Chapter XXI: Bowling Date/Toronto Rocks

I was feeling pretty down last night, because Randi and I went bowling over at Bowlerama West in Toronto. She's pretty popular there, and they know (or they think,) she's still technically going out with that other guy, and she doesn't want anyone to find out about us.

My advice to everyone out there: be extremely cautious when entering a relationship where certain people can't find out. It's not as much fun as it was for Chandler & Monica.

We just kinda hung out, with her mom, bowling, listening to the crappy music they play there, watching the disco lights flicker, and pretending we weren't going out. It was easy for her, but difficult for me, because I gave up on acting like I didn't like her when we started going out. This is the first time we've ever been together, or at least in many years, where she didn't try to make it abundantly clear that she wanted me. You should hear the kind of 'Innuendoes' and 'Asides' she makes in regular conversation, it's terrible! But we were cut off last night. That was uncool. I regained my ground on the car ride home, but still; some damage was done.

When I got home, I tuned in to CityTV's media coverage of last summer's Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto. It was quite a nostolgia trip. I only caught the end of the AC/DC set, but was amused to see the footage they left in of the Rolling Stones, featuing probably the top moment of the night - Keith Richards stops playing during "Miss You" in order to make threatening gestures at a fan who has thrown a bottle at Justin Timberlake. Keef is a professional, and he provided probably the best spit-take funny moment on the night in doing so. At the end of the production, as the Stones were finishing up their rousing "Jumping Jack Flash," and saying goodnight, I was caught off guard when intermingled with the various shots of the audience cheering was... me. Yep, I, along with hopefully Nick and Luke, managed to squirm into at least 1 shot on the production footage. Hopefully that wasn't just for CityTV's TV version. I'm going to buy the DVD of the concert when it arrives in stores, and probably search through the whole thing for shots of myself.

I'm taking a short break from writing the script, to get my bearings. I figure I've been at it so much I deserve it.

Keep on Rockin'
--Slick Willie.

Chapter XX: Somebody spoke and I went into a dream.

Last night's dream, I was re-living the Little Mermaid, a movie which I haven't seen since like 1991 or sometime just after it came out. Except in this version, she seemed a lot more preoccupied with sex. Then, I'm somewhere, fighting a giant spider. I'm in my room, and I hack off all the spider's eight legs and it's dead. Somehow, something flammable gets sprayed around the room, but it's time to go, so I load up all my stuff in the van, then I realize that I forgot something. A fire starts, and I race through the house and grab it, and we go. Where do we end up? I'm at some kind of school function, and it looks like I'm supposed to be onstage (a callback to my earlier dream?) I'm waiting in line for something, when someone (won't say who) steps on my foot, and I make fun of him, so he pushed face-first into the brick wall. I can't even remember what happened after that.

I woke up not even quite remembering how the dream went, and it took some thought to try and remember it. I've noticed that all these dreams seem to take place at school... does that have something to do with the fact that school is out for the summer? Or am I just insane?

Probably the latter. Keep on Rockin'
-Scott

Chapter XIX: Allergies / Exam "Return."

I'm suffering bigtime from allergies today. I feel like the waking dead.

Today was exam return day; I went to school and walked around for a bit before actually reclaiming my lost exams. Actually, as anyone knows, "Exam Return" is a misnomer, since they don't let us keep the damn exams. I mused to Chris Brown that I was eagerly awaiting getting my Ancient Civilizations exam back, because I was rather proud of the huge amounts of bullshit I used to feel my way through it. If I got a great mark, it would set a new precedent in how much bullshit I could get away with (the levels have been steadily increasing since Grade 8, when I first began fine-tuning my ability,) but there is some skew in the data. Mine was different from 90% of the class, because we were given a choice of topic, and I was one of the select few who did not choose Geographic Influence. I had the advantage of being (probably) the only person to write about Class Structure, and so my essay stood alone. Still, I hadn't really done much preparation. I hardly ever do. When I sat down to write my essay, I simply looked at the topics and let everything I knew about Ancient Civs flow right back to my brain, heaping shovelful after shovelful of shinola on that essay. I don't know if I'm just egotistical, but I really do think I'm one of the best shit-shovelers of my time. My exam mark wound up looking like: 4++, 4++, 4+, 4+. I review comics. I know that the main reason behind the backtracking of those last two marks is probably so that she seems at least slightly critical. I do that sort of thing all the time. Did I earn the mark? Sure, because I really did sound like I knew what I was talking about, even though I was so full of it.

I'm split between thinking that Ms. Jones hasn't got enought of a BS-radar and that I really did write a good essay.

