To Live and Die Away From LA

Oh, man, Donnie Knotts passed away Friday night. In high school I was in the Andy Griffith Show fan club. Yeah, sounds goofy but this was Kentucky and therefore completely acceptable. Not to mention Benton and Mayberry are nearly the same place. And both are roughly three miles from Mount Pilot. I think Brad Miller was the President of the fan club in high school, which is funny considering in college Brad Camp was President. Perhaps it’s a “Brad” thing.
Rest in peace, little fella.

I finally finished the polish draft on “Clock Tower”. And what a long hard road it has been. But Brad Luff (who may or may not have been President of an Andy Griffith Show fan club) read the latest draft and wasn’t shy about offering praise — which I’m not used to. Mel read it and threw up in her mouth a little bit. But that may be due to the pregnancy. Luff did mentioned a couple of minor tweaks which I’ll address tomorrow since they’re doable in a day. Then it’s out to directors and if all goes well a shoot date set for June.
Tokyopop was pleased with the changes made to the “Sleepers” outline but mentioned official comments and questions were coming. That sounds like more notes. I hope I’m wrong. If I ain’t, then I predict I’ve reached the limit on the amount of free outlines I’m willing to do on this project. So, either the lawyers will jump in and start painting contracts soon or I’ll be moving on to something else.
I have three pitches this week. One is for a rewrite. One is for a two part film based on a comic. The other is based on a video game. I also have two general meetings. Vertigo and Contra.
And hopefully I can start the Riddle Me This rewrite this week.
I’ve also started a new spec which I’d love to find time for.
Now it’s time for stream of consciousness ramblings…

The other night a bird pooped on Mel’s head.
Speaking of poop, let’s talk about Dean Lorey. Okay, enough about Dean Lorey.
Lussier’s up in Canada and starts shooting “White Noise II” this week. He sounds pretty excited and happy with his cast. I’m sitting here looking at his IM away message which reads, “shotlisting”.
Back to Dean, he finished his rough draft of “Father Knows Best”, his Ray Romano comedy. I read it and laughed out loud. Mel read it and threw up in her mouth a little bit. But that may be due to the pregnancy. Dean’s also pitching a big TV show this week. It’s a brilliant idea. Here’s to hoping the powers that be are smart enough to recognize brilliance.
I placed an order with Gene the Dedkid. When it comes to hockey masks made famous by doods with machetes, I only wear those with the Dedkid stamp of approval.
Dean and I are talking about turning one of our old specs into a comic series and I’ve been bugging Spiegel about hooking us up with one of his artists.
APF 3000 should be well on it’s way to a completed first issue but I haven’t seen any new art since my last journal entry. I’m guessing Tommy Jane’s off shooting something and hasn’t had a chance to forward anything new. I’ll email him later.
My buddy Bode Miller has accomplished absolutely nothing lately and plans to accomplish absolutely nothing any time soon.
My father has a girlfriend. He sounds happy and that’s good enough for me.
Currently the wind is blowing up a storm outside. The rain is falling horizontal. Needless to say the seagulls are none too pleased.
I haven’t played World of Warcraft in over a month. I played Dungeons & Dragons online beta but it made me throw up in my mouth a little bit. But that may be due to Mel’s pregnancy.
The Messengers release date was pushed from August 06 to January 07. I’m told this has to do with Marketing. Apparently some genius with a degree in business has been able to convince everyone that January is a great month for horror movies. And it is too. Until it isn’t. The male lead in the Messengers, a farmer by the name of Roy Solomon, was named after two boneheads I buddied around with in high school. I was thinking about them recently due to the fact that all three of us have lost a parent over the last twelve years. Never a dull moment in this dust-covered life we live.
Both TiVos are filled with the Olympics which I’ve been playing catch-up on this weekend. I so love the Winter Olympics. Mel and I will be in Vancouver this time four years from now.

Mel and I head back for our next ultrasound this week. I’ll post pictures if and only if a penis is visible.
What is going on with this whole pregnancy thing? Why am I the one feeling sick in the morning? Why am I suddenly craving foods I’ve never liked? I have never liked Chicken Pot Pies. Now if I smell one in the oven I start lactating. And why are my nipples so sensitive?

I’d shush you but she sleeps like a rock. Gorgeous though, ain’t she?
The years together have forged one amazing story. Hearing parts of our story is tough. Grown men have cried. Some hear our story and feel compelled to purchase a puppy. Sometimes after hearing our story the phone rings and someone tells you you’ll die in seven days.
We’re on year 13. And 13 has always been a good number for us.
We’re healthy, happy and wise. And good looking. And humble. We go grocery shopping at 3AM. We buy our coffee from a Starbucks on the ocean where the employees know us by name. We make a living doing what we love to do. We don’t have a Burger King but we have Toasties, Peppers and the Red House Cafe. We got a bun in the oven and a honey baked ham in the fridge. Life is good, no? And on top of everything, Mel ordered a maternity shirt that reads “Knocked up”. I mean come on. How cool is she?