The following occurrences generally reflect the problem of lycanthropy...
1. The number of your neighbors mysteriously eaten skyrockets on nights of a full moon.
2. After seeing your palm, most gypsies refuse to look you in the eye.
3. Your lover isn't the least bit kinky but gets out chains for you to wear when the moon is full.
4. Unexplainable flea problems.
5. There's a large amount of fur found shed in your bed on nights after the full moon.
6. Every time you hear the phrase, "Listen to them - the children of the night. What beautiful noise they make!", you get a really, REALLY, strong urge to howl.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Welcome to the Library...Shhhh!
This is National Library Week, an observance first started by The American Library Association in 1958.
As I think back, libraries grew and evolved for me. The library of my elementary school was a colorfully whimsical place of an intimate size. Plastic frog chairs offered a fun place to sit and read. The books featured on the shelves carried gold badges proclaiming their perfection for young minds. Dr. Suess was there. Young readers were offered adventures on the western frontier or in magical lands. Visual thrills were abundant in the books.
My middle school’s library was larger. Its books were larger as well. And they featured less pictures. At the very front of the library was a case of encyclopedias and biographies, to which we were often led for research - back in ye old days when research wasn't magically provided by the press of a button. There were still magical adventures present in this place…thanks to Tolkein, Bradbury and other enlightening authors whose appeal crossed generations. And this library had a wondrous heart – an oasis of plants and a tree that reached up to the skylight over head. I remembering staring at that sight on melancholy days for a bit of an uplifting inspiration. I think it’s that library that comes quickest to mind when the word is mentioned. A wondrous mix of books - for pleasure and work - with a beautiful living centerpiece showing that books are meant to be a part of life.
Other libraries have left their touch on me – like the Spartan college libraries, one of which had walls lined with posters for classic movies I had yet to see but would.
But alas some libraries were underappreciated, especially in the growing computer culture. A teacher at the local community college referred appropriately to the place as a bowling league with an unused library. And when I took a course at a small college at the start of this century, a younger fellow student complained about not being able to find enough info on her topic. When the instructor asked what library books had been used, the student responded with a confused look. The internet had been used…not the library. It is nice that technology allows us to carry so much information in the palm of our hands…a library’s worth. But as a place, I think libraries remain kinda cool and special.
I was even led to write a story of a fantastic library. Appropriately enough, it is called The Library and can be found in my book, Summoned Secrets. If you'd like to add it to your personal library, you can find it at http://lulu.com/spotlight/wrigler . Thank you internet.
As I think back, libraries grew and evolved for me. The library of my elementary school was a colorfully whimsical place of an intimate size. Plastic frog chairs offered a fun place to sit and read. The books featured on the shelves carried gold badges proclaiming their perfection for young minds. Dr. Suess was there. Young readers were offered adventures on the western frontier or in magical lands. Visual thrills were abundant in the books.
My middle school’s library was larger. Its books were larger as well. And they featured less pictures. At the very front of the library was a case of encyclopedias and biographies, to which we were often led for research - back in ye old days when research wasn't magically provided by the press of a button. There were still magical adventures present in this place…thanks to Tolkein, Bradbury and other enlightening authors whose appeal crossed generations. And this library had a wondrous heart – an oasis of plants and a tree that reached up to the skylight over head. I remembering staring at that sight on melancholy days for a bit of an uplifting inspiration. I think it’s that library that comes quickest to mind when the word is mentioned. A wondrous mix of books - for pleasure and work - with a beautiful living centerpiece showing that books are meant to be a part of life.
 |
| The cover of Summoned Secrets. |
But alas some libraries were underappreciated, especially in the growing computer culture. A teacher at the local community college referred appropriately to the place as a bowling league with an unused library. And when I took a course at a small college at the start of this century, a younger fellow student complained about not being able to find enough info on her topic. When the instructor asked what library books had been used, the student responded with a confused look. The internet had been used…not the library. It is nice that technology allows us to carry so much information in the palm of our hands…a library’s worth. But as a place, I think libraries remain kinda cool and special.
I was even led to write a story of a fantastic library. Appropriately enough, it is called The Library and can be found in my book, Summoned Secrets. If you'd like to add it to your personal library, you can find it at http://lulu.com/spotlight/wrigler . Thank you internet.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
90's TV Classics
TV's about to look like the 90's all over again, due to the proposed return of two cult classics - The X Files (returning to its former home on Fox for a limited run) and Twin Peaks.
Paranoia seemed highly popular in the 90’s, especially if one judges by the coolest programs on the air waves. Twin Peaks seemed to usher in the decade’s dark obsessions with its odd characters and unsettling visions occurring in small town USA, but it was The X-Files (whose mottos include ‘The Truth Is Out There’ and ‘Trust No One’) that seemed to make paranoia a TV fashion. The investigators of The X-Files routinely encountered aliens and ancient monsters while never quite managing to prove their existence. The show’s creator, Chris Carter, launched two other series of X-Files stylistic sensibilities – The Lone Gunmen, and Millennium. The first series continued the outrageous adventures of conspiracy crazed computer masterminds who had regularly appeared on The X-Files. Millennium was something a bit different, with complex storylines dealing the darkest motivations of human nature as well as destructive Biblical prophecies. After all a new millennium was looming with the dreaded Y2K bug approaching.
