What Inspires You?

Chris Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 04:53 PM EST

Stephen King's "It" inspired me to be a librarian. One of the characters who was very unhappy at home would go to the local public library a lot. King's descriptions made it sound like such a wonderful place. And it is. I love my job. Thanks, Mr. King.

Lorenzo Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 03:51 PM EST

I would love to pick any specfic song, book, movie, or TV show but I can't. It wasn't one thing, it was everything! When I was 12 years old, all I did was play videogames and watched cartoons. Every single frickin' day my life revolved around "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" and "Dexter: The Laboratory". But after I couldn't get my PS2 until the price went down, I resorted to spend the rest of my videogame days watching television and movies. I started to watch a couple of prime time shows like "Friends", "24", "Memento" and "Traffic" instead of the normal "black shows" on UPN or "black movies" like The "Legend of Bagger Vance" or "Finding Forrester".

After that, it kept growing and growing 'til I found myself like rock music. Artists like Evanescence (which the first rock album I ever brought) and Linkin Park are groups who I would never listen to because the members of family has this feeling of "black only" when it comes to entertainment which I think a lot of black people still feels.

This may not seems like nothing to you but to a person of color who was 12 years old, it meant everything to me. I went out of my norm and "the blackness" of my family to actaully watch good film, movies and listen to good music regardless of race. And it hasn't stop there. I gotten more involved into what are government do and how their policies affects us after watching shows like "The Daily Show" and "Real Time with Bill Maher". So, like I said before, there's wasn't one thing, it was everything!

Abbey Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 02:39 PM EST

For anyone that hasn't read The 5 People You Meet in Heaven (by Mitch Albom who also wrote Tuesdays with Morrie) go. Run right now. Turn off your computer, go to the book store, buy it, read it tonight. It will change your life. It's phenomenal.

I also think The Usual Suspects is the best movie ever made. I love, love, love Kevin Spacey.

Christopher Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 02:38 PM EST

Book: Ordinary People, by Judith Guest

Robert Redford directed a pretty good adaptation of this book. It's a series of layers of a 'normal' person, Conrad Jarret, told as painfully real as Salinger's Caufield, as he tries to recover his life after a suicide attempt, and must reconcile with the death of a sibling and a broken dynamic in his family.

In my wanderings, I stumbled upon a quote attributed to Truman Capote that I always found to be an excellent summation of Conrad's problem: "Just because someone can't love you enough doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have."

That's what Ordinary People taught me... and that it's important to understand, forgive, and love others... but much more important to understand, forgive, and love yourself.

Christopher Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 02:29 PM EST

Elementals Vol. 2 #15, by Bill Willingham.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/28745532222.15.GIF

Not only did Willingham take a comic-book story and give it the darker, cynical perspective of the greats of the late eighties, he also approached his characters with the same love for detail and truth a great novelist has.

In issue 15, there's no big battles. We attend a sit-down meeting of the Elementals, where we discover that some of the merchandising companies the heroes own are in legal battles, despite their working well together as a team.

Do you love those moments when a hero surprises you with out-of-the-box thinking? This was one of those episodes that made me giddy. Too long a puppet on a string, Tommy (a.k.a. Monolith) decides to break the cycle (of bad guys breaking out of prison, good guys fighting and defeating the bad guys, and the bad guys breaking out of prison again), with a rather unorthodox approach-- a death penalty, that his team would enforce.

It isn't good because everyone decided this was a GOOD idea, it was good because they had a huge fight and talked it over. And at the end of the talk, they come up with a plan that their Government handlers-- illegally listening in via wiretap-- are panicked about.

Comico was plunged into bankruptcy shortly after this issue and The Elementals were never the same. But I see Elementals 15 in Batman Begins, Heroes, and The 4400-- approaches to the genre where realistic dialogue and character reaction makes spandex fantasy so much more attractive.

t3hdow Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 02:20 PM EST

George Orwell's novel, 1984 hands down. This novel, countered with 9/11 (which happened a year before I read 1984) helped open my eyes and realize the world isn't as clear cut as the media perceives the world or even America itself. This is when my widely ambiguous thinking really started coming into play. Not that I was totally subservient to what the media stated, but it wasn't for this book, I don't know how ignorant minded I might be today. To this book, I owe a tremendous debt.

