Friday, June 1, 2012

What You Didn't Know About The Old West

In 1911, Elmer McCurdy mistakenly robbed a passenger train he thought contained thousands of dollars. The disappointed outlaw made off with just $46 and was shot by lawmen shortly thereafter. McCurdy’s unclaimed corpse was then embalmed with an arsenic preparation, sold by the undertaker to a traveling carnival and exhibited as a sideshow curiosity. For about 60 years, McCurdy’s body was bought and sold by various haunted houses and wax museums for use as a prop or attraction. His corpse finally wound up in a Long Beach, California, amusement park funhouse. During filming there in 1976 for the television show “The Six Million Dollar Man,” the prop’s finger (or arm, depending on the account) broke off, revealing human tissue. Subsequent testing by the Los Angeles coroner’s office revealed the prop was actually McCurdy. He was buried at the famous Boot Hill cemetery in Dodge City, Kansas, 66 years after his death.

Information from History.com

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Archetypes

Quote of the Day: "Girls don't go through puberty." 11 y.o. son


   Today is the last post in character archetypes.

   Visionaries. Visionaries are introspective, intuitive and highly idealistic. They are subjective, compassionate "feeler" people that desire to contribute goodness and meaning to the lives of others. They are effective at doing this through their nurturing, insightful and encouraging nature. They despise conflict and will do everything they can to make sure their loved ones get along with each other and are happy.
    Career matches are:
  • Artist
  • Social Worker
  • Actor
  • Church Worker
  • Human Resources
  • Writer
  • Musician
  • Teacher/Professor
  • Psychologist/Counselor



   Mentors are externally focused, introspective, altruistic, positive and have excellent people skills. They place utmost importance on helping others grow. They are warm and have a natural desire to be supportive and encouraging. Being charismatic and possessing excellent language skills, they do well in leadership roles.
   Famous Mentors are: Andy Griffith, Diane Sawyer and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.




    Advocates are introspective, values-oriented, inspiring, social and extremely expressive. They actively send their thoughts and ideas out into the world as a way to bring attention to what they feel to be important, which often has to do with ethics and current events. They are natural advocates, attracting people to themselves and their cause with excellent people skills, warmth, energy and positivity.
    Famous Advocates are: Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Steve Urkel from Family Matters and Charles Dickens.









 Confidants make up an estimated 1 percent of all people and are the most rare type (males even more so). They are introspective, caring, sensitive, gentle and complex people that strive for peace and derive satisfaction from helping others. They are highly intuitive, empathetic and dedicated listeners. These traits tend to act as a "tell me what's wrong" sign on their forehead, hence the nicknames Confidant, Counselor or Empath. They are intensely private and deeply committed to their beliefs.
    Famous Confidants are: Luke Skywalker, Oprah Winfrey and Tinman from The Wizard of Oz.








   Dreamers  are introspective, private, creative and highly idealistic individuals that have a constant desire to be on a meaningful path. They are driven by their values and seek peace. Empathetic and compassionate, they want to help others and humanity as a whole. They are imaginative, artistic and often have a talent for language and writing. They can also be described as easygoing, selfless, guarded, adaptable, patient and loyal.
    Famous Dreamers are: Anne from Anne of Green Gables, E.T. from the movie and Princess Diana.




I LOVE Anne of Green Gables! Just love, love, love it!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Writers and Authors: PROMO DAY: Online event for people in the writing ...

Writers and Authors: PROMO DAY: Online event for people in the writing ...: What is PROMO DAY? PROMO DAY is a FREE online international event for people in the writing industry. A whole day dedicated to promo...

Archetypes




Weird news of the day: 

Hamdi Hafez Al Nubi, Egyptian Thought Dead, Awakes At Funeral. 
LUXOR, Egypt — The funeral of a 28 year-old waiter in southern Egypt turned into a celebration when he woke up after being declared dead.    

    Shoplifter had the boat, stole the fish.
 VERO BEACH, Fla., May 13 (UPI) -- A store security agent in Florida said an alleged shoplifter walked out of a supermarket with an order of fish down his pants and left in a car pulling a boat.

