Welcome to Martyrdom

Mailing in that unemployment form!

2011-06-13T16:11:00.001-05:00

Film Greatness.

2011-04-24T14:45:00.001-05:00

Film Greatness. On the Eve of Our Endeavor, I celebrate an american classic -- or possibly all of them.
Hi Pumpkins, joss here.
Tomorrow we start shooting (I THINK I'm legally permitted to say that). Day one. That's right. We'll be shooting the pivotal death/betrayal/product placement/setting up the sequel/coming out scene, at the following address:
[Marvel Lawyers rush in, take Joss's keyboard, blowtorch a picture of his family like in "Stormy Monday", drink his milkshake, leave the seat up, fluff his pillows, violently unfluff his pillows, leave]
Went too far. My bad. Anyhoo, it should be a fun day, followed by the eighty thousand other fun days it will take to finish this. I'll be checking in from time to time, if there's news or I crave attention (i.e. am awake) . None of it will be Avengers news -- I have some very denty pillows to remind of that -- but I may have tidbits. (They're not about Firefly. I should say that up front, if only to protect Sis Mo from the HATORZ.)
Some of you may be saying, Joss! Why this link, here, now, why, huh, howcum? My friend Allyx turned me on to these guys, and I'll tell you, they've gotten me through this intensely pressurized, preply time. I strongly recommend checking out their other vids -- I've watched them many many times, and I have a very special place for "Teamwork" in my heart. These guys are the guys. And IS there a better movie title than "Eagles Are Turning People Into Horses"? I thought not.
So wish me luck. DO IT! LUCK! NOW! I'm off to finish some Buffy pages, and then figure out what the movie is about already. I'm pretty sure it's about the Justice League [Marvel Lawyers re-enter, unspeakability occurs] or possibly something else. I'll get it. I've been looking forward to this. For about 46 years.
Catchphrase!
-j.
joss | Purple prose | 18:26 CET | 64 comments total | tags: joss post, catchphrase, avengers, greatness, me, britanick

via whedonesque.com

Sir Richard Branson launches Virgin Oceanic: deep-sea exploring submarines

2011-04-05T15:56:00.000-05:00

Sir Richard Branson launches Virgin Oceanic: deep-sea exploring submarines

Xeni Jardin at 12:35 PM Tuesday, Apr 5, 2011

[ Video link | image: click for large]
Today, Sir Richard Branson, American sailor, pilot and explorer Chris Welsh, and submarine designer Graham Hawkes launched Virgin Oceanic, a project to explore "the last frontiers of our own Blue Planet: the very bottom of our seas." .
The project includes a partnership with Google: "Using their mapping technology, Google hopes to chronicle the dives as they happen and share discoveries, footage and record breaking achievements with the world."
Full launch announcement follows, along with more artist's conceptual images of the submarine and accompanying catamaran. Click each image for large.

"Virgin Oceanic will expand the reach of human exploration on our planet. By promoting and utilising new technology Virgin Oceanic will aid human kind's ability to explore our Oceans, assist science in understanding our eco system and raise awareness of the challenges facing our Oceans." Sir Richard Branson April 2011
Tuesday 5 April, Newport Beach, CA:
Sir Richard Branson and explorer Chris Welsh today announced plans to take a solo piloted submarine to the deepest points in each of the world's five oceans - the first time such a feat has ever been attempted.
More men have walked on the moon than have explored the depths of our planet - many more men. Virgin Oceanic will see the world's only submarine capable of taking a human being to such extreme depths make five dives over a two-year period, set up to 30 Guinness World Records and, by working with leading scientific institutions, open the eyes of the world to what lies in vast areas of the oceans for the first time in history. The Virgin Oceanic Submarine and her pilots will travel deeper and explore further than any one in history.
Each dive will be piloted by different commanders with Chris Welsh diving to the Mariana Trench (36,201ft) with Sir Richard as back up pilot, and Sir Richard piloting to the Puerto Rico Trench (28,232ft) - the deepest trench in the Atlantic, which has never been explored before - with Chris Welsh acting as back up. The Virgin Oceanic sub has the ability to 'fly' underwater for 10km at depth on each of the five dives and to fully explore this unknown environment.

