February 28

Today is officially Brandon's 24th birthday. So, Happy (real) Birthday, sir. Anyway, I just got back to the house a little bit ago and threw all of my dirty clothes and jeans in the washer/dryer. Now I'm waiting for it to finish up so I can leave my home with some pants on. Now, don't think I'm typing this without my britches. I have pantalones on, but they're the comfy, home-relaxing pantalones. Wouldn't feel right wearing them outside this building. When they do finally dry, I'll be at Chad's for a little get together. I'm bringing the camera with me so as to snap some shots that will hopefully make it to the blog tomorrow. My mission is to get Chad stinking drunk and put him in a dog house with a can of Surge and bowl of Quaker Oats. Now...if I could figure out how to get Chad to comsume the alcohol, find a dog house, and purchase the since defunct Surge. This is not a good plan. We're really just meeting up for a nice game night. I take it all back. I'll just make Chad drunk with love. Awww...

I'm just doin' what I gotta do, flyer than the rest of 'em,
B

February 27

I haven't had a chance to mess with any video stuff today. A lot of driving around and running errands. We're going out for Brandon's birthday tonight. Should be a good time, and it might even cross over to his actual birthday (tomorrow). We'll see how long I can last. Another quickie for today. I'll make up for it sometime next week.

Dramatic pause,

B

February 26

Another quick one tonight. I spent the majority of the day at my friend Ryan's place earlier on. We caught up a bit and he helped me shoot some test footage that, hopefully, I'll be able to start on working tomorrow. After that, I headed to another pal's digs and then drove back home. A lot more happened in-between, but it's not that interesting. Watchmen next week. I'm thinking of getting IMAX tickets to the 12:05 AM showing. I have a couple of people who want to go? Let me know if YOU'RE down.

Go State, Go,

B

February 25

Everytime I want to shoot one of my friends, they're busy. I'm beginning to think I'll never be able to shoot anybody anytime soon. I realize that if you didn't know what I did it would be easy to misconstrue those statements. Good thing you do...(uncomfortable silence). No, I'm completely harmless. I'm listening to "House of Cards" by Radiohead as I type this. Anyone who harbors any ill-will while listening to that record needs a daily dose of 2 chill-pills every 12 hours; After 1 month, lower dosage to 1 pill. I'm getting off track.

Today I travelled out to see the progress Brad and his family had been making at the condo. They've definitely been putting work in and it's showing. I got back home after a Jimmy John's trip with Thibaut and started working with pictures I already had on the computer. That translated to messing with 2D objects in 3D space with AE. I realize that I need to work with the pen tool a lot more to become comfortable with it. Some people I know (insert Rhett) can work with it like an actual pen. It's second nature. Crazy.

Also, I finished watching Choke yesterday and really enjoyed it. Then again, you can't go wrong with any screenplay adapted from a Chuck Palahniuk novel (see: Fight Club). Quick synopsis: Victor Mancini is a sex-addicted medical school drop out who devises a scheem (choking) to help pay for his mentally ailing mother's hospital bills. Obviously, like most films, there's a LOT more to it than that, so you should just watch it. Sam Rockwell is great.

Good day sunshine,
B

February 24

My sister just called and informed me that she just received news of her acceptance to the University of Redlands in Redlands, CA for graduates school. I can guarantee to you that she'll be getting 7 more calls from all of the other schools she applied to, but seeing as this is the first one, it's a big deal. Everybody knows how much I admire the way Tori has succeeded in the classroom and grown as a person the last 4 years. The fact that she did it while balancing a healty social life, job, and old friends/family is something to applaud. So congrats, Tori. I'm extremely proud of you.

A smiling brother,
B

February 23

Real quick again tonight. Great day overall. Nothing went wrong and the computer is still up and running. Might try shooting a couple things tomorrow so I can have some footage to mess around in After Effects with. Talked with Meagen Spillane at length this evening. Good times catching up and, you know, there are always a few laughs involved. Crazy news...but that's none of YOUR business...unless you're Meagen or Mike...then you know already. Wow. Crazy, ain't it?