To kennyk:
Although I wouldn't call myself overly depressed, I recently started delving myself into rock and Trent Reznor is one of my favorite rock artists. Although I only listened to Downward Spiral and With Teeth (among a few other NIN tracks), I can't wait to listen to his other works. It's a shame this age of modern day, TRL riddled music doesn't have much room for him.

Sue Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 02:17 PM EST

What a great time of year to express the film that inspires me daily; "It's a Wonderful Life". So many moments in that film should remind us all that "no man is a failure who has friends"! Moments such as: George Bailey saving his little brother, George stopping Mr. Gower from giving a child a poisonous prescription; giving up his dream to take over for his father at the bank; taking the blame for Uncle Billy's mistake in losing the money. God, there's just so many but the part that gets me EVERY time is at the end of the movie when Uncle Billy rushes in and says "Mary did it George, she just told some people you were in trouble" and when the whole town crowds in the house and his brother Harry toasting to "My big brother George, the richest man in town"! Wow, I could almost start crying writing about it. That movie inspires me to give more of myself (not necessarily monetary) to those in need. Think about that this holiday season, even if you don't have money for charities, volunteer to wrap gifts for the American Red Cross or to take underprivileged children shopping for a winter coat. That could be the best gift to yourself!!

Martin Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 02:06 PM EST

A very uninspired answer for a very loaded question: http://moviemartin.blogspot.com/2006/09/100th-post-terrified.html
The items on that list inspire me because they tug at my heart every time.

Stryker Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 01:54 PM EST

I am a huge entertainment fan and could ramble off a list of a million and one moments that have inspired me in my career and personal life. However, one truly stands out. On a date with my husband early into our relationship, we went to see Ice Age. I left the theater completely in love with the Eskimo baby who was separated from his father. Yes, I am perfectly aware that the baby is a computer-animated fictional character. However, he was so cute that I decided at that moment I would adopt an eskimo baby. It's been almost five years and we are now married and ready to start a family. I have already started looking for an adoption agency that does work in Alaska so that I can adopt our Eskimo baby.

Carlos Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 01:53 PM EST

I love "Billy Elliot". I cry even watching tv ads, but there's something about this movie that really moves me. It's O.K. to go after your dreams and to be different than your average Joe. The scene where the father decides to go back to work, breaking the strike floors me. He tells his older son that he has to do it for Billy, so he doesn't end up like them. I'm very fortunate to have loving parents and specially a father who is a Conservative Christian but loves me immensely without making an issue about me being gay.

Mark Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 01:20 PM EST

I just want to give a shout out - wherever they are - to Earl Moss, Vaughan Price and Woody Price, who wrote a song called You're Gonna Make it, which they cut as part of a group called The Festivals back in the early 1970s. I discovered it on a CD this year of soul groups and it has become an anthem for me. I transcribed the lyrics and keep them in a prominent place in my office so that, whenever I need encouragement, I read them. More often than not, I just call the song up on my computer and draw strength and determination from it. It's pure manna, and it should have been a monster hit...

Mozz Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 12:59 PM EST

I am a struggling actor and screenwriter, and I love it, I love my life, it is immensely creative. And I owe it all to E.T. The Extraterrestrial. This goes back to my childhood. My mom has just brought me and my two sisters from Puerto Rico, I was in a big city after living a life that was sparse of people, I didn't know the language, and we were alone in this big scary english speaking world. That first christmas, my mom received a used VHS as a gift, and one of my gifts was a VHS tape of E.T. which was bought at Angelo's Pharmacy, because the tag was only half-removed.(This was my first V.H.S. ever, and the first english speaking film I would own.) I didn't quite understand what was being said that first time I saw it, but I could feel Elliot's loneliness and isolation and his struggle to be heard, and I latched on to that character for the entire lenght of the film and for most of my childhood. I cried, I understood the movie without knowing what was being said. The magic of E.T. is that it communicates to the soul directly, no language barrier can prevent it from having that effect. the movie over, I rewound it immediately and watched it again. I still cried, even more so, the second time at the moment when that little bike takes off into the skyes. I continue to watch that film every time I have an incredible day, one of those days you are immensely thankful for, If I can I end the night by watching E.T. then I most definetely will. My soul had made a decision in the middle of that first viewing. How could I not want to do this for the rest of my life? That movie did not only inspire me to be good, but it set my dreams, my goals, and my life in the direction that they are now. And for that I will always be thankful.