My second class was Drama. I knew I dropped the ball in that exam; the last couple of sections were ones for which I was decidedly unprepared. There was absolutely no surprise there. I think it was either 65 or 68 out of 75 or something. Then he showed me my mark on the Research paper - I think he loved it. I have no doubt that he'd never before read a paper on David Lynch, and it looks unlikely that he ever will again; and Lynch makes for a really good story, because it has a lot of gain and loss during his career. I'd go back to my explanation about being a good bullshitter, but I really did make an honest go of that Paper, and I believe it shows. He said he wanted to keep it, and I told him by all means. I don't know how many, if any others, he asked to keep, but I was pretty glad, I took it as a compliment. I noticed that Ryan Goad walked out of the classroom with his paper in hand... so maybe I do get a moment to feel smug and superior (before I realize that Ryan is getting a much better mark in the class overall.) The third thing Rosser had to show me was my mark for the summative presentation, which was pretty low. I was disappointed, but unsurprised. It was a weak performance, marred by weak preparation. This only further strengthens my point that I don't belong on stage, but stationed at a keyboard pounding out material for people to recite while they're onstage. The last thing Rosser had to say was related to that performance - he basically gave me a heads-up to keep my temper in check (I had lost it a bunch of times during the year,) and that there was no need for my nervousness, so I should try and vomit less. Well, I don't think it's anything I can control. I mean, wouldn't life be so much funnier if we could control under what circumstances we vomitted? Laff riot! Overall, my Drama mark has improved, slightly but surely, which is pleasing.

Continuing on with that point... hm. The other day I auditioned for the Grade 12 production of "The Importance of Being Ernest." I've had second thoughts - am I really the right type of guy to be auditioning for a play? I always wonder, what business do I have onstage, acting? As my N.V.R. (Nervous Vomitting Reflex) proves, I haven't really got the stomach for it, and yet, Rosser seems to enjoy egging me on. I've made very clear my lack of enthusiasm for the project, I think, when I stood up to leave when it was brought up at the meeting. Emma Sutherland, overbearing personality that she is, basically muscled me into sitting back down. So, I came, just to shut her up. I'm pretty sure everyone who auditioned will get a part in "Earnest," which is what worries me. It'd be one thing to audition without enthusiasm and then not get a part... what happens when I get a part? I'll find out tomorrow, I guess.

The end of the day brought a slightly sad note, brightened by a happier one: I saw Ms. Wilson and discussed my work over the semester in Philosophy. She had nothing but good to say (she's such a super lady,) except that when she showed me my mark (my highest of the semester,) she said it should be higher. I appreciate that, but if it should've been higher, it would have been higher. I think I got the mark I deserved. I put out a sincere effort in that class, even when I didn't like the direction, and did all the projects with much enthusiasm. After this, she gushed more over our "Just Society" Philosophical Cafe, and said she enjoyed having us guys (Me and Kyle, I presume, and possibly Bryan Myers, Mark Voros and Piotr Bartnicki,) in her class. We parted ways and she suggested that I might have her for Grade 12-U English. Well, that'd be super-swell, I tell you.

More writing was done today in the script. I'm tired. Goodnight and Keep on Rockin'
-The Scott

Chapter XVIII: The dream will never die

I was in Drama class, we were playing monopoly, except it was 1-on-one lightning monopoly, which doesn't even make sense. After my turn was over, someone said I didn't play right, and we got into a bit of an argument. Then the bell rang and the class was over. So, I go out in the hallway, to my locker, when who do I see storming through the halls at White Oaks? Rohan Verma. For those of you who don't know Rohan, well, he was about the coolest guy I ever met. He was smarter than me (one of the few people I'll ever really say that about and mean it,) as funny as me, and just a hell of a guy. He moved to San Fransisco after Grade 8 and I've not seen him since. We've talked on AOL Instant Messenger a few times though, but the point is that it doesn't make any sense that he'd by roaming the halls at WOSS. We say "hey" and I try to catch up with him on old times, but he just keeps going, very determined. I think he ws looking for someone. That's when we see someone at my locker, painting his name above it with the paint Kyle Sanderson used to paint the Drama Productions on lockers. What's weird is that he was writing his name in perfect print, like he had a stencil (but didn't.) He spilled the black paint all over my locker, and I got mad, and said I should kick this guy in the nuts. In real life I'd never even attempt to sack a guy (unless I was really in a tight spot,) but nevertheless I cornered the vandal and rather hesitantly gave him a kick square in the nuts. That's when Rohan came out of the Cafe. Not the servery, the actual back where the food is prepared. He seemed to be working for Mr. Zehr. He also claimed that he was looking for his brother, and that there wasn't any time to lose. That's when I woke up.

The dreams seem to be getting a little more intense. While I was following Rohan, he ditched me in the Drama room (again with the verdammt Drama room?) and I wathced a promo for Drew Carey's new show, which takes place on a Green screen. Ummmmm.........

