March 14

I need to stop writing so late. Lately, by the end of the day I've been pretty well spent. My mind gets all gwAHgly and I can'ts think straight. See...two of those words don't even exist. I worked for a bit this afternoon then headed to Brad's. Ate before the first and after the latter. Feels great and stuffed. Mmmm...Famous Dave's chicken wings. Saturday Night Live is being hosted by Tracy Morgan tonight. I'm laughing so far, so that's cool. Also, Milk is fantastic. Just wanted you all to know that. I realize that I've watched so many great movies the past 2 weeks my mind is just a-racing. I love it. OH, and Slumdog Millionaire was amazing as well. Ah-Maze-Eing.

I declare mutiny on this ship,
B

March 13

So tired. All-nighter (literally). I even called my pals Josh and Brandon around 7:30am to see if they were all set for the beginning of their teaching day. Here's a run down of the late night to early morning job:

• Got to Rhett's around 7:30pm
• Set up and started working in AE
  
• Jesse arrives at around 10:00pm
• He sets up at starts working in Photoshop
  
• Taco Bell run at 1:00am
• Finished variety of shots and started editing around 3:00am
• Finished 3 version of same video around 6:30am
• Rhett realizes the mis-spelling of "Mosaic"
• Finished, again, the 3 versions of the same video around 7:30am
  
• Arrived back home this morning around 8:30am
• Received a call from Rhett regarding changes needed in video work at 11:30am
• Re-did a shot in AE and downloaded another fixed shot from Rhett at 12:45pm
• Finished the FINAL versions of said 3 videos at 2:30pm
  

Here's one of the three videos that Rhett, Jesse, and I completed last night. It was a blast. I love working in a group like that; Where we basically make up a mini post studio and DO WORK. I'm tired.


Last Supper from Rhett Blankenship on Vimeo.

I'm only sleeping,
B

March 12

I'm over at Rhett's right now working on a project. Definitely will be up the majority of the night. So, I'm just posting this now to get one in for the day. I'll probably be taking some pictures later on. Haha...and I'm serious when I say I'll upload the others soon.

G'night,
B

March 11

Ryan called me last night (after I had posted) and said he had a few Pistons tickets available. I told him I was down, so earlier today myself and a few friends - Mike Jones, Aaron Ramberg, and Josh Kennedy - headed down to the Palace for what turned out to be a very entertaining game against the Knicks. We lost in O.T., but for some reason I wasn't upset. We were lower bowl, then at the beginning of the 4th quarter moved down to a suite (again, thanks to Ryan). We're still ranked 6th in the East and Orlando is still 3rd, so hopefully we can keep it that way through the end of the season. That could be the reason I wasn't mad after the game; I am keeping hope alive that we get the Magic in the first round of the playoffs. If that happens...

I had lunch with Rhett this afternoon and we talked a bit more about his trip. It definitely sounded like good times besides the lack of sleep. Not good. Also, it looks like I'll be assisting him and another friend tomorrow night with a project that will probably go into the wee-hours of the morning. I love all-nighters. Packing up the computer and setting up shop with 2 other Macs is a good time. We'll have our own mini post-production studio up and running.

Oh...and ONE last thing. Mr. Bell gave me a ring as I was driving back from the game. Apparently, because of the demand and rate at which Flight of the Conchords tickets went the first time, the group has decided to play an encore show. Here's the kicker, it's literally right AFTER their first show and begins at 11pm. It's a bonafied encore from what I understand, though; Same set and length, just later at night. Anyway, long story short, Ryan asked if I was interested, I said yes, and he bought tickets. So, it looks like on April 24 I'll be seeing Flight of the Conchords after all...just later. Needless to say I'm excited. Extremely...excited. THANK YOU, RYAN BELL, FOR LETTING ME KNOW ABOUT THIS AND GETTING TICKETS!!!

