Boring Update

I actually get a chance to update this thing and honestly have nothing really exciting to share. I just finished a massive design project for a company pitching a mechanical idea. I don’t have much experience in Industrial Illustration, but I think they came out all right. As far as the movie business goes, I’m actually getting excited to see Beowulf and I am Legend…two movies I am working on. I think it’s fascinating some of the stuff we are coming up with. It seems internationally, there is a much more immersive digital experience with films than domestically. I’ll let you know of any cool stuff once it’s made available. On the home front, my wife and kids are out of town visiting her family, so I am left here to slave away and work. I’m going to Arizona this weekend to visit my sis and watch Colorado (my alum) take on Arizona State. Colorado should loose. Wow, this really is a boring post.

New Project

I was commandeered for a design project that usually isn’t something I’d be interested in. However, it posed a significant challenge so of course I took it. I’m designing a card reader/dispenser for shipping labels to go directly on drop boxes. While the project is a little more complicated and multi-faceted than that brief description, the image should give you a general Idea of what I’ve done so far. Changes and revisions are coming soon. I found this really cool site that tracks the IP addresses of those who update or change Wikipedia articles. It actually finds out if those IP addresses are attached to any companies and then outs them for tampering with data to suit their corporate needs. Too bad changing Wikipedia isn’t illegal or that would be some rap sheet. This is by far the funniest movie review I have ever read especially the part about Peruvian chickens. This site just plain rocks! Who knew that microwaves could light up Christmas lights?

Star Power

The two lead actresses in two of our upcoming films are not happy with the movies at all. In fact it was put as “Actress A hates her film only slightly less than Actress B hates her film.” Now, this may not seem like a big deal (other than the fact that they signed on for the film in the first place), but it’s really hard to market a movie when the star freaking’ hates the thing. That means no to limited press, publicity, junkets, presence of the star of the show. Can that kill a film? No, but it makes our jobs a lot harder trying to convince the peoples to watch a movie when even the lead hates it. In other news, they are trying to re-vamp the punisher movie franchise (hey, maybe third times a charm). I loved the comic but hated the movie. Oh, and I wanna eat one of these because it looks positively hideous.

RIP

Ingmar Bergman and Michelangelo Antonioni. I don't know why, but I'm a little saddened at the passing of these two directors. I'm also a little freaked out that they died on the same day. If you do not know who they are, I recommend finding out. Such subversive and lasting images.

Random

I swear, there was something really cool that I was going to write about but I can’t for the life of me remember what that was. Me and my wife are going through withdrawal as our eldest son Kayden is gone for the week with his grandparents. It’s amazing how much he can brighten your day and just change the course of your whole mood. Work hasn’t let up and I’m sure it’s just going to get busier with the holiday films coming up on the slate. This position is really intriguing as I get to see the backside of how to market a movie across the globe. I am also now addicted to Facebook, it’s clean, easy to use and is much more user friendly and less trashy than MySpace. I’ve posted a lot of pics up over there if anyone is interested.

I Am Legend

One of the perks of my new job is being able to read scripts of upcoming films. I was able to read the script for ‘I Am Legend’ and was actually very impressed. It made for some quick good reading and I was thoroughly engrossed. Keep in mind this movie is skewered towards my demographic, but who doesn’t like a good action/apocalypse film every now and then. It takes place in the future 3 years after the worlds population has supposedly been wiped out by an unknown virus. The last survivor holes up in NYC, looking for some hope in his bleak situation. It is ingenious what the main character does to survive in a world bent on annihilating him. Needless to say, a plot is drummed up and I was pleasantly surprised by the end…even though a little Hollywood happy, it actually brings in a message of universal love. Who’d of thought?

A New Tome

Harry Potter comes out this weekend and I am actually excited. I usually don’t get into these things that much but I have been on a reading kick as of late. I just finished “Like Water for Chocolate” which was great and I am now half-way through “The Devils Teeth” about great white sharks off the coast of San Francisco. I think the real reason I am excited is because me and my wife have a tradition of reading the book aloud together which makes it a fun sort of bonding moment. In other news, my new job has its perks, like seeing images and trailers of upcoming movies before anyone else does. I also get to read the scripts and sometimes even get to see the movie before it’s released. Hey, I have to know what I’m marketing. There is a lot to do in this job though, that’s for sure. I enjoy learning new things and working with other countries. We’ll see where it leads.

