cell phones/ corporate espionage/ dinosaur erotica

Oct. 9 Cell phones: I was going through my notes.  I had written a few pages about losing a cell phone.  I sent it to the writer in residence Marty Chan, and he poked holes in the scene.  Today I called Rogers Wireless about what would happen if your cell phone went missing.

The sales guy said that if you have extended insurance, you could replace it, you can upgrade it.  You can call in the customer service line and give them your cell phone number.  They will blacklist it and no one can use the cell phone.  Anyone who puts their own SIM card in it, they can’t use it in Canada.

Comparisons:

Mob Doctor: Does anyone remember this short-lived TV series starring Jordana Spiro?  On imdb.com:

“A young thoracic surgeon becomes indebted to the South Chicago mafia and is forced to moonlight as a mob doctor, while also working full time at Chicago's most prominent hospital.”

I didn’t get a chance to watch it.  A mob doctor has been done on the Flashpoint episode “No Promises.”

Getting someone to do computer stuff: There was an Alias ep where the tech guy Marshall gets kidnapped by bad guys to hack into something.  I remember watching a Mentors episode where some business guy who is the antagonist hired a young guy to help him with this computer.  Mentors was a kid’s TV show.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0168350/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Oct. 15 Corporate espionage: I have thought about and written something like this since 2003.  I had watched a lot of Alias.  Then I went and wrote action.  Now I’ve been having writer’s block, so I thought about old story ideas.

Oct. 16 Paranoia: Does anyone remember the movie over the summer called Paranoia?  It got 4.8/10 from 2000 voters. 

“An entry-level employee at a powerful corporation finds himself occupying a corner office, but at a dangerous price: he must spy on his boss's old mentor to secure for him a multi-billion dollar advantage.”

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1413495/reviews?ref_=tt_urv

It was based on a book.  According to goodreads.com:

“It was only a prank: diverting cash from Wyatt Telecom's executive slush fund to throw a retirement bash for a member of the loading dock crew. But when corporate security catches up with Adam Cassidy, a low ambition junior staffer at the high-tech behemoth, they call it something else: embezzlement, to the tune of nearly $80 grand.

Ruthless CEO Nick Wyatt is impressed by Adam's scheming, and offers him one way out-take on the role of a rising corporate hotshot and infiltrate Wyatt's rival, Trion Systems. His mission is to get close to Trion's legendary founder Jock Goddard, and his ultra-secret "Project Aurora," and report back to Wyatt.

With Wyatt pulling the strings and a dramatically improved identity, Adam is set up as Trion's new boy genius. Suddenly, he's got a sweet new Porsche, a closet full of $1,500 suits, and even a lovely lady who thinks he's a dream. But it's all just a mirage, because Adam is about to learn that nothing is what it seems and that it isn't paranoia...everyone is out to get him...”

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/136989.Paranoia

Here’s the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiwTRLwmm4w

Computer security coordinator: I have thought about what kind of job would fit into corporate espionage and this one came to mind.  I did have to do some research like at mymajors.com:

Job Description: Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

*A job as a Computer Security Coordinator falls under the broader career category of Information Security Analysts. The information on this page will generally apply to all careers in this category. We are still seeking more specific information about this career from experts in this field. If you can provide us with more information, contact us.

·  Confer with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes.

·  Document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests.

·  Train users and promote security awareness to ensure system security and to improve server and network efficiency.

·  Coordinate implementation of computer system plan with establishment personnel and outside vendors.

·  Monitor use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files.

·  Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.

http://www.mymajors.com/careers-and-jobs/Computer-Security-Coordinator

Hosannas: Does anyone know what this word means?  On dictionary.com:

1. (an exclamation, originally an appeal to God for deliverance, used in praise of God or Christ.)

noun

2. a cry of “hosanna.”

3. a shout of praise or adoration; an acclamation.

verb (used with object) 4.

to praise, applaud, etc.: The critics hosannaed his new play.

Crazy art blog: I was checking out what other blogs are out there and found Polly’s Pecan Pie.  There are these really nice pictures of art pieces.  There is a picture of a cello sculpture made out of buttons.  Check it out:

http://pollyspecanpie.blogspot.ca/?expref=next-blog

Dinosaur erotica: I was reading in the Metro on Oct. 10, 2013 called “From Fifty Shades to Jurassic Poke.”  Christie Sims and Alara Branwen wrote stories like Taken by the T-Rex and Velociraptor’s Nest.  The stories are women having sex with dinosaurs.  Branwen was being interviewed.

