Ancient Roman Colosseum “Flavian Amphitheatre”

Did you know the historical Roman Colosseum was named “Flavian Amphitheatre ”[ Latin : Amphitheatrum Flavium Italian :” Anfiteatro Flavio”] after three emperors during the Flavian dynasty ?

In short, the Flavian dynasty ruled Rome Empire from AD 69 – 96 by Roman Emperor Vespasian and after his death, by his two sons, Titus and Domitian.

The Flavian Amphitheatre was built in order to distract Roman citizens from the financial burden imposed by the former psycho, Emperor Nero. In fact, Roman never really recovered from Nero’s footprint. The clever Vespasian outsmarted his revel’s more then once, and the Grand Flavian Amphitheatre wasn’t any different. He financially built the Amphitheatre with the Jewish War spoils and by using the wealth of his Senators. Under the careful eye of Vespasian, the Senators were sponsors. In other words, it was in the Senates best interest to offer their wealth to the people of Rome. As a sponsor, the Senators received cutbacks in taxes, plus other benefits. Such as, they’re families were spared from hardship. In turn, the Senators promoted their favourite Gladiators, whom the Roman people loved and honoured. It was a great way to get the peoples support to the Senate.

On the outside Emperor Vespasian seemed like a good emperor, however, he was just another good politician. In fact, he secretly stole his wife’s grandfather’s wealth by having him killed. He also renewed old taxes and created new ones, increasing taxes to each provinces, while keeping a watchful eye upon the treasury officials. Eventually his greed got the best of him, with his own people killing him on the streets. Politicians have followed his lead for centuries, even today, where there’s new taxes imposed on a yearly basis. When an economy is failing, imposing new taxes tricks everyone to believe the economy is growing, when its not.

Even though millions of slaves and Gladiators were killed during their fight-for-their-life performances, the sporting event was organized with Teams of Gladiators, similar to sport teams of today. Only difference, our teams aren’t butchered.

Thanks to the Romans, they incorporated an ingenious ticketing system; we use the same system today. Of course, in any sporting arena there must be food and drinks available. Interesting, their finger food consist of pork ribs and chicken wings, both dipped in tomato or a salty fish sauce. Again, much like today, except the fish sauce. However, the drinks were not beer (such a shame – lol ) simply because it was classified as a barbarian drink, such as the Germanic Tribes, who the Romans constantly fought with. The Roman drink was, of course, red wine 🍷. Unlike how we drink wine straight from the bottle to the glass, the Romans watered it down. As well, a generous portion of water was always available to prevent drunken riots and fights.

An unfortunate fact : women were only allowed to participate in the nose-bleed section of the Colosseum. Even the Emperor’s wife wasn’t allowed near her husband’s side. Thank goodness for modern times. Never did understand the division of men and women.

Believe it or not, the Flavian Amphitheatre had self flushing toilets ; not exactly like ours today, but a clever use of their engineered aqueducts. Aqueducts simply were buried conduits of stone, brick, or concrete, supplying water to the Colosseum with public baths, latrines and drinking fountains.

Public toilets were indeed public, seating all together in a row, without walls, taking a dump while talking to your neighbour. Oh my god — thank goodness for our modern bathrooms.

The Flavian Amphitheatre was another political ploy, allowing Roman citizens to feel like they’re rubbing shoulders with the elite, with the best part, tickets were free. The Roman Games would make our holiday events look like nothing, in comparison. Games would last as little as 100 days and as long as 1000 days.

Great times for the Romans, not so much for their slaves, animals and Gladiators. They spared no expense to have all kinds of exotic animals, such as tigers, lions, leopards, hippo’s, ostrich’s, bears and elephants. Unfortunately, over a million people and three times that, in animals were brutally slain.

With that being said, the Flavian Amphitheatre was an architectural wonder accommodating over 40,000 spectators. It was 170 ft high (52 m) with an overall perimeter of 1730 ft (527 m) covered in marble, travertine slab stone ( a strong light limestone material) , volcanic rock, Roman invented cement and bronze statues throughout its perimeter.

It’s quite amazing the Flavian Amphitheatre is still standing today, considering all the vandalism throughout history, including natural earthquakes. With its dark history, the Flavian Amphitheatre is a great ancient structure any tourist must see, when visiting Italy 🇮🇹.

Cheers Bari Marcus Anthony

PS — Did you know, Vespasian son, Titus reign had the most destructive natural disasters? Yes, it’s true — In 79 Mount Vesuvius volcano erupted upon Pompeii and Herculaneum. On top of that, a year later, Rome was on fire and had to deal with the Black Plague, at the same time. Go figure! Today, we have to deal with tsunamis, earthquakes and COVID.