Five Dives, Five Oceans, Two Years, One Epic Adventure
Mariana Trench                   Pacific Ocean                        11,033m    36,201ft
Puerto Rico Trench             Atlantic Ocean                         8,605m      28,232ft
Diamantina Trench             Indian Ocean                         8,047m      26,401ft
South Sandwich Trench      Southern Ocean                      7,235m      23,737ft
Molloy Deep                        Arctic Ocean                           5,608m      18,399ft
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration believe that the deepest point of the Mariana Trench is 36,201ft - a depth not yet reached by humankind. Some experts believe that it will be impossible to reach a depth much below the current record of 35,911ft (set by a submersible that didn't have the capability to manoeuvre or explore) because of millions of year's worth of biological 'soup' at the bottom of the trench. They may well be correct but we simply don't know - with Virgin Oceanic's submarine's capability to explore at the bottom of the trench we aim to find out and, if possible, go deeper. The Puerto Rican trench is the deepest point in the Atlantic and no one has attempted to explore it before now.
The Virgin Oceanic submarine represents a transformational technological advance in submarine economics and performance. The submarine provides the currently unequalled capability to take humans to any depth in the oceans and to truly explore. It utilises the latest in composite technology and a completely unique flying wing to literally fly within the Ocean environment; creatures living here such as dolphins, whales and rays have shown us this winged approach is the best and most elegant way to range the seas. The submarine is many times less expensive to manufacture and operate than any of its less capable counterparts and is in harmony with its environment.
The submarine was originally commissioned by Sir Richard's close friend and fellow adventurer Steve Fossett who had intended to complete the first solo dive to the depths of the Mariana Trench. Sir Richard intends to finish what his friend started and then go on to help explore and unlock the wonders of the Oceans still unknown to humankind or science.
Sir Richard Branson on the launch of Virgin Oceanic: "What if I were to tell you about a planet, inhabited by 'intelligent' beings that had, in the 21st Century, physically explored 0% of its deepest points and mapped only 3% of its oceans by unmanned craft, when 70% of that planet's surface was made up of water. Then I tried to convince you that only 10% of the life forms inhabiting that unknown world, are known to those on the surface - you'd think I'd fallen asleep watching the latest sci-fi blockbuster! Then you discover that planet is Earth...
With space long ago reached by man, and commercial spaceflight tantalisingly close, the last great challenge for humans is to reach and explore the depths of our planet's oceans. The submarine will travel to the deepest trenches in our oceans and will allow its pilot not only to reach these depths but to explore for 10 kilometres on each of the dives.
Virgin Oceanic is working with some of the most eminent scientific institutions in the world to collate data and catalogue life forms that will never have been seen before by human eyes and are unknown to science. The ability to go deep and then explore has been a dream of these great Oceanic Institutes - that dream is now close to becoming reality.
We are also proud to be partnering with Google. Using their mapping technology, Google hopes to chronicle the dives as they happen and share discoveries, footage and record breaking achievements with the world.
We may well set a few Guinness World Records while we're at it - up to 30 I believe! Each dive will be the world's first solo dive to the bottom of the five deepest trenches in the world. So there's 5 just to start with! We will discover a whole new world. A world full of undiscovered species and for those who dream, a world where Spanish galleons have lain unplundered for centuries!"
Chris Welsh:
Sir Richard Branson's partner in the venture and Virgin Oceanic's chief pilot is Chris Welsh, an American sailor, pilot and explorer: "The submarine is a unique design made from 8,000 pounds of carbon fibre and titanium. The pressure at the bottom of the deepest trench is 16,000 PSI or over 1,000 atmospheres - the quartz dome alone is under 13 million pounds of pressure, the weight of three space shuttles. No leak is tolerable; a leak would cut through stainless steel or human flesh and mean certain death. The depth is beyond the capabilities of any other craft, so rescue is impossible. It's like being on the dark side of the moon. Full pressure testing is to be carried out over the coming months and should it fail the mission will obviously have to be re-evaluated.
"Why go? Why not send a robot? Pictures of the top of Everest or, for that matter, the Moon are all interesting - but no substitute for actually going there! The view from the sub is extraordinary, like a fighter pilot's view. This gives the ability to truly explore. The Virgin Oceanic sub is a game changer for undersea exploration - with the ability to venture anywhere in our Oceans, with a modest mother ship and a fraction of the resources normally needed to explore regions like this."
I've had a personal interest in the oceans and enough understanding of science to appreciate the chance this gives for oceanographers everywhere to learn, examine, and prove theories they have been working on for years. We can do this for them. We've created a unique program of going to all of the institutions and offering our capabilities for all to share. They've told us what to seek out, where to go, and what results will have the most value. The HD video alone will add dramatically to the little knowledge of the deep that we have. It's exciting that the Virgin Oceanic Expedition will make this kind of difference."
About the Virgin Oceanic's Submarine:
Virgin Oceanic's Submarine, designed by Graham Hawkes, is the only piloted craft in existence that has 'full ocean depth' capability. The one person craft has an operating depth of 37,000ft (7 miles) and is capable of operating for 24hrs unaided. Once fully descended, the submarine's hydroplanes (the equivalent of wings for submarines) and thrusters will allow it to 'fly' up to 10km over the ocean floor whilst collecting video and data, something submersibles could only dream of.
At these depths, each individual part of the sub must be able to withstand enormous pressures, 1500 times that of an aeroplane, and protect its pilot from the extreme conditions just inches away. As Sir Richard and Chris each pilot the sub to the bottom of our planet, they will be aware that should anything go wrong, there is no rescue team that can reach them; whilst backed up by a mission crew, once at depth, the pilot and craft are alone.
Full pressure testing will be conducted over the next three months.
The craft will cruise at a max of 3 knots and can dive 350ft per minute, with a dive to the bottom of the Mariana trench and back estimated to take five hours.
Scientific understanding:
As well as offering the chance for human endeavour and exploration, the Virgin Oceanic Expedition offers an unprecedented opportunity to conduct scientific research and to expand our knowledge of the unique conditions, ecosystems and geology that exist at the bottom of the oceans.
Virgin Oceanic will be working with a range of internationally renowned scientists, researchers and institutions to offer monitoring, data and sample collecting opportunities during the five dives.
Tony Haymet who has been Director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Vice Chancellor for Marine Sciences, and Dean of the Graduate School of Marine Sciences at University of California, San Diego, since September 2006. Scripps will be one of VOE's key science advisers. Tony says: "It is high time that the ocean community return to the exploration of the ocean depths and the abyssal plains, the largest ecosystem on our planet. Scripps Oceanography looks forward to working with all the ocean community to marry our new generation of robotic ocean explorers with exciting new emerging technologies that will restart regular deep ocean exploration. We honor Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh by continuing the exploration they started at the Mariana Trench on January 23, 1960."
Another member of the team is Dr Katrina Edwards, the director of the Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations (C-DEBI) at the University of Southern California (USC). Dr Edwards' work is primarily focused on geomicrobiology and microbal life; the study of how, and what type, of life survives and thrives in sediments and rocks at the bottom of the ocean.
Dr. Edwards commented on the opportunities Virgin Oceanic provides: "From the scientific perspective, my view is that this endeavour offers the opportunity to observe and make measurements in an environment that is otherwise not accessible to human exploration.  This expedition offers a lens into microbial and other species' diversity at depth in our oceans, the most poorly accessible habitat on earth."
Further researchers and scientific partners involved in the Virgin Oceanic Expedition include:
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego - Microbiologist Dr Doug Bartlett is hunting for novel microbes and DNA present in the deep trenches and deep sea engineer Kevin Hardy is designing the lander vehicles that will help sample and bring back the microbes, water and possibly other small creatures from the depths. Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) / University of Alaska, Moss Landing Marine Labs and University of Hawaii - Dr Geoff Wheat, Dr Sam Hulme and Dr Patricia Fryer respectively studying how tectonic plates interact through examining the rocks, mud flows, gases and liquids that are released on the floor of the trenches. Ocean Research and Conservation Association - Senior Scientist and MacArthur Fellow Dr Edith Widder, a specialist in bioluminescence (the light produced by many ocean organisms) and novel ways to quantify and observe this activity unobtrusively.
The Future:
Virgin believes that the Oceans offer exciting possibilities for human exploration and scientific research. Our vision through Virgin Oceanic is to explore the possibilities of enabling adventurers and pioneers to participate in oceanic exploration.
If we are successful in our mission with this innovative design of submarine, then we will have proven that a vehicle can be built to withstand the extreme pressures of the oceans and that it is possible to take humans at far reduced risks to the bottom of our Oceans. The submarine we unveil today will likely finish its days on display in a museum here in the US but if we can prove the design, Virgin may explore the possibility of future missions involving other submarines that can collect samples and operate tools or equipment to facilitate science and research. When we have developed the ability to explore, we will shortly afterwards require the ability to study, learn and innovate, reacting to the lessons and the opportunities that we discover in vast areas of our planet that we currently have no knowledge of. This is our vision.
About Virgin Oceanic's partnership with Google
"Our mission for Google Earth is to create an interactive virtual globe and enable users to visit places they've never explored, including the world's oceans," said John Hanke, Vice President of Product Management at Google. "More than 70% of the planet's surface is made up of water, yet only 5% of the world's ocean has been explored. We're excited to support Virgin Oceanic's plans to travel to parts of the planet where no one has gone before and be able to share their discoveries using Google Maps and Google Earth."
About Virgin Oceanic:
Virgin Oceanic was formed by the Virgin Group to act as a sponsor of and partner on the Five Dives Expedition. Chris Welsh, though his company Deep Sub LLC, owns and will operate the submarine. The expedition will require various regulatory approvals, including export licenses, which Deep Sub LLC will obtain.
About Graham Hawkes sub designer:
Graham Hawkes, has designed and built over sixty manned submersibles and over 350 Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs). Hawkes is known for his forward-thinking solutions and his innovative use of materials and systems. His underwater vehicles include the innovative Atmospheric Diving Suits (ADS) and ROVs, which dominated the offshore oil industry segment in the 1970s; the Deep Rover series for science and exploration, most recently used by filmmaker, James Cameron in the IMAX film, "Aliens of the Deep;" the Deep Flight series of submersibles; and the design/build of the experimental protoype DeepFlight Challenger, the only full ocean depth manned vehicle. He is recognized world-wide as a pioneer in innovating state of the art solutions for ocean access.
Key dates and timings:
Virgin Oceanic's first dive will be to the Mariana Trench later in 2011, and a further four dives are scheduled over the next 24 months, subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals.
http://www.virginoceanic.com/

via feeds.boingboing.net

This is so cool. If we're not flying into space, we might as well be diving into the deep!

