The Rant

New fundraising movement to help me.

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Tue, 5 Aug 2014 07:38:00 -0700

Please check out this link to see where I have been and what is next for me.

Day 1 of the juice detox

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 08:06:00 -0700

I have watched the movie "Fat, Sick & NearlyDead" many times. The idea of losing weight and cleaning out the body with just juice is very compelling. Of course the commitment is truly the issue, I mean it’s sixty days. That is a horrific amount of time to drink water and fresh veggie/fruit juice. But the hour is upon me to change something not only in my life but within myself. A clean, fresh start at the life I could have verses this garbage filled life I have accepted for myself.

So today is the first day of sixty and you get to hear about all of it. The flavor of the juice does not bother me. The process of making the juice is just about as easy as any meal prep can be. The hardest part will be keeping with it for the entire time and stay active to keep my spirits in it until the end.

The money mountain

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 06:29:00 -0700

Raising money for a film (when you are not Scorsese) seems to be a huge mountain to climb. It takes marketing, salesmanship, and a trust of strangers that is almost impossible to generate. Writing posts or updates to try to encourage generous souls is a tough gig. The vision of the project is solid, the talent being considered is solid, and the desire for success is huge. As a whole, this film would be something special if it had the chance to be completed.

The problem is that October is drawing closer and closer without the needed funds in place. Money makes the difference, unfortunately. My budget is laid out to the penny. It allows for the talent and crew to be taken care of as it should be. They work hard and should be compensated for their work. For me, the pay is in the project itself. The finished film is my paycheck and any audience response is just a Christmas bonus.

I have not posted any video or picture updates because I hate my appearance on screen and there are not any production photos to be released yet. So please hold that against me and not the project.

Take a moment of your time to review the premise of the project and see if you can find a few dollars to contribute.

As always, I thank you for your time.

Movie Update

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Thu, 31 May 2012 11:35:00 -0700

I am very pleased to announce that Bella Lune has come on board to score the movie Lady. I could not be happier about them joining us in this endeavor. With music deep rooted with multiple influences it will be very exciting to hear the soundtrack.

For those of you not familiar with their work please take a moment to visit them at http://bellalune.net. Take time to listen and send them a shout out for their support to this project.

This is a great piece to the puzzle. Music can make or break a film in so many ways and Bella Lune is strong enough to take us to that next level.

Genie Film Contest to help pay the bills

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Tue, 29 May 2012 19:08:00 -0700

I have decided to enter a film competition to help pay the expenses of the short film. The risks are that it is a lot of time for the hope and dream of winning. Lucky for me, dad has agreed to help star in the picture and I think it will be a great little 90-second clip. It will be entertaining if nothing else. When the completed film posts I will be sure to let everyone know.

This is just the first of several competition plans to submit. The exposure will be good for me and the chance to help fund the big project is always priority one.

Script update

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:02:00 -0700

After a few minutes of reflection I did my first re-write today. I added a scene of reflection for the main character. It gives her a chance to take an out before she makes that final life altering decision. I wanted the moral implications to play a bigger role in the film. So I added what every good film should have, a priest, someone to ground the main character. I do not know if it worked but it does offer that human interaction needed to make it more emotional for the end of the film.

It will really tie it together.

Please add begging to a list of things that I am not good at doing.

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:34:00 -0700

It seems that trying to secure money for a film is sort of like digital panhandling. I sit on the street with my little cardboard sign and wait. I wait for someone, anyone to place a penny or two in my little coffee cup. Now the lack of guitar or harmonica does hinder my appeal but you must work with what you have. So I beg.

Of course, all of this done in a digital way, I post and pray that people will look at my project and feel compelled to join. To hop on board to just a vision and a smile is a huge leap of faith. Faith in a stranger is a tough sale. A person has to be willing to purchase a product that is completely unknown until it is furnished.

I wonder how many people would by a car from a new car company just because they claimed it would be cool. My guess is that it would not be very many (as evidenced by the lack of funds raised thus far). Nevertheless, I will not let go of my dream, I will just have to try harder.

