Sunday, July 24, 2011

Alice and Dorothy find Their Guys, and Something Else Called …

Alice and Dorothy find Their Guys, and Something Else Called …
©2011 Marcus James Christian
m a r c u s u n l i m i t e d

* Alice is sitting center stage writing into her journal as Dorothy arrives. While background music of a certain theme is playing very lightly in the background.

Dor.    Alice? (Arriving with a rolled up document.)

Ali.    Hi, Dorothy. (Smiling as if keeping a secret.)

Dor.    Well, I got your message, and here I am. So, whats the... “big news” you mentioned in your letter.

Ali.    Dorothy …

Dor.     Yes, Alice?

Ali.     I met someone.

Dor.    Someone, as in … a guy?

Ali.    Yes Dorothy.

Dor.     Well, tell me about him. What’s his name?

Ali.    His name is Jack … Jack Rabbit.

Dor.    Oh, you mean the delivery guy? The one who owns Jack Rabbit deliveries? Wow.

Ali.    The same!

Both.    Oh! (Hugging, wiping quick tears of joy from eyes.)

Dor.    Alice, guess what?

Ali.    What Dorothy?

Dor.    I met a guy too.

Ali.    Wow, really! Who?

Dor.    He’s a hunter.

Ali.    Oh my gosh, weren’t you a vegetarian?

Dor.    Yeah, still am, but he hunts ... tornado’s.

Ali.    Wow, how perfect.

Dor.    Yeah, (sigh) I know!

♫ SONG: (Title that works from male or female perspective.)

(Music, slightly mysterious until finding resolution in Major key. Use 24 songs and aria’s sensibilities as well as pop.)

(Alice)        Look at me,
(Dorothy)    Look at you,
(Both)         we’ve been all around an epic world,

(Dorothy)    on adventures that made coming home …
(Both)        a little bland,
(Alice)        then something came along ...
(Both)        that made life grand,

(Both)        I think they call it love,
(Dorothy)    oh is that what they call it,
(Alice)        although I can not be certain,
(Both)        for I’ve never known it before,

(Dorothy)    Listen to me,
(Alice)        I hear you,
(Dorothy)    our hearts are singing,
(Alice)        as if we’re singing …
(Both)        to the world,

(Alice)        (+8va)    about a feeling so spectacular,
(Dorothy)    (+8va)    that it escapes all ~ known vernacular,
(Both)        yet somehow I think I know that feelings name...

(Alice)        I think they call it …
(Dorothy)    I think its known as …

(Both)        I’m certain it must be … Love!

* The girls hold hand and 360 a few times. Spotlight shrinks in a circular fashion, curtain’s descends.

Alice and Dorothy find Their Guys, and Something Else Called …
©2011 Marcus James Christian
m a r c u s u n l i m i t e d

You Are Hereby Sentenced to the Library – a Voxian Adventure.

You Are Hereby Sentenced to the Library – a Voxian Adventure.
©2011 Marcus James Christian
m a r c u s u n l i m i t e d


SCENE ONE

<!-- A class is in session. The teacher at the helm is grasping an absurd amount of money before just before pocketing it. -->

Teacher. ( Pointing to a student raising hand. ) You.

Student One. Well, in answer to your question instructor, I would use my Voxian abilities to bring the support pillars down, thus disabling our enemies.

Teacher. ( Pausing and sighing. ) No, no, no! ( Slamming hand into opposing fist. ) Student, you have a choice, take a zero entry on your response, or head to library to research how the great master Voxians would have handled a similar situation. Then, if you want a chance at a worthwhile grade on this, a one thousand word essay of academic quality on the proper way to handle a situation as the one I just described is due in my hand tomorrow. Any students that assist you will receive five points extra credit.

Classroom. ( Collective gasp! )

Student One. Well, I guess I have to try the library.

Teacher. Good idea. Class dismissed.

* The students exit as the curtain descends.


SCENE TWO

* The curtain rises and there is a small group of students beside student one attempting to research the project in a massive book shelf.

Student One. So many Voxian histories, so many great masters. Where should we start?

Student Two. May as well just close your eyes, reach out, and walk forward.

Student Three. First book you touch is it.

* As Student One reaches out Student Two shoulder nudges Student One which results in a particular book being selected.