Stephen Colbert makes terrible scrambled eggs,
B

February 22

I just got home and am beat. Whew. Mika (me-kah) is the name that has been bestowed upon Joe's new kitten. I didn't watch the Academy Awards, but did find out that Heath Ledger won best supporting actor and Man On Wire won best documentary feature. That's awesome. Man On Wire was a fantastic movie and I recommend it to all of you. Yes, you: The people who spend your time reading this blog. Watch it. I'm getting tired-er.

Peace,

B

February 21

Conan O'Brien retires from Late Night

I was thinking about it and realized that today is going to be a pretty front-loaded film/television media type post. First off, earlier this morning (last night) Mr. Conan O'Brien signed off from Late Night for the last time. We all know he's going to be back at the desk on June 1 when he takes over the Tonight Show, but I'm going to miss Late Night. In fact, the only talk show I ever recall any of my friends and I talking about the next day was Conan's. This last week was basically a highlight reel of the fan's and staff's favorite moments, with special guests popping in from time to time. The destruction of the set each day to give to an audience member was hilarious - especially when it involved pulling down LaBamba's podium (with hot mics still attached) and handing it out. The White Stripes were the last band to perform and it ended with a very heartfelt goodbye from the host (see above). Can't wait until June 1 when we can see Conan O'Brien - and the Max Weinberg 7 - back on the tele. On a somewhat similar note: Jimmy Fallon...really?

Yesterday, as well, it was reported that The Dark Knight had surpassed the $1 billion worldwide revenue mark. It may not be winning best picture (snub) on Sunday, but $1 billion isn't bad. Not bad at all. If I had 0.1% of that I'd be happy.

I spy...a few good actors.

Terry Gilliam's new film - The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus - has just released a "new" promotional poster. I'm excited for a lot of movies this year, but this is one I've truely been waiting on for a while. Most people know this as Heath Ledger's last picture (he passed away in the middle of production) but didn't realize what steps were taken to push this feature ahead. Instead of recasting the role and reshooting the previous scenes, Terry Gilliam added multiple actors - Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell - to finish Heath's work and, potentially, completely alter the final product. When I first heard this I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm still not, but quite anxious to see it. For some reason I can't help but think it could be similar to I'm Not There, where multiple actors/actresses (including Heath Ledger) were cast to play Bob Dylan in different times in his life. It wasn't as simple as that, but I could go into an entire post about that movie. Man, I love it. So yes, needless to say I hope this turns out great.

Denny Duquette is funny...(get it?)

Watchmen is going to be released in 2 weeks. Jebus, I'm excited. I don't read many comics or graphic novels but once I started this one, I didn't go to bed until I finished it. No joke. Less than one day. It's amazing and I recommend it to all of you. Seriously. Read Watchmen then see Watchmen. Sooooo complex. Amazing. Do it.

Last week I bought 3 DVD's and I just finished one of them today: Changeling. I have not seen Doubt, Frozen River, The Reader, or Rachel Getting Married (all "performance by an actress in a lead role" Oscar nominees) but after watching Angelina Jolie in this, well...the other actresses better be damn good. Now, I still don't understand how you can fairly say one performance was better than another when you're comparing 5 different characters...***

***Let's just say, hypothetically, that a movie was made 5 times and 5 different thespians portrayed the same character; Then you can judge each actor/actress on their performance and, based on certain parameters, say which you believed did the best job. But to say Angelina Jolie did a better job in Changeling than Kate Winslet in The Reader, well, it really is a bit absurd. Did Angelina play Kate Winslet's character? No. Did Kate play Angelina's? No. So what are you judging and how can you judge the two fairly? It's comparing apples to oranges. Kate Winslet never was that character in Changeling, nor was Angelina in The Reader. So, what the Academy is doing is comparing 2 different performances played by 2 different actors/actresses and thinking, "Hmmm...well, Angelina showed more range in..." but it doesn't make sense. You can't guess how one actor would do in another role that he/she never played. Therein lies the flaw of award shows. And...rant finished.***

...but Angelina has raised the bar pretty high this year. (Comedic contradictions are the best.)