It's business time,
B

March 10

Jay Leno is a good man. That clip was from the Tonight Show last night. I admit that I usually don't follow it, but I ran across another news story that had told what Jay had announced yesterday, and I think it's really generous. I know a few friends that probably will be heading down for a FREE night of comedy. From what it said, when tickets go on sale next Monday, one person can purchase up to 4. Who knows, it may turn into a big group event. Regardless, kudos to Jay Leno.

In news that's a little closer to my heart, I want to say MEGA-CONGRATS to Meg and Mike for moving into their new home in Florida. Seriously, these two are living the dream right now. A new home, solids jobs (with room for advancement), and, probably most importantly, the fact that they're truly happy together. For more, you should check out It's Meagen, Not Megan. Kudos, you two.

Rhett got back from California early this morning and I got to talk to him briefly. He seemed very, very, very tired and, from what he said, had been up for the past 30+ hours straight. No sleep on the plane. Hardcore, SON!!! Anyway, good to have him back in town.

Chadwick saw Watchmen today. He loved it. Now I have to convince him to read the graphic novel. I'm probably going to be buying it very soon. Again, when I read it the first time it was on borrowed time...even though it took a day and I gave it back within the week. If I own a copy, I won't feel as obligated to hurry through and will hopefully pick up on even more. Man...so good. I'll be seeing it again in IMAX...sometime.

I got a call from my friend Ryan earlier who had tickets to the Pistons game tomorrow night. It's against the Knicks and should be a good time, mainly because the D'Antoni coached Knickerbockers...well...let's just say the word "defense" is uttered about as much as Isiah Thomas' tenure as GM now-a-days. It sure makes for an entertaining game, though. (See: "The Night Defense Died, Part I" on Saturday, Nov. 29, where New York beat Golden State 138-125; "The Night Defense Died, Part II" on Tuesday, Feb. 10, where Golden State beat New York 144-127). Oh, Warriors and Knicks...

I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to upload any pictures yet...again. Haha. I swear I'll get to it sometime in the next few days. Also, a TON of movies came out on DVD today. I had to limit my purchases to 3; But I can't wait to receive Let the Right One In and The Boy In the Striped Pajamas via Netflix. I got Synecdoche New York and Milk as well as Role Models, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise at the theater last year. Really, it was good.

To be or not to be...do I have any other options,
B

March 9

All in all today was a good, productive day. Worked for a bit on the computer, had some good meals, and finished with a great game and even better company. Mr. Kennedy headed over for the second half of the Pistons/Magic match up and we discussed, at greater length, his short story idea that could be shot this summer. Hopefully we'll be getting together again, while he's home for Spring Break, to brain storm more ideas and shot some stuff. I love it. You know what else I love? That's right, midnight Pizza Rolls. Mmmm. I be HUNGRY!!! Tomorrow I'll be posting some pictures of the weekend.

The coolness,
B

March 8

If it seems like I've been writing a lot of blog entries lately that start with me just coming through the door, it's because I've been out and about. Like today. I just got back home from the Port and, I have to say, it was a jolly good time. Joe made some killer food, we played some killer (and loud) games, and got some (not so) killer sleep. I'll be honest, I didn't even know about the time change until Joe's roommate [Tom] reminded him to change the clocks. The one night were we could have used an extra hour, too. Oh well. In other news, Joe made his first cake (just for the hell of it) tonight. It was chocolate, and it was good. I'll have some pictures tomorrow. Life is good.