Student One. Very funny.

Student Three. Actually, it was, kind off.

Student Two. What is in that one?

* The curtain descends …

You Are Hereby Sentenced to the Library – a Voxian Adventure.
©2011 Marcus James Christian
m a r c u s u n l i m i t e d

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Werewolves ... a Voxian Adventure


Werewolves, a Voxian Adventure
©2011 Marcus James Christian


Williams. I am surprised the other two have not arrived. It is an ancient rule that the first Voxian called awaits the arrival of the other two and the mission's triad takes form. Tonight my concern is of an additional weight, for as when the moon rises, it shall be full and the time to deal with my condition shall be upon me.

* Enter Arlendale.

Arlendale. Pardon me, might I ask if you are aware of any places to stay other than the main hotel?

Wil. Oh you certainly wouldn't want any other accommodations other than the main hotel, right there in the center of town. It is spectacular, reasonably priced, and the help is quite easy on the eyes.

Arl. It sounds splendid, however if you do know of other accommodations, a bit removed from the center of things perhaps, I would be much obliged it you would speak of them. It is imperative I find such … before nightfall.

Wil. Oh really. Hmm ... traveler, I notice that you carry a journal of some sort?

Arl. Oh this, no this is not a journal, rather it is a sketchbook I keep with me. Some have said I am a bit of an artist. Say, are you also an artist for I see you carry a sketchbook as well?

Wil. Oh this, no this is not a sketchbook, this is journal.

Arl. A journal, as in a writers journal?

Wil. Yes … artist, that, is, correct, a writer's journal.

Arl. Why if there was even one more amongst us …

*Enter Muesser.

Mue. Pardon, (looking at pocket watch) excuse me, I am in urgent need of temporary accommodations, preferably other than the Village's main hotel and …

Wil. & Arl. … and you must have such before nightfall?

Mue. Why … why yes. How did the two of you … by chance is there one present here who is a writer?

Wil. Perhaps.

Mue. And are I and a writer joined by perhaps, an artist? ( turning to Arlendale. )

Arl. Only if what others have said about my ink and paint scratchings upon various papers are found to be true.

Wil. ( Smiling and taking center stage between Muesser and Arlendale )
And by any other chances are the both of you also singers as well.

Mue. As a matter of fact I have been called not only a musician, but a singing one at that.

Arl. Singing, why yes I believe I do some of such as well, however, I sing in a very specific manner, a particular style that few are aware even exists.

Wil. ( gesturing to Arlendale ) That is because you are a Voxian, ( gesturing to Muesser ) as are you.

Mue. ( both gesturing to Williams ) As are you.

Arl. Voxians, we are.

Wil. Of course. And, considering the triad has now formed itself, I suggest we make haste to an old barn I am aware of, which resides upon the outskirts of this village. For who knows what reasons we all happen to be both Voxians – and if my instincts serve me correctly – also some form of Wolfsbane.

Arl. & Mue. Indeed?

Wil. Oh, am I incorrect in my assumption?

Arl. ( Sighing. ) 'Tis true.

Mue. ( Sighing. ) And as well, I reluctantly concur.

Wil. Fellow Voxians, fret not. If by a higher power we were placed into such a state, then such is certain to have occurred for a reason. I have prepared the text of a meditation that I believe with our combined efforts will place us into a state of peace and self-control when the … ( looking towards the sky ) moon presents itself as full.

♫ Soft violet moonlight,
Mue. ♫ soothing to every creature ( notating music miraculously quick and skillfully. )
Arl. ♫ whether great or small … ( sketching a scene miraculously quick and skillfully. )


Wil. Now, after me run, and if en-route to the barn thine feet become great paws of some ancient beasts, steady your mind within the provided meditation. I can sense the importance of the Wolfsbane state placed upon us.

* exit Williams.

Arl. Yes, I sense such as well. As an artist I admit to a desire to see myself in a mirror – as a quadruped.
* exit Arlendale.

Mue. The rhythm of twelve paws will, I am certain, find its way into forthcoming compositions.

* exit Muesser. After a brief pause, comes the sound of thunder and or lightning, and three howling werewolfs.

