Entry #5: Five for a Duchy

"Going live in 5...4...3...2..."

Hey! Do you remember this old thing?

Well, for those who have been following me, it's back!  I'm now under a new webhost and as a result, I have a new domain name which you can visit at www.vincerostkowski.com!  Though, since the first time I published, I have run into a technical snafu that causes iWeb to crash when I attempt to update, but it should be cleared up in no time.

"And we're back!"

Nine years.  I can't believe it.  Thursday marked the ninth annual Freddy Awards.  To remain canon to the previous eight years, I was lucky enough to once again be involved.  For this year's Freddys I served as a production assistant and helped control the flow of student performers and award recipients into and out of the theatre throughout the telecast.  That night a few people asked me if I was working and I explained my position.  Almost everyone who asked followed up with, "I bet you're having fun"; a hint of sarcasm tingling in their voice, to which I would retort, donning a smile, "Hey, as long as I'm here, I'm happy."  It really was a great night, not to mention I got to work alongside a bunch of Freddy alumni, which was also a wonderful experience.  It's a comfort to know that there are others in my generation that have a vested interest in something that is so important to the arts.  I cannot wait until next year when the event we have started calling "Fred X" occurs.  I cannot fathom what will happen in lieu of the ten year anniversary; all I know is I need to be involved.

Freddy Alums at the 2011 Freddy Awards!

My trip to the local chain bookstore today proved to be very fruitful.  I spent a good while wandering the aisles, just perusing.  So much literature.  So much print.  So many topics.  So many thoughts, ideas documented, and here I sit, staring blankly at a screen in an empty house throughout which three dogs lazily lounge.  I wonder if this is what real writers do.  Mind wandering, constructing work in segments, piecing them together as you go.

But I digress.  

I eventually settled on three books:

- Essential Dictionary of Music Notation

- Merriam Webster's Rhyming Dictionary

- Neil Gaiman's The Sandman: Endless Nights

Obviously, the first two are very applicable to what I do, but the latter I found intriguing for a few reasons, other than being quite visually stunning.  It is a very collaborative work, in that it has a whopping seven illustrators.  Each tale featured within are stylistically different because each has a different illustrator.  I chose this because being pretty new to graphic novels I am trying to branch out a bit. 

As somewhat of a final thought, I want to let you in on a bit of a secret.  I love film, whether it be television or a motion picture.  That is not the secret.  The secret is that, if what I am watching really appeals to me or is very relatable to me in some respect, or even if the work is just very profound and/or visually stunning I find that it can have an immense impact on my demeanor, not just in my head, but physically.  So if the piece is particularly sad or uplifting for example, I may result in feeling sad or uplifted for a time afterward.  Now that is not to say that if I go to see, say, a superhero film that is very well done I walk out of the theatre thinking I possess the power of super strength or what have you.  What I mean is that I gauge television or film quality based on how connected I am to it. That is also not to say that if I don't feel connected to a piece that it is garbage or that it has no value.  All art forms have value, even if they are the slightest bit lackluster.  Artistically speaking, everything has value.

Sidenote: I should have numbered each segment in the order I wrote them; you'd get a taste of how crazily scattered the creative aspect of my mind is. 

One for love. Love for all.

Vince

P.S. - I highly recommend the card game Dominion; well worth the thirty-ish dollars it sells for.

P.P.S. - Is it weird to want to own/drive a hearse?

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Things I did while writing this blog:
- Watched Disc 4 of Season 2 of Six Feet Under
- Downloaded the Dominion app for my iPod
- Organized my book collection
- Finding a bargain for ordering Dominion online
- Wonder what I should eat today
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Entry #4: A blog in two acts

ACT I:

(Friday, May 20th 2011)

First of all: Happy day of Rapture!

As I sit here sipping my cup of chai on this foggy night, I present you the long-awaited, long-form, and long-winded update on the current events of my life since the last time I blogged.  Now where to begin...

Sidenote: I keep getting distracted by The Breakfast Club, so bear with me.

Well, yesterday I finally finished the Scott Pilgrim book series by pummeling through Volume 6: Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour (highly recommended).  But I think we should start where I last left off.  Shall we?  

Scene I - "Now, spit!"

I had a dentist appointment on May 4th; never fun.

Verdict: I need to floss more.

Slowly working on that.