She first wrote stories about sex with dragons and other creatures.  She went for a walk and then thought about dinosaurs.  She got noticed by writing about it on her blog.  Then people made fun of her stories on their blogs and then it got more publicity.  The readers are 60% men and 40% women.

My opinion: I thought the interview and topic was kind of funny.  I have never thought of dinosaur erotica. 

Prison fight club: I was reading in the Metro on Oct. 8, 2013: “Inmates suing Edmonton Max.”  5 inmates are suing them, because in 2011, it was allege that guards intentionally put 2 rival gang members together so they would fight.  One got stabbed and the guards waited until he died before calling an ambulance.

The guards beat them, spit on their foods and created a prisoner fight club for entertainment.

My opinion: That’s harsh for the prisoners to live like that.  It also reminds me of the movie Death Race where inmates race cars to the death.  It was also done on Gamers where inmates kill people to gain their freedom.

Dan Savage: He is an author and is going to be at the Edmonton LitFest.  He is the one who created the Emmy-wining It Gets Better campaign to prevent suicide among LGBT youth.  He will be here on Oct. 21 at 7pm at the Winspear Centre.  $25 for adults, $10 for students and groups of 10 or more.

Oct. 17 Bridegroom: I found this on Yahoo today.

“From an American love story that ended in tragedy and prejudice, comes a film with a message of hope and tolerance. “Bridegroom” tells the heartbreaking story of Shane, who lost the love of his life, Tom Bridegroom after an accidental fall from his roof only to then be threatened with violence by his late boyfriend’s family and cut out of any decision making regarding Tom’s affairs. The documentary has Hollywood buzzing and launched one of the most successful crowd funding campaigns ever with support from”

It got cut off, but I think it was celebrities.  If you watch the video it said NSYNC singer Lance Bass supported it.

http://ca.omg.yahoo.com/video/hollywood-buzzing-over-bridegroom-222620012.html

Olympic flame lost?

Equality for all is an Olympic ideal There's no room for repression at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, or anywhere else in Russia. Demand a gold medal performance in human rights. I got this from Amnesty International: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=6oJCLQPAJiJUG&b=6645049&aid=519769&msource=W1310EAIAR3 Dear Tracy, The 2014 Winter Olympics have yet to begin and we may already have the games' first loser - the Russian people. Under President Vladimir Putin's leadership, Russian authorities have severely curtailed the human rights of freedom of expression, assembly and association. They've silenced peaceful activists, passed dangerous anti-LGBTI laws, and launched raids on human rights organizations - including Amnesty International. Doesn't sound like the Russian government's acting in the Olympic spirit, does it? Don't let President Putin extinguish the torch on human rights in Russia: urge him to repeal these repressive policies BEFORE the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. No amount of fanfare can hide the menacing changes President Putin has made in just two short years: Homophobic legislation enacted in 2013 has contributed to an atmosphere where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people feel - and are - threatened. New laws criminalize protests and have led to the arrest of over 5,000 people in the past two years - like 34-year old Artiom Saviolov, who was arrested while protesting Putin's contested re-election in Moscow's Bolotnaya Square in 2012. More than 200 civil society organizations have been targeted as "foreign agents" and subjected to arbitrary raids like the one on Amnesty's Moscow office last year. Make sure the Olympic flame burns for human dignity, not repression. The International Olympic Committee knows about Russia's crackdown on freedoms, but they won't intervene! Just last month, the Committee gave President Putin a free pass, announcing that it was "satisfied" with Russia's explanation of its blatantly discriminatory anti-LGBTI law. Satisfied? I'm not satisfied with a government that promotes homophobia and cracks down on basic human rights. Are you? It's up to human rights activists like you and me to stand in solidarity with Russian civil society and demand change from President Putin. Join Amnesty and call for an end to repression in Russia. In solidarity, Steven W. Hawkins EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA

