Help find Alicia Ross, the 23-year old Markham, Ontario,Canada women missing since August 16.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Help Find Alicia Ross
Please help the family of Alicia Ross bring their angel home and find the devil's child that obducted her, and bring them too justice.
Borrowed From the "Americas Most Wanted" website.
Foul Play?
On the evening of August 16, 2005, police say Alicia Ross went out with her boyfriend. After their evening together, they say he dropped her off at her home around midnight. That was the last time anyone saw Alicia. The following day, Alicia was a no-show at work -- something that never happened. Her car was also still in her parents' driveway, where she lived.
For six days following her disappearance, police combined search efforts with more than 1,000 volunteers to try to find the woman whose family and friends so desperately missed. Authorities dispatched helicopters, canine units, and ground crews to search a wide radius of several miles around her house -- the most likely area she'd be in if she'd gotten lost or hurt. But the search was sadly in vain, and Alicia is still missing. Cops are now fearing the worst, and are looking into the possibility of foul play.
The Investigation So Far
Because he was the last person to see her, police are calling Alicia's boyfriend to be a person of interest, but do not consider him a suspect. They are conducting interviews with everyone who was in contact with Alicia the day she went missing, in addition to anyone they feel might know what happened to her.
So far, they have little on which to base their investigation -- but cops say they won't rest until Alicia Ross is found.
Kenaz,
Borrowed From the "Americas Most Wanted" website.
Foul Play?
On the evening of August 16, 2005, police say Alicia Ross went out with her boyfriend. After their evening together, they say he dropped her off at her home around midnight. That was the last time anyone saw Alicia. The following day, Alicia was a no-show at work -- something that never happened. Her car was also still in her parents' driveway, where she lived.
For six days following her disappearance, police combined search efforts with more than 1,000 volunteers to try to find the woman whose family and friends so desperately missed. Authorities dispatched helicopters, canine units, and ground crews to search a wide radius of several miles around her house -- the most likely area she'd be in if she'd gotten lost or hurt. But the search was sadly in vain, and Alicia is still missing. Cops are now fearing the worst, and are looking into the possibility of foul play.
The Investigation So Far
Because he was the last person to see her, police are calling Alicia's boyfriend to be a person of interest, but do not consider him a suspect. They are conducting interviews with everyone who was in contact with Alicia the day she went missing, in addition to anyone they feel might know what happened to her.
So far, they have little on which to base their investigation -- but cops say they won't rest until Alicia Ross is found.
Kenaz,
Thursday, August 25, 2005
New Playlist Added at Kenaz's OTR
Here are some of the new artists and tracks added at theeternalkenaz@live365,
Hopalong Cassidy - Pancho and the Parrot - 53-01-06 26:27
Barbecue Bob- We sure got hard times now - The Great Depression 2:47
The Bickersons- Amos Does Time 10:17
Tarzan- Ep2 - Battle With The Apes - 32-09-13 8:50
Elmore James- Blues Before Sunrise 2:45
Bugs Henderson - Boogie On Down (Live with Fred - Legendary Jams 1976 - 1980 7:16
Paul Butterfield Blues Band - Born In Chicago 3:06
Albert Collins - Cold, Cold Feeling 5:16
Blues Traveler - Get Out Of Denver - ThingsToDoInDenverWhenYourDead 3:39
Woody Herman - I'll Get By 3:02
Big Walter Horton- - Little Boy Blues(w. Carey Bell 3:14
Big Walter HortonWith Carey Bell-- Lovin My Baby 2:50
Inner Sanctum - Mark My Grave - 19xx-xx-xx 26:04
Flash Gordon-Flash Gordon On The Planet Mongo 35-04-27 14:40
Hopalong Cassidy - Pancho and the Parrot - 53-01-06 26:27
Barbecue Bob- We sure got hard times now - The Great Depression 2:47
The Bickersons- Amos Does Time 10:17
Tarzan- Ep2 - Battle With The Apes - 32-09-13 8:50
Elmore James- Blues Before Sunrise 2:45
Bugs Henderson - Boogie On Down (Live with Fred - Legendary Jams 1976 - 1980 7:16
Paul Butterfield Blues Band - Born In Chicago 3:06
Albert Collins - Cold, Cold Feeling 5:16
Blues Traveler - Get Out Of Denver - ThingsToDoInDenverWhenYourDead 3:39
Woody Herman - I'll Get By 3:02
Big Walter Horton- - Little Boy Blues(w. Carey Bell 3:14
Big Walter HortonWith Carey Bell-- Lovin My Baby 2:50
Inner Sanctum - Mark My Grave - 19xx-xx-xx 26:04
Flash Gordon-Flash Gordon On The Planet Mongo 35-04-27 14:40
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Tales From The Set: "Silent Bob and Jay Like Canada"
No big news today, but every experience helps in life. Last night I did a background gig as a boom operator on the set of the highly successful Canadian series "Degrassi: The Next Generation".
A little information about the series, The Next Generation is the fourth incarnation of the successful Degrassie franchise. In its twenty fifth year of production the series started back in the early 1980's as "The Kids on Degrassi" followed the growing pains of its pre-teen characters. They grew into teen hood and so did the series, it was off too "Junior High" and then "High School" for the Degrassi kids.
The series was internationally applauded for being the first series directed towards youth to compationately protray aids, gay relationships, bullying, teen pregnancy and divorce. Degrassi was showing the real life issues that effected our youth while American teen series like "Beverly Hills 90210" were busy with the pressing question "Does Brandon like Donna?" who cared?
As the actors grew out of their parts and moved on to bigger and better things, the series kept developing. A new batch of young performers mixed with returning guest appearances mixed with fresh scripts dealing with the ever evolving issues of youth.
That brings me back to last night, there I was pretending to be part of a media scrum interviewing the one and only Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes, portraying their famous Silent Bob and Jay characters, who were being upstaged at their premier of the ficticious new movie "Silent Bob and Jay Go to Canada, Eh" by their two gorgious lesbian co-stars.
A bit about how this odd marriage of talent came to be. Briefly, Degrassi TNG was airing on PBS in America and caught the eye of Smith who fell in love with the show and its characters so much he phoned the producers of the all Canadian production and requested to do a cameo.
A three episode deal, in which Smith would portray himself as a producer of the new Silent Bob feature, shooting at the high school. Smith also would portray his alter ego "Silent Bob". That was last season, now "Silent Bob" is back for the premier and brought his side kick "Jay" upto Canada for the first time. Click on the link for more.
The guys where great, professional, right on!.
Kenaz,
A little information about the series, The Next Generation is the fourth incarnation of the successful Degrassie franchise. In its twenty fifth year of production the series started back in the early 1980's as "The Kids on Degrassi" followed the growing pains of its pre-teen characters. They grew into teen hood and so did the series, it was off too "Junior High" and then "High School" for the Degrassi kids.
The series was internationally applauded for being the first series directed towards youth to compationately protray aids, gay relationships, bullying, teen pregnancy and divorce. Degrassi was showing the real life issues that effected our youth while American teen series like "Beverly Hills 90210" were busy with the pressing question "Does Brandon like Donna?" who cared?
As the actors grew out of their parts and moved on to bigger and better things, the series kept developing. A new batch of young performers mixed with returning guest appearances mixed with fresh scripts dealing with the ever evolving issues of youth.
That brings me back to last night, there I was pretending to be part of a media scrum interviewing the one and only Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes, portraying their famous Silent Bob and Jay characters, who were being upstaged at their premier of the ficticious new movie "Silent Bob and Jay Go to Canada, Eh" by their two gorgious lesbian co-stars.
A bit about how this odd marriage of talent came to be. Briefly, Degrassi TNG was airing on PBS in America and caught the eye of Smith who fell in love with the show and its characters so much he phoned the producers of the all Canadian production and requested to do a cameo.
A three episode deal, in which Smith would portray himself as a producer of the new Silent Bob feature, shooting at the high school. Smith also would portray his alter ego "Silent Bob". That was last season, now "Silent Bob" is back for the premier and brought his side kick "Jay" upto Canada for the first time. Click on the link for more.
The guys where great, professional, right on!.
Kenaz,
Tarot Card Reading For The Week Of August 24-30 05
The Question:"Will this week be a successful one?"
Review of the ten card Celtic Spread.
The the deck is first spread out face down in the middle of the table and mixed up thoroughly. The cards are then gathered and played out one card at a time, face up as follows.
The Celtic Cross spread is one of the most common tarot spreads. There is a cross in the center, with a row of 4 cards along the side. This spread will provide a fairly in-depth look at a situation including past, present and external influences. Beginners may want to start with a spread with fewer cards.
Here is the reading.
Cover: General atmosphere
The Fool
YOU WILL ACT OUT OF CHARACTER AS YOU TAKE A RISK ON A FRESH START OR NEW BEGINNING IN YOUR LIFE.
Crossing: Opposing forces
Eight of Pentacles
YOU WILL BE LEARNING A LIFE LESSON OR IMPROVING YOUR SKILLS OR ABILITIES.
Foundation: Past basis
Ten Of Pentacles
YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL OR WILL SOON BE ACHIEVING THE SUCCESS YOU ALWAYS WANTED,YOUR FAMILY AND THEIR SECURITY WILL BE YOUR MAIN CONCERN NOW, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF A HOME PURCHASE OR MOVE IN FUTURE.
Behind You: Passing influences
The Hermit
YOU MAY BE SPENDING TIME ALONE OR IN SOLITUDE, REFLECTING, AND LEARNING, THIS WILL SOON PASS, AND YOU WILL TIE UP LOOSE ENDS, FINISH PROJECTS, AND PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR FUTURE.
Crowining: Possible future
Ace of Wands
YOU WILL PUT ALL YOUR ENERGY INTO A NEW SITUATION OR CREATIVE PROJECT THAT WILL ENTER YOUR LIFE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
Before You: Soon to come
The Hanged Man
THINGS THAT MATTER IN YOUR LIFE HAVE COME TO A HALT OR STANDSTILL, A REVISION OF THINGS WILL BE DONE AND YOUR LIFE WILL BE DIFFERENT AS A RESULT.
Hopes: Goals or aspirations
Queen of Pentacles
YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THE STATUS QUO AND DO NOT WANT TO MAKE ANY CHANGES IN YOUR LIFE.
Opinions: What others think
Nine of Cups
A WISH OR DESIRE YOU HAVE WILL SOON BE GRANTED OR REALIZED.
Feelings: Fears
Three of Pentacles
YOU WILL HAVE SUCCESS WITH A SKILL OR ABILITY, AND YOU WILL BE NEGOTIATING AND PLANNING YOUR WAY OUT OF A SITUATION.
Outcome: Resolution
Ace of Cups
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT ENTERS YOUR LIFE THIS COULD BE A SIGNIFICANT OTHER OR A PROJECT YOU LOVE.
Quintessence:
The Wheel of Fortune
RECOGNIZE YOUR PURPOSE, AND DEDICATE YOURSELF, YOU HAVE THE POWER AND SKILL TO MASTER ANY SITUATION.
Celtic Cross Spread
As a side note, in a previous post, I noted that I thought I had done horribly at an audition that I went out for on August 9, well not only did I get called back for a second audition, I got the part. I am going to shoot a "Hair Club For Men" commercial this Friday. This was only my third audition, my knees where shaking, but I just sucked it up and found my funny side and it worked. Now I am ready to "Learn a Life Lesson" and "Dedicate My Self". How did you do this week?
Later,
Kenaz
Review of the ten card Celtic Spread.
The the deck is first spread out face down in the middle of the table and mixed up thoroughly. The cards are then gathered and played out one card at a time, face up as follows.
The Celtic Cross spread is one of the most common tarot spreads. There is a cross in the center, with a row of 4 cards along the side. This spread will provide a fairly in-depth look at a situation including past, present and external influences. Beginners may want to start with a spread with fewer cards.
Here is the reading.
Cover: General atmosphere
The Fool
YOU WILL ACT OUT OF CHARACTER AS YOU TAKE A RISK ON A FRESH START OR NEW BEGINNING IN YOUR LIFE.
Crossing: Opposing forces
Eight of Pentacles
YOU WILL BE LEARNING A LIFE LESSON OR IMPROVING YOUR SKILLS OR ABILITIES.
Foundation: Past basis
Ten Of Pentacles
YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL OR WILL SOON BE ACHIEVING THE SUCCESS YOU ALWAYS WANTED,YOUR FAMILY AND THEIR SECURITY WILL BE YOUR MAIN CONCERN NOW, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF A HOME PURCHASE OR MOVE IN FUTURE.
Behind You: Passing influences
The Hermit
YOU MAY BE SPENDING TIME ALONE OR IN SOLITUDE, REFLECTING, AND LEARNING, THIS WILL SOON PASS, AND YOU WILL TIE UP LOOSE ENDS, FINISH PROJECTS, AND PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR FUTURE.
Crowining: Possible future
Ace of Wands
YOU WILL PUT ALL YOUR ENERGY INTO A NEW SITUATION OR CREATIVE PROJECT THAT WILL ENTER YOUR LIFE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
Before You: Soon to come
The Hanged Man
THINGS THAT MATTER IN YOUR LIFE HAVE COME TO A HALT OR STANDSTILL, A REVISION OF THINGS WILL BE DONE AND YOUR LIFE WILL BE DIFFERENT AS A RESULT.
Hopes: Goals or aspirations
Queen of Pentacles
YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THE STATUS QUO AND DO NOT WANT TO MAKE ANY CHANGES IN YOUR LIFE.
Opinions: What others think
Nine of Cups
A WISH OR DESIRE YOU HAVE WILL SOON BE GRANTED OR REALIZED.
Feelings: Fears
Three of Pentacles
YOU WILL HAVE SUCCESS WITH A SKILL OR ABILITY, AND YOU WILL BE NEGOTIATING AND PLANNING YOUR WAY OUT OF A SITUATION.
Outcome: Resolution
Ace of Cups
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT ENTERS YOUR LIFE THIS COULD BE A SIGNIFICANT OTHER OR A PROJECT YOU LOVE.
Quintessence:
The Wheel of Fortune
RECOGNIZE YOUR PURPOSE, AND DEDICATE YOURSELF, YOU HAVE THE POWER AND SKILL TO MASTER ANY SITUATION.
Celtic Cross Spread
As a side note, in a previous post, I noted that I thought I had done horribly at an audition that I went out for on August 9, well not only did I get called back for a second audition, I got the part. I am going to shoot a "Hair Club For Men" commercial this Friday. This was only my third audition, my knees where shaking, but I just sucked it up and found my funny side and it worked. Now I am ready to "Learn a Life Lesson" and "Dedicate My Self". How did you do this week?
Later,
Kenaz
"Toronto Sucks!" Campaign Doesn't Get Off It's Knees
Yesterday, as I stepped off the bus at the corner of King and James heading yet again to Toronto for a movie shoot, I looked across the street and witnessed a scene that provided both repulse and amusement.
Some "person" who decided to remain anonymous, has sponsored a campaign to promote their narrow view of Hamiltons friends in Toronto.
The add campaign entails 8-10 teenagers to stand on the street corner, wearing tee-shirts and holding plaque cards with the catchy slogan "Toronto Sucks" emblazed in block letters.
In the minute and a half that it took for the light to change and for me to make it across the street, I studied closely these kids promotional skills. Stand, wait for a car to pass, scream their lame slogan and coax a horn honk in support from some "loser" who remembers the time they got kicked out of a Toronto after hours club.
Anyway, even after watching the report from a local CH News reporter I am still confused to the purpose of this campaign, what about Toronto does this "promoter of ridiculous propaganda" exactly think "Sucks?
These kids couldn't effectively offer any proof of their "hypothesis" only stupid looks when confronted by people who used words to communicate their anti view that this campaign only cheapens Hamiltons reputation and not primitive noises like a car horn.
And news flash for these kids, the majority of Hamiltonians are far more intelligent than you and your boss and if we do have a problem with another community we don't digress to childish to first grade name calling. If we must, Mr. Anonymous, "You Suck!"
I would love to start my own straw poll here at Kenaz's Blog "Who Sucks More, this campaign or Toronto?" Not to try to influence but to borrow from a popular add campaign, T-shirts and poster board $50, Hired Kids $100, Licence ??? minus the ten of thousands that flows between the two cities = "Losers"
Later,
Kenaz
Some "person" who decided to remain anonymous, has sponsored a campaign to promote their narrow view of Hamiltons friends in Toronto.
The add campaign entails 8-10 teenagers to stand on the street corner, wearing tee-shirts and holding plaque cards with the catchy slogan "Toronto Sucks" emblazed in block letters.
In the minute and a half that it took for the light to change and for me to make it across the street, I studied closely these kids promotional skills. Stand, wait for a car to pass, scream their lame slogan and coax a horn honk in support from some "loser" who remembers the time they got kicked out of a Toronto after hours club.
Anyway, even after watching the report from a local CH News reporter I am still confused to the purpose of this campaign, what about Toronto does this "promoter of ridiculous propaganda" exactly think "Sucks?
These kids couldn't effectively offer any proof of their "hypothesis" only stupid looks when confronted by people who used words to communicate their anti view that this campaign only cheapens Hamiltons reputation and not primitive noises like a car horn.
And news flash for these kids, the majority of Hamiltonians are far more intelligent than you and your boss and if we do have a problem with another community we don't digress to childish to first grade name calling. If we must, Mr. Anonymous, "You Suck!"
I would love to start my own straw poll here at Kenaz's Blog "Who Sucks More, this campaign or Toronto?" Not to try to influence but to borrow from a popular add campaign, T-shirts and poster board $50, Hired Kids $100, Licence ??? minus the ten of thousands that flows between the two cities = "Losers"
Later,
Kenaz
Monday, August 22, 2005
The Use of Colour In Your Home
The first step in the use of colour is to understand the psychological effects it has on us. Red is known to stimulate the appetite - so it’s an excellent colour for dining rooms. Both blue and green are fresh and calming. They are the colours of nature and could be popular choices for bedrooms. Yellow and orange are energizing like the sun, so are good choices in rooms where your energy may need boosting - the kitchen perhaps. Orange in its toned down terracotta form can be ideal in a home office; it has the energizing effect of both red and orange but isn’t so bright that you won’t be able to stay at your desk!
Many contemporary television programmes have made a virtue of the use of bold colours in wild combinations: violet and lime green; turquoise and red-orange; orange and fuchsia. But before you splash out on several gallons of grapefruit yellow and olive green paint for the bedroom, consider carefully whether a violet and lime green living room is something you can live with.
Many new and traditional homes are decorated in various shades of beige (I think "taupe" is the current fashionable term), Subtle, muted wall colours (like off white and taupe) are fine, and very easy to live with. But you can still enliven them with bright highlights in your accessories and upholstery. Consider a multi-coloured rug, candles, some coloured ceramics or glassware, vivid prints or paintings, or squashy cushions in jewel tones. The overall effect will be airy and soothing yet the flashes of colour can bring in your personality and be your signature touches.
You don't have to be afraid of colour, even a person who lists "black" as their favorite colour like me, will find that introducing a burgundy valence and candles into a computer room can open a wave of creativity. Here is a list of colour options and how adding each to your home will influence its positive energy. For how to use colour in combinations pick up a cheap colour wheel in your local art supply store and have fun.
Check out my previous post entitled "HOW TO USE THE FIVE ELEMENTS OF FENG SHUI TO CREATE HARMONY IN YOUR HOME" for more help with deciding what colours are best for what rooms.
White- Innocence, peace, protection, purification, purity, sincerity, truth
Red- Courage, exorcism, health, lust, passion, protection, sex, strength, vigour
Dark Red- Mental power, thought
Pink- Femininity, friendships, honour, love, morality
Orange - Adaptability, attraction, authority, changes, courage, encouragement, luck, peace of mind, power, strength, stimulation
Yellow - Attraction, concentration, communication, confidence, creativity, divination, imagination, intellect, learning study, wisdom
Green- Ambition, employment, fertility, financial matters, growth, luck, money, nature, prosperity, rejuvenation, success, wealth
Light blue- Happiness, healing, patience, relaxing, serenity, soothing, tranquility
Deep blue- Change, flexibility, healing, psychic powers, relaxing, soothing, the subconscious
Dark Blue (Navy)- Banishes depression, relaxing, soothing
Purple- Ambition, healing severe diseases, home protection, idealism, meditation, power, spirituality, success, wisdom
Lilac- Tranquillity, the astral plane
Brown- Animals (especially healing), concentration, conquering indecisiveness, emotional stability, practicality, study, the home
Grey- Neutrality, privacy, removal of negative influences, stability
Black- Absorbing and destroying negativity, banishing evil, banishing negativity, breaking curses, healing severe diseases, resilience, self control,
Silver- Intuition, Moon magic, the Moon Goddess, visions
Gold- Attraction, charm, confidence, cosmic influences, intuition, life force, longevity, magnetism, persuasion.
Kenaz,
Many contemporary television programmes have made a virtue of the use of bold colours in wild combinations: violet and lime green; turquoise and red-orange; orange and fuchsia. But before you splash out on several gallons of grapefruit yellow and olive green paint for the bedroom, consider carefully whether a violet and lime green living room is something you can live with.
Many new and traditional homes are decorated in various shades of beige (I think "taupe" is the current fashionable term), Subtle, muted wall colours (like off white and taupe) are fine, and very easy to live with. But you can still enliven them with bright highlights in your accessories and upholstery. Consider a multi-coloured rug, candles, some coloured ceramics or glassware, vivid prints or paintings, or squashy cushions in jewel tones. The overall effect will be airy and soothing yet the flashes of colour can bring in your personality and be your signature touches.
You don't have to be afraid of colour, even a person who lists "black" as their favorite colour like me, will find that introducing a burgundy valence and candles into a computer room can open a wave of creativity. Here is a list of colour options and how adding each to your home will influence its positive energy. For how to use colour in combinations pick up a cheap colour wheel in your local art supply store and have fun.
Check out my previous post entitled "HOW TO USE THE FIVE ELEMENTS OF FENG SHUI TO CREATE HARMONY IN YOUR HOME" for more help with deciding what colours are best for what rooms.
White- Innocence, peace, protection, purification, purity, sincerity, truth
Red- Courage, exorcism, health, lust, passion, protection, sex, strength, vigour
Dark Red- Mental power, thought
Pink- Femininity, friendships, honour, love, morality
Orange - Adaptability, attraction, authority, changes, courage, encouragement, luck, peace of mind, power, strength, stimulation
Yellow - Attraction, concentration, communication, confidence, creativity, divination, imagination, intellect, learning study, wisdom
Green- Ambition, employment, fertility, financial matters, growth, luck, money, nature, prosperity, rejuvenation, success, wealth
Light blue- Happiness, healing, patience, relaxing, serenity, soothing, tranquility
Deep blue- Change, flexibility, healing, psychic powers, relaxing, soothing, the subconscious
Dark Blue (Navy)- Banishes depression, relaxing, soothing
Purple- Ambition, healing severe diseases, home protection, idealism, meditation, power, spirituality, success, wisdom
Lilac- Tranquillity, the astral plane
Brown- Animals (especially healing), concentration, conquering indecisiveness, emotional stability, practicality, study, the home
Grey- Neutrality, privacy, removal of negative influences, stability
Black- Absorbing and destroying negativity, banishing evil, banishing negativity, breaking curses, healing severe diseases, resilience, self control,
Silver- Intuition, Moon magic, the Moon Goddess, visions
Gold- Attraction, charm, confidence, cosmic influences, intuition, life force, longevity, magnetism, persuasion.