Jenni

Today Patricia and I pay remembrance to the passing of our Little girl Jenni. Nov 5th 1980 was and still is one of the most horrific days of our lives. We were living in Calgary; me a young architectural draftsman for UMA ( Underwood & McLellan Associates ) during the day, and Patricia working nights as a bartender for an established high-end restaurant. We couldn’t afford daycare or a babysitter in those days, so we “make do” with the little income we had.

Living in the “Bowness” community just a few minutes from Bowness Park in the neighbourhood and former town in west Calgary, Alberta.

We rented a two bedroom basement duplex a few blocks away from Bow River. Just South of us the city of Calgary was in the process of building the Canada Olympic Park (COP), formerly known as Paskapoo Ski Hill. Canada Olympic Park was one of the venues for the 1988 Winter Olympics, being the primary venue for ski jumping, bobsleigh, and luge.

And — that was the reason WE were in Calgary in 1980. UMA Engineering Firm had one of the contracts to begin designing the Canada Olympic Park, including Site Plans as far away as Kananaskis Country. I was called in from Edmonton UMA firm to begin the 8 year process of planning and development of this huge project. At the time, I was just a Junior architectural draftsman, hand-drawing architectural plans, per instructions from the highly trained Architects and Engineers.

So — the three of us moved to Calgary to further my career as an architectural draftsman. Our first months in Calgary was a happy one. Patricia, Jenni and I would explore Calgary sites, such as the Zoo and the Heritage Park Historical Village where Hollywood western movies were made, such as the classic “ The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford“ starring Brad Pitt ( Jesse James) and Casey Affleck ( Robert Ford).

I remember carrying Jenni around in a kangaroo front pouch so she would be able to see the sites of the Heritage Park Historical Village. Less then a year old, Jenni eye expressions would dictate to us she enjoyed our weekend outings. One weekend we even had the opportunity to visit the town of Banff.

Everything was going well until one evening Jenni seemed more agitated then what we considered normal. As any frightened parent, I phoned our local doctor. Concerned, he made a home visit ( which is totally unheard of these days). He noticed a rash on her body, which seem unusual but not overly strange for babies of her age. He said,” If it persists, take her to the Foothills Hospital and we’ll do a complete check up.

The next evening Jenni became even more agitated with a spiking fever. Her eyes were red and the rash became more announced. It was then I phoned Patricia ( who was working nights) and explained I’m going to take her to emergency at the Foothills. Getting to the hospital, Patricia met me. As any worried parents, we wanted answers. They admitted Jenni ; after trial & error, and many specialized doctors, everyone was totally baffled to why Jenni’s temperature increased to an unsafe level. Every day and night, Patricia and I took turns being there for Jenni. The nurses would cool her down by using cool baths and a constant fan by her bed. No matter what they did Jenni’s temperature became critical. The both of us were complete distraught to the point of exhaustion. It didn’t matter, we would never leave Jenni alone. We held and hugged her as much as possible to show her, everything would be ok, and that, we were there for her.

That evening, it was my shift to be with Jenni. I gave Jenni a cool-down bath and held her some more. She began to show signs of improvement. Jenni was hungry ! That indeed is a good sign, I thought. So I was able to feed her. I remember she smiled at me with contentment.

The nurse came in, urging me, that maybe it’s a good time to go get some rest. Nodding in agreement, I decided she was right. Before putting Jenni back to bed for the night, I kissed her on the cheek. She really looked content, however I noticed her little fingers looked bluish then normal. Concerned I went to the front desk where an Intern was stationed. Explaining what I saw seemed unusual, he just looked at me with his arrogant stance and said,” Are you a doctor ?”

I said,” No. But maybe we can call our doctor ?”

This redhead seemed determined to piss me off, flatly refusing to call my physician. The nurse came over and encouraged me to go home and get some sleep. Shrugging my shoulders, I nodded, but was discouraged over the response of this intern. I knew he thought me as this young kid in my twenties who didn’t know what I was talking about. Giving up the argument, I went home.

The minute I got home, I received a emergency call from one of the nurses, that I had better get back to the hospital as soon as possible. She told me Jenni experienced a cardiac arrest and unfortunately the doctor on-call could not revive her.

Completely in rage, I rushed back to the Foothills hospital in dismay. By the time I arrived, Patricia was holding Jenni in her arms, crying intensely.

Our little Jenni didn’t survive. We were in complete sorrow. Weeks later, we learned Jenni died of severe complications from an unknown disease called Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome.

