True Blood Blood Copy : Adios Andrew ( again ?)

Yeah, again. He does this every off season- he can't be bothered to post to the minions on the off season.

Those days at the beach are drawing to a close. The long afternoons and brief nights are ebbing. The air is turning colder, and good breather children everywhere are being forced out of summer break to once again attend class.

The Fall is coming.

Someone once told me a vampire’s existence is better measured in seasons than years. Years are temporary. Seasons are eternal. They are markers, each representing a perspective, a unique point of view on the passing years, far beyond the space of time that houses them. The same can be said of vampires. A number on a calendar means nothing to us. A single year little different than a single day. But over a long enough span, patterns do emerge. We change and evolve, shifting from one period of our lives to another, with changes as stark as the frozen winter to the warm summer nights.

Enough stalling.

I’m leaving Bloodcopy indefinitely, starting tonight. Another site has been gracious enough to house it in the meantime, so you can still access any part of Bloodcopy on the HBO web site. (www.hbo.com/trueblood)

There are a number of reasons for my departure, though I suppose the most direct involves some unfinished business with an old friend. It’s nothing dangerous or criminal (sorry, devout FOTS members), but it does require my full attention and could easily lead to greater changes in my future.

You could say I’m entering the next season of my life.

This wouldn’t be the first time I’ve suspended this site, so I won’t be rash and swear I’ll never return. Of course, the first time I left I was human. I must admit my farewell message that time still amuses me, where I claimed I was off to seek out new creatures in the world. Little did I know I’d become one of them.

This time I’m going to try a different approach. I’ll resist the temptation to expound on the state of human/vampire co-existence, the strides and back steps we’ve taken, the uncertain future facing us. I won’t recount my incredible experience as a member of Gawker, the new oddities I’ve faced since my maker called me back home. I won’t even thank each and every single person who’s joined me along the way. Comment on their insightful comments and thoughtful contributions. Tell them I’ve learned far more from them than they could ever from me.

I’ve said all these things before.

Instead, I’ll simply wish you pleasant evenings on your own travels. And do take good care.

Vampires may not be the only other creatures sharing your world.

http://bloodcopy.com/

DO VAMPIRES DREAM OF FANGED SHEEP?

It’s a lesser known fact that when a vampire lets a human drink their blood, the impact isn’t only physical. Humans will often report frequent dreams about the vampire, sometimes quite visceral and vivid in nature. But does the opposite occur? Will a vampire who feeds on a breather dream about them as well?

Come to think of it, do vampires dream at all?

Normally you’d think I was quite capable of answering the question for myself. But even in my human days I could never recall my dreams. Sometimes I doubted I even had them. This hasn’t changed since I became undead, though it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the case for all vampires.

I considered conducting an informal poll, but thought better of it. The very notion of dreaming is somewhat personal, and since no vampire has ever found fit to share their dreams (if they occur, that is), I can’t help but feel it would be somewhat poor form to ask. That and frankly, I don’t want to look like a complete idiot if it’s somehow common knowledge and my mere asking proves just how young a vampire I am.

But let’s suppose vampires can dream. In some cases I can imagine them being quite similar to the ones humans have. Showing up to your nest without clothes; nightmares of sunlit rays poring around you; the horrific feeling that your fangs are falling out as a symbol of powerlessness.

Where things get a bit trickier is in the realm of good dreams. Humans can fantasize increased power or sexual prowess. Their nightly rest can produce positive outcomes with work, great achievements and eternal glory. But what use are these to a vampire? Of course, we can find satisfaction in positive occurrences, but frankly, they are often well within our reach. Even great tasks aren’t insurmountable; we can well afford to take our time.

The obvious counter is a dream of watching a sunset. A secret wish for the ability to exist during the day. But this isn’t nearly as big a deal as some humans might believe. After all, if we really missed the sun so much, why would we allow ourselves to be turned in the first place?

So maybe the better question isn’t if vampires dream. It’s whether we ever stop dreaming.