Kenaz,
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Two Great Movies That Deal With Injustice
My first pick is the 1987 classic "Cry Freedom".Directed by "Richard Attenborough",(1982's Award Winning Gandhi"), Cry Freedom is a dramatization of the story of Steve Biko, the South African Black Consciousness leader, who was murdered while in police custody, and Donald Woods, the white editor of the Daily Dispatch who befriended him. Woods wrote a book exposing the death of Biko while in Police custody. In order for him to get the book published he had to escape from South Africa.
Biko is played by "Denzel Washington", and Woods is played by "Kevin Kline". Woods' wife, Wendy, is played by "Penelope Wilton."
The movie opened the eyes of the world to grave injustices commited by the South African Appartied government during the 1970's and 1980's. In 1972, Biko became honorary president of the Black People's Convention. He was banned during the height of apartheid in March 1973, meaning that he was not allowed to speak to more than one person at a time and so could not make speeches in public. It was also forbidden to quote anything he said, including speeches or simple conversations, or to otherwise mention him.
On September 6, 1977, he was arrested at a police roadblock under the Terrorism Act No 83 of 1967. He suffered a major head injury while in police custody and was chained to a window grill for a full day. On September 11, police loaded him into the back of a car and began the 740-mile drive to Pretoria. He died shortly after the arrival in the Pretoria prison. Police claimed his death was the result of an extended hunger strike.
On October 7, 2003, South African Justice Ministry officials announced that the five policemen who were accused of killing Biko would not be prosecuted because of insufficient evidence. They said a murder charge could not be supported partly because there were no witnesses to the killing. Charges of culpable homicide and assault were also considered, but because the killing occurred in 1977, the time frame for prosecution had expired.
The second pick is 2004's "Hotel Rwanda". "Don Cheadle's" performaance as "Paul Rusesabagina", manager of the Belgian-owned Mille Collines, a luxury hotel in Kigali, the Rwandan capital is pure brilliance.
Street smarts became Rusesabagina's salvation when "Rwanda" plummets into genocide ten years ago in an event that transformed the genial businessman into an unlikely hero.
As ethnic "Hutu's" began killing their "Tutsi" neighbors, Rusesabagina—a Hutu married to a Tutsi woman "(Sophie Okonedo)" —turned his hotel into an impromptu refugee camp for more than a thousand terrified Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
Deserted by international peacekeepers, Rusesabagina began cashing in every favor he had ever earned, bribing the Rwandan Hutu soldiers and keeping the bloodthirsty militia (mostly) outside the gates during the hundred days of slaughter.
In the end, he survived along with his wife and three children, as did most of the refugees he sheltered. Outside the hotel the genocide claimed up to one million lives.
The movie, which opened in limited release in the United States garnered "2005 Oscar" nominations for best actor, best picture, best screenplay and best actress for Sophie Okonedo, but in the end was shut out. Personally I thought "Hotel Rwanda" was a much more important and better film than the best picture winner "Million Dollar Baby". Cheadles loss to Jamie Foxx("Ray") was a little more understanding and Okonedo was a relative new comer going up against the terrific Cate Blanchet("Aviator").
Check these two great films out,
Kenaz,
Biko is played by "Denzel Washington", and Woods is played by "Kevin Kline". Woods' wife, Wendy, is played by "Penelope Wilton."
The movie opened the eyes of the world to grave injustices commited by the South African Appartied government during the 1970's and 1980's. In 1972, Biko became honorary president of the Black People's Convention. He was banned during the height of apartheid in March 1973, meaning that he was not allowed to speak to more than one person at a time and so could not make speeches in public. It was also forbidden to quote anything he said, including speeches or simple conversations, or to otherwise mention him.
On September 6, 1977, he was arrested at a police roadblock under the Terrorism Act No 83 of 1967. He suffered a major head injury while in police custody and was chained to a window grill for a full day. On September 11, police loaded him into the back of a car and began the 740-mile drive to Pretoria. He died shortly after the arrival in the Pretoria prison. Police claimed his death was the result of an extended hunger strike.
On October 7, 2003, South African Justice Ministry officials announced that the five policemen who were accused of killing Biko would not be prosecuted because of insufficient evidence. They said a murder charge could not be supported partly because there were no witnesses to the killing. Charges of culpable homicide and assault were also considered, but because the killing occurred in 1977, the time frame for prosecution had expired.
The second pick is 2004's "Hotel Rwanda". "Don Cheadle's" performaance as "Paul Rusesabagina", manager of the Belgian-owned Mille Collines, a luxury hotel in Kigali, the Rwandan capital is pure brilliance.
Street smarts became Rusesabagina's salvation when "Rwanda" plummets into genocide ten years ago in an event that transformed the genial businessman into an unlikely hero.
As ethnic "Hutu's" began killing their "Tutsi" neighbors, Rusesabagina—a Hutu married to a Tutsi woman "(Sophie Okonedo)" —turned his hotel into an impromptu refugee camp for more than a thousand terrified Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
Deserted by international peacekeepers, Rusesabagina began cashing in every favor he had ever earned, bribing the Rwandan Hutu soldiers and keeping the bloodthirsty militia (mostly) outside the gates during the hundred days of slaughter.
In the end, he survived along with his wife and three children, as did most of the refugees he sheltered. Outside the hotel the genocide claimed up to one million lives.
The movie, which opened in limited release in the United States garnered "2005 Oscar" nominations for best actor, best picture, best screenplay and best actress for Sophie Okonedo, but in the end was shut out. Personally I thought "Hotel Rwanda" was a much more important and better film than the best picture winner "Million Dollar Baby". Cheadles loss to Jamie Foxx("Ray") was a little more understanding and Okonedo was a relative new comer going up against the terrific Cate Blanchet("Aviator").
Check these two great films out,
Kenaz,
New Playlist Posted At Kenaz's OTR
Bessie Smith- Empty Bed Blues (Pts 1 & 2) - Collection 6:08
Big Bill Broonzy w/Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee Southern Saga 7:02
Big Joe Turner w/ Dr. John - Room Full Of Blues - Blues Train 3:50
Billie Holiday w/ Louis Armstrong -Summertime Blind Boy Fuller - Blue And Worried Man - Volume 6 1:39
Blind Willie Johnson - Church, I'm Fully Saved Today - Dark Was the Night [Columbia/L n/a3:08
Bonnie Raitt - Love Me Like A Man - Bonnie Raitt 3:00
Boris Karloff - Chung Ling Soo - 57-12-16 3:28
BorisKarloff - Shakespeares Hometown - 57-12-17 4:21
Buddy Guywith Johnny Lang - Midnight Train 4:57
Flash Gordon- death battle won by flash - ep04 - 35-05-18 14:48
edited by Harry Smith - Prison Cell Blind Lemon Jefferson- Blues - Anthology of American Folk Music 2:47
Eric Clapton- Hey Hey - Unplugged 3:16
Gunsmoke - Shakespeare - 52-08-23 ep01832 30:11
Hopalong Cassidy - hook line and murder - 19xx-xx-xx 26:37
Inner Sanctum- Man From Yesterday - 19xx-xx-xx 29:44
Pat Novak- Mysterious Set Of Books - 47-08-10 28:49
Red Panda- Episode 3 - 19xx-xx-xx n/a 26:43 Rules Over Cave World - FG-EPI5 - 35-05-25 14:40
The Bickersons- - Advert By The Bickersons - 67-10-14 5:04
The Haunting Hour - The Old Man - 19xx-xx-xx n/a 12:14:29 26:29
The Whistler - not known - 19xx-xx-xx 29:28
These and more great Old time Radio Programs, Jazz and Blues songs can be heard at Kenaz's OTR Click the links to learn more about the programs and artists.
Big Bill Broonzy w/Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee Southern Saga 7:02
Big Joe Turner w/ Dr. John - Room Full Of Blues - Blues Train 3:50
Billie Holiday w/ Louis Armstrong -Summertime Blind Boy Fuller - Blue And Worried Man - Volume 6 1:39
Blind Willie Johnson - Church, I'm Fully Saved Today - Dark Was the Night [Columbia/L n/a3:08
Bonnie Raitt - Love Me Like A Man - Bonnie Raitt 3:00
Boris Karloff - Chung Ling Soo - 57-12-16 3:28
BorisKarloff - Shakespeares Hometown - 57-12-17 4:21
Buddy Guywith Johnny Lang - Midnight Train 4:57
Flash Gordon- death battle won by flash - ep04 - 35-05-18 14:48
edited by Harry Smith - Prison Cell Blind Lemon Jefferson- Blues - Anthology of American Folk Music 2:47
Eric Clapton- Hey Hey - Unplugged 3:16
Gunsmoke - Shakespeare - 52-08-23 ep01832 30:11
Hopalong Cassidy - hook line and murder - 19xx-xx-xx 26:37
Inner Sanctum- Man From Yesterday - 19xx-xx-xx 29:44
Pat Novak- Mysterious Set Of Books - 47-08-10 28:49
Red Panda- Episode 3 - 19xx-xx-xx n/a 26:43 Rules Over Cave World - FG-EPI5 - 35-05-25 14:40
The Bickersons- - Advert By The Bickersons - 67-10-14 5:04
The Haunting Hour - The Old Man - 19xx-xx-xx n/a 12:14:29 26:29
The Whistler - not known - 19xx-xx-xx 29:28
These and more great Old time Radio Programs, Jazz and Blues songs can be heard at Kenaz's OTR Click the links to learn more about the programs and artists.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Vintage Movie Reviews:Sidney Potitier
For this weeks edition of Kenaz's vintage video picks I've decided to review some of the best of one of the greatest actors ever, Sidney Potitier. My first indulgence into the cinematic brilliance of Mr. Ponitier's was as a teen when I saw the 1967 classic "In the Heat of the Night".
In the movie Potitier plays Virgil Tibbs. A Philadelphia Homicide detective home to see his mother in the rural south. He is arrested after a wealthy northern factory owner is murdered, racist Mississippi cops accuse the African American detective of the crime. Once they learn that he is a renowned in his home state, they reluctantly seek his help. As Tibbs, Potitier displays his acting skills and depicts a skilled black detective , who is willing to show patience and percevierance in his quest to win the respect, protection, and ultimately friendship of the Police Chief Bill Gillepsie (Rod Steiger).
In 1970 Potitier reserected the character for the less then steller sequell "They Call Me Mister Tibbs". Poitier's performance is masterful. But the writing is pedestrian, the pacing too slow, and the resolution ultimately unsatisfactory. The movie does offer one of the most memorable character introductions in cinematic history when Detective Tibbs is asked who he is by a less than respectable underling of the police department. Potitier turns into the camera and delivers the line "They call me (pause) Mr. Tibbs" A simple line that set the tone for movie. This was a skilled black man who wasn't going to lay down for anyone.
I have seen now a good portion of Sidney Poitier's some fifty movies and enjoyed watching him transform himself into each of his characters. From a rebellious student in "Blackboard Jungle" (1955) to Nelson Mandela in the made for tv bi-opic "Mandela and de Klerk(1997), Poitier showed why he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2002.
Some of my other favourites from Sidney Poitier include,
The 1963 film "Lilies of the Field". The film that until 2001 sported the only African-American Best Actor or Actress Oscar winner (Halle Berry,"Monster's Ball"). Sidney Poitier (in an excellent Oscar-winning performance) stars as an unemployed handyman whose car breaks down in New Mexico. He is greeted by a group of German nuns led by Lilia Skala (Oscar-nominated). The nuns are in desperate need of a church and it just seems that Poitier is not going to be able to shake Skala and the various duties she imposes on him.
In the 1967 classic,"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner". Poitier starred opposite the legendary couple of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. The movie showcased an unusual bi-product of that resulted from the clash between 1960's liberalism and racial fanaticism. Superb acting and dialog is what overcomes the dated aspect. Hepburn and Tracy are Matt and Christina Drayton a wealthy and successful couple who have a daughter named Joey played by Katherine Houghton who comes home and tells them she has met the man of her dreams. The only problem in the story is that he is of a different race. Sidney Poitier is John Wade Prentice a successful individual who is the man of Joeys dreams and is of the different race. The Draytons are people who in theory hold no prejudice toward any one regardless of their race, color or creed but now have those same views put harshly to the test when it's their own daughter involved.
Courtesy of http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001627/
In Sidney Poitier’s feature film debut (1950's "No Way Out"), "racial tensions simmer, then flare into violence when two white criminals wounded in a shootout are brought into the care of Dr. Brooks (Poitier), the only black doctor at a city hospital. When one brother suddenly dies, the surviving brother accuses Dr. Brooks of killing him and instigates slayings and racial rioting to get revenge. Provocative and nuanced, NO WAY OUT dramatizes the different threads of race relationships, from indifference to blind hatred, that are woven through American society. Starring black actors (it was also Ossie Davis's first film) and filmed at the very cusp of the civil rights movement, only 10 years after Hattie McDaniel became the first African-American actor to win an Oscar(Best Supporting Actress), NO WAY OUT was a leap ahead of the mainstream film industry in its head-on tackling of racial prejudice. The script, written by director Joseph L. Mankiewicz and Lesser Samuels, was nominated for an Oscar."
Courtesy of http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1800299207&cf=info&intl=us
Kenaz,
In the movie Potitier plays Virgil Tibbs. A Philadelphia Homicide detective home to see his mother in the rural south. He is arrested after a wealthy northern factory owner is murdered, racist Mississippi cops accuse the African American detective of the crime. Once they learn that he is a renowned in his home state, they reluctantly seek his help. As Tibbs, Potitier displays his acting skills and depicts a skilled black detective , who is willing to show patience and percevierance in his quest to win the respect, protection, and ultimately friendship of the Police Chief Bill Gillepsie (Rod Steiger).
In 1970 Potitier reserected the character for the less then steller sequell "They Call Me Mister Tibbs". Poitier's performance is masterful. But the writing is pedestrian, the pacing too slow, and the resolution ultimately unsatisfactory. The movie does offer one of the most memorable character introductions in cinematic history when Detective Tibbs is asked who he is by a less than respectable underling of the police department. Potitier turns into the camera and delivers the line "They call me (pause) Mr. Tibbs" A simple line that set the tone for movie. This was a skilled black man who wasn't going to lay down for anyone.
I have seen now a good portion of Sidney Poitier's some fifty movies and enjoyed watching him transform himself into each of his characters. From a rebellious student in "Blackboard Jungle" (1955) to Nelson Mandela in the made for tv bi-opic "Mandela and de Klerk(1997), Poitier showed why he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2002.
Some of my other favourites from Sidney Poitier include,
The 1963 film "Lilies of the Field". The film that until 2001 sported the only African-American Best Actor or Actress Oscar winner (Halle Berry,"Monster's Ball"). Sidney Poitier (in an excellent Oscar-winning performance) stars as an unemployed handyman whose car breaks down in New Mexico. He is greeted by a group of German nuns led by Lilia Skala (Oscar-nominated). The nuns are in desperate need of a church and it just seems that Poitier is not going to be able to shake Skala and the various duties she imposes on him.
In the 1967 classic,"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner". Poitier starred opposite the legendary couple of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. The movie showcased an unusual bi-product of that resulted from the clash between 1960's liberalism and racial fanaticism. Superb acting and dialog is what overcomes the dated aspect. Hepburn and Tracy are Matt and Christina Drayton a wealthy and successful couple who have a daughter named Joey played by Katherine Houghton who comes home and tells them she has met the man of her dreams. The only problem in the story is that he is of a different race. Sidney Poitier is John Wade Prentice a successful individual who is the man of Joeys dreams and is of the different race. The Draytons are people who in theory hold no prejudice toward any one regardless of their race, color or creed but now have those same views put harshly to the test when it's their own daughter involved.
Courtesy of http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001627/
In Sidney Poitier’s feature film debut (1950's "No Way Out"), "racial tensions simmer, then flare into violence when two white criminals wounded in a shootout are brought into the care of Dr. Brooks (Poitier), the only black doctor at a city hospital. When one brother suddenly dies, the surviving brother accuses Dr. Brooks of killing him and instigates slayings and racial rioting to get revenge. Provocative and nuanced, NO WAY OUT dramatizes the different threads of race relationships, from indifference to blind hatred, that are woven through American society. Starring black actors (it was also Ossie Davis's first film) and filmed at the very cusp of the civil rights movement, only 10 years after Hattie McDaniel became the first African-American actor to win an Oscar(Best Supporting Actress), NO WAY OUT was a leap ahead of the mainstream film industry in its head-on tackling of racial prejudice. The script, written by director Joseph L. Mankiewicz and Lesser Samuels, was nominated for an Oscar."
Courtesy of http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1800299207&cf=info&intl=us
Kenaz,
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Evil Incarnate Dennis Rader Gets 175 Years
BTK serial killer Dennis Rader was ordered to serve 10 consecutive life terms Thursday at a hearing that allowed family members to unleash decades of pent-up anger at the man who stabbed and strangled their loved ones while terrorizing the Wichita area starting in the 1970s.
"This man needs to be thrown in a deep, dark hole and left to rot. He should never, ever see the light of day ... On the day he dies, Nancy and all of his victims will be waiting with God and watching him as he burns in hell."
A sentiment offered by Beverly Plapp, sister of victim Nancy Fox, and shared by any person with a soul.
Rader could only offer the ramblings of a sick mind, as he quoted the bible during his half hour speech, in which he apologized to his family and victims and thanked the police and then offered.
"A dark side is there, but now I think light is beginning to shine," Rader said, his voice choking at times. "Hopefully someday God will accept me."
I don't think so. Mr. Rader likes to quote the bible, maybe he could try this one on for size,
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Mathew 16:18)"
RIP, to all those all the angels killed by this darkest of evils and may they be reincarnated to once again fill their love ones lives with joy.
Peace,
Kenaz
"This man needs to be thrown in a deep, dark hole and left to rot. He should never, ever see the light of day ... On the day he dies, Nancy and all of his victims will be waiting with God and watching him as he burns in hell."
A sentiment offered by Beverly Plapp, sister of victim Nancy Fox, and shared by any person with a soul.
Rader could only offer the ramblings of a sick mind, as he quoted the bible during his half hour speech, in which he apologized to his family and victims and thanked the police and then offered.
"A dark side is there, but now I think light is beginning to shine," Rader said, his voice choking at times. "Hopefully someday God will accept me."
I don't think so. Mr. Rader likes to quote the bible, maybe he could try this one on for size,
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Mathew 16:18)"
RIP, to all those all the angels killed by this darkest of evils and may they be reincarnated to once again fill their love ones lives with joy.
Peace,
Kenaz
Finally Some Good News For The Tiger Cats
Tim Cheatwood, recently cut by the NFL's Houston Texans, will be re-joining the Hamilton Tiger Cats.
A 6-foot-4, 258-pound defensive end, Cheatwod registered a CFL-best 14 sacks for the Ticats last season before trying his luck south of the border this year.
Losing Cheatwood and Joe Montford, who ranked second in the league with 13 sacks last year, has been, to say the least devastating to the Tiget Cats this year.
Hamilton, mired in a seven-game winless skid, are in B.C. this week for a game Friday night and the 27 year-old Cheatwood will be in uniform for the game.
Now if the Cats can get some help on offense.
Courtesy of TSN.
A 6-foot-4, 258-pound defensive end, Cheatwod registered a CFL-best 14 sacks for the Ticats last season before trying his luck south of the border this year.
Losing Cheatwood and Joe Montford, who ranked second in the league with 13 sacks last year, has been, to say the least devastating to the Tiget Cats this year.
Hamilton, mired in a seven-game winless skid, are in B.C. this week for a game Friday night and the 27 year-old Cheatwood will be in uniform for the game.
Now if the Cats can get some help on offense.
Courtesy of TSN.
Favourite Quote From "The Tao of Pooh"
"When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, "what's the first thing you say to yourself?"
"What's for breakfast? said Pooh. "What do you say, Piglet?"
"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" said Piglet.
Pooh nodded thoughtfully.
"It's the same thing," he said.
"What's for breakfast? said Pooh. "What do you say, Piglet?"
"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" said Piglet.
Pooh nodded thoughtfully.
"It's the same thing," he said.
The Tao of Pooh
Winnie the Pooh has a certain way about him, a way of doing things which has made him the world's most beloved bear. And Pooh's Way, as Benjamin Hoff brilliantly demonstrates, seems strangely close to the ancient Chinese principles of Taoism. The 'Tao of Pooh' explains Taoism by Winnie the Pooh and explaines Winnie the Pooh by Taoism. It makes you understand what A.A. Milne probably meant when he said he didn't write the Pooh-books for children in the first place.
Over the centuries Taoism classic teachings were developed and divided into philosophical, monastic, and folk religious forms. All of these could be included under the general heading of Taoism. But the basic Taoism is simply a particular way of appreciating, learning from, and working with whatever happens in everyday life. From the Taoist point of view, the natural result of this harmonious way of living is happiness.
One of the basic principles of Taoism is P'U, the Uncarved Block. The essence of the Uncarved Block is that things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power, power that is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed. This principle applies not only to things, but to people as well. Or Bears. Which brings us to Pooh, the very Epitome of the Uncarved Block. When you discard arrogance, complexity, and a few, other things that get in the way, sooner or later you will discover that simple, childlike, and mysterious secret known to those of the Uncarved Block: Life is Fun. Along with that comes the ability to do things spontaneously and have them work, odd as that may appear to others at times. As Piglet put it in 'Winnie-the-Pooh', "Pooh hasn't much Brain, but he never comes to any harm. He does silly things and they turn out right."
Owl instead, is the opposite of Pooh, the Knowledge for the sake of Appearing Wise, the one who studies Knowledge for the sake of Knowledge, and who keeps what he learns to himself or to his own small group, rather than working for the enlightenment of others. That way, the scholars can appear Superior, and will not likely be suspected of Not Knowing Something. After all, from the scholarly point of view, it's practically a crime not to know everything. But sometimes the knowledge of the scholar is a bit hard to understand because it doesn't seem to match up with our own experience of things. Isn't the knowledge that comes from experience more valuable than the knowledge that doesn't?
While Owl's little routine is that of Knowledge for the sake of Appearing Wise, Eeyore's is that of Knowledge for the sake of Complaining About Something and Rabbit's is that of Knowledge of Being Clever. As anyone who doesn't have it can see, the Eeyore Attitude gets in the way of things like wisdom and happiness, and pretty much prevents any sort of real Accomplishment in life. Cleverness, after all, has its limitations. Its mechanical judgments and clever remarks tend to prove inaccurate with passing time, because it doesn't look very deeply into things to begin with. The thing that makes someone truly different -unique, in fact- is something that Cleverness cannot really understand.
