The Closest Kind

The Closest Kind

1. Exposition

            A. Characters: Margie: Margie is the lady in the picture- main character. She has been a widow for 16 years and suffers from Major Depression Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She has come into this diner every night an hour before closing time ever since she was released from the hospital after losing her husband. Most of the time she doesn’t say much; she only smokes cigarettes and sips on drinks.

                                    Lucas: He owns the diner and is the bartender. He is an elderly man who is very laid back and is in the diner every day and every night. He and Margie have developed a close but interesting relationship. He goes home to a wife that is constantly stepping out on him. The two enjoy small talk and are happy to have each other’s company.

                                    Willy: Willy is the kitchen man that works late night shift. He has been working in the diner for almost 10 years. Usually he is drunk but does the job well and has never disappointed Lucas. Sometimes he comes out to the bar to drink and watch television.

            B. Setting: Tuesday evening in downtown Chicago. It is raining outside. There are no other guests in the diner. Margie is quiet, as usual. The news comes on and they watch it- this is the nightly routine.

            C. Why are they there? Ever since Margie lost her husband, she does the same thing every night. Lucas owns the diner so he is always there. He would rather be there than at home. Margie is dressed in black because she hasn’t worn any other color in the last 16 years. She wears sunglasses all day and all night- as long as she is awake. Lucas has asked her why and she replied, “I like them.” Willy is in the kitchen by himself where he listens and dances to music.

2. Conflict

            A. What drives the character into the plot? This is her routine evening. The two have never argued like they do on this night. Nobody will ever know what the argument is over. Possibly adultery…?

               These two have an obvious but unmentioned need for each other. Neither of them have any other nor better of a friend than each other. They don’t talk about their friendship, however. They truly need each other; they are a part of each other’s life every day.

            B. Conflict: The first (mini) conflict happens between Margie and Lucas. They get into an argument over something that is on the news. This argument could have caused Lucas to pass out and have a heart attack à Major conflict. Margie has witnessed this before when her husband died. She has to take action to save her best friend’s life.

3. Rising Action

- Margie wakes up that day feeling like something weird is going to happen. At first she is afraid to leave the house.

-She goes on about her day at home. She reads, sews, and does some laundry. The first song to come on the radio happens to be Lucas’s favorite song.

-She decides to go out and buy a card for Lucas telling him how much she appreciates his friendship. She has never done this before, but had an overwhelming feeling that she should today.

            -She goes home and takes a nap.

            -She skips dinner because she feels uneasy.

            -Margie goes to the diner at her usual time- 9:00 pm

            -They watch the news and politics get brought up.

            -The two argue and get into a fairly heavy argument.

-Willy hears them- comes out and makes a comment in a joking matter and goes back to the kitchen

-Lucas falls to the floor, unconscious.

            A. What happens? Margie has to decide what she wants to do. Watch? Or Take action?

4. Climax

            A. Point of No Return: Lucas falls to the floor because of a heart attack.

            B. Highest Emotion: The highest emotion occurs when Margie has to think fast about what she can do in the situation. Her best friend has just fallen to the ground. She could save him, or she could just watch. Even though they have been arguing, she leaps over the bar and does everything she can to save his life. Courage: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. (Dictionary.com)

5. Falling Action

-Margie’s mind is racing. Flashbacks of her husband start coming back. She leaps over the bar and begins CPR.

-Willy comes out to see what the commotion is about and calls 911.

-The ambulance comes and rushes Lucas to the hospital.

-Margie goes, waits, card still in her pocketbook. He wakes up 12 hours later from surgery. His wife never showed up.

-She goes to his bedside and reads him the card- starts crying and apologizing for ever having an argument.

-He tells her everything is OK and don’t stress. Margie is afraid to go home alone because when tragic things happen, she lashes out. The nurse suggests Lucas go home to Margie’s house to rest and recuperate.

-Several weeks later Lucas returns home, only to find his wife has moved out. The two decide to become roommates and are best friends until the end.