Man, I love being a vampire.

http://bloodcopy.com/

Labor Day : A TRIBUTE TO THE VAMPIRE WORKER

Some of you may recall a post I wrote awhile back about vampires entering the workforce. As we’re about to celebrate a national holiday dedicated to the American worker (which originally started in Canada, but I digress), I can’t help but feel a certain pride that vampires can finally stand up and be celebrated alongside their breather co-workers.

I would like to extend my own hearty appreciation to all those who frequent the graveyard shift: the letter carriers who specialize in overnight deliveries, the personal assistants who can type faster than their bosses think, the construction workers who don’t need a forklift. I congratulate the ever growing list of doctors, lawyers and businesspeople who were willing to spend so much time in night school, the tradesmen and artisans who would risk prejudice and loss of patronage by announcing themselves as “vampire small business owners.” Even those whose careers haven’t changed, who provided clandestine services to undead to help us navigate the time before our revelation, but can now openly offer their services.

Of these, there are two individuals I’d like to single out. Chester is a vampire who once resided in Illinois and became involved in the Pullman Strike of 1894, the conflict that would eventually lead to Labor Day to become a national holiday. He still remembers the details vividly, and uses the lessons learned as he now serves as the chief foreman of his own night-based workforce. His employees universally laud him as fair, honest and willing to discuss his employees’ concerns without fear of repercussions.

The other is an undead who has truly gone above and beyond in his choice of employment. Though his modesty led him to make sure he wasn’t mentioned by name, this vampire is a member of the fire department in a major city. Unlike other hazards, fire is dangerous to our kind, and the fact that he’s willing to risk his life alongside the others is a lesson in courage and selflessness we can all admire.

So again, here’s a big thank you to all you honest wage-earners out there. Have a day off. You’ve earned it.

http://bloodcopy.com/

This is my favorite video that HBO/ American Vampire League ever produced

True Blood Blood Copy: The Newlin's Paradise lost and found (and good riddance)

splitsville2

Please please please tell me you saw the recent segment on TBBN where the AVL’s Nan Flanagan effectively skewered the wonder twins, Steve and Sarah Newlin. While the act of blatant terrorism they committed (reported on in find detail on the American Vampire League’s website) is far from a laughing matter and frankly, should result in no less than full criminal charges, the not so subtle hints of acrimony between the Newlins provided great theater to all who eagerly await their house of hateful cards to come crashing down.

‘You need to read you some St. Paul, missy?’ ‘I hate your hair?’ This wasn’t an interview room. It was a playground.

I have no idea what may have caused the lovebirds’ rift. The Newlins are such spiritually enlightened and cheerful people, bound by love (and a mutual hatred of the undead)- what could possibly tear them apart? I tried to get answers from the source. Unfortunately, both Mr. and Mrs. Newlin were unavailable to speak with a vampire reporter, but the person who answered the phone was kind enough to remind me I’d burn in Hell as a creature of Satan.

Fortunately, any threats of eternal damnation seem slight compared to the hell on earth these two are about to face. And while it’s not polite to glow in the misfortune of others, in this case I’m all too happy to make an exception.

http://bloodcopy.com/

Blood Copy : AM I EVIL?

August 14th, 2009

Contrary to what some will tell you, becoming a vampire does not entail losing your conscience. Sometimes I wish it did.

In many ways I consider myself fortunate. I was turned only after the invention of Tru Blood. I have never needed to find a living blood source. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been tempted, that I haven’t been drawn to the sight of an open wound, a pulsing jugular. I want to tell myself it’s not that I wish harm on anyone. For centuries, vampires were forced to take human blood in order to sustain themselves. It’s in our nature. It’s a simple fact of life. We are predators, designed with an instinct to seek our prey.

But then there’s that other feeling. When I imagine feeding not just as a means of satiating hunger, but to satisfy another craving. The knowledge of dominance. To hold another life in my hands, and in one instant, control their destiny. Sadly, I believe this too, is part of being a vampire. With such great power can only come the desire to use it, to objectify others who are not capable of what we are.