You can read more about the condition here

The point of all of this is :

1. The time we had with Jenni will be cherished the rest of our lives.

2. Physicians should pay attention to the parents. We may not have the training, but we may have some valuable information that could assist the doctors on call. In Jenni’s case, the bluish fingers could of lead the emergency doctors to act. But due to the arrogance of one intern, Jenni died.

3. If the Kawasaki syndrome is caught in time, death is preventable. Apparently survival rate is 90 percent.

4. Kawasaki disease had puzzled doctors for over 150 years, until recent years. “Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, who first described what is now known as Kawasaki Disease (KD), and recent reports of a multisystem inflammatory disease in children associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (MIS-C), makes a review on KD and MIS-C timely. Kawasaki Disease is a systemic vasculitis with predilection for coronary arteries occurring mostly in early childhood. The main features are high fever, extensive skin rash, cheilitis with red, cracking, bleeding lips and strawberry tongue, conjunctivitis, erythema and induration of hands and feet, subsiding with periungual peeling, cervical lymphadenopathy, and coronary artery dilation/aneurysms.

Due to the COVID virus, Kawasaki disease was brought front and centre, because both coincide with each other. “Atypical Kawasaki disease, Kawasaki-like disease, Kawasaki-COVID-19, paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2, macrophage activation syndrome, myocarditis, toxic shock syndrome.” Read more

5. Kawasaki disease is said to be more prominent in children of Asian descent. However, we are not even close to Asian. Just recently, due to the COVID virus more Caucasian children have the Kawasaki disease symptoms. The earliest record symptom was, believe it or not, from London, when, in the year of our lord 1870, a seven year old boy died of this unknown disease. Interesting, Kawasaki disease is prone to attack younger children five years old and younger. It’s strange the symptoms started with a seven year old Caucasian boy. This proves this syndrome isn’t clearly understood, as of yet.

6. The loss of a child is extremely traumatizing to all parents involved. Life goes on, however you never forget such a loss.

7. Time never makes a difference in relationship to the loss.

8. The graphic digital drawing above is what I would like to perceive Jenni’s soul exploring the Cosmic Universes like the fictional, Jedi Rey Skywalker of the Star Wars saga. If Jenni had a chance in life, what would have she achieved?

Today, we have two wonderful daughters, Tianndra and Trisha. They never met Jenni but I believe if they did, would have loved her the same as we do.

In Conclusion, Patricia and I will keep thinking and remembering Jenni’s birth to the day we lost her. As a parent, you’ll always have that worry of your children, hoping they will succeed past you. We worry, we love and we hope.

“May The Force Be With Her Soul Exploring The Afterlife”

Rest In Peace Jenni – We miss and love YOU forever.

Love Bari and Patricia Demers 💕

JAMES MONTANA SCRIPTS

The Alien Virus

I first wrote this theory back in 2016. Due to COVID it’s become more relevant then ever.

If an intelligent alien race came to earth with hostile intent, it would be a whisper in the night. There wouldn’t be this massive war as we see in the movies; it would be more like the shadow of death, a new strain of virus, a million times deadlier than the black plague itself, without any possible cure of an antidote.

In essence, the alien virus would soon earn its name, through its physical traits it would carry. Our pathologists may have time to name it ‘COVID’ after the source is traced to a bat. Little did we know a new landlord was in town. Without knowing it, our legendary throne on earth would be eliminated altogether. The threat of mankind would be forever distinguished, conquered by the unseen landlords, ruling our planet, full of its valuable resources.

The most valuable of them all being our planet Earth, an M base Planet featuring an endless supply of water.

Any intelligent species having the capabilities of traveling millions of light years, folding space and time, would only be looking for the biggest prize of them all, a sustainable living M Planet ready for colonization. They would land, cleanup and colonize using our home planet, as they see fit.

They may even rename our planet after their glorious King or Queen of the Royal Empire.

As for us, we would be nothing more than a distant memory ; a whisper in the wind. Possibly, after countless years of colonization, we may be referred to as those aggressive prehistoric Homo Sapiens; an amusement for their scientists, a palaeontologist of sorts, who study prehistoric life and fossils.

Our fate will simply be a notch in the evolutionary timeline of life. As a living species of our time, we would only hope to be remembered. But to our new landlords, we may be only as interesting, as the ant colonies we see today under our feet.

So, it’s vital not to take ourselves so seriously, as the dominate warriors we portray, arrogant to believe we are the only intelligent species alive. In these times of uncertainty, it’s easy to throw caution to the wind and find yourself acting reckless, not paying close attention to the effects of the COVID virus. However, as the death toll steadily climbs upward, it may lead to the demise of the human race. Until scientists can get a hold of a viable antidote, the human race is in crisis mode.