            A. Loose Ends Tied Up: Margie has felt strange all day because her gut was trying to warn her something was going to happen. If neither of them would have never come out of a shell (and argued), they would not have the great understanding for each other that they do now.

            B. Changes in Characters: Margie has to begin seeing a psychologist again after this event but learns a lot about herself. Lucas realizes he should have left his wife a long time ago. Margie now feels like she does not need to hide anything, and can freely express herself rather than always remain quiet.

6. Resolution

            A. Solution to the Conflict: Margie saved her best friend’s life. Even though the argument could have been a leading trigger to the conflict, there is no way either of them could have known that. This event has brought the two closer together than ever before, and who knows if they would have ever been able to bring themselves closer on their own.

            B. Happy Ending? Yes, this is a happy ending. Other than the fact that Lucas’s wife left him, he has learned what a true friend is. Somebody who sticks by your side through the good times and the bad is more of a friend than someone who wears a wedding ring and doesn’t obey rules that come with it. Margie needs Lucas in her life to give her something to look forward to. After losing her husband, she feels she can confide in Lucas and now be open with him.

7. Special Effects

            A. Something in Margie’s gut that day told her she needed to go buy that card to show Lucas her appreciation for him. A strange morning ended up being a really strange evening; only to result in something wonderful.

            B. “A friend in Need is a friend indeed.” ~ Quintus Ennius

            C. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any descriptions, resemblance to real persons- living or dead- is purely coincidental.”

References:

dictionary.com

phrases.org

Diane Arbus

Horrifying Regulations

We hear a lot about violence on television and the negative effects it has on society. The reason is there have been thousands of studies done proving the fact that violence has negative affects on all ages of people. Violence on television negatively effects people of all ages and unless the regulations for public television are adjusted, violence in our neighborhoods is going to continue to be on the rise.

Today, more is allowed on television than ever before. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the average American child watches three to four hours of television per day. Studies are constantly being done linking violence on television to violence that goes on in real life. Our children today are shaping the future for tomorrow, and if kids are watching three to four hours a day, some of which may be violent or horrific, they become numb or immune to the horror of violence and begin to think it is 'OK'. Also, children and adults gradually accept violence as a way to solve problems. (ParentsTV). My final point is that as humans, we practice behavior that we are familiar with and if we are constantly exposed to violence a chain reaction starts to build, starting with children.

Some people may try to argue that it is not up to the Federal Communications Commision, who is in charge of regulating public television, to keep violence out of viewers' eyes. Many people say it is up to parents to monitor what children see on television. However, if parents are putting their child in front of a TV set for three to four hours, do they pay attention to what is on the screen? Or do they even care? Most likely not.

Also, adults are affected by watching violence on a regular basis. Small children and adolescents today are the people that will be in charge in the near future. Do we want violence and negativity instilled in their personality, or practiced daily by them? I wouldn't. It takes a very clear mind to make rational decisions and for us to be successful as an entire country, we are going to need very strong people running it now and in the future.

According to parentstv.org, television teaches viewers – especially young viewers, who have more difficulty discriminating between real life and fantasy – that violence is the accepted way we solve problems. Moreover, studies show that the more real-life the violence portrayed, the greater the likelihood that it will be learned. Many parents wonder why their children have learning disabilities and social problems at school, and most likely television and video games are to blame.

It is only normal that as humans, we practice behavior that we have learned and are familiar with. If a child watches television for 25 hours a week, more than they are engaged in any other activity besides sleep, this means by the time a child leaves elementary school he/she has witnessed 8,000 murders and over 100,000 other acts of violence. Horrific behavior and negative lessons are learned and the child becomes familiar with these acts. As that child gets older, he or she will practice more and more negative behavior because that is what he's used to.