Movie update #1

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:00:00 -0700

The search continues for talent, money, locations, and just about every other thing you can think of for this movie. I must have sent out 50 emails today to actors and actresses for the three roles in this short film. I did have a few returns but the question is will the ones returning the emails be the right ones for the roles. As the writer/director I have this vision of what the characters look like and how they will interact. The truth is that they will never match that vision.

Funding is the next big question. I have set to secure any of the promise funding out there but I’m still very hopeful. Indiegogo has been very wonderful for getting the word out and gaining exposure to various contributors. I would like to lock down the lead role so that I may create the poster for the film. The vision can be better realized and maybe spark some interest.

As it sits right now, we are 5 days into pre-production and at a small standstill. I hope the rest of the week is more successful.

Dad has been working hard on the steady cam rig and the tabletop dolly. Both are looking very good. I hope to get some test shots posted later this week. I am currently using the Canon Elph 300 HS for my test footage. It looks amazing for such a little camera. The audio is amazing as well. I hope the appearance is not a turn off for the talent but I may just use it for some of the principal photography.

Locations may end up being as simple as a Motel 6 and my house. It just depends on what I can find over the course of the next few months. The dogs will make it very difficult to shoot here but beggars lack choosing.

Why not write/direct/produce a short film?

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:56:00 -0700

Because it takes a ton of cash. So I signed up with Indiegogo. Click the poster to see the site and possibly be a part of the fun of fundraising.

Herpes meet the Republican Party

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 07:30:00 -0700

Now that I have your attention, let me explain that title a little bit. Herpes is a horrible STD that likes to lull you into a false sense of security. It hits you hard and fast, hurts like a mother, and then vanishes leaving you aw struck and semi-pissed. Then, after an undetermined amount of time, it shows up again to give you the same experience all over again. You cannot hide, run, or ignore it. Herpes is always there waiting to add discomfort to your life.

Therefore, in comparison, I offer the Republican Party. A group of men and women that cannot even choose a party leader let alone a direction for the country. Mitt Romney is leading the nomination race simply out of confusion. Newt Gingrich is only there to steal votes from Rick Santorum. Rick Santorum’s only fault is that he is not old enough. Is the best you have to offer? These are the only individuals in the group strong enough to lead a charge against Obama? A class president from BFE High could offer a serious challenge against the current administration and these bozos are your choice to represent you?

The only thing sadder than the economy, housing, fuel prices, unemployment, stock market, Afghanistan, Japan’s power plant meltdown, Jan Brewer, and Dharun Ravi is the offering of the Republicans.

Coke or Caffeine: Pick your poison.

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:19:00 -0700

People all over the world have addictions. Those little things that make us feel better. Things that help us escape our normal pathetic lives for just a few seconds. It can be something as simple and pure as a book and a bath. It can be as complex as a drug habit. Addiction is never the true problem. Addiction stems from other aspects of one’s life that needs comfort.

When you are a professional singer or athlete release comes from a great performance. Hours of hard work and sacrifice for that one moment of bliss. What happens when the crowd is gone? What happens when the cheers stop? That release needs fulfilled in some form. Too bad for many it is often drugs.

Whitney Houston had fallen from grace one too many times. Her last performance was unbearable to watch. The once great pop star was now a cautionary tale of scandal. A woman the demanded respect and emanated power found dead in a hotel like a common streetwalker. Left in her wake was a tarnished career, broken marriage, and a bloated last-ditch performance of trash.

Now in all fairness the medical examiner’s report has yet to be release. Years of abuse (both physical and mental) finally caught up to the Queen of Pop. Death was her escape from a life that had left her years ago.

Addiction is a funny thing. It can make you forget or feel better in a short time frame. Ultimately you are still left with who you are and the problems in your life. The question is will your addiction take what is left of that life away from you?

My addiction is coffee, good coffee. I will probably have many health complications from this pick me up. GI, Cardiac, and Endocrine complications when I am older brought on by the daily consumption. It is my choice to do this evil to myself. Nevertheless, damn it, it makes me feel good.