See you when I see you,
B

March 7

I'm typing this up from Joe's place in the Port of Huron. Got here earlier in the day and helped prepare for the cookout. Soon after Brad drove up, a few hours later, we dug in and, wow...it hit the spot. Probably will head out for more food later on tonight. Also, after a few test that were administered by us, we came to the conclusion that Joe's new kitten is deaf. It just doesn't respond to sound. Wave a toy in front of it's face and it goes crazy; But clap behind it's head when it's not paying attention and it just sits there. No ear twitches. No sudden head movements. Nothing. So I guess it doesn't matter which name it has as it won't be responding anyway. What? It's true. Sorry. It's still the friendliest cat I know. May head to Canada tomorrow for a little casino action. Who knows. Brad has to head out early to take a test and pick up Colleen at the airport. Speaking of...I'm still looking into tickets to New York. I've been swamped lately and haven't had a chance to validate the supposed "$2 deal." I'm hopeful. As I typed that last sentence, Sasha (as the cat is now known) just jumped on my lap and started attacking my hair. It's now sitting on the laptop, which makes it all the more difficult to type without making a mistake. I had to go back a lot the last sentence and make changes...but it obviously wouldn't show after the revisions that were made. I'm rambling now. Well, you all have a good night. I'll be back tomorrow.

Grapefruit rhines make good ice cream bowls,

B

March 6

I just got back from Saginaw/Bay City where we were celebrating both Eric and Andrea's birthday. Great people, great food, great time. I should have some pictures in the coming days (thanks to Andrea and her camera). It was fun seeing that crew again and was definitely long overdue. Hopefully, I will be going back up sometime soon just to hang out. I've got a lot of things to take care of tomorrow morning and then, when Brad gets out of work, we're heading out to see Joe. Bringing the passport because a trip to Canadia may be in order. We'll have to see what happens.

Early this morning I saw Watchmen. I admit, I didn't know what to think of it given all of the bitterness Alan Moore (writer of the graphic novel) apparently had toward it. It may not have even been the film, just the idea that Holllywood was going to tinker with his masterpiece probably irked him. Anyway, he's the one who said Watchmen was "unfilmable." Now, I won't point out specifics about the film (for those of you who have yet to see the it or read the book), but I will say what was left out, what was changed, and what stayed in all seemed very appropriate. I'm giving the film even more leeway because of what Zack Snyder announced about the future DVD release. The cut that is currently in theaters worldwide - and clocks in at around 160 minutes - is not the final cut of the film. Snyder is planning to release 2 extended versions of the film; The first is a director's cut that will add around 30 minutes; The last, a version that splices in the "Tales of the Black Freighter" which was basically a comic within the world that is Watchmen. It was a very important piece to the graphic novel, but I see why it probably wouldn't fit the big screen version. Also, from what I have read, the scenes that are going to be added later on would help tie in other loose ends from the film version that readers of the original may have scratched their head at (origin of Bubastis, Hollis Mason's actual fate, the newsstand salesmen and the boy, etc.). Oops. I said I wouldn't go into specifics. So yeah, needless to say I'm looking very forward to both versions. Also, I urge you to read the original graphic novel. I know, I've typed this may times. I'm serious though. It's that good.

Well, I'm exhausted and have a long but fun weekend ahead of me. So, with all that being said, thanks to Eric and Andrea for having me out tonight.

Wu-ooh,

B

March 5

Who watches the Watchmen? I do...tonight.

A change of plans for this week. Originally I was wanting to head out to Port Huron to visit the Joe for a few days. I talked to him yesterday, however, and learned that his schedule is now 4pm-12am, with weekends free. So, as it stands now, I'm going to head out that way Saturday. Might get some filming done, too. We'll see what goes down.

As for tonight, I rallied a few guys together to go see the midnight showing of Watchmen. Those gentlemen include a Mr. Sturgess, one Matt Coe, and the Ryan Bell. Yes, that Ryan Bell; The one who's got magic tricks. Anyway, I've been looking forward to this film for a while, but I'm trying to keep the expectations low. As much as I want to love it...I have a feeling I may be coming away disappointed. Haha, I haven't even seen it yet and I'm getting down on it. I need to settle.

Tomorrow morning is going to be a bit rough. I'll probably get back from the movie around 3am and have to get up at 8am to get Tori to the airport. WOOO!!! Then later in the day I'll be heading to Saginaw for my friend Eric and Andrea's co-birthday celebration. WOOO, WOOO!!! I might only make the dinner because, as I mentioned before, I'm looking to head to Port Huron early the next day. Driving is fun.