Who knows for sure ; maybe “The Alien Virus Theory” is the next logical outcome. Little do we know, we may have been watched for centuries, unaware of their feverishly plan, sealing our own fate.

Maybe the biblically scripture, “I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil…” has more truth then we had ever known.

“I walk through the valley of death” could be, we’re unaware of what lurks before us.

“ I fear no evil” means we’re programmed into denial. Denial is a construct human behaviour we naturally use to combat anxiety. Denial is only good for short-term situations. However, in long term situations, denial can become harmful mentally and eventually, physically.

It could be our new landlords expected this outcome, so the virus can easily takes its victims.

Take heed to this warning:

PRIDE had cast him above all others.

Darkness slowly absorbed his soul.

Lambs of his Cult are blinded by all the GLORY.

In their EYES, he could do no harm.

As if a KING, he becomes narcissistic, filling his

EGO with worldly pleasures, ignoring the poor,

the sick and vulnerable.

Cloaked as an ANGEL OF LIGHT, the shadow of

EVIL spreads across the EARTH, whispering its name,”

B-L-A-C-K…A-N-G-E-L-S.

BMD

An invasion is coming… Are you ready to fight for your life ?

Bari Demers – writer and screenwriter

Read more of my science-fiction stories, such as Servant Centurion 797 – Dilornian Reports 2015, Alien Abduction Report – Phase II or Robotics of Mars.

A collection of stories by Bari Demers.

In Memory of Jenni Michelle Demers

Today is in memory of our daughter Jenni Michelle Demers. On this day ( Nov 5 1980 ) in the late evening, our little Jenni died of severe complications from an unknown disease called Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome.

In some cases( like our daughter) the disease will attack their heart, known as coronary artery aneurysms . Strangely enough, it’s said that this will only happen to children in their first or second year. However, that wasn’t the case for Jenni. She was only 8 months old when this disease attack her heart.

To this day, the disease is still not fully understood and cause is widely unknown. In the 1980’s there wasn’t any treatment as there is today. To make this disease even more devastating for our daughter, only 1% of children die.

The disorder was first described in 1967 by Tomisaku Kawasaki in Japan.

My Art-of-the-Day is symbolizes what our daughter, Jenni Michelle Demers could look like today at 39 years old. I would like to think of Jenni as a DragonQueen by @emilia_clarke .

Maybe Emilia Clarke will read this and pass along, in memory of Jenni our little soul .

#RIP Jenni – Love Mom and Dad – we will always miss YOU 😔 BMD

By Bari Demers – screenwriter

#TomisakuKawasaki #instaartist #illustrator #adobeillustrator #artistoninstagram #Reincarnation #Queen #EmiliaClark #creative #art #procreate #instaartist #artist #writer #tearsinrain #tears

Writers Life

Writers Life – it’s not glorious and the most part not rewarding to everyone. However, it’s part of me. Writing and art drives my inner soul – it’s me.

The above photo says it all :

10 THINGS People Say to Creative Writers ( But shouldn’t)

1. So you’re still writing your little book/poem/etc.?

2. Must be nice not having a real job.

3. Writing doesn’t sound too difficult.

4. I always thought I’d write a book after I retire, once I have some time to kill.

5. Wait a second, creative writing degrees are a real thing ?

6. Have you been published yet ?

7. Can I be a character in one of your stories?

8. So I have this great idea I think you should be using in your book…

9. Aren’t writers just professional liars ? They tell stories for a living, after all.

10. You’re writing a book ? Tell me everything.

Here’s more :

11. So what do you do in real life ?

12. How many books have you published so far ?

13. How come you’re not famous, like Stephen King ?

14. Oh, com’n ! Everyone knows how to write a story.

I believe all writers can relate. I’ve heard it all. A writers life has little support unless it becomes a blockbuster movie or a Best Seller. When I first decided to publish a book, I was pretty naive of the whole process. On top of that I wanted to write a cookbook.

What was I thinking?!

Getting sucked into self-publishing by dishing out $5000 to a self-publisher, I was still optimistic. Had these grandeur thoughts of becoming a Best Seller, selling millions of copies across Canada and United States.

The reality is more prevalent ; “Canadian Recipes of the Great White North” sold just enough to get my money back. On a positive note, it reached the UK, Australia, Germany and Japan. In Canada it sold locally and I also received requests from United States.