Dave Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 12:34 PM EST

Billy Joel's "Goodnight Saigon" (about the bonds of friendship and brotherhood for young men going off to war) and "Leningrad" (about the senseless conflicts of the Cold War that tore the world apart and how personal connections could overcome them) remain some of his most powerful songs and inspire me to stay strong in the face of adversity, no matter how terrible the world seems to be.

"Brokeback Mountain" is one of the most inspiring movies I have ever seen. The ultimately tragic story of love that cannot overcome prejudice, ignorance, and fear is a powerful message for everyone to be true to themselves and live their lives to the fullest no matter what. It also tells us that love, wherever we find it, is the most beautiful thing in the world, and when you do find it, to never, ever let go of it. The final scene, where Ennis looks at his and Jack's shirts and, fighting back tears, says "Jack, I swear..." as the music swells is so powerful, I cry each and every time I see it.

But, in the end, To Kill a Mockingbird (the book and the movie) remains the most inspiring piece of popular culture I have ever consumed. I read the book as a freshman in high school and, to this day, it is one of few books to ever make me cry. Harper Lee's words are simple yet striking in their message: stand up for what you believe in and defend what you know to be right no matter what the cost or the consequences. Do not back down from injustice, but fight to reverse it. Do whatever we can, in our own lives, to help our fellow man and make the world a better place. The book and movie also beautifully illustrate the innocence of childhood and how draining and sad the moment is when that innocence is lost. Is there a more touching or powerful scene than the final court room scene where, after losing his case and feeling like he has let everyone down, Atticus Finch, seemingly alone in the world, begins to walk down the aisle after everyone has left. But as he passes, Rev. Sykes looks down at Atticus' daughter, who is so sad for her father and Tom, and says, "Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passing." For me, it is one of the most powerful scenes in literature or film, and it brings tears to my eyes everytime I watch it. Ultimately, To Kill a Mockingbird tells us that as long as we have hope, honor, and especially courage, we can overcome anything.

Mark B Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 10:50 AM EST

I'm going to have to say "Clerks." I was 11 when I first saw that movie, and the film opened my eyes. It was cheap, it was rough, and it was a dream come true when my older brother filled me in on the backstory. Hell, I'm not going to sit here and say it's the best movie ever -- it's not even the best Kevin Smith film -- but the fact that this guy did what we all dream of doing made such an impact on me it still resonates to this day. It's one of those rare fims where the story behind it is even more important than the film itself. It inspired me to be a writer for the simple fact that after seeing that movie, I knew I could do it. And it probably inspired countless other people. (And sure, it's not as nice a choice as Bob Dylan or something, but what the hell, I'm being honest.) Oh, and the writer who has inspired me the most since then has to be Aaron Sorkin, who inspires prose that literally dances off of the tongue and into the ears.

kennyk Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 10:21 AM EST

Many, many celebs have inspired me over the years, but I want to pay special tribute to one singer/songwriter in particular: Mr. Trent Reznor.
Reznor is the creator of Nine Inch Nails and some of the most abrasive, angry music of the rock era.
His CDs PRETTY HATE MACHINE, BROKEN, THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL, THE FRAGILE and WITH TEETH have sold in the millions, and for a time in the mid-90s, he was hailed as a modern rock messiah.
EW's parent~ TIME magazine ~ even named him one of the most influential people of the year in an issue.
His popularity has dwindled down to just diehard fans, but I cannot deny the influence his desperate, tortured tunes had on my life.
I have gone thru my own pain and agony internally, and Reznor's hymns of self-hatred soothed my wounded soul hundreds of times.
I found a kindred spirit in his audio documents of torment, but also hope and salavation. Trent showed me that there are indeed others like myself that feel a sense of loneliness, despondancy and sorrow: that I am not alone "Down In It."
He has indeed been MY inspiration, strange as that may be.

