When it all comes together.

I'm extremely lucky and am fully aware of this. For some unexplained reason life just has a way of working itself out. Let me just say It's amazing to feel, if only for a moment, as if all of your troubles have evaporated into the atmosphere. Having a clear mind is one of those simple luxuries that some might take for granted. Don't. It's too therapeutic.

Also, do yourself a favor and listen to one of your favorite songs late at night. Chances are you'll catch something you never noticed in the previous "x" amount of times you've played it. Just one more thing that puts a smile on your face.

Like a dime dropped from the top of the Empire State Building,
B

On the banks of the Red Cedar...

I'm a week late with this, but did anyone SEE the end of the MICHIGAN STATE - NOTRE DAME GAME!? Who fakes a field goal in OT for the win!? Apparently Mark Dantonio does - and then suffers a heart attack less than a hour after the game concludes. Crazy. Luckily he was let out of the hospital yesterday and is projected to make a full recovery. Whew. Let's take a look, shall we?

THE VIDEO THAT WAS TO FOLLOW HAS BEEN DELETED DUE TO REPEATED COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENTS MADE BY THE ACCOUNT ASSOCIATED WITH IT. SUFFICE IT TO SAY, SAID CLIP WAS A VERY ENTERTAINING RECAP OF THE LAST PLAY OF THE FOOTBALL GAME. A SHAME YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO SEE IT. REGARDLESS, I HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE CAPTION BELOW. THANK YOU.

Little Giants!? Somewhere, Rick Moranis is smiling.

That was a hell of a game to watch live. I couldn't imagine what the place was like. Then again...I have been lucky enough to be witness to a few amazing comebacks in Spartan stadium. On second thought, I have a pretty good idea of how the people were. Haha.

Time for a life update! Work has basically been me watching and logging footage for the past week and a half. I'm not going to lie, I'm really excited to start this baby.

Later tonight I'll be heading to Lansing to see some friends play at Mac's Bar. It also happens to be their homecoming show which makes it a double bonus: 1. Seeing friends and 2. Them being able to sleep in their own beds again.

Home, indeed.

By this time next week I'll be in Elk Rapids, MI getting ready to celebrate the marriage of Andrea Bednarski and Eric Strong. For the one time I've been there, I can say I absolutely love the area. Once again, hopefully the weather cooperates. But hey, a weekend in Northern Michigan sounds just fine to me.

I'm looking forward to this.

And one more piece of news...

I'd say that in about 2 or 3 weeks everything should be set for me to move into a house I'm going to be renting/sitting. It's in Swartz Creek and happens to be the same house my Uncle, Aunt, and cousin used to live in before moving out to California. Needless to say, I'm actually looking VERY forward to it. Now...in terms of furnishing it...

Odd blood,

B

September 20

You know, I think it's about time I start titling these blog entries. I stuck with the date thing mainly because that's what I was used to - force of habit. Keeping track of dates isn't nearly as important to me as it was before. OK, it's decided. Next post will be the beginning of the title era - hopefully something witty and original. Hahaha...I'm neither of those things. (Sad trombone)

I'm on another music kick. I mean, I'm always doing something that involves music, but every now and then I'll get into a phase of really LISTENING to it and deciding why I really do like/dislike something. In an earlier post I talked about finding meaning in songs and enjoy the challenge of interpretation. Looking back, I probably should have emphasized that's not the only thing that will draw me to a certain artist/band. Hell, probably over half of the stuff I listen to is pretty cut and dry - it's just executed a bit differently. Chromeo is a good example. Their new album came out a couple weeks ago and, even though I enjoy Fancy Footwork more, it's something that I can pop in and have a good time with. Not much thought to it, just funk. Ohhhh yeaaaahhhhhh.

On top of catchy beats, storytelling is HUGE. If you can paint a picture with words and draw me in as a listener, then my hat is off to you. Ben Nichols is someone who does this on a regular basis. Ben is the lead singer of an alt-country band named Lucero that hails from Tennessee. The opening track on their latest album is called "Smoke" and is a beautiful, 5-and-a-half minute love story. Two hard-living strangers meet at a bar and decide to take a chance on one another. Simple concept and built up perfecting in this song. In his own gritty way and with a whiskey-and-cigarette washed voice, Ben romanticizes about this chance encounter and gives you a clear look at these characters without even mentioning a name. If "A Girl In Port" by Okkervil River was one of the most tragic songs I've ever listened to, this is one of the most - for lack of a better term - romantic. Just using the fragment "unknown and beautiful" in the chorus was enough to do it for me. So good.

"Unknown and beautiful." Come on, you KNOW it's a great line.