Then there was this little tidbit that came up on the news. Apparently, Spirit Airlines isn't doing too well (or at least I'm assuming as much). Why do I assume this? Because it was announced that they're offering round-trip flights from Detroit to New York for $2 each way. Yes, you read correctly. No, that wasn't a typo. Now, obviously, after taxes are added, the total of the trip could be raised to...maybe $18. BUT, a round-trip ticket from Detroit to New York this month for less than a Jackson sounds like a good deal to me. So, if everything turns out legit, I'll probably be taking another trip to visit some pals around late March.

And before I go, I hope some of you were watching the Colbert Report last night. If so, you were witness to one of the greatest segments of comedy in recent memory. OK, that may have been a bit much, but it was damn funny. You can bet it dealt with "Faux" News in some form, but I'll stop there. Here are both the lead-in video and the "DOOM BUNKER" segments. Enjoy:

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Glenn Beck's War Room

Colbert Report Full Episodes
Political Humor

Rap Battle
Joke of the Day

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Doom Bunker - Jack Jacobs and Stephen Moore

Colbert Report Full Episodes
Political Humor

Rap Battle
Joke of the Day

This is where the pianos might come in, but I don't play,
B

March 4

Ryan Bell's Magic Trick from BJ Frost on Vimeo.

Here's the final video that Ryan helped me with last week. I'm trying to come up with other things that we can film. Might make a series of videos starring Mr. Bell. Who knows.

Also, for those of you who missed it, here's Detroit's reaction to the return of Chauncey Billups last night:



I've got a few more things to work on today, so I have to cut this one short. Enjoy the video. Thanks again to Ryan Bell.

This heart is a monster,
B

March 3

Scary, ain't he?

This is from a bit of video I shot with my friend Ryan last week. It's during mid-transformation. To what...you'll have to wait and see. In other news today, the Detroit Pistons hosted the Denver Nuggets tonight. The significance of this meeting involved the return of Chauncey Billups to the Palace. He received a great ovation from the crowd during introductions and had a monster game; But the Pistons still won 100 - 95. Hmmm...that's 3 wins in a row against Orlando (in Orlando), Boston (in Boston), and Denver. I wonder what the common denominator is here...

Rhett leaves for California tomorrow. Again, I hope he has a great time and gets some amazing footage. I also hopes he returns with a copy of Watchmen on DVD for me. Don't ask where he can get it and nevermind that it's not going to be released for at least another 6 months...he should just get it done. Just...do it.

The beginning is the end is the beginning,
B

March 2

My sister will be heading to Cali for her Spring Break. She's taking off Friday morning and will be out West for close to 2 weeks. I realize that I need to make it out there to visit some friends at some point. I've been saying that forever, but I really do. Hell, even Rhett is going to be there later this week. I just need to step my game up and do it. Then again...New York has been begging for another visit, as has Chicago and Jacksonville. Wow, I need to settle down. Dealing with things at home has been crazy enough. I just looked over to my right and found Bailey and Franklin passed out on my bed. Bailey uses pillows. Frank uses...anything. Animals tend to be funny without doing a thing.

It's dark by the time I got home,
B

March 1 [B]

The gang at Chadwick's

Last night was a very good time. Probably should have tried to go to bed once I got back, but where's the fun in that? I still don't understand the way certain people's minds work in Apples To Apples. Still had a blast, though. Today I got home to find that the Pistons had beaten the Celtics for the first time this season. Not only that, but Michigan State fended off Illinois to stay at the top of the Big Ten. Not too shabby. I wish I could have seen those games. Oh well. Lastly, I may be getting some unexpected help with C4D this week. We'll have to see about that...

Here's lookin' at you, kid,
B

March 1 [A]

Hello, March. So we meet again.

Tired,
B