I found out quickly, self-publishing is thrown into the mix of hundreds of millions of other cookbooks. Not only is it expensive, your book selling on-line or a conventional bookstore takes a whopping 40 – 45 percent of your earnings. On top of that ( this may happen to you) the publishing company is constantly up for sell to larger publishers. On an average, self-publishers either sell or go bankrupt, due to competition. To add insult to injury, if the publisher is sold ( which happened to me) to an American publisher, the USA will make you pay taxes on any book you sell. Sure – you can get it back, however the process is daunting. You must fill out a five page report w/ all your personal information and then send it to a box office number. No way ! A Box Office Number ? That just doesn’t seem legit to me.

SO – You see, it’s not worth the hassle. I’m sure they do that on purpose. If it was a lot of money I would go to a lawyer, that way you’re protecting yourself.

The above “10 Things People say to Creative Writers” is so true, it’s scary – lol.

When I say cookbook, they go…”Oh…it’s just another cookbook. You’re NOT a writer.”

Meanwhile I write tons of science-fiction to reality short-stories that could possibly be made into a book. But now I’m pessimistic to the whole publishing routine. It’s clear, the only way to get your manuscript out is to send it in for submission. Submissions sound promising doesn’t it ? Sorry, it’s not that simple. First and foremost you have to find a publisher willing to take your manuscript. Second, it most probably lay on a pile of emails or deleted, due to the first couple of sentences they may read. The reality is, you may never get your manuscript to publishing.

What I’ve learned :

• Write because you want to tell your story. Never write thinking you’re the next J.K.Rowling.
• Write for yourself, maybe others will appreciate your work.
• I write not to impress others.
• I write because it’s my inner soul, it’s what I feel inside. It’s part of who I am.
• Writing is a burning passion others may not understand. Only writers understand.
• Try NOT to become disillusioned or depressed. Just realize the ‘Arts’ is extremely competitive and the most part unrewarding.
• Only write if it comforts you. YOU find it personally rewarding.
• Don’t expect to become the next best seller. There’s a ton of politics involved in that scenario.
• Write from your heart. Never mind what others may think. It’s your story. Tell it as it is.
• Read and read more…

I believe I’ve covered everything. You may want to add on to this list. I would love to hear your story.

Have you read my short-stories or screenplays ?

My Stories

My Art

Anyway – I thought this post of “10 Things People say to Creative Writers” is a prefect example.

Do you know, if Stephen King didn’t get notice for his book “The Shining” by a movie producer, he wouldn’t have become as famous as he is. However, his horror genre was a big hit to cult followers.

Getting your written work or art recognized is like winning a lottery, or its politically driven by artsy-class people and publishers. IF by chance your book is recognized by a movie producer or director, then it’s easy-street for you.

My Thursday Thoughts…

Bari Demers – screenwriter and storyteller

Today – October 17th 2018 : Marijuana is now LEGAL in CANADA 🇨🇦

Good morning everyone!

TODAY – First time in Canadian history, Marijuana is now legal throughout Canada. Adult Canadians are allowed 30 grams of cannabis, age specification depending on each province.

It will be interesting to see the results. The questions of legalizing Marijuana is yet to be determined. However, I have a couple of questions:

1. Will it improve our economy?
2. Will Canadians use it responsibly?

Whatever happens, will indeed be a learning curve, as the rest of the world watches us closely.

What do you think of this new legalization in Canada? Will it benefit you ?

Thank you,

Bari Demers – screenwriter and science-fiction writer

PS : Check out all my art pieces, like the one above on INSTAGRAM or see more HERE

Our Human Entanglement

INTRODUCTION

Anyone who knows me understands how I love writing science-fiction stories ; as well I’m recently in competition to have the opportunity to be ( if you will ) ‘under the wing’ of producer, actor and director, Ron Howard, through Imagine Impact. It’s my hope to better understand the filming aspect of Hollywood.

I know, I know, it’s like winning a lottery – BUT you can’t win if you don’t DO. As Yoda quoted “ Do or Do Not. There is No Try.”

OUR HUMAN ENTANGLEMENT

Anyhow – I’m also grateful for my family and those who make an effort to be my friend. It means a lot to me and helps me grow into a better person. Writing science-fiction helps me release my inner self, searching for either a better future or ( if we continue along the path we’re all on ) the consequences of our actions.

Recently I’m intrigued with Better Call Saul ( a spinoff from TVSeries Breaking Bad ). Patricia and I are totally captivated by its unique artistic plots. Each time I watch ‘Better Call Saul’ I’m reading the credits. One of the credits that sticks out the most is Executive Producer Mark Johnson. I’m all about similarities or coincidences, meaning somehow or someway, we’re all connected. You could say we meet for a reason OR , another way to express it, ( in the science community) “Quantum Entanglement”.