And then there's the complete opposite type of music I'll listen to: ambient/electronic. I mean, this ranges from Justice to Hammock to LCD Soundsystem to Amiina. Usually there's little-to-no lyrics associated with it and is just something you can play to relax or start a dance party.

In summation: Music is great, but great music is really great. Wait...that was terrible.

"Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music."
- Ronald Reagan

RONALD REAGAN!? REALLY? Oh well, it fits.

Oh, 1950's.

They bolted out into the streets,

B

September 17

"Don't you dare speak for someone you don't know.

They'll feel it in the back of their throat.
We know I can't construct a poem
'cause words, like girls, get bored and run.
C'est la vie - I say "I've got so many better things."
I've got nothing; You should see me.
I smoke myself to sleep...

and blame postmodern things. I can't relate,
like summer camp and coastal states.
Like alcohol and coffee beans,
dance floors and magazines.
I think its safe to say I've only got myself to blame,
but boys in swooping haircuts are bringing me down,
taking pictures of themselves.

And so I walk the web in search of love
but always seem to end up stuck.
I'm finding flaws in everyone.
I've reached the point where all I want
is to sleep around in hopes that I will catch back up.
We are parallel lines; We’re running in circles
we're never meant to cross.

I'm at a loss, you were my tangerine,
my pussycat, my trampoline.
Now all's I get are wincing cheeks
and dog problems. I signed a lease
thinking my heart belonged at 93rd and Park.
Instead I broke a girl’s heart
and flew back to Phoenix to finish the year as it started.

Can you hear me?
Are you listening?
This is the sound of my heart breaking.
And I hope it's entertaining
'cause for me it’s a bitch.
Was it worth it
when you slept with him?
Did you get it all out of your system?

I am a man...
Holding it all...
I couldn’t breath...
Coming across...
I didn’t know...
I couldn’t give up.

B - is for believing you'd always be here for me.
E - is for everything; Even when we see it though.
C - C is for seeing through you; You are a fake. Which brings me to
A - because, because you always run away.

I never finish phrases; I misspell;
Open arms are prison cells.
When I said, "I hate what I've become."
I lied; I hated who I was.
So when you start to wonder 'bout the pain in my throat,
well, don't you ever - no never, ever - speak for someone you don't know."

- The Format "Dog Problems"

How about some visuals?

Good songwriting plus creative execution equals candy for my ears. And now...time for a Zingerman's townie brownie. Mmmmmm.

I like brownies,

B

September 16

This is something I wouldn't mind owning in the near future. Just thought I'd share.

Are you cussing with me?

To better understand it, check out this link. Now that that's settled, let's find out about you. How has your day been? If you need to get anything off of your chest and, you know, vent a little, feel free. I mean, I figure if you can't talk to anyone else about it, why not talk to the luminescent warm of your computer screen? Then again, if you are talking to an inanimate object - in this instance, me - then maybe you should get out more. No offense - I enjoy the company, but c'mon now. You're better than that. What? That's all I have. The rest is up to you. Go and be happy.

Do the twist in the twisting outfit,

B

September 14

Today's dilemma seems to be I want to write, but I don't know what to write about. I have no direction at this very moment; None what-so-ever. Maybe if I keep typing something interesting will come up.

Novel just started playing on my iTunes playlist. This particular song has a real triumphant, euphoric melody that accompanies his lyrics. Tracks like this are a lot of fun to listen to.

Wow...and it happens to be followed by a song that is the exact opposite in terms of optimism and wonderment. In fact, The Streets' "Dry Your Eyes" is probably one of the most depressing songs I've ever listened to. It's about the dissolution of a relationship and the trouble our protagonist has in dealing with what has just happened. Every movement/word/reaction is described in such detail that you can't help but feel heartbroken for this guy when all is said and done. Kudos, Mike Skinner.

A great, great, great concept album.

Sorry about today. Somethings you have it and sometimes you don't.

You really got a hold on me,

B

September 13

I love this in so many ways.

A constant factor in pieces of art that "awe" me is simplicity or the illusion of it. More often than not I find myself going, "Why didn't I think of that?" Hopefully one of these days I'll beat someone to the punch.

September 10

"Boys will be boys and girls have those eyes that will cut you to ribbons sometimes."

Have you ever looked at someone who instantly shot right through your being and you felt like you've known each other forever? Me neither. But I plan on this happening at some point. A desperate fool or a hopeless romantic . I really, really hope I'm the latter.

You know why I was adamant over the fact that 500 Days of Summer was one of the best and most underrated films of last year? Because I was that character.