New Job

Is it possible that I am really updating my Blog after so long? Besides not having the time, there have been a lot of changes that have wooed me away from writing into cyber-space. I was informed back at the beginning of may that I was being let go from my job. It seems that out stellar Television Production company did not have so hot of a year. As a matter of fact, by my count…of the 28 primetime shows we had on the air last year, 17 were either cancelled or relegated to midseason this year. Wow that’s a drop. Anyway, so I was left with the impending demise of my life in film production and had to look elsewhere. After interviews with Television Producers, The Family Guy, Interactive Video Games, Music and Publicity peoples…I finally decided to accept a position handling international marketing for our studio’s feature films. Wheee…it’s not in production, but definitely a promotion. I am really excited and will be starting the middle of June. I will keep you updated on the rigors of a departing Television employee before I start with the wonders of a new marketing stooge! Let the congrats pour in….

Fire #2

well, that sucks! I heard most of Griffith Park was saved, which is good since it was a favorite family spot including the Zoo, Western Museum, Travel Town, Pony Rides, Christmas Lights, Playgrounds, Hiking trails etc....we loved it. Now it's just scorched moon-face. Here are some sweet pics!

Because it's funny...That's why

CBS To Release Own Version Of NBC's The Office

NEW YORK— "We changed some language and cultural references to things our audience would understand," said producers, disputing the notion that the show could only work on NBC.

Sick?

My wife is sick and I am starting to feel achy all over my body. That is not a good sign considering it is horrible for both parents to be out of it and trying to take care of our boys. Luckily, they have a love for long documentaries and playing ball which keeps them busy. On another note, it looks like my favorite show “Studio 60” is going to come back on the air starting the end of May. It is definitely not coming back next season though as they have struck (taken down) all the sets for it over here. I guess I’ll never see Bradley Whitford and Matthew Perry hanging out by my car anymore. Hey look…a shark!

River Trash

Today I got to come into work late because I was down volunteering to clean up the Los Angeles River. There was so much junk, it was unbelievable. Most of it was those plastic shopping bags people get from the grocery store. I also hauled up rugs, jackets, shopping carts, a mattress, tires, traffic cones...you name it. It felt good doing something meaningful, since my job doesn’t afford me that opportunity that often. I got to see Deborah Messing on the lot today, and even Darth Vader hates those people who don't turn off their cell phones before movies.

Ouch!

I know that Colorado State has always had a problem trying to tackle, but taking it out on a 4 year old has reached a new low. My boss is going to a charity dinner tonight and we got a call today wondering if Mario Lopez could sit at our studio’s table. My questions are thus; first off, why did they ask our studio to front a table for Mario Lopez and secondly, if he is a presenter, wouldn't you think that he had a space reserved somewhere? His career didn't take off like he hoped it would after Dancing with the Stars. Ouch!

Make em' Laugh!

Even though this has been online for quite some time it still makes me laugh. It even inspired me to "think" about writting a follow-up with my son entitled the lawyer. We'll see where that goes in all of my spare time! Anyways, enjoy. Oh yeah, here's a bonus chuckle.

The Calm Before the Storm

I find it harder and harder to post on this site for the sole reason that there is little or nothing exciting with my job going on right now. I did get out of work for an hour to go to a global warming screening (and got cute polar bear cards to boot) …however, the shows haven’t been picked up yet, the parties don’t start for a few months and all I get to do is financial stuff. Hopefully, my next job will see me doing something creative, so I don’t die a little more every day. In other news, it rained today, which prompted the studio to issue flood warnings since we are across the street from where the fires stripped all vegetation and left steep muddy hillsides prime for a colossal landslide. At least that’s what they are hoping will happen for publicity’s sake.

Why?

Sometimes, you just have to ask why. My heart goes out to all of those affected by this tragedy.

Braindead

Poison Oak

All I have to say is this stuff...(scratch, scratch)..Is killing me. My legs are dying. Luckily my wife bought some Tecnu, it is my only relief.

Fire Forever

I went on vacation last week and it was awesome. My last day of work on Friday saw a giant fire erupt to see me off. This is what it looked like from our studio.It was also pretty cool from this other perspective…everyone thought the Hollywood sign was going up in flames but it held fast.I’ll post pictures of my vacation later. Right now I’m merely basking in the warmth of the fire memories.

Vaca Fever!

I’m getting pretty antsy for vacation which is coming up for me the end of this week. Other than that, there is a definite lull here. The quiet before the storm I am sure. There was a funeral today for a previous executive here at the studio. A lot of the top level executives went so there weren’t many phone calls or emergencies while they were all out. It is good to see how they do stick by each other here, even though the business itself is pretty ruthless. There is a human quotient to Hollywood, even though the most touching thing we usually see from it is their movies.

