith

Inspiration may come in many forms and often cannot be recognized or even named. It's something that takes us over and allows us to be creative and motivated in ways that move us towards greatness. In my life, my family and friends have always been my inspiration for my writing, and then, back in the early stages of 2015 I "met" a woman who forever changed my life. She has inspired me to push forward as well look out for me in ways that I can only describe as angelic. Though she and I have never met in the flesh, only making contact through LinkenIn, and personal emails, she has now become my Scary Godmother.
Cydney Neil, a horror geek herself, has taken time out of her life to offer me guidance, support, and networking that can only be described as immeasurable. From the moment we connected I felt a deep sense of sincerity in her emails and her kind words always put a smile on my face.  Soon after we grew to know each other, as pen-pals, she put herself out there and introduced me to a dear friend of hers, with whom I was very familiar with. Ironically enough, I was just given a book recently published by him for my birthday. This connection has changed my life for forever.
I remember joking with Cydney through an email about her being my Fairy Godmother, and in a later email she corrected me stating that she was my Scary Godmother, something more fitting for our friendship and shared love of horror. I knew after that single email that she was something special.
Now, thanks to a leap of faith from this spiritually and intellectually gifted woman, I am on the verge of making my dreams come true.  She has opened a door for me that had been locked for sometime and now, I know that door will forever be open!
I'll share with you something Cydney told me in our last conversation, at least my interpretation of what she told me. Ones life is like a tree, providing shade and fruit for others, changing seasonally through it's lifetime.  However, one day all the fruit from those branches will fall and the leaves will died, no longer offering shade; just know that it is only seasonal. With patience, that tree will be able to offer fruit and shade to others once again. Embrace the seasons of your life and never give up on what you want and who you are.

Thank you Scary Godmother...

I Could Have Given Birth By Now...

The time it has taken me to write a new post since the last, way back in December, I could have had a baby...well almost. Actually probably not and for two very good reasons; 1. I'm a man. 2. It was only 7 months ago and I'd still have two more months until my due date, which is September 8th if anyone wanted to know.
So what have I been doing in those 7 months you ask, and If you didn't since you've already read this far you can just keep on going:

I Finished my Junior Year of College at the age of 35...
That's right! I just finished my junior year of college and in a few more months I'll finally be senior, and let me tell you it will be cake compared to the last two semesters!  Going back to school is hard enough at my age, but to keep up with the new technology, the new ways of teachings (all PowerPoint and hand held devises), and of course the 18 year old kids, was a challenge!  However, I did very well.  I finished with a 4.0/4.0, I was inducted into the National Communications Honor Society Lambda Pi Eta, received two scholarships, become the president of the television society on campus (by accident), and even got an internship at FANGORIA Magazine, (which has not yet started but I have already written one article for them and you can click here to check it out!).

I've Been Writing...Like A Lot!
Obviously I haven't been writing on my blogs, my other blog being I Want To Suck Your Blog, check it out when you have a minute...or after reading this post...either way thank you! I have really been concentrating on my scholastic writing, including writing a research paper on the connections between Zombies and Catholicism...That's right, this Jewish boy is getting his Jesus on, and I must say it has been amazing to study this religion..not to mention I attend a private Catholic university lol. As well as research papers, I'm now doing some re-writes on my newest horror-centric screenplay, The Masquerade, a movie about revenge, murder, and good old fashion slashings...NO FOUND FOOTAGE IN THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!.  (More to come on that!)

Well, that's enough for the time being....Coming up is a blog post on the screening of Alleluia presented by Tony Timpone and FANGORIA Magazine.

Glad to be back!

Tell Me in 140 Characters or Don't Tell Me At All comm325

With Facebook on it's way out, and the lack of words used in Instagram it's no wonder why people are learning to create interesting ways to get their point across through tweets.  Twitter, for me, has become a way to not only connect with people from all around the world, but its a way for me to learn how to communicate with people in a new format.
Though Twitter has been around since 2006 I have only recently become a user and a fan.  At first I found it challenging to make a point in such a short amount of space.  I am a talker and often use stories or anecdotes to get my messages across to others. Yet, with Twitter I must be precise in what I am saying.  My thoughts must be limited to 140 characters.  On top of that I need to make sure others see what my messages are. So, how do you I do it?