Millennium gets my vote as the best series of the 90’s due in large part to an excellent turn by Lance Henriksen as Frank Black, a tortured former FBI profiler in league with the mysterious Millennium group. The group is comprised of talented investigators whose interest in violent crimes often goes beyond the mundane goal of simply catching a killer.
Other favorite series of mine from that era includes…
Twin Peaks – “Who killed Laura Palmer?” was the catch phrase of the early 90’s.
Babylon 5 – A complex sci-fi narrative charting treachery and intrigue on a space staion playing host to alien ambassadors.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – Even the normally optimistic Star Trek franchise painted a bleak picture in this entry focused on the aftermath of war and corruption on another planet.
Forever Knight – Before TV’s Buffy took a swing at a vampire, this series delved into the remorse felt by its title character after ages of evil acts as he continued his interaction with fellow vampires.
Paranoia seemed highly popular in the 90’s, especially if one judges by the coolest programs on the air waves. Twin Peaks seemed to usher in the decade’s dark obsessions with its odd characters and unsettling visions occurring in small town USA, but it was The X-Files (whose mottos include ‘The Truth Is Out There’ and ‘Trust No One’) that seemed to make paranoia a TV fashion. The investigators of The X-Files routinely encountered aliens and ancient monsters while never quite managing to prove their existence. The show’s creator, Chris Carter, launched two other series of X-Files stylistic sensibilities – The Lone Gunmen, and Millennium. The first series continued the outrageous adventures of conspiracy crazed computer masterminds who had regularly appeared on The X-Files. Millennium was something a bit different, with complex storylines dealing the darkest motivations of human nature as well as destructive Biblical prophecies. After all a new millennium was looming with the dreaded Y2K bug approaching.
 |
| Myself & Lance Henriksen (Frank Black on Millenium) at Monstermania. |
Millennium gets my vote as the best series of the 90’s due in large part to an excellent turn by Lance Henriksen as Frank Black, a tortured former FBI profiler in league with the mysterious Millennium group. The group is comprised of talented investigators whose interest in violent crimes often goes beyond the mundane goal of simply catching a killer.
Other favorite series of mine from that era includes…
Twin Peaks – “Who killed Laura Palmer?” was the catch phrase of the early 90’s.
Babylon 5 – A complex sci-fi narrative charting treachery and intrigue on a space staion playing host to alien ambassadors.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – Even the normally optimistic Star Trek franchise painted a bleak picture in this entry focused on the aftermath of war and corruption on another planet.
Forever Knight – Before TV’s Buffy took a swing at a vampire, this series delved into the remorse felt by its title character after ages of evil acts as he continued his interaction with fellow vampires.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Clues You Could Be A Ghost
I like writing horror tales, especially playing around with iconic creatures. Of late ghosts have been the object of my musings, perhaps partly influenced by the Havre de Haunts ghost tours I led last Autumn. It is said sometimes ghosts aren't even aware of their condition. Now I've been feeling odd of late, but not that strange. Still, there are numerous clues of a ghostly existence such as these...
1. Every evening around dusk a different team of ghost hunters arrive at your house.
2. You have no problems passing through doorways…even when you forget to open the door.
3. Abe Lincoln was president when you were born.
4. Every family reunion picnic is held Halloween night.
5. There’s a tombstone in the graveyard with your name on it.
6. No matter what you eat, you never gain weight on your hips and remain able to float in the air.
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions you may be a ghost. If you’ve answered yes to all of them, you probably are.
Be sure to check out my books at www.lulu.com/spotlight/wrigler for more supernatural ponderings.
1. Every evening around dusk a different team of ghost hunters arrive at your house.
2. You have no problems passing through doorways…even when you forget to open the door.
3. Abe Lincoln was president when you were born.
4. Every family reunion picnic is held Halloween night.
5. There’s a tombstone in the graveyard with your name on it.
6. No matter what you eat, you never gain weight on your hips and remain able to float in the air.
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions you may be a ghost. If you’ve answered yes to all of them, you probably are.