Well, that's about it for tonight. I'm headed out to meet with Joe, see the new kitten, and watch a little UFC 95 action.

Who's on first,
B

February 20

Man, I've just been exhausted all day. I'm not exactly sure why, but there's been a ton of yawning and stretching. Haha. Wow, don't I sound like Mr. Activity. I look at a day like this as a hiccup in the month of February. I can't say it was wasted, because any day you're still breathing isn't a waste; I just wasn't feeling it today. I kind of felt like going to see a movie, but everyone has been busy. Also, it probably doesn't help that some of the films I'd like to purchase a ticket to, my friends have no desire to watch. Sad trombone.

The most depressing/adorable picture you've seen today.

Haha. The one thing I did to today was go through about 5 more AE tutorials. Just trying to hone my skills. Not exciting, but better than listening to Lynda C4D man. Ehhh. Tomorrow should be a good day. I'm predicting at least 5x more excitement...at least.

See Biggie, see 'Pac,
B

February 19

I really, really wish I could watch the new season of Flight of the Conchords on television. Unfortunately, the basic cable package does not include HBO. I mention this now because I just watched a video from an episode that was directed by Michel Gondry. Now, not only is Michel Gondry an amazing (and one of my favorite) directors, but the opening song was entitled "Too Many Dicks on the Dance Floor." Awesome. Check it out HERE (hopefully the link stays up). Yes, I wish I had HBO to watch a lil' Flight action. *Sigh*

"Too many misters,
Not enough sisters.
Too much time on too many hands.
Not enough ladies, too many mans."
Jemaine - Too Many Dicks on the Dance Floor

Keep it REAL,
B

February 18

I'll be honest with you...the guy who narrates the C4D Lynda tutorials has the most business oriented, monotone voice I've ever heard. It wears on you. Fast. But you get through it; You maintain. You "do work." Still, I'd rather have Andrew Kramer explaining the in's and out's of this program to me than "hip Ben Stein." Ehhh...

Other than that, had a nice luncheon with Matt and Brandon earlier today. I told them I had an idea I wanted to try shooting that involved them. This is mainly geared toward Brandon, who is a huge fan of House - on Fox - as am I. It's looking like Sunday could be the tentative starting day. I'm pretty sure the filming won't be the hard part. It'll be the post work that takes time, as always. On another random note, Charles Hamilton released yet another mixtape today. Seriously, this guy must live in the studio. It's called Every Charles Hamilton Ex-Girlfriend's Worse Nightmare. Haha.

I want to thank you all for coming out tonight,
B

February 17

Just got back in the house from East Lansing. PF Changs was delicious; The prices for Cinema 4D reference books at Barnes and Noble were not. The cheapest one was around $50. The cheapest. Oh well, looks like Lynda.com essential training for the older version will have to suffice. Smiles. Also, I remember hearing an anecdote from a certain friend regarding C4D. I believe it started with him opening the program up, becoming completely overwhelmed, and subsequently deleting it from his computer (all in the same sitting). Haha. I felt like that today, but I didn't delete. It's freshly installed and just waiting to be understood. We'll see what happens, ladies and gentlemen.

In other news...CHARLES BARKLEY IS OFFICIALLY COMING BACK THIS THURSDAY TO TNT. Haha, I'm the only one who's excited about this, I know. Sue me. I love me some Chuck, even though he did a couple completely knuckleheaded things to force the leave of absence in the first place. That's probably an understatement. Still, how can you hate on THIS or THIS? You can't. Well, I'm going to get some food and relax the rest of the night.

I guess I got the swaggerless swag,
B

February 16

I think it dawned on me earlier how much easier it's going to be working with actual 3D modeling through Cinema 4D then trying to fake it in After Effects. Now, I know I've just begun to get "comfortable" with some of these programs, but I really feel ready to learn more. I desperately want to post something interesting, but nothing has been happening. Just constant work in (you already know) to get better. For some reason I'm having a hard time remembering the difference between luma and alpha channels and what does what. I always need to make an adjustment and render out the result. All in due time, I suppose. Well, tomorrow I'm headed to East Lansing to see Tori. Probably will go out to eat at the PF Changs. MM..Food?