Friday Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 10:20 AM EST

I just watched the 70's documentary "Grey Gardens" recently and it was truly unforgettable. The Big Edie and Little Edie had such huge ups and downs in their lives yet they were so cheerful and seemed so innocent and childlike. The documentary was done in a dignified and affectionate way and it motivates you to lighten up and enjoy the little things in life. It is a true cult classic that people have been talking about for many years and has recently resulted in an off-broadway show.

Additionally, I was inspired by Uma Thurman's visit to Oprah (I think it was around when Prime came out) where she really opened up about her relationships. I felt that she did not hold back on talking about her divorce and how she'll never stop loving her ex-husband, the challenge of raising her children and being a working mom, and how hard it is to move on. It really felt like she was vulnerable and open and human...she let us in on how she really felt.

Josh Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 10:07 AM EST

In my baby book, my mom lists my favorite TV show as "The Muppet Show." As I grew up, the Muppets helped shape my sense of humor, my imagination (important as I am a creative writer), my curious mind, and my sense that everyone has worth, even monsters. In upper elementary, I chose Jim Henson for a biography project. Upon reading the book, I discovered that Jim had actually wanted to be an actor and at first the puppets were merely a means for him to get his big break. Jim realized, however, the power that these Muppets had ... and instead of pursuing a selfish dream, began working on a show for the children. This passion to make a difference combined with ingenuity definitely left a lasting impact. I only hope that someday I can write to make a difference myself.

Kelli Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 09:28 AM EST

In 7th grade I read Lois Lowry's "The Giver" for a book report. I was completely enthralled by the story and still am to this day. What I carry away from Lowry's book is the confidence that no matter what happens in life, there is no reason to shut yourself off from life itself. If you shy away from the hard or scary parts of life then you, by default, will also miss the best and most wonderful parts of life. This is not a new concept but Lowry wove the lesson into a beautifully inspiring story that will always stick with me.

Tommy G. Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 08:40 AM EST

I'm a writer (for fun and profit), so I've been most inspired that other writers who have successful careers doing what they love, and then take the time to share their experiences and tricks that they learned with all of us beginners. Stephen King's book "On Writing" and William Goldman's "Adventures in the Screen Trade" and "Which Lie Did I Tell?" gave me the inspiration and willpower to finish my first novel two years ago. Thanks, guys --

s.ortiz Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 03:21 AM EST

As a college student and woman, I find inspiration from Chloe Sullivan from Smallville. Ever since I saw the pilot episode of Smallville, I was taken by this young ambitious and driven young woman. She used her pen to make a difference in a world, she is a hero without superpowers.

The actress that plays Chloe, Allison Mack is also a great inspiration. I've read a couple of interviews on allisonmackonline.com and its always nice to see an actress comfortable with her appearance. Of course, it was a real surprise to see how many charities she has donated to through out her career. Nice to see a celebrity use her star power to help others in need.

RM Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 02:44 AM EST

I love reading these, all your stories are themselves inspiring.

Once as an underclassman in high school I found myself squeezing my pillow into my face, crying for the first time in years. It was typical teenage angst (and rather stupid, looking back), but it hit me hard; I felt really helpless.

I grabbed my MP3 player and hit random; the first song to play was the live version of "No woman, no cry" by Bob Marley. I had of course heard the song before but never did it sound like this. I don't remember how many times I listened to it but I remember thinking "this song has the power to change the world." It's impossible to be anything but giving and friendly and loving to everyone around you for the 24 hours after you hear this song. The part where Marley sings "Eeee, little darlin', don't shed no tears..." during the chorus may be the greatest 5 seconds of music ever recorded. The earnestness of the lyrics, the thousands of fans singing along; everything is perfect while listening to this song.