I know what it's like to hope

and find

and live

and forget

and lose

and obsess

and deal

and accept

and move on

and restore

and hope again.

Completely ruined or a hopeless romantic? Definitely option 2.

Great soundtrack, by the way.

DAMN IT! See what happens when it's 2:30am and there are no signs of fatigue in sight? I don't even know where that all came from. Haha.

Well, this is definitely becoming a more personal blog now, isn't it? Took long enough.

Let's end on a high note. That announcement concerning work I mentioned yesterday lasted all of 24 hours. As of earlier today, I am the active editor of a documentary that's been 3+ years in the making. This means, if all goes well, by the turn of the new year I'll have my first feature film editing credit. To potentially have a life accomplishment met in the next 6 months is something I haven't completely wrapped my head around yet. For now, I need to take it step by step and do my best to finish this project.

It's an exciting opportunity, that's for sure. Best of all, I'll be able to do this from home.

Step one: Go over the hours and hours of archived footage, take notes, and learn this story from the ground up. I'm not exaggerating when I say this will take at least 2 weeks. I'm also not exaggerating when I say this smile hasn't left my face all day.

Recently I read something that made more sense to me than I thought it would at first. It had to do with "learning how to trust life". I pride myself in being a fairly logical thinking person, but I realize there are things that just can't be explained. The more I reflected on the last few years, the more I realized how, for some reason, I never felt panicked or even that worried. Something in the back of my mind always calmed me down, but it was something that I couldn't put into words until a week ago. Trust life. It's almost too simple, but it can't be described any other way. Funny; All it took for me to get it was 25 years and "an unromantic blog entry."

Her words, not mine,

B

September 9 (B)

"Music...true music - not just Rock ’N’ Roll - it chooses you. It lives in your car, or alone, listening to your headphones. With vast scenic rituals and angelic choirs in your brain. It’s a place apart from the vast benign lap of America."

Mr. Hoffman as Mr. Bangs.

Good film. Now that we have that out of the way...hello, world. And by "world" I'm referring to the US, UK, and Denmark. Crazy, huh?

Today was one of the more interesting days I've had all year, if not the last couple years. Without going too in depth right now, I can say that a meeting was had regarding a particular editing project and good vibes were felt. Really good vibes. Not only that, but a part of the industry that I hadn't studied since college was opened back up. Since I've been doing more guerrilla/freelance filming since I graduated I had forgotten how much really goes into the entire process. Specifically, from inception to completion. Listening to these people negotiating the film rights to a book, from budget to production company to screenwriter, was exhausting. Mind you, this was something completely separate from the project I was talking about. Being able to multitask was shown to come in handy today. Wow.

What this means is, in the next week or two, I may have some pretty cool news as it pertains to work. We'll see what happens.

On a side note: Inception was a fantastic film. Christopher Nolan is pret-ty, pret-ty, pret-ty good.

Witness the "inception" of Strutting Leo. Sorry...

Iron and wine doesn't taste great, but sure can play a damn good tune,
B

September 9 (A)

It's that time of night again. About the time I get lost in my own thoughts. I remember making a post like this a long time ago (at least 6+
months back) and, in terms of my belief, nothing has changed. It always seems that late at night, especially the time when you're laying in bed trying to pass out, you're more vulnerable when it comes to dealing with your emotions. I often find myself thinking about following my heart and throwing caution to the wind when that hour hand is well passed the 12. I'm not complaining, though. I like the feeling. It's almost as if you're dreaming while wide-awake. Every action is that much more vivid, and while you're well aware this is all in your mind, you let go of the reins and let your subconscious be. This is by far one of the hardest things I've had to explain, but it's also one of my favorite.

Now realize this isn't an every day occurrence. If I'm exhausted or have had a rough day and I just want to sleep, you can bet that's what's going to happen. It's more of a mind set; And I happen to be in it this evening.

And why is it that the majority of the time the subject is always the same: love. You've all heard the saying, "It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." I completely agree. As much as the loss portion hurts - trust me, it hurts - the good times will always put you, for at least a moment, right back on top of things. And in life, I feel it's essential. Not the living in the past part, but more so having those experiences to learn from and knowing how to approach things in the future. When you can step back, see the big picture, and think critically of yourself, you've accomplished something.

Now, getting back to the topic at hand, I don't know of one person who says, with a straight face, that they'd rather be alone their entire lives. I have friends that have been through some pretty rough relationships in their life. A lot of them said at the time they were happy to finally have time to themselves, to be their own man/woman, to "play the field". Then the novelty wore off and all they kept mentioning is how stupid they were, or how they took so-and-so for granted, or how they can't sleep alone without tossing about all night. But where the good news comes in is the majority so far have found that one person and it's really a thing to behold. True happiness.

