Discussions with Doc, Etc.

I've had to set up a folder for the blog to drop off articles that interest me until such time as I decide to write about them. Maybe the Potpourri entries will get shorter, maybe longer. Depends on how much interesting stuff I find on the web that day. Be that as it may, I also encounter new things to think about talking to my fellow space writer (who's in the job by profession, not calling like me) and English major, Doc. Doc's five years younger than me and we disagree to some extent about probably every political topic under the sun, but we share similar interests in geekitude, like technology, philosophy, and military hardware. The trick, as always, is keeping the tone light and the digs non-personal. Amazing what sorts of conversations you can get across the aisle if you're civil to each other. Anyhow, talks with Doc are always interesting because he inevitably finds stuff on the web or in his reading that I don't. The following links are just some of the topics we covered in one bull session.

Shakespearean plays made into movies, including:
Romeo & Juliet

     The Franco Zeferelli version, which I probably saw at least three times while getting my various diplomas and degrees.
     The version with Leonardo di Caprio in it, which Doc insists is actually a little better than the Zeferelli film.
Richard III (Nazi version w/Ian McKellan--no, really).
Henry V (Kenneth Brannagh version).


Forbidden Planet (which is a remake of The Tempest, which I'm currently reading on my Kindle).


Prospero’s Books, which is akin to The Tempest and Doc recommended if I can find it after finishing The Tempest.


Electronic cigarettes (Doc is a smoker, as is Father Dan).


WriteRoom, a distraction-free writing application for Macs and iPhones. The app blocks all other computer-based distractions, like tool bars, internet, and incoming messages. It's just a blank screen that forces you to sit there and WRITE. Got to see if there's one for PCs. The only other way I know to write without other electronic distractions is to use pen and paper and turn off the d@mned phone or leave home without it.

All of this is good stuff. I can probably get the movies through NetFlix or library or video store. The application will take some work. I'll send the cigarette notion to Father Dan. But when new ideas keep cropping up, I realize that there is no way in HECK I will ever be able to capture and absorb all the stuff that interests me. Life is short, stay busy!