Canadians released from prison in Egypt

View as a webpage

Update:  Canadians Tarek Loubani and John Greyson have been released from prison!   Thank you for helping to put pressure on Egyptian authorities to secure their release from prison!         Released from prison!!      I'm pleased to share with you the good news that Dr. Tarek Loubani & filmmaker John Greyson have been released from prison in Egypt. And to highlight that we must remain vigilant now in ensuring they are allowed to leave Egypt and return to Canada. Thank you for the part you played in urging Egyptian authorities to end this wrongful detention. This is one of those situations where early, rapid action by so many caring individuals like you helped create momentum for a positive outcome. Thank you. But we know that our work is not done until Tarek and John have been allowed to return safely to Canada. Reports that they may be barred from leaving Egypt until investigations into hundreds of other cases are completed are deeply worrying. They have not been charged. There is no court order restricting their freedom to travel. As such, human rights principles are clear: they must be allowed to leave. As we continue to press authorities to ensure that John and Tarek's human rights are respected, we'll also be urging authorities to follow international human rights law in the treatment of all Egyptians detained during protests in Egypt. So much good news to report on This very welcome news follows a string of high-profile releases of individuals who have been the subject of intense campaigning by Amnesty International supporters like you. I hope that you will take a moment to celebrate these stories with us as well: - Canadian Hamid Ghassemi-Shall was released from prison in Iran - Prominent lawyer and advocate for women's rights, Nasrin Sotoudeh released from prison in Iran - Poet and journalist Shi Tao released from China Thank you so much for your willingness to speak out for human rights defenders and others whose human rights have been denied. Sincerely, Alex Neve Secretary General Amnesty International Canada

Malala dared to speak out

I got this from Amnesty International:

https://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/site/c.6oJCLQPAJiJUG/b.6662481/k.2BA2/Donate_Now/apps/ka/sd/donorcustom.asp?msource=W1310EDWMN3

We stand with Malala. Please make a donation to support Amnesty's efforts to stop violence against women. Donate now. Dear Tracy, A year ago, Malala was a 15-year-old schoolgirl in northwest Pakistan thinking about subjects like physics. On October 9, 2012, the Taliban shot her in the head for advocating for girls’ right to education. Today she's the survivor of this brutal assassination attempt and an ambassador for the right to access education free from discrimination and violence. Malala may not have won the Nobel Peace Prize this morning but her courage and determination remain a beacon of hope. The attack on Malala shows why Amnesty is urgently campaigning for the rights of women and girls. In many cases, it is a matter of life and death. Please make a donation to Amnesty. Your gift will help stop the cycle of violence against women and promote human rights worldwide. One in three women will experience violence at some point in her life. Today, the second ever International Day of the Girl, is a day to re-envision a better future for girls everywhere. When you support Amnesty, you help make sure our human rights campaigners have the resources they need to take effective action in solidarity with young women like Malala. Together, we can pressure governments to hold perpetrators accountable and advocate for laws and funding that advance women’s and girls’ human rights. Today is a day to dig in — violence and discrimination against women and girls must be stopped. Thank you for being a light for all. Sincerely, Cristina M. Finch Managing Director Women's Human Rights Program Amnesty International USA

"They will never be able to break me." - Albert Woodfox, Angola 3

I got this from Amnesty International:

https://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/site/c.6oJCLQPAJiJUG/b.6662481/k.2BA2/Donate_Now/apps/ka/sd/donorcustom.asp?msource=W1310EDIAR1D

Will you help us demand freedom for the last remaining imprisoned member of the ‘the Angola 3’? Donate now. Dear Tracy, Albert Woodfox — the last remaining imprisoned member of ‘the Angola 3' — needs your help. Louisiana authorities are holding him in solitary confinement, as punishment for a murder there is no physical evidence he committed. Please donate and support our grassroots mobilization efforts to release Woodfox from solitary confinement and fight human rights violations. We know we can succeed. Over 110,000 Amnesty activists pressured Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal to release another member of ‘the Angola 3,' Herman Wallace, who was suffering from advanced liver cancer. Herman died peacefully earlier this month. Originally imprisoned for unrelated cases of armed robbery, Herman and Albert were later convicted for the 1972 murder of a prison guard . However, no physical evidence links either man to the murder. A federal judge recently overturned Albert's murder conviction for the third time on the basis of racial discrimination during jury selection. Yet, the Attorney General of Louisiana has appealed the federal ruling and is dragging out Albert's ordeal — seeking to keep him in solitary confinement, in the 6.5 x 9 foot cell where he has spent most of the last 41 years. Amnesty is calling on Attorney General Caldwell to withdraw his appeal against the federal judge's ruling so that Albert can be released at last . On October 21, Amnesty campaigners and grassroots activists will deliver petition signatures in support of Albert's release directly to the Louisiana authorities demanding that they remove Albert from solitary and see that he is released. We'll then gather on the State Capitol steps to demand justice for Woodfox. Make an urgent donation and help us release Albert from 41 years of solitary confinement. When you make a gift of $100 or more, we will outfit an activist at the State Capitol with a "Free Albert Woodfox t-shirt" so Governor Jindal can't look away. We'll report back to you with photos of our activities on the ground in the weeks and months ahead. Sincerely, Jasmine Heiss Campaigner, Amnesty International P.S. Albert Woodfox has said, "If a cause is noble enough, you can carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. So therefore, they can never break me. They might bend me a little bit. They may cause me a lot of pain. But they will never be able to break me." If you are inspired by Albert's words, please donate now.

