It’s Power of Truth month, where for the next few weeks my content will revolve around the paranoid, the detectives and the conspiracy theorists. As i continue to work on my Power of Truth eBook, I like to listen to some tunes like these to get me into the mind of Power of Truth characters…

Better run for cover
You’re a hurricane full of lies
And the way you’re heading
No one’s getting out alive

So do us all a favor
Would you find somebody else to blame
‘Cause your words are like bullets and I’m the way your weapons aim

I guess I could fill a book with things that I don’t know about you baby
You’re not misunderstood but you got
You got to go

(Lies)
Living in a fantasy
(Lies)
Don’t even know reality
(Lies)
When you start talking I start walking
(Lies)
Lies, lies, lies

Don’t even wanna know the truth
(Lies)
The devil has his eye on you girl
(Lies)
When you start talking I start walking
(Lies)
Lies, lies, lies

So don’t forget your seatbelt
Don’t you think of picking up the phone
Better say your prayers ’cause you’re never gonna make it home

Did you miss the stop sign
That last decision was your last
‘Cause you can’t come back once you’re lying in the broken glass

And I hope you get to hear me say, “Who gets the last laugh now”

No more excuses
No more running
Only God can save you now
(God can save you now)
‘Cause I know the truth
Time is running out

And I’m just one drink away
And I’m back in Wonderland like it was yesterday
And I hope you get to hear me say, “Who gets the last”
“Who gets the last”
“Who gets the last laugh now”

Power of Idealism Month

This month is Power of Idealism month. We’ll be examining the type of Character who strives for excellence and never settles for second-best. Life is grand opera, where every emotion is heightened. They can’t just feel pain, they feel extreme pain. A romantic gesture isn’t enough, it has to over-the-top. “Complacent” or “satisfactory” isn’t in their vocabulary.

Throughout April, we will look at epic heroes, separated lovers and those coming of age. These Characters are dramatic types who are never satisfied and treat life as a never-ending pursuit of something better. They are passionate, intense and will never settle for anything less than the best. Even then, they will keep reaching for something better.

Hamilton

Hamilton is the musical portrayal of the life of Founding Father, First Secretary of the Treasury and face of the $10 bill, Alexander Hamilton. In the musical, at least, Hamilton is a Power of Idealism Character. His best friend, Aaron Burr, is Power of Truth.

Their conflict lies in Burr’s jealousy- he spends the musical asking “how could a bastard orphan” achieve everything that he does? Unlike Burr, who plays it safe, Hamilton always succeeds. Their argument lasting decades reaches its tragic end when Burr shoots Hamilton dead in a duel.

Every one of the songs that Hamilton himself sings relates to his relentless pursuit of crafting America in his own image. Everyone suffers for him- his wife Eliza, her sister Anjelica, his son and his political rivals. Hamilton breaks hearts and creates enemies as he embraces his epic destiny. It is not until later in his life, as the War of Independence is over and Thomas Jefferson arrives at the White House, that he faces defeat.

Everything that Hamilton does, he does for the American Project. Nothing else matters to him, because ever since his impoverished childhood, he’s had to write his way out to thrive. Talent serves him well, up to a point. His loss of a normal, happy life was America’s gain. In this musical, at least, it could be argued that Hamilton couldn’t have asked for a better death.

Epic Hero Stories

There are three Power of Idealism stories- Separated Lovers, Coming-Of-Age and Epic Hero. Hamilton is the latter, as is the 2004 historical film Troy. These stories follow legends, warriors, and icons who are doomed to die in a noble cause- often in war. In Hamilton’s case, it was his refusal to back down. His greatness cost him his life, but he will always be remembered for his achievements.

Other Power of Idealism Characters in Epic Hero stories are Colonel Robert Shaw (Matthew Broderick) in Glory, King Leonides (Gerard Butler) in 300 and William Wallace (Mel Gibson) in Braveheart. All these Characters sacrifice themselves for glory and honor, and their stories will live on.

Lyrics

Some of these lyrics from various Hamilton songs sum up Hamilton’s attitude and the Power of Idealism mindset. They also demonstrate how Hamilton is part of an Epic Hero story:

You could never back down

You never learned to take your time!

Alexander Hamilton

[King George] ain’t ever gonna set his descendants free

So there will be a revolution in this century

Enter me!

[…] Don’t be shocked when your hist’ry book mentions me

I will lay down my life if it sets us free.

[…] I imagine death so much it feels more like a memory
When’s it gonna get me?
In my sleep? Seven feet ahead of me?
If I see it comin’, do I run or do I let it be?
Is it like a beat without a melody?
See, I never thought I’d live past twenty
Where I come from some get half as many

[…]I’m past patiently waitin’. I’m passionately
Smashin’ every expectation
Every action’s an act of creation!
I’m laughin’ in the face of casualties and sorrow

Hamilton, My Shot

I may not live to see our glory!

But I will gladly join the fight!

And when our children tell our story…

They’ll tell the story of tonight

Hamilton, Story of Tonight

HAMILTON: If they tell my story

I am either gonna die on the battlefield in glory or Rise up!

WASHINGTON: Dying is easy, young man,

Living is harder.

Hamilton and Washington, Right Hand Man

ELIZA: Look at where you are
Look at where you started
The fact that you’re alive is a miracle
Just stay alive, that would be enough
And if your wife could share a fraction of your time
If I could grant you peace of mind
Would that be enough?

CHORUS: How do you write like tomorrow won’t arrive?
How do you write like you need it to survive?
How do you write ev’ry second you’re alive?
Ev’ry second you’re alive? Ev’ry second you’re alive?

Full Company, Non-Stop

This month is Power of Idealism month. We’ll be examining the type of Character who strives for excellence, and never settles for second-best. They see life as a grandiose melodrama, where every emotion is heightened. They can’t just feel pain, they feel extreme pain. A romantic gesture isn’t enough, it has to be grand and over-the-top. Power of Idealism Characters don’t know what the words “complacent” or “satisfactory” mean.

Throughout April, we will look at epic heroes, separated lovers and those coming of age. The dramatic types who are never satisfied, and treat life as a never-ending pursuit for something better. They are passionate, intense and will never settle for anything less than the best. Even then, they will keep reaching for something better.

To start off Power of Idealism month, here are some anthems that help define the mindset of this Character Type.

“The Impossible Dream” by Andy Williams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KufFjcWOUQ

To dream the impossible dream
to smite the unbeatable foe
to bear with unbearable sorrow
to run where the brave dare not go
to right the unrightable wrong
to love your ever chased from afar
to tr when your arms are to weary
to reach the unreachable star
this is my quest, to follow that star
no matter how hopeless
no matter how far
to fight for the right without question or cause
to be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause
and I know If I only could do this glorious quest
that my heart will I be peaceful and come when I’m late to my rest
and the world will be better for this
that one man sore with uncoverable scars
still stroll with his last ounce of courage
to fight with the unbeatable foe
to reach the unreachable star

“The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga

There ain’t no reason you and me should be alone
Tonight yeah baby, tonight yeah baby
But I got a reason that you-hoo should take me home tonight

I need a man that makes it right when it’s so wrong
Tonight yeah baby, tonight yeah baby
Right on the limit’s where we know we both belong tonight

It’s time to feel the rush to push the dangerous
I’m gonna run right to, to the edge with you
Where we’ll both fall far in love

I’m on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment of truth
Out on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment with you

I’m on the edge, the edge, the edge,
The edge, the edge, the edge, the edge

I’m on the edge of glory
And I’m hangin’ on a moment with you
I’m on the edge with you

Another shot before we kiss the other side
Tonight yeah baby, tonight yeah baby
I’m on the edge of something final we call life tonight alright, alright

Put on your shades ’cause I’ll be dancing in the flames
Tonight yeah baby, tonight yeah baby
It isn’t hell if everybody knows my name tonight alright, alright

It’s time to feel the rush to push the dangerous
I’m gonna run right to, to the edge with you
Where we can both fall far in love

I’m on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment of truth
Out on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment with you

I’m on the edge, the edge, the edge,
The edge, the edge, the edge, the edge

I’m on the edge of glory
And I’m hangin’ on a moment with you
I’m on the edge with you
I’m on the edge with you
I’m on the edge with you

I’m on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment of truth
Out on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment with you

I’m on the edge, the edge, the edge,
The edge, the edge, the edge, the edge

I’m on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment with you
I’m on the edge with you

“Rocket Man” by Elton John

She packed my bags last night, pre-flight
Zero hour nine AM
And I’m gonna be high as a kite by then
I miss the earth so much I miss my wife
It’s lonely out in space
On such a timeless flight

And I think it’s gonna be a long long time
‘Till touch down brings me round again to find
I’m not the man they think I am at home
Oh no no no I’m a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone

And I think it’s gonna be a long long time
‘Till touch down brings me round again to find
I’m not the man they think I am at home
Oh no no no I’m a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone

Mars ain’t the kind of place to raise your kids
In fact it’s cold as hell
And there’s no one there to raise them if you did
And all this science I don’t understand
It’s just my job five days a week
A rocket man, a rocket man

And I think it’s gonna be a long long time
‘Till touch down brings me round again to find
I’m not the man they think I am at home
Oh no no no I’m a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone

And I think it’s gonna be a long long time
‘Till touch down brings me round again to find
I’m not the man they think I am at home
Oh no no no I’m a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone

And I think it’s gonna be a long long time

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Oh no darling
No wind, no rain
Or winters cold can stop me baby, na na baby
‘Cause you are my goal
If you’re ever in trouble
I’ll be there on the double
Just send for me, oh baby, ha

My love is alive
Way down in my heart
Although we are miles apart
If you ever need a helping hand
I’ll be there on the double
Just as fast as I can
Don’t you know that there

Ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough
Ain’t no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you babe

Don’tcha know that there
Ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough
Ain’t no river wide enough
Ain’t mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough

Types Tuesday

This month is Power of Reason month. We’ll be examining a type of Character that know exactly how the world should be. Power of Reason Characters solve problems with a sense of detachment. These Characters are precise, seeing the world as complex puzzles to be solved. When their own personal logic is challenged, they can turn to the dark side as they try to revert any deviation. Nothing distracts them from their singular view of the world- emotion does not factor into their actions.

Throughout March, we will look at Scientists, Serial Killers and Strategists and try to understand why these Characters are so rigid in their logic and reasoning. Power of Reason Characters may seem one-note and unwavering, but their detachment and problem-solving can be as fascinating as it is horrifying.

To start off Power of Reason month, here are some anthems that help define the mindset of this Character Type.

“Ready Or Not” by The Fugees

“Chess” by Rivers Cuomo

This month is Power of Conscience month, where most of the website’s content will be dedicated to those who seek righteousness, look for justice, believe they know what is right or wrong, and will go as far as they have to do ensure that to expose corruption.

To start off the month, here are some songs that sum up what it means to be driven by the Power of Conscience, songs and lyrics included below:

“Stars” from Les Miserables

There, out in the darkness
A fugitive running
Fallen from God
Fallen from grace
God be my witness
I never shall yield
Till we come face to face
Till we come face to face

He knows his way in the dark
Mine is the way of the Lord
Those who follow the path of the righteous
Shall have their reward
And if they fall
As Lucifer fell
The flames
The sword!

Stars
In your multitudes
Scarce to be counted
Filling the darkness
With order and light
You are the sentinels
Silent and sure
Keeping watch in the night
Keeping watch in the night

You know your place in the sky
You hold your course and your aim
And each in your season
Returns and returns
And is always the same
And if you fall as Lucifer fell
You fall in flame!

And so it must be, and so it is written
On the doorway to paradise
That those who falter and those who fall
Must pay the price!

Lord let me find him
That I may see him
Safe behind bars
I will never rest
Till then
This I swear
This I swear by the stars!

“Way Down We Go” by Kaleo

Father tell me, we get what we deserve
Oh we get what we deserve

And way down we go
Way down we go
Say way down we go
Way down we go

You let your feet run wild
Time has come as we all oh, go down
Yeah but for the fall oh, my
Do you dare to look him right in the eyes?

‘Cause they will run you down, down til the dark
Yes and they will run you down, down til you fall
And they will run you down, down til you go
Yeah so you can’t crawl no more

And way down we go
Way down we go
Say way down we go
‘Cause they will run you down, down til you fall
Way down we go

Oh bab-bab-yeah
Wow baby
Baby
Bab, down we go
Yeah

And way down we go
Way down we go
Say way down we go

“God’s Gonna Cut You Down” by Johnny Cash

You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God’ll cut you down
Sooner or later God’ll cut you down

Go tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler,
The gambler,
The backbiter
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down

Well my goodness gracious let me tell you the news
My head’s been wet with the midnight dew
I’ve been down on bended knee talkin’ to the man from Galilee
He spoke to me in the voice so sweet
I thought I heard the shuffle of the angel’s feet
He called my name and my heart stood still
When he said, “John go do My will!”

