Thoughts on Writing, Actual Writing, and Getting Carried Away Abroad

If you're wondering why I haven't been blogging this week, then somehow you haven't heard about a little thing called the Writers' Strike?! In honor of the Writers' Guild I have refrained from doing any writing all week, in solidarity. I'm kidding - my blog is non-union, and I have been lazy. BUT: the Strike is a huge deal and is really affecting the Los Angeles community, many of my friends have been laid off and there are some shows that will not likely come back after the strike ends. Not only that, with studios shutting down production I'm sure a lot of other industries will be affected, food, transport, textiles, etc. I mean, this is a really big deal. And everyone should understand why this is happening. Here is a simple, compelling video, put out by a writer, explaining the strike. It's called "Why We Fight."



I also haven't been finding anything super jazz-worthy this week, I'm not depressed, just not particularly jazzed about anything. And then I heard this story and got suddenly interested. It's kind of weird. But hear me out.

So this American college student, Amanda Knox, was studying abroad in Perugia, Italy...

having the time of her life. She met this boy there two weeks ago (possibly in an internet cafe?), they began a relationship, and now they are the prime suspects in her roommate's murder. The roommate, Meredith Kercher (21), was found dead in their apartment on Friday after police say she was stabbed while fighting off a sexual assault. Police have put forth suggestions that Knox and her male companion may have tried to involve Kercher in a sex act and then killed her when she refused.

Knox is from Seattle where everyone who knows her say they are absolutely stunned. Her friends, the art gallery where she interned, no one can believe this is possible. And herein lies the magic of study abroad! There is alcohol and drugs aplenty, bold men with long hair in linen pants, the air is crisper, love is sweeter, and endless possibilities await on the road to adventure.

Anyway, this story is sick, agreed, but it has led me to a few conclusions.

• People do crazy things in foreign countries. Like buy a leather jacket. So murder is not really that far off.
  
• Love can get you carried away, especially when it's new, exotic, and uncomplicated by details such as a rap sheet.


• You can never really know anyone.


• At any point someone can turn on you and kill you. Especially your roommate you just met.

Have a great weekend!