Heroes: Teacher Saves 42 Students from Tsunami

2011-03-18T14:37:00.001-05:00

Incredibly touching, heroic stories keep emerging from Japan's earthquake and tsunami disaster, and the latest comes from the coastal town of Ofunato. A courageous high school teacher named Robert Bailey saved the lives of his 42 students—and he only had eight minutes to do so.
The 27-year-old British national has lived in Ofunato for four years with his wife, Mai. In a twist of fate that may have saved his life, Bailey wasn't scheduled to be at school last Friday, but went in anyway on his day off to teach a fun cricket lesson. He told Sky News that when the earthquake struck, he and his students "first heard a weird cracking noise, then came the violent shaking."
When the tsunami warning sirens sounded, the quick-thinking teacher knew he only had eight minutes to act. Thankfully, he hustled and was able to guide his class to safety on top of a nearby hill. He says he was "terrified" but could only think about keeping the kids safe.
Once at the top of the hill, Bailey says the students cried and huddled together, waiting for the massive wave to approach. "We didn't know whether we were safe. All we could do was to watch it come towards us and pray we were high enough above it to be okay," he said. As you can see from the photo above, the village is completely devastated and Bailey and his students are lucky to be alive.
The dedicated teacher is movingly humble about his life-saving actions. As his mother told the Daily Mirror, ""We're proud of him but as far as he's concerned, he's no hero. He was just doing the job he was meant to do." Bailey also has no plans to evacuate to the United Kingdom. Instead, he's staying in Ofunato, helping his community and trying to find friends and co-workers. Sadly, the school's 137 other students are still missing.

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Ceelo's all female accoutrements

2011-02-23T02:39:00.001-06:00

Who Is JR?

2011-02-18T15:30:00.001-06:00

Who Is JR?

February 17, 2011 | by heatherd53 | Share |

There’s a new street artist in town.

Meet JR. He’s the 27-year-old Parisian artist/activist who has been graffiting up (not an expression) LA. Like Banksy, his identity is all hush hush. I do know however, that his name comes from a character in one of my favorite old TV shows… Dallas! As in who shot JR?

The concept for his LA street project, “The Wrinkles of the City,” is pretty interesting. LA Weekly: “JR chooses his subjects and locations carefully, spending time with the locals shooting black-and-white portraits and then mounting his city-sized, albeit illegal, exhibits on the buildings his subjects inhabit. Conceptually, he believes his work gives the people in his photos a voice not normally recognized in the world or city in which they live.”

LA Weekly will reveal all 20 super secret locations every day at 2pm. His most recent popped up in Venice.

When is JR coming to your hood? Read more about it here.

-HD

via thesmogger.com

Childhood

2011-02-02T15:48:00.001-06:00

Show me a kid who never did this and I'll show you a kid who didn't dream.

Sometimes you've just got to use a little force.

POTD: Banksy Begins Street Art Oscar Campaign? Or Is This The Work of Mr. Brainwash?

2011-02-01T04:14:00.001-06:00

POTD: Banksy Begins Street Art Oscar Campaign? Or Is This The Work of Mr. Brainwash?

Posted on Monday, January 31st, 2011 by Peter Sciretta

Last week it was announced that Exit through the Gift Shop is one of five films nominated for the Best Documentary Oscar at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. This week we’ve begun to hear reports that Banksy (the credited director of the street art documentary) is beginning his award campaign the only way he knows how to — street art. Or could this be the work of Mr. Brainwash? This looks a bit too sloppy to be a Banksy production, and MBW has been using Stormtroopers in his work recently. What do you think?

After the nomination announcement, Banksy issued the following statement:

“This is a big surprise. I don’t agree with the concept of award ceremonies, but I’m prepared to make an exception for the ones I’m nominated for. The last time there was a naked man covered in gold paint in my house, it was me.”

Photo thanks to LAist

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Tags

/Tweeted, Academy Awards, Awards, Photo of the Day, Banksy, Exit Through the Gift Shop, Mr. Brainwash

Jacktherabbit

I didn't doubt for one second that this is made by Mr. Brainwash. It's just a bunch of shit thrown together. No message, no idea. Stormtroopers? Why? Why Stormtroopers? It doesn't make sense.

Meezee

Everyone who comes from Los Angeles knows this is Mr. Brainwash's piece.
And people, please, Mr. Brainwash and Banksy are not the same person or work together on their pieces. I know people who know Banksy and that argument is so laughable.

Wolvy

a empire of clones gathered around their much adored golden idol, perfect metaphor for the ceremony. not a long time ago and and not in a galaxy far, far away.

Dan Revill

MBW for sure.

Daniel Nicolas

This looks like Mr. Brainwash. I think banksy will do something BIG if his film wins though.

costantino

it's to cheesy to be a banksy. Mr. brainwash works sucks anyway

Mr.Blonde2010

anyone else start humming the empire theme when they saw the pic?
also i think mr. brainwash is Banksy's creation, the name is too ridiculous

helarrys

That's Mr. Brainwash's work... this is a picture of his studio on La Brea near Pico, in LA. I live nearby.

sanyo

I wonder if it wins, will Thierry be accepting the award?

petethepanda

Banksy is the tramp stamp guy from Catflsh =O

FMVorenkamp

Not into artists campaigning for themselves in any capacity, but I do admire his art.

dagreenman18

Is it wise to give the stormtrooper the camera? They can't shoot anything.

Trollmaster69

Greedo shot first......stormtrooper comment five!

King Jimbo

That is genuinely funny. Well done sir.

Malcolm Tucker

They're making propaganda films for the Galactic Empire?

trip9

I was going back and forth over whether or not MBW was Banksy's way of punking everyone, this really convinced otherwise:
http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/c.../

Mikey

Wtf? A Mr.Brainwave doesn't exist....OR DOES HE?!?!

kencosgrove

What are you even saying? It's Mr. Baconwash.

pigmerlin

Bacon is magical...

Sketch

Hogwash!

tony5787

By Mr. Brainwash you of course mean the artists paid by Thierry Guetta that collectively make up that which is "Mr. Brainwash."

Wesley Emblidge

Oh Banksy. You are so witty.

Ryanguzdzial

Definitely Mr. BrainWash....because I drove by as he was painting it. Actually, he was on his phone as someone else painted it.
This is located on La Brea going south just before Pico on the right hand side.

alex lodermeier

totally Mr. Brainwash piece...funny as shit dude on his phone while others painted it. It's too vain and sloppy to be banksy. stop givin' MBW so much press...the hack doesn't deserve it.

Jeremy Caesar

Banksy himself gave MBW press with the documentary that's now up for an Academy Award.

vinith

lol on his phone as someone else painted it. you sold me with that detail.

Colonel_Kurtz

I can definitely believe this. Banksy's art always makes a clear statement. All this says is, "Let's do Banksy as an Oscar, and throw in some stormtroopers and stuff." Very MBW.

Matt_Bacon

Banksey IS Mr. Brainwash... at least that's what I hope we find out after the film hopefully wins an Oscar!

SilentTommy

Just watched Exit again the other day and would love to see it win. One of the best documentaries of the last few years.

Anonymoose

Really?

Cornelius

YES. But it's probably just because I've in to this stuff for years

Wamsankas

isnt mbw, banksy....

Geoff Simons

Have you seen Exit Through The Gift Shop?

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Google Launches Voice-to-Twitter Service To Help Protesters in Egypt

2011-01-31T18:04:00.001-06:00

A group of engineers from Google, Twitter and SayNow (which Google acquired last week) were hard at work building a speak-to-tweet service for protesters in Egypt this weekend.

The service, which is already live, enables users to send tweets using a voice connection. Anyone can tweet by leaving a voicemail on one of three international phone numbers: +16504194196 or +390662207294 or +97316199855. Tweets sent using the service will automatically include the hashtag #egypt.

People can also listen to the messages by dialing the above numbers, and by clicking on the links posted to @speak2tweet.

“We hope that this will go some way to helping people in Egypt stay connected at this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with everyone there,” Ujjwal Singh, co-founder of SayNow, and Google product manager Abdel Karim Mardini wrote in a blog post.

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Where have all the Bananas gone?

2011-01-31T13:36:00.001-06:00

No bananas in the office this week. Good thing I grabbed two to let ripen last week!