OH, and one more little thing. I was busy all of yesterday so I didn't find out about this one until earlier this morning. To anyone who cares (maybe 2 or 3 readers), Charles Hamilton released ANOTHER mixtape on Sunday called My Brain Is Alive. This came out of nowhere. I mention it this time because the third track - entitled "Grounded For Life" - samples Incubus' "Sick Sad Little World." Now, anyone who has listened to any of Charles' dozens mixtapes know he has a knack for sampling a wide variety of music:

• Genesis "I Can't Dance"
• Family Guy's version of "Rock Lobster"
• Slow tempo'd and normal version of Lupe Fiasco's "Hip-Hop Saved My Life"
• Windows XP start-up samples
• Britney Spears "Womanizer"
• Hoobastank "The Reason"
• ETC...
  

I just had to mention this because Incubus has always been one of those bands to me. I'll always listen to them and probably will always buy their new album. Good stuff. Anyway, it put a smile on my face when I heard the sample, so I decided to share.

Ay-yo...why every mixtape gotta have an intro,
B

February 15

Man, it's either I've been having to get to my posts early in the day or extremely late at night.  Oh well, it's not a big deal.  Anyway, today we had a nice ol' family get together for my cousin and I.  It was a joint birthday/late birthday party.  She's turning 12; I've turned 24; Time sure does fly.  After a nice dinner, some cake and ice cream, and the opening of cards, everyone convened for a rousing game of Spades - which my cousin has apparently just discovered.  By 8:30 I headed out to enjoy some All-Star game action with some friends.  Josh Kennedy stopped on by and we discussed (briefly) an idea he had that he may want to shoot this summer.  Sounded fun so I guarantee I'll be hearing more about it in the future.  Well, I just walked in the door and am very hungry.  I'm going to chow down on a LATE night snack and hit the bed.

Good night and sweet dreams,

B

February 14

A quick Happy Valentine's day to all my fellow readers out there. Whether you have someone to celebrate with, or not (Sad Trombone), I hope you all have a fantastic day. If you enjoy a little basketball (like I do), the NBA's All-Star weekend continues tonight with the shooting stars competition, skills competition, 3-point shootout, and the slam dunk contest. That's what myself and a few friends will be doing. Until then, I continue to try to learn all the crazy aspects of After Effects.

One love,
B

February 13

Man, it's been a while since I've had a chance to sit down and write a nice, detailed entry of the day. I guess it will have to wait another day. I'm out and about again. Well, to sum up last night, it was a blast. Got up to State around 6:30 and met Tori to go get some food. We were looking at PF Chang's at first but quickly changed our minds after we were told it would be a 30 to 45 minute wait. So we dined in an Irish pub themed restaurant instead. T'was good. After that, Tori went off shopping and Donnell and I headed to the auditorium. Inside, the show started promptly at 8:o4 with Asher Roth kicking things off. Donnell was able to snap 3 pictures before a "security" guard walked over and told him cameras were not allowed. Not sure how he was even able to get that thing passed the "stub rippers" but he did as was told. Throughout the night there were many others told to put their cameras (and cell phones) away. I haven't seen that policy enforced that well, before. Don't get me wrong, I didn't like it; But at least they didn't discriminate on who was able to snap shots and who wasn't. Everyone had to cut it out. Lupe's set started around 9 and ended at 10. I honestly was expecting a longer set (at least 1.5 hours) but, like I said to Donnell, an hour of Lupe performing is better than 30 minutes (from Glow in the Dark). We got back home around 11 where I finished my left overs and went to bed. So, in closing, I really do with I had pictures to share...but the MAN kept us from taking them. Damn.

Hip-hop saved my life,
B

February 12

Lupe Fiasco performing at Comerica CityFest in Detroit.

Lupe Fiasco TONIGHT!!! That's about it. I'm not bringing a camera but my friend Donnell is. He's known to take a picture or two, so hopefully that translates into some amazing shots. Who knows? I'm out.