I think maybe the vividity of these dreams represent that I'm approaching, or experiencing, some sort of creative high, either brought on by, or which is helping me, writing this screenplay.

Keep on Rockin'
-Scotter

Chapter XVII: Writer's Block?

After writing about 10 pages of Act 2 of the movie, I've gotten stuck. So I'm taking a little break.

I don't think I've ever suffered Writer's Block. I can't remember a time when I've tried to call on my creative abilities and they weren't there. They've always been there whenever I've felt like writing.

It's not like I don't know what to write next. I know what to write next. I know how the script continues, where it goes, and how it ends. It's already in my head. I just can't write it yet, because I need something to go before that. I'm only about 40 minutes into the film. More time needs to be devoted to the situation before it can properly be resolved. I need "filler," as it were. Not even a whole lot, I'm just worried that the story is progressing a bit too fast. Just 4 pages of distraction is all I need before I can get back in the groove of things.

Like I said, I've never suffered from Writer's Block. Maybe I will someday. I don't think I am now. If I was truly suffering from writer's block, could I be writing this blog entry? Either way, I need some witty dialogue to help put the audience at ease with how heavy the story has gotten.

Minutes pass, and I stare at the screen and at the keyboard. I've never been afraid of the blinking cursor. Members of the typewriter generation see it as a taunt or a threat. I see the blank monitor as an invitation to try any number of things (without wasting precious ink and paper, while I'm at it,) but still... where can I go?

(Scott pauses, and thinks. Four seconds pass before inspiration hits.)

Bingo. I've got something.

Like I said. I've never suffered from Writer's Block.

Keep on Rockin'
~Shootin' Scotto

Chapter XVI: Dream on

So this is the third time I've posted on this blog about my dream - get used to it because I can't stop these dreams and it's freaking me out a little.

I was at school with the usual gang, and we were reading this picture book, about a monster under the sea. I went into the book and fought the monster, using the sword I had. Why did I have a sword? Probably for a prop in a Drama presentation. I think it was made by Andrew Nolan (he makes swords sometimes.) So I heroically defeated the undersea hydra monster and made my way out of the book and into the school hallway. I found myself for a brief second in the music room at River Oaks, I walked around it for a bit and all of a sudden was back at White Oaks. I asked one friend what his schedule was like next year, and laughed because he had lunch 1st and then four straight periods. Then I looked at my schedule - it was different than it should've been, and I was upset. I put my sword in my locker, and woke up.

This is probably the most bizarre dream I've had yet. I don't remember what really happened in the part about River Oaks, but something went on there.

In BONE, dreams are portrayed as an alternative realm of existence, where the kingdom of the Dragons once was, and where a great war was fought. Wouldn't it be groovy if there was some mystical reasoning behind my dreams?

Nah, it's probably just because I sleep in an overheated room with the TV on.

Keep on Rockin'
~SAW

Chapter XV: Back pain.

Some people who know me know that I used to be the victim of extremely terrible back pain. Occasionally, I'd wake up in the morning and my back would be afire with pain. Pain that wrapped around my back right to front right torso. Pain that made it hurt to walk, eat, or even breathe if I didn't favour the left side. not long ago, I solved the mystery - I had been sleeping on my right side for so long it had damaged the muscles somehow. Don't ask me, I'm not a bloody chiropractor. I began sleeping on my left and back, and the pain went away.

Last night, as I mentioned before, I had a terrible time sleeping. I don't know what happened, because when I woke up I felt fine, but around 6 this evening I began to feel completely shaken by the usual pain. I hope I sleep better tonight, so that the pain is not present tomorrow.

Part of the reason I couldn't contain myself last night was because I was lit up with ideas for my script, currently entitled "Summer at Sixteen." So many scenes, lines and concepts were running through my head that I couldn't just settle down and fall asleep. Today, after some delaying, I wrote about 20 pages worth of script, building on yesterday's initial 9-page burst, all of which comprises an entire first act.

Writing a screenplay, at least for the first time, is a unique experience - especially if all you've ever scripted is a 1-act play and several circa-22-page comic books. Story structure is extremely important. You don't want to build too soon, there's a lot of groundwork to be laid. The mood has to be maintained very strictly throughout that entire part, and it has to build. At the end of the act, I had a few very big reveals about a couple of the characters, which should fit in well with the way the 3-act structure is supposed to work. (Listen to me, I sound like a real wannabe screenwriter!)

If I keep at it, I'll be able to meet my deadline, of "Early July-ish." I always said I'd be able to write more if somebody paid me to sit down and write. I never thought it would actually happen, though.

