tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39249772009-07-08T17:24:43.778-07:00"Look at me: I worked my way up from nothing to a state of extreme poverty." - Groucho Marx, Monkey BusinessMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-53706455410822763292009-06-17T17:46:00.000-07:002009-06-17T17:47:29.399-07:00

:30 montage of life happening...Facebook and other websaites have conspired to make blogging here redundant and unnecessary. But there are PLANS in the works (as there always are) wherein I may change the ENTIRE FACE OF THE LOS ANGELES SOCIAL SCENE!That's worthy of all caps. If it happens. And it might. And you'll hear about it here FIRST.

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-24961187294669982322008-08-01T10:03:00.000-07:002008-08-01T10:06:42.153-07:00

Hey! The new issue of Colored Chalk Magazine is up online, and guess who's in it again? Yaaaay! Cursing, stuttering, ventriloquism, and a shipwreck!Check it out!

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-25842512371023230722008-04-11T21:54:00.000-07:002008-04-11T21:58:06.726-07:00

It's aliiiiive! I finally managed to carve out some time to do what I've been meaning to for months now: give SurfMonkey Designs its own unique presence on the web. I guess it's a good thing that it's taken so long, because it means I've been busy doing websites for people! Spread the good word! Visit SurfMonkeyDesigns.com for all of your web needs!I've also gotten pretty good at building

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-84516340868848360702008-03-31T22:32:00.000-07:002008-03-31T22:48:50.233-07:00

Well, at least this time, I've actually been overwhelmed and busy as usual, only to RETURN WITH GOOD NEWS! My short story "Ashes to Ashes" was selected for the first issue of the Colored Chalk webzine. It's a project branching out of a writer's group I was fortunate enough to join last year. We're constantly motivating and eviscerating each other, it's a grand time!It's now available online and

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-81918601983996200202008-02-02T20:19:00.000-08:002008-02-02T20:23:44.648-08:00

When the political season started, I was hoping for a serious showing from John Edwards...alas, it was not meant to be. My second choice (and it was a close second) is Barack Obama, for a variety of reasons. Chief among them is his ability to unite and inspire people, both nationally and around the world, to work for the common cause of uplifting American values, keeping our nation secure, and

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-7209059361629319602008-01-26T08:09:00.001-08:002008-01-26T08:20:52.995-08:00

We all get bombarded with these stupid spam emails, "v!agra cheapmeds!", "Extend her pleasure",etc. Today, this one caught my eye as I was about to throw it away. A poem!I was intrigued. Usually spam is so cold and impersonal...how did they know I like to write bad poetry? Were they trying to appeal to me as a kindred spirit? I took the advice of the poem to heart, and from now on, when it comes

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-31398856585314044542008-01-06T20:23:00.000-08:002008-01-06T20:28:51.055-08:00

I've looked on a lot of blogs I like, and I've noticed a disturbingly familiar pattern...the user posts about how they vow to post more often and then follow up with posts about how they've failed to post more often. I'll try to get out of that habit. Here's what I'm working on now. My latest novel is churning along nicely, I'm putting out about 500-1,000 words a day. I figure to have it done by

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-75806630735214313112007-11-05T19:43:00.000-08:002007-11-05T21:21:44.068-08:00

Vicarious living for you! We had to get a point and shoot digital camera for an upcoming wedding my wife is shooting (it's going underwater! woooooo) But it also means I get to have a new toy to take around town and show you some stuff.First: Me, and a plethora of monkeys gifted to me through the years (and yes, my fanboy fight club print/Chuck Shrine)...My 'hood: Leimert Park - this is my

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-35363846705237514492007-10-14T23:55:00.001-07:002007-10-15T00:04:52.061-07:00

Oh, Bengals...my Bengals... another year lost, and we're only five games in. Bears? Same deal. I have nothing to root for this season except Bret Favre going back to the playoffs.My writing workshop with Max Barry is going great, and I'm getting a lot don eon my novel, hopefully have the first draft finished early next year. I haven't had time to post here because Aleks has been busy shooting

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-77145601676074071002007-10-01T20:27:00.000-07:002007-10-01T20:44:48.495-07:00

...same as the old Bengals...What the f*#k is happening in the NFL right now? Undefeated Detroit Lions? Undefeated Packers (with a QB older than Larry King), the Bears can't buy a win, and Cincy's playing like a high school team trying to show off its QB and WR corps while forgetting about...everything else. It's painful, I tells ya.The NHL is back in gear now, and my beloved Avs have made some

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-57258592768355625962007-09-23T21:25:00.000-07:002007-09-23T21:30:01.719-07:00

It's incredible what happens when you clean your desk. A new sense of purpose! Direction! Etc! I'm one week into the Max Barry novel workshop and enjoying it immensely. It's made me realize I have quite a few books in my head, a good sign. Max has published four books, but written nine. So, there's hope for everyone. I'm rewriting Hit and Run (outside of the workshop) and using the workshop to

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-25709575983495428542007-09-09T22:36:00.000-07:002007-09-09T22:58:43.457-07:00

Here's what's been happening in life:Firstly, the big huge website news: I just finished launching a newly redesigned RocklineRadio.com - it's a nationally syndicated radio show where people can call in to interview famous rockers. I actually got to sit in studio for a live Queensryche performance - awesome. Anyway, check it out, vote on the polls, etc. Tell me if you see any bugs.Even cooler

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-24601247665730913512007-08-01T15:28:00.001-07:002007-08-01T15:30:51.705-07:00

I usually post book reviews exclusively on my other blog, but this one is just too good not to talk about. "What is the What" by Dave Eggers is probably the most important book of the year, a life-changing work that's incredible.Sudan is a nation mired in war, and its people seem destined to suffer. Valentino Achak Deng is a survivor of the civil wars, one of the Sudanese "Lost Boys" who trekked

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-77741726237939236862007-07-20T08:10:00.000-07:002007-07-20T08:11:40.702-07:00

If you're ever, you know, having trouble... you can watch this video for helpful instructions.I swear I'll get back to regular posting someday, but this was too good to pass up.