Daydreamin',
B

February 11

Here's a screenshot of what could potentially be the opening plate to the demo. I've been mulling around a lot of ideas, going back, deleting compositions, adding compositions, etc. It's a fun process. Basically it's all NEW stuff, SON!!! I love it...and hate it at the exact same time. A lot of time spent working for myself...for free. Ehhhh. Other than that, today was rainy and 60 degrees. Again...ehhhh. It's still raining out right now. It's supposed to cool off again tomorrow with possible scattered snow storms. Hopefully it won't get too bad given I'll be on the road most of the evening.

Speaking of...Lupe TOMORROW!!! Asher Roth is the opening act. I dug his GreenHouse Effect mixtape and I know "I Love College" has been making the rounds the past year. Good times.

Well, I'm going to continue working on the first 10 seconds of the demo. Enjoy your evening/morning/afternoon (depending on what time you're reading this).

If you rep the Midwest, get a passport,
B

February 10

Another quick one for today, and it really relates to nothing in particular. Last week I was running around and never got to mention this track that I ran across. It's basically a crazy mash-up of Pop/Punk/R&B/Hip-Hop artists and producers over the Coca-Cola "5 Note Tune." I'm not sure for what purpose it was recorded, but given the distances between the people involved and, more importantly, the PEOPLE involved, I have to assume it was for Coke. Especially if you listen to the lyrics (chorus in particular). However, if I'm wrong and it was done just for the hell of it, then cool beans burrito. It's a fun track; That's it. Not bad, not good, just a nice warm center covered by a thick candy shell. Melts in your mouth, not in your hand...although sometimes it will stain your hand if you hold on too long. Oh, I probably should mention, you know, names and titles...

Cee-Lo (Gnarls Barkley)
Brandon Urie (Panic at the Disco)
Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy)
Janelle Monae
Travis McCoy (Gym Class Heroes)
Polow Da Don (Producer)
Butch Walker (Producer)

Song Title: "Open Happiness"

Now, if it was a track propositioned by Coke, you'll probably be hearing it a lot - in pieces - during upcoming ad campaigns involving Super Bowl type commercials with crazy motion graphics and CGI. If not, then just enjoy it now. Google the title and a few of the artists and guaranteed you can still download it. That's about it for tonight. Lupe in 2 days.

We on,
B

February 9

I'm feeling burnt out. Another day accomplishing 3 things: Adding to the demo, finishing other projects, AE tutorials. All of these items have one thing in common. That's right, a computer screen. Whew. See, I complain now, but I know it's going to be worth it, PLUS Rhett goes through this everyday. It's nothin' to him. So let me start over. I'm feeling GREAT. I learned how to work with cameras connected to null layers in 3D space. This part has definitely taken the longest and been the most involved, but also the most rewarding. WOOOO!!!

Anyway, in completely unrelated news, Charles Barkley will be coming back to Inside the NBA on TNT after the All-Star break. This is good news to me; I don't know how much longer I could've taken Gary Payton. Ehhh. Also, if I do steroids, deny it, then - after being caught red-handed through documents that were never supposed to be released - apologize for using certain substances, but never mention any of those substances by name, going as far as saying I don't remember what I had taken, does it make me...an idiot? Nah. HEY, how 'bout those Pistons. Can't wait until we trade for Amar'e Stoudemire. (That's not a joke, we are getting Amar'e Stoudemire.) Let's hear it for sports related rants.

Lupe in 3 days. ALSO, the fact that he didn't win ANY Grammys on Sunday is really rediculous; Especially in the "Best Rap Song" and "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration" categories. I mean, don't get me wrong, I dig Lil' Wayne's album...but "Lollipop"...really? Really!? Over "Superstar"? Something's not right about that. Great performance by the Swag Pack (HERE and HERE), though. I didn't see it live, but that's what the internets is for. OH, OH, OH. Also, Duffy ended up winning "Best Pop Vocal Album" for Rockferry. That's awesome. "Warwick Avenue" has been playing through my headphones the past 8 months. Great song. Great album.