As for what the script's about? Well, the more of it I write, the more it seems like an extended prequel to "Half-Past Eight PM," but not quite. It's about teenagers, dealing with shit that is completely beyond their control. I think the idea that most problems are beyond our control makes for some great character distress, and therefore great stories. Making the best of a bad situation, and whatnot. It's darker than "Half-Past," with somewhat less comedy. It's going to be delicate to fashion, so I hope Ana feels up to the challenge.

Me? I just hope I can Keep on Rockin'
~Scott Williams

Chapter XIV: Dream Police

I just had a terrible night last night. I could hardly sleep at all. I couldn't get my mind off this movie script I'm supposed to be writing. After passing in and out of slumber for hours, tossing and turning, I finally managed to fall right asleep after 5:00 AM. Birds were chirping before I fell asleep.

I dreamed I was at the trailer, with some cartoon superheroes (the WB's Teen Titans perhaps?) And late at night, after dark, I was out guarding the place with one of them, but he/she died and I got blamed. So I had to run. Since I was at Spring Valley, there was only one place TO go - the Rec Hall. On the way there, I saw Alison, my old friend, she was playing with some little girl. We talked, like "You didn't tell me you'd be here," etc. Then I got to the rec hall and they were playing the VHS tape of "Half-Past Eight PM" except that first, we had to watch a video from Entrepreneurial Studies. Not "Spirit of Adventure: Entrepreneurship for Canadians," some other, more boring one. I was sitting between my Grandma (mom's mom,) and my Dad's parents. I had to leave. So I got out, and found myself on some kind of field trip, not unlike the one I was on a few weeks ago with Sean Sinclair, Jordan Moore and Tim Greer, for Ancient Civs class. We weren't at the ROM, but we were somewhere. We toured around for a bit, I got in trouble, and I woke up.

It was 11:30 AM.

Keep on Rockin'
-Scott

Chapter XIII: the Ana Y***** Story.

Hey gang, it's future Scotto writing to you from the far-off year of 2023! This is the first and probably only time I will do this, which is go back and edit a post long after it was written to try to do right by the person discussed. For the most part in this blog I am not shy about using full names -- although I probably should be -- but now this person is established and out there with a career and stuff and I dunno, knowing this post existed felt icky, brief as it is, even though at the time she seemed cool and even positive about me having done it. I mean hey, we were in high school. Anyway, without further ado, here's some silly nonsense from the past:

I've been asked about this a few times, and only recently do I feel cool to talk about it.

Ana was a friend of a friend of mine, who became my friend. It's not important how, why, or under what circumstances we became friends, but we did. Then things got weird. There's no telling whose, if anybody's, fault it was. I say I was an ass, and she told me she was a bitch, so it was probably equally both.

I really liked her. She was so nice to me, and I misinterpreted our friendship as something more than it was, probably because I was an idiot. She got pissed off, told me I was an asshole, and said she never wanted to speak to me again. So, being the sarcastic "your wish is my command" type I was, I blocked her from MSN and truly never did have the intention of ever talking to her again. for the rest of the school year I didn't mumble a syllable or so much as glance in her general direction if it could be helped.

I stayed at White Oaks, and she moved to Holy Trinity. Much time passed and I heard nothing of her. I did, however, keep her on my list, wondering when, if ever, the time would be right to unblock her and let the healing begin. Whenever she would be brought up in conversation, I felt the obligation to stare at the ground or shake my head, reliving some ancient pain.

But the story does not have an unhappy ending; not long ago, I found a message she left on my message board, though not one of the ones I thought was public, saying that my comics were funny. That's when I knew the time was right. I should probably have done something then and there, but I didn't. Today, out of the blue, Nathan Faux MSN's me and asks me if I remember her (funny way to word it, eh?) because she wants me to unblock her so we can talk about a script.

So I did, and ammends were immediately made, we caught up on old times, and discussed the future. She wants to pay me (unbelievable!) to write her a script so she can film it. Obviously, since her casting pool is somewhat limited, it's to be about teenagers, and she wants it to be full-length. This is probably the biggest writing project I've ever undertook. Am I up to the challenge?

I think I've just found the cure to my "summertime blues."

Keep on Rockin'
~Scotto Willie

Chapter XII: In Dreams, Nothing's As It Seems.

Lately, my dreams have gotten much more vivid, and I wonder if that means something. I feel like I can dissect the dreams themselves, but I don't usually remember my dreams too well.

Last night, I had this dream. The names have been changed because people find it weird when you dream about them:

It was the last day of school. There was this final goodbye assembly to recognize certain students. They were going to call us up on stage and present us with something and make a big speech about us to the school. It wasn't in the Cafe, though - it was at a room that was like this lecture hall at this other school (I think it was Loyola,) with a very steep stairway and a high gallery. So we get onstage, and my friend runs off real quick to get something (or to go to the washroom, I can't remember.) Then I realized I needed to get something myself; some kind of medal I was supposed to wear around my neck. So I rush off to get it, and that's when I realize, stupid me, I'm already wearing it. So I try to get back, but the assembly's over - I missed my chance to get recognized. I was very sad, and this was only made worse when everyone left and I lost my backpack. Unlike it real life, I had some kind of sentimental attachment to the backpack. I looked all over, and all I could find was a stopwatch and a digital wristwatch. Time motif? I dunno... I palyed with the digital watch until I woke up.