I guess my point is this: Don't take your relationships for granted. From the outside looking in, I can tell you I'd give a lot to feel like I did 5+ years ago. So when I see different couples bickering over utter nonsense I usually will just shake my head. And for a moment I may try convincing myself, "See, do you want to have to deal with that?" To be honest with you, "Yes." To have a shoulder to lean on, an ear to vent to, somebody who allows you to let down your guard and be completely at ease... I'm just saying, it sounds like a good deal to me.

I'm looking up at the clock on my phone now and am realizing it's well passed "that time" (around 3:10am). That's my que to stop typing on a small touch screen and get some shut-eye. I wonder if I'll dream tonight? Maybe if I think of the same thing over and over until I fall asleep it will show up. I could try that...or just wait for the next time I'm wide awake at 1 or 2am. That way there's a better chance I could remember. For now, I'll take my chances.

I support truthiness,
B

September 8

I find myself being attracted to anything that's original or creative. Mind you, I'm talking about ANYTHING: music, film, writing, graffiti, bicycles - when I say anything, I mean it. Where does this come from? I was in bed trying to fall asleep last night when I thought back to a conversation my Mom and I had when I was driving back from Detroit. I had just picked her and my Grandma up from the airport and was headed home when the topic of hip-hop music came up. My Mom started talking about how she doesn't get popular culture these days and how she doesn't consider that genre of music, well, real music. I looked at her a bit confused and started what would end up being about a 30 minute debate. All the while my Grandma sat quietly in the back, probably laughing to herself at the conversation. Anything you could think of was touched upon, from citing poetry to referencing Bob Dylan, 2Pac, Lupe Fiasco, the Beatles, Green Day (don't ask), etc. In the end we simply agreed to disagree; However, my Mom did say something that rang very true.

"People want to listen to music or watch movies to escape from real life. They don't want to have to think or decipher."

The majority of people out there like "it" cut-and-dried. They want to turn on the radio, hear a certain melody regardless of message, and go with it. I'm not built that way. I'm not exactly sure when the change happened, but it did. I admit, I've listened to my fair share of embarrassing, brainless music and watched a ton of terrible films. But back then I thought if the majority liked it then I should too. I'm a lot happier now. Haha.

Yes, I completely agree that music or film or any form of entertainment should be just that: entertainment. It should be an escape from the mundane routines people find themselves in. And people are free to experience that in any way they want as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else. For me, though, that just isn't enough. Let's stay centered around the music portion in this instance. I listen to music some friends are playing in their iPods and it's all the same to me. The record labels are doing what they do best: taking something that sells, signing cookie-cutter groups/bands, pairing them with similar producers, and manufacturing hits. There's no soul in a lot of what's on the radio. I'm not saying that EVERYTHING you hear on pop radio is rubbish, just that a lot of it doesn't do much for me.

When it comes to this particular position, only a few friends are on my side. What's on the surface shouldn't be the entire story. How about an example? Exhibit A is a modern country hit with all the production, pop references, and that radio friendly sound; Exhibit B is an old school, stripped down, roots type song by an artist who, live, only needs a guitar, stool, and his voice.

A:

B:

I realize that they're two different types of songs, but on any day of the week I'd rather listen to Mr. William Elliott Whitmore. I've been lucky enough to catch him live. The inflection in this guys voice when he's up there stomping his feet, sweating, and completely immersed in music that he believes in - that's coming from his soul, for lack of a better term - was one of the best shows I've ever seen. And he was the opening act.

Any day of the week. I will stand by that.

Indeed.

In the end, though, this is just how I feel. I recognize that many people out there disagree, and that's fine. Like I said, if it makes you happy and it's not a burden on others, go for it. Live and let live...

BUT, if you're someone who's constantly looking for that something "extra," then rest-asured you're not alone.

Just pretend,
B

September 7

And I said this wasn't going to become an everyday thing. Figures. I don't post anything for 3 months then I get the bug again. However, I am approaching this different. Because it's no longer a chore I consider what I'm going to be writing from now on a truer form of a "blog" than it was to begin. I started out wanting to write for a year straight just to see how much one could actually reflect on the past. I wondered if you could draw any conclusions about yourself by simply typing a few sentences a day. I was ambitious at the start and it shows. I took my time and posted a few things that had nothing to do with the particular day in question; Rather what was on mind. And then...yeah. Sorry about that. If I don't have anything to say, I won't write. If I get the bug, I'll jump on my iMac and start a-typin'. Simplicity can be a savior to one's sanity.

