Is Choice a Bad Thing?

I disagree with his statement about income redistribution, but he makes some interesting points.

Speaking of Great Performances

I have to zig to the right a bit for just a moment because this is not something you were expecting to see. Sarah Brightman makes sense...Colhm Wilkinson, yes, but Antonio Banderas?



I see it and I still don't believe it...and he pulls it off! Shocking.

Our series continues...

The Scene: This master performance isn't for acting--Its for singing. It should go among the many song performances but its really best for its theatrics and performance. Most people doesn't understand that the singer is Japanese born. The film is incredible in it attempts to capture the heavy metal comic book series, manages to be a successful movie with tons of action, portrays deep philosophical meaning amongst kick ass violence, and has a convincing romance all the while containing Chris Tucker. I gasp for a breath...ok batter now. I have to assume this movie is an accident because if someone set off to do all that they would never succeed. The stars must align too precisely. Hollywood wants to make this film but it doesn't know how. It just makes lots of them and gets lucky here and there. This is a movie you must see, and among its brilliance is this one scene...so perfect...so out of sync with what's going on yet it belongs that it throws down the gauntlet to writers like me and says I dare you to put this in a movie.

Without further ad-due..





and for those who doubted me when I said she was Japanese...

The Scene II

We return to The Scene series for our second installment, which is an odd choice on my part. Everyone knows the perfect choice is not always the best choice. The best possible Sherlock Holmes was Basil Rathbone, though even better than the best was Jeremy Brett. So I give you instead a scene from a Holmes mystery not written by Conan Doyle because it is easier to pick the best actor in the best Holmes mystery not based on an actual short story by Conan Doyle.



Bare in mind that this will most likely stop being the best in this category if anyone literate should ever make a movie adaptation of any novel written by Lauri R. King, whose talent I covet despite myself. By them, read them and thank me later.

PS don't forget this coming Saturday at the mall Andy and Corey will be performing at the library inside the mall. It's going to blow your mind.

Because you didn't think it existed...

ok. this blew my mind. So that counts as amazing.



Pavarotti is one of, ok he's the best singer of our time, and in the top ten of all time. But the coolest thing about him is that he looks like a pirate. Am I right? He's a pirate in a tuxedo. He reminds me of my Uncle Lee. If you combined Uncle Lee, Emeril Lagasse, and Mycroft Holmes you'd have my Uncle. Where ever you are Uncle Lee, we miss you.

I love this guy so much it creeps me out...

just for fun lets see House with a British accent.

Not without my bread.

First a word from our sponsor: Have you wanted to shed a few pounds and inches since the holidays? I know I do. We'll we've pioneered one the most effective methods of weight loss ever invented. Simply go to the Barnes and Noble nearest the Mall and then carry your copy to the library in the mall on January 23rd around 3pm where it can be signed. Studies show that walking with a copy of "Suffering Rancor" in your hands burns more calories than walking home empty handed. It's been clinically shown to burn almost three time the number of calories than walking alone


Now we return you to the regularly scheduled program:

Who's Sound Effect is it?

First a word from our Sponsor: Are you suffering from rancor? Do you lay awake at night, tossing and turning because an evil lich is trying to corrupt your soul and take over the known realms? Well friends, you're in luck because we have the antidote. All you have to do is buy a Copy of "Suffering Rancor," by Andy Bunch and bring it to The Library inside Vancouver Mall on January 23rd at 3pm, and we'll tell you fix what's ailing you. Other symptoms may include, dry mouth, upset stomach, heart burn, indigestion, vomiting, purple tongue, and acne. There is no need to consult you're doctor before reading "Suffering Rancor." If you or your partner experience red eyes, or stiffness in your neck and shoulders stop reading immediately and go to sleep. Remain asleep for a minimum of 6 hours before attempting read again.

And now we return to our feature presentation:

Now, because we just can't be that beautifully maudlin for too long in a stretch.

Amazing Acting.

I try to capture both what is amusing and what is astounding. I seek out the enjoyable and collect it. In this new series I call the scene I shall attempt to collect not only the best possible conceived character at the height of his/her action but the performance of such by the best actor to ever do it.

In this fist installment, behold the master at his trade can make simple what is most complex. Please enjoy the scene.

Diving's Less Glamorous Outcomes!

First a word from our Sponsors: Do you like meeting famous people? Who doesn't? Would you like to meet famous people On January 23rd? Well instead why don't you consider coming to the library in Vancouver Mall? You could meet someone famous that day, or you could come to a reading and book signing featuring Andy Bunch and Corey Pennington, the author and illustrator of the Fantasy novel, "Suffering Rancor." I think you know which to choose.