Scene II - Work related news:

In the interim, the typical spring college semester has ended, and therefore my food court job has also come to an end (hopefully only temporarily).  Thankfully, I have been asked back to my photography job for the season, primarily to shoot prom photos.  As far as previous employment, I am still employed by the State Theatre AND will be working the Freddy Awards telecast next week as Assistant House Manager!  Finally, the most recent addition to my employment is the role of technical director for the local JCC's youth theatre camp for a few weeks this summer.  In the meantime, I am still on a quest for constant employment, but in times like these, beggars can't be choosers.  I also don't mean to sound like an ingrate because I'm not; I am thankful to have the employment I have and I relish the opportunities I've been given thus far.  Each one is a new learning experience and each have created their own unique memories  that have contributed to making the person who now shares his thoughts, feelings, and life all over the interwebs.  Anywho, I digress.

Through the cracks in my blinds I see the sky breaking dawn through the fog which has not yet broken; sunrise on the horizon - time for slumber.  I'll resume whenever I awake.

Sidenote: Found another kind of tea I now enjoy, recommended to me by a good friend.  Lapsang Souchong tea.  A fine black tea with a smoky aroma and flavor (also highly recommended).

END OF ACT I

-Intermission-

ACT II:

(Saturday, May 21st 2011)

Scene I - Theatrically & musically speaking...

I have some things going on.  First of all, to those of you who may be wondering about the results for Wedding Singer, I ended up being offered a role in the ensemble. Therefore, unfortunately, I respectfully declined.  It is nothing personal, and don't get me wrong, I would love to work with the great cast that has been put together, but plainly and simply, I would like to keep my options open for the rest of the summer; maybe audition for other shows, etc., have a more open schedule for employment and to work on producing the small handful of film projects that are on the docket this summer with 10/26 Productions.

In the world of music: I performed in a concert on Thursday, May 19th.  It was my former middle school choir director's final concert before her retirement commences this summer.  This concert was a special event for a few reasons.  Some highlights: She invited a former student to accompany the chorus on piano while they sang one of his arrangements entitled "Printemps" (Springtime).  She also graced the audience and the chorus by featuring a guest conductor who wrote another one of the compositions they performed called "Chili Caliente."  In addition, myself and another of her former students were requested to perform at her final concert.  We sang "The Prayer" at her request because apparently in all of her years of teaching she never received such an overwhelming response about any singular song performed in one of her concerts than she did when we sang it together in 2008.  I'm paraphrasing, but honestly, what an honor!  I also filmed the concert for the director, but only The Prayer will be available for public viewing on my YouTube channel sometime soon.  Oh and some guy from a vocal group called Desire asked for my autograph after the concert!  He told me I would be a professional someday, if I wasn't already. ^_^

Scene II - "Hold a mirror up to nature..."

The NCC Theatre Mirror Awards were also held earlier this month.  Though I don't know if I was ever in the running for one in the first place, I still attended to support all those who did receive them, and not for nothing, they were well deserved.  I also witnessed the senior showcase where the graduating theatre majors perform monologues and sing songs as their final for the obligatory Theatre Portfolio class.  One is never truly prepared for the times one might experience brilliance onstage, and a certain few of these performers exemplified that this was definitely one of those instances.  It was also at this point in the year that I realized it was time for a change of pace, a change of scene.  Having said that, I am proud to announce that I will be attending NCC again in the fall, but this time enrolled as a Radio/TV major.  This is a start into the next branch of my life, which, who knows, may even lead to a career.  I'm not giving up on the theatre major completely, and may even finish the degree in the future, just not at this juncture. More news as the story develops.

Scene III - Short film revue

Went to see Thor in 3D last week.  Meant to be a 2D film; 3D manipulation did nothing for the presentation.  Otherwise, the film was slow to start, but very entertaining once you get into it.  Also, haven't seen Kat Dennings in a film in a while, so that was a plus. ;)

Scene IV - Summer of Concerts, 2011

This is where you other theatre geeks wonder why Act II is longer than Act I.  I don't have an answer for that, other than "there are only so many technical hours in a day."