Food for Thought

Of course I've taken pretend pictures of me dining on my childeren, they are so dang squishy and cute...but this pic puts me to shame and makes me laugh my head off.

Sand Clover

We went to Leo Carrillo State Park for St. Patrick’s day and played around in the tide pools. I was amazed at all the things we saw there. Fish, Crabs, Hermit Crabs, Starfish, Octopus’, Sea Lions, Dolphins, Whales, Coral, Shrimp, Sea Urchins, Anemones, sea slugs etc. It was a little overcast but that didn’t stop my sons from splashing around in the cold water and getting covered head to toe in sand. I really enjoy days like that! And just because I thought you needed a laugh today…look, Cowboy Monkey!

Prepare for Taxes!

So, I never started writing my novel but my parents are in town so we’re gonna eat lasagna. How that pertains I have no Idea. I am missing a screening of the new movie 300 this Thursday, which I guess is OK considering this is a movie I should really not like but for some reason really want to go see. The New York Times wrote an article about the political implications people are putting on the film even though the writer and director are pretty much saying, “uh…no…but you can believe what you want to.” Also, we did our taxes the other day and found out we’re getting a pretty hefty federal return, but that’s all getting taken away by how much we owe in state taxes. Oh well, we were excited for a little bit.

It's a novel 'dawg'

I am going to start writing a novel. Why, you may ask? Because I feel like it. For some reason I have been itching to do something creative recently, and most of my time is tied down to work. The only thing I can do to expand my creative prospects has to be done at the computer. I would write the next great movie script, but every other writer is doing that in Hollywood and I don’t have final draft.* All that is left is either a novel, or poetry, but I have too much respect for poetry to slander that medium. Who am I kidding, I probably won’t get around to it at all…heck, I’m not even that good of a writer. BTW, I just saw a tally count of the words ‘dawg’ vs. ‘pitchy’ that are said on American Idol. So far it’s 21 to 17 in favor of ‘dawg’.

tired

I am so very, very tired. I was sitting here staring at my computer and I almost dozed off! This never happens to me. But I guess I deserve it for going to bed at around 3 am the past few nights. I have been working a business on the side and editing a DVD that took forever. I guess that’s what happens when you do it all in 3 days. I will never do that again, I just need to plan more time to get stuff like that accomplished. I held an Oscar Prediction contest with all of my extended family to see if anyone could beat me predicting who would win or not. The prize was a lot of free shwag from the movie studio, but alas, nobody beat me so nobody won. The best part about the Oscars is the sound mixing name-calling fight that is emerging from all this. Ha

On the Lot Already

Once again I have survived a lapse in blogging. Part of it was due to the fact that I have been out of town enjoying the local amusement parks and the other part of it has been that there has really been nothing to write about. I got an e-mail from a family member asking me if I was participating in a reality show called on-the lot. It is a reality competition designed to discover the next big Hollywood director. I actually was going to but as I looked at the site, I realized most of the entries were from people who already make a living as directors or at least have financing and distribution. I still should have applied but the whole idea of “finding new talent” didn’t set well with me as most everyone on the site has already been discovered, they just weren’t good enough to make it.

Deals

I’m always looking for a great deal, and sometimes I actually get one. We recently bought a Roboreptile for my son’s birthday for $35, when it is usually $100. Now, I can’t say that I am always this frugal (I splurge on my wife) there are a few places that help keep the cost down. Vicky’s Deals and Brad’s Deals are both great coupon sites. If it’s food you’re looking to save on, then the Grocery Game is probably your best bet. Why I’m dishing out these bits of wisdom to random people who will probably never read this, only my subconscious knows, but have fun anyway! I wish there were deals like that on cars, or houses.

Rating Trauma

It’s crazy that anyone would take their kids to an R-rated movie but from the sounds of this article, it looks like people do it pretty often. They are re-doing the movie rating system because they want to make it more clear to the public that it is not acceptable. I don’t know how those parents pull it off, I can’t even go to a G rated film with my kids and have them sit though it. Maybe the children are so traumatized by the experience that they just sit there in some sort of fetal horror. Then the parents are like “Wow, she didn’t move the entire time, she must have really been into this one”...and the trauma continues. These ratings are probably a better guage of what to go by, and are sure a lot more fun to read!