"A fish can't whistle and neither can I." There's nothing wrong with not being able to whistle, especially if you're a fish. But there can be lots of things wrong with blindly trying to do what you aren't designed for. Unfortunately, some people aren't so wise, and end up causing big trouble for themselves and others. The wise know their limitations; the foolish do not. To demonstrate what we mean, we can think of no one better than Tigger, who doesn't know his limitations ('Tiggers can do everything'), which brings him in lots of trouble. Piglet instead knows his limitations and that's what makes him sometimes more braver than you would expect from such a small animal. So, the first thing we need to do is recognize and trust our own Inner Nature, and not lose sight of it. Inside the Bouncy Tigger is the Rescuer who knows the Way, and in each of us is something Special, and that we need to keep:
"Tigger is all right really," said Piglet lazily.
"Of course he is," said Christopher Robin.
"Everybody is really," said Pooh. "That's what I think," said Pooh.
"But I don't suppose I'm right," he said.
"Of course you are," said Christopher Robin.
This text is taken from 'The Tao of Pooh' by Benjamin Hoff, published by Mandarin Paperbacks. Also published by Mandarin Paperbacks and written by Benjamin Hoff; 'The Te of Piglet'.
In this second book he makes the explicit statement that it isn't a sequel to his first book, but rather a companion. The book is based around two topics, the concept of Te, the Chinese word meaning 'power' or 'virtue' and Piglet, of the Winnie the Pooh books. In his first book, he brings out the essential tenets and perspectives of Taoism, in terms accessible to Westerners. In his second book, he elucidates the Taoist concept of 'Virtue - of the small'; though, he also uses it as an opportunity to elaborate on his introduction to Taoism. It is written with many embedded stories from the A.A. Milne Winnie the Pooh books, both for entertainment and because they serve as very useful tools for explaining Taoism -most Chinese stories are rather inaccessible to Westerners.
In The Te of Piglet, Piglet is shown to possess great power -a common interpretation of the word Te, which more commonly means Virtue-, not only because he is small, but, also, because he has a great heart or, to use a Taoist/Chinese word, Tz'u. The book goes through the other characters— Tigger, Owl, Rabbit, Eeyore, and Pooh—to show the various aspects of our humanity that Taoism says gets in the way of living in harmony with the Tao.
Over the centuries Taoism classic teachings were developed and divided into philosophical, monastic, and folk religious forms. All of these could be included under the general heading of Taoism. But the basic Taoism is simply a particular way of appreciating, learning from, and working with whatever happens in everyday life. From the Taoist point of view, the natural result of this harmonious way of living is happiness.
One of the basic principles of Taoism is P'U, the Uncarved Block. The essence of the Uncarved Block is that things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power, power that is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed. This principle applies not only to things, but to people as well. Or Bears. Which brings us to Pooh, the very Epitome of the Uncarved Block. When you discard arrogance, complexity, and a few, other things that get in the way, sooner or later you will discover that simple, childlike, and mysterious secret known to those of the Uncarved Block: Life is Fun. Along with that comes the ability to do things spontaneously and have them work, odd as that may appear to others at times. As Piglet put it in 'Winnie-the-Pooh', "Pooh hasn't much Brain, but he never comes to any harm. He does silly things and they turn out right."
Owl instead, is the opposite of Pooh, the Knowledge for the sake of Appearing Wise, the one who studies Knowledge for the sake of Knowledge, and who keeps what he learns to himself or to his own small group, rather than working for the enlightenment of others. That way, the scholars can appear Superior, and will not likely be suspected of Not Knowing Something. After all, from the scholarly point of view, it's practically a crime not to know everything. But sometimes the knowledge of the scholar is a bit hard to understand because it doesn't seem to match up with our own experience of things. Isn't the knowledge that comes from experience more valuable than the knowledge that doesn't?
While Owl's little routine is that of Knowledge for the sake of Appearing Wise, Eeyore's is that of Knowledge for the sake of Complaining About Something and Rabbit's is that of Knowledge of Being Clever. As anyone who doesn't have it can see, the Eeyore Attitude gets in the way of things like wisdom and happiness, and pretty much prevents any sort of real Accomplishment in life. Cleverness, after all, has its limitations. Its mechanical judgments and clever remarks tend to prove inaccurate with passing time, because it doesn't look very deeply into things to begin with. The thing that makes someone truly different -unique, in fact- is something that Cleverness cannot really understand.
"A fish can't whistle and neither can I." There's nothing wrong with not being able to whistle, especially if you're a fish. But there can be lots of things wrong with blindly trying to do what you aren't designed for. Unfortunately, some people aren't so wise, and end up causing big trouble for themselves and others. The wise know their limitations; the foolish do not. To demonstrate what we mean, we can think of no one better than Tigger, who doesn't know his limitations ('Tiggers can do everything'), which brings him in lots of trouble. Piglet instead knows his limitations and that's what makes him sometimes more braver than you would expect from such a small animal. So, the first thing we need to do is recognize and trust our own Inner Nature, and not lose sight of it. Inside the Bouncy Tigger is the Rescuer who knows the Way, and in each of us is something Special, and that we need to keep:
"Tigger is all right really," said Piglet lazily.
"Of course he is," said Christopher Robin.
"Everybody is really," said Pooh. "That's what I think," said Pooh.
"But I don't suppose I'm right," he said.
"Of course you are," said Christopher Robin.
This text is taken from 'The Tao of Pooh' by Benjamin Hoff, published by Mandarin Paperbacks. Also published by Mandarin Paperbacks and written by Benjamin Hoff; 'The Te of Piglet'.
In this second book he makes the explicit statement that it isn't a sequel to his first book, but rather a companion. The book is based around two topics, the concept of Te, the Chinese word meaning 'power' or 'virtue' and Piglet, of the Winnie the Pooh books. In his first book, he brings out the essential tenets and perspectives of Taoism, in terms accessible to Westerners. In his second book, he elucidates the Taoist concept of 'Virtue - of the small'; though, he also uses it as an opportunity to elaborate on his introduction to Taoism. It is written with many embedded stories from the A.A. Milne Winnie the Pooh books, both for entertainment and because they serve as very useful tools for explaining Taoism -most Chinese stories are rather inaccessible to Westerners.
In The Te of Piglet, Piglet is shown to possess great power -a common interpretation of the word Te, which more commonly means Virtue-, not only because he is small, but, also, because he has a great heart or, to use a Taoist/Chinese word, Tz'u. The book goes through the other characters— Tigger, Owl, Rabbit, Eeyore, and Pooh—to show the various aspects of our humanity that Taoism says gets in the way of living in harmony with the Tao.
HOW TO USE THE FIVE ELEMENTS OF FENG SHUI TO CREATE HARMONY IN YOUR HOME
Here in an overview of the "Five Elements" that make up the principle of "Feng Shui" and how you can incorporate them into your home to make it a "Zen" or harmonius place.
First the "Five Elements"
Are the natural forces of Fire and Water, which one brought together in a unity of opposites. Both forces are purifying as well as protective. Connected with the cosmic powers of the sun and moon. Where they are truly combined. Fire(as the sun) is usually male and water(as the moon) female.
Water-Yin Value
Always in motion. Changes colour in the light of the stars, reflects the world of man, "speaks" with murmering and roaring, brings new life to dried out vegitation, refreshes men and animals, the tired and the ill and heals. Because it dissolves earth it is also suitable for purifying the soul. Water also demonstrates destructive forces.
Fire-Yang Value
Considered to be a personified animated or living power it moves violently, devours and becomes hungrier, it spread fast into a giant blaze and is red like human blood and warm like the human body. I makes the plants that it has devoured suitable for fertilizing the earth, it shines brightly in the night and by transference may have "eternal life" or by rekindling can be made into a "perpetual fire".
It's chief functions are similar to water, to purify and to ward off evil. Fire is believed to have heavenly origins.
Earth and Wood-Yin Value of Water
Metal-Yang Value of Fire
Here is where and how you can use the elements in your home to trigger the maximum amount of Reflection, Serenity and Creativity that you can.
Entrance Ways
It is important that the flow of Chi from the front to the back of your home is not hindered. It is also best to have it flow through in a meandering path and not a direct line. Entrance ways off the street or through your garden to the front door will determine the qualities of Chi that flow into your home. Therefore it is important to use curved pathways or garden beds. Breaking up the direction of pavers to allow curved lines will also help. A birdbath, fountain or a small pond along the way will bring balance and improve the qualities of Chi.
Too large a doorway will allow Chi to escape from your home. If this is a problem for you it can be easily counteracted by placing Windchimes outside the door. This will also discourage Sha (negative energy) from entering your home. Too small a doorway will not allow enough Chi to enter the home, but placing a mirror on either side of the door or on a wall opposite the door will help to fix the problem.
If the back door can be seen from the front door, Chi can flow straight through your home without circulating. Placing a large potted plant or a screen in between the two will break up the straight lines and help to deflect Chi.
The entrance hall is most auspicious in terms of Feng Shui as it is the place where one might pause upon entering or leaving the home, thus being energized by the Chi that flows through it. Entrance halls that have no windows or doors leading from them or are enclosed in some way can cause Chi to stagnate. Again mirrors or a ceiling fan or maybe a small water fountain will solve this problem.
Stairways
Poorly positioned stairways can cause problems in the way they defect Chi. A stairway directly opposite the front door will allow most of the Chi to rush through and up to the next level causing the ground floor to starve. Mirrors, Windchimes, potted plants and screens are all effective ways of slowing down the movement of Chi in this case.
If you have an open stairway that uses risers as opposed to filled in steps it will not allow enough Chi to flow to the next floor. Placing plants beneath the stairs will help to deflect Chi upwards, thus allowing the flow to continue. A skylight over the stairs will also help improve the situation.
Stairways that curve along their path are obviously ideal, but what can be done to help if there is too sharp a bend. Again we solve this dilemma with the use of mirrors, plants or Windchimes.
Lounge Room
The lounge room is the place reserved for relaxation, conversation, interaction and relationships. It is therefore considered in Feng Shui terms to be the heart of the home.
The lounge room should be in the south side of the home or should face south. West is also a good outlook and it should have a pleasant view. If the view from your lounge room has harsh lines or angles such as a neighbouring home or a city skyline, try breaking the lines up with large plants.
Your lounge room should be square or rectangular in shape and the furniture should be placed so as to break opposing straight lines. This will allow Chi to flow gently through a room. Alcoves and dead areas can be broken up with the placement of plants, large items of furniture or fish tanks.
Flat ceilings are best for promoting the flow of Chi. If, however, you have a sloped ceiling or exposed beams you should use Windchimes or bamboo flutes as a remedy.
Many lounge rooms are adjacent to dining rooms or kitchens and in these cases it is best to have a visual barrier placed between them such as a screen or large plants. If you have doors in between, try to keep them closed.
Seating in your lounge room should be placed in a way that breaks up direct pathways. Avoid placing the back of a lounge chair or settee directly toward a wall. This will break the lines and secret arrows which produce Sha energy. There should also be an even number of seats in the room. The most comfortable seat in the room should be reserved for a guest and should never have its back facing a door. The lounge room should have an open and inviting feel to it. Avoid overcrowding the room with furniture. If necessary remove the least used items in the room to achieve this feeling. An area that has stagnant Chi is best remedied with an aquarium or a television. The placement of flowers or potted plants are also effective enhancers for these areas.
Colour your room wisely. Don't use harsh colours or colours that oppose the furniture or artwork. Where possible derive the colours from your artwork to help create a harmony between the two. Soft pastels are always good. Before making a final decision on colour, check the symbolic definition for them. e.g. Yellow = authority, White = purity, Green = longevity, Blue = heavenly blessings, Red = happiness.
Dining Room
The ideal shape for your table is the octagon of the eight sided Bagwa. However tables of this shape are difficult to come by and not always practical. A round table is said by some experts to be "as good" symbolising earth and stability. If your table is rectangular or square, the placing of an octagonal centre piece or place mats is good Feng Shui.To enhance your health, wealth and happiness place the Three Star Gods over looking your dining table
When arranging furniture in the dining room ensure that chairs do not restrict doorways. There should be ample space for guests to walk around the table without having to manoeuvre around chairs or other furniture.
There should be an even number of dining chairs and remember to seat an honoured guest facing the doorway. Dining chairs with a horseshoe shaped back are ideal Feng Shui as this shape represents the "Dragon embracing the Tiger".
If your dining room has no windows a chandelier or a ceiling fan will assist the flow of Chi. Always use soft even lighting in the dining room as well as soft colours such as shades of green or yellow.
Kitchen
The Chinese believe malevolent spirits come from the North and so Good Feng Shui dictates that your Kitchen should NOT face this direction as it may increase the chance of mishaps. The use of crystals or Windchimes hanging from windows or doorways facing this direction is an effective cure.
The kitchen sink represents water and your stove represents fire. Ideally these two elements should not be side-by-side. The stove should be positioned so as to avoid the cook standing with their back to a doorway. A mirror or any highly reflective kitchen appliance placed above the stove will counteract this problem by providing reflection so that the cook can not be taken by surprise. Good lighting and ventilation by the stove will reduce the influence of Sha.
White is the preferred colour for kitchens. It symbolises purity and therefore promotes good health from well prepared (pure) food. Cutlery should not be stored in a stagnant area as the negative influence on sharp object will serve to cut your health. Place them in a drawer nearest to the doorway or window.
A toilet next to a kitchen produces Sha (negative energy). Keeping the door closed and the toilet lid down will help as will the placement of a Bagwa on the toilet door.
Bedroom
Adults will benefit more from a bedroom facing west into gentle rays of the setting sun, where as children will reap the rewards of the bedroom facing east toward the invigorating morning rays. Those with no children should decide which is best for themselves, be it a deeper more relaxing sleep (west) or the vitality and motivation of morning (east).
The bed should not be placed so that the occupants feet face a doorway. This is the way the deceased are carried from a room. Neither should your bed directly face a window as the glare attracts Sha energy. A Windchimes or Bagwa will remedy this situation.
No more than two mirrors should be placed in a bedroom as this will excite Chi and avoid placing a mirror at the foot of the bed or opposite a window. A bedroom beside the living room is good Feng Shui and in the case of a two-storey home directly above a lounge room.
Remember this is a room for relaxation the colours you choose should be peaceful and tranquil. Too vibrant a colour will excite Chi making it difficult to rest. This also applies to the lighting in your bedroom. Try lowering the wattage of the globes used in this room.
Bathroom
The bathroom facing north is ideal as this direction is associated with water. The colours Blue and Black are favoured here for their significance to water also. North is also associated with malevolent spirits and therefore subject to mishap. Great care should be taken to ensure the safety of children and the elderly for this reason. Sharp objects and non-slip surfaces are things to consider as are the proximity of water to electrical outlets.
Bathrooms and toilets are used for hygiene. These rooms can actually pollute Chi and so we encourage the speedy flow of Chi here. The aim is to wash away the pollution and replace the Chi as quickly as possible. Breezy windows, mirrors and Feng Shui crystals will assist the flow of Chi. Keep the toilet door closed and the lid down also place a Bagwa Mirror (Octagonal) on the door.
Since we are encouraging the flow of Chi in this area we need to be careful not to drain Chi from a wealth area such as a home office or study nearby.
Ensure that from the bath or shower the door can be seen, a carefully placed mirror can help prevent the bather from being taken by surprise.
Study
It is important to keep this room tidy and uncluttered as failing to do so will produce Sha. As this is a room where we require creativity and contemplation we must do all we can to produce Chi. It is helpful to have an area with no shelving where a comfortable high-backed chair can be placed for quite contemplation. The Chinese refer to this area as the Ming T'ang. Placing a picture symbolising water behind the chair will help encourage the flow of creative energy.
Place the desk so that the window is to the left of the seating position and so that the door can be seen from the desk. Do not allow the occupants back to face the door. If there is no window available put a mirror in its place.
Take care to remedy the view of threatening elements from the window with Windchimes or plants. Cactus and Bamboo are plants grown in very harsh conditions and symbolise good fortune, thus making them ideal for placement in the home office, study or wealth area. Any sharp leaved plants are good Feng Shui in this area as they are believed to deter harmful influences.
This and more can be found at: http://www.all-about-feng-shui.info/free-feng-shui-tips-for-homes.html
First the "Five Elements"
Are the natural forces of Fire and Water, which one brought together in a unity of opposites. Both forces are purifying as well as protective. Connected with the cosmic powers of the sun and moon. Where they are truly combined. Fire(as the sun) is usually male and water(as the moon) female.
Water-Yin Value
Always in motion. Changes colour in the light of the stars, reflects the world of man, "speaks" with murmering and roaring, brings new life to dried out vegitation, refreshes men and animals, the tired and the ill and heals. Because it dissolves earth it is also suitable for purifying the soul. Water also demonstrates destructive forces.
Fire-Yang Value
Considered to be a personified animated or living power it moves violently, devours and becomes hungrier, it spread fast into a giant blaze and is red like human blood and warm like the human body. I makes the plants that it has devoured suitable for fertilizing the earth, it shines brightly in the night and by transference may have "eternal life" or by rekindling can be made into a "perpetual fire".
It's chief functions are similar to water, to purify and to ward off evil. Fire is believed to have heavenly origins.
Earth and Wood-Yin Value of Water
Metal-Yang Value of Fire
Here is where and how you can use the elements in your home to trigger the maximum amount of Reflection, Serenity and Creativity that you can.
Entrance Ways
It is important that the flow of Chi from the front to the back of your home is not hindered. It is also best to have it flow through in a meandering path and not a direct line. Entrance ways off the street or through your garden to the front door will determine the qualities of Chi that flow into your home. Therefore it is important to use curved pathways or garden beds. Breaking up the direction of pavers to allow curved lines will also help. A birdbath, fountain or a small pond along the way will bring balance and improve the qualities of Chi.
Too large a doorway will allow Chi to escape from your home. If this is a problem for you it can be easily counteracted by placing Windchimes outside the door. This will also discourage Sha (negative energy) from entering your home. Too small a doorway will not allow enough Chi to enter the home, but placing a mirror on either side of the door or on a wall opposite the door will help to fix the problem.
If the back door can be seen from the front door, Chi can flow straight through your home without circulating. Placing a large potted plant or a screen in between the two will break up the straight lines and help to deflect Chi.
The entrance hall is most auspicious in terms of Feng Shui as it is the place where one might pause upon entering or leaving the home, thus being energized by the Chi that flows through it. Entrance halls that have no windows or doors leading from them or are enclosed in some way can cause Chi to stagnate. Again mirrors or a ceiling fan or maybe a small water fountain will solve this problem.
Stairways
Poorly positioned stairways can cause problems in the way they defect Chi. A stairway directly opposite the front door will allow most of the Chi to rush through and up to the next level causing the ground floor to starve. Mirrors, Windchimes, potted plants and screens are all effective ways of slowing down the movement of Chi in this case.
If you have an open stairway that uses risers as opposed to filled in steps it will not allow enough Chi to flow to the next floor. Placing plants beneath the stairs will help to deflect Chi upwards, thus allowing the flow to continue. A skylight over the stairs will also help improve the situation.
Stairways that curve along their path are obviously ideal, but what can be done to help if there is too sharp a bend. Again we solve this dilemma with the use of mirrors, plants or Windchimes.
Lounge Room
The lounge room is the place reserved for relaxation, conversation, interaction and relationships. It is therefore considered in Feng Shui terms to be the heart of the home.
The lounge room should be in the south side of the home or should face south. West is also a good outlook and it should have a pleasant view. If the view from your lounge room has harsh lines or angles such as a neighbouring home or a city skyline, try breaking the lines up with large plants.
Your lounge room should be square or rectangular in shape and the furniture should be placed so as to break opposing straight lines. This will allow Chi to flow gently through a room. Alcoves and dead areas can be broken up with the placement of plants, large items of furniture or fish tanks.
Flat ceilings are best for promoting the flow of Chi. If, however, you have a sloped ceiling or exposed beams you should use Windchimes or bamboo flutes as a remedy.
Many lounge rooms are adjacent to dining rooms or kitchens and in these cases it is best to have a visual barrier placed between them such as a screen or large plants. If you have doors in between, try to keep them closed.
Seating in your lounge room should be placed in a way that breaks up direct pathways. Avoid placing the back of a lounge chair or settee directly toward a wall. This will break the lines and secret arrows which produce Sha energy. There should also be an even number of seats in the room. The most comfortable seat in the room should be reserved for a guest and should never have its back facing a door. The lounge room should have an open and inviting feel to it. Avoid overcrowding the room with furniture. If necessary remove the least used items in the room to achieve this feeling. An area that has stagnant Chi is best remedied with an aquarium or a television. The placement of flowers or potted plants are also effective enhancers for these areas.
Colour your room wisely. Don't use harsh colours or colours that oppose the furniture or artwork. Where possible derive the colours from your artwork to help create a harmony between the two. Soft pastels are always good. Before making a final decision on colour, check the symbolic definition for them. e.g. Yellow = authority, White = purity, Green = longevity, Blue = heavenly blessings, Red = happiness.
Dining Room
The ideal shape for your table is the octagon of the eight sided Bagwa. However tables of this shape are difficult to come by and not always practical. A round table is said by some experts to be "as good" symbolising earth and stability. If your table is rectangular or square, the placing of an octagonal centre piece or place mats is good Feng Shui.To enhance your health, wealth and happiness place the Three Star Gods over looking your dining table
When arranging furniture in the dining room ensure that chairs do not restrict doorways. There should be ample space for guests to walk around the table without having to manoeuvre around chairs or other furniture.
There should be an even number of dining chairs and remember to seat an honoured guest facing the doorway. Dining chairs with a horseshoe shaped back are ideal Feng Shui as this shape represents the "Dragon embracing the Tiger".
If your dining room has no windows a chandelier or a ceiling fan will assist the flow of Chi. Always use soft even lighting in the dining room as well as soft colours such as shades of green or yellow.
Kitchen
The Chinese believe malevolent spirits come from the North and so Good Feng Shui dictates that your Kitchen should NOT face this direction as it may increase the chance of mishaps. The use of crystals or Windchimes hanging from windows or doorways facing this direction is an effective cure.
The kitchen sink represents water and your stove represents fire. Ideally these two elements should not be side-by-side. The stove should be positioned so as to avoid the cook standing with their back to a doorway. A mirror or any highly reflective kitchen appliance placed above the stove will counteract this problem by providing reflection so that the cook can not be taken by surprise. Good lighting and ventilation by the stove will reduce the influence of Sha.
White is the preferred colour for kitchens. It symbolises purity and therefore promotes good health from well prepared (pure) food. Cutlery should not be stored in a stagnant area as the negative influence on sharp object will serve to cut your health. Place them in a drawer nearest to the doorway or window.