Dexter/ fiction writing/ Yourboxclub.com

Oct. 4 Dexter: The TV show Dexter has ended.  I found this Globe and Mail article called “Dexter star ‘happy’ with the ending” by John Doyle on Sept. 19, 2013.   It’s about a serial killer who kills other killers.

The interview with the start Michael C. Hall: “I was taking a break to look around at what might interest me.  The pilot for Dexter came may way and I was resistant.  Another TV series with a lot of death.  Then I found I couldn’t ignore it.  I read the script twice.  I read the book on which it’s based.  I knew after two weeks of thinking that I couldn’t resist the challenge of doing this, a drama about rooting for a serial killer.  The voice –over element, the way Dexter knew these things that nobody else knew, it was irresistible.”

“Yes, he’s just a boy, at the start.  If you remember, there’s that moment when his nemesis, the Trinity killer says ‘Do you want to play?’  And Dexter is playing a game, yes.  He doesn’t understand yet that there are consequences, real consequences.  Other people get hurt, get killed.  He’s playing this game, a secret game.  It’s very tricky territory for an actor.  The grown man is a boy inside, but at the same time he’s perfectly competent as an adult.  He’s good at his day job.  But he’s compartmentalized everything.  He stopped being a kid some time back, but maybe he wants to get back there?”

The article goes on to talk about how one of Doyle’s friend’s kids aged 9 and 11 saw the TV show by accident, and loved the character Dexter.

Hall: “Well, well, there is something magical about Dexter isn’t there?  Think about it.  Things always seem to go right for Dexter in many ways.  Dexter lives in Miami where he can just walk into people’s homes and take stuff, download from their computers.  It’s a Miami with no alarm systems and Dexter never encounters a deadbolt lock.  This Miami doesn’t exist.  It’s fantasy and kids like that.  Dexter seems to have magical powers and, for all the kids know, he flies through the air when they’re not seeing him do the other things the does.  Maybe that’s it.  Or it’s ten bright, bright colours of Miami.”

“Yes, I’m very happy.  The ending honours the story, but endings are always tricky.”

I then found this article in Metro on Sept. 19, 2013 called “Killing time is over.”

Hall: “He’s so far from anything I experienced him to be at the beginning.  He’s the same character, but he’s in many ways a different person.  He had successfully compartmentalized efficient killing and convinced himself that he is, in fact, incapable of authentic human emotion when we first me him.  But that all falls apart, slowly but surely.”

“I’ve always thought that it was more interesting to challenge the audience’s affection for the character and to move him into choppy waters.”

Hall has theories about his fans:

“We live in a world where we have an increasing sense that we’re not in control…and Dexter, in his micro way, controls his universe and that is very appealing to some people.  We all have a sense of injustice in the world, and Dexter is certainly exacting some form of justice within the confines of his own.  Maybe it’s not that deep.  Maybe people have murderous impulses they don’t act upon and enjoy watching somebody who gets away with it.”

About the finale:

“Some people will be happy with it, some people will be troubled by it.  Perhaps some people will be a combination of those things.”

There is this part that says: “Best mistake he ever made.”  A lot of actors and friends told Hall to not do the show Dexter because who would want to watch a show about a serial killer?

Hall: “When Six Feet Under ended, I imagined I would never do another television series, just because I thought it would be impossible that I would be so lucky that I would find something as successful.”

My opinion: I’ve only seen the first 2 seasons of this show.  The first season aired on CTV.  Then I rented most of the season 2 dvds.  Then I watched the last few eps of season 2 on Showcase.  I watch it, because it’s good writing.  It is a crime drama, but it delves more into the characters working the case, and not just like Criminal Minds, where the FBI team tries to solve the murder.

I then read the newspaper all the time, so I was then spoiled about big things like a major character getting killed off, and a major character figuring out that Dexter is a killer.

I decided I might as well find out what the ending is on Wikipedia.  I read it, and I thought it was good.  A little bittersweet.  I think I would have to watch the finale in it’s entirety to appreciate it.

Unpredictable: TV is unpredictable.  There are a lot of people that doubted the success of Dexter, but it lasted for 8 seasons.  When Dark Angel came out in 2000, I was so happy and excited.  It was by James Cameron, the show had a really good story about super soldiers escaping from the military and living in a post- apocalyptic world.  I thought the show was going to be on for a long time, but it only lasted 2 seasons.