Therefore, when I see Executive Producer Mark Johnson, I immediately think of my FB friend, Mark Johnson, lawyer and CEO of Visual Law. As quoted, “ Mark Johnson – Principal and chief creative officer of Visual Law Group, a litigation communications and forensic animation firm headquartered in Silicon Valley.”

Incredible, Mark is also into making films, founding partner in Fat Monster Films, a film production company located in Los Angeles.

I realize the Mark Johnson of ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Better Call Saul’ isn’t the same Mark Johnson friend, but I believe it’s some kind of entanglement of our universe, leading us along a path together.

Call me crazy (if you like) but I love thinking, there’s a reason we are engaged with others, no matter the distance. As a science-fiction buff, it’s frightening clear how our lives are intertwined.

SO – on my Twitter post I said this :

1/ 11 We all know Executive Producer Mark Johnson of AMC Breaking Bad and spin off, Better Call Saul, BUT did you know he produced #Rainman under partnership with Levinson ? #Filmmaking

2/11 With the collaboration of Mark Johnson and #Canadian producer Michelle Maxwell MacLaren of Vancouver (XFiles and Game of Thrones) Vince Gilligan created breaking bad.

3/11 #BreakingBad #Directors started off w/ Vince Gilligan, but had many others, such as Michelle MacLaren, herself and famous actor Bryan Cranston (aka Walter White)

4/ 11 Then came the spin off of #BetterCallSaul ( now starting it’s 4th Season) AMC has hit it on the mark w/ #BreakingBad and BetterCallSaul – both #TVSeries are extremely entertaining w/ the most professional team in show business.

5/11 I have become so involved w/ watching #BreakingBad and #BetterCallSaul , watching each series several times for enjoyment. Each portraits great detail, ingeniously hiding a “MacGuffin” ( term, popularized by film director #AlfredHitchcock ) aka #PlotCoupons

6/11 #BreakingBad and #BetterCallSaul are both excellent TVSeries to learn the craft of #Filmmaking to #Screenwriting . And, to make it even more interesting…

7/ 11 #BetterCallSaul showcases outstanding #actors @MJMcKean @mrbobodenkirk @rheaseehorn @PatrickFabian, each playing lawyers. Interesting…

8/ 11 I personally know a real lawyer ( Yes, you guessed it) Mark Johnson, w/ a team in San Jose, California who specializes in 3D Scanning & Photogrammetry for litigation. You can see Visual Law Group for yourself.

9/ 11 What makes this name similarity so incredible, my friend Mark Johnson is also involved in #makingfilms partnering in Fat Monster Films, a film production company located in Los Angeles. (www.fatmonsterfilms.com) I know, it’s just a coincidence, but hey ! I’m always intrigued w/ how we are somehow connected to this universe of ours.

10/11 Mark and I have a connection, each of us never wanted. We both loss a child. He loss his son David and me, I loss my daughter Jenni. It’s a group you never want to be apart of – parents loosing a child.

11/ 11 So, #wrapitup When I see Executive Producer Mark Johnson on the credits of #BetterCallSaul it makes me think how we’re either connected by similarities or maybe it’s Quantum Entanglement 😎 👽 #TwlightZone #science or #scifi Cant wait to see Season 4 #BetterCallSaul

In conclusion I would be grateful if you would indulge with me in this crazy world we live in. I’m truly grateful for all my connections here on FB , Twitter, Instagram and WordPress. It’s an unforgiving world we live in. Our journey is indeed a struggle, but I hope we can make a better world by sticking together, encouraging each other in success and unexpected tribulations. Whatever you’re going through, I hope you understand, we’re all together, fighting for the same things.

All that I ask is that WE are good to each other.

Thank you,

Bari Demers

I AM HUMAN

I AM HUMAN.

WE ARE ALL HUMAN. However, with over 7.4 billion people, we can’t seem to get along. Mother Earth is barely holding on, as diverse cultures breed across its globe.

Mother Earth is constantly being misused by HUMAN BEINGS, polluting the lands, our oceans and the air we breathe. As we coexist with millions of species of wildlife, our arrogant self is damaging our planet faster then ever before. Our over-populated species are crowding every little space, consuming our resources at an alarming rate. WE already know, in order to sustain us, our species must explore the universe, sure to infect another planet, before it’s too late.

WE ARE HUMAN.

We’re like this out-of-control virus, with this incurable sensation to survive, no matter what. However, nature is fighting back. It’s in our genetics, tracing back to our prehistoric ancestors (the caveman) keeping close to our KIND.