I hate myself at times like this. I hate knowing that vampires can feel this level of detachment. In my human days I would be tempted to call it evil. But now it occupies a greyer area. It’s enough to make one wonder if humans and vampires can ever truly coexist. There are times I’ve doubted it.

But then I remember the other side of the equation. I may feel these things, but I have never acted on them. There are many humans who can’t say the same. I don’t need to look hard to find acts of unspeakable cruelty committed by humans upon one another. To find humans who can be just as evil and predatory. Oddly, I find this comforting. Both humans and vampires have such a ways to go before reaching a truly civilized existence. Both of us have to confront our darker nature to truly coexist.

Who knows, we may even be able to help each other along the way.

http://bloodcopy.com/

Blood Copy : A Tale of two fangs

wow...from Blood Copy

This is a true story.*

There’s this guy, let’s call him Ted. Ted’s parents were divorced when he was very young, and he lived with his father, rarely seeing his mother at first, and eventually not at all. Perhaps because of this upbringing, Ted had spent his life drifting through unhealthy relationships, and recently a particularly rough break up had left him with low spirits and a strong bought of insomnia. While up watching late night television he saw an ad for a phone chat line offering the chance to speak with a real vampire. At first he laughed it off, but ended up seeing it again the next night. And the next. Finally, curiosity overwhelmed him and he called.

Ted ended up speaking with a woman, Annie, who was eager to tell him about the “pleasures of the undead.” However, Ted found himself more curious about vampires in general than any salacious activities they could offer. She explained this was against the rules, but he persisted. Figuring he was the one paying for the call, she agreed to only offer minor details about herself. Taste in music, interest in modern dance, a love of swimming under the moonlight. Ted ended up speaking with her nearly until dawn, at which point her need to sleep (and the max on his credit card) forced the conversation to come to an end.

Ted enjoyed it so much he called the next night. This time Annie made a request. She couldn’t remember what the sun looked like. Ted recalled his most memorable visions of the sun rising and setting. He described the majestic colors, the feeling of awesome power standing beneath it. Again they spoke late into the night, and by now Ted had decided to request she meet him in person. She refused, and asked him not to call again.

Ted honored her wishes, but couldn’t stop thinking about her nonetheless. He couldn’t say just why, but he felt something while he spoke with her. Something that was lacking through much of his life. A connection.

Then, about a week later, Annie called him. She hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him either. She wanted to meet. Ted felt butterflies on the way over. Almost like he was a kid again going on his first date. He arrived at the location and eagerly awaited her to join him. After a few moments, Annie arrived, looking stunning. Ted rose and met her gaze.

His mother stood before him.

*Okay, it’s not a true story. But then again, who’s to say it hasn’t happened?

http://bloodcopy.com/

FOTS: DON’T BE A DOPE

From Blood Copy

Sarah Newlin recently presented her latest “Reflections of Light” video on the FOTS website. Being a vampire, you might assume I’d automatically despise anything she says out of principle. But in this instance, she actually makes one valid point, specifically her objection to vampirism as a “hip trend.” Here, I couldn’t agree more. Vampire have existed for centuries, and though humanity at large has only recently been made aware of us, the notion of people flocking to join our ranks or emulate us simply because it’s new and exciting is both dangerous and imprudent. Living as a vampire is a permanent and serious choice, and not one to be taken lightly.

Of course, the rest of the video is pure schlock. For those of you who don’t want to waste a few minutes of your life listening to bigotry, here’s the crib notes version:

Hi I’m Sarah Newlin look at me I’m pretty and have blonde hair and perfect teeth just like all those girls you wished you took to prom. My husband uses more hairspray than I do but that’s okay because we are righteous and good and have lots of friends unlike those evil, mean nasty vampires who want to eat your babies. And as I finish we’ll fade to white as a metaphor for goodness and light just in case you didn’t get the message because why be holy when you can be holier than thou?