It is impossible to change the way people parent their children, or the way people spend their times living their lives. However, it is possible to change the options people have to watch on television. If the regulations were tighter, not as many people or children would be exposed to violence and negative behavior. If adults want to watch and experience violence, they should go to the movie store and rent all the movies that they want. Again, the children today are shaping the future for tomorrow and we want a positive future. Also, children and adults gradually accept violence as a way to solve problems, and the crime rate is higher now than ever before to prove it. As humans, we practice behavior that we are familiar with- and it starts from a young age building a chain reaction. Maybe one day it will be safe to sit in front of the television and enjoy what is on television without it negatively affecting our lives. Speak up- your words matter!

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Parents TV

FCC Regulations

University of Michigan Healthcare

How To Travel to Somewhere Spectacular

Overview

Within the paragraphs to follow I will be explaining how to plan a vacation and make sure you don't forget anything. Sometimes planning a vacation can be a very long and tedious process, or it may take a day to organize and plan a good time. It all depends on where you want to go, how long you want to be there, and how you will get there.

It is important to not forget anything. An itinerary may be helpful. According to dictionary.com an itinerary is

a detailed plan for a journey, especially a list of places to visit; plan of travel.

Fellow Travelers

Just about anybody of adult age is able to plan a vacation. As long as you are able to buy tickets for transportation, book hotel rooms, drive, and pay for various activities and food while on vacation you should be able to book and plan a vacation with no problem. There are so many different areas of the country and world that each individual would be able to find somewhere that intrigues him or her and look forward to traveling to that place.

Read This and Find...

If you or somebody you know ever plans to travel, it is worth your time to read this blog post. Planning a vacation may not be that difficult, but you want to make sure that you don't forget any part of such an important process.

Prerequisites

Before you begin to plan your vacation, it is crucial that you have the materials to do so. Make sure you have a credit card, proper identification, a passport if necessary, and resources to use to plan your vacation. For example, you may want to do all your reservations for transportation and hotel bookings online. Nowadays, the internet makes everything so much more conveniant and is all in one place. Below are some websites that you may find helpful in starting your journey.

Fodors Travel Guides

Frommer's Travel Guides

Travelocity

Orbitz Travel

Steps to Planning to Travel Somewhere Spectacular

Below are just a few short tips to help simplify your planning process.
1. You must decide where you're headed to. Maybe your friends have recommendations, you might be going to visit relatives,  maybe your city has a special going on for traveling directly to another city, or maybe you close your eyes and point to somewhere on the map and decide that's where you want to go!

2. Make sure you have your budget set before you get too far into planning. You will need to know the maximum amount you can spend on this trip, that way you still have money to spend while you are on vacation.

3. Decide when you will be going. How long will you be gone? Make sure in this process you think about requesting time off from work, or any obligations you may have. Give them plenty of notice. If children are going, tell their daycare providers, school teachers, or sports coaches. If you have pets at home, make sure to make appointments to board pets or have somebody that will be taking care of your little critters while you're gone. Also, make sure you remember to have somebody water the plants, mow the grass, get the mail (or have the mail stopped), and keep your doors locked-if applicable.

4. How will you get to your destination? Once you get there, how will you get to where you are staying? Once at your hotel, how will you get around the city you are in? Will you need bus passes, cab money, rental car, or thumbs for hitch-hiking? If you need a rental car, this is probably something you will want to arrange before you get to the city.

5. Where will you be staying while you are there? Making hotel reservations in advance is a MUST when traveling to another city. You never know what will be going on in that area, on that night, or how much room they have to accomodate guests. Will you stay in a hotel, a bed and breakfast, motor home, a tent, a cabin, or underneath the stars on your bare back?

6. Where will you go and what will you visit while you're there? Will you need tickets in advance to museums, plays, concerts, for scuba-diving, etc. Anything you might decide you want to do while you are there is important information to research before getting there. You want to make sure you go to the most qualified places with tour guides that will give you the most exciting experience.