A toilet next to a kitchen produces Sha (negative energy). Keeping the door closed and the toilet lid down will help as will the placement of a Bagwa on the toilet door.
Bedroom
Adults will benefit more from a bedroom facing west into gentle rays of the setting sun, where as children will reap the rewards of the bedroom facing east toward the invigorating morning rays. Those with no children should decide which is best for themselves, be it a deeper more relaxing sleep (west) or the vitality and motivation of morning (east).
The bed should not be placed so that the occupants feet face a doorway. This is the way the deceased are carried from a room. Neither should your bed directly face a window as the glare attracts Sha energy. A Windchimes or Bagwa will remedy this situation.
No more than two mirrors should be placed in a bedroom as this will excite Chi and avoid placing a mirror at the foot of the bed or opposite a window. A bedroom beside the living room is good Feng Shui and in the case of a two-storey home directly above a lounge room.
Remember this is a room for relaxation the colours you choose should be peaceful and tranquil. Too vibrant a colour will excite Chi making it difficult to rest. This also applies to the lighting in your bedroom. Try lowering the wattage of the globes used in this room.
Bathroom
The bathroom facing north is ideal as this direction is associated with water. The colours Blue and Black are favoured here for their significance to water also. North is also associated with malevolent spirits and therefore subject to mishap. Great care should be taken to ensure the safety of children and the elderly for this reason. Sharp objects and non-slip surfaces are things to consider as are the proximity of water to electrical outlets.
Bathrooms and toilets are used for hygiene. These rooms can actually pollute Chi and so we encourage the speedy flow of Chi here. The aim is to wash away the pollution and replace the Chi as quickly as possible. Breezy windows, mirrors and Feng Shui crystals will assist the flow of Chi. Keep the toilet door closed and the lid down also place a Bagwa Mirror (Octagonal) on the door.
Since we are encouraging the flow of Chi in this area we need to be careful not to drain Chi from a wealth area such as a home office or study nearby.
Ensure that from the bath or shower the door can be seen, a carefully placed mirror can help prevent the bather from being taken by surprise.
Study
It is important to keep this room tidy and uncluttered as failing to do so will produce Sha. As this is a room where we require creativity and contemplation we must do all we can to produce Chi. It is helpful to have an area with no shelving where a comfortable high-backed chair can be placed for quite contemplation. The Chinese refer to this area as the Ming T'ang. Placing a picture symbolising water behind the chair will help encourage the flow of creative energy.
Place the desk so that the window is to the left of the seating position and so that the door can be seen from the desk. Do not allow the occupants back to face the door. If there is no window available put a mirror in its place.
Take care to remedy the view of threatening elements from the window with Windchimes or plants. Cactus and Bamboo are plants grown in very harsh conditions and symbolise good fortune, thus making them ideal for placement in the home office, study or wealth area. Any sharp leaved plants are good Feng Shui in this area as they are believed to deter harmful influences.
This and more can be found at: http://www.all-about-feng-shui.info/free-feng-shui-tips-for-homes.html
ORIGINS OF "CHI" AND IT'S RELATIONSHIP TO THE CONCEPTS OF "YIN AND YANG"
Lets start with a few basic definitions.
Chi-short form of the Chinese concept of Tai Chi- meaning "Great Ultimate".
Tai Chi- The book of Changes or the "I Ching" defines Tai Chi as "The external source and cause of reality". Simply put, every source of matter in the cosmos is effected by two primary energies.
Yin- The passive
Yang- The active
I Ching- One of the five Chinese classics of Confucianism. Origionally used for divination, popularity and influence grew due to a system of cosmology that saw man and nature as a single system.
The uniqueness of the "I Ching" consists in its presentation of 64 symbolic hexagrams that if properly understood and interpreted are said to contain profound meanings applicable to daily life. The hexagrams are formed by joining in pairs, one above the other, eight basic trigrams. each trigram has a name, a root meaning and a symbol meaning.
Wen Wang- (12th century) Is generally credited with having formed the hexagrams.
The hexagrams are created in one of several ways. the hexagram is built up from the bottom, line by line, by successive lots. Solid lines have the number nine, broken lines have the number six. Solid lines represent "Yang" (the cosmic male principle), while broken lines represent "Yin" (the female, cosmic principle).
Individual lines of a hexagram have been compared to single notes of music. Though each note has a quality and significance itself, its truest significance depends on its place in a musical score. since the same principle applies to individual lines of a hexagon, the "I Ching" text explains each line seperately, then gives an overall interpretation of the unit. The text is often cryptic and though provoking, allowing a wide range of intpretatio amongst users.
Yin-Yang- The two complementary forces or principles, that make up all aspects and phenomena of life.
"Yin" is conceived from the earth, female, dark, passive and obsorbing, it is present in even numbers, in valleys and streams and is represented by the tiger, the colour orange and a broken line.
"Yang" is conceived the heavens, male, light, active and penetrating. It is present in odd numbers, in mountains and is represented by the dragon, the colour azure and an unbroken line.
The two are both said to proceed from the Supreme Ultimate (T'ai Chi). They interplay on one another (as one increases, the other decreases) being a description of the actual process of the universe. In harmony, the two depicted as the light and dark halves of a circle. The concept of Yin-Yang is associated in Chinese thought with the idea of five elements (Wu Hsing).
Neo-Confucian- Philosophers of the Sung Dynasty (A.D 960-1279) associated Tai-Chi with the concept of "Li" ("principle"); the supreme rational principle of the universe.
Li encompasses Chi(Virtual matter). Transformed through the Yin and Yang cycles of development into the "Five Elements" (wood, earth, fire, metal, water).
Neo-Confucianism- The NeoConfucian philosophy, in the narrow sense is traditionally traced through a line of thinkers, from Chou-Tan-I (1017-73), through Shao- Yung (1011-77), Chung Tsai (1020-77), brothers Ch'eng I (1033-1107) and Ch'eng Hao (1032-85) and finally the great Chu Hsi (1130-1200).
Chou Tan I and Shao-Yung regarded precursors of the Neo-Confucian movement than as its founders, both influenced by modes of thought that had been current in Taoist circles in late T'ang Dynasty and they concentrated on cosmic speculation.
Chang Tsai-Concerned with developing a meta physical system based on the complementary principles of Yin-Yang.
Ch'eng Brothers-Brought the movement to maturity by shifting emphasis from Cosmotology back to human affairs.
Chang Tsai-Concept of Chi (defined litterally as "Air")
Cheng I-Added the concept of Li(reason) to give understanding of both the world and the human mind. The philosophy became known as Li Hsueh (Study of Reason).
Ch'eng Hao-Developed the philosophy with a some what different emphasis, giving rise to the divergent branch of Neo-Confucism known as Hsin Hsueh (Study of Mind).
Chu Hsi-A century later, gave definitive form to the philosophical system. The basic concept of Li(reason).
Li is something inmaterial, immutable and inherent in all things. Gives them form and constitutes their essence. All things posses Li from their first movement of existance and nothing does not have Li. On the other hand Li can exist without things. Thus Li can exist without things but things cannot exist without Li. In the universe their exists an overall Li, which embraces and unites the Li of all things and is called the "T'ai Chi". Simply, "this is the highest of all, beyond which nothing can be". The relation between the T'ai Chi and Li is not that of whole and part.
Li-Constitutes only "a pure empty and vast world, without shape or faces"
Chi-Brings things into existance.
Hence both are necessary in every things existance. Chi bringing the two into being and Li making the thing what it is (the physical nature of a thing eg. man or bird). The Li has become known as human nature that is inherent in the individual. Li for all man is the same, it is the Chi that makes them different (a certain type of quality of man). The Chi in some individuals is clear and they are the excellors, while in some others is cloudy and they are the fools and knaves. On the basiss of this doctrine of Li and Chi, Chu Hsi presents the theory of human nature.
"On one hand, human nature is good because of the Li of humanity can be nothing but good. On the other hand evil exists because of the individuals physical nature or the kind of chi he receives."
The concept of T'ai Chi was underlined in the 11th century by Chou Tun I. Together with Yung, added a strong Taoist strain to the formulation of Neo-Confucism.
Tsai-First spoke of the concept of Chi. Stressing the complete unity of all things. The identification of man, heaven and earth.
In the direct line of Chu Hsi's mentors were the Cheng Brothers. Both made the concepto f Li prominent in their teachings, but also marked a doctorial rift within Neo-Confucism. The concepts at issue are those of Li(principle) and Hsin(mind).
Two Schools
Chu Hsi-(Li Hsuch)-Interpretation of Li and Hsin followed the teachings of Cheng I. His philosophy states "Mind is Li, inherent in things, there is no abstract, Li is eternal"
Lu Chiu-Yuan-(Hsin Hsueh)-Faithful to Ch'eng Hao. His philosophy states "The universe is the mind, the mind is the universe".
The difference is fundamental, Chu Hsi advocated a dualistic system based on the concept of Li and Chi. While Lu Chiu-Yuan advocated a monistic system of the mind, which controlled the universe including the Li.
Taoism and Confucianism
Confucianism is concerned with human society and the social responsibilities of its members. Taoism emphasises nature and what is natural and spontaneous in man. The two traditions "within society" and "beyond society" complement each other and balance.
Taoism- The idea of Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang literally mean "dark side" and "sunny side" of a hill. They are meantioned for the first time in the "Appended Explanations" or the Hsi Tz'u (4th century BC) an appendix to the I Ching.
In the Hsi Tz'u it describes how the one "Promordial Breath" split into the light Yang breath, which formed Heaven. The heavier Yin breath, formed Earth. The diversifications and interactions of Yin and Yang produced the Ten Thousand Beings.
"The warm breath of Yang accumulated to produce fire, the essence of which formed the sun. The cold breath of Yin accumulated to produce water, the essence of which became the moon."
Yin and Yang are often refered to as two breaths or "Chi". Chi means "air" or cosmic energy.
The Primordial Breath
Is a name of the chaos (state of unity) in which the original life force is not yet divided into the phases that the concepts of Yin and Yang describe. Every man has a portion of the primordial life force allotted to them at birth and their task is not to use it up foolishly, but rather strengthen it, control it and increase it in order to live out their full span of life. Another important set of notions associated with the school of Yin-Yang are the "Five Agents" or "phases" or "powers". They being water, fire, wood, metal and earth. They are also "breaths".
Sung Dynasty(960-1279AD)
Founded when Chao K'uang-Yin, the military inspector general of the Chau dynasty. Last of the "Five Dynasties", took control of the empire by coup. Followed Confucion principles; lived modestly.
Five Dynasties
Between the fall of the T'ang(AD907) and the founding of the Sung(960) when five would be dynasties followed on e another in quick succession in North China.
1. Later Liang- Established by rebel leader Chu Wen. Murdered by his own son in 912AD.
2.Later T'ang- Later Liang overthrown by one of its own generals. Li Ts'un-Lsu in 923AD.
3.Later Chin-Later T'ang terminated when one of its generals Shih Ching-T'ang, overthrew his master with the aid of the Khitan, a people from Inner Asia, when Shih Ching-T'angs son attempted to end the tribute payments to the Khitan in 946AD he was taken captive.
4.Later Han-947AD former Later Chin general Liu Chihyuan, pushed the Khitan back into Inner Asia. But his regime only lasted four years.
5. Later Chou-Another general overthrew the thrown. The emperor died leaving an infant son on the thrown. As a result another general, Chao K'uang-Yin seized the thrown, founding the more long-lived "Sung Dynasty, thus bringing the "Five Dynasties" period to an end.
This period was in which printing blocks were developed and the first complete printing of the "Confucian Classics" was developed.
Confucianism
Was the way of life from the 6th to the 5th century BC, followed by the Chinese people for more than two thousand years. Traditionally the substance of learning, a source of values and the social code as well as a religion and a philosophy. Confucianism affected the daily lives of Taoists, Buddhists and Christians alike, until the establishment of the Communist regime.
Confucius lived in an era of political violence and social digration. In China he attracted 3,000 students to his modes of thought and action concerning restoration of harmony and order. In the late Chou period Confucianism became one of the six major philosphical schools, along with Taoism and the school of Yin-Yang.
It was not until the Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220), that Confucionism was adopted by the state as orthodoxy. One of the six classical texts considered important during this period was the I Ching.
Excerpts courtesy ofthe Encyclopedia Brittanica.
Chi-short form of the Chinese concept of Tai Chi- meaning "Great Ultimate".
Tai Chi- The book of Changes or the "I Ching" defines Tai Chi as "The external source and cause of reality". Simply put, every source of matter in the cosmos is effected by two primary energies.
Yin- The passive
Yang- The active
I Ching- One of the five Chinese classics of Confucianism. Origionally used for divination, popularity and influence grew due to a system of cosmology that saw man and nature as a single system.
The uniqueness of the "I Ching" consists in its presentation of 64 symbolic hexagrams that if properly understood and interpreted are said to contain profound meanings applicable to daily life. The hexagrams are formed by joining in pairs, one above the other, eight basic trigrams. each trigram has a name, a root meaning and a symbol meaning.
Wen Wang- (12th century) Is generally credited with having formed the hexagrams.
The hexagrams are created in one of several ways. the hexagram is built up from the bottom, line by line, by successive lots. Solid lines have the number nine, broken lines have the number six. Solid lines represent "Yang" (the cosmic male principle), while broken lines represent "Yin" (the female, cosmic principle).
Individual lines of a hexagram have been compared to single notes of music. Though each note has a quality and significance itself, its truest significance depends on its place in a musical score. since the same principle applies to individual lines of a hexagon, the "I Ching" text explains each line seperately, then gives an overall interpretation of the unit. The text is often cryptic and though provoking, allowing a wide range of intpretatio amongst users.
Yin-Yang- The two complementary forces or principles, that make up all aspects and phenomena of life.
"Yin" is conceived from the earth, female, dark, passive and obsorbing, it is present in even numbers, in valleys and streams and is represented by the tiger, the colour orange and a broken line.
"Yang" is conceived the heavens, male, light, active and penetrating. It is present in odd numbers, in mountains and is represented by the dragon, the colour azure and an unbroken line.
The two are both said to proceed from the Supreme Ultimate (T'ai Chi). They interplay on one another (as one increases, the other decreases) being a description of the actual process of the universe. In harmony, the two depicted as the light and dark halves of a circle. The concept of Yin-Yang is associated in Chinese thought with the idea of five elements (Wu Hsing).
Neo-Confucian- Philosophers of the Sung Dynasty (A.D 960-1279) associated Tai-Chi with the concept of "Li" ("principle"); the supreme rational principle of the universe.
Li encompasses Chi(Virtual matter). Transformed through the Yin and Yang cycles of development into the "Five Elements" (wood, earth, fire, metal, water).
Neo-Confucianism- The NeoConfucian philosophy, in the narrow sense is traditionally traced through a line of thinkers, from Chou-Tan-I (1017-73), through Shao- Yung (1011-77), Chung Tsai (1020-77), brothers Ch'eng I (1033-1107) and Ch'eng Hao (1032-85) and finally the great Chu Hsi (1130-1200).
Chou Tan I and Shao-Yung regarded precursors of the Neo-Confucian movement than as its founders, both influenced by modes of thought that had been current in Taoist circles in late T'ang Dynasty and they concentrated on cosmic speculation.
Chang Tsai-Concerned with developing a meta physical system based on the complementary principles of Yin-Yang.
Ch'eng Brothers-Brought the movement to maturity by shifting emphasis from Cosmotology back to human affairs.
Chang Tsai-Concept of Chi (defined litterally as "Air")
Cheng I-Added the concept of Li(reason) to give understanding of both the world and the human mind. The philosophy became known as Li Hsueh (Study of Reason).
Ch'eng Hao-Developed the philosophy with a some what different emphasis, giving rise to the divergent branch of Neo-Confucism known as Hsin Hsueh (Study of Mind).
Chu Hsi-A century later, gave definitive form to the philosophical system. The basic concept of Li(reason).
Li is something inmaterial, immutable and inherent in all things. Gives them form and constitutes their essence. All things posses Li from their first movement of existance and nothing does not have Li. On the other hand Li can exist without things. Thus Li can exist without things but things cannot exist without Li. In the universe their exists an overall Li, which embraces and unites the Li of all things and is called the "T'ai Chi". Simply, "this is the highest of all, beyond which nothing can be". The relation between the T'ai Chi and Li is not that of whole and part.
Li-Constitutes only "a pure empty and vast world, without shape or faces"
Chi-Brings things into existance.
Hence both are necessary in every things existance. Chi bringing the two into being and Li making the thing what it is (the physical nature of a thing eg. man or bird). The Li has become known as human nature that is inherent in the individual. Li for all man is the same, it is the Chi that makes them different (a certain type of quality of man). The Chi in some individuals is clear and they are the excellors, while in some others is cloudy and they are the fools and knaves. On the basiss of this doctrine of Li and Chi, Chu Hsi presents the theory of human nature.
"On one hand, human nature is good because of the Li of humanity can be nothing but good. On the other hand evil exists because of the individuals physical nature or the kind of chi he receives."
The concept of T'ai Chi was underlined in the 11th century by Chou Tun I. Together with Yung, added a strong Taoist strain to the formulation of Neo-Confucism.
Tsai-First spoke of the concept of Chi. Stressing the complete unity of all things. The identification of man, heaven and earth.
In the direct line of Chu Hsi's mentors were the Cheng Brothers. Both made the concepto f Li prominent in their teachings, but also marked a doctorial rift within Neo-Confucism. The concepts at issue are those of Li(principle) and Hsin(mind).
Two Schools
Chu Hsi-(Li Hsuch)-Interpretation of Li and Hsin followed the teachings of Cheng I. His philosophy states "Mind is Li, inherent in things, there is no abstract, Li is eternal"
Lu Chiu-Yuan-(Hsin Hsueh)-Faithful to Ch'eng Hao. His philosophy states "The universe is the mind, the mind is the universe".
The difference is fundamental, Chu Hsi advocated a dualistic system based on the concept of Li and Chi. While Lu Chiu-Yuan advocated a monistic system of the mind, which controlled the universe including the Li.
Taoism and Confucianism
Confucianism is concerned with human society and the social responsibilities of its members. Taoism emphasises nature and what is natural and spontaneous in man. The two traditions "within society" and "beyond society" complement each other and balance.
Taoism- The idea of Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang literally mean "dark side" and "sunny side" of a hill. They are meantioned for the first time in the "Appended Explanations" or the Hsi Tz'u (4th century BC) an appendix to the I Ching.
In the Hsi Tz'u it describes how the one "Promordial Breath" split into the light Yang breath, which formed Heaven. The heavier Yin breath, formed Earth. The diversifications and interactions of Yin and Yang produced the Ten Thousand Beings.
"The warm breath of Yang accumulated to produce fire, the essence of which formed the sun. The cold breath of Yin accumulated to produce water, the essence of which became the moon."
Yin and Yang are often refered to as two breaths or "Chi". Chi means "air" or cosmic energy.
The Primordial Breath
Is a name of the chaos (state of unity) in which the original life force is not yet divided into the phases that the concepts of Yin and Yang describe. Every man has a portion of the primordial life force allotted to them at birth and their task is not to use it up foolishly, but rather strengthen it, control it and increase it in order to live out their full span of life. Another important set of notions associated with the school of Yin-Yang are the "Five Agents" or "phases" or "powers". They being water, fire, wood, metal and earth. They are also "breaths".
Sung Dynasty(960-1279AD)
Founded when Chao K'uang-Yin, the military inspector general of the Chau dynasty. Last of the "Five Dynasties", took control of the empire by coup. Followed Confucion principles; lived modestly.
Five Dynasties
Between the fall of the T'ang(AD907) and the founding of the Sung(960) when five would be dynasties followed on e another in quick succession in North China.
1. Later Liang- Established by rebel leader Chu Wen. Murdered by his own son in 912AD.
2.Later T'ang- Later Liang overthrown by one of its own generals. Li Ts'un-Lsu in 923AD.
3.Later Chin-Later T'ang terminated when one of its generals Shih Ching-T'ang, overthrew his master with the aid of the Khitan, a people from Inner Asia, when Shih Ching-T'angs son attempted to end the tribute payments to the Khitan in 946AD he was taken captive.
4.Later Han-947AD former Later Chin general Liu Chihyuan, pushed the Khitan back into Inner Asia. But his regime only lasted four years.
5. Later Chou-Another general overthrew the thrown. The emperor died leaving an infant son on the thrown. As a result another general, Chao K'uang-Yin seized the thrown, founding the more long-lived "Sung Dynasty, thus bringing the "Five Dynasties" period to an end.
This period was in which printing blocks were developed and the first complete printing of the "Confucian Classics" was developed.
Confucianism
Was the way of life from the 6th to the 5th century BC, followed by the Chinese people for more than two thousand years. Traditionally the substance of learning, a source of values and the social code as well as a religion and a philosophy. Confucianism affected the daily lives of Taoists, Buddhists and Christians alike, until the establishment of the Communist regime.
Confucius lived in an era of political violence and social digration. In China he attracted 3,000 students to his modes of thought and action concerning restoration of harmony and order. In the late Chou period Confucianism became one of the six major philosphical schools, along with Taoism and the school of Yin-Yang.
It was not until the Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220), that Confucionism was adopted by the state as orthodoxy. One of the six classical texts considered important during this period was the I Ching.
Excerpts courtesy ofthe Encyclopedia Brittanica.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Script For "Catatonic"
CATATONIC
Written By
Kendall Oliphant
Copywrite 2003
FADE IN:
INT. OPENING TITLE AND NARRATIVE - NIGHT
(ALLEN)
The following poem appears on a black screen with white bold letters in lower case.
ALLEN
~Catatonic state. Pray for me, I'm going away. For you see my mind has strayed to realms that this world lacks, a catatonic state. Well I'm going away through the cracks in my mind, my dying soul will stray. Look in my eyes you'll see no fear or fading smile just broken will. No one allowed inside behind the skin I hide. A catatonic state. Well I'm going deep there's no more words or tears to cry away? A catatonic state. Well I'm going deep. Rustic strings of toil I leave for you to play. I've got a new home now, yeah it's all in my head. A catatonic state. Well I'm going deep, there's no more words or tears to cry away. A catatonic state. Well I'm going deep, rustic strings of toil I leave for you to play
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
INT. HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY
(NURSE 1, NURSE 2)
A receptionist sits behind a desk in an emergency room lobby attending to some paperwork.A couple of people wonder around the waiting room, otherwise it is a quiet night as suggested by a passing nurse to her colleague
NURSE 1
It is dead tonight, want to order some Thai food?
NURSE 2
(looking up)
No thanks maybe later
INT. HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY
(NURSE 1, EMT 1)
The calm is shattered as two EMT's crash through the front doors wheeling in a young male in obvious distress. The nurses jump to attention, starting a chain of activity
NURSE 1
What do we have?