      Man implants magnets to keep iPod at the ready.
 Dave Hurban, a Dynasty Tattoo artist from Newfield, N.J., surgically implanted four magnets into his wrist. Why? Basically, it's a cool (or at least unique) way to hold his iPod Nano in place without a pesky wristband.



   Today's archetypes are the Intellectuals. Intellectuals are introspective, logical and on a constant quest for knowledge. They are practical and unsentimental in their approach to problem solving. Abstract, theoretical and technically adept, they are naturally inventive. 
    Possible jobs are:
  • Psychologist
  • Lawyer/Attorney
  • Judge
  • Computer Programmer
  • Engineer
  • Scientist
  • Teacher/Professor
  • Entrepreneur
  • Systems Analyst 

   Chiefs are strategic, organized and possess natural leadership qualities. They are master coordinators that can effectively give direction to groups. They are able to understand complicated organizational situations and quick to develop intelligent solutions. They are outspoken and will not hesitate to speak of their plans for improvement. They are decisive and value knowledge, efficiency and competence. They are born leaders and want to give structure and direction.
   Famous Chiefs are: Indiana Jones, Capt. Jean Luc Picard, Star Trek and Murphy Brown.







 Originators are logical, innovative, curious and downright inventive. They see possibilities for improvement everywhere and possess the ability to understand complex concepts. They are introspective and carefree nonconformists. They often neglect the more common areas of life while pursuing new solutions. They can be good conversationalists and exciting company.
   Famous Originators are: Bugs Bunny,  Dr. Emmett Brown, Back to the Future and Cosmo Kramer, Seinfeld.





    Strategists are introspective, analytical, determined persons with natural leadership ability. Being reserved, they prefer to stay in the background while leading. Strategic, knowledgeable and adaptable,They are talented in bringing ideas from conception to reality. They expect perfection from themselves as well as others and are comfortable with the leadership of another so long as they are competent.
   Famous Strategists are:  Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice, Gandalf, Lord of the Rings and Mr.Burns, The Simpsons.





    Last is the Engineer. Engineers are logical, individualistic, reserved, and very curious individuals. They focus on ideas, theories and the explanation of how things work. They are especially adept at discussions and debate. They have the ability to focus intently on a subject. They appreciate and respect intelligence in others.
   Famous Engineers are:  Data, Star Trek, Abraham Lincoln and Socrates.











 

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Archetypes


Quote of the Day: A news reporter said this speaking about some massive wildfires we had last year."Firefighters are hoping for the worst and preparing for the best." Oh boy.

   Today's post is about the creative archetypes based on Jungian personality types.
   Creatives are observant, experiential and primarily driven by sensation. They are flexible, aesthetically-aware, "here and now" people that, with hardly a moment's notice, will go where their senses lead. They naturally make an effort not to miss an opportunity that may prove to be thrilling, pleasing or otherwise valuable. They have a tendency toward athletics and anything that involves creating or crafting. Possible career matches are:


  • Technical Specialist
  • Police
  • Trainer
  • Church Worker
  • Mechanic
  • Human Resources
  • Project Manager
  • Artist
  • Systems Analyst
  • Child Care
   First up is the Persuader. Persuaders are action-loving, "here and now" realists with excellent people skills. Informal, risk-taking, fast-paced and adaptable, they are not always in agreeance with rules and regulations.Things just seem to happen when they are around. Music starts, lights come one etc..
  
Famous Persuaders are: James Bond, Bart Simpson and Louie DePalma of Taxi.



   Entertainers are cooperative, people-persons that enjoy excitement and love new adventures. Because of their highly social nature, they are especially lively when they are the center of attention and hate being alone.They are great motivators for getting a job done.



   Famous Entertainers are: Peggy Bundy from Married with Children, Homer Simpson and Tim Taylor from Home Improvement.




   Craftsmen are adventurous and independent.They like to figure out how things work. They have great mechanical and technical skills. They like to keep busy and are action-oriented. They are attracted to motorcycles, airplanes, sky diving, surfing, etc. They do not believe in or follow rules and regulations.