7. Don't forget you have to eat while you're on vacation-this is one of the best and most tasty aspects of going on vacation! If you have small children, make sure you have plenty of extra cash for snacks throughout the day, or bring some of your own. The last thing you want is a crabby tot while you're touring Disney World. It is imporant to plan to have enough money for the most expensive meals possible, three times a day. You don't want to run out of money and not be able to eat or buy something neat if you see something you can't live without!

8. You may want to buy some souveneirs to resemble your vacation. Perhaps you need something to show your friends and family how much fun you had!

9. Before the time gets to close for deparature, you may want to make a list of things you are going to pack. Don't forget things like a camera, nausea medicine for the plane or car, heavy and light clothing- you never know what the weather will do, plenty of clothes to change in to, a bag to carry the things you will need for a day trip while you're there, lots of cash for tips, cab rides, and an afternoon snack. Making a list of things to pack before actually packing may help to eliminate items you would forget.

10. As the time approaches, check the weather for the area in which you are traveling to. It is nice to know ahead of time what kind of temperatures to expect.

11. Get plenty of sleep and eat a plentiful meal before taking off!

12. Have a WONDERFUL vacation! All your hard work in planning will soon be paid off.

Example of a Wonderful Vacation

I traveled to Ireland this past May, and it was probably the most amazing vacation I have been on yet. We went with a tour and had a tour guide the whole time, but there was still a lot to planning our vacation.

Tips

1. Things you may not think to bring:

• umbrella
• nausea medicine for the plane, bus rides, train rides, or boat rides
• small bag to carry for day trips; one that won't hurt your shoulder or back
• pack clothes in your carry-on bag in case you get stuck in the airport
• snacks for travel time
• copies of a passport if you're traveling outside this country
• pack light! save room for souveneirs
• extra batteries for camera or extra memory space
• jacket
• call your bank before you leave to let them know you will be using a debit card away from your hometown

2. Bring a lot of cash for tips for cab drivers, bus drivers, servers at restaraunts, etc.

3. Get plenty of rest before departure

4. Research entertainment opportunities before you get to your destination

Summary

These are just a few ideas I have for you to think about when planning a vacation. Depending on where you are headed, the planning process will be different every time. The main things are the most important to remember. Have enough money, book your means of travel, reserve hotel rooms, and pack your bags. As you plan more and more vacations over the years, you'll notice it becomes a profession! Have fun.

 Ring Of Kerry

 Kilkenny

 Kilkenny Castle

 Top of Blarney Castle-looking out

 A Leprechaun we met in Killarney

References

Photos from my friend Lorachelle's Facebook page Lorachelle's Pics

technology: problem unsolved?

When I chose to major in Communications at Springfield College in Illinois I expected I would graduate with a Bachelor's degree and be ready for the workforce. I hope that is the case. However, right now it would be hard to be prepared to have a career in the Communications field with the computer software knowledge and experience I have gained thus far from Springfield College/Benedictine University.

Springfield College in Illinois has recently changed its name to Benedictine University. Our sister school in Lisle seems to make most executive decisions for both campuses. One thing that has not been changed or updated recently is the equipment we use every day to try and get an education. I am sitting here typing on a table with a Dell desk top that took six minutes to turn on. According to the sticker on the side of the machine, it is more than seven years old. The programs on this computer consist of Microsoft Word, Windows Media Player, and Adobe Player. I've used these programs since typing class in the 4th grade.

Our Communications class is requesting that we get some help to upgrade our equipment. If we are expected to learn and graduate with the necessary classes to have a bachelor's degree, we need to have the necessary equipment to do so.

There are several arts schools in the country and the most well-known is Savannah College of Art and Design. There, Film and digital media students work with equipment found at major production and postproduction facilities, and use digital technology, nonlinear editing systems, digital audio workstations and comprehensive labs for screenwriting, scheduling and budgeting. Production facilities and equipment include Steadicam EFP, Super Panther and Fisher dollies, chroma key/green studio and sound stage. Students have access to high-end Avid Media Composer Nitris DX and Symphony Nitris DX editing suites. Cameras include Red One digital 4k cameras, Panavision Panaflex G2 cameras, Ariflex 416 and 35 mm Ariflex and 35 mm MovieCam.

http://www.scad.edu/

I am more interested in the Photography area of communications and at Savannah they use high-tech equipment and Macintosh computers as well. More locally, The University of Illinois at Springfield offers many different degrees in the Communications field with the assistance of more advanced software and technology.