Step 1: Just start typing.
I will begin by typing exactly what I want to say.  Whatever my message is, to whomever it is going to, I just type it all.

Step 2: Look at What You've Done!
Now, go over the paragraph you've written and really take a look at it.  Honestly, it could probably be cut in half and then cut in half again.  Tweeting truly makes each person become their own best editor.

Step 3: Substitution is the

USE THE LITTLE ICONS WHENEVER YOU CAN!

Plus...they are fun!

Step 4: Use a #

If you are like me you had no clue what the hell those things were, other than a sign used to represent the word NUMBER.  Well, if you use that in front of a word, the number of people that your message reach will sky rocket!

Step 5:Use Pictures.

Attaching a picture or a website is always a way to enhance your message and add a bit of fun and color to an otherwise black and white tweet.

Final Step: HAVE FUN!

Don't take it too seriously. Just have fun and your twitter experience will be so much better.

It's been a while...

I often feel that agony is the reason we keep headed in the direction that life has handed to us. Every day we live in agony over the the things that we simply cannot control. I drive my car in hopes that I make it to my destination; it is the agony of the worst happening during that drive that gets me to where I must be. 

I often feel that it is the danger of being alive that truly allows me to be the person I am today. We tiptoe around the corners of everyday life, praying that what lies on the other side will be welcoming. The true meaning of life can only be interpreted as waiting for the other ball to drop. 

I often feel that when backed in a corner our only defensive is to dig downwards instead of pushing our way out. An example of this would be when consciously knowing the words that are flowing from your mouth will effect the rest of your future, still no matter how hard you try you cannot stop speaking. It is within those words that the meaning of our life is slavery as well as freedom.

I stop to look back on decades, years, months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds only to find that I have not changed at all. It is the world around me that has, and no matter how hard I try I wait patiently for the world around me to catch up. It's a constant reminder that we are who we are when we are born. Change is as frequent as the image of your face in the mirror transforming into another face. 

I often think that my way out is through the open door; the door that has swung back and forth for years, upon years, upon years.  It is a sad realization that not only is that door the only way out, it is the entrance to the past, present, and future; a space and time that are all interchangeable and irrelevant.

I often think the only thing relevant is yourself. And I turn to look at myself in a puddle rippled by the wind only to see my face moving with its waves. 

I Pulled Over For A Moment

I had to pull over to write this...

In a moment of absolute clarity I realized something that I had never realized before.
I realized the different tastes between sour and sweet.
I realized that without experiencing both one could never know the definition of the other.
I realized that without tasting and learning what is truly sour and what is truly sweet is a life wasted.
I realized...
We must flourish in the harsh reality that life is bitter/sweet.
That life is full of colors that can not only stand out on their own but when combined can create a color that can never be described, only felt.
This is why I pulled over. This is why I live. This is life.

Midterm

I stretch my arms for what feels like an eternity of muscles moving back and forth through space and time

I breath in deep as to relax my faded mind that has melted over time. It's useless matter sits in my head taking up space and collecting dust.

I close my eyes that bleed the words on the pages of my thoughts. They are tight and stop me from focusing on what is real.

I open my ears to the music that beats from drum to drum. It creates a sound unlike those from human instruments.

It isn't long before I drift away into the abyss that I call philosophy. Pondering the moment that I awaken from a slumber I have been destined to be in.

Before I know it the time has passed and the midterm of life is over and retreat into my leather jacket made from artificial threads.

I take comfort in it.

I'll Just Be

I want to be the plastic bag that floats in the air, destined to embrace the wind
Connecting with the world as it shifts and changes, gliding past the cars that fuel it's flight.
It's destination is the ground below it, only questioning where that ground may be.

I want to be the fish that swims in the bluest of seas, not because of its color but so I may see my enemies.
I'd float and sing softly along with the sounds that are made the seaweed and conch shells.
The water is home and soothing and true, it's vast and it's kind, it is everlasting.

I want to be the orange sky that only comes about when fall has arrived, it's color like magic brush strokes floating between earth and nothingness.
It bursts with flames of red and gold until it vanishes into pure blackness.
The changes may come still those colors are always there.