Dumb it down,
B

February 8

I've decided I'm heading out later this week to see Joe's new pad in Port Huron. I have to wait to see what his schedule is going to be like tomorrow, but it should be a good time. I haven't really taken a long drive in the new car, so I guess this week I'll be putting some miles on it. Lupe is in 4 days. Hells yeah. Other than that, I'm realizing that a lot of the footage I'm using for this new demo is being made from the ground up. A lot more After Effects stuff than just random footage. I guess it's good because I'm basically learning on the fly and it seems to be sticking. Still, I have a feeling I'm going to look back on this in a couple months and laugh; Meaning I'll hopefully would have improved to the point where the stuff I'm struggling on now becomes laughable. For some reason I'm exhausted. I might actually hit the bed early. Crazy, ain't it?

Same bat time, same bat channel,

B

February 7

CLICK HERE and THEN CLICK HERE.

It's deja-vu all over again. (Get it...like "from the department of redundancy department".) Anyway, earlier last year, Flight of the Conchords were preforming in Ann Arbor in a much smaller venue. Well, needless to say, tickets sold out within the first...10 mintues (if that) and were immediately listed on eBay for ludicrous amounts of green. I figured with them moving to the Fox Theatre in Detroit, it would settle the crowd and make a few more tickets available. Well, you know what happens when you assume. Seriously, did you SEE the prices these tickets are going for on eBay!? And did you SEE the original list price!? Flight fans are insane, and apparently scheming ticket buyers know this. However, I'm NOT spending that much on two tickets. If it were Lupe Fiasco, maybe...but not Flight...or maybe Flight, too? Damn. I'm going to scour the interwebs for deals. I know they put on a great live show, and I know a lot of people who are wanting to go. Sooo...we'll see what happens.

Well, I have another busy day planned, hence the early entry. Time to get some food and then DO WORK!!! Rhett, we'll try getting together another weekend. Sorry, man.

I am a man of constant sorrow (O Brother, Bob Dylan),
B

February 6

I only have time for a quick one today, and unfortunately it's not cool news...at all. So, Flight of the Conchords tickets went on sale this morning. I had other things going on, so I figured if I checked it out around, oh, say noon-ish, I'd still be good to go. Well, I thought wrong. I'm pretty sure they sold out within the first 30 minutes. I guess it wasn't to be this time, but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop looking. Also, the demo is going smashingly.

Word is bond,

B

February 5

Well folks, I spoke with Mr. Fordham earlier and unfortunately he will not be able to make it out for the concert. It's already been dealt with though, so I guess we're golden. I'm very excited for next week. Very excited. But I digress. Today, Rhett hooked me up PHAT with some amazing After Effects plug-ins, effects, textures, etc. Needless to say, I'm as giddy as a school girl to try everything out. Yes...giddy as a school girl. I said it. What's it to you? Thought so.

I'm still looking through all of my footage and building up another demo. I should have something solid the next couple of days (next week at the very latest). I've just been so pre-occupied with this new program and all of the different things I can do. The sky is the limit. Here's an example of some tracking I've been messing around with:

Again, just little tests I've been fooling around with. Nothing special, although it's fun to see the results. We'll see what becomes of this. I need to get back to work, so I guess I'll be seeing you all later on.

Catch you on the flip-side,
B

February 4

Motown Motion Picture Studios is looking really good right now. I'm starting off with this because, as of earlier today, a temporary website was put up. It involved only 2 phone numbers and a generic email address. Regardless, I gave the first number a call and asked for an address to send a resume and demo reel to - before anything else was published. During this time I was talking to Rhett on the good ol' iChat and sent him the same address. We NEED to get our information in fast; so today has been spent shuffling through archives of random footage to put a new demo together. On top of that I need to "update" the resume with more film-involved projects. I'm excited. Like I said yesterday, Motown is looking to hired a decent amount of people, and given Rhett and I have a degree and actual experience with 35mm and 16mm film, I hope that gives us a leg up. But first thing's first...the demo. I need to get to that.