The theme of the dream is pretty obvious - it's the end of the school year and I needed to get over it. My friend who ran away, he's been having some issues he needs to sort out right now. And the watches? Fuck any sort of metaphorical explanation for them - I watched Monty Python's the Meaning of Life last week, and I vividly recall the WWI scene with everyone presenting Terry Jones with various clocks.

So there's no real introspection in the actual dream... but why did it occur so vividly? Not long ago I had a dream where I was riding around, being free, on a motorbike. It was a weird caper.

Will I dream tonight? I don't know. I guess we'll see. Keep on Rockin'
-Scott.

Chapter XI: Some thoughts.

If it was conceivable for me to be in a good mood at any point ni my life, it'd probably be now; but nah. I'm still feelin' kinda low.

It's strange: you'd think I'd feel like I was on top of the world. Things are starting to go my way. I have seemingly all the time in the world, no responsibilities (well, very few,) and a girl by my side. You'd think I'd feel complete, but I'm just really fatigued right now. Really down and out of it. It's got nothin' to do with my place in life, 'cause it's a good one. I'm just drained, I guess, from the school year. I guess I need some "decompression" time, like George Costanza.

I should've gotten out today, but instead I spent the whole time inside, listening to the Beatles and playing EWR. If you don't know what EWR is, then you probably don't care. If you're curious, I'll explain it to you, but trust me, it's not something that needs explaining. It's just a computer game I'm addicted to when I'm bored. It's not a good sign.

So I've got nothing going on. I'm tired, I'm bored, and a little surly. I guess that old song was really on to something when the man sang "There Ain't no Cure for the Summertime Blues."

Oh, well. It could be a lot worse, I guess. Actually, I know.

I just wish I could write something, but I'm so drained that I can't. Hopefully I'll get that spark later this week and then I'll jut keep goin'.

With that to look forward to, I want everyone out there (if indeed there is anyone,) to Keep on Rockin'.
~SAW

Chapter X: The love you make...

Such a wild week it has been. Grade 11 is all over but the report cards. Me? I feel pretty good. Sure, there's that feeling of bored emptiness, but that's usual for early summer.

I had a pretty good time. Despite the rough first semester, 2nd semester was cool, so it did even out. I'll never get over how much I fuckin' hated Entrepreneurship or even Grade 11 Commtech (if you semester 2 people hated Ms. Mendes, you should've seen her when she had no idea what she was doing!) I loved, I lost, and loved again - this time, winning. I had a ball in Grade 11 Drama, as far as Docudrama roles go, Columbine shooter Eric Harris would be tough to beat. Semester 2 for now goes down in history as the best semester I ever had; Ancient Civs (always been a passion of mine,) Drama and Philosophy (mmmmm.... Ms. Wilson.....) plus first period off? Sign me up again!

People ask me what I'm going to do this summer, and I haven't got any answers that are that interesting. I'll try to keep busy, same as usual. It'd be nice to have a job, but it sucks trying to find one. I'll be doing a lot of writing, I've got a new issue of Sewerman to get out by September, as well as a play to polish off. Plus, I'll be spending probably more time than is required with my girl.

So high school is now most of the way done. I'm not looking back, though. See you this summer.

Keep on Rockin'
~S. Williams

Chapter IX: Where it's at.

Fffffinnnnnaaaallllllllllllyyyyy! After a semester's worth of hard work, nothing seems to send Grade 11 off better than a successful Fringe play. And my oh my would I say it was a success. There was a lot of behind-the-scenes drama - we had to take a vote before the show to see whether or not we were keeping it! Luckily, the majority ruled in favour of this, and we went on and our cast did a great show.

I take it as a good sign that the song "Where It's At" by Beck, which opens the show, was also something that I heard early this morning while watching "Pop Up Video." Like an omen of things to come. Also, I heard the first two songs from Sgt Pepper last night (The title track, and "With a little help from my friends,") and funny enough, the show also contains "A Day In The Life" from that album.

It was a great show. People laughed more than I could've imagined, and even cheered when John Lennon came out - it was really important to me that I make everyone aware that that character was John Lennon, without ever mentioning his name. Luckily, just as I imagined, Doug was the spitting image of Lennon. There was a sense that people really wanted to enjoy themselves, laugh, and have a good time, and I certainly think we delivered.