Be sure to check out my books at www.lulu.com/spotlight/wrigler for more supernatural ponderings.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
The Anthony Perkins Legacy
April 4th marks the 83rd anniversary of the birth of Anthony Perkins. While undoubtedly best known as Norman Bates, the career of Anthony Perkins is multifaceted and enduring. Anthony continued the Perkins acting legacy as handed down from his father Osgood, whose roles were mainly in silent films before his untimely death. Anthony Perkins set out to take Hollywood by storm from the start and did with diverse performances ranging from Friendly Persuasion (for which he received a best supporting actor Oscar nomination) to The Actress. Perkins' early roles ranged from leading man in romantic pics like Goodbye Again to adventure outings like Green Mansions. He was also adept at comedy, as proved by his work in Tall Story. Tall Story cast Perkins as an honest if naïve basketball star courted by Jane Fonda. That film also offered an early acting opportunity to Gary Lockwood, who appeared in it as a basketball player.
During a sci-fi con I had the chance to meet Gary Lockwood and even share a meal with him. It was fascinating to discuss his sci-fi work (in 2001 A Space Odyssey & Star Trek) and I couldn't help mentioning my interest in Tall Story and Anthony Perkins to him. Upon reflection he mused that he didn't feel Anthony Perkins was properly utilized by Hollywood, which sought to manufacture him into a star. Anthony Perkins was an ACTOR. Perhaps this is a reason Perkins had better luck with starring roles in European films after Psycho. It seems European cinema is more accepting of its lead actors disguising their appearance or star reputations for their parts, such as Laurence Olivier. Hollywood wants easily prepackaged stars like John Wayne, whose mere name or image is a link to a specific film genre. Perkins thrived in Europe and upon his return to the states became a marvelous character actor in supporting roles as witnessed in Murder on the Orient Express and Catch 22.
At any rate I do think that Anthony Perkins' European films are just as good as his masterpiece outing as Norman Bates in Psycho. Below are some of my favorites from Anthony Perkins' body of work.
FRIENDLY PERSUASION: Directed by William Wyler, this tale of Quaker life during the Civil War was Anthony Perkins' second film. As the son of a successful farmer (played by Gary Cooper), Perkins had a role that allowed him to show both sensitivity and determination as he questions the moral ambiguity of participating in war.
PSYCHO: Alfred Hitchcock was determined to make a low budget black and white masterpiece in the style of the Hitchcock TV series - with an addition of sex and realistic violence. Mutated from the story of real life serial killer Ed Gein, Psycho shocked audiences upon its release and still does. Anthony Perkins' Norman Bates is highly sympathetic, despite his obvious nervous disposition and dark secrets. Norman Bates was the role Perkins would become most identified with and would play three more times.
GOODBYE AGAIN: Anthony Perkins is a part of a three sided love affair. The object of his affection is the older Ingrid Bergman, who although attracted to his youthful zest cannot bare to part from her less then sympathetic husband. One of Perkins' first European films.
THE TRIAL: Director Orson Welles' version of the Franz Kafka novel finds Perkins as Joseph K. Society seems out to get poor Joseph for something Joseph claims to be unaware of. Is he guilty or not? Depends on who you ask. At any rate, the theme of one man lost in the mechanisms of society and the grandiose visuals of this film echo in later movies like Terry Gilliam's Brazil.
EDGE OF SANITY: Anthony Perkins' later starring roles tended toward horror films, and in this genre effort he plays the iconic literary characters Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with gusto. This version of the classic Robert Louis Stephens novel incorporated heavy drug use and Jack the Ripper.
 |
| Anthony Perkins on the court in Tall Story. |
At any rate I do think that Anthony Perkins' European films are just as good as his masterpiece outing as Norman Bates in Psycho. Below are some of my favorites from Anthony Perkins' body of work.
FRIENDLY PERSUASION: Directed by William Wyler, this tale of Quaker life during the Civil War was Anthony Perkins' second film. As the son of a successful farmer (played by Gary Cooper), Perkins had a role that allowed him to show both sensitivity and determination as he questions the moral ambiguity of participating in war.
PSYCHO: Alfred Hitchcock was determined to make a low budget black and white masterpiece in the style of the Hitchcock TV series - with an addition of sex and realistic violence. Mutated from the story of real life serial killer Ed Gein, Psycho shocked audiences upon its release and still does. Anthony Perkins' Norman Bates is highly sympathetic, despite his obvious nervous disposition and dark secrets. Norman Bates was the role Perkins would become most identified with and would play three more times.
GOODBYE AGAIN: Anthony Perkins is a part of a three sided love affair. The object of his affection is the older Ingrid Bergman, who although attracted to his youthful zest cannot bare to part from her less then sympathetic husband. One of Perkins' first European films.
THE TRIAL: Director Orson Welles' version of the Franz Kafka novel finds Perkins as Joseph K. Society seems out to get poor Joseph for something Joseph claims to be unaware of. Is he guilty or not? Depends on who you ask. At any rate, the theme of one man lost in the mechanisms of society and the grandiose visuals of this film echo in later movies like Terry Gilliam's Brazil.
EDGE OF SANITY: Anthony Perkins' later starring roles tended toward horror films, and in this genre effort he plays the iconic literary characters Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with gusto. This version of the classic Robert Louis Stephens novel incorporated heavy drug use and Jack the Ripper.
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