The Kitchen is Home

2011-01-31T02:35:00.001-06:00

The kitchen is where I thrive on weekends. Cooking, cleaning, mixing drinks; I love my kitchen. This weekend, after a quick trip to IKEA I've begun to make this kitchen my own. Ironic? Maybe.

I've started all this change because of the chaos that's settled upon my shoulders. My family's recent troubles, the realization that my daughter and goddaughter live thousands of miles away, and the constant close quarters that are my home life have all formed a pressure on my chest that just won't go away...until I start cooking. I love the feeling of control that cooking allows me. The smells, consistency, and taste; they all are something that I control (for better worse) in entirety.

It's so refreshing to have that few hours a week where I am in control of an hour my life, no questions asked, no explanation required.

I'm looking forward to more hours and hopefully more peace in the new future. Until then, the kitchen is my domain and there I rule, unencumbered.

Alone in the Dark

2010-10-08T03:53:00.002-05:00

I lay in my bed tonight, staring at the ceiling. I couldn’t identify this feeling that’s been gripping me all week. There’s been something, a muscle, a residual electrical impulse lost in a synaptic cleft somewhere, something that’s been keeping me on edge.

And I lay there, ceiling in sight and I wondered, “Why the fuck can’t I fall to sleep?”

What is that feeling that’s so desperately trying to force its way to my attention? Did I turn the oven off? Did I send that last work email? Why haven’t I been able to get all my work done in the office this week?

Wait. Haven’t I completely sucked at my job all week? Yes.

What’s distracting me? Could it be the pressure of work, but I can’t concentrate at work because something else is bothering me. Maybe it’s from the lack of exercise this week. Maybe it’s the feeling that my dreams are further away than they were a year ago.

More than likely, it stems from upcoming move 30 days from today. I have no plan, no place and no guarantee I’ll be able to afford an apartment on my own. Terrifying, but that’s a new development, not something that explains my lack of game all week.

I think it’s because I haven’t been going to the gym. Yeah, that’s it. I’ve got extra energy to burn or possibly some embarrassment about how I’ve let myself go over the last two years after a year of dedicated and hard work. That sounds plausible.

Although, it could also be the fact that roughly two months ago I cut someone out of my life without much abandon, expecting that I’d just adapt as I always have in the past. All wounds heal, but it’s the ones that leave a scar that you remember.

But while we’re on the subject of pain, I have a nephew I’ve never met that’s apparently very sick and no one knows what’s wrong with him. He’s less than two months old and at the moment, they know what’s wrong, but not why or how. A mystery to some and a battle to the death for others.

And then there’s that thought again. In the dark, as my mind rapidly moves from one thing to another my mind resonates with the word that has defined me at every moment of my life; the singular, “You.”

“How are you going to deal with this? What can you do? What’s your plan? What the hell are you doing?”

It’s the usted, not the ustedes, to make it clear for my Spanish 101 graduates. That’s a singular you and not a y’all for my midwestern cow-tippers.

It seems that in my moment of crisis, even my mind has taken a step to the other side and left me subject to my own interrogation.

Me. Alone.

I started to tremble. I was literally shaking beneath the covers.

I had to get up, had to escape from that moment.

In a moment of weakness, I searched my phone contacts. Who can I call at 1 in the morning? Who’s awake? No one. Just me, like always.

I look to my friend Jamison to take the shakes away, to comfort me in a singular, human moment.

I sit in my one chair and think…then stop. Stop thinking, stop planing, just be.

I’m not blaming myself for my exile, but I have some responsibility to the yolk. I moved to Los Angeles, knowing full well that it’s a difficult town. I moved away from friends and family, placing myself outside my comfort zone and into the dream-scape; I’m at least on the game field, I just have the score the goal.

I have no answers. I’m going to finish my whiskey on the rocks and pour myself a second before bed. I’m going to sit and listen to music while I promise myself that it’ll be ok; while I pray for the strength to wake up and make tomorrow mine.

I’m only human. I can only do so much, but I’m going to do my best. Who knows where I’ll be in four weeks?

Quit F**king Calling Christina Hendricks Fat | Celebrities Are Better than You

2010-08-31T15:26:00.000-05:00

Quit F**king Calling Christina Hendricks Fat | Celebrities Are Better than You: "

We need to have a talk.

Obviously, the overwhelming majority of the Pajiban world would stab a kitten if it meant they could be in the same room as Christina Hendricks. That's fine. Then there are those who find her overrated. And that's fine, too. Then there are the dickwaffles who insist on calling her fat every single time she's mentioned.

Now I expect this from your I Don't Like You In That Way's, or from that dumb twat at The Skinny, but this is Pajiba. We're supposed to be better than that. And when it happened in the Emmys post, I decided it needs to be discussed.

Christina Hendricks is not the typical Hollywood beauty. This is an understatement. She is curves and boobs and her thighs touch, and when she wears a strapless bra while riding in the car she probably feels backfat rolls (I'm not the only one, right?). And that is why those who love her, love her. She's different. She's not January Jones, thank fucking God.

If you look at her, she's not fat. She suffers from decepti-tits. I have friends who suffer from this same condition. When a girl has enormous breasts, the illusion is given that she is proportionate, whether or not she really is. If you look at Hendricks's collar bones, they are very prominent, meaning she's certainly not overly fleshy.

This is my opinion, but let's ignore it, because making excuses and explaining why she isn't fat is a) implying there's something wrong with how she looks, b) there's something wrong with being 'fat', and c) that the word fat has come to mean 'not thin.'

Sadly, point C is certainly true. I wear a size 8 jeans (6 at the Gap - little victories) and usually small shirts. I am 5'2''. I'm basically built like a wine bottle; small up top, then things get a bit out of hand. But I like this. I'm comfortable with this. And I've gotten few complaints.

My fiance works with this guy. God, I don't even know how to explain him. He's a walkin' talkin' stereotype. He is a Jersey Shore person. He has spiky stupid hair, and he's orange, and he's all muscles and Facebook statuses about benching shoulders or whatever. He called me fat. And he said it like I truly disgusted him. And I realized that if I were to run into one of those Jersey Shore chode garglers, they'd probably call me a grenade or whichever word they say that means 'horrific fat pig lady of 130+ pounds.' And that sucks.

Sure, we smart people can look at Christina Hendricks and say 'of course she's not fat,' but look at the shit people say about Jessica Simpson. Britney Spears. Kelly Clarkson. Yes, they are gurthier than their fellow celebrities. But they're not exactly Gilbert Grape's mom.

We are living in a world in which the youth culture has been born of the Weight Watchers generation. Many of us grew up with our moms or other women in our lives obsessing about points and counting calories, we had no choice but to become fixated. And when we watched people hate themselves for not being perfect, we learned new words that could hurt ourselves and others. Fat, ugly, these are hateful words that have become so commonplace that they've lost whatever meaning they are supposed to have, to everyone but the person they're being said about.

Call her thick. Call her not your type. But she's not fucking fat.

Follow Courtney Enlow on Twitter, and read her other stuff at HoboTrashcan.com.

Unemployed, but not out of work!

2010-07-27T21:02:00.000-05:00

I've been back in Los Angeles for a few weeks and unemployed for a majority of that time, BUT THAT'S OK!

I've spent the time trying to put my life back on track. Four months across the country has an ability to really take you out of the loop. So what did I do when I got back in town, I worked on a commercial thanks to one 'Hammer'. Two days of P.A. work made me realize I had to buckle down and put myself back on track for what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Since then, I've thrown myself into production office frenzy. I have called more than fifty production offices and pretty much offered a full list of services (with a happy ending) to no real avail. I'm still focusing on a few, but I have yet to hear back from them, so that automatically counts as a non-win. I had some promising developments in the past week, including an interview for a 2nd AD position on week-long shoot in the dum-dum-duuuuuuuuuuuuum VALLEY!