    
Famous Craftsmen are: Han Solo and Boba Fett from Star Wars and Elvira Hancock from Scarface.








    Artists are artistic, creative, loyal and sensitive. They have a keen appreciation for beauty because of their highly developed senses. They are adaptable, caring, independent and like to contribute to the well-being of others. They are typically hard to get to know.



   Famouse Artists are: Vincent Van Gogh, Larry from Throw Mama From the Train and J.D. from Thelma and Louise.












Friday, May 11, 2012

Brokenhearted

   I have been contemplating writing a blog this week. I have had a really tough week, most of which was spent crying.
   My daughter continued to be bullied and it utterly broke my heart. She had to sit on a bus for 2 hours while 3 girls behind her called her names relentlessly.
   She was texting me everything that was happening and I couldn't save her. I tried to contact the principal but she wasn't in. As soon as the bus pulled in, I told the four teachers that stepped out of the SUV that followed. I was reassured that it would be handled.
  These girls told my daughter she should go home and cut herself. I had lost it by this point. I went to speak with the principal the next day and was told they were investigating but that my daughter had called one of the girls a name. Its not true, but they believe it and I said it doesn't matter if she did, they told her to harm herself and threatened to punch her in the face over and over again. I hope she did call a name back....is she not supposed to defend herself? They had her in tears and fear of her safety.
   I was told today that the investigation is over and that it was just "girl drama." In what world is being threatened and told you should cut yourself just "girl drama?."
   No one ever spoke to my daughter about the situation, so I don't even know how the investigation could be complete.
   I feel so helpless. Not a single person at the school will help or punish the girls for what they have done. I have even spoken with the superintendent.
   Where do I go from here? She hasn't been to school in 2 days and I can't send her back knowing she will be tormented. Two of the teachers even got mad at her since she was afraid to tell and made a mockery out of her in front of the entire middle school.
   How do you get help when the teachers are bullies too?

Monday, May 7, 2012

Archetypes

    Have you ever been typing away and suddenly got stuck on where a character would go from that point? Character archetypes are a way for you to stay true to your character so they can be believable and relateable by digging deep into the heart of a character's personality. Learning why a character would or wouldn't react in a certain way that stays true to who she is on a deeper level.
   A quick search on google will turn up several web sites about the topic, but most of them differ from one another. Some say there are seven types, others say 16 and yet others have lists that seem to go on indefinitely.
   I will be talking about a few of them here. And remember there is always a dark side to every light side. A Cain to every Able, a Joker to very Batman or a wicked witch for every princess.
   The archetypes I will discuss will be based on Carl Jung's theory of psychology that suggests there are 16 personality types that fall under one of four temperaments.

Protectors                    
  • Overseer                   
  • Supporter
  • Examiner
  • Defender   
Creators
  • Persuader
  • Entertainer
  • Craftsman
  • Artist
 Intellectuals
  • Chief
  • Originator
  • Strategist
  • Engineer
 Visionaries
  • Mentor
  • Advocate
  • Confident
  • Dreamer
   We will start with the protector. The protector is observant, stable and has a need for security. They like people to behave accordingly and for tasks to be done correctly. Protectors don't need much of a reason to fight or overact in a situation. He may feel as if everyone is out to get him. He knows how to make women feel good and is protective of them. He is spontaneous and this can cause problems for serious relationships. His biggest fear is not being able to protect his loved ones.
  
Overseer
   Overseers are responsible, logical  hard workers. They are more trusting of facts than theories. They are best when in charge and do well as supervisors.
   Famous overseers: Mrs. Rachel Lynde from Anne of Green Gables, Tony Soprano, Lucy Van Pelt of Peanuts and Princess Leia Organa of Star Wars.














Supporter
   Supporters are people persons. They like having friends and have never met a stranger. They are responsible and follow rules. They care deeply for others and may end up as a caretaker. They need to be appreciated for all they do. Supporters are quick witted, generous and understanding.
   Famous supporters are: Monica Gellar from Friends, Donald Duck and Rabbit from Winnie the Pooh.