Cathy Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 12:43 AM EST

I think the movie Pay It Forward inspired me to do more in my life for other people. It made me realize how we can affect other people with a few small actions to make lives better. Also one movie that inspired me today was "Marie Antoinette" in this time of turmoil it made me realize we do not know what goes on behind the scenes of our leaders and how history has influenced our lives today.

Cassie Belek Thu, Nov 16, 2006 at 12:24 AM EST

I've always idolized Audrey Hepburn, but until I read her biography a few years ago, I never realized how amazing she truly was. I don't like it when people say that a certain celebrity is their hero, but in this case Audrey is not only my favorite star, but my hero. She's an inspiration and a true woman in every sense of the word. She went from surviving the bombings of WWII to becoming a Hollywood icon with a never-ending committment to children. She is the only star that I have held up, and not been disillusioned with once I learned more about her life. My motto is "What would Audrey do?" and I only hope that someday I can be a lady like her. It's an absolute tragedy that she died so young and wasn't able to continue her work with UNICEF, but she left behind a beautiful legacy.

exiene Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 11:40 PM EST

Like most gay guys I watch Oprah for the fun episodes and leave the hard-hitting issues to CNN, However her Katrina episodes really floored me. Everything was still flooded and the emotions of the people she met were fresh and hard to watch. But in NYC all I could do was give money, which wasn't a lot and felt like a drop in the bucket. Two New Orleans police officers saw my show a month after Katrina (I'm a comic) and we talked after the show about what they saw and what the news wasn't reporting and invited me down if I had the chance, I said how about next week and they accepted. I had never seen the city before and I studied those Oprah episodes before I went. When I arrived I no video truly captured what happened (just like 9/11) and the officers were kind to take me everywhere: Charity hospital, the lower 9th ward and the outside of the Superdome, The people were gracious despite thier hardships, which floored me, and I made some great friends. I came back to NYC and was stunned how organized the trash on the streets of Manhattan were and then I had a delayed reaction from the whole trip. I couldn't write jokes for weeks and I was filled with rage. I'd watch Oprah through her Christmas shows and Kirstie Alley weight loss updates and every once in a while an inspiration episode and it hit me why women love her show. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING POSITIVE but don't ignore the bad, let it become a part of you and one becomes a little fuller. I use that in my routine and I see nothing wrong with it. Her shows are complete estrogen, no doubt but I love the message and I'm not ashamed to admit that i LOOOOOVVVEEE OPRAH!

Save Ferris Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 11:19 PM EST

FERRIS BEULLER'S DAY OFF.

Lindsay Weir Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 11:17 PM EST

FREAKS AND GEEKS.

Jonathan F. Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 10:25 PM EST

I'd say inspiration is a strong word because I doubt many people have listened to a particular song/read a book/watched a movie, and after went on to accomplish all they've ever wanted, but yes inspiration is a word for it.

For me personally, there are two things that have 'inspired' me more than anything:

1. JK Rowling. Her rags-to-riches story of success is unbelievable. But because its unbelievable, and true, is why it can make you feel like any day an tiny idea or action can change everything.

2. A Million Little Pieces. This book (and not its author), like Rowling, made me think that anything can be accomplished- anything can happen. But AMLP showed me that believing in your own ideals and sticking to them can make all the difference.

junior Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 09:59 PM EST

Although all the jokes at its expense have made this movie seem less than powerful in the public's eye, "Brokeback Mountain" remains, for me, a film that drives me everyday to live the life I want to live. It (still) is the only film I've ever cried at every time I've watched it (even on DVD months after its release) and the scene that always gets me is when Jack remembers Ennis' embrace before he leaves for the last time.

Jack clings to that one moment of happiness with Ennis wishing that he could have more. It makes me think that you can't miss out on your happiness because of society or anyone else because once it's gone, it's gone. (I will not cry, I will not...)