Until then I'll just be 

When I Grow Up I Want to be Like Jenna Marbles. #Comm325

YouTube,in my opinion, is the ultimate vessel in self promotion, besides blogging, that the Internet has to offer; oh, and it's free! This broadcasting website allows you show off to a world that never knew they wanted to know you.  With one click of a button you are "live" and in the homes of viewers all around the world, performing in any which way you feel most comfortable.

Creators Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim began YouTube in 2005 and the website basically featured clips from television and movies. Though it may not have been their idea to create a platform for people to use to gain popularity, it sure has become one. "But  its  most  unexpected  and  long-lasting  impact  has come  from  videos  made  by  nonprofessionals,  or,  rather,  by  people  who  are  not  cable  or  network  television  producers." (This quote was taken from a book I'm currently reading titled New New Media (pg.41). This book introduced me to a few things; Obama Girl, whom prior to reading I had never heard of; and Roy Orbison and his guitar, a recounting of how one guitar made a huge impression in a music video.  I was also reacquainted with the unique Jenna Marbles, and though I may not fully agree with how Miss Marbles promotes herself, (and the influences she may have on young girls), she is a great example of how anyone can upload a video and become an Internet sensation!  I am sure that she has motivated people all over the world to freely express themselves, and not just on-line but off-line as well.

Still, there is a dark side to anything that is free to the public and YouTube has had their share of videos that should have never been uploaded to begin with. One recent post that I came across, (due to the sick sense of humor of others), is, in one word, shameful. I was completely shocked that an adult would film such a thing, then actually post it for the world to see. Somehow the video has managed to stay posted and not be taken down as of yet.

We often must take the good with the bad in order to have society move forward and YouTube is a part of our societies future. With each upload there is a young girl or boy, man or woman, or even entire groups of people that just want to be heard. No matter if their desires are to become famous, spread a hopeful message, or to simply use as an outlet to express themselves; YouTube is where they turn. Let's keep this outlet safe for all that use it, and all that will in the future.

8 Steps To Becoming The Worst Person You Can Be #Comm325

You might think it's easy to be the worst person you can be; talk down to people, think you are better than others, or just simply ignore everyone around you.  No, it's not easy at all.  Actually, it takes skill, determination, and an 8 step plan to become the worst person you can be.  Follow these guidelines and I guarantee the outcome will be priceless.

1.  Create Your Own World- Though this step seems simple, it may prove to be more difficult if you are one of the unlucky ones without a stand out imagination.  Fret not, to create your own world all you really need to do is block out the one you already live in.  This may take a month or so, but slowly you will completely ignore whats happening around you and rest comfortably in your own state of mind.

2. Fake a Career- Now that you are living securely in your own world, it's time to get out there and get that career you always wanted but were never good enough to have, or to lazy to achieve.  Realize that the job that you currently have is not good enough to brag about.  You need something that suits you better.  Maybe you are a famous poet and have been published all along the coast; the coast of what is not important (that is covered in Step 3). Don't forget, choose a career that you can speak of with 100% confidence. No one will believe you if you don't believe yourself.

3. Location, Location, Location- It will never matter where you live, because when you are talking to someone the one thing that you must remember to say is, "It was when I was living in (fill in the city/state) when that happened."  This will prove you to be continental and learned. The more places that you have lived, the better.  Hence, move around, a lot, if you can, if not get on the net and start reading.

4. Know Your Surroundings- Make sure that you are talking up all the right people.  Every where you go there will be someone that will listen to you, make sure you find them.  Make yourself look well rounded and near perfection to as many people as you possibly can.  This is all part of making people not only like you, but talk about you to other people. Be a human social network.

5. Be The Bad Guy- No one likes a "do-gooder." Make sure you are the one in the crowd that points out the negative in ever situation.  It is best to do so in a satirical or comedic manner as to not hurt peoples feelings, right away.  When you have mastered this you will have all the control to hurt as many peoples feelings as desired, all while still having people listen and love you; which leads to step number six.