EMT 1
Male twenty one, suffering from schizophrenia, according to a nurse at Shady Pine Sanatorium, he started convulsing about an hour ago. When we got there he was in the midst of a grand mal seizure, we restrained him for his own safety and transported him
NURSE 1
(talking to Allen)
Sir what is your name
(pause, no response)
Sir?
(Pause, no response)
EMT 1
He went that way as soon as we got him into the ambulance, completely non responsive
NURSE 1
He might be in a catatonic state, do you know his name?
EMT 1
According to Shady Pine his name is Allen MacKay
NURSE 1
Thank you, take him into three The EMT's nod and wheel Allen off
INT. HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY
(NURSE 1, NURSE 2)
The nurse returns to her station and picks up the receiver for the paging system
NURSE 1
Doctor Donald Fergus stat, Doctor Donald Fergus to emergency, thank you
Puts down the phone and gives instructions to her colleague
NURSE 1
Call Shady Pine and have his file sent and find out who his next of kin is
NURSE 2
Will do
INT. EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY
(ALLEN, DONALD, NURSE 3)
A small drab room. Two NURSEs are busy hooking Allen to an IV and various monitors for heart and respiratory Dr. DONALD Fergus, a senior physician at the hospital enters. Donald is fifty-five and has been the senior physician of the hospital for ten years. He is a respected doctor in the community and in the state of Virginia. His methods of treatment are sound in theory, although some of his opponents feel he is a bit old fashion when it comes to the field of mental health Donald takes out a pen light out of his lab coat and checks Allen's pupils
DONALD
How long has he been this way?
NURSE 3
The staff of the asylum said he had a seizure about an hour ago and he has been this way since
DONALD
Keep him restrained and transfer him upstairs
NURSE 3
Yes doctor
INT. EMERGENCY RECEPTION AREA - DAY
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH, NURSE 1)
CHRISTOPHER and MARY BETH MacKay nervously rush up to the receptionist counter
MARY BETH
Where is my son?
NURSE 1
What is his name?
MARY BETH
Allen MacKay
CHRISTOPHER
We are his parents Christopher and Mary Beth, we were told he had some kind of seizure?
INT. EMERGENCY RECEPTION AREA - DAY
(HUGH, CHRISTOPHER, ALLEN, NURSE 1)
Dr. HUGH Kincaid enters the receptionist are and eases the MacKay's tension
HUGH
Great, Christopher, Mary Beth, I am glad you are both here, have they told you where Allen is?
CHRISTOPHER
No, we just got here a second ago
HUGH
(talking to the nurse)
I am Dr. Hugh Kincaid, I understand my patient Allen MacKay had a seizure and was emitted, I would like to see him
NURSE 1
Of course doctor, he has been transferred to the psyche ward, third floor, room five
HUGH
Who is in charge of his file?
NURSE 1
Dr. Donald Fergus
HUGH
(showing his professionalism for his fellow doctor, tries to hind his content)
I see
(pause, smiles)
Thank you, lets go
Hugh exits with the MacKay's
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - DAY
(MARY BETH, HUGH, CHRISTOPHER, ALLEN)
Dr. Kincaid and the MacKay's walk down the hallway towards Allen's room
MARY BETH
Why is he in the psyche ward? He is not crazy or violent, he has schizophrenia
HUGH
(stops and tries to offer comfort)
I know, that is what I am going to find out, don't worry Mary Beth
CHRISTOPHER
(interjecting)
Hugh, I admit I haven't been the greatest father to Allen and I don't understand what he has, but he is still my son, please do not let them treat Allen like some kind of lunatic
HUGH
(turning to Christopher)
Trust me Chris, I know you and Mary Beth have not had it great lately and schizophrenia is tough to understand, especially the kind Allen has. Catatonic Schizophrenia is the least common type, I only heard of it twenty years ago, Allen was only my second patient, now I treat over thirty patients with the
Disease and I am only one of a couple of hundred doctors who specialize in this disease. He has had these seizures before, and I have brought him out of it every time, but I could not have done it without Allen. Some where locked in his brain is the realization that he is every bit as strong mentally as you and Mary Beth are. His fundamentals are rock solid, he is a good kid with an iron will.
You two should be proud of yourself, you took care of him for as long as you could, I hope some day he can leave Shady Pine for good. Maybe some day he will get married. My job is to make my patients better and I will not allow any treatments that I do not approve of. Stay here with Mary Beth and I will find out what is going on
CHRISTOPHER
(reassured)
Thank you doctor
MARY BETH
Thanks Hugh Dr Kincaid walks into the room and leaves the MacKay's outside. Christopher hugs a crying Mary Beth
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(ALLEN, HUGH, DONALD, REBECCA)
Allen is held to a bed with leather restraints. Attending to his chart is Dr.
Fergus, assisting him is a nurse Dr.Kincaid enters the room and immediately notices the restraints and Dr. Fergus
HUGH
Don nice to see you
DONALD
Hugh, I see this a patient under your care
HUGH
That is right, and if you do not mind please remove the restraints
DONALD
You do know just a couple of hours ago he was thrashing around, I do not want my nurses or himself injured
HUGH
He had a grandmal seizure, he has not had one since he was five, now he is in a catatonic state, he can not hurt anyone when he is like this, now remove the restraints
DONALD
Are you taking over his file?
HUGH
Yes, do not worry about your malpractice premiums, I will take complete responsibility for Allen's care
DONALD
If you insist Hugh
(Talking to the nurse)
Nurse, remove the restraints
REBECCA
(nervously begins to remove the straps)
Yes doctor
Donald hands Hugh Allen's Chart
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(HUGH, REBECCA)
Hugh notices the nurses apprehension and tries to reassure her
HUGH
Have not seen you on this ward, are you new?
REBECCA
Yes doctor, I just transferred up here this week
HUGH
From where?
REBECCA
Paediatrics
HUGH
Good choice, less mess up here, do not worry Allen is not violent, he has never struck anyone, he needs his hands to play the piano. Do you play any instruments..
(Hugh becomes stuck for a name)
REBECCA
Rebecca, a little piano, mostly at Christmas
HUGH
Rebecca, great, don't worry, you will be fine, just remember, he is not comatose.
He can hear you, but his mind will not allow him to respond or move. Just remember, you do not have to whisper, just be yourself
REBECCA
Thank you doctor I will remember that, I will leave you now Rebecca exits passing the MacKay's in the doorway
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(MARY BETH, HUGH, CHRISTOPHER)
The MACKAY'S enter the room
MARY BETH
Will he come out of it?
HUGH
He has never had a seizure this violent. Allen could stay Catatonic for a few hours or a few days, I can only do my best to bring him out of it, it is up to Allen now
CHRISTOPHER
What do we do now?
HUGH
I am going to start his therapy tomorrow, I have been using a technique called pacing and leading for ten years, I was the first to discover its benefits
CHRISTOPHER
How does it work?
HUGH
Leading and pacing is where you spend time with the patient, assuming the catatonic patients posture and breathing rhythm
MARY BETH
I do not follow?
HUGH
The idea is to have a rapport with the patient. The theory is that, although the patient can not physically respond to stimuli, their mind still responds to external stimuli at the fundamental level. You see by mimicking their condition it sends a message to the patient that you are on their level. It is difficult to explain, please feel free to sit in on the sessions and you will see how technique works
CHRISTOPHER
Does he need any other kind of help?
HUGH
He will need a physical therapist to manipulate his muscles. I work with a women names Allison Lang, she is also versed in the leading and pacing technique
MARY BETH
Thank you, I will be interested to see the results of your treatment
HUGH
I will have the nurse insert a urinary catheter and set up a feeding schedule. I will call Allison and have her come in tomorrow. Do not hesitate to phone me
CHRISTOPHER
Thank you doctor
HUGH
Good-night, try to get some rest
Hugh exits
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
Mary Beth and Christopher stand holding each other looking overwhelmed and helpless staring down at there son tight in on Allen's eyes. Through his eyelids we see his eyeballs twitching, indicating that Allen's brain has become stimulated with activity
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. ALLEN'S MIND-TUNNEL - DAY
(ALLEN)
TO A SERIES OF BLINDING FLASHING LIGHTS ALLEN, DRESSED IN A WHITE ROBE, WALKS CONFUSED DOWN A NARROW CORRIDOR WITH A LOW CEILING AND NO VISIBLE END. THERE IS NO WINDOWS, DOORS OR MARKINGS OF ANY KIND.
THE CORRIDOR IS BRIGHT WHITE AND LIT FROM ALL SIDES BY STROBE LIGHTS HIDDEN IN THE WALLS AND CEILING.
Allen walks some fifty feet and then the corridor disappears.
In its place a wind ravished rocky outcropping in the middle of a turbulent sea
EXT. ALLEN'S MIND-BEACH - DAY
(ALLEN, ECHOES)
Allen's mind takes him high above a ocean Allen stands in the middle of a small flat part of the rocks. He is now dressed in torn, dirty rags.
The winds batter against Allen, forcing him to seek shelter on the alee side of the rocks.
Allen becomes scared and confused. He reaches around his neck and clutches his cross and begins to call out to the lord
ALLEN
Oh lord what have I done to deserve this! Is this place hell or heaven? Is this purgatory, the place I deserve?
ECHOES
(From an unknown origin)
You know that is not true
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
(ALLEN, ALLISON, NURSE 5)
ALLISON finishes administration the fluid to Allen's feeding tube. She removes the clamp and the fluid begins to flow Allison sits down beside Allen and begins to manipulate the muscles in his arms A nurse (NURSE 5) on shift change pops her head into the room
NURSE 5
You still here Allison, do you ever sleep?
ALLISON
I am going to stay a couple of more hours
NURSE 5
He can't hear you, do not waist your time
ALLISON
You are wrong, he can hear, it is just his brain will not let him respond
NURSE 5
Maybe you are right, oh well good night
ALLISON
Good night
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(ALLEN, ALLISON)
Allison returns her attention to Allen, alerted by a beep from his feeding machine, indicating that Allen has finished.
Allison removes the feeding apparatus and sits back down
ALLISON
(talking out loud)
Allen I know you can here me, you can fight this, I do not understand what is going through your mind right now, but I do know you are not brain dead. You have plenty of people who care for you, fight, damn it!
Allison realizes she is becoming to emotional and draws back into the chair
ALLISON
God Allison get it together
Allison picks up her purse and prepares to leave. She stops long enough to touch Allen's cheek
ALLISON
Please lord give Allen back to those who care for him
Allison exits
CUT TO:
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
Christopher and Mary Beth sip drinks after dinner in a two star restaurant
CHRISTOPHER
I am glad you accepted my offer Mary Beth
MARY BETH
I am glad I did, how are you anyway?
CHRISTOPHER
The firms doing okay,I should be a full partner by next year? You?
MARY BETH
The housing markets a little down, but it will rebound
CHRISTOPHER
About Allen, when he comes out of this...
MARY BETH
...Maybe we can bring him home for a while
CHRISTOPHER
Sure, he has most of his stuff at your place, I would be happy to have him stay with me on weekends
MARY BETH
And maybe we can hire Allison on full time, she seems to have a good rapport with Allen
CHRISTOPHER
Allen seems to really responding to her, I will pay her wages
MARY BETH
We will work that out when the time comes. Are you in town for the night?
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah, I just got in, I will stay downtown and meet you at Dr. Kincaid's office tomorrow
MARY BETH
Why don't you stay back at my house? We can talk some more. I have still got that bottle of champagne you sent me for Christmas
CHRISTOPHER
Sure The two ex-spouses smile awkwardly as some hidden attractions begins to surface
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. HOME OF MARY BETH - NIGHT
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
A TWO STORY BUNGALOW PLAN, DECORATED IN A MIX OF MODERN AND GREEK REVIVAL.
A RICH BLUE COLOUR SCHEME IS ACCENTED WITH WHITE PLASTER STATUES OF ATHENA AND ZEUS. THE FLOOR PLAN IS AN OPEN CONCEPT WITH A LARGE LIVING ROOM GIVING WAY TO A SMALL GALLEY STYLE KITCHEN, SEPARATED BY A BREAKFAST COUNTER. ON ONE SIDE OF THE ROOM A
LARGE OVER SIZED SOFA SPANS TEN FEET ACROSS THE WALL. A MATCHING ARM CHAIR FILLS THE REMAINING SPACE.THE ROOM IS FILLED WITH VELVET TAPESTRY. HARD WOOD AND MARBLE TILE MESH THROUGHOUT THE HOME.
A BLACK GRAND PIANO IN THE CENTRE OF THE ROOM BECOMES THE FOCAL POINT CHRISTOPHER WALKS INTO THE ROOM CARRYING TWO FLUTES OF CHAMPAIGN
CHRISTOPHER
I like what you have done with the place, the piano looks great there
MARY BETH
Thanks, if it was not for Allan that piano would be collecting dust. I have not played since he was eight
CHRISTOPHER
I remember, the first thing you taught Allan was Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
MARY BETH
Now look at him, he can sit their for hours playing, he should be in Julliard, he is that good Christopher, but...
CHRISTOPHER
He is not dying Mary Beth, he has a disease that is holding his brain hostage, someday they will unlock the mysteries of Schizophrenia
MARY BETH
I know, but it scares me. I never know when he is going to have a seizure. I told you about the one he had last year, didn't I?
CHRISTOPHER
You mentioned that he was playing wildly? And then he collapsed?
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. HOME OF MARY BETH - DAY
(MARY BETH)
Mary Beth narrates a flash back. Allan sits at the piano with his eyes fixed out the window in a Catatonic state, playing a furious concerto that mimics the raging thoughts that swarm his brain
MARY BETH
He just began playing really fast and with such force, it sounded like thunder or some kind of storm. Then he just collapsed exhausted. He spent two days in the hospital, catatonic, with a fever of one hundred and two
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. HOME OF MARY BETH - NIGHT
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
The scene shifts back to the present as the MacKay's continue their conversation
CHRISTOPHER
I am sorry, I should have been their for him, instead I was gloating over my appointment to the firm
MARY BETH
You try, you are a good father to Allen, I wish it could have been different for us
CHRISTOPHER
I wish that too. And I wish I could reach into Allen's mind and dampen his storms
MARY BETH
Wow it is two thirty, we have to meet Dr. Kincaid for nine
CHRISTOPHER
Why don't you go to bed, I will sleep on the sofa
MARY BETH
Why don't you come up,it is a big bed. I do not feel like sleeping alone
The two agree awkwardly and exit up the stairs
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
EXT. FANTASY-GARDEN - DAY
(ALLEN, MAN, WOMEN GARDENING)
Allen walks a few steps behind an elderly MAN who leads him up a pathway towards a young WOMEN tending a garden. In her hand she uses a claw like tool with a handle that looks like a serpent wrapped around a staff. The women is at first oblivious to the pleas of the man dressed in a white robe adorned with a blood red sash
MAN
My fair care taker of this island abode, I have been sent by our lord to beg you to let this poor sole free, free to return to the mortals who love him
WOMEN GARDENING
(rising to her feet annoyed)
Our lord is jealous, he can not stand to see a mortal happy with one of us.
There is no point in arguing, take him and next time ask our Lord too do his own bidding!
The man summons Allen to step forth and prepare to come with him. Allen walks towards the out stretched hands of the man. The man then vanishes
EXT. FANTASY-GARDEN - DAY
(ALLEN, WOMEN GARDENING)
Allen stands before the women confused and suspicious
WOMEN GARDENING
Before you go my dear Allan, tell me this, if I told you that there is heart break and trouble ahead would you trade immortality with me for your mortal existence?
ALLEN
Yes, a thousand times over, I gladly await to see what the seas hand out
WOMEN GARDENING
(put off by Allen's answer)
Very well, here is a raft and five days provisions, be on your way
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. DR. KINCAID'S OFFICE - DAY
(HUGH, CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
The MacKay's enter, Dr. Kincaid stands to great them
HUGH
Good morning have a seat, I asked you two here this morning to discuss some very important issues concerning the well being of Allen
CHRISTOPHER
Like what?
HUGH
This is a difficult thing to decide on and I do not expect you to give me an answer right away, but I need you to give it your attention. I will do everything to provide you two and Allen the best medical care that I am capable of providing. I believe I can bring Allen out of this catatonic state. Through years of study with Allen and other patients I have perfected my pace and lead technique too the point that ninety percent of my patients recover and go on to live a normal life. Of course I am not saying I have a cure for this type of Schizophrenia but with the use of drugs like Lorazapram, and Chlorpromazine to control his mood swings as well as Risperidon too help lower the high levels of Serotonin and Dopamine in Allen's brain. High levels of these chemicals are causing Allen's brain to over work. I feel Allen can return to society in a productive manor with retraining
MARY BETH
We have the out most faith in you Hugh
HUGH
Good, have you two thought about care for Allen once he comes out of his catatonic state?
CHRISTOPHER
Yes, Mary Beth and I would like to bring him home and hire Miss Lang as a live in care provider, if she agrees
HUGH
Very well, but rest assure, Shady Pine will always welcome back Allen at any time you feel he has become too much for you to handle
MARY BETH
I think this time we are better suited to cope. We where going through some tough times together, Allen needs so much attention growing up, we just needed some time for ourselves
HUGH
That shows how caring you two are. Don't ever feel afraid to ask for help
CHRISTOPHER
Thank you Hugh
HUGH
Now that brings me to the difficult part, if Allen does not recover and stays
Catatonic for an extended time, what are your wishes
CHRISTOPHER
He is still alive, money is not an object, what ever it takes, for however long, please continue all care
HUGH
That was just a formality, you understand, I realize at times Allen has spoken out negatively towards you two, but please understand, that was this disease talking, deep inside, Allen feels the love that you two have bestowed. Someday that love will radiate back. Thank you for coming. I will see you later at the hospital
The three stand up, hugh hugs both Christopher and a sobbing Mary Beth
CUT TO:
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(ALLISON, DONALD, ALLEN)
Donald enters the room and witnesses first hand the lead and pace method that Allison is a student of.
Allen's body has been positioned this morning on his left side facing an oil painting of a sea scape that Allison has brought in. Allison sits semi prone in her chair trying to mimic Allen's position, she also begins a series of shallow breaths, also to mimic Allen
DONALD
(quietly interrupting)
That does not look comfortable
ALLISON
If I can connect with him, it is worth the trip too the chiropractor
DONALD
I can't say I understand Dr Kincaid's methods but if Allen comes out of this catatonia I will be happy
ALLISON
The method works, in the old days, no offence, Allen would be confined to a padded room or tied down. What is wrong with treating some one like a human being?
DONALD
Nothing, but I have read Dr. Fergus''s own report, Allen Kincaid has a history of anti- social behaviour, depression, violent fantasies that involve women. Heck the report even says that Allen once thought that the CIA had secretly installed radio transmitters in the hills and were broadcasting messages brainwashing him into thinking that the government was god. Allen thought he had discovered this plot when he hooked up the amplifier to the TV wrong and got feed back. On his computer his parents found a draft to the president stating that if they did not cease, he would go public. Does that sound like some one you wish to care about?
ALLISON
Allen was very sick before he came to Shady Pine, since myself and Dr Kincaid have been working out with him, Allen was learned how to channel his thoughts in positive ways. He has become more out going. The relaxation exercises and the medication have curbed his anxiety and depression. Before he had this seizure he was working one day a week at the local computer store. His boss calls him one the best employees he has ever had.
DONALD
That is all great but remember your professional code
ALLISON
(sternly)
I am a professional doctor, I am not getting personally involved with Allen, I just care about him. Dr. Fergus, you know as well as I do, some of the greatest minds in history where schizophrenic. Schizophrenia is not a curse on the sufferer, it is a challenge to overcome. Allen has overcome. Now excuse me doctor.
Donald clears his throat and conceded this battle to Allison and exits.
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-OUT ON THE SEAS - NIGHT
(ALLEN, ALLISON)
ALLEN HAS BEEN SAILING FOR MANY HOURS, MAKING LITTLE HEADWAY AGAINST A VIOLENT STORM.
Fifty foot waves toss his small skiff around like a child's toy. Allen strains to keep his eyes on the belt of Orion, the only visible marker in an otherwise black sky.
Allen catches a glimpse of what he hopes is land through the thick fog and begins to row feverishly Within sight of salvation, Allen is cruelly set back as a wave comes crashing over the bow of the boat sending Allen crashing into the sea Allen struggles to keep a float, twice slipping under the waves. Finally, in a show of super human strength Allen lunges out of the water and clings for life onto the broken hull of his over turned boat A dove defies the storm and flies out of the clouds and lands on the boat next to Allen
ALLISON
(coming from the dove)
Allen, fight, you are strong enough
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(ALLISON, MARY BETH)
Allison sits beside Allen's bed with her head down in prayer
ALLISON
(whispering)
Please Allen hear me come back to us
Allison's prayers are disrupted by the entrance of Mary Beth
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(ALLISON, MARY BETH)
Mary Beth enters the room and offers sympathy for a noticeably exhausted Allison
MARY BETH
(softly)
High Allison
ALLISON
Oh hi sorry, I did not notice you
MARY BETH
You look exhausted, I have the entire day off, why don't you go home and get some sleep
ALLISON
Thanks, I think I will, Dr. Kincaid will be in later to continue Allen's therapy
MARY BETH
Before you go, Christopher and I have decided that when Allen recovers, we would like you to stay on his personal therapist and move in to my home
ALLISON
(taken back)
Wow, that is so kind of you, I will need some time to think about it, I really enjoy working with Allen. Thank you
MARY BETH
No, thank you Allison, please take all the time you need, when you are ready to decide we can discuss what ever wages you feel you deserve. No amount of money can quantify the incredible work you do. There are so few young people like you, with your drive and dedication.
ALLISON
Thank you Mrs. MacKay
MARY BETH
Please, call me Mary Beth
ALLISON
Thank you Mary Beth Allison smiles and exits
INT. ALLAN'S ROOM - DAY
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH, HUGH)
Christopher and Dr. Kincaid enter together Christopher leans down and gives Mary Beth a kiss on the lips
MARY BETH
Hi guys,you just missed Allison
HUGH
How did you get her to leave?
CHRISTOPHER
(Looking at Allen)
I hope you do not think I am crazy, but Allen looks different today, better some how
HUGH
All his vital signs look fine, I'll start a feeding tube, excuse me
MARY BETH
Sure
Mary Beth stands and walks over to a spot next to Christopher. Dr. Kincaid begins to administer a feeding tube. Christopher finally prompts Mary Beth to come with him out of the room
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL-PRIVATE WAITING ROOM - DAY
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
Mary Beth and Christopher sit in a waiting room and further discuss all the potential scenarios for Allen's care
CHRISTOPHER
I know we agreed to bring Allen home when he gets better, but what happens if he goes catatonic again or worse, has another breakdown and contemplates suicide
MARY BETH
Nothing is going to change my mind, this time is different. Dr. Kincaid says that his new treatments will give Allen confidence to handle the things that upset him. Allen is older now, he can cope with the world better now
CHRISTOPHER
You are right, sorry, maybe it is us who can not handle the world, I just had to make sure we were making the right decision
MARY BETH
We are
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND - NIGHT
(ALLEN, HUGH)
Allen hangs on to the side of the boat. The bird councils Allen
HUGH
(coming from the bird)
Allen please swim for land, you are in danger if you remain here
ALLEN
What is happening?