Examiner
   Examiners are are responsible, loyal and hard working. They have a keen sense of right and wrong. They are dedicated and dependable and you can set your clock by them. They can be depended on to do the right thing for their families.
   Famous examiners are: Joe Friday from Dragnet, Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh and Bruce Wayne from Batman.



















Defender
   Defenders are traditional, loyal, quiet and kind. They have a need to be needed and are sensitive to other people's needs. They value stability and cultural norms. They are very adept at giving attention to detail. They do not seek positions of authority.
   Famous defenders are: Dr. John H. Watson from Sherlock Holmes, Melanie Hamilton from Gone with the Wind and David Copperfield from Charles Dickens.











   Stay tuned for the other archetypes. Here is a link to some character questions that might help to find where your character belongs. http://www.writersvillage.com/character/index.htm

   Until next time, Cheers!


Friday, May 4, 2012

Middle School Drama

Quote of the Day "You're why this day is so great, because you're so beautiful." -Darling 11 y.o. son

   Middle School. Who doesn't remember middle school? I hear from a lot of people that middle school was tough on them. It definitely was for me. I had very few friends and I learned to not trust the ones I did have.
   Like most parents, I always hoped that wouldn't happen to my children. Unfortunately, it has happened to both. My son was bullied physically by the other boys. My daughter is bullied in an emotional and mental way.
   We live in a very small town of 1100 people. That in itself makes it difficult on my children at school. Our town is made up of all the people who have ever lived here and their families. We are not family. We moved here about 10 years ago and have always been treated as outsiders.
   There are only about 12 girls in my daughters class. And like most kids, the girls formed cliques. All but about four of the girls are in the same clique. My daughter is one of those four.
   She is a beautiful, slender girl who participates in cheer leading and had been involved in all the sports. But when one girl decides she doesn't like you, all the girls don't like you.
   This particular incident was over my daughter sticking up for another classmate. A few of the other girls were sexually harassing a boy by way of slapping his behind or telling him he's sexy. He doesn't like it. He has a girlfriend and so my daughter told the offending girls that they shouldn't do that to him because their mutual friend is his girlfriend and it upsets her.
   Well, they didn't take that so well. By the end of the day, those girls had turned all my daughter's friends against her and were threatening her with violence. All over some ridiculous words. She left school that day with only one friend.
   The next day wasn't any better. One of the girls threw my daughter's desk over in class when the teacher had stepped out of the room and threatened to punch her in the face if she looked at her.
   I had enough at this point. I talked to a school official and she said she would talk to the girls. I'm not exactly sure what happened, but when my daughter left school that day, nothing was any better. I found out that the threatening girl had also posted something on facebook about punching my daughter.
   When the girl found out that we knew about it she removed the post. I wish I could believe that the school officials will remedy the situation, but I know better. I had the same problem with my son who was hit and tripped and had things thrown at him and the boy who did it was never punished.
   My heart breaks for my children and I just pray that it will get better. I admit that I have a concern about how bad it can get with all the new technology. I do know that my children's happiness is most important to me and I will not leave them in a situation that could harm their health, happiness or well being.
   Do you have any middle school stories?

Friday, April 27, 2012

   I have decided to revamp my blog and add a couple new features. Each week, I'm going to write a blog that I call "My Dramatic Life."
   I will write about the dramatic incidents that happened in my life that week. These incidents are unique and dramatic to me. I have found that I have no shortage of drama in my life and thought I would share for others who might be going through something similar and maybe just for those who might spark a story idea.
   Also, I will write about blessings that I have received and good deeds that someone has done for me.
   I will also write a blog a week on fun topics that I am researching. I do a lot of research that mostly comes from curiosity and I want to share.
   I will be adding a quote of the day...this may be a nice quote or may be a mean one, but it will come from something someone has said to me.
   I will also still be writing a blog about the art of writing as I study and learn more on the craft. I plan to keep weird news of the day as well.
   I am very excited to start this new journey and think it will be very fun. Can't wait to share my experiences with you.
   The first new blog I will be writing is MDL (My Dramatic Life), about my daughter being threatened at school.
   Stay tuned for my next blog about bullies.
   Cheers!