Nutcracker Epitome

For the unfamiliar, this week I submit a gem: The Pogues "Fairytale of New York". Often covered, never matched, this studio version from 1987 feature's Shane MacGowan's gravel-hammer voice in a restrained duet with Kirsty MacColl. For her part, Kirsty's precise and sturdy vocal's weave effortlessly through Shane's powerful turn. Two of the best at their best.

The epitome of the Christmas ballad.

Munk's opening line,

Bathed in red light, tiny Vampire Elvis loosened his cape and topped off his lungs with air. 

Munk's "Opening Line" is yours to keep, use it. Munk

PS... did you notice Matt Dillon at the beginning of the vid?

My Ten-Year-Old's Gorilla

An auto-feed paper towel dispenser ignored me this morning. Either my pre-coffee, matte-finish expression was insufficient in reflecting a requisite number of photons or the machine simply gave me the brush-off. Perhaps I appeared untrustworthy or undeserving or both. Whatever the reason, the oh-so important wipey-box would not relinquish its water absorbent booty.

So I danced. As embarrassing as it sounds I waved my hands, smiled expectantly, and pleaded audibly with the stingy machine—all to no avail.

With an air of contempt, I wiped my hands on my pants and departed, leaving the auto-dispenser to stew in its own self importance. Technology is so overrated. 

For Munk's opening line, we have a vote this week... which book would you read?

We drank to the tears of our slain enemies.


or....
We drank the tears of our slain enemies.


or... (this is a late entry offered by my 10 year old).
A deep rumbling sound emanated from the dark cavern. A split second later a giant gorilla burst through the wall.

Munk's (and now Jensen's) "Opening Lines" are yours to keep, use them. Munk

Prodding Your Muse with Head Cheese

“America on Horseback”… Charlie Pickett (click on A. on Horseback)

Social Medionics and Viral Qualifiers

So, okay, a little rant about social media.

I’ll admit I’m a noob, but STFU. I think social media enables soft language which in turn fosters weak opinions. Have any other bloggers, facebookers, or tweeters noticed the overabundance of qualifiers (grin). IMHO, written opinions should be delivered with little humility. I mean—mean what you say and say what you mean (just saying). 

If you're wit me, give a WOOT, whatever that is. Or maybe scream “RAWK!” Isn’t this new spelling sensation ka-RAY-zee as well!? Luv it (Squee!). Further, I find it annoying to have to be alerted when someone is attempting humor (LOL!). If it ain't funny, don't type it (LMAO!). 

Okay, so really, I mean like, totally no offense peeps *hugs*.  Sarcasm aside, I think we can do better (ROTFL). If anyone reads this, plz let me know, k?, c u.

Munk's opening line...

I went out to find myself yesterday and wound up buying a waffle iron (WTF?).

Munk's "Opening Line" is yours to keep, use it. Munk

Blogus Speedonus Dystopius

Welcome to Dystopia, population everyone. Where no one makes sense except for Protag and his trusty sidekick, Sidekick. Enjoy a lovely dinner of crow and perhaps a side of Sidekick. You can wash it all down with a cold bowl of administroni soup. Just like Mom used to make.

Love, Munk

This week's dystopian opening line,
If today’s satisfaction quotient is Purple, why did I just dodge my third falling smile?

Munk's "Opening Line" is yours to keep, use it. Munk

The Good, the Bad, The Weird: a Blipview

Keeping with the meandering nature of this blogadoo. Today, I offer a nano movie review (a blipview).  Anyone who remembers Max Headroom should get the reference.
I am one who avoids reviews with synopses, so no worries, if you haven't seen the film, but plan to, I doubt my blipview will give anything away. I have been impressed by the risks taken lately by Asian cinema...

If you liked Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle, then The Good, the Bad, The Weird by Kim Ji-woon is for you.

Three plates of double chocolate cinematic fudge.

Big screen and 5.1 surround: HIGHLY recommended.

Note: probably not a film for horse lovers or people who don’t enjoy watching other people in painfully painful--pain.

Bang, you’re dead.

This week's opening line...
I was twenty-three before I discovered the French were dead wrong about kissing.
Munk's "Opening Line" is yours to keep, use it. Munk

Rules, Rules, Rules

Cut words to make more sense. Drop adverbs for purity. Stop telling, start showing. Put an inciting incident in the first chapter. Know each of the character’s agendas. Use dialogue to drive the story. Find a unique voice. Write an outline. Don’t repeat words. Remove small talk. Stay tight (one of my favorites by the way). Use similes. Watch your tents (this one confuses me). Pace, find balance. Don’t change your POV mid-paragraph. Eye before EEE. Don’t fragment. Use a legible 12-pt font, headers on each page and DOUBLE SPACE… know your rules dammit...........and then break a few.

Who has a rule they would like to share?

This week's opening line...

From what Jurgen could tell, the barn dance was going well.

Munk's "Opening Line" is yours to keep, use it. Munk