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-15314459333228462932007-07-19T17:10:00.000-07:002007-07-19T17:16:17.574-07:00

In the last few weeks, anyway. Anyone who's seen NIN's video for Closer won't be able to stop laughing at it. Others will be disturbed by the homoerotic tension. But it's funny, dammit! Perfect match of tone and style.CONTEST NEWS! DID MONKEYWRIGHT GET PUBLISHED?No. But, I'm free to publish the story elsewhere (it's about time I got some writing up here), so I'll add it to the site eventually.

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-3739984513041283062007-07-04T21:21:00.000-07:002007-07-04T21:46:33.863-07:00

On a good note, I discovered that one of our 7-11 stores has been chosen to get the Kwik-E-Mart Simpsons makeover. So, I'll be on Venice Blvd. later this month to get some Squishees, Krusty-O's, and visit with Apu or his reasonable stand in.Now. On to the "fun".Adam and I went in for the midnight premiere of Transformers at the ArcLight theatre. The good news: They had cool cars from the movie

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-89933199224117150272007-06-18T22:17:00.000-07:002007-06-18T22:24:20.528-07:00

What's the latest? School's out! My mission this summer: Finish at least two screenplays an a spec script, and possibly one more book. I have a couple of follow up ideas for my other books, so we'll see where things go. I've been savin gup money, and combined with webwork over the summer, I'll have all my time free to write write write (and sneak a couple of Halo and Call of Duty games in). But

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-76019402301321502502007-05-30T16:46:00.000-07:002007-05-30T16:48:17.113-07:00

I finished building a massive new website (www.greattrainers.com)where PTs and gyms can list themselves in a directory. Whew! Happy to be through it and on to the next few projects. I'm almost done teaching for the year, and then it's on to a summer of writing, writing,m and more writing! In the meantime, here's an amazing bullet-time fight scene - LIVE onstage!

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-8793493240016348412007-05-15T21:57:00.000-07:002007-05-15T22:01:15.357-07:00

I know. It's been forever. But there's good news - I'm almost finished designing a HUGE website for a client, meaning I'll be free to write again soon!Also...Jerry Falwell is dead! While this doesn't make me happy (death rarely does) I am not saddened.And Paris Hilton is going to jail! Wheeee (If there's any justice).I'm crying too. Tears of joy.

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-7796101885097468162007-04-27T17:25:00.000-07:002007-04-27T17:35:37.802-07:00

Busy beyond belief here. There will be posts forthcoming involving Chuck Palahniuk readings, monkey boxer shorts, new websites, and other craziness. Until then, I leave you with this: I wrestled a grizzly bear. A real live grizzly bear. I lived to tell. I am scratched! I am bitten and brave!Submission! I am victorious!

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-48477194089254983022007-04-12T15:38:00.000-07:002007-04-12T15:45:18.288-07:00

So the Imus brouhaha resolved today. Personally, I think he's a moron for saying what he did, but I also think one of two things needs to happen: 1) We hold ALL media personalities (rappers, talk show hosts, singers, pundits, etc) to the same rigid standard (loss of livelihood due to offensive remarks) OR...2) we stop being a nation of wussies. This is kind of ridiculous. Was he offensive? Yes.

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-77077709438620778582007-04-11T11:45:00.000-07:002007-04-11T11:51:44.911-07:00

Miracle on Ice for the new millennium! Islanders in the playoffs! How can this be? I am as happy as a little girl!Wade Dubielewicz comes outta nowhere and boosts the Isles into the post-season! And their reward? The monster in the Northeast that is the Buffalo Sabres. Fine with me. Cause if the Isles can't win it all, it's high time that Buffalo does. It's also high time that TV execs get hockey

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-86716503824372220172007-04-04T20:15:00.000-07:002007-04-11T11:44:52.204-07:00

So it took me a little while to update - I been busy workin'!Anyway, new songs:DJ Kool, just because I haven't heard it since high school and it's fun.Boston - Tribute to our lost singer, Brad Delp. Why?Butthole Surfers - My life is an avalanche at the moment (and hopefully this will boost the hockey Avs into the playoffs!)And Iz. You can't beat a 400+ pound Hawaiian singer. Just try it. Nope,

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-24205706010723924662007-04-04T19:54:00.000-07:002007-04-11T11:44:01.990-07:00

So I've just sent a short story in to the contest over at Machine of Death. (EDIT: They notify in late MAY), so keep your fingers crossed. Also have a one act play competition (I'm submitting Muriel's Fourth Suicide) and a few other things coming up.On the web design front, I've got a couple more sites coming for actors, a new site for a Hollywood animal talent agency, and a HUGE database (

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924977.post-58139319120667279122007-03-24T22:59:00.000-07:002007-03-24T23:10:08.075-07:00

So I'm browsing MSN the other day and I notice this annoying inline ad they have running. At a glance, I see it's for Netflix. Like I said, I glanced at it, thinking, oh... they're using grandparents to advertise for--WTF?! Grandma's got leprosy, and Grandpa's trying to tongue her ear... this is not going to entice me to rent movies...Yeah, Netflix has this ad campaign where movie characters come

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265027174698059474noreply@blogger.com0