©2011 Marcus James Christian
w w w . m a r c u s u n l i m i t e d . c o m

Sunday, July 17, 2011

A Voxian Adventure - When One Bookstore Closed, A Thousand Pages Opened

A Voxian Adventure - When One Bookstore Closed, A Thousand Pathways Opened.
©2011 Marcus James Christian

It has been said that when for whatever reason, the one who begins searching for the truths about the Voxians, the truths of the Voxians begin seeking the one in return. At first matters of the Voxians began arriving here and there. I considered them coincidences until I considered the meaning of the word coincidences, the coinciding of angles. Angles are very specific. So then I began to be - very specific.

What is this word, and why did it coincidentally appear within my mind. My search began. It seemed as soon as I considered the idea that I wished to know more, more ideas began to consider me.

I was out of town and came upon a bookstore was closing, permanently. It looked as if it was a classic, locally owned bookstore in a beautiful but well worn, Victorian era home. The hand made sign read, “BOOK SALE, Our Last One … EVER!” I was en-route to a favorite beach in northern California and decided the book store would make a fine detour before acquiring just the right deli sandwich to consume while seated upon a quilt, spread out under the sun and upon the sands near the sea.

I did not need to ask of the reasoning behind the stores closure as I over heard the owner telling what seemed like a frequent patron, “the corporate big-box finally did us in, Oh well, I’ve been wanting to retire anyways.” I was impressed with his positive attitude. It is usually wiser to surf the waves as opposed to battle them I thought to myself in response. I was greeted by the owner and became one of the many crustacean like scavengers hoping to find a second hand gem of a book from the stores beautifully made driftwood shelves.

I remember thinking, if i had a bookstore I would have one that at least in appearance and location was much like this one. I was absurdly wealthy and considered purchasing the place there on the spot. However, I was not driving the right car to make negotiations. I had chosen my classic, custom chromed European sports convertible. I will intentionally omit its make and add in its place the idea that it was not the most convincing “I need a deal” car to be seen driving when attempting negotiations.

So i gave my attentions to the shelves and of course my eyes were drawn to the one book that had no text or markings whatsoever on its black canvas spine. I tried to hide my look of astonishment as I opened it and realized it was not a duplicate. It was actually a handmade manuscript with the first written page stating the following:

“A Voxian Journal”
by A Fellow Voxian

I looked around the room while being careful to use only my eyes, I did not want to attract attention and I worked hard at acting “pleased” as opposed to ecstatic. The latter of which was my true state. I grabbed two other cheap books to make a book sandwich to take to the register and found myself doing that strange, cartoon like “fallacy” whistle that attempts to suggest, nothing important is occurring even though it is.

A quick prayer was answered as I realized the price for the hand made book was on the back which did not require its opening to be rung up at the register. I remember some bizarre conversation I used to distract the cashier as much as possible to the point they would deprioritize their focus on the handmade book. I was worried that they might think that a hand scribed book was mistakenly considered as sellable for $12.00.

I thanked the cashier, then wished the store owner well in his retirement while attempting to fake a slow gate back out to my silver chromed Aston-Martin. Whoops. I guess I gave its identity away after all.

There was a fun sketch on the second page. It said,  “go here and get this.” The this it referred to was a sketch of a page of sheet music - which had only three notes upon its treble staff.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

If It Is Not A "Book" It Is a ...

If It Is Not A "Book" It Is a ...
the E-book Reader Crisis Exposed!
©2011 Marcus James Christian

Hello, I ask that this moment find you in ecstatic bliss!

Was that over the top, oh well.

Recently, our local Borders Books, Music and Cafe closed and left our town, the mother of Star Wars (Modesto, CA) with Barnes and Noble as the remaining big box bookstore. I found myself there browsing for inspiration and came across their "Nook" station. The "Nook" is B&N's answer to Amazon's Kindle e-book Reader.

One of the employee's presented a demonstration of the product and showed me the type of book I was most interested in, a book with sound.

When I began inquiring about the sound books I learned that they were made with Macromedia's Flash, the technology behind all those interactive "movie-ish" sites you see on the web. After a few quick moments of considering getting into flash to develop various works for the new e-book reader community that could include music, I had the sudden realization ... "Wait, if this is not a silent book on paper, what is it? It is a wannabe movie or video with limited animation and sound capabilities!"