Now, listen here. I don't judge anyone that lives in the valley, I don't respect our friends to the north any less than the guy on my street corner that nods vigorously at trees and howl after the birds, but, suffice to say, the valley's not for me. More on that to come...maybe tomorrow.

I'm helping some friends with an Indie film they're shooting next week and believe me, these guys are working their asses off to make this thing happen. Apartments are turned into P.O.s, personal cars are production vehicles, coffe cups strew the floors, cats and dogs living together, but I digress. This is everything I love about indie production and then I hit that ceiling we call a budget, and I remember it's an indie production. Good times.

All said and done, I'm having a blast. It's the first time I've been doing something I'm excited about in a while, and I just hope the good energy keeps coming.

All the best, martyrs. See you in the funny pages.

Summer '10 Mix

2010-06-16T23:22:00.002-05:00

Alrighty, I'm a few days early, but I wanted to post my summer mix, so I'm jumping the gun. Hope you all enjoy.

Leave any comments or thoughts!

Miami at Oh Six Hundred Hours

2010-04-27T05:54:00.000-05:00

Netflix now has Buffy 1-7

2010-04-22T22:31:00.003-05:00

I watched an episode of Buffy as I fell asleep this morning and realized that I used to want to be a part of something creative, epic and truly great at one point.

I've put aside my creative aspirations for two years too long and find that the desire and dream have atrophied.

I'm really wanting to start writing agin, and I think that an acquaintance, Sarah Fain, has inspired me to do so.

Check out her blog: Sarah Fain has Starfish Envy.

I'm going to start writing again. Fiction, non-fiction. I don't really know, but I look at this entry as a start.

Wish me luck!

The Mayor

NEWS FLASH: LAST DAY IN LA (for awhile)

2010-03-14T18:45:00.000-05:00

I'm packing up and shipping out to Miami tonight to start a new adventure.

And I'm back to a 'normal' life

2009-11-21T02:50:00.002-06:00

Two and a half months later and I've officially submitted my application to the DGA Training Program.

Things are going pretty well for me at the moment. I have a job (for the next month) and I'm apparently a decent guy to work with.

I'm excited about what the future has to hold and look forward to all it's challenges. Bring it on.

Finding a Home In 4 A.M.

2009-08-06T04:34:00.001-05:00

So it's happened.

I've become a citizen of 4 AM. I often find that my stride is reached right around 3 or 4 AM and then I'm home. Driving the nearly empty streets of L.A. has become a lifestyle, a piece of time that I share with no one else.

Taco carts closing shop, homeless crowded around 7-Eleven or sleeping on benches, neon glowing darker than NY; this city is a mirror of itself at night, a doppleganger. I find that it's easy to sit back and enjoy the ride. Point A to Point B, this city is a maze of empty streets waiting for the slep of feet and tread of tires to wake it up and bring itself to live again.

I often find myself out, listening to music as I go about my tasks. Imogen Heap, 'First Train Home' is an excellent companion.

Move...again.

2009-08-02T15:31:00.000-05:00

There's something therapeutic about moving. It's a time to look at everything you own, collect, and let define you. You can look at all these things and take them with you or you can choose to leave them behind.

So, here's the big news; I'm in L.A. for the long haul. Today I filled out an app for an apartment in Hollywood. It's a one bedroom, but between Matt and I, it's a perfect fit and hopefully a home for the next twelve months. We're both looking forward to the change and welcome the new challenges and experiences associated with such a move.

So begins a new chapter (cliche, but appropriate) and a spring cleaning of body and soul. Along with this toxin-removal (of the inter-personal variety, I still plan to tox it up on the weekends; youth) I would like to make a few resolutions. I've found in the last year that my will has really solidified and I'm able to take control of my life a bit more than I originally thought possible. One of which is writing. I miss taking the time to sit down and just let some thoughts hit pad; key or paper, whatever is available.

With the resolutions I've made, I'm thinking life should be taking an amazing turn into uncharted territory. I'm ready and anticipating the next few months. Let's see what happens when a mid-west farm boy (stereotypes, we all have them) moves to the big city and tries to take on one of the most cut-throat industries in America.

Updates

2009-03-16T16:10:00.000-05:00

Posted on my new website: http://web.me.com/tarobb1/Epic_Road_Trip

99 more to go

2009-03-01T18:05:00.000-06:00

Well, I kinda fucked up today.

As a Producer/Production Manager I should've been able to come up with a suitable replacement, but I couldn't.

We'll be shooting tomorrow, but damn. Gotta do better next time.

The Day I Had Cancer

2009-02-07T17:43:00.002-06:00

I rolled out of bed this morning and squared up to go to the doctor.

I was running late, and not really sure where I was going. 2501 N. Orange Ave. Dr. Ali Gaham.

I plugged the address into my iPhone and I was off, on my way. I rolled up to the Florida Hospital and immediately started kicking myself for not recognizing the address. I parked in the garage on King and walked into the lobby of the Hospital. The receptionist directed me upstairs and down a long winding hall. The hall was kinda confusing and made me glad I don’t suffer from dementia. The floor was littered with used wash cloths...I didn’t look too closely.

I filled out all the proper paperwork and was in the patient room in no time. The nurse (Nurse Nosey) went into detail about a lot of things in my life that I didn’t expect. Contraceptives, sexual partners, preferences...it was rapid fire questioning. Whoa.

Dr. Ali came in. I checked out and he said that he wanted to run some follow up blood tests.

I got my blood drawn (four vials) and was woozy as I left the hospital; I even forgot to have my parking validated.

It was all good, but by the time I got home I needed to eat food.

I made some food but before I could eat, I got a call from Dr. Gasham.

“Everything looks good. You aren’t showing any inclination toward Diabetes. Your Thyroids are fine, but you need to come back in so that we can talk about your LPDs. They’re a bit higher than I’d like.”

“Alright, I’ll schedule an appointment.”

“See you soon.”

I sat down to eat and got curious. What are LPDs. I wonder if there’s something I can do be prepared for a change.

I wikipeida-ed LPDs, and what I found was scary.

Lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) refer to several conditions in which lymphocytes are produced in excessive quantities. They typically occur in patients who have compromised immune systems. They are sometimes equated with "immunoproliferative disorders", but technically Lymphoproliferative disorders are a subset of immunoproliferative disorders, along with hypergammaglobulinemia and paraproteinemias.

I tried to remain calm. WTF?

I called back and set up my appointment for the following Monday. As soon as possible.

I waited around for two hours, and then I couldn’t take it any more. I called Dr. Gasham back.

“I need to know, what’s up with these LPDs? Are they seriou-”

“LPDs? What are those?”

“I thought you said my LPDs were high?”

“LDL. Your LDL is higher than I would like. What are LPDs?”

I explained, and he joked with me about it. Phew...thank God.

So, long story short, my last year of working has done a lot for me, but it hasn’t done everything it needs to, and I might need to go on medication. There was talk that I might not be able to fix it on my own, a possible deficiency on my body’s part. Oh, well. At least I don’t have cancer.

68 Days...

2009-01-24T18:00:00.000-06:00

Man,

We've wrapped on our 35mm and that means that things at Full Sail are winding down. Just over two months from now I need to be doing something that forwards my career, but what?

I think about everything I've built here. The friends, the network, the life - and I wonder what will happen to all that. Will I be able to do it again? Will I be sucessful? Will I be able to stay in contact with all my friends again? Does any of that matter? Just because I want things to stay the same, doesn't mean that they will.

I set my jaw, look to the future and hope that I can be content; happy, even.

I've come to be content and at times downright happy with the last 18 months. I've forged some friendships that will be difficult to leave, and hopefully some that will continue to florish.