A little Christmas cheer

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 09:38:00 -0700

It is that time of year when we all reflect on the year past and look forward to the new year. I want to take this time to thank all of the supports of this blog for their commitment to reading this past year. May you and your family have a wonderful new year and may it be better than last year for you and yours. Until next year my friends. Happy Holidays

Top 5 things I could care less about

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 07:13:00 -0700

I do not want to rant about this list. I do not want to draw more attention than deserved to the following list. The fact that the media has focused their efforts on these five "stories" only proves one thing; Chaos. Chaos has consumed us as a nation and the real struggles of America will never be as important as he person scandals of individuals being humans. Making human mistakes that should never be this publicized in society.

The List:

Joe Paterno in a sex scandal.

Rick Perry making a mistake.

Kim Kardashian's wedding and divorce.

Herman Cain making sexual comments to a waitress.

Tiger Woods place in the latest golf tournament.

These five items make me want to run out into traffic. Lets pull it together people and focus on the issues of the world that mean something.

The death of customer service

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:28:00 -0700

We have become a society of push button dependence. It seems every organization has employed machines to answer calls, take your payment, and even notify you when services are available. So it is no wonder we are becoming disconnected as a culture. But who answers the phone when the service goes down?

I have been with the same cell phone provider for years. How long you ask? Well my first phone was a bag phone. That’s right, one of those tiny suitcase phones that were never popular. My loyalty has been tested over the years. Price increases, outages, and even fees for the latest phones that a new customers doe not have to pay have all made me question my commitment. Today however may be my breaking point.

I have text/called multiple times to reach someone, anyone. I have logged on to the website and tried to use the automated system. All of which have been unsuccessful in meeting my needs. Over an hour has passed and I’m still without resolution. In an era where the economy is shaky is this really the best time to be pissing off customers? Should my problem be addressed for the better of your company or just shoved under a rug somewhere? What is it that I need assistance with this fine morning? I’m trying to pay my bill.

Smoking Joe

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Tue, 8 Nov 2011 03:53:00 -0700

Unless you were alive during the Vietnam War or a boxing fan, the name Joe Frazier means nothing. The man was a boxing legend, partly because of his bout with Ali but mainly due to his presence as a champion. His reign as the king of kings might have been short lived. His presence in the sport will always live on.

No one likes to hear when one of the greats passes. But even the best boxers will lose that final fight. Ultimately you will always go down for the count.

Joe Frazier embodied what a true boxer was, a fighter. Up to the bitter end he gave it is all to stand up to his last opponent. The Cancer may have won this one but only by a split decision.

Men's room etiquette

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Mon, 7 Nov 2011 09:25:00 -0700

Many women will have to avert their eyes for this post. It addresses something that no cultured human being should ever deal with, the public restroom. A mans bathroom is generally an unclean place. It houses everything dirty you can imagine. Magazines, soap bars, toilet seats, and the floor are victim to filth. That is just the home bath. Take for a moment to think about the public men's facilities.

Urine covered seats, wet floors, smeared walls, and a collection of distinct odors make for a horrific experience. I would rather suffer the embarrassment of defecating in my pants then touch a public stall. What can I do to educate my fellow man in public urination?

How about this little tip, sit. When your height to length ratio is greater than 2:1 please sit to pee. Do not attempt to lean over to make up the distance. Avoid the semi stand squat to bring the bowl into range. Simply turn around, sit down, and stand back up for a clean exchange. That way I do not have to hold my needs to wipe away the remainder of yours.

Know your audience

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Sun, 6 Nov 2011 07:44:00 -0700

It an era highlighted with the election of an African American as President of the United States it would be wise to avoid anything racial in nature. The mere implication of referring to the outside of an Oreo cookie could be cause for a public expression of regret. Because though the war ended years ago, the battle for equality lives on.

Lately sports athletes are feeling it is time to experience again the old Jimmy the Greek days by watching closely for a slur. The problem is that when you find yourself looking for equality you never realize when you have it. People accepted into a niche tease each other. It is usually in fun, taken with a laugh. Not the case for Mr. StevieWilliams as his smart little quip about a former employer has made his life hell.

Tiger Woods has spent a good portion of his career defending his race as being more black than Asian. At times his fight has been to prove he is more Asian than black. Mr. Williams was just acknowledging one of your choices, is that so wrong?

A hockey player, who seems to love Jay-Z, is also in boiling water for a Halloween costume. A quick side note for all of those not acquainted with Halloween, it is for dressing up. The one night of the year, you can be anyone you want. Raffi Torres' wanted to be a black rap star. The problem is he is white.