Now, back to our feature presentation:

A little foot ball anyone?

A word from our sponsor: Ever get in the mood to read a nice fantasy novel? Couldn't you just go for a nice fantasy novel right now? When you are in the mood to read a good book nothing reads quite like "Suffering Rancor," by Andy Bunch. Both the Author and the Illustrator of "Suffering Rancor" will be at a major public appearance this January 23rd starting at 3PM. Now they are going to read a little, talk about the book, and even answer questions so this is a chance to combine your love of meeting people and reading fantasy in this unique environment we call the Library inside Westfield Shopping Town. This event is free so bring the whole family.

Now we return to our feature presentation:

Suffering Rancor: Amazing!

We've been getting questions, like why does a fantasy book sponsor a web blog about funny or amazing stuff. The easy answer is that it's an amazing book.

In "Suffering Rancor," Andy R. Bunch, has created a world that is rich and unique, yet not entirely unfamiliar. It pulls readers through cinematic scenes with realist characters at a roller-coaster pace. Seldom does a book take on such epic themes and still remain packed with action. This book will resonate with your heart and rock your view of reality.

But "Suffering Rancor," is amazing in another way. Just as there is a growing Indie Music and Movie genre, there is fast becoming an Indie Book genre. Groups like Bizzarro Press of Portland, OR. have grabbed a sizable market catering to the kinds of books that didn't have a wide enough appeal to interest the five big imprints. Now that the work is out there, of course, the fandom grows and so do sales.

While Suffering Rancor isn't as far out of the mainstream in its story line, the author chose a method of publication that would allow him to produce and promote the book in unique ways. For example Andy was able to pick his own cover artist and include 20 images internally. That's where artist Corey Pennington comes in.

Working together to give more visual effect to the story provides readers a better experience--similar to the way graphic novels aid in story telling. Rumors abound that Suffering Rancor will see its day as a graphic novel, which is another option thanks to the unique Indie publishing style. Corey and Andy are also planning a limited run of 100 books which are completely hand crafted. Each one will be slightly different with saddle stitched spines, leather or wood binding, and unique hand drawn internal art. Imagine buying a book that came with collected artifacts from a world that exists only in the mind of its creators. Now you are getting a taste for the vision of this amazing novel.

A third truly unique thing about Suffering Rancor is how the creators are choosing to promote the book. This blog for one, but also in local signings. The book debuted in Paul's Elbow Room which is a downtown Vancouver fixture. Much of the book was written in the downtown Denny's which has since been torn down, or coffee shops around Vancouver and Portland. Both Corey and Andy are firm in their desire to preserve the books connection to the P-town and Vantucky area, and to the Pacific NW. While not shunning the many wonderful, local book stores, both Corey and Andy want to reach an audience that doesn't read a lot of books or spend much time appreciating art. They believe this book can entertain even the modern ADHD crowd.

A typical book signing for these two is a party. They like to involve local musicians, and hit local art events like last Thursday, and First Friday. They spend their marketing budget on local providers like Sparkfire Agency, and Cara Cottingham's Shameless Productions Radio show on Koug.fm.

"Suffering Rancor," is available through:
Barnes and Noble.com
Amazon.com
iUniverse.com

or on the shelf at:
Barnes and Noble Janzen Beach
Mugs Coffee in Hazel Dell
Angst Gallery on Main Street
Jitterbug Coffee

Or come to there next scheduled signing at First Friday;
Vancouver's First Friday Artwalk featuring Dancing in the Street
Friday, September 4th from 5:00 - 9:00pm
As always, admission is free!

Dance your way through Artwalk. Main Street will be closed from 7th to 11th for dancing in the street. Starting at 5:00 enjoy Swing, Cumbia, Zydeco, Ballroom and more. Shops will be open and our local restaurants will be serving outside. It's Artwalk with a whole new twist!

* Seven galleries to explore.
* Admission is Free.
* Turtle Place at Main and 7th: Learn Zydeco with Cascade Zydeco and refresh yourself at Burgerville's new mobile kitchen, the Nomad, and the Tin Cantina.
* Main and 7th: El Parral hosts Cumbia - it's Salsa, but better.
* Main and 8th: Vancouver Ballroom brings Swing to Main Street.
* Main and 9th: Arthur Murray will demonstrate all types of dance and the band "There She Goes" plays music live!
* Main and 11th: Enjoy the Mountain View High School Jazz Band.




For more writing by Andy R. Bunch visit Shortstorysby: