Zombie

“was” is an interesting verb in colloquial dialogue where it often doesn’t follow the expected rules of tense and is frequently used in the present sense, or in place of "were" grammatically this may be non-standard, but using informal /regional /dialect speech patterns like this can help bring characters to life, make written storytelling more vivid, dialogue more ‘authentic’: "So I’m talking to this guy, and he was like, 'No way!'" (meaning he is currently saying this or said it just now) "Then I was, 'Well, I'm not doing that!'" (meaning "I said" or "I say") In many dialects eg parts of London (Cockney), Northern England, "was" is used for all persons, replacing "were": "You was" instead of "you were" "We was" instead of "we were" "They was" instead of "they were" Then there’s the Colloquial Subjunctive ("If I was") standard grammar requires "If I were" for hypothetical situations, in conversational English, but "If I was" is commonly used, even when referring to a present hypothetical scenario: "If I was you, I'd go" (instead of "If I were you" "I was wondering" is used to make a present request or question sound more polite and less direct "I was wondering if you agree with me." (meaning: "Do you agree with me now?") Here’s a final dialogue example of “was” in the present sense from another thread “So, who’s driving?”, said the Penguin, looking disapprovingly down her beak at Brad and Steve, lolling in their seats, legs spread wide open with no care for the spectacle they presented. Brad burped. Loudly. Steve thought for a moment. Or, rather, tried to think. ”We couldn’t agree who was the designated driver”, he replied, speaking slowly and with exaggerated precision in order to avoid slurring but having particular difficulty with “designated driver”, which he had to repeat several times until he was satisfied he had correctly enunciated the phrase (he hadn’t).

try this thread

- if I lived near you I’d be buying your Jeep cast-offs every 3 years - never trust ‘the majority’ - and yes I have a repeat dream: falling off a cliff/ from a building or in a plummeting elevator The cause is never clear, it’s the the sensation I remember

printed words since at least 1440 (and first printed pictograms /pictographs c 3000-3500 BC) computer coded words are so arriviste

Sexy AI it’s scary that we’re now getting aroused by computer code 😮

English tenses - a nightmare “So, who’s driving?”, said the Penguin, looking disapprovingly down her beak at Brad and Steve, lolling in their seats, legs spread wide open with no care for the spectacle they presented. Brad burped. Loudly. Steve thought for a moment. Or, rather, tried to think. ”We couldn’t agree who was the designated driver”, he replied, speaking slowly and with exaggerated precision in order to avoid slurring but having particular difficulty with “designated driver”, which he had to repeat several times until he was satisfied he had correctly enunciated the phrase (he hadn’t).

that awkward moment when Brad and Steve can’t remember who was the designated driver…

I’ve watched it several times on Channel 4 (who produced and distributed it) and the ending always lifts the spirits Interestingly this was an adaptation of a West End stage play by the original (gay) playwright (Jonathan Harvey) for C4 who made it as a TV movie, but it was so well received they then released it theatrically and it went on to garner several international film awards pretty sure I’ll watch it again next time it’s on!

Steve has a wise philosophy …waste not, want not

I think “messy queer” is my kind of cinema - like Sebastian (figuratively - above) and God’s Own Country (literally🤣)

personally I’m bored with the coming-out trope, the well-worn cliche of ‘gay films’ - BM seemed dated at the time and I’d no wish to watch it then or now. Sure, there’s still a need in some cultures, perhaps giving wider audience insight into those cultures, but in Western cultures they surely had their day a while back? what’s great is seeing films now that feature gay themes and characters and where being gay is relevant to the story, but not the focus