Hope, I guess that's all that I can do. Hope and work.

We'll see what happens from that point on.

Because I need a moment

2009-01-15T09:48:00.001-06:00

Step 1: Put your music player on random.
Step 2: Post the first line from the first 50 songs that play, no matter how embarrassing the song.
Step 3: Post and let everyone you know guess what song and artist the lines come from.
Step 4: Strike out the songs when someone guesses correctly (No lyric hunting! That is cheating!)

1. Well, this hurts me more than I can stand to say
2. You know I try to get close to you
3. I tried to paint you a picture, the colors were all wrong
4. I'm holding on your rope
5. Stress can breed a psychopath
~~6. You've got your ball, you've got your chain~~
7. Meet me where the city turns to trees and nothing comes for free
8. Hello World
9. I had a dream we went away, left this city for a day
10. Safety pins hold up the things
11. You're sorry now
12. I'm sinking yet I'll stride
13. I'm gonna take you down to the market, lover
14. I've been cheated by you since I don't know when
15. It's been a while since the two of us talked
16. I fly like paper, get high like planes
17. If I had no more time
~~18. It may not feel too classy~~
19. Finally I figured out
20. There's something I need to show you
21. I'm not one for love songs
22. Every night devise
23. Standing on a building
24. The wilted flowers that I gave
25. Motorcycle's in the parking lot
26. Maybe if my heart stops beating
27. Jessie says she's been here for a thousand days
28. Do you know where your heart is?
~~29. Any dolt with half a brain~~
30. I'm a suspect, I'm a traitor
31. They're turning away from me
32. This place is a prison
33. You promised me starry night skies
34. If it takes away the pain it's all right
35. You were the sweetest thing that I ever knew
36. I got your runaway smile in my piggybank baby
37. I can't beleive the news today
38. Sittin' here eatin' my heart out waitin'
39. Wishes bounce me weightless
40. You took my hand, you showed me how
41. They told him don't you ever come around here
42. Last night I fell in love without you.
43. Let me apologize to begin with
44. So in the meantime
45. If the fish swam out of the ocean
~~46. Old John from his deathbed cried~~
~~47. Early in the mornin'~~
~~48. I'm coming out of my cage~~
49. Bones are broken and the will is sunk
50. Sometimes the snow comes down in June

Resolutions - 09

2009-01-01T15:54:00.002-06:00

Here’s the deal. I don’t care who you are, what you do, or what you expect from me, but this year is going to be mine.

2008 was great, but 2009 will be epic.

Here’s a brief re-cap of 2008:

1. I entered Sophomore, Junior, and Senior year.
2. I started learning how to take care of myself physically, and it’s paid off.
3. I worked on over 17 separate productions (music videos, independent productions, class projects, etc.)
4. I’ve managed to develop my social skills to an area that I didn’t really consider an option previously (at least for work).
5. I assessed my priorities and have been able to realize that I don’t need to have a set path.
6. In the last year of school, I was late to class once.
7. I started to develop contacts, local and national, within the Television/Film Industry
8. I learned to let go a bit more...
9. I kept in contact with those who mean something to me, although sometimes difficult.
10. I solidified some new friendships that I hope will continue to develop.
11. I worked my ass off; see numbers 1 thru 10.

P.S. - 12. I contacted a talent agency directly; attempting to garner talent for a low budget-independent short.

As I look to the future, I see lots of things that are beginning to develop.

I’m about to start my career.
I have no five year plan, except to succeed.
I’m going to be roughing it for a bit, and enjoying every miserable minute.
I finally feel the ability to deny access to myself from people who constantly pain me.
I am going to live life like it’s going out of fuckin’ style!

These are just a few of the affirmations/resolutions I’ve made to myself this year. There are a few others, but they’re personal, so if you’re nosey enough to ask, I might tell you.

Fuck it.
Fight on.

Long time, no blog

2008-12-18T23:05:00.001-06:00

I've been going through some stuff.

I'm ready for the holidays to be over.

2008-11-16T07:04:00.001-06:00

update to come soon.

Moving too fast...

2008-09-08T09:17:00.004-05:00

Wow, 2008 is 3/4 of the way over. I've got 206 days left at Full Sail. Then I have to get a job. YIKES!

----------------
Now playing: The Last 5 Years - Moving Too Fast
via FoxyTunes

Met a goal, time to keep on keepin' on

2008-08-17T11:34:00.000-05:00

As of today, I reached my six month target of 200 lbs.! I'm excited. I'm pumped.

It's fucking Sunday Fun Day and I couldn't be happier.

The Six Stages of Production

2008-08-09T10:11:00.002-05:00

Today I picked up Film Scheduling by Ralph S. Singleton.

The first chapter starts with the Six Stages of Production:

1. Wild Enthusiasm
2. Total Confusion
3. Utter Despair
4. Search for the Guilty
5. Persecution of the Innocent
6. Promotion of the Incompetent
Anon

Made me laugh.

Olympics via Google

2008-08-08T23:26:00.001-05:00

You think you know me?

2008-08-08T07:49:00.001-05:00

Just a little play list of music I listen to everyday.

Let Me Be Brave - Screening

2008-08-07T10:28:00.001-05:00

Check it out today at 7:30 EST

Live streaming video by Ustream

Choosing with Confidence

2008-07-28T01:36:00.001-05:00

Wowzas! This could not have been said at a more important time in my life.

Paulo Coelho

    The warrior of the light always manages to balance Rigor and Mercy. To attain his dream he needs to have a strong will - as well as an immense capacity of self-surrender.
     Although he has an objective, the road to reach it is not always the one he imagines, so he has to use discipline and compassion. God never abandons his children - but the designs of Providence are unfathomable.
     So, for the warrior of the light nothing is abstract. Everything is concrete and everything concerns him.
     He does not sit in the comfort of his tent observing what is going on in the world, but accepts each challenge as an opportunity to transform himself.
     Some of his companions spend their lives criticizing the lack of options or commenting on the decisions of others. The warrior, however, turns his thought into action.
     Sometimes he makes mistakes, and pays the price of his error. Other times he strays from the path and wastes a lot of time getting back to the original destination.
     But a warrior does not become distracted, because he knows what he is looking for.

Artzi Nazi

2008-07-25T16:48:00.002-05:00

We're starting pre-production on a web series entitled 'Artzi Nazi'.

It is going to star Ben Holden. Heinrich Heimann, the Artzi Nazi, is trying to bring the peace and order back to the Nazi Party. Working as an accountant to an aspiring Jewish Artist, Heinrich doesn't understand what happened to make the world so 'cluttered'.

Ben's willing to shave his head, and we're thinking that he might need a tattoo resembling a swastika crying.

Possibilities.

Hundred or Bust

2008-07-23T08:17:00.003-05:00

I'm starting a new workout today.

I've been lacking in my push up ability, and so I've decided to fix that. The Push up is apparently a really good measure of strength and general fitness, so I figured if my goal was to eventually do an unassisted pull up, why not push first?

I took the initial test yesterday and ranked in the 3rd class. I kinda surprised myself with that anyway. Push ups used to be the bane of my lackadaisical existence, and now I can do more than ten without really thinking about it. Guess all that gym money is going to good work.

Locked and loaded, I was ready to skip the first day today and start tomorrow. I was standing in my bathroom, ready to jump in the shower, when I realized, Fuck that!

There have been a lot of things that have changed for me in the last year, even the last few weeks. I am still Joe, but at the same time, I'm a completely different person. It's liberating, and feels pretty fuckin' awesome. I decided to continue the trend.

I threw on some shorts (naked push ups didn't seem appropriate) and threw down. I completed the set, 41 push ups. I'm pretty sure that I've never done that many push ups in one setting before. I feel great.