HUGH
(coming from the bird)
Go now Allen sees the wisdom in what the bird is telling him and dives into the surf and begins to swim for the shore Behind him a large wave crashes into the boat, smashing the boat into pieces
FADE OUT
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(CHRISTOPHER, HUGH, MARY BETH)
Hugh is busy manipulating Allen's limbs when an alert goes off on Allen's heart monitor. His readings have spiked dangerously high. Mary Beth and Christopher rush into the room
CHRISTOPHER
(panicked)
What is wrong?
HUGH
(calmly and assertively)
Allen's mind has tricked his body into thinking that something is attacking it, in return his body has increased his level of dopamine, to kill this imaginary virus. The stress has caused a huge spike in his adrenalin level, this is causing his heart to beat faster
MARY BETH
(extremely distressed)
I don't follow? What do you mean imaginary?
HUGH
I don't know what is going on in Allen's mind, but it is like his brain is going Through all the possibilities of how to awaken, all at once, like a computer trying to sort through thousands of formulas at the same time. I will try to explain in a minute, I am going to give Allen an injection of morphine, this will slow his heart rate down The morphine begins to take effect and Allen's heart rate begins to return to normal.
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
EXT. ALLEN'S MIND-BEACH - DAY
(ALLEN, YOUNG GIRL)
Day break finds Allen washed ashore face down in the sand. Allen gasps for air as he fights to regain consciousness. Allen awakes to the sound of laughter. Allen looks up and sees a YOUNG GIRL standing over him
ALLEN
Who are you?
YOUNG GIRL
That does not matter, you have been sleeping the sleep of the dead, the time has come for you too go to the golden palace and seek the help of the king
ALLEN
Where is this place?
YOUNG GIRL
Arise and I shall show you, once you are there allow your heart and mind to open and reap the rewards that you are so deserving Allen rises to his feet, bewildered and taken aback. The two exit
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(DONALD, HUGH)
Dr. Donald Fergus enters the room to talk to his colleague
DONALD
Hugh can I talk to you?
HUGH
(talking to the MacKay's)
I will be right back, he should be fine now
Donald and Hugh exit the room
INT. OUTSIDE ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(DONALD, HUGH)
Donald leads Hugh through the door out into the hallway
HUGH
What is it Don?
DONALD
I am glad Allen's showing signs of improvement, but you know he can not stay here indefinitely
HUGH
What are you saying? Allen's not sick enough, so he does not rate high enough on your priority list
DONALD
That is not it at all, I can show you a waiting list of hundreds of people more critical than Allen, I need the bed
HUGH
(frustrated)
Look, give me too the end of the week, I think I can bring Allen out of his catatonia
DONALD
If you can't?
HUGH
Then I transport him back to Shady Pine and care for him there
DONALD
Fine
HUGH
Don, this is not about bed shortages and you know it, it is about padding your cure rate and there isn't a cure for schizophrenia
DONALD
I just do not believe in wasting tax dollars on a social disease
HUGH
Money, that is all you care about
DONALD
Excuse me Donald
Leaves defiantly
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(HUGH, MARY BETH)
Hugh re-enters the room smiling
MARY BETH
What was that all about?
HUGH
Oh, nothing, it is time to re-position Allen, let me show you how
INT. ALLISON'S BATHROOM - NIGHT
(ALLISON, HUGH)
Allison sits in a bath tub full of bubbles, slipping a glass of wine. She holds a face cloth over her eyes and forehead. The sounds of oriental wind chimes can be heard
The phone rings, breaking Allison's meditation. Allison picks up the phone and answers it. Hugh is only heard.
ALLISON
Hello?
HUGH
Sorry to bother you Allison
ALLISON
Oh hi Hugh, is something wrong with Allen?
HUGH
No, not at all, I just wanted to let you know, that we have until Friday to bring Allen out of his catatonia, or we will have to move him back to Shady Pine
ALLISON
We are not equipped like a hospital
HUGH
I know, but we've been offered the help of a nurse and all the equipment that we need
ALLISON
On who's orders?
HUGH
Dr. Fergus
ALLISON
Bastard, I hope Allen awakens and jumps off the bed breaks into song, maybe then he would prove schizophrenics are worth treating
HUGH
I hope so too, but we can help Allen, with or without the hospitals help, anyway, relax and enjoy the rest of the night
ALLISON
I will say an extra prayer for Allen tonight
HUGH
Say one for me too, good night Allison, see you in the morning
ALLISON
Good night Hugh
Allison hangs up the phone and resumes her meditation
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-LARGE ESTATE - DAY
(YOUNG GIRL, ALLEN)
THE BRIGHT MID-DAY SUN WASHES OVER ALLEN AS HE WALKS UP TO A LARGE SET OF ROD IRON GATES THAT STRETCH TEN FEET HIGH OUTSIDE A MANSION COVERED IN WHITE VENETIAN PLASTER. TWENTY FOOT COLUMNS SURROUND A PORCH THAT STRETCHES THE WHOLE SPAN OF THE HOUSE. GREEK CAPITALS SIT ATOP THE COLUMNS.
The young girl from scene #32 with long flowing hair, wearing
A white dress, holding a dove in her hands comes to the gate. Allen recognizes her as the girl from the beach, but is puzzled by her presence so remains silent
INT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND INSIDE THE MANSION - DAY
(ALLEN, MAN)
A continuation from scene #37. The gates swing open and the girl motions Allen to follow her into the house. Allen hesitantly follows Allen steps through the door way of the mansion and is greeted by a MAN dressed in rich satin and velvet fabrics, adorned in gold and jewels. The man motions Allen to enter the home and sit in the empty chair of large table filled with food and drink
RICH MAN
Sit my child, you shall feast with me tonight for you will need your strength. Tomorrow you begin your journey home Allen collapses into the chair and begins to sob with gratitude
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. HUGH KINCAID'S OFFICE - DAY
(ALLISON, HUGH, CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
Allison enters and sits in a chair across from the MacKay's. Dr. Kincaid sits on the edge of the desk
HUGH
I have already gone over what I am about to tell you and she agrees, that what I am about to tell you is the best for Allen
CHRISTOPHER
Allen? Something wrong? I thought he was doing okay?
ALLISON
What Hugh is trying to say, is that the hospital is giving Allen too the end of the week to come out of his catatonic state or we will have to transfer him
MARY BETH
(perplexed)
To where?
HUGH
You can bring him back to Shady Pine, where Allen will be set up in a special room with round the clock care. The problem is, that your insurance will not cover the expense for the extra staff that will have to be hired. The second option is to move Allen to an out of town hospital that Medicare will cover. I can provide you with a list of physicians and therapists if you wish to choose this option
CHRISTOPHER
(becoming emotional)
Look, forget about the money, we can cash in our life insurance policies and sell the bit of stock we have, but please I want you two to provide Allen's care
MARY BETH
I can't believe this is possible, how could the hospital only care about their liability insurance, Allen needs help, isn't that what a hospital is supposed to provide help?
HUGH
Some professionals in the medical profession, like myself, like Allison, feel that treatment of mental health is as important as treating physical ailments.I will not let Allen down
CUT TO
INT. ALLAN'S ROOM - DAY
Two nurses tend to Allen's feeding tube and administer medication while talking and laughing Allen's eyes flutter, the tell tale sign that he is in a state of REM sleep
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-BEACH - DAY
(ALLEN, MAIDEN)
A flash of light and muffled noises of sea birds and waves fill the air Two MAIDENs stand on the beach watching Allen prepare his new boat for the trip home. They laugh and offer Allen advice
MAIDEN
You will never see home again if you sail there directly
ALLEN
What do you mean?
MAIDEN
You must detour to the land of death and seek the guidance of the prophets Allen nods in agreement and begins to row out to sea
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. A CHURCH - DAY
(ALLISON, PETER)
Allison enters a small Catholic church and is greeted by her priest Father PETER O' Malley
PETER
It has been a while Allison, you seemed upset when you phoned, how can I help you?
ALLISON
Thank you father for seeing me on such short notice
PETER
Please call me Peter, I am still not used to hearing father O'Malley, now tell me what is troubling you?
ALLISON
Thank you Peter, I would like to talk to you about a patient of mine, Allen
PETER
The boy that is catatonic?
ALLISON
Yes, the problem is I think I am falling in love with him, what do I do?
PETER
Sometimes the lords wishes over rule the rules we place on ourselves, there is nothing wrong with loving someone
ALLISON
I know, but he is a patient
PETER
All the better, the lord has given you the gift to heal, love is the best medicine you can use. I am sure your medical code of ethics allows amendments, if they have the best wishes of the patient in mind. The lord went against the wishes of his supporters and walked amongst the lepers. A small sacrifice gave relief a thousand fold. Trust your heart, share your love Allison
ALLISON
Thank you father
Allison exits the church
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-BEACH - DAY
(ALLEN)
ALLEN HAS COME A SHORE AFTER HIS LONG JOURNEY FROM THE ISLAND WITH THE MANSION.
ALLEN LIES FACE DOWN IN THE SAND, AS HE AWAKENS AND STAGGERERS TO HIS FEET, HE SENSES SOMETHING ABOUT HIM HAS CHANGED DRASTICALLY ALLEN IS NOW AN OLD MAN, SOME SEVENTY YEARS OLD. HE IS DIRTY AND DRESSED IN RAGS.
Distraught Allen searches the area for something to check his appearance.
From the boat Allen pulls a piece of tin and stairs into it, running his hand through his matted beard and long hair. His fingers run through each crease in his ruddy, weary face. Allen shouts out for answers from the lord
ALLEN
Tell me lord, have I travelled to the valley of death, if so what do you wish for me to learn Allen waits for an answer, but none comes.
He spots a large gathering of people in the distance and sets out towards them
EXT. FANTASY-ALLEN'S MIND-BEGGARS MARKET - DAY
(ALLEN, VENDOR)
Allen in seek of answers stumbles through a crowded open air market, every stall is filled with rough looking merchants, yelling out prices. Allen spots a VENDOR selling apples and tries to make his way through several patrons. Reaching the front of the mob, Allen reaches for an apple
VENDOR
That will be a quarter
ALLEN
Of course
Allen reaches into his pockets for money, but finds none
ALLEN
I..I seem to have none
VENDOR
Then please leave or I shall be forced to call the authorities
ALLEN
I am sorry, yes of course
Allen tries to push his way back through the crowd
EXT. FANTASY-ALAN'S MIND-BEGGARS MARKET - DAY
(ALLEN, BEGGAR 1)
As Allen pushes through the crowd, a BEGGAR grabs his arm
BEGGAR 1
(angrily)
Are you trying to muscle into my turf?
ALLEN
(confused)
I do not know what you mean, look I woke up this morning and I am in this body, I mean I am not who I appear to be
BEGGAR 1
(in amusement)
I see I got here in the nick of time, it seems you have been sampling the drink of the drunkards, I think it is time for you to leave
ALLEN
I wish to reason with you, I am not drunk, please, there surely is enough food for both of us A crowd begins to gather
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-BEGGARS MARKET - DAY
(ALLEN, BEGGAR 1)
A crowd begins to gather around Allen and the Beggar, sensing a fight. The Beggar turns to the crowd of his peers
BEGGAR 1
Do we wish to let this old man share our food and drink!
The crowd answers back with a loud no
BEGGAR 1
The masses have spoken, tuck your tail between your legs coward and run!
ALLEN
Sir, I am many things, but a coward I am not, I have fought many a battle more important than this but if I must fight you, I am ready Allen and the Beggar begin to circle each other
EXT. FANTASY SCENE-ALLEN'S MIND BEGGARS MARKET - DAY
(ALLEN, BEGGAR 2)
The Beggar laughs as he prepares to spar with Allen. The crowd begins to egg the contestants on. The Beggar throws a punch at Allen. Allen shows amazing resiliency and blocks the punch and throws a punch of his own. The punch lands flush on the Beggars jaw with such force that it sends the combatant reeling back into the arms of a SECOND BEGGAR, who takes offence of Allen and offers an omen
BEGGAR 2
(in a threatening tone)
You shall be forever be marked for death
The festive mood of the crowd changes as someone forces himself through the crowd
EXT. FANTASY-ALLEN'S MIND-BEGGARS MARKET - DAY
(ALLEN, MAN)
A cloaked man steps through the crowd. The crowd quickly silences. The man steps to the side of Allen and addresses the beggar and his friend
MAN
I come to offer an omen of my own, to you. Believers of the ways of Satan, those who wish to see this man condemned to this misery, watch what you wish for.
Those who cast shadows into the mirror of darkness risk being blinded by the fires of hell!
The Man takes a hold of Allen's arm and leads him through the sea of laughing beggars
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-BEGGARS MARKET - DAY
(ALLEN, MAN)
The man leads Allen to a spot free of the beggars and then turns to continue his condemnation of the crowd
MAN
To all you who mock the abilities of this brave man. I offer a challenge, tomorrow their shall be a contest. The man who can string a bow and send an arrow through the sockets of twelve axe heads lined in a row shall win the heart of the fair maiden of the village, who seeks a suitor
The crowd murmurs in excitement
CUT TO
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-ARCHERY COMPETITION - DAY
(MAN)
A crowd of potential suitors show up armed with bows and arrows in anticipation of the competition. They all crowd around the Man. He shows the men the line from which each will shoot their arrows
MAN
Each of you will have two chances to send an arrow through those axe heads from a distance of fifty paces A confident man steps forth, strings his bow and fires an arrow towards the targets. The arrow only passes through three axe heads before bouncing off the forth and on to the ground.
The crowd laughs. Another man steps forth and draws his bow
DISSOLVE TO
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-ARCHERY COMPETITION - DAY
(MAN, ALLEN)
The last of the archers walks away from the line in disappointment. The Man steps forth and silences the crowds murmurs
MAN
If there is no other challenger than I call this competition to a close and declare no winner The crowd murmurs in disappointment, then a surprise voice comes from the rear of the crowd
ALLEN
(hidden amongst the crowd)
I wish to try!
MAN
(searching for the person)
Come forth who ever said that The crowd parts as Allen steps forth, still in the guise of an old man.
The crowd begins to laugh
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-ARCHERY COMPETITION - DAY
(MAN, MAIDEN, RICH MAN, YOUNG GIRL)
MAN
(addressing the crowd)
Silence!
(To Allen)
My friend from the market, I am glad you have taken up my offer, take this bow and fire when ready Allen takes the bow from the Man and steps up to the line. Without hesitation, Allen cocks the bow and sends the arrow through all twelve axe head sockets
The crowd gasps and begins to depart in humiliation
MAN
(addressing the departing crowd)
Before you all leave, I wish a few of Allen's new friends to join me
The Young girl from scene #32 and #37, the Rich Man from scene #38 and the Maiden from scene #41 join the man from the market
MAN
I hope you all reconsider your actions and learn from your mistakes, in the future, before you condemn some one to life of misery take in account the purity of their soul Allen transforms from the old man in rags back into a youth, adorned in a white robe
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT
(ALLISON, HUGH)
Allison runs into the nurses station, to where Hugh sits sipping coffee
ALLISON
(excitedly)
Dr. Kincaid! It is Allen, he is coming too!
HUGH
(talking to the RN on duty)
Call the MacKay's and tell them we have some good news Allison and Hugh rush out of the room
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
(ALLISON, HUGH)
Hugh and Allison enter the room. Hugh checks Allen's vital signs, who is making noticeable signs that he is becoming conscious
HUGH
You are right, remove his feeding tube
ALLISON
Right away
HUGH
I will give him a mild sedative to keep him relaxed until he completely recovers
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH, HUGH)
Mary Beth and Christopher rush into the room, catching Hugh's attention
MARY BETH
Dr. Kincaid is it true? Is Allen coming out of it?
HUGH
He is not completely out of it, but yes Mary Beth and Christopher hug and begin to sob in delight
CHRISTOPHER
Can we talk to him?
HUGH
He can understand you, but he might not respond The MacKay's walk over to Allen's bed side
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
(ALLEN, CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
Christopher stands at Allen bed side as Mary Beth crouches down and grasps his hand
MARY BETH
Allen can you hear me, it is mom, dads here too, and Doctor Kincaid and Allison. I am glad your finally coming back to us, we have missed you. I am sorry, I do not understand what goes on in your mind, but maybe now you can make us understand
Leaning down
CHRISTOPHER
We all love you buddy
We see Mary Beth holding Allen's hand when Allen moves his fingers
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
(MARY BETH, HUGH, ALLISON)
Mary Beth sees Allen's fingers move and looks for conformation
MARY BETH
(excitedly)
Did you see that doctor!
HUGH
I did, Allen knows he is lucky to have so many people who care about him Mary Beth and Christopher hug,
Allison stands in the background fighting her emotions
DISSOLVE TO
EXT. COURT YARD OF SHADY PINE - DAY
(ALLEN, ALLISON)
THE COURT YARD IS LINED WITH NEATLY MANICURED HEDGES ON THREE SIDES. A SMALL GARDEN TRIMS THE BUILDING SIDE. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE COURT YARD STANDS AN OLIVE TREE ALLEN HAS FULLY RECOVERED AND TAKES A WALK THROUGH THE COURT YARD WITH ALLISON
ALLEN
How long was I gone?
ALLISON
Ten days
ALLEN
(amazed)
Ten days! I have never been catatonic for that long
ALLISON
What goes on in your mind, can you remember anything?
EXT. COURT YARD SHADY PINE - DAY
(ALLEN, ALLISON)
Allen and Allison stop under a tree in the centre of the court yard
ALLEN
(Nervously tells his story)
All I remember this time, was that I was on some kind of trip to a fantasy world.
I was marooned on an island, where I met a guy who gives me a boat. Then a storm ship wrecks me, where a talking bird guides me to another island where I meet a guy who treats me too a feast and tells me how to get home. First I must go through the underworld first. Oh then, I become an old man and compete in a contest for the heart of a maiden
ALLISON
A maiden? Did you win?
ALLEN
I think so?
ALLISON
Lucky women, what do you think that all meant?
ALLEN
I think my mind was trying to tell me that I have plenty of people in my life that love me
ALLISON
You do
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM-SHADY PINE - DAY
(ALLEN, ALLISON)
Allen stuffs a shirt into a nap sack and draws the strings. Allison enters holding a small wrapped gift
ALLISON
Hi, I am glad you are still here, I meant to give you this Allison hands Allen the gift
ALLEN
What is this?
ALLISON
I thought this was appropriate, considering the journey you have been on
ALLEN
(Tearing open the gift)
Homers Odyssey, Thanks
ALLISON
It is a book about a Greek mortal Odysseus who gets marooned and spends ten years trying to get home. Along the way he meets plenty of people who help him realize that he is more god like than those mortals around him. The difference that rises Odysseus above the rest, is what lies in his heart and soul
ALLEN
Does Odysseus get the girl?
ALLISON
Someday you will find your Penelope
ALLEN
Maybe I have
ALLISON
Read the last paragraph
ALLEN
(reading out loud)
The joy they have is like that of a drowning man who feels solid ground beneath his feet once more. Hmm, I am ready for some solid ground
ALLISON
Do you have everything?
ALLEN
Think so, just waiting for Dad
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM-SHADY PINE - DAY
(CHRISTOPHER, ALLEN, ALLISON)
Christopher leans into the room
CHRISTOPHER
Ready to go?
ALLEN
Yea, I think?
ALLISON
Allen, I will bring around those college applications we talked about,later
CHRISTOPHER
Great, I have even better news, Mr. Hanson down at the computer shop phoned, he wants to hire you full time for the summer
ALLISON
Way to go!
ALLEN
(feeling over whelmed)
Thanks
CHRISTOPHER
Well, I thought you would be in the mood for a celebration, so I picked up three tickets too the Tennessee Volunteers game, your mom hates football, have you any one in mind who would like to go?
ALLEN
(with hope)
Allison?
ALLISON
I love football, I would like to go, I will meet you two there after my shift ends
ALLEN
Great!
ALLISON
(playfully)
Now leave, or I will kick you out!
CHRISTOPHER
Thanks for everything Allison, say hi too Dr. Kincaid for me Allison nods and the two guys exit, leaving Allison to continue her work
INT. SHADY PINE- ALLEN'S OLD ROOM - DAY
(ALLISON, ALLEN)
Allison proceeds to strip Allen's bed. As she removes the pillow she spots a gold chain and an envelope lying on the bed. She holds the chain and opens the letter
ALLEN
(VO as Allison reads the letter)
Dear Allison, I am not very good at expressing myself so I thought a quote from one of my favourite composers would be appropriate Free me only half form this affliction and I shall be a complete man. You must think of me as being happy as it is possible to be on this earth, not unhappy. No! I cannot endure it. I will seize fate by the throat. It will not wholly conquer me! Oh how beautiful it is to live a thousand times over! Ludwig Van Beethoven Thank You Allison Signed Allen
Allison slips the chain and note into her pocket and exits
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
END TITLE SCREEN 1
Beethoven's concerto in C minor plays as the following appears in white letters on a black screen
DUE TO HIS LOSS OF HEARING BEETHOVEN DEVELOPED A SENSE OF RESIGNATION TOWARDS THE WORLD. SCHIZOID PERSONALITY DISORDER IS CHARACTERIZED BY MARKED INDIFFERENCE TO SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND RESTRAINED RANGE OF EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION. PERHAPS BEETHOVEN'S AND MANY OTHER GREAT AND LESSER POETS, MUSICIANS AND ARTISTS, AVOIDANCE OF HUMAN CONTACT SUGGEST BY SOME EXPERTS A CANDIDATE FOR THIS EMOTIONAL DISORDER
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
END TITLE SCREEN 2
White Italics on a black screen
"MADNESS IN GREAT ONES MUST NOT UNWATCHED GO"
-WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE-HAMLET
FADE OUT.
THE END
Any use in whole or part of this script is strickly prohibited without my permission.
Written By
Kendall Oliphant
Copywrite 2003
FADE IN:
INT. OPENING TITLE AND NARRATIVE - NIGHT
(ALLEN)
The following poem appears on a black screen with white bold letters in lower case.
ALLEN
~Catatonic state. Pray for me, I'm going away. For you see my mind has strayed to realms that this world lacks, a catatonic state. Well I'm going away through the cracks in my mind, my dying soul will stray. Look in my eyes you'll see no fear or fading smile just broken will. No one allowed inside behind the skin I hide. A catatonic state. Well I'm going deep there's no more words or tears to cry away? A catatonic state. Well I'm going deep. Rustic strings of toil I leave for you to play. I've got a new home now, yeah it's all in my head. A catatonic state. Well I'm going deep, there's no more words or tears to cry away. A catatonic state. Well I'm going deep, rustic strings of toil I leave for you to play
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
INT. HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY
(NURSE 1, NURSE 2)
A receptionist sits behind a desk in an emergency room lobby attending to some paperwork.A couple of people wonder around the waiting room, otherwise it is a quiet night as suggested by a passing nurse to her colleague
NURSE 1
It is dead tonight, want to order some Thai food?