Mary, a Communications student at University of Illinois- Springfield says, "We have a great program here. The equipment we use is high-speed, up to date, and capable of teaching us what we need to learn."

After contacting the Communications/Design program at Robert Morris I found out they use MAC computers as well.

When students and faculty members showed interest in using MAC computers, a faculty member reported taht we would not be using them because "sister school" in Lisle does not use MAC computers. OK, so it doesn't seem like we will be able to use MACs. The school needs to figure out a way to bring in extra money to boost our department. It is important that we (current students) and future students have the opportunity to make the school proud. How would we make them proud if their graduates cannot even find a job in the workforce due to their lack of education?
For the past two years I have been very happy with Benedictine University. The staff and instructors are wonderful, everybody is up-beat, and I have felt like the education I've received has been adequate, and I love that the class sizes are small.

It would be really nice to use the programs that our future employer's use such as Adobe Premier for movie making, Video Studio Pro X3, Avid, and Final Cut Pro- just to name a few.

I was able to talk to a recently hired employee at the Illinois Times who has a Bachelor's degree in Marketing with a minor in Communications. When I asked about the experience he had to help him get the job, Jonathon told me, " I had recently graduated college and had been working for an Advertising Agency in Missouri. There I was able to learn how to work with, design, and even sell advertisements. In college, we were educated on several different computer softwares both for MAC's and PC's. I feel like Macintosh provides better software to work with in this field." Jonathon attended St. Louis University for four years.

With the technology upgrade we hope for, and experience we wish to build, it would be nice to find myself working happily in a local company in less than two years. Some prospective employers that have recently hired people with communications degrees include, the State of Illinois, City of Springfield, the State Journal Register, Horace Mann Insurance Companies, WICS Channel 20 & WAND, and the FBI.

I hope to one day have a career in one of these companies, or somewhere similar. I am very interested in photo journalism because I like to take photos and I like to write. I hope that I am prepared by the time I graduate to have a career like one of these. Let's make our school proud by doing so!

http://www.uis.edu/communication/about/degree.html
Above is a link that goes to the University of Illinois at Springfield's web site concentrating on their Communications department. By looking around, you are able to see their class requirements, prospective careers and employers, and much more.

RED

This takes me back to my younger days. When I played a classical guitar and a flute. I have a great appreciation for music, and especially making music. MANY different ways to make music and I'm sure before too long my little girl will be showing me NEW ways to make music. I can't wait.

I didn't chance the life of this beauty by holding the Tenor due to my clumsiness, however I can only imagine what it feels like to feel the power of the Candy Apple Red Saxophone. The sounds are low and high, soft and hard, and everywhere in between. I can remember from experience the joy of being on stage, with all eyes on YOU, enjoying the music to the ears.

I have never seen a Red saxophone before but I'm glad I have now. Rare Form.

October in Pink

In the month of October we see more pink than any other time of year. I'm sure everybody knows why. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many organizations nationwide encourage people to wear pink- especially on Fridays in October. Wearing pink spreads awareness about this vicious cancer which will hopefully get more people involved with the fight against it.

Background: There are several parts to a woman's (or man's) breast in which cancer starts. Most cancer begins in the breast ducts and is called Ductal cancer and some others begin lobules and is called lobular cancer. The American Cancer Society's most recent studies show that there are about 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women. About 39,840 of these resulted in deaths.

The Chicago Tribune has a whole section on their website dedicated to Breast Cancer. This section has many stories and real people's faces "getting the word out" about education, treatment, signs of the cancer, and events going on in October (and other months as well) to support Breast Cancer Awareness.