Go tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler,
The gambler,
The backbiter
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down

You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God’ll cut you down
Sooner or later God’ll cut you down

Well you may throw your rock and hide your hand
Workin’ in the dark against your fellow man
But as sure as God made black and white
What’s down in the dark will be brought to the light

You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God’ll cut you down
Sooner or later God’ll cut you downGo tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler,
The gambler,
The backbiter
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down

“Earth Song” by Michael Jackson

My husband was on a panel at a legal conference right around the time The Silence of the Lambs was released.  An FBI profiler was also on a panel at the conference.  The moderator asked what the profiler thought of the film.  He said, “I was scared to death”.  The moderator asked why. “Don’t you deal with this stuff every day in your job?”  The profiler replied, “Yes.  But in my job, there’s no music.”

Jonathan Demme is known for marrying sound and picture in a very evocative way.  He creates a sound atmosphere’s that heightens emotion that’s already there but doesn’t hit you over the head telling you how to feel.  Howard Shore wrote the score and he talks about music in film HERE.

This is also my impression of your score for SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. The music is very “neutral” and monochromatic. It’s just flowing without much counterpoint.

I tried to write in a way that goes right into the fabric of the movie. I tried to make the music just fit in. When you watch the movie you are not aware of the music. You get your feelings from all elements simultaneously, lighting, cinematography, costumes, acting, music. Jonathan Demme was very specific about the music. His suggestions were valuable…

Here is an analysis of Shore’s score for The Fellowship of the Rings trilogy.  He is, indeed, a modern master.

Contrast Howard Shore with John Williams.  While visiting my family this summer we went to an outdoor orchestral performance of John Williams’ scores. So much of it sound vaguely alike.  Personally, I am not a fan.  I especially disliked his heavy-handed work on Steven Spielberg’s War Horse. The script was very weak and very episodic and the score tried to box the audience in the ears to get them to feel something.

The following video essay on Marvel movies is a great analysis of modern scores:

According to Wikipedia–

“Gangnam Style” (Korean: 강남스타일, IPA: [kaŋnam sɯtʰail]) is a K-pop single by the South Korean musician PSY. The song was released in July 2012 as the lead single of his sixth studio album PSY 6 (Six Rules), Part 1, and debuted at number one on South Korea’s Gaon Chart. On December 21, 2012, at around 15:50 UTC, “Gangnam Style” became the first video in the history of the Internet to be viewed more than a billion times. As of December 25, 2012, the music video has been viewed over 1 billion times on YouTube, and it is the site’s most watched video after surpassing Justin Bieber’s single “Baby”.

There have been pages and pages of analysis as to the odd-ball video’s popularity.  My take comes down to one word– Enthusiasm.

Psy is a short chubby guy with very unsophisticated, slightly awkward dance moves.  But he sings his songs and repeats his moves with absolute conviction and, most important, with wholehearted energy and individuality.

What does this song and dance video have to do with writing?   Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best–

“When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it.
Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful,
and you will accomplish your object. “

Does everything you write and the way you approach your writing have this crackling enthusiasm, passion, and authenticity?

Can you make everything you do in 2013 reflect your very own unique take on Gangnam Style?  If you do so you will be much more likely to succeed and to have more fun along the way!

The film begins by listing the headlining acts of the 1984 Super Rock festival in Japan: Scorpions, Whitesnake, and Bon Jovi, all of whom have gone on to fame and fortune, except one– Anvil.

Despite their drive, ambition and passion, this hapless Canadian band never caught fire commercially. At age 50, singer and lead guitarist Steve “Lips” Kudlow drives a delivery truck for Children’s Choice Catering, hauling heavy food cases over snowy drifts to schools. Drummer Robb Reiner works in demolition and construction. The two are childhood best friends.  Their band is still together after 30 years, playing sports bars and area taverns for their small but loyal group of fans.

Early in the film, Lips gets an unexpected email from a European fan, Tiziana Arrigoni, who offers to set up a European tour for the band.  They all quit work for 5 weeks, estimating they will earn 1500 Euros per show. The tour has a promising start at a big Rock festival in Sweden but it all quickly goes downhill.  The band walks away with more expenses than payments.

Along the road they band crosses paths with other metal rockers, who pay homage to Anvil as a seminal influence.  Director Sacha Gervasi was a fan as a teen and even worked for the band as a roadie for several years.  He now returns, after a successful career as a screenwriter, to chronicle their indomitable spirit and dedication to their dream in this wonderful poignant, funny, odd ball film.

The story is told with heart and love and but is unsentimental about financial disaster, second mortgages, homelessness (one band member lost his house) and just plain bad luck.  Put it on your NetFlixs queue.  You won’t regret it!