Oct. 9 Finish what you start: Today is my day off and I did look for a job.  However, I also have to finally finish my Rain script.  I’ve been writing this script since 2009.  This is my 5^th year in.  I was busy working and living my life, so that’s why it’s taking so long.

I have to finish what I start. 

Fiction writing: I have changed in writing styles.  As a kid and teenager, I was interested in fiction writing.  Now I’m interested in non-fiction writing like my blog.  Fiction writing takes too long.  In my blog, I can write faster.

In the Globe and Mail, there was “The Influence Interview” with the author Mary Novik on Sept. 28, 2013.  She wrote the book Muse.  She says about her writing: “It’s a slow, organic process of thinking, writing, thinking, rewriting.”

Also in the Globe and Mail on Sept. 27, 2013, there was the article “Eat Love Write” by Sarah Hampson who interviews the Eat Pray Love author Elizabeth Gilbert.

“She loved the process of puzzling out the plot, taking three years to craft a 70-page outline so the writing was ‘like paint by numbers.’  She wanted the story to show a ‘powerful woman whose life is enriched by intellect and not necessarily broken or saved by a man.’”

Rain script: I had put this script in my dresser drawer for a long time.  Then I took it out and put it on my bedroom floor for some months.  It’s like I have to look at it.  A couple of weeks ago on a Wed. night, I decided to go through this stack of 80 pieces of paper.  I write on my scrap paper, as in computer paper that was printed on one side, and I use the back.  I managed to recycle 11 pages because of a “cabin in the woods” sequence that is not used.

Here’s my brainstorming:

Comparisons:

Home invasion: This is where bad guys attack the home of the good guys.

This has been done in movies like Straw Dogs, Fear, and The Purge.  It was kind of done in the movie Unleashed with Jet Li.  Instead of a house, the bad guys attacked this big apartment building.

Competition between drug dealers: In the movie Savages, there is a war against drug dealers over territory.  It was done on an ep The Mentalist.

Meth lab blowing up: It was done on the TV show The Good Guys about two cops, one is in his 40s and the other one in his 20s.  They go to a house, and ask a few questions.  They start walking away.  In the background, all these guys start running out of the house.  You don’t know why.  The house blows up.  It turns out there was a meth lab in there.

It was done on Family Guy where Peter and his family move to an old house in the country.  There was a meth lab in the basement and they start cooking it.  At the end, the house blows up.

Yourboxclub.com: I put this on my Facebook status:

 Go to www.yourboxclub.com for charity. They have joined Femm International that helps provide girls in Kenya's slums with a hygienic care kit that contains a menstrual cup. The product will last for 10yrs so girls can remain in school when menstruating. Until Oct.18 for every 500 views of Jay Baruchel video, a kit will be donated to Kenya.

Remember Herman Wallace. Justice for Albert Woodfox.

I got this from Amnesty International:

http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=6oJCLQPAJiJUG&b=6645049&aid=520358&msource=W1310EAIAR4

Justice for Albert Woodfox The power of the people helped free Herman Wallace after 4 decades of harsh solitary confinement in Angola prison. Albert Woodfox still suffers this same cruel treatment. Take action in Herman's memory — fight for justice for Albert. Dear Tracy, Herman Wallace died nine days before his 72nd birthday. The famed ‘Angola 3' prisoner succumbed to liver cancer on Friday, 3 days after being released from prison. Herman survived more than 41 years of isolation, becoming a fierce activist calling for an end to the cruel, inhuman use of solitary confinement. He died a free man, but the search for justice is far from over. The third member of the Angola 3, Albert Woodfox, is STILL being held in solitary confinement. Enough is enough — call on Louisiana authorities to free Albert Woodfox. Albert was placed in solitary after a 1972 murder that he maintains he did not commit. There is no physical evidence linking him to the crime. Albert's conviction has already been overturned three times — most recently by a federal district court — but the state obsessively appeals every time the court rules in his favor. Tell the Louisiana authorities to free Albert Woodfox today. Before he died, Herman said this about Albert and their struggle for human rights: "I want the world to know that I am an innocent man and that Albert Woodfox is innocent as well...The state may have stolen my life, but my spirit will continue to struggle along with Albert and the many comrades that have joined us along the way here in the belly of the beast." I never met Herman, and yet I will always remember him as larger-than-life — a symbol of resistance to human rights abuses and injustice who refused to be silenced. More than 110,000 people like you rose up to free him — Now it's time to shine the light for Albert — take action. In solidarity, Jasmine Heiss Campaigner, Individuals and Communities at Risk Amnesty International USA