In fact as the employee (who did a great job by the way) outlined the details of the "special" Nook needed to view the books with sound and "moving images," he made it clear that it was just a few functions shy of my 4 year old laptop. Wow! Just what we all need, another e-gadget that at the end of the day is a wannabe laptop without near the creative abilities a real laptop has - awesome!

Have you ever thought, that sometimes the original idea behind something, is maybe real close to the best?

Another thing to consider about these supposedly "green" e-readers, is how their biodegradability compares to a paperback? Imagine these devices in the landfill side by side 100 years from now. Actually making that comparison is tough because the paperback, post a few rainstorms, summer heat waves and wind, would be most likely completely disintegrated - ashes to ashes, dust to dust. However, the e-book readers would be sitting there in a sun heat amplifying mass of non-biodegradable parts housed in consumer friendly, indestructible outer shells.

©2011 Marcus James Christian

Friday, July 1, 2011

The Voxians, "We used to love coming down over that hill on the edge of the forest ..."

Voxian750, 701.2011.Exploratory Draft Segment
Marcus James Christian

We used to love coming down over that hill on the edge of the forest that overlooked the bay and its handmade docks. There was always something going on there with some days and nights having more activity than others.

On this particular day I am recalling, we arrived just above the bay at Sunrise and there were a few boat owners and sail masters here and there. I was getting continually better at reading your flashes of light as communication. I believe that the safe enclosure of the gemstone you were encased within must have made those subtle flashes of light seem like little more than glimmering reflections of ambient light. They were not this way to me. In fact, I believe this day of which I speak was when I was beginning to hear you as well. Perhaps the promises your ambassadors had made to me about you had aspects of the truth to them after all, well, only time would tell.

As we arrived closer to the docks our old friend Jeb Hatharus met us gleefully extending his hand to say hello. As this will reach you during your time on earth, in a certain millennium, I may remind you of Jeb's appearance by mentioning what you know now as "River Otters." Within this statement place upon the imagery formulating within your mind now a closer to human height and you have the general idea - which will soon lead to a full rememberance of Jeb Hatharus and his appearance.

I remember Jeb's greeting, "Clearly a day to be at sea good ones!"

Jeb liked us Voxians because of our "initiate peace ..." philosophy and the fact that we always had plenty of what you know now as money. Our generosity was also known throughout the galaxies and our thoughtfulness relative to our recipients. To encourage your memories allow me to elaborate.

It was not the Voxian way to just hand out money to any beggar. In fact it had been demonstrated to us that we needed to expand the things we wished to see more of in the world. We had been taught that tipping a young student working at a cafe was a better investment than donating to something we could not see the outcome of. However, humane kindness was always to be our initial and I reiterate, initial, response.

We were taught never to ever even consider using our full scope of powers unless it was absolutely necessary and if we were making the right choices ahead of time. It really was amazing how truthful it proved to be that by expanding the good, and being in the places one wanted to be, the opposite was dealt with less and less and formed an impressive exponential arc over time. Remember, much of these philosophies are still accurate for successful usage from where and when you are now. Your powers and capabilities may have transformed into something else by now, and you may be on earth, however, there is always a reason for such. Just know that the miraculous functionality of Voxian ways is still available to you, now and always.

Jeb told us about the new ship he had constructed and that he had yet to speed test it. I am sure that Tenoren was glad to hear about that. As a young Voxian tenor he was impressed easily by fast moving objects. He had classic youth Voxian capabilities that were aligned with high pitched, young male voices. Energy movement was the specialty of his voice type and I am sure that he was looking forward to impressing the new Voxian amongst us, Mezzosonia - with a demonstration of his abilities.

Mezzosonia was a few years older than Tenoren, and I Baritentheus, was nearly double twice their age. The other Mezzosembia was a few years beyond me. Of our quartet my experience and training had the seniority and thus I was somewhat like the team captain. We intentionally avoid rank, however having one as opposed to four is not the worst idea.

We gave Jeb more than he asked and I remember explaining to him that this was another one of those journeys where the exacting details of the final destination were not yet entirely known.

I believe Jeb smiled in response and said, "Ahl keep the hourglass turning! Take all the time ye' wants good ones, all the time ye' wants."

There was a mutual pleasant acceptance of this as our wealth, as it is now, was nearly inexhaustible.