Our “kind” can be divided up into five races :

• Caucasoid

• Negroid

• Capoid

• Mongoloid (Oriental/ Amerindian)

• Australoid (Australian Aborigine and Papuan)

It’s then we’re subdivided into each of our origins, such as English, French, and Italian. After this division, we become more divided by each religion and culture. AND – that’s where everything goes to HELL. Nature is fighting back because of our narrow mindedness. We humans cause wars over religion, race, culture and colour, in an attempt to say we’re a better race or have the right religion. In the end, we’ll eliminate ourselves as nature continues on without us. It may take a million years, but Mother Earth will reboot, starting up another evolutionary species.

It’s sad, really.

Here we are ; intelligent HOMO-SAPIENS evolving from our ancestors, but too stupid to realize our own fate, due to arrogance. Our species are resourceful but can never accept or respect each other for who we are.

NO.

Instead we nitpick, clumped together in each of our own cultures, like the caveman we are. Let’s look at ME for example. My culture is said to be a mixture of French and Italian, but my DNA throws in Cree. Because I’m NOT one hundred percent French, Italian or Cree, each culture doesn’t consider me part of their family. As far as their concerned, I’m just a cross-breed, otherwise known as “Heinz 57”. It means, the French, Italians and Cree don’t respect me for who I am. THEY will NOT welcome me into their homes, because technically I’m not part of their culture.

I AM HUMAN.

Even though my father comes from a long line of DEMERS following back to the origins of France, settling in Lower Canada 🇨🇦 (now Quebec) way before the English ever step foot on Canadian soil, the French will never consider me their own.

Even though my mother comes from a long line of VARZES since the Roman Empire, the Italians have never welcomed me into their homes, since my grandfather died.

Even though my French ancestors played house with the first nations (indigenous aboriginal) people, the Cree think of me as an outsider. When we use the term, “Indian”, we’re quickly referred to as being racist, when their race freely refer us, as “White Man”. Believe it or not, both slangs are indeed racist.

Let me explain further.

I’m an artist, be it writing, drawing or graphic design. My Art has taken me along many adventures, including submersing myself into the Northwest Native Art, for the past 40 years. Just recently I asked a member of the First Nations people to help me with this design, as I want to explore the inner meanings of their culture. This is what this person told me, “ I don’t feel comfortable giving advise because the art work you are trying to produce is a form of cultural appropriation. There is more knowledge that goes into a design, that has been passed down from many generations, and has almost went extinct. This is our form of visual language. I appreciate that you enjoy our culture, but there is so much more to learn to respect the artwork.”

Teach me then.

Please teach me the right way to embrace your culture. No response.

Little does she realize I’ve study this art form when I was a teenager. I’m well aware of each cultural background, but like many First Nations People, they each have their own spin on it. It’s their personal art, from their inner soul and spirituality. I may not be one hundred percent Cree, but that’s doesn’t make me an outsider.

Cultural Appropriation.

Now that term is offensive to any artist on this planet. Each artist has his/her own way to express their inner demons of expression, since the dawn of mankind. Each tribal member may have its own form of language arts, but it’s not right to say, we don’t have the right to express it in our own form. That’s like telling an artist you’re banned from expression. I truly understand they want to keep their culture and way of life, passing it down from generation to generation. In fact, I totally respect their culture, requiring guidance, to pursue my artwork. BUT…not to allow an artist to express themselves, has gone too far. Ironically, she asks her followers to draw their expression of Spiritual animals, such as a whale, raven or eagle. Isn’t that also a form of cultural appropriation ?

I AM HUMAN.

I’m a human beings, like any other human being on this earth. All I’m asking is to stop crying wolf when you’re doing the same to others. Treat me as a human being. Treat me NOT as an outsider, but share me your culture. WE must all be treated like EQUALS, no matter your race, religion or cultural upbringing. Embracing each other as a loving family is when WE may eventually get along. To close-the-door in my face is not only rude but arrogant, no matter who YOU are.

The French and Italians have done the exact same thing. So be it. I’m CANADIAN and extremely proud to be part of this wonderful country. My culture is Canadian, that’s my NEW culture.

It frustrates me to no end, as each culture embraces their own, without inviting outsiders, welcoming them in. I say,”Look forward to the future, embrace each human being as your GOD intended YOU to. It’s called respect.”

By Bari Demers – screenwriter

NOTE : Please be respectful. You never know what may come out of it.

Ebola Fighters – the Canadian Connection

Ebola is one of the most dangerous pathogens in our modern world. This pathogen has no mercy and kills its victims in less then four days.