Therefore, by the laws of racism, it is not allowable to dress up or portray an African American in any way. Sorry, those are the rules. So Wayans brothers owe me an apology forWhite Chicks, I will be monitoring my mail waiting for that letter.

Therefore, what it all boils down to is simple. We will always be racists. That black is not a color reference anymore. Black is and will always be some sort of slam. So for all of you coffee drinkers that take it straight you had better learn how to order your brew. Because if I hear you say black, you will be on CNN before it cools.

Truth in commentary dies.

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Sat, 5 Nov 2011 09:08:00 -0700

Many touchy, feely, liberal, bleeding hearts, pussy willow types will never understand the late great Andy Rooney. His no nonsense approach to conveying a message deemed archaic thinking. Being that open and honest frowned upon because it may hurt someone’s feelings. The way he could insult you while making you question your belief was an awe-inspiring gift. Andy never made any apologizes for being himself. In many cases, he often joked publicly about being too critical at times.

Rooney, for those of us with a desire to annoy people for generations, will always be the “one.” A critic for which all others will measure themselves, I hope that the questions in heaven are not to in-depth. Some just do not take the cynicism that well.

Rest well old friend, we will be seeing you on You Tube.

Wall Street "99%"

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 07:58:00 -0700

Sometimes the message delivered in a protest is lost. The focus draws from the passion to the poo. Waist, vandalism, and loitering making the headlines silence the word of the people. When a protest turns into a hindrance, it removes the credibility of those involved.

The sit-ins happening throughout the country are a true testament to just one thing. There are too many people unemployed. To have the ability to sit for days on end should be the true message. Instead of worrying about the arresting and removal of these people why, do we not offer them a position in one of the local establishments? Two birds removed with one stone; crowds diminished and a new taxpayer in its place.

I truly understand the passion and frustration that the “99%” are feeling. To make a difference they must register to vote and remove everyone that is currently in office. Now that is a statement.

All-Hallows-Even

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 08:47:00 -0700

With Halloween just a few short hours away, I seem to be having a slight childhood flash back. Plastic suffocating masks held together with a thin piece of elastic and two staples and homemade candy as far as the eye could see. Streets filled with welcoming porches dimly lit and covered in pumpkins half melted from the flame being too large. Cold breeze from the first snowfall that was more than likely going to start any minute made that thin superman costume a questionable choice. The chaperone debate was always the same. “Well I took him last year, you go. I’ll pass out candy this year.” Nevertheless, always someone at my side to make sure the boogieman did not get me. It was truly a grand night for children everywhere.

It saddens me that those days are long gone for so many. The homemade popcorn ball tossed out for fear it may contain a switchblade knife. The costumes must go through FDA trials before approved for wear ensuring the highest level of safety. Trick or treating is now only in areas pre-organized by officials with start and stop times. My favorite of those would be the mall trick or treat. At least it is indoors and climate controlled I guess.

The days of the true feel for what Halloween has to offer are forever lost. The hint of fear and mystery has given way to safety and security. The eerie feeling of what lurks in the shadows replaced with commercialized prepackaged fun. Congratulations Taliban, looks like you won another one.

Your poor multimillionaire

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 07:47:00 -0700

The typical median income in the United States is a little over $46,000. If you’re fortunate enough to have two full time incomes it rises to just about $67,000 and some change. This is the yearly wage you must live on prior to taxes. It is all you have to raise your children. After taxes it really leaves just about enough to keep the lights on, feed the family, and take to occasional trip. Not really what I would call living in the lap of luxury.

The typical median income for a professional athlete is $1,598,817.25. Take a moment to look at that number. I used the average yearly salaries of the top 8 sports and created that median number. It would have been higher but women’s tennis and women’s golf are really not super lucrative. This means that the average for athletes yields over a million and a half every year.

I understand the purpose of the strike. It was first utilized in the work place to correct horrible working conditions. Meaning simply it gave people the right to stand up and defend themselves. That is alright in my book. I’m sure if CNN had footage of the pyramids being built it would show the occasional Norma Rae standing up for slave rights. Of course those negotiations were probably quick and painful.