Phil Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 08:49 PM EST

I've had one incredibly unbelievable roller coaster of a year. I've had triumphs and tragedies that have gone hand in hand year round. After going back to college on a whim back in 2003, I finally enjoyed my graduation ceremony from Temple University in February. My 89 yr. old grandfather died a week later. The last known picture of him, is with me in my graduation robe & hat, with him looking as optimistic as a dying proud grandfather can. My family likes to believe that he held on to see his last grandchild graduate.

My grandpa was in and out of the hospital from last Thanksgiving until January of this year. My twin brother, Nick & I spent Christmas night visiting my grandfather and his sick roommate in the hospital last year. We basically knew it would be his last holiday with us, but I honestly had hoped that my twin brother wouldn't be absent this holiday as well.

My twin brother was arrested back in March of 2003 while I was on Spring Break from my first semester back in college. Nick's trial had been brought up and delayed more times than I could count, but finally this past June, my brother accepted the prosecutor's plea bargain since the trial suddenly had a definite start date the day my family was leaving for a vacation in Orlando, Fl where my parents were attending since my youngest sister's fiancee was proposing to her at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. My brother knew if the trial started, my parents would not attend the Fl trip, so he accepted the plea bargain so they could be there to see their daughter get proposed to and Nick was taken away to jail on October 6th. We're appealing his sentence, but for more or less, my twin brother won't be around to celebarte out 30th birthday together, which for me, is almost unbearable since I'm gay and more or less will never have another big occassion to celebrate. I didn't even throw a graduation party in lieu of the fact that my grandfather was dying.

Needless to say, my family will not be celebrating Thanksgiving as we normally have for the past 28 years of my life. The loss of my grandfather and as well as my brother has weighed heavily on my poor parents' shoulders. I'm usually a very happy, optimistic person, but lately I've been saddened realist. One song has given me inspiration and hope this entire past year thoughout all my ordeals. From the very first time I heard KT Tunstall's "Suddenly I See" I was filled with such hope and promise. This little 3 and a half minutes of pop pleasure made me smile and not only feel GOOD, but gave me the ambition to know I C-A-N make a difference. I wasn't imagining this beautiful fictional female that would illuminate my life (since I'm gay), until Anne Hathaway's character, Andy Sachs was strolling along confidently to the same song during the opening sequence of The Devil Wears Prada!

I believe that answers your question of which song and movie (and maybe even book) have inspired me. After spending so much time in & out of hospitals this past year, I've applied for a position working in the ER at a local hospital in registration, and I'm awaiting a second interview as I type this. To all my fellow PopWatchers, may you and your families have a blessed Thansgiving holiday, and remember to listen to KT Tunstall's "Suddenly I See"..."The power to be, the power to give, the power C-A-N..."

Amy Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 08:34 PM EST

Iron Jawed Angels continues to inspire me. The suffering these women endured to obtain a right that many of us do not even take advantage of remains a constant reminder of the strength of previous generations. I will not let them down.
Reading Lolita in Tehran has further proven to me the power of reading, something in which I have always believed.
Three Cups of Tea inspired me and reminds me to have faith and remember that there are good people doing good work, and that education really is the key.
And, of course, Veronica Mars, Buffy Summers and Sydney Bristow inspire me to be strong and kick ass.

aa Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 07:26 PM EST

there are tons of things that inspire me but the most recent would be the song "best of you" by the foo fighters. i finally had to accept that my crummy job was getting the best of me and that it was time to go new job or not. i have never been happier in my entire life.

Ashley Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 06:57 PM EST

Nancy Drew. I read my first Nancy Drew book when I was eight years old and never looked back. Now I'm in graduate school, writing my thesis on the evolution of Nancy Drew, and she's still going strong. Even if Emma Roberts manages to entirely ruin the experience for me, I'll still be in the theater watching the Nancy Drew movie in 2007, enthralled by the girl detective without whom Veronica Mars (and, to a lesser degree, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) would mean nothing.

Steophanie Travitsky Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 06:42 PM EST

A few things inspire me. When I first started to work as a children's librarian for months the children really drove me crazy(and they still do from time to time). However, after I watched Bill Cosby and Bernie Mac talk about how they handled kids it made me realize that if I can tackle them I can deal with anything. Secondly re-runs of shows like Newsradio, WKRP, and Night Court taught me how to relax because when you work with other employees, you work with a dysfunctional family.