I'm so excited about what's to come and for the first time in a long time, I'm not thinking about every little thing. I'm just gonna do my thing and let the rest roll.

Bring it! 100 or Bust.

The Dark Knight

2008-07-18T02:50:00.001-05:00

Awesome.

A Horribly Serious Week

2008-07-17T08:56:00.002-05:00

This week has been pretty awesome. The launch and success of "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog", coupled with the imminent release of "The Dark Knight" has made my week a week of super-villain bliss.

Acts I and II of Dr. Horrible are online and amazing. NPH is great, although I have some difficulty with seeing Nathan Fillion as an ass, but let's just say that Act II sealed his doom. Felicia Day is awesome. I don't recall ever having seen her before, but her voice is stunning. And while we're on the topic, NPH can sing! He's been a great surprise. He stands and delivers in a way I never imagined. It's been a pleasant surprise. All these factor together to make one of the most successful internet ventures in a long time. Check it out either at their website, or iTunes.

On another note, The Dark Knight starts tonight at midnight.
Am I excited? Maybe. What do you think?

Anyway, this week has been pretty awesome. The anticipation combined with the satisfaction of a well presented production have made it amazing.

L8r g8rs

Where the Hell is Matt?

2008-06-28T10:51:00.001-05:00

Awesome project that a friend stumbedupon. Check it out for a good time!

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Great Music helps a good work out

2008-06-19T00:16:00.002-05:00

I've been working out a lot lately. More often, and now, longer. What gets me through my 30 minutes of cardio? This week it's been Coldplay's latest album, 'Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'. More specifically, Viva la Vida, to name the track. I love this album and can't seem to get enough of it. I highly recommend you all give it a listen. It's pretty awesome. Oh. By the by, check out my latest traineo reports. Awesome!

P.S.
Here's a little picture from our last project: Iron and Chalk

From Chalk and Iron

I'm Helo!

2008-05-07T09:23:00.001-05:00

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Joker Cards

2008-04-28T18:27:00.001-05:00

04-28-08_1816

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Better Days

2008-04-16T08:51:00.001-05:00

I hadn't been to the gym in five days.

Bad Joe. I know. I know. I made a commitment to myself; if I miss one day, I have to go the next. This weekend was just crazy and I never got the chance to go.

I was on a shoot, networked and worked my ass off over the four days, and never had the energy or time to go into the gym. All in all, it was an excellent weekend.

Excellence has been slim and hard to find since moving to The Great FL. Work, meeting new people, and being disappointed by some friendships have all played a huge part of my pressure and anger for the last few months.

Last night I finally got back into the gym. It was amazing and I felt great. My squat's up to 120, nearly double where I started. ...:::Grabs junk and adjusts:::... That's a great feeling...seeing shit happening.

I was working hard and when I was done I threw on some jeans. It was a chilly 55 degrees. I'd left my headphones on and as soon as I hit the cold, Goo Goo Dolls "Better Days" started playing.

In that moment, time stopped. The cold, dark, and my exhaustion all coalesced into a crystallizing moment of exuberance. It was one of those truly spiritual moments. Nirvana, Holy Spirit, whatever you want to call it, I was everything now and everything to be was me. It was a moment of peace that completely revitalized me and the sort of high that nearly never happens. I stopped right in the parking lot and just stood with my eyes closed for a few minutes.

Simple things are the best.

Natalie Raps

2008-04-05T15:37:00.001-05:00

Spring Break

2008-04-01T06:59:00.001-05:00

Untitled

Spring Break

2008-03-27T19:56:00.002-05:00

Spring break was pretty awesome this year.

Friday
I stayed in lab almost until the last minute, but Byron and Kevin both needed rides to the airport, so I wasn't going to stay all night.

The teacher, Micha, really liked them and asked me how I made them. He was really impressed.

I took Byron and Kevin both to the airport at 3 a.m.

Saturday
I went to the gym and watched a movie with Laura.

Sunday
Lazy again, but I was really excited, Mike and his family were coming into town on Monday.

Monday
I drove down to Palm Beach to meet up with the Schuckmans. I was late, but they were only at the mall and I was able to meet them for lunch. Chick Fil'A screwed up my order again. Instead of giving me a grilled chicken sandwich with nothing on it, they gave me a grilled chicken
breast w/o a bun. I ate it anyway, but it was a little weird.

We looked around the mall for a bit, and I actually got to set my hands on an Apple Time Capsule. That was awesome.

After the mall we went to the beach. It was cold and windy, but the water was warm and there were some pretty good swells. Mike and I had fun in the swells. Mike's dad was worried about the current, so we didn't go out too far, but just standing in the water, defying the power of the Atlantic as much as I could...felt damn good. We fought the waves for a bit before heading back to the hotel, cold and wet. We warmed up in the hot tub before heading out for dinner.

While in the room, Suzie and I pre-gamed a bit with her box of Sunset Blush. We were super classy.

We met up with the rest of the family for dinner at an awesome italian restaurant in midtown. Had some amazing, AMAZING wine.

After dinner we went to Uncle Dana's. Mike's uncle is a racing instructor. He was driving his 'vet at over twice the speed limit, with me in the passenger seat. It was pretty awesome. We had some more wine at his place (Mike's grandmother commented on my ability to “chug a lug”) and then Suzie, Mike and I went out for a night on the town.

That lead to the first Big Adventure of the trip, Deathcab, but I'll tell that story later.

We went to O'Shea's and there we stayed until 2:30, nearly four hours. We drank, we conquered.

Tuesday
Upon returning to the hotel, Suzie and I made a late night dash for the hot tub. Mike joined us and not too long after, we were unceremoniously asked to leave by the same woman who put us on The Deathcab.

At noon, Mr. and Mrs. Schuckman woke us up and took us to brunch at the loudest, brightest, busiest restaurant they could find; Johnny Rocket's. There were young mothers and very very young and noisy children everywhere, music blaring, and all sorts of smells assaulting
our senses. Suzie looked like she was going to die and Mike just sat back and laughed, having had the least alcohol out of the few of us. We went to Urban Outfitters and then Mike and I headed back to Orlando for the evening.

I got a hang over on the way home, around 6, and had to lay down for a few minutes when we arrived.

We attempted to go to the hot tub, but it was cold, so we went to Fiddler's Green for a single drink instead. We also went out to drive around and ordered from Broadway Pizzeria while watching Harvey Birdman.

Wednesday
We took Laura to the airport an hour after that.

Mike and I woke up three hours later and made our way back to Palm Beach after a quick trip to the bank. We had lunch and walked around for a bit before I had to drive back and hit the gym, back to the trenches.

All in all, a freakin' awesome spring break.

BSG in 12 Days

2008-03-23T14:16:00.001-05:00

Battlestar returns in 12 days. We'll be online live with this chat room.

Awesome Chemical Explination of Hell

2008-03-14T14:31:00.001-05:00

The following is an actual question given on a University of Washington chemistry mid term.

The answer by one student was so "profound" that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well:

Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?

Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant.

One student, however, wrote the following:

First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today.
Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.

This gives two possibilities:

1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.

2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.

So which is it? If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, "It will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you," and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number two must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over. The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct...leaving only Heaven, thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting "Oh my God."

THIS STUDENT RECEIVED AN A+!

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Now playing on iTunes: Kitsune Noir - Deep Blue Sea
via FoxyTunes

Laptops stolen from class...

2008-03-04T10:53:00.003-06:00

Two laptops were stolen from class today.

Current Suspect:
Thomas Edison

Dazed and Confused

2008-02-18T21:59:00.001-06:00

I'm not really sure what happened.