The entire cast did great. A few people fumbled, I won't name names, but the point is that they recovered nicely. Everybody did exceptionally well, and I'm happy with all of them. Even Jesse Cree.

So special thanks to the cast, Mr. Rosser (and Ms. Wilford,) Kathryn Haynes, Becky Conlon, a big extra thanks to Kyle Sanderson, who really came through for us as Louie at almost the last minute, and to the great directing of Josh Kershaw. Dynamic duo of drama, indeed. Also, thanks to the audience, who did their part well. And thanks to me, without whom none of this would've been possible.

See you at next year's auditions! Keep on Rockin'
-Scott

Chapter VIII: Give me a revolver and let me get it over with.

To whom it may concern:

Hey, what's up? Long time no see, eh?

The last full week of school has just ended, and we have a mere 3 days of school time left before FRRRRREEEEEEEEEDOOMMMMMMMM. I should be in such a happy mood right now, but anybody who knows me knows that that's fuckin' impossible! Instead I'm more bloated with rage than I have been at any other point in the year.

Most of this rage comes in the form of Drama. The dramatic summative, the puzzlingly titled "Mirror Game," is to be presented on Monday and we are less ready than I think any other group. I forfieted the possibility of doing a lunchtime rehearsal because I mistakenly thought it was important to run home and polish off bios and stuff for the two fuckin' plays I'm putting on. Ha ha, life's funny like that because Rosser scrapped that idea because nobody bothered with it. All my stress for nothing, added onto my feelings of anxiety about this goddamn play.

And my other goddamn play? I'm feeling confident about it. Regardless of the fact that, unless we crunch out a quickie rehearsal Monday after school, we'll never have even had a full cast rehearsal before our performance, I'm confident. How does that make any sense? No idea, but I've got a good feeling about that one. Or maybe it'll just look better compared to all the other plays that have had roughly two weeks to get polished. Either way, I'm no longer concerned about "Half-Past Eight PM."

Especially since I've got a new baby on the way. Last night, after much contemplation, I started writing my next opus, which is entitled "Funeral for a Freak." I wrote about 9 pages of story (plus a title page and two pages for character descriptions.) I'm not gonna give too much away about the story because it's not being done yet, but it is not like the film "Big Fish." Partially because I haven't seen it and partially because I wouldn't want to be compared to some Tim Burton movie. Not that I don't like Tim Burton movies, but this play is not that movie, okay?

It has a lot more swearing that "Half-Past Eight PM," and I'll tell you right now that it's because when I was writing "Half-Past," I did not know what words were off-limits. When I found out that my only limits were my imagination, I created new scenes where there were swearing, and also converted some "safe words" into expletives. Much of the swearing in "Half-Past" was an affected sort of swearing. This play features a character called Roger who curses a blue streak right through his scene.

That's another thing: there are scenes in this play, unlike "8 PM," which is one long scene broken up by certain characters' comings-and-goings (not to mention a flashback and a dream sequence.) This play will have an interesting set-up - half of the stage is an interior, and when they step through the door they play out flashback scenes. It'll require an expert lighting technichian, I'm sure. My first play was overly simplistic because I wasn't familiar with the limits - my second play is overtly complicated because I am.

I'm really excited about this play, and I hope we can get a similar cast for this one as "Half-Past." If Ryan and Doug are interested, I'm positive that there are roles waiting for them.

So... if "Half-Past Eight PM" is such a messy ordeal, then what on Earth could propel me to want to do another? No clue. I just like the idea of writing out a play and having people do their thing with it. Despite all the terrible stress this play has caused, I've had a good time and we've all learned some important lessons, so maybe next time the play will go even better than this time. Experience will have been on our side.

Now I'm going to go call the little lady of my life. Keep on Rockin'
~Scotto

Chapter VII: Logical Phalluses. (Get it?)

I'm in a good mood. Fantastic. I'm walking on sunshine, woah-oh.

I have a bit to be stressed about, with the end of the year winding down and crap piling up on my plate, but right now I can't help but grin and I'm sure it'll last well into tomorrow.

I was supposed to go bowling with Randi this evening. I wasn't too keen on that because at Bowlerama West in Toronto, where she proposed we go, we can't do any of that "boy-girl" stuff I've grown fond of, because everyone there knows her - and knows she has a boyfriend who isn't me.

Strangely, the sun began to shine in my direction this afternoon when she said we would not be going Bowling at all tonight. We'd be going... (Drumroll please!) to my house. Yeah-huh-huh-heh-hah. So she arrived, somewhat late to my dismay, and we played a few video games. I wasn't too keen on that because they were hers and she kicked my ass. I'll admit it, because it's true, and it's because they were her games that she knew and I didn't. Big deal. I'm not immasculated at all. Shut up.