Up until 2014, there wasn’t any treatment or cure for EBOLA.

HOWEVER – during the West Africa Ebola outbreak in 2014, thousands of people were dying at an increasing rate ; doctors were racing against time. A select team of doctors and pathologists volunteered their expertise, heading to Africa to see if they could fight this deadly Pathogen.

On the sidelines, at the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Lab ( NML) in Winnipeg, Canadian Scientist, Dr. Gray Kobinger and Dr. Xiangguo Qiu were both working feverishly, trying every method they could to develop a vaccine.

They were getting close to developing a vaccine BUT no one believed it could be done. Dr. Gray Kobinger and Dr. Xiangguo Qiu perfected two of three antibodies and intertwined it with a third antibody from the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases. The antibody cocktail hadn’t finished it’s clinical tests, or had it ever been used on humans.

UNTIL fate of desperation forced their hand.

An American doctor, Dr. Kent Brantly , along with nurse Nancy Writebol , were both infected with the deadly virus. They became the very first human patients in history to be administered this new vaccine, all in an attempt to save their lives. Fortunately for everyone concerned, the experimental vaccine worked.

Both patients were in the advanced stage of the Ebola and would have certainly died if it weren’t for the discovery of Dr. Gary Kobinger new vaccine.

As Dr. Gary Kobinger said,” It was a very tense situation…” He pauses with a smile and continues,”It was…It was quite a moment.” His smile was due to the success of the antibodies reaction to the Ebola pathogen. The serum is called Z Mapp, a Biopharmaceutical drug composed of the three chimeric monoclonal antibodies.

Dr. Gary Kobinger and Dr. Xiangguo Qiu work is recognized internationally and last year received the prestigious Canadian Award, the Manning Innovation Award (It’s an award, where Canadians who have demonstrated recent innovative talent and successfully marketed their innovations*).

They’re now known worldwide as the Ebola Fighters – congratulations to our Canadian Science Team Dr. Gary Kobinger and Dr. Xiangguo Qiu – Our Canadian Hero’s 😎

By Bari Demers – screenwriter

Welcome to My Imagination

It seems in the past weeks I’ve been quiet on WordPress, when in fact I’m busy as ever, writing on a daily basis. Like any other writer, my mind doesn’t stop thinking or imagining new stories.

However, there are times I’ll use other platforms to engage new audiences, like writing about recent world events along with social media interests. I have four science-fiction websites : James Montana Scripts, Genesis, Sci-fi Blog and Futurism. Each one engages SciFi fans, falling deeper into the rabbit hole.

On social media, I use my writing skills on a completely different platform, gearing my love for Las Vegas. It’s an inside look, (using Facebook Pages) showcasing viewers into the mainstream of Las Vegas, with its lifestyle and vacationing opportunities. My site is called Vegas Reviews, ready to share our fun experiences with other Vegas Lovers, writing tips and giving real resort reviews on my website. My experience goes as far back as the 1980’s, with Las Vegas constantly changing on a weekly basis.

It’s a madhouse to keep up, but still can do it.

To complicate things, I’m an artist too, using Instagram as centre stage. Business wise, I keep to LinkedIn and Twitter, just in case a producer wants to get a hold of me, in regards to my screenplays.

Like any other artist, my mind is racing with new ideas ; not enough hours in the day to attend to the whole package.

My style of writing is far stranger then most, with some referring to me as the ‘Vincent Van Gough of writers’, due to my hidden keys of secret messages, lying deep within each storyline. As you read my stories , it’s my hope I’ve lead you onto a quest of finding the secret keys to opening the doors of treasures, like a pirate hunting for gold.

I’m indeed a storyteller, competing within a sea of writers, but hopefully you’ve caught the biggest fish story of them all…my imagination.

So you see, like all artists, we’re all in a barrel of pickles, trying our best to get picked as the juiciest pickle of them all, fighting the rivers current of creative writers, across the globe. It’s a daunting task to even think of making it to the VIP list, like J. K. Rowling or Stephen King. Therefore, I prioritize and concentrate specifically on my dreams and vivid science-fiction imagination, writing up a storm of ideas and fun storylines. IF by chance, my imagination captures your interest, I’m delighted and honoured you’ve taken a few minutes out of your busy day, to read my stories. I truly appreciate it!

With that said, I don’t write to impress the wizards. Instead, I write because it’s what I love to do, pressing your imagination with magical unicorns, zombies, robots and angels from the cosmic universes and the dream world of my imagination.

By Bari Demers – screenwriter