A while back I tried out for American Idol to no avail. It was fun and silly. It’s a huge cattle-call process and you are pre-screened by hired “producers” before you even get to try out in front of the judges. I was really impressed with all the talent, but nobody I was around made it behind the doors to the judges or on camera. They make you line up five across then give you 10 seconds to prove you got the stuff. Needless to say, trying to impress hired hands on the middle of the field in the Rose Bowl without acoustics in 118 degree weather is a challenge. They took a lot of psycho, crazy and horrible sounding people, and a few really good ones as well; but the majority of the talent was left outside. So when you watch American Idol and they complain about there being no talent, and all there are is horrible auditions; just remember for every good person you hear, there are about 100 more just as good that never even got the chance to be Judged.

...It's who you know

A person came into my office today from an Emmy winning TV show and I started talking with her about what she does. She said she only was out of school for two years and is an assistant line producer (not a bad job). I asked her how she got the job and she said she was promoted.
“From what” I asked
“A production assistant” was her reply.
“How’d you land that job?”
“I came over from another show” she said, clearly not realizing that I was trying to figure out how she got into the show biz. When all was said and done, come to find out she got her first job because her friends dad was a producer…for a while there she had me thinking she had worked hard to get in. Oh well, looks like I really am the first person to try this. Hey look, aShark!

100

As a tribute to my 100th blog (can you belive that) I have changed the look of my web page to celebrate. It actually isn't all that different. Other than that, really nothing new or noteworthy to write about other than Sundance is going on right now, and there's probably not a single film made for under a million dollars in the competition. So much for Indie cinema.

Baby Swap

We’ve gone into the undercover child business of swapping babies. Due to the fact that your Romanic involvement as a couple significantly decreases with the addition of children, we have [paired up with some other friends to swap babies once a week for a night by rotating who watches them. The baby less couples can then go on a date and do things that grownups do. Last week, we actually went to a movie (Dreamgirls, excellent). Today however is our turn to watch all the children. If we thought it was hard with two, then I wonder what it’s going to be like with 9 kids for a night.

Flixter

What is this Flixter thing?

Pet Peeves

I’m a mean person. I test my boss’s pet peeves just for the fun of it. She has this thing where decaffeinated coffee must be in an orange coffee pot. Every now and then I make it in a regular gold coffee pot just to see how she will react. The conversation usually goes something like this:
“Is this decaffeinated coffee?”
“Yes, I wouldn’t make you caffeinated.”
“But it’s not in the orange pot?!”
“This is your own personal coffee machine, you’re the only one who drinks from it, and the only coffee we have is decaffeinated. The color of the pot shouldn’t change that.”
“But that’s not the right pot”
Hmmmm. She also likes this little lamp turned on over at this little table because she thinks it will make our sickly Poinsettia grow. I sometimes leave it off just to see if she says anything. She usually does. It’s mean, but it’s kinda fun. On sad news, a whale shark died.

Super Blunder

The ultimate collector’s edition of Superman was released to the world in November, however, It was not released to the studio employees for some weird reason. I called the store here, and they said there was a quality control issue with the set. Come to find out, some of the disks, or the special features had un[playable glitches which the Home video dept. caught too late. Therefore, those that snatched up the collection in stores have a defective product. Surprisingly, not many have been returned leaving one to believe that most people don’t watch the special features or something. I am just mad I can’t buy it at employee prices. Also, good luck finding it for sale right now. It seems all shipments have stopped till they correct the problem.

Life is Good!

I feel good about my future prospects right now. Housing in Springfield, MO is still relatively low; I’ve almost put in a year here at my current job; our “on-the-side" business is slowly chugging to life; I have a Tivo now; we received massage oils as part of our Christmas gifts. Now, these things may seem like a random and incoherent list, but they all add up to something good in some way or another. There is a lot of great potential out there. And if things do take a turn for the worst in 2007, just remember no matter how bad your life seems, it can never do as poorly as ‘Zyzzyx’.

What a Break!

Well, New Years is over, and I really am back to the Grind. I have come to the realization that almost nobody in the world reads my blog. I need to get my name out there somehow. Wait, why do I want people to read my blog. I know for a fact that this wouldn’t entertain you nearly as much as it does me. It is cool to look back on things that have happened oh so long ago and reminisce…but I’ll save that for my 100th anniversary blog or something. We went to see the Rose Parade floats, stayed up to bang pots and pans and watched movies all night while putting together a puzzle. I even got to watch the Boise State - Oklahoma game on New Years Day…now that was a treat!