But we only did that for a while. I played her some "Magic & Medicine" and some of Aerosmith's Greatest hits, and we got distracted. Music has magical powers, I say. I'll spare you the details, but that explains why I'm in such a good mood now.

Keep on Rockin
~Scott Williams
I'll never listen to "Sweet Emotion" the same way again...

Chapter VI: The Coral "Magic & Medicine" Review

In a follow-up to their mind-blowing debut 2002, the Coral's 2003 disc "Magic & Medicine" is somewhat more sober and defined. While the first CD breathlessly explored new sonic territory on each track, the 2nd disc is sort of a 1960's Merseybeat album, in the vein of a more psychadelic Herman's Hermits. The tunes are catchy, yes. The rhymes are not complicated at all, so there's nothing so eccentric as any of the tracks on their debut. The CD immediately plants itself in the 60's with the opening track "In the Forest" and continues that thread through the throwback ballad, the beautiful "Liezah." It begins to falter for three tracks going into some weaker tracks which are good but not extremely memorable. "Talkin' Gypsy Market Blues" is too much of a mouthful to hum, and the next two are not remarkable enough. The album catches fire once again with "Bill McCai" which is the track most like any on "The Coral," lyrically like "Simon Diamond" on that album and melodically like "Goodbye" or "Skeleton Key," but harder in the verses than the former and a lot poppier than the latter. It's probably my favourite track on the album. Alas, the album begins the drag somewhat thereafter, getting weightier and more emotional (but without becoming emo.) This mood of the album reaches its apex in "Pass it On," which is a sort of depressing song. The album ends with "Confessions of A.D.D.D." which is not as good an album closer as "Calenders and Clocks" from the debut, but so be it.

The album is consistently strong but not the joyous surprise of their previous. **** of 5.

KOR
-Scott

Chapter V: Keep some rubbers for a rainy day.

The big news is that we had a rehearsal for the play today. Josh had to work. I really don't like having to run rehearsals without him if only because we've spent a lot of time establishing him as the director and me as only the playwright. I seem to be doing an awful lot of directing for someone who's not a director. I guess that's why my name was written down as "Co-Director" despite not having any initial intention of directing.

I got the unpleasant business out of the way of "firing" Tommy Ferrone. I hated to do it because I really wanted Tommy for that part. You know how these things work, though. We worked out some business at the rehearsal and it all seems very good. Kathryn has done very well at being our right-hand person, filling in wherever needed.

Josh has brought up the subject of cancelling the play. He doesn't seem in favour of it but he is being realistic. But if today's rehearsal proved anything to me, it's that we're doing only slightly less than fine, and that as long as Kyle learns his lines (no pressure...) we'll go on and do a great show. Well, as good as a poorly organized high school performance can be.

Kyle has, by my count, three rehearsals left in which to get his part down. It's not a huge part, so I'm not too concerned, but there obviously is a risk there. Kyle seems dedicated, however, so that's a good sign.

Another good sign: Becky laughed more at today's rehearsals than at any previous one. I hope we get such a good reaction at our actual perfromance!

Last night I spent an hour and a half talking to Randi. Mmm, that was nice. She's so good to talk to, because she doesn't make me feel like a total goober. Plus, she makes thinly veiled references to sex - the best kind of reference to sex. Someday, she'll get the cajones to break up with her asshole boyfriend, and when she does, I'll be on her like butter on an english muffin. All in her nooks and crannies.

I'm sure she wouldn't want me to talk about her like that in public, but she doesn't need to know *wink*.

I'm pretty much done. I'm running on excess adrenaline from my Summative week, and I'm trying, good lord I'm really trying to get this Drama play down packed, but it's going unhappily. Lunchtime rehearsals anyone? Yes, please!

But listen, I'd love to stay and rap some more (who fucking talks like that? "Stay and rap?") but I gotta split. Catch ya on the flip side and as always;
Keep on Rockin'
~Scott

Chapter IV: Chewing at the back of my nostrils.

What a nice, idle weekend. After a busy fuckin' week all I want to do is sit down and do absolutely nothing. Unfortunately, I've been getting the runaround all wekend because Mom's been having showings and I like to be out of the house on tohse occasions.

But moreover she's being a compulsive cleaner, so she won't settle down and stop cleaning. That's so bloody annoying.

Speaking of which, I have to leave now. More on this later.

KOR-SCOTT

Chapter III: Life's not worth living if you don't waste it.

Ahhhhhh Friday. I just spent my first Friday outside the house in my recent memory (not counting friday nights at the trailer, as detailed earlier on in the Blog.) Josh and I went bowling, mostly because, well, what else waws there to do? Josh was saying he needed to get out, because he's got a lot of shit goin on right now, so we went bowling. I didn't try to impress him with my normally excellent bowling abilities. By the end, I was just sort of trying to find the most outrageous way to bowl. It's more fun to jsut bowl and not give a fuck. Unless I'm bowling with Randi, in which case it's only fun if I win....I wonder if that bothers her?

