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