The strike is easy to support when the fat cat boss is exploiting his work force to line his pockets. I can stand behind those acts of justice. But a professional athlete refusing to perform for the fans because they want more money is a little hard to understand.

People pay over 2% of their annual income to support you, the athlete, playing a sport. Two percent of your annual income would pay what they do for a living. Here’s a thought lets go back to roman times when you would compete to just stay alive. Then maybe money would lose some of its zest.

To HOV or not to HOV.

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:52:00 -0700

I, much like many of you, drive to work each day. The morning and evening ritual of commuting sometimes leaves me staring at that ever famed HOV lane. A section of highway that is just off limits to most of us. This perfectly paved, always open lane seems to mock me in silent. "Hey don't you wish you had a hybrid or a friend," it whispers quietly.

As I sat there in traffic I was able to make one simple observation. Only a few straggler cars were actually in the HOV lane. In fact a few of those did not even have a second passenger. This made me wonder. Why can't we just open up the other lane to regular traffic? Oh sure, those with green bumper stickers are going to blast me for killing the environment. Bring it on. I'm sure those 20,000 pound trucks idling on the "express" way are pumping out leafy green vegetables. It would be interested if someone did a study on the amount of fuel consumption sitting in traffic. Just to see if the empty lane is bringing the Ozone back.

What defines a great writer?

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Wed, 5 Oct 2011 20:18:00 -0700

I will never be one of the great writers of our time. This little secret was let out of the bag by my many followers and a few “friends”. It’s not from a lack of desire. The fact is that some people on this earth are just not equipped for literary greatness. But it made me wonder what the true measure of a writer is?

Many authors are gauged by the number of best sellers they have. Others gain recognition in having their works transformed into moving pictures. And less we forget there is always that coveted New York best seller list. To me, these things all seem unobtainable. They are the Olympic medals of writing for events that I just cannot compete in. But is it really an accurate measure of a great writer?

Andy Rooney has been writing for over 70 years. Thirty-three of those with a little television show known as 60 minutes. He spanned a career that will never truly be matched by the literary giants of our time. King, Koontz, and Grisham (I couldn’t throw another K out) are all exceptional writers of their time. Rooney can still out write them hands down at age 92. With a heavy heart I say thank you for the commentary Mr. Rooney after all these years. Rest easy knowing I will never interrupt your steak dinner.

Not even in death do they part.

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 23:15:00 -0700

A husbands love can be unmatched by any other in this crazy world. He holds dear the love of a great woman. A woman that completes his very being. And no matter what she does he will always love her. The husband in love will defend his wife in life and in death.

But there might a small flaw in that. Diane Schuler, I'm sure, was a wonderful wife. She made her husband very happy and proud everyday she was alive on this earth. Who knows, she might have been the best thing that every happen to her husband. As loving as this woman was certain behavior can never be ignored. For instance, if you get high and drunk and load up your minivan with friends you may be at risk for losing mother of the year. If you take that minivan and enter the wrong way on a Long Island Express way, killing seven people in the process, you definitely lose mother of the year. Also you will lose your life as well.

A good husband will defend his wife's behavior regardless of how stupid it may be. But to sue the state for not marking the exit ramp as the wrong way seems a little much. It is tragic that your wife died in such a terrible manner. It is tragic that she killed other people with her stupidity. It is not the fault of a state. A state that would have never been able to protect your wife from herself. Drunk, high, and stupid will always over come safety no matter what.

Power will get you laid

efclarkeii@gmail.com (E. F. Clarke) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 05:55:00 -0700

Sex scandals are nothing new in American culture. In fact there is probably one happening as I'm writing this. So when I hear about a politician having some sort of sex with a very young co-ed it really means very little to nothing to me. Except for one small detail in the case of the Oregon Congressman. (No it has nothing to do with it being my home state). Rep. David Wu, 56, had consenting sex with an eighteen year old girl/woman/slut. Which for his age is a very impressive accomplishment. The problem I have is the honesty of it all. See it is my humble opinion that if Mr. Wu was not a man of power he would have never had the chance to be with this young lady. Don't believe me? Check out the article in the NY Times. His pictures there. Go look. And after you look you tell me that this mans position didn't get him laid.