Ep Sato Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 06:36 PM EST

Joyce, you are a survivor, and it is an unfortunate fact that people often blame the survivor rather than accept that someone they love is a criminal who would harm a child.

I hope that you are able to find empathetic people who will help you work past the crimes that were committed against you. And take or leave this idea, but sharing your own story with other young women who may be suffering from the same abuse in a memoir, song or any medium you can work with may prove an inspiration for them to stand up and speak out. You've perservered in the face of this, and that makes you a survivor, a fact that itself is inspirational.

Ceballos, I think that Gabriel Garcia Marquez really meant to write about Puerto Rico when he described Macondo, even if he himself will claim Macondo's in Colombia. Maybe it's the re-patriated Yoruba saints worshipped in Loiza or the Taino gods who were alleged to rule over el Yunque, but to me the whole island is somehow magical. Okay, maybe not el condado...

Lisa Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 06:07 PM EST

Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I had barely started watching television when I caught the show in it's 5th season. I had no idea television could this be good, this funny, this devastating. Because of it, I want to be a television writer. I hope to create a series that has the emotional intensity of Buffy.

Josh Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 06:04 PM EST

There are two bits of pop culture that have really inspired me.

"Holy Water" by Big & Rich. This is probably the most beautiful song I have ever heard, and touched me to my very soul. Perhaps it's the personal connection the singers share with the song (it is dedicated to their sisters, both of whom were victims of abusive relationships), which comes out in every note of the song. I think, for me, it's the message of the song, which I interpret as a call for all of us to reach out and help each other, and "Love Everybody", as Big Kenny would happily say.

Hook. This film feels like it was made especially for me. It's the greatest father/son film ever made, and I have watched it more times with my father than I can remember. There is a moment, during the wonderful "Neverfeast" scene, which is the most magical moment I've ever experienced in a movie. As Peter rediscovers the child inside himself, and learns what living is all about. More is communicated in that scene, in that moment, than in most movies I have ever seen. Hook is a film that I can close my eyes and watch straight through, from opening titles to credits, and it can still make me cry every time. If I ever get my dream of making my own movies, I pray that I make something as amazing as Hook, regardless of what others may say about it. Or maybe it simply inspires me with the line "To live would be an awfully big adventure."

lsjukim Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 06:02 PM EST

Melissa Etheridge singing "Piece of My Heart" at the 2005 Grammys.

I had recently lost my father to cancer, and seeing her up there after having recently beat it really spoke to me. She was so strong, and she really inspired me to take challenges head on and not let them beat me. I still cry just thinking about it.

Elias Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 05:44 PM EST

My earliest inspiration must have been Jerry Lewis. Thanks to all of all his hijinx, pratfalls and wacky characters, he helped everyone who watched him perform feel a little less out of place in this world. And for a chubby kid with glasses who always got mocked in the classroom and at the playground, that left quite an impression. Of course I grew up to be a goofball comic actor, but at least I trip and fall with my self-respect and dignity intact, thanks to Jerry.

Angela Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 05:38 PM EST

For me I guess it would be 'Sex In the City' and 'Bridget Jones Diary' (the movie) Both illustrate how difficult single life can be, but also inspire me to hold out for more and not settle; they also make me feel like I'm less alone, other people ashare the smae challenges.

KVL Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 05:36 PM EST

One of the greatest inspirations in memory is the Harry Potter series. The values of teamwork, friendship, intelligence, and courage are in every paragraph. Not only that, but how many books today can be truly enjoyed by family members of every generation? For all its virtues, my favorite (and the most inspiring) is introducing magic to everyday life. While reading a Harry Potter book, I will stop with wonder to watch leaves floating from trees and think, "That's magic!" Even Muggles can appreciate and embrace the delight of wonder when they are reminded it exists.

Ceballos Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 05:29 PM EST

The oevre of Billy Joel. For example, his "Tell her about it" inspired me to tell the girl I had a crush on that I was in love with her.