OH, HOLD UP!!! One more thing. I don't know HOW this one slipped passed me, but it did. Apparently, Lupe Fiasco's first visit back to MI since the Glow in the Dark Tour isn't going to be on April 3 in Grand Rapids (Calvin College) like I originally thought. Nope. He'll be visiting Michigan State University on February 12. Yup, that's next week...Thursday...and I'm just finding out now. I went to Wharton Center's website and tickets apparently went on sale in mid-January; So what's left over is...much to be desired. LUCKILY, I happen to have an amazing sister who attends MSU. I had her go onto some of the student forums looking for people who were selling their tickets, and lo' and behold...row HH, seats 46 and 47, first section on the floor. I paid twice as much, but considering this man is my favorite (living) artist at this juncture, I don't care. I would've paid 3x as much (just don't tell the guys that sold the tickets that). This will be the 4th time I've seen Mr. Fiasco. The first time was at MSU, then Detroit, then Auburn Hills (at the best concert I've ever been to) with Kanye West. It really got me jonesin' for a Lupe headline tour. So, needless to say, I'm stoked. Major. PLUS, there's an outside chance a great friend of mine will be flying in to accompany me to the show. It's a long shot, but worth mentioning because Josh Fordham is a hard working man who's time is precious. When he's not working on indie-horror films or VH1 storyteller productions in New York City, he's doing something involved in the industry. We'll see what happens with that.

Fordham w/ Noodles in NYC (photo taken by me)

Lupe and I in Bape store in NYC (photo taken by Josh Fordham)

So yeah, to summarize: Motown Motion Picture Studios is getting me hyped. Lupe Fiasco next week has me hyped. Potential visit from Mr. Fordham puts "hyped" over the top. Thanks for the help with the tickets, Tori.

"But my most coveted thing is a high self-esteem,
And a low tolerance for them telling me how to lean.
See the most important parts are the ones that are unseen,
The wings don't make you fly and the crown don't make you king."
Lupe Fiasco - Gold Watch

Peace (and much love to ya),
B

February 3

A lot happening today. First off, I want to wish Gina Glockner a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I hope you enjoy a little Nick and Norah action tonight with the sisters. Have a great day, G.

Next, there's some big news regarding the Michigan film industry that will be revealed tonight during Governor Granholm's State of the State address. From what information is available now, 2 new studios will be opening up: One in Pontiac at GM's former Centerpoint auto plant; The other in Detroit, taking the place of the old MGM Grand Casino. Motown Motion Picture Studios (Pontiac) will be a full on production studio while Detroit Center Studios (Detroit...duh) will deal more in "Hollywood-style" digital animation and visual effects (ARE YOU READING THIS RHETT BLANKENSHIP!?) for film, TV, etc. I'm excited to find out more information on both - more importantly, people to contact.

Lastly, I'm about ready to eat some dinner. About time, too; All of this computer work can get a guy pretty hungry. To end it, here's the picture of Joe "Officer" Sollinger modeling his bulletproof vest. He's pissed...but adorable at the same time:

Awww...who'd want to shoot at him?

Happy Birthday Gina,
B

February 2

Unfortunately, I have nothing new or special to report right now. I was just working on a couple different things and realized I had yet to post anything today. So I'll say this: Why isn't there a Dennys located in the 8-1-0? The closest Dennys is about 40 minutes away...and traveling that far just defeats the purpose of receiving a free Grand Slam. Oh well, I'm not really an eggs kind of guy. Anyway, I'll be talking to you folks tomorrow. Probably will get a photo of "Bulletproof Joe" up by then.

Goodnight,
B

February 1

The beginning of a new month and it's all about sports. Schedule for today:

• 12:00 pm - College Basketball: Michigan State Spartans vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
• 2:30 pm - NBA: Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
• 6:28 pm - NFL: Super Bowl XLIII - Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Good friends, good food, and (decent?) commercials. I know there are going to be at least three teaser trailers debuting during the Super Bowl; Land of the Lost, G.I. Joe and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - or at least that's the plan. Just to let you know, the Transformers trailer is very nice looking. Just look at where we've gone since Tron. What I'd really like to see is a trailer for Spike Jonze's Where the Wild Things Are. I mean, I've been waiting on that one FOR-EV-ER. Doubt it will happen, though. Hope you have a great February 1st.

I'm hungry,
B