The reason I chose to write about this topic is unfortunately, my family is very familiar with this illness. My mom is a two-time survivor. My grandmother is a survivor, and my aunt is a two-time survivor. I am proud to say that they are all heroines for this. These women take "being strong" to a whole new level. For me, my sister, and my cousin, all we can do is be aware and get checked on a regular basis for this type of cancers and others alike.

One of the "faces" on the Tribune's website said, ""There is light at the end of the tunnel. You have to believe." These are her words of wisdom and inspiration. (Jill Mull, 37)

Be aware! Some of the symptoms are : a lump, either hard or soft.
                                                             skin irritation or dimpling.
                                                             swelling of all or part of the breast.
                                                             nipple pain, or nipple turning inward.
It is important to be aware of your body and what is normal. The sooner these symptoms are addressed, the better! Breast cancer is easier to beat if the signs and symptoms are addressed early on.

Help out to spread the awareness by participating in small donation opportunities. Purchasing clothing or accessories that donate money to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Buy products that are spreading the awareness. The numbers are huge...help them decrease!

Photography It Is (EM)

Ever since I was young, I have been passionate about the Camera. I started out with an older Kodak Advantix Camera and loved taking panoramic photos. Since then, I have upgraded of course. In high school, I took classes at a trade school where we learned how to use the old 35mm cameras and develop our own film in the "dark room." If I could do this all the time, I would. The "dark room" consists of many different machines, a lot of chemicals, and very expensive equipment. Maybe someday, when I'm rich and famous (idealistically speaking!) I will have my own dark room with my own film and all of my own old school cameras and equipment.
For now, I enjoy taking pictures with my digital Kodak of the sky and sunsets, landscapes, people, places, and pretty much everything else! Lately, I have been working on a project that I call Alphabet Photography. I enjoy this because I can find my objects anywhere. These pieces of artwork make great decorations and great gifts as well. Who wouldn't want their own last name on their wall?
http://www.alphabetphotography.com/?gclid=CNv62Pe3sKQCFUcz5wodqmI4zg
Some people ask why I like to take pictures. I don't really know how to explain or what to tell them. It's my hobby. Why do people enjoy fishing? Because they benefit from it and that is how they relax. There isn't anything in this world that I wouldn't consider capturing in a photo. If it has meaning, is pretty, or if I could use it later for something neat- why not take a picture of it?
When I was a young teenager I used my camera all the time. I took pictures of my friends, of us doing stupid things, and spent tons of money on pictures that may not ever serve a purpose. But now, I look back and laugh and remember those times. Without these pictures, I don't think I would remember half of my youth.
My ultimate dream job would be to travel and take pictures for-eh say National Geographic Magazine- and write about them. Realistically, this will probably never happen. However, I can still take all the pictures I want and enjoy them!

To the right of my home page there is a tab that says PHOTOS. If you are interested in my projects here is where you can view a few that I have done so far.

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.  When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.  ~Ansel Adams

My Passion

Since its hard for me to find one particular issue, product, place, or association (etc.) that I am passionate about, I decided that our local Animal Protective League would appreciate my free advertisement. I am an animal lover and in particular care so much about the canine family!

I am an owner of a miniature dachshund named Tootsie and a Basset/Pointer named Annabelle. Annie came from our local APL and has been happy ever since.

The Animal Protective League of Springfield, IL is located on the north end of town on Taintor Road. They are a not-for-profit organization that runs solely off of donations. They are a clinic that helps stray and injured animals who cannot help themselves. They are a no-kill organization. They are always in need of volunteers to help keep the place up and running and are open to donations at all times. If you or anyone you know is interested in helping out they can be contacted by calling 217-544-PETS.

Thanks For Stopping By!

My Very First Blog EVER!

Well I am happy to announce this is the first time I have ever "blogged." I'm not quite sure how it feels; don't know what I have been missing out on yet. I am still trying to think of one thing in particular that I am purely passionate about. It'll come to me...I hope.