6. Make Them Love You- The easiest thing to do is make someone hate, whereas the hardest thing to do is make someone love.  So, do your best to make most people love you, and then let the rest of them hate you.  You do need a small group of people to dislike you all together.  This will not only make you feel superior but you will begin to make others think you are superior.

7. Take Over Everything- Leave no stone untouched.  You need to be the center of attention no matter the place or situation.  Make sure that everyone near you, and those that are not, know that you are there and that you should be listened to.  Making people pay attention to you is something that should be very important in this journey.

8. End Game- Take everything you've learned, and worked for, and shove it in everyone's faces. Tell everyone how great you are! Belittle them, teach them lessons they never knew they wanted to learn. Speak off subject and make your listeners believe they are lost due to the fact they are stupid. Rise above the masses with little regard to anyone around you.

If you follow these steps I garauntee, you will be the worst version of yourself! It's easy to do and often we are doing it without even taking notice.

Of course, you may not want to be the worst person you can be.  You may want to be the best.  I wish I could help but at this moment I do not have a list for that.  Yet, as soon as I figure it out, the list will be posted.

A

# 2

It's October 2nd and that means the second story has been published.  This Town is told in the form of a letter, a letter I would not be interested in recieving.
It was a lot of fun to write and even more fun to post it! I hope you all enjoy.... Click the title to get to the page ;)

Happy October 2nd
A

Moving Mountains for Madison

This post is dedicated to all those that have given anything to help someone else's life become just a little better.  We find ourselves so wrapped up in our own problems that sometimes we just don't stop to see the good that is in this world.

A dear friend donated a piece of her liver today to her year old niece Madison.  Madison would have not survived if she had not had this surgery and I want you, and anyone you know to just stop and think for a moment, would you do the same, even if it were for a friend and not a relative.

It's seems almost a lifetime ago that Michelle Mari began her journey to help save the life her niece Madison. At the same same time it feels the same for Jim and Shannon and their journey to save their daughters life.

It began with testing; lots of testing. Worrying; lots of tears. Anger; why is this happening to such a young soul? Relief; when the Mari Family realized that Michelle would be able to donate a piece of her to save Madison. All of these emotions must have been debilitating at times.

The Mari family put their lives on hold for months upon months in order to prepare for today; a day that will forever change all of their lives. Today, two generations lay in one building connecting in a way that some may never understand.

A foundation was started to help the Mari family pay for the numerous amounts of testing Nd procedures that were ahead of them.  With the help of friends and family, Moving Mountains for Madison has helped raise over $10,000.00. The Mari family will continue to keep movie those mountains until their daughter is brought back to health.

We post about our headaches and stomachaches; we post about how bad of a day we've had and how life just isn't fair. Yet, sometimes we post about saving lives and families pulling together to help one another. We post about, how when push comes to shove, our minuet problems, though they may seem detrimental at the time, seem silly and unimportant after realizing how life can be taken away, as well as given.

Michelle has put aside all life's little pleasures in order to give the biggest pleasure to her family, a hopeful new beginning to her niece.

Think about this before you post about life and realize, though it may not be easy, or fair for that matter, we must stay true to our families, friends, and our own beliefs to make our world and others, better.

I'd like to just say how proud I am of you and wish you and the rest of the family all the best with their newly given future!
I love you Michelle... MOOO

Thanks for reading 

A

Think twice before getting your neighbors mail

HELLO MY READERS!!!!  HAPPY OCTOBER!!!!!!! THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR!!!!!

 The Package is the first entry in my new blog I Want to Suck Your Blog.  Join me during the entire month of October as I create a new tale of terror in new and creative ways every day!  I'm very excited to challenge myself as well as, hopefully, entertain all my readers and give each and every one of you a good scare; or at least question turning on the lights or walking down the street alone.

Follow these simple rules for optimal fear:

1. Have a drink (if you are old enough, care to have one, or do not have a problem with drugs or alcohol)

2. Turn off all of the lights.  Even if you read it during the day, the less light, the better.

3.  Read alone.  I know you are a very busy and popular person but take some alone time to enjoy each story.

4.  Relate to it.  Try and put yourself into the situations.

5. If all else fails, have another drink (if you are old enough, care to have another, or if you still have a problem with drugs and alcohol.)

Talk to you soon,

A