Of course, it was just a stupid crush and I crashed and burned badly. Still, never would've taken the plunge and become I the man I am today without a little prodding from the Piano Man.

ps: that's a nice story Ep Sato. I grew up in Puerto Rico, left 10 years ago when i was 14, and had no idea there was such magic that was possible in Munoz Marin.

Megan Gogerty Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 05:24 PM EST

Harold and Maude. Who doesn't want to learn the banjo and sleep with an octagenarian after watching that movie?

Tiff in the OK Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 05:21 PM EST

Without a doubt I'm inspired by Buffy Summers. She was my first "girl kick @$$ once a week" and any time I am in need of a pick me up Buffy does just that. Someone who can't quite handle her every day problems, but nonetheless can pull it together to save the world (a lot!). What better role model could there be?

After Buffy left TV, Sydney Bristow helped pull me through. Now its Kara "Starbuck" Thrace and President Laura Roslin. But Buffy will always be the best.

kinglouieXVIII Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 05:21 PM EST

The book: Hemingway's THE SUN ALSO RISES. I find it truly poetic and tragic. Without a doubt, one of the greatest novels of the 20th century. Plus everytime I read, I'm transported to France and Spain.

The television show: BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER. I have never been consumed so much by a tv show as I have with Joss Whedon's greatest creation ever. LOST and VERONICA MARS come close, but BTVS resonated with me on so many levels. It had elements of sc-fi, horror, mystery, love, and teen angst, how could I not dig it? I enjoy things when they're multi-dimensional.

The music: Anything by Spanish singer/songwriter MIKEL ERENTXUN. His songs stand the test of time like no other when we talk about contemporary music. They have the ability to transport me to other times and places. ERENTXUN is the man!

Joyce Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 05:17 PM EST

The Color Purple. So much of Celie's life I can relate to. I was molested by three uncles, my father suddenly abandoned us, tried to protect my 2 siblings from it all and my mother turned me into her maid from junior high through sophmore year of highschool and blamed it all on me. It was not til I watched this movie again last year that I remembered my first abuse by a now deceased uncle. Celie somehow found the strength to say enough is enough, deal with all that happened and start living her life. It forced me to deal with the molestation, abuse and to no longer be afraid of my mother. Still working on the latter part. The song "God is trying to tell you something" gets me through my bouts of depression. Thank you Alice Walker and thank you Celie.

Mike P Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 05:16 PM EST

Hands down, "Memento." Just when I though there weren't really any original story ideas left Nolan puts out a story unlike no other. Now, in my downtime at the cubicle farm, I write scripts and stories. My goal is not to develop a working product (although that would be great if it happened), but at least to discover something unique and original. Thanks to that inspiration, the process has been a fulfilling exploration of imagination.

Ep Sato Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 05:12 PM EST

I was inspired by the season 1 finale of Lost to start meeting people in Airport bars.

Less than a year later, I met this amazing woman at the airport bar in Muñoz Marin Airport in San Juan Puerto Rico. The woman is now my fiancé and we're moving in together this Friday.

I can say for 100% certain that I would never have met the love of my life without "Lost". For extra kicks, a picture of me and my sweetie is linked to my name.

Ellipsian Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 05:04 PM EST

The late, great, Oscar nominated River Phoenix. I was in sixth grade when I saw him in "Stand By Me", and was so moved and inspired that I began to study acting. I graduated college with a B.A. in theatre and a concentration in Performance. And hopefully, my story is still unfolding...

bubbles Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 05:04 PM EST

Regardless of what people think about the writing on Studio 60, I was a huge Sports Night fan, and Aaron Sorkin's work has always simultaneously made me want to write and want to give up writing because I know I'll never be able to produce on that level.

Will H Wed, Nov 15, 2006 at 05:01 PM EST

Without a doubt, I have to go with "Harold and Maude". Last weekend, I was sick and kind of depressed and spent all day just watching movies. I saw this for the first time, and it blew my away. It's message tonot sweat the small stuff and live life to the fullest was JUST what I needed to hear. Besides, what's better then the "I go to funerals," line?