NURSE 2
(looking up)
No thanks maybe later
INT. HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY
(NURSE 1, EMT 1)
The calm is shattered as two EMT's crash through the front doors wheeling in a young male in obvious distress. The nurses jump to attention, starting a chain of activity
NURSE 1
What do we have?
EMT 1
Male twenty one, suffering from schizophrenia, according to a nurse at Shady Pine Sanatorium, he started convulsing about an hour ago. When we got there he was in the midst of a grand mal seizure, we restrained him for his own safety and transported him
NURSE 1
(talking to Allen)
Sir what is your name
(pause, no response)
Sir?
(Pause, no response)
EMT 1
He went that way as soon as we got him into the ambulance, completely non responsive
NURSE 1
He might be in a catatonic state, do you know his name?
EMT 1
According to Shady Pine his name is Allen MacKay
NURSE 1
Thank you, take him into three The EMT's nod and wheel Allen off
INT. HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY
(NURSE 1, NURSE 2)
The nurse returns to her station and picks up the receiver for the paging system
NURSE 1
Doctor Donald Fergus stat, Doctor Donald Fergus to emergency, thank you
Puts down the phone and gives instructions to her colleague
NURSE 1
Call Shady Pine and have his file sent and find out who his next of kin is
NURSE 2
Will do
INT. EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY
(ALLEN, DONALD, NURSE 3)
A small drab room. Two NURSEs are busy hooking Allen to an IV and various monitors for heart and respiratory Dr. DONALD Fergus, a senior physician at the hospital enters. Donald is fifty-five and has been the senior physician of the hospital for ten years. He is a respected doctor in the community and in the state of Virginia. His methods of treatment are sound in theory, although some of his opponents feel he is a bit old fashion when it comes to the field of mental health Donald takes out a pen light out of his lab coat and checks Allen's pupils
DONALD
How long has he been this way?
NURSE 3
The staff of the asylum said he had a seizure about an hour ago and he has been this way since
DONALD
Keep him restrained and transfer him upstairs
NURSE 3
Yes doctor
INT. EMERGENCY RECEPTION AREA - DAY
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH, NURSE 1)
CHRISTOPHER and MARY BETH MacKay nervously rush up to the receptionist counter
MARY BETH
Where is my son?
NURSE 1
What is his name?
MARY BETH
Allen MacKay
CHRISTOPHER
We are his parents Christopher and Mary Beth, we were told he had some kind of seizure?
INT. EMERGENCY RECEPTION AREA - DAY
(HUGH, CHRISTOPHER, ALLEN, NURSE 1)
Dr. HUGH Kincaid enters the receptionist are and eases the MacKay's tension
HUGH
Great, Christopher, Mary Beth, I am glad you are both here, have they told you where Allen is?
CHRISTOPHER
No, we just got here a second ago
HUGH
(talking to the nurse)
I am Dr. Hugh Kincaid, I understand my patient Allen MacKay had a seizure and was emitted, I would like to see him
NURSE 1
Of course doctor, he has been transferred to the psyche ward, third floor, room five
HUGH
Who is in charge of his file?
NURSE 1
Dr. Donald Fergus
HUGH
(showing his professionalism for his fellow doctor, tries to hind his content)
I see
(pause, smiles)
Thank you, lets go
Hugh exits with the MacKay's
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - DAY
(MARY BETH, HUGH, CHRISTOPHER, ALLEN)
Dr. Kincaid and the MacKay's walk down the hallway towards Allen's room
MARY BETH
Why is he in the psyche ward? He is not crazy or violent, he has schizophrenia
HUGH
(stops and tries to offer comfort)
I know, that is what I am going to find out, don't worry Mary Beth
CHRISTOPHER
(interjecting)
Hugh, I admit I haven't been the greatest father to Allen and I don't understand what he has, but he is still my son, please do not let them treat Allen like some kind of lunatic
HUGH
(turning to Christopher)
Trust me Chris, I know you and Mary Beth have not had it great lately and schizophrenia is tough to understand, especially the kind Allen has. Catatonic Schizophrenia is the least common type, I only heard of it twenty years ago, Allen was only my second patient, now I treat over thirty patients with the
Disease and I am only one of a couple of hundred doctors who specialize in this disease. He has had these seizures before, and I have brought him out of it every time, but I could not have done it without Allen. Some where locked in his brain is the realization that he is every bit as strong mentally as you and Mary Beth are. His fundamentals are rock solid, he is a good kid with an iron will.
You two should be proud of yourself, you took care of him for as long as you could, I hope some day he can leave Shady Pine for good. Maybe some day he will get married. My job is to make my patients better and I will not allow any treatments that I do not approve of. Stay here with Mary Beth and I will find out what is going on
CHRISTOPHER
(reassured)
Thank you doctor
MARY BETH
Thanks Hugh Dr Kincaid walks into the room and leaves the MacKay's outside. Christopher hugs a crying Mary Beth
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(ALLEN, HUGH, DONALD, REBECCA)
Allen is held to a bed with leather restraints. Attending to his chart is Dr.
Fergus, assisting him is a nurse Dr.Kincaid enters the room and immediately notices the restraints and Dr. Fergus
HUGH
Don nice to see you
DONALD
Hugh, I see this a patient under your care
HUGH
That is right, and if you do not mind please remove the restraints
DONALD
You do know just a couple of hours ago he was thrashing around, I do not want my nurses or himself injured
HUGH
He had a grandmal seizure, he has not had one since he was five, now he is in a catatonic state, he can not hurt anyone when he is like this, now remove the restraints
DONALD
Are you taking over his file?
HUGH
Yes, do not worry about your malpractice premiums, I will take complete responsibility for Allen's care
DONALD
If you insist Hugh
(Talking to the nurse)
Nurse, remove the restraints
REBECCA
(nervously begins to remove the straps)
Yes doctor
Donald hands Hugh Allen's Chart
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(HUGH, REBECCA)
Hugh notices the nurses apprehension and tries to reassure her
HUGH
Have not seen you on this ward, are you new?
REBECCA
Yes doctor, I just transferred up here this week
HUGH
From where?
REBECCA
Paediatrics
HUGH
Good choice, less mess up here, do not worry Allen is not violent, he has never struck anyone, he needs his hands to play the piano. Do you play any instruments..
(Hugh becomes stuck for a name)
REBECCA
Rebecca, a little piano, mostly at Christmas
HUGH
Rebecca, great, don't worry, you will be fine, just remember, he is not comatose.
He can hear you, but his mind will not allow him to respond or move. Just remember, you do not have to whisper, just be yourself
REBECCA
Thank you doctor I will remember that, I will leave you now Rebecca exits passing the MacKay's in the doorway
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(MARY BETH, HUGH, CHRISTOPHER)
The MACKAY'S enter the room
MARY BETH
Will he come out of it?
HUGH
He has never had a seizure this violent. Allen could stay Catatonic for a few hours or a few days, I can only do my best to bring him out of it, it is up to Allen now
CHRISTOPHER
What do we do now?
HUGH
I am going to start his therapy tomorrow, I have been using a technique called pacing and leading for ten years, I was the first to discover its benefits
CHRISTOPHER
How does it work?
HUGH
Leading and pacing is where you spend time with the patient, assuming the catatonic patients posture and breathing rhythm
MARY BETH
I do not follow?
HUGH
The idea is to have a rapport with the patient. The theory is that, although the patient can not physically respond to stimuli, their mind still responds to external stimuli at the fundamental level. You see by mimicking their condition it sends a message to the patient that you are on their level. It is difficult to explain, please feel free to sit in on the sessions and you will see how technique works
CHRISTOPHER
Does he need any other kind of help?
HUGH
He will need a physical therapist to manipulate his muscles. I work with a women names Allison Lang, she is also versed in the leading and pacing technique
MARY BETH
Thank you, I will be interested to see the results of your treatment
HUGH
I will have the nurse insert a urinary catheter and set up a feeding schedule. I will call Allison and have her come in tomorrow. Do not hesitate to phone me
CHRISTOPHER
Thank you doctor
HUGH
Good-night, try to get some rest
Hugh exits
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
Mary Beth and Christopher stand holding each other looking overwhelmed and helpless staring down at there son tight in on Allen's eyes. Through his eyelids we see his eyeballs twitching, indicating that Allen's brain has become stimulated with activity
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. ALLEN'S MIND-TUNNEL - DAY
(ALLEN)
TO A SERIES OF BLINDING FLASHING LIGHTS ALLEN, DRESSED IN A WHITE ROBE, WALKS CONFUSED DOWN A NARROW CORRIDOR WITH A LOW CEILING AND NO VISIBLE END. THERE IS NO WINDOWS, DOORS OR MARKINGS OF ANY KIND.
THE CORRIDOR IS BRIGHT WHITE AND LIT FROM ALL SIDES BY STROBE LIGHTS HIDDEN IN THE WALLS AND CEILING.
Allen walks some fifty feet and then the corridor disappears.
In its place a wind ravished rocky outcropping in the middle of a turbulent sea
EXT. ALLEN'S MIND-BEACH - DAY
(ALLEN, ECHOES)
Allen's mind takes him high above a ocean Allen stands in the middle of a small flat part of the rocks. He is now dressed in torn, dirty rags.
The winds batter against Allen, forcing him to seek shelter on the alee side of the rocks.
Allen becomes scared and confused. He reaches around his neck and clutches his cross and begins to call out to the lord
ALLEN
Oh lord what have I done to deserve this! Is this place hell or heaven? Is this purgatory, the place I deserve?
ECHOES
(From an unknown origin)
You know that is not true
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
(ALLEN, ALLISON, NURSE 5)
ALLISON finishes administration the fluid to Allen's feeding tube. She removes the clamp and the fluid begins to flow Allison sits down beside Allen and begins to manipulate the muscles in his arms A nurse (NURSE 5) on shift change pops her head into the room
NURSE 5
You still here Allison, do you ever sleep?
ALLISON
I am going to stay a couple of more hours
NURSE 5
He can't hear you, do not waist your time
ALLISON
You are wrong, he can hear, it is just his brain will not let him respond
NURSE 5
Maybe you are right, oh well good night
ALLISON
Good night
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(ALLEN, ALLISON)
Allison returns her attention to Allen, alerted by a beep from his feeding machine, indicating that Allen has finished.
Allison removes the feeding apparatus and sits back down
ALLISON
(talking out loud)
Allen I know you can here me, you can fight this, I do not understand what is going through your mind right now, but I do know you are not brain dead. You have plenty of people who care for you, fight, damn it!
Allison realizes she is becoming to emotional and draws back into the chair
ALLISON
God Allison get it together
Allison picks up her purse and prepares to leave. She stops long enough to touch Allen's cheek
ALLISON
Please lord give Allen back to those who care for him
Allison exits
CUT TO:
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
Christopher and Mary Beth sip drinks after dinner in a two star restaurant
CHRISTOPHER
I am glad you accepted my offer Mary Beth
MARY BETH
I am glad I did, how are you anyway?
CHRISTOPHER
The firms doing okay,I should be a full partner by next year? You?
MARY BETH
The housing markets a little down, but it will rebound
CHRISTOPHER
About Allen, when he comes out of this...
MARY BETH
...Maybe we can bring him home for a while
CHRISTOPHER
Sure, he has most of his stuff at your place, I would be happy to have him stay with me on weekends
MARY BETH
And maybe we can hire Allison on full time, she seems to have a good rapport with Allen
CHRISTOPHER
Allen seems to really responding to her, I will pay her wages
MARY BETH
We will work that out when the time comes. Are you in town for the night?
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah, I just got in, I will stay downtown and meet you at Dr. Kincaid's office tomorrow
MARY BETH
Why don't you stay back at my house? We can talk some more. I have still got that bottle of champagne you sent me for Christmas
CHRISTOPHER
Sure The two ex-spouses smile awkwardly as some hidden attractions begins to surface
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. HOME OF MARY BETH - NIGHT
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
A TWO STORY BUNGALOW PLAN, DECORATED IN A MIX OF MODERN AND GREEK REVIVAL.
A RICH BLUE COLOUR SCHEME IS ACCENTED WITH WHITE PLASTER STATUES OF ATHENA AND ZEUS. THE FLOOR PLAN IS AN OPEN CONCEPT WITH A LARGE LIVING ROOM GIVING WAY TO A SMALL GALLEY STYLE KITCHEN, SEPARATED BY A BREAKFAST COUNTER. ON ONE SIDE OF THE ROOM A
LARGE OVER SIZED SOFA SPANS TEN FEET ACROSS THE WALL. A MATCHING ARM CHAIR FILLS THE REMAINING SPACE.THE ROOM IS FILLED WITH VELVET TAPESTRY. HARD WOOD AND MARBLE TILE MESH THROUGHOUT THE HOME.
A BLACK GRAND PIANO IN THE CENTRE OF THE ROOM BECOMES THE FOCAL POINT CHRISTOPHER WALKS INTO THE ROOM CARRYING TWO FLUTES OF CHAMPAIGN
CHRISTOPHER
I like what you have done with the place, the piano looks great there
MARY BETH
Thanks, if it was not for Allan that piano would be collecting dust. I have not played since he was eight
CHRISTOPHER
I remember, the first thing you taught Allan was Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
MARY BETH
Now look at him, he can sit their for hours playing, he should be in Julliard, he is that good Christopher, but...
CHRISTOPHER
He is not dying Mary Beth, he has a disease that is holding his brain hostage, someday they will unlock the mysteries of Schizophrenia
MARY BETH
I know, but it scares me. I never know when he is going to have a seizure. I told you about the one he had last year, didn't I?
CHRISTOPHER
You mentioned that he was playing wildly? And then he collapsed?
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. HOME OF MARY BETH - DAY
(MARY BETH)
Mary Beth narrates a flash back. Allan sits at the piano with his eyes fixed out the window in a Catatonic state, playing a furious concerto that mimics the raging thoughts that swarm his brain
MARY BETH
He just began playing really fast and with such force, it sounded like thunder or some kind of storm. Then he just collapsed exhausted. He spent two days in the hospital, catatonic, with a fever of one hundred and two
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. HOME OF MARY BETH - NIGHT
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
The scene shifts back to the present as the MacKay's continue their conversation
CHRISTOPHER
I am sorry, I should have been their for him, instead I was gloating over my appointment to the firm
MARY BETH
You try, you are a good father to Allen, I wish it could have been different for us
CHRISTOPHER
I wish that too. And I wish I could reach into Allen's mind and dampen his storms
MARY BETH
Wow it is two thirty, we have to meet Dr. Kincaid for nine
CHRISTOPHER
Why don't you go to bed, I will sleep on the sofa
MARY BETH
Why don't you come up,it is a big bed. I do not feel like sleeping alone
The two agree awkwardly and exit up the stairs
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
EXT. FANTASY-GARDEN - DAY
(ALLEN, MAN, WOMEN GARDENING)
Allen walks a few steps behind an elderly MAN who leads him up a pathway towards a young WOMEN tending a garden. In her hand she uses a claw like tool with a handle that looks like a serpent wrapped around a staff. The women is at first oblivious to the pleas of the man dressed in a white robe adorned with a blood red sash
MAN
My fair care taker of this island abode, I have been sent by our lord to beg you to let this poor sole free, free to return to the mortals who love him
WOMEN GARDENING
(rising to her feet annoyed)
Our lord is jealous, he can not stand to see a mortal happy with one of us.
There is no point in arguing, take him and next time ask our Lord too do his own bidding!
The man summons Allen to step forth and prepare to come with him. Allen walks towards the out stretched hands of the man. The man then vanishes
EXT. FANTASY-GARDEN - DAY
(ALLEN, WOMEN GARDENING)
Allen stands before the women confused and suspicious
WOMEN GARDENING
Before you go my dear Allan, tell me this, if I told you that there is heart break and trouble ahead would you trade immortality with me for your mortal existence?
ALLEN
Yes, a thousand times over, I gladly await to see what the seas hand out
WOMEN GARDENING
(put off by Allen's answer)
Very well, here is a raft and five days provisions, be on your way
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. DR. KINCAID'S OFFICE - DAY
(HUGH, CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
The MacKay's enter, Dr. Kincaid stands to great them
HUGH
Good morning have a seat, I asked you two here this morning to discuss some very important issues concerning the well being of Allen
CHRISTOPHER
Like what?
HUGH
This is a difficult thing to decide on and I do not expect you to give me an answer right away, but I need you to give it your attention. I will do everything to provide you two and Allen the best medical care that I am capable of providing. I believe I can bring Allen out of this catatonic state. Through years of study with Allen and other patients I have perfected my pace and lead technique too the point that ninety percent of my patients recover and go on to live a normal life. Of course I am not saying I have a cure for this type of Schizophrenia but with the use of drugs like Lorazapram, and Chlorpromazine to control his mood swings as well as Risperidon too help lower the high levels of Serotonin and Dopamine in Allen's brain. High levels of these chemicals are causing Allen's brain to over work. I feel Allen can return to society in a productive manor with retraining
MARY BETH
We have the out most faith in you Hugh
HUGH
Good, have you two thought about care for Allen once he comes out of his catatonic state?
CHRISTOPHER
Yes, Mary Beth and I would like to bring him home and hire Miss Lang as a live in care provider, if she agrees
HUGH
Very well, but rest assure, Shady Pine will always welcome back Allen at any time you feel he has become too much for you to handle
MARY BETH
I think this time we are better suited to cope. We where going through some tough times together, Allen needs so much attention growing up, we just needed some time for ourselves
HUGH
That shows how caring you two are. Don't ever feel afraid to ask for help
CHRISTOPHER
Thank you Hugh
HUGH
Now that brings me to the difficult part, if Allen does not recover and stays
Catatonic for an extended time, what are your wishes
CHRISTOPHER
He is still alive, money is not an object, what ever it takes, for however long, please continue all care
HUGH
That was just a formality, you understand, I realize at times Allen has spoken out negatively towards you two, but please understand, that was this disease talking, deep inside, Allen feels the love that you two have bestowed. Someday that love will radiate back. Thank you for coming. I will see you later at the hospital
The three stand up, hugh hugs both Christopher and a sobbing Mary Beth
CUT TO:
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(ALLISON, DONALD, ALLEN)
Donald enters the room and witnesses first hand the lead and pace method that Allison is a student of.
Allen's body has been positioned this morning on his left side facing an oil painting of a sea scape that Allison has brought in. Allison sits semi prone in her chair trying to mimic Allen's position, she also begins a series of shallow breaths, also to mimic Allen
DONALD
(quietly interrupting)
That does not look comfortable
ALLISON
If I can connect with him, it is worth the trip too the chiropractor
DONALD
I can't say I understand Dr Kincaid's methods but if Allen comes out of this catatonia I will be happy
ALLISON
The method works, in the old days, no offence, Allen would be confined to a padded room or tied down. What is wrong with treating some one like a human being?
DONALD
Nothing, but I have read Dr. Fergus''s own report, Allen Kincaid has a history of anti- social behaviour, depression, violent fantasies that involve women. Heck the report even says that Allen once thought that the CIA had secretly installed radio transmitters in the hills and were broadcasting messages brainwashing him into thinking that the government was god. Allen thought he had discovered this plot when he hooked up the amplifier to the TV wrong and got feed back. On his computer his parents found a draft to the president stating that if they did not cease, he would go public. Does that sound like some one you wish to care about?
ALLISON
Allen was very sick before he came to Shady Pine, since myself and Dr Kincaid have been working out with him, Allen was learned how to channel his thoughts in positive ways. He has become more out going. The relaxation exercises and the medication have curbed his anxiety and depression. Before he had this seizure he was working one day a week at the local computer store. His boss calls him one the best employees he has ever had.
DONALD
That is all great but remember your professional code
ALLISON
(sternly)
I am a professional doctor, I am not getting personally involved with Allen, I just care about him. Dr. Fergus, you know as well as I do, some of the greatest minds in history where schizophrenic. Schizophrenia is not a curse on the sufferer, it is a challenge to overcome. Allen has overcome. Now excuse me doctor.
Donald clears his throat and conceded this battle to Allison and exits.
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-OUT ON THE SEAS - NIGHT
(ALLEN, ALLISON)
ALLEN HAS BEEN SAILING FOR MANY HOURS, MAKING LITTLE HEADWAY AGAINST A VIOLENT STORM.
Fifty foot waves toss his small skiff around like a child's toy. Allen strains to keep his eyes on the belt of Orion, the only visible marker in an otherwise black sky.
Allen catches a glimpse of what he hopes is land through the thick fog and begins to row feverishly Within sight of salvation, Allen is cruelly set back as a wave comes crashing over the bow of the boat sending Allen crashing into the sea Allen struggles to keep a float, twice slipping under the waves. Finally, in a show of super human strength Allen lunges out of the water and clings for life onto the broken hull of his over turned boat A dove defies the storm and flies out of the clouds and lands on the boat next to Allen
ALLISON
(coming from the dove)
Allen, fight, you are strong enough
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(ALLISON, MARY BETH)
Allison sits beside Allen's bed with her head down in prayer
ALLISON
(whispering)
Please Allen hear me come back to us
Allison's prayers are disrupted by the entrance of Mary Beth
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(ALLISON, MARY BETH)
Mary Beth enters the room and offers sympathy for a noticeably exhausted Allison
MARY BETH
(softly)
High Allison
ALLISON
Oh hi sorry, I did not notice you
MARY BETH
You look exhausted, I have the entire day off, why don't you go home and get some sleep
ALLISON
Thanks, I think I will, Dr. Kincaid will be in later to continue Allen's therapy
MARY BETH
Before you go, Christopher and I have decided that when Allen recovers, we would like you to stay on his personal therapist and move in to my home
ALLISON
(taken back)
Wow, that is so kind of you, I will need some time to think about it, I really enjoy working with Allen. Thank you
MARY BETH
No, thank you Allison, please take all the time you need, when you are ready to decide we can discuss what ever wages you feel you deserve. No amount of money can quantify the incredible work you do. There are so few young people like you, with your drive and dedication.
ALLISON
Thank you Mrs. MacKay
MARY BETH
Please, call me Mary Beth
ALLISON
Thank you Mary Beth Allison smiles and exits
INT. ALLAN'S ROOM - DAY
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH, HUGH)
Christopher and Dr. Kincaid enter together Christopher leans down and gives Mary Beth a kiss on the lips
MARY BETH
Hi guys,you just missed Allison
HUGH
How did you get her to leave?