DOCUMENTARIES! One of my favorite genre's of film. I love them. You name it, I probably have watched a D-O-C on it. Political, sports, environmental, coming of age, etc. "The truth is stranger than fiction" is a cliche I very much believe in. The Cove is a film I was finally able to catch a few weeks ago and I really enjoyed it. It might not be your particular cup o' tea, but the way it was put together definitely put the filmmaker's message through a bullhorn. The typical formula was there: Introduction of main players; a couple turning points; point of no return; potential failure; and the resolution. Still, it was really well done and I do recommend it. Check this out for a quick synopsis.

Spoiler alert: It's in Japan...

Let me close by saying that "A Girl In Port" by Okkervil River is still one of the most beautiful songs (tragic, too?) I've ever heard. Haha. Didn't see THAT one coming, did you? Hey, it's my blog, so I'll do what I want. But seriously, it's going on 3 years since the album's release - The Stage Names - and I can still listen to that song on a continuous loop and not be disappointed.

"I've come to feel, out on the sea,

these urgent lives press against me.

I'm just a guest. I'm not a part,

with my tender heard, with my easy heart.

These several years out on the sea

have made me empty, cold, and clear.

Pour yourself into me."

Big next couple of days planned. Hopefully everything works out.

My MacBook Pro is very old, my iMac is very new, and I'm content with this,
B

September 6

It's time for your Beatles' themed post of the day.

White Album.

"Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except For Me and My Monkey" is the longest title given to any song the Beatles ever made. Lennon said it was about his relationship with Yoko, Paul thought it could be interpreted as a ballad to John's heroin habit, and no one really knows what Ringo's opinion is. What do YOU think?

I don't know, John...

September 5

Hello, world.

I'm back. Miss me?

(Don't answer that.)

I was just inspired to write something after a few months hiatus. Unfortunately said inspiration far surpasses anything that was ever written in this "blog" so know ahead of time you're not going to be impressed.

Now that that's out of the way, let's get down to brass tacks...

Wow, that didn't take too long to draw a blank. How about we pick up where we left off. Since June 5:

• I've worked.
• I've filmed.
• I've edited.
• Tori's internship at Genesys has gone and passed - she should be driving into California as I'm typing this.
• I finally bought a new computer (a sexy 27", quad-core iMac) that is working better than I imagined.
• The Tigers went from leading the AL Central at All-Star break to...
• College football has started.
• I've seen some great films.
• Listened to some great music.
• Hung out with some great friends.
• Played cards with some great family.
• I found yet ANOTHER Hallmark card that makes you think out-loud, "People actually send these." (Yes, I bought it.)
• I've smiled.

Here's a little sample of what this summer has brought:

I love editing.

Fun times, indeed. Now when am I going to buy that T2i? (Shut up, Rhett.)

After this post is published, I'm pretty sure I've paid more attention to this blog more than I have my facebook account. Oh, social networks.

I'm sitting here listening to The Bens while caught in a cross-breeze thanks to two windows on opposite sides of the room. What a summer day. Beautiful. I love the cooler weather, which is probably why Fall is my favorite season. The past week has felt more like mid-October than early September. Still, you'll get no complaints from this guy. Tell me, what else do you really need?

You wonder if Bailey is ever going to stop barking to go outside, then come inside, then outside, then inside, then outside, then inside, then... You'd think by now she'd realize she isn't allowed to take her 36" rawhide passed the sliding mesh screen. I'll give that dog one thing, it's persistent. Or dumb. Let's go with the happy medium and call her stubborn. Then again, what would you expect a beagle/basset hound mixed animal to be?

Don't you love it when you've got the music playing in the background and one of your favorite songs come up on the playlist?

And now for something completely different:

I love Zingerman's, too. Mmmmm.

Well, here's the deal. From now on, when I feel like throwing in a random blog post, I will. No more set schedule or once-every-day mandate. I think we can all agree the "writing" suffers almost as much as the reader's attention span when I do that. And that's not fun for anyone.

Good evening, good afternoon, or good morning - depending on where you're reading this,

B

P.S. - I will stand on a mountain and scream this until my lungs need a good air-compressor: "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son about his Father" is the SADDEST documentary (MOVIE for that matter) you will EVER see; but it's SO FREAKING GOOD! More than 2 years later I'm still saying this. Rhett and I have come to the conclusion if you get through it without crying at least 3 separate times, you probably find pleasure in drowning puppies. Who DOES THAT!? I hope this horrible tidbit of news doesn't take away from the fact that "Dear Zachary" is amazing. Goodnight, you princes of Maine, you kings of New England.

Just start tearing up now. Get warmed up.