he’s looking very sanctimonious think I prefer the ‘other’ Steve

SEBASTIAN 2024 Although this film is written and directed by a gay director (Mikko Mäkelä) and the lead role is gay (Ruaridh Mollica, also gay in real life) and presents gay life and gay issues and writing throughout, it isn’t a ‘gay film’. It’s a film about a young man’s self-discovery and, along the way, his sex life (some very explicit gay sex scenes), loneliness, family, his need for love and affection, insecurity, vulnerability, rejection, deceit, exploitation, friendship, and ‘achievement’. The film’s central premise is ‘lived-experience’ and the titular role is sweet natured 25yo magazine journalist Max’s alter ego as sex worker ‘Sebastian’, listed on ‘Dream Boys’ to gather material about his client experiences for Max’s first novel. This premise is neatly echoed in an early scene at the magazine office where one IMDB reviewer comments: “In discussing an assignment for a Bret Easton Ellis report, a dispute surfaces (when)… the boss says, "I do think it best that queer writers cover queer authors" and that it is not a matter of optics but sensibility and sensitivity. This exchange illustrates an often-heard idea when it comes to art. Does it change if artists experienced, lived, what they write about? Does sensitivity and sensibility presuppose experience that translates, and is legible, as artistic quality?” Ruaridh carries the whole film. His performance is outstanding (all the parts are very well played) and the camera is on him almost all the time. His beautiful face is so expressive you know exactly what thoughts are going thru his mind when he’s not speaking in his soft spoken Scottish lilt. You cannot fail to care for him and where his double life is taking him. Some reviews disliked the ending, but I found it entirely consistent with the film’s narrative and very satisfying. I don’t know what streaming services are like in terms of censorship but you really do want to see the full unedited version (110mins). I picked up the blu ray for about £8 and I know I’ll want to watch it again so, for me, that’s good value. Strongly recommended. https://www.indiependent.co.uk/sebastian-review-a-brilliant-performance-and-a-fresh-take-on-the-sex-worker-genre/

that beak’s sharpened for pecking

and here’s another fact-filled reference book about these delightful little creatures, and the perfect present to educate youngsters on how they live their lovely little lives “These long, lean, furry creatures embody pure joy in so many ways – they live for napping, playing, making friends and eating, and forget about the rest. Pretty inspiring, right? In a world that can often seem divided, lonely, and just plain cruel, the otter reminds us of what’s important in life. What other • Holds hands with their friends whilst napping so they don’t float away? • Communicates in a flurry of whistles, chirps, chuckles, clicks and coos? • Builds a waterslide on a daily basis? • Befriends other species, just because? • Eats food off their tummy while floating peacefully with their pals? These intelligent, adorable, water-dwelling mammals have a lot to teach us about the way we live.“ On sale now at your local otter-friendly bookstore - an absolute steal!

this is a British /Finnish indie co-production (it had US distribution) and is on my To Watch list (bought the BR) and has an interesting premise: can a writer write authentically about a lived experience if he (or she) hasn’t lived that experience? lead actor Ruaridh Mollica plays the writer and is bisexual (oh the irony had he been straight! ) Will report back when I’ve watched it Edit to add: this premise ties in with the Netflix series, "Special", in W_L’s earlier post

maybe that’s answered in the “50+ Bonus FAQS”?

how Real Men 💪 scream…

exactly fake AI this is the real footage

OMG that door sign is Sweeney Todd’s back entrance!

is that the money Steve ‘pockets’ after he’s convinced Brad it’s ‘his round’ 🧐

wouldn’t be very intelligent not to perk up his cute little ears at the prospect of free food ‘n’ beer 😋 🍺 🥩 🍟

but you can see his cute little ears ..and no doubt Krista would say “and his grabby little hands”

surprised the usual suspects haven’t tried to pin this on Steve ‘n’ Brad https://apnews.com/article/drunk-raccoon-liquor-store-bandit-virginia-5109feb2ea9ab9bf8954ec3798689fd0

The Way We Were - is now forgotten… for most of the 20th century boys swam naked in schools across the USA and this wasn’t a choice - it was compulsory But here’s the thing - this has been officially ‘forgotten’, erased from social memory Pt1 (2+3 on YT)