CHRISTOPHER
(Looking at Allen)
I hope you do not think I am crazy, but Allen looks different today, better some how
HUGH
All his vital signs look fine, I'll start a feeding tube, excuse me
MARY BETH
Sure
Mary Beth stands and walks over to a spot next to Christopher. Dr. Kincaid begins to administer a feeding tube. Christopher finally prompts Mary Beth to come with him out of the room
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL-PRIVATE WAITING ROOM - DAY
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
Mary Beth and Christopher sit in a waiting room and further discuss all the potential scenarios for Allen's care
CHRISTOPHER
I know we agreed to bring Allen home when he gets better, but what happens if he goes catatonic again or worse, has another breakdown and contemplates suicide
MARY BETH
Nothing is going to change my mind, this time is different. Dr. Kincaid says that his new treatments will give Allen confidence to handle the things that upset him. Allen is older now, he can cope with the world better now
CHRISTOPHER
You are right, sorry, maybe it is us who can not handle the world, I just had to make sure we were making the right decision
MARY BETH
We are
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND - NIGHT
(ALLEN, HUGH)
Allen hangs on to the side of the boat. The bird councils Allen
HUGH
(coming from the bird)
Allen please swim for land, you are in danger if you remain here
ALLEN
What is happening?
HUGH
(coming from the bird)
Go now Allen sees the wisdom in what the bird is telling him and dives into the surf and begins to swim for the shore Behind him a large wave crashes into the boat, smashing the boat into pieces
FADE OUT
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(CHRISTOPHER, HUGH, MARY BETH)
Hugh is busy manipulating Allen's limbs when an alert goes off on Allen's heart monitor. His readings have spiked dangerously high. Mary Beth and Christopher rush into the room
CHRISTOPHER
(panicked)
What is wrong?
HUGH
(calmly and assertively)
Allen's mind has tricked his body into thinking that something is attacking it, in return his body has increased his level of dopamine, to kill this imaginary virus. The stress has caused a huge spike in his adrenalin level, this is causing his heart to beat faster
MARY BETH
(extremely distressed)
I don't follow? What do you mean imaginary?
HUGH
I don't know what is going on in Allen's mind, but it is like his brain is going Through all the possibilities of how to awaken, all at once, like a computer trying to sort through thousands of formulas at the same time. I will try to explain in a minute, I am going to give Allen an injection of morphine, this will slow his heart rate down The morphine begins to take effect and Allen's heart rate begins to return to normal.
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
EXT. ALLEN'S MIND-BEACH - DAY
(ALLEN, YOUNG GIRL)
Day break finds Allen washed ashore face down in the sand. Allen gasps for air as he fights to regain consciousness. Allen awakes to the sound of laughter. Allen looks up and sees a YOUNG GIRL standing over him
ALLEN
Who are you?
YOUNG GIRL
That does not matter, you have been sleeping the sleep of the dead, the time has come for you too go to the golden palace and seek the help of the king
ALLEN
Where is this place?
YOUNG GIRL
Arise and I shall show you, once you are there allow your heart and mind to open and reap the rewards that you are so deserving Allen rises to his feet, bewildered and taken aback. The two exit
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(DONALD, HUGH)
Dr. Donald Fergus enters the room to talk to his colleague
DONALD
Hugh can I talk to you?
HUGH
(talking to the MacKay's)
I will be right back, he should be fine now
Donald and Hugh exit the room
INT. OUTSIDE ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(DONALD, HUGH)
Donald leads Hugh through the door out into the hallway
HUGH
What is it Don?
DONALD
I am glad Allen's showing signs of improvement, but you know he can not stay here indefinitely
HUGH
What are you saying? Allen's not sick enough, so he does not rate high enough on your priority list
DONALD
That is not it at all, I can show you a waiting list of hundreds of people more critical than Allen, I need the bed
HUGH
(frustrated)
Look, give me too the end of the week, I think I can bring Allen out of his catatonia
DONALD
If you can't?
HUGH
Then I transport him back to Shady Pine and care for him there
DONALD
Fine
HUGH
Don, this is not about bed shortages and you know it, it is about padding your cure rate and there isn't a cure for schizophrenia
DONALD
I just do not believe in wasting tax dollars on a social disease
HUGH
Money, that is all you care about
DONALD
Excuse me Donald
Leaves defiantly
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - DAY
(HUGH, MARY BETH)
Hugh re-enters the room smiling
MARY BETH
What was that all about?
HUGH
Oh, nothing, it is time to re-position Allen, let me show you how
INT. ALLISON'S BATHROOM - NIGHT
(ALLISON, HUGH)
Allison sits in a bath tub full of bubbles, slipping a glass of wine. She holds a face cloth over her eyes and forehead. The sounds of oriental wind chimes can be heard
The phone rings, breaking Allison's meditation. Allison picks up the phone and answers it. Hugh is only heard.
ALLISON
Hello?
HUGH
Sorry to bother you Allison
ALLISON
Oh hi Hugh, is something wrong with Allen?
HUGH
No, not at all, I just wanted to let you know, that we have until Friday to bring Allen out of his catatonia, or we will have to move him back to Shady Pine
ALLISON
We are not equipped like a hospital
HUGH
I know, but we've been offered the help of a nurse and all the equipment that we need
ALLISON
On who's orders?
HUGH
Dr. Fergus
ALLISON
Bastard, I hope Allen awakens and jumps off the bed breaks into song, maybe then he would prove schizophrenics are worth treating
HUGH
I hope so too, but we can help Allen, with or without the hospitals help, anyway, relax and enjoy the rest of the night
ALLISON
I will say an extra prayer for Allen tonight
HUGH
Say one for me too, good night Allison, see you in the morning
ALLISON
Good night Hugh
Allison hangs up the phone and resumes her meditation
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-LARGE ESTATE - DAY
(YOUNG GIRL, ALLEN)
THE BRIGHT MID-DAY SUN WASHES OVER ALLEN AS HE WALKS UP TO A LARGE SET OF ROD IRON GATES THAT STRETCH TEN FEET HIGH OUTSIDE A MANSION COVERED IN WHITE VENETIAN PLASTER. TWENTY FOOT COLUMNS SURROUND A PORCH THAT STRETCHES THE WHOLE SPAN OF THE HOUSE. GREEK CAPITALS SIT ATOP THE COLUMNS.
The young girl from scene #32 with long flowing hair, wearing
A white dress, holding a dove in her hands comes to the gate. Allen recognizes her as the girl from the beach, but is puzzled by her presence so remains silent
INT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND INSIDE THE MANSION - DAY
(ALLEN, MAN)
A continuation from scene #37. The gates swing open and the girl motions Allen to follow her into the house. Allen hesitantly follows Allen steps through the door way of the mansion and is greeted by a MAN dressed in rich satin and velvet fabrics, adorned in gold and jewels. The man motions Allen to enter the home and sit in the empty chair of large table filled with food and drink
RICH MAN
Sit my child, you shall feast with me tonight for you will need your strength. Tomorrow you begin your journey home Allen collapses into the chair and begins to sob with gratitude
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. HUGH KINCAID'S OFFICE - DAY
(ALLISON, HUGH, CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
Allison enters and sits in a chair across from the MacKay's. Dr. Kincaid sits on the edge of the desk
HUGH
I have already gone over what I am about to tell you and she agrees, that what I am about to tell you is the best for Allen
CHRISTOPHER
Allen? Something wrong? I thought he was doing okay?
ALLISON
What Hugh is trying to say, is that the hospital is giving Allen too the end of the week to come out of his catatonic state or we will have to transfer him
MARY BETH
(perplexed)
To where?
HUGH
You can bring him back to Shady Pine, where Allen will be set up in a special room with round the clock care. The problem is, that your insurance will not cover the expense for the extra staff that will have to be hired. The second option is to move Allen to an out of town hospital that Medicare will cover. I can provide you with a list of physicians and therapists if you wish to choose this option
CHRISTOPHER
(becoming emotional)
Look, forget about the money, we can cash in our life insurance policies and sell the bit of stock we have, but please I want you two to provide Allen's care
MARY BETH
I can't believe this is possible, how could the hospital only care about their liability insurance, Allen needs help, isn't that what a hospital is supposed to provide help?
HUGH
Some professionals in the medical profession, like myself, like Allison, feel that treatment of mental health is as important as treating physical ailments.I will not let Allen down
CUT TO
INT. ALLAN'S ROOM - DAY
Two nurses tend to Allen's feeding tube and administer medication while talking and laughing Allen's eyes flutter, the tell tale sign that he is in a state of REM sleep
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-BEACH - DAY
(ALLEN, MAIDEN)
A flash of light and muffled noises of sea birds and waves fill the air Two MAIDENs stand on the beach watching Allen prepare his new boat for the trip home. They laugh and offer Allen advice
MAIDEN
You will never see home again if you sail there directly
ALLEN
What do you mean?
MAIDEN
You must detour to the land of death and seek the guidance of the prophets Allen nods in agreement and begins to row out to sea
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. A CHURCH - DAY
(ALLISON, PETER)
Allison enters a small Catholic church and is greeted by her priest Father PETER O' Malley
PETER
It has been a while Allison, you seemed upset when you phoned, how can I help you?
ALLISON
Thank you father for seeing me on such short notice
PETER
Please call me Peter, I am still not used to hearing father O'Malley, now tell me what is troubling you?
ALLISON
Thank you Peter, I would like to talk to you about a patient of mine, Allen
PETER
The boy that is catatonic?
ALLISON
Yes, the problem is I think I am falling in love with him, what do I do?
PETER
Sometimes the lords wishes over rule the rules we place on ourselves, there is nothing wrong with loving someone
ALLISON
I know, but he is a patient
PETER
All the better, the lord has given you the gift to heal, love is the best medicine you can use. I am sure your medical code of ethics allows amendments, if they have the best wishes of the patient in mind. The lord went against the wishes of his supporters and walked amongst the lepers. A small sacrifice gave relief a thousand fold. Trust your heart, share your love Allison
ALLISON
Thank you father
Allison exits the church
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-BEACH - DAY
(ALLEN)
ALLEN HAS COME A SHORE AFTER HIS LONG JOURNEY FROM THE ISLAND WITH THE MANSION.
ALLEN LIES FACE DOWN IN THE SAND, AS HE AWAKENS AND STAGGERERS TO HIS FEET, HE SENSES SOMETHING ABOUT HIM HAS CHANGED DRASTICALLY ALLEN IS NOW AN OLD MAN, SOME SEVENTY YEARS OLD. HE IS DIRTY AND DRESSED IN RAGS.
Distraught Allen searches the area for something to check his appearance.
From the boat Allen pulls a piece of tin and stairs into it, running his hand through his matted beard and long hair. His fingers run through each crease in his ruddy, weary face. Allen shouts out for answers from the lord
ALLEN
Tell me lord, have I travelled to the valley of death, if so what do you wish for me to learn Allen waits for an answer, but none comes.
He spots a large gathering of people in the distance and sets out towards them
EXT. FANTASY-ALLEN'S MIND-BEGGARS MARKET - DAY
(ALLEN, VENDOR)
Allen in seek of answers stumbles through a crowded open air market, every stall is filled with rough looking merchants, yelling out prices. Allen spots a VENDOR selling apples and tries to make his way through several patrons. Reaching the front of the mob, Allen reaches for an apple
VENDOR
That will be a quarter
ALLEN
Of course
Allen reaches into his pockets for money, but finds none
ALLEN
I..I seem to have none
VENDOR
Then please leave or I shall be forced to call the authorities
ALLEN
I am sorry, yes of course
Allen tries to push his way back through the crowd
EXT. FANTASY-ALAN'S MIND-BEGGARS MARKET - DAY
(ALLEN, BEGGAR 1)
As Allen pushes through the crowd, a BEGGAR grabs his arm
BEGGAR 1
(angrily)
Are you trying to muscle into my turf?
ALLEN
(confused)
I do not know what you mean, look I woke up this morning and I am in this body, I mean I am not who I appear to be
BEGGAR 1
(in amusement)
I see I got here in the nick of time, it seems you have been sampling the drink of the drunkards, I think it is time for you to leave
ALLEN
I wish to reason with you, I am not drunk, please, there surely is enough food for both of us A crowd begins to gather
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-BEGGARS MARKET - DAY
(ALLEN, BEGGAR 1)
A crowd begins to gather around Allen and the Beggar, sensing a fight. The Beggar turns to the crowd of his peers
BEGGAR 1
Do we wish to let this old man share our food and drink!
The crowd answers back with a loud no
BEGGAR 1
The masses have spoken, tuck your tail between your legs coward and run!
ALLEN
Sir, I am many things, but a coward I am not, I have fought many a battle more important than this but if I must fight you, I am ready Allen and the Beggar begin to circle each other
EXT. FANTASY SCENE-ALLEN'S MIND BEGGARS MARKET - DAY
(ALLEN, BEGGAR 2)
The Beggar laughs as he prepares to spar with Allen. The crowd begins to egg the contestants on. The Beggar throws a punch at Allen. Allen shows amazing resiliency and blocks the punch and throws a punch of his own. The punch lands flush on the Beggars jaw with such force that it sends the combatant reeling back into the arms of a SECOND BEGGAR, who takes offence of Allen and offers an omen
BEGGAR 2
(in a threatening tone)
You shall be forever be marked for death
The festive mood of the crowd changes as someone forces himself through the crowd
EXT. FANTASY-ALLEN'S MIND-BEGGARS MARKET - DAY
(ALLEN, MAN)
A cloaked man steps through the crowd. The crowd quickly silences. The man steps to the side of Allen and addresses the beggar and his friend
MAN
I come to offer an omen of my own, to you. Believers of the ways of Satan, those who wish to see this man condemned to this misery, watch what you wish for.
Those who cast shadows into the mirror of darkness risk being blinded by the fires of hell!
The Man takes a hold of Allen's arm and leads him through the sea of laughing beggars
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-BEGGARS MARKET - DAY
(ALLEN, MAN)
The man leads Allen to a spot free of the beggars and then turns to continue his condemnation of the crowd
MAN
To all you who mock the abilities of this brave man. I offer a challenge, tomorrow their shall be a contest. The man who can string a bow and send an arrow through the sockets of twelve axe heads lined in a row shall win the heart of the fair maiden of the village, who seeks a suitor
The crowd murmurs in excitement
CUT TO
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-ARCHERY COMPETITION - DAY
(MAN)
A crowd of potential suitors show up armed with bows and arrows in anticipation of the competition. They all crowd around the Man. He shows the men the line from which each will shoot their arrows
MAN
Each of you will have two chances to send an arrow through those axe heads from a distance of fifty paces A confident man steps forth, strings his bow and fires an arrow towards the targets. The arrow only passes through three axe heads before bouncing off the forth and on to the ground.
The crowd laughs. Another man steps forth and draws his bow
DISSOLVE TO
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-ARCHERY COMPETITION - DAY
(MAN, ALLEN)
The last of the archers walks away from the line in disappointment. The Man steps forth and silences the crowds murmurs
MAN
If there is no other challenger than I call this competition to a close and declare no winner The crowd murmurs in disappointment, then a surprise voice comes from the rear of the crowd
ALLEN
(hidden amongst the crowd)
I wish to try!
MAN
(searching for the person)
Come forth who ever said that The crowd parts as Allen steps forth, still in the guise of an old man.
The crowd begins to laugh
EXT. FANTASY- ALLEN'S MIND-ARCHERY COMPETITION - DAY
(MAN, MAIDEN, RICH MAN, YOUNG GIRL)
MAN
(addressing the crowd)
Silence!
(To Allen)
My friend from the market, I am glad you have taken up my offer, take this bow and fire when ready Allen takes the bow from the Man and steps up to the line. Without hesitation, Allen cocks the bow and sends the arrow through all twelve axe head sockets
The crowd gasps and begins to depart in humiliation
MAN
(addressing the departing crowd)
Before you all leave, I wish a few of Allen's new friends to join me
The Young girl from scene #32 and #37, the Rich Man from scene #38 and the Maiden from scene #41 join the man from the market
MAN
I hope you all reconsider your actions and learn from your mistakes, in the future, before you condemn some one to life of misery take in account the purity of their soul Allen transforms from the old man in rags back into a youth, adorned in a white robe
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT
(ALLISON, HUGH)
Allison runs into the nurses station, to where Hugh sits sipping coffee
ALLISON
(excitedly)
Dr. Kincaid! It is Allen, he is coming too!
HUGH
(talking to the RN on duty)
Call the MacKay's and tell them we have some good news Allison and Hugh rush out of the room
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
(ALLISON, HUGH)
Hugh and Allison enter the room. Hugh checks Allen's vital signs, who is making noticeable signs that he is becoming conscious
HUGH
You are right, remove his feeding tube
ALLISON
Right away
HUGH
I will give him a mild sedative to keep him relaxed until he completely recovers
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
(CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH, HUGH)
Mary Beth and Christopher rush into the room, catching Hugh's attention
MARY BETH
Dr. Kincaid is it true? Is Allen coming out of it?
HUGH
He is not completely out of it, but yes Mary Beth and Christopher hug and begin to sob in delight
CHRISTOPHER
Can we talk to him?
HUGH
He can understand you, but he might not respond The MacKay's walk over to Allen's bed side
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
(ALLEN, CHRISTOPHER, MARY BETH)
Christopher stands at Allen bed side as Mary Beth crouches down and grasps his hand
MARY BETH
Allen can you hear me, it is mom, dads here too, and Doctor Kincaid and Allison. I am glad your finally coming back to us, we have missed you. I am sorry, I do not understand what goes on in your mind, but maybe now you can make us understand
Leaning down
CHRISTOPHER
We all love you buddy
We see Mary Beth holding Allen's hand when Allen moves his fingers
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
(MARY BETH, HUGH, ALLISON)
Mary Beth sees Allen's fingers move and looks for conformation
MARY BETH
(excitedly)
Did you see that doctor!
HUGH
I did, Allen knows he is lucky to have so many people who care about him Mary Beth and Christopher hug,
Allison stands in the background fighting her emotions
DISSOLVE TO
EXT. COURT YARD OF SHADY PINE - DAY
(ALLEN, ALLISON)
THE COURT YARD IS LINED WITH NEATLY MANICURED HEDGES ON THREE SIDES. A SMALL GARDEN TRIMS THE BUILDING SIDE. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE COURT YARD STANDS AN OLIVE TREE ALLEN HAS FULLY RECOVERED AND TAKES A WALK THROUGH THE COURT YARD WITH ALLISON
ALLEN
How long was I gone?
ALLISON
Ten days
ALLEN
(amazed)
Ten days! I have never been catatonic for that long
ALLISON
What goes on in your mind, can you remember anything?
EXT. COURT YARD SHADY PINE - DAY
(ALLEN, ALLISON)
Allen and Allison stop under a tree in the centre of the court yard
ALLEN
(Nervously tells his story)
All I remember this time, was that I was on some kind of trip to a fantasy world.
I was marooned on an island, where I met a guy who gives me a boat. Then a storm ship wrecks me, where a talking bird guides me to another island where I meet a guy who treats me too a feast and tells me how to get home. First I must go through the underworld first. Oh then, I become an old man and compete in a contest for the heart of a maiden
ALLISON
A maiden? Did you win?
ALLEN
I think so?
ALLISON
Lucky women, what do you think that all meant?
ALLEN
I think my mind was trying to tell me that I have plenty of people in my life that love me
ALLISON
You do
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM-SHADY PINE - DAY
(ALLEN, ALLISON)
Allen stuffs a shirt into a nap sack and draws the strings. Allison enters holding a small wrapped gift
ALLISON
Hi, I am glad you are still here, I meant to give you this Allison hands Allen the gift
ALLEN
What is this?
ALLISON
I thought this was appropriate, considering the journey you have been on
ALLEN
(Tearing open the gift)
Homers Odyssey, Thanks
ALLISON
It is a book about a Greek mortal Odysseus who gets marooned and spends ten years trying to get home. Along the way he meets plenty of people who help him realize that he is more god like than those mortals around him. The difference that rises Odysseus above the rest, is what lies in his heart and soul
ALLEN
Does Odysseus get the girl?
ALLISON
Someday you will find your Penelope
ALLEN
Maybe I have
ALLISON
Read the last paragraph
ALLEN
(reading out loud)
The joy they have is like that of a drowning man who feels solid ground beneath his feet once more. Hmm, I am ready for some solid ground
ALLISON
Do you have everything?
ALLEN
Think so, just waiting for Dad
INT. ALLEN'S ROOM-SHADY PINE - DAY
(CHRISTOPHER, ALLEN, ALLISON)
Christopher leans into the room
CHRISTOPHER
Ready to go?
ALLEN
Yea, I think?
ALLISON
Allen, I will bring around those college applications we talked about,later
CHRISTOPHER
Great, I have even better news, Mr. Hanson down at the computer shop phoned, he wants to hire you full time for the summer
ALLISON
Way to go!
ALLEN
(feeling over whelmed)
Thanks
CHRISTOPHER
Well, I thought you would be in the mood for a celebration, so I picked up three tickets too the Tennessee Volunteers game, your mom hates football, have you any one in mind who would like to go?
ALLEN
(with hope)
Allison?
ALLISON
I love football, I would like to go, I will meet you two there after my shift ends
ALLEN
Great!
ALLISON
(playfully)
Now leave, or I will kick you out!
CHRISTOPHER
Thanks for everything Allison, say hi too Dr. Kincaid for me Allison nods and the two guys exit, leaving Allison to continue her work
INT. SHADY PINE- ALLEN'S OLD ROOM - DAY
(ALLISON, ALLEN)
Allison proceeds to strip Allen's bed. As she removes the pillow she spots a gold chain and an envelope lying on the bed. She holds the chain and opens the letter
ALLEN
(VO as Allison reads the letter)
Dear Allison, I am not very good at expressing myself so I thought a quote from one of my favourite composers would be appropriate Free me only half form this affliction and I shall be a complete man. You must think of me as being happy as it is possible to be on this earth, not unhappy. No! I cannot endure it. I will seize fate by the throat. It will not wholly conquer me! Oh how beautiful it is to live a thousand times over! Ludwig Van Beethoven Thank You Allison Signed Allen
Allison slips the chain and note into her pocket and exits
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
END TITLE SCREEN 1
Beethoven's concerto in C minor plays as the following appears in white letters on a black screen
DUE TO HIS LOSS OF HEARING BEETHOVEN DEVELOPED A SENSE OF RESIGNATION TOWARDS THE WORLD. SCHIZOID PERSONALITY DISORDER IS CHARACTERIZED BY MARKED INDIFFERENCE TO SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND RESTRAINED RANGE OF EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION. PERHAPS BEETHOVEN'S AND MANY OTHER GREAT AND LESSER POETS, MUSICIANS AND ARTISTS, AVOIDANCE OF HUMAN CONTACT SUGGEST BY SOME EXPERTS A CANDIDATE FOR THIS EMOTIONAL DISORDER
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
END TITLE SCREEN 2
White Italics on a black screen
"MADNESS IN GREAT ONES MUST NOT UNWATCHED GO"
-WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE-HAMLET
FADE OUT.
THE END
Any use in whole or part of this script is strickly prohibited without my permission.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)