Anywho, this summer, if all works out as it should, will be the summer of concerts.  I will be purchasing tickets shortly, but this is my list so far:

- Pomplamoose - 6/22, Philly

- Sia - 8/1, Philly

- Igor and the Red Elvises(?) - 8/7, Musikfest

- Mingo Fishtrap - 8/10 & 8/11, Musikfest

- Straight No Chaser(?) - 8/11, Musikfest

- Tally Hall - 8/13, Philly

- Project Trio - ?/??, Bethlehem(?)

- Bruno Mars(?) - 8/30, Allentown Fair

*(?) = Concerts I am not sure if I will be able to attend

If anyone should like to join me on any of these adventures, the more the merrier, and I guarantee you these bands will not disappoint.

Welp, the mailman just dropped off today's mail, which means I should have Six Feet Under, Season 2, Disc 3 arriving from Netflix.  Yes, I'm aware that I am VERY behind on that show, but I wanted to wait until I could dedicate some serious time to appreciating it (yet another high recommendation).  So, my fellow bloggers and blog-enthusiasts, until next time, don't you forget about me.

One for love. Love for all.

Vince

P.S. - I wish John Hughes directed my life.

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Things I did during this blog (in no particular order):

- Drank tea

- Began signing up for classes for Fall semester

- Watched Comedy Central

- Watched The Breakfast Club

- Took a few pics

- Ate off-brand Rice Krispies

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Entry #3: Hodgepodge

So, it's been a while, fellow bloggers/blog enthusiasts, but these things happen.  In the meantime a lot of things have happened.  Here are some highlights:

Chapter __...

- I've had the motivation recently to actively read more; an appreciated pastime that has been only semi-lost on me until now.  Fortunately for me I have a handful of books that I haven't cracked open yet or really delved into for that matter.  It began when I finished Britten and Brulightly, a graphic novel by Hannah Berry.  An engaging and humorous story, accompanied by incredible artwork.  From there, I moved on to reading all of Scott Pilgrim Volume 5: VS. the Universe in one sitting.  A great graphic comic series by Bryan Lee O'Malley.  After having finished "Volume 5" I was walking through a local chain bookstore and found a copy of Lost At Sea, another graphic novel by O'Malley that is very engaging and has great visuals.  And to round out my reading, I was determined to finish Zombie Spaceship Wasteland, a book by stand-up comedian Patton Oswalt.  In a recent post on the F-book, I described 'Z.S.W.' as being "witty, heartfelt and humorous, but presented in a raw, real manner that only Patton could conjure."

Incense and Nostalgia...

- A few days ago I was in a local record shop that I love to go to, and as I perused my favorite sections (soundtracks, sale, used, rock, new arrivals) I came across a lot of artists/bands that resonated with me in that they had had some impact on me at one time or another in my life.  Sifting through the sea of hard plastic cases, I found artists like Harry Chapin, Diamond Rio, Green Day, The Red Elvises... then as I turned the corner a case with a shiny black cover caught my eye.  It was in the 'New Releases' section, and as I walked toward it, unbeknownst to me, I realized that I had accidentally discovered the new Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band's new album, That's How We Roll.  I immediately knew what my purchase would be on that trip.  

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Albums I want to add to my collection:

- Any of Kaizers Orchestra's albums I do not currently own.

- Green Day's 2011 Awesome As F**k live album/DVD.

- Tally Hall's 2011 Good and Evil album.
- The soundtrack to the Scott Pilgrim vs. the World film.

- Weird Al's 2011 Alpocolypse album.

- The soundtrack to the children's musical, Pinkalicious. (don't hate.)

As far as an update on my life:  It's treating me really well right now.  Any signs of depression have ceased, I have numerous, varied places of employment which will hopefully prove lucrative sooner rather than later, there is no drama in my life currently, and I am heading in a good direction, ready to begin the next branch of my life.  Merde! It's late.  I wish it were earlier so I could make some hot herbal or chai tea without waking anyone up, but hey, tomorrow is another day.

One for love.  Love for all.

Vince

P.S. - May is Testicular Torsion Awareness Month.  Help spread awareness: Stop. Touch. Tell.

Late nights.

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Things I did while writing this blog:

(not in any sort of order)

- Looked at photos I was tagged in.

- Watched videos on YouTube.

- Checked out special features of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World on Blu-Ray.

- Ate off-brand Pop Tarts.

- Took blog pics with my cell phone.

- Watched the Daily Show.

- Became increasingly more tired.

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