Speaking of whom... damn. I've been trying to get ahold of her all week but haven't managed to get her on the phone. Coincidentally she's out at some friggin bowling banquet for her league right now, so if we had gone to West all the way out in Toronto (as was originally discussed,) we might have run into her. And that would've been pretty weird.

I continue to fritter my time away on frivilous pursuits, and I'm quite happy about it. I love that I now have enough freedom to do things because "I have nothing better to do."

But yeah, it's Friday, the end of a loooong week. I've finally put my Ancient Civs, and Philosophy summatives to bed, and handed in my David Lynch research paper today for Drama, so all that's left is a week and a half of trivial work in two classes, hard-ass memorization in one, and a fuckin' play to put on. Two, if you count Drama summative.

I went to the Mall at lunch today and bought "Magic & Medicine" the second CD from the Coral. Look for my "review" tomorrow.

Looking forward to some R & R. Keep on Rockin'
-S-C-O-T-T-

Chapter II: The honey in my tea.

I'm drained. I'm pooped. I beat. I'm flushed. I'm tired. I'm bushed. I'm pooped. I know I said that one already, but I like saying poop.

I just finished typing up my Drama Research paper, so that's finally behind me, and I laid my Ancient Civs summative to bed today. It looks to be smooth sailing from here, and soon I'll be able to sit back, relax, and imagine the nice, idle summer ahead of me.

I'm pretty sure I was supposed to meet Randi today for bowling, but I couldn't get ahold of her in order to cancel (what with so much homework and all.) I hope she's not mad. Chances are she didn't notice since we didn't really confirm.

My alarm clock his actually running fast. I'll synchronize it with my TV before bed and when I wake up it's a few hours ahead. Seriously.

I just need to get school out of my life for a few months. Usually on the last day of school I'll let out an excited "Whooo!" but this yer it might just be a relieved "Ahhhhhh..." as I slip into summer as one might a hot tub.

I've crafted my own yearbook this year and tomorrow I'll go around and get people to sign it.

Goodnight and Keep on Rockin'
-Scotto

Chapter I: Here, have some Jell-O.

Well, it's Hump Day. And yet, I didn't get to do much humping. That's upsetting.

Still though, I had a pretty good day. I'm finally putting that Philisophical Cafe nonsense behind me, which is good. It went over well and now it's done with. Tomorrow I've got to present my Ancient Civs project on Greece, which is really very not done at all. Oy vey, looks like another night of "click-clack"-ing on the keyboard.

We're going to have so much class time left in all my classes - except Drama -after the summatives. What is there left to do after we SUMMATE everything? Doesn't that pretty much SUM it up?? That means done! Finito! No more Philosophy! No more Ancient Civ!

And yet... in Ancient Civs, I have a feeling we're going to learn a little bit about Medieval times or something. And over in Philosophy, well, let's just say that we pretty much need to finish off learning what a Meaningful life is.

I've said the word "Just" (as in "Just Society") so many times today that it has lost all meaning.

Keep on Rockin'
~Scott

Chapter 10: In my FOOT! It got me in my FOOT!

It's the end of the month. Well, technically, it's the first of the next month, but the point is that May is over. It's been one hell of a month. A new baby was born (yet again.) My birthday came and went without much fanfare. I gave my audition. A relationship came. Then, it went. Then, the Daily Show went on Vacation for 2 weeks. Then, it looked like the relationship was going to come again. Then I had a lot of work to do at school.

Yes, not much of a month, really. It was jam-packed full of stuff, sure, but I really caught the bi-polar train with all its ups and downs. It's been a bumpy ride, and if I could, I wouldn't do it all again. Except in order to get more birthday presents.

So, I'm looking forward to June. The end of School, the hot summer weather, the, uh... idleness. Hey, it couldn't possibly be worse than May. Could it?

I'm looking forward to going and getting the Coral's 2003 CD "Magic & Medicine" soon. Their debut, "The Coral," was incredible, and I've only heard the best about their 2nd CD. Hopefully, their 3rd CD, which I think is called "Nightwolf and the Sons of Becker" will hit stores soon.

I was stung by a wasp in the foot yesterday, and that was an extremely unpleasant experience. Please note though that I am well on the way to recovery and I think I might just pull through and walk again someday.

I think I'm just coming out of a creative apex, which sucks since I spent most of it on schoolwork. Hopefully another one will come soon.

Damn that's frustrating.

Well everyone, that ends this chapter. Go out, enjoy your youth, and Keep on Rockin'
~Scotto Williams