I was so incredibly excited to get to the gym tonight. I planned out my routine. The first time I've done that since I started working out at LA Fitness. Something wasn't quite right though. I got through my pulldowns and completely failed at my assisted pullups. There was suddenly this smell. My nose was overly offended, but I couldn't identify the smell. It wasn't sweat or bodily in any means, but something I couldn't pin down. I was immediately done. My whole drive and motivation was drained. It was weird. I hope it's not a sign that I'm getting burned out. I've been doing well for the last three weeks and I'd be really upset if this was something that didn't take. I'm planing on going back tomorrow to see what happens. I want to do this, and I want to become a person who can do it on their own instead of relying on others for all my motivation.

Oh, and I'm under 225!

Blogged with Flock

Twilight Zone Production

2008-02-07T21:29:00.001-06:00

Just finished our first day of shooting, and I'm pretty pleased with what came out, and I just super excited.

I've got lots on my mind lately: God, relationships, reality and self-identity (it's either deep or I'm a complete nutter.)

I'm finding it harder and harder to put my beliefs into words. Dunno.

Hope everything is going well for everyone and I wish you all this best this Pre-Lonely-Heart's Valentine's day.

Super Bowl Ads

2008-02-04T06:31:00.001-06:00

Here are my favorites from the big game last night.

Review: Atonement

2008-01-28T08:50:00.001-06:00

Geez. It's not very often that I love a romance movie. Last night I attempted to see The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, but instead fell into Atonement, and boy am I glad.

While I've wanted to see this movie, I hadn't really made a commitment to see it in the theater, but two hours after the titles typed across the screen I'm proud to be able to say that I saw it on the big screen.

The story was excellent. Epic, large, and full of emotion the story is a solid two hours within itself, and the director makes no apologies for pacing and doesn't need to. From the moment of initial betrayal to the final act of atonement, this story is gripping but most importantly personal. For the three characters involved, it's a lifetime's worth of pain, suffering, and (Tada! The cliche!) atonement. The story was greatly enhanced by the editing in post and dreams of the characters, usually lacking in an epic love piece. What the period bring to the film, i.e. snootieness, is made up for in personal involvement.

Kiera is grating, but I come to expect that from her roles. Her performance is great as well as that of John Malkovich. And oh yeah, that dress was freakin' amazing.

This film was great, with constant returns to previous story lines from different perspectives, the story was engaging, the acting was superb and the all together product was phenomenal. It's too bad, but I'm nearly positive that his film will get snubbed at the Oscars. With an easily identifiable story, Academy Voters won't want to appear dumb, and in my opinion, will probably go with the more critically acclaimed There Will Be Blood. If you can run out and see this flic while it's still in theatres, I hope you take the opportunity. You'll really appreciate it, believe me.

New Star Trek to take Place on Battlestar Galactica

2008-01-24T15:02:00.001-06:00

Film School Rejects posted a picture of a hallway from J.J. Abrams' Star Trek set.

I took one look at this and immediately thought of one of my favorite TV shows, Battlestar Galactica.

Evidence:

Hmm...What does everyone think? Is BSG more powerful than I'd previously imagined?

I'm not sure what I think of the upcoming remake (I'm not a Trekkie) but I believe in JJ and A-framed walls.

Westboro Church - Where do these people get off?

2008-01-23T08:32:00.001-06:00

Less than 24 hours after the passing of Heath Ledger, and he's already been condemned.

During a cursory glance of the IMDB Dark Knight Board, I found a link to the following picture. Please know, I in no way support the organization and personally despise their views. Be warned, what is said in this following is sick and inhumane.

What are these people thinking? I don't understand where they get off, protesting a funeral.

I just don't know what else to say other than the fact that I'd like to express my disgust, and disapproval.

Heath Ledger is dead

2008-01-22T17:49:00.001-06:00

Dang...

The Good Fight

2008-01-05T18:58:00.000-06:00

This is a post from one of my favorite authors about dreams and fighting for what you want. It seems to exemplify where I am at this point and where I hope to be.

The good fight
Category: Writing and Poetry

“I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith,“ says Paul in one of his Epistles. And it seems appropriate to remember the theme now that a new year is stretching out before us.

Men can never stop dreaming. Dreams are the food of the soul, just as food is to the body. In our existence we often see our dreams come undone, yet it is necessary to go on dreaming, otherwise our soul dies and Agape does not penetrate it. Agape is universal love, the love which is greater and more important than “liking“ someone. In his famous sermon on dreams, Martin Luther King reminds us of the fact that Jesus asked us to love our enemies, not to like them. This greater love is what drives us to go on fighting in spite of everything, to keep faith and joy, and to fight the Good Fight.

The Good Fight is the one we wage because our heart asks for it. In heroic times, when the apostles went out into the world to preach the Gospel, or in the days of the knights errant, things were easier: there was a lot of territory to travel, and a lot of things to do. Nowadays, however, the world has changed and the Good Fight has been moved from the battle fields to within us.

The Good Fight is the one we wage on behalf of our dreams. When they explode in us with all their might – in our youth – we have a great deal of courage, but we still have not learned to fight. After much effort we eventually learn to fight, and then we no longer have the same courage to fight. This makes us turn against ourselves and we start fighting and becoming our own worst enemy. We say that our dreams were childish, difficult to make come true, or the fruit of our ignorance of the realities of life. We kill our dreams because we are afraid of fighting the Good Fight.

The first symptom that we are killing our dreams is lack of time. The busiest people I have known in my life had time for everything. Those who did nothing were always tired and could hardly cope with the little work they had to do, always complaining that the day was too short. In fact, they were afraid of fighting the Good Fight.

The second symptom of the death of our dreams are our certainties. Because we do not want to see life as a great adventure to be lived, we begin to feel that we are wise, fair and correct in what little we ask of our existence. We look beyond the walls of our day-to-day life and hear the noise of spears clashing, feel the smell of sweat and gun-powder, see the great defeats and the faces of warriors thirsty for victory. But we never perceive the joy, the immense joy in the heart of those who are fighting, because for them it does not matter who wins or loses, what matters only is to fight the Good Fight.

Finally, the third symptom of the death of our dreams is peace. Life becomes a Sunday afternoon, not asking too much of us and not asking more than what we want to give. So we feel that we are “mature“, leave aside the “fantasies of childhood“ and guarantee our personal and professional success. We are surprised when someone our age says they still want this or that out of life. But deep in our heart we know that what has happened is that we gave up fighting for our dreams, fighting the Good Fight.

When we give up our dreams and find peace, we enjoy a period of tranquility. But our dead dreams begin to rot inside us and infest the whole atmosphere we live in. We start acting cruel towards those around us, and eventually begin to direct this cruelty towards ourselves. Sickness and psychoses appear. What we wanted to avoid in fighting – disappointment and defeat – becomes the only legacy of our cowardice. And one fine day the dead and rotten dreams make the air difficult to breathe and then we want to die, we want death to free us from our certainties, from our worries, and from that terrible Sunday-afternoon peace.

So, to avoid all that, let's face life with the reverence of mystery and the joy of adventure.

Visit www.paulocoelhoblog.com (videos, messages, interviews, discuss, photos)
The myspace blog will be updated on Monday, Wednesday and Friday

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Now playing on iTunes: Yellowcard - Shadows And Regrets
via FoxyTunes

"Eve just wanted to know shit"

2008-01-02T01:21:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been a great winter break. I'm at Schuckman's tonight. I've been doing a lot of traveling, and phew, it takes a lot out of a guy. We're watching Hedwig, and I realize how much I've missed just hanging out without thinking about projects or what comes next.

This new year's eve was most excellent...and decidedly Legendary.

I had the yearly family drink-a-thon the other day, just getting lubed up for the night's excursions. The final talley was seven parties. We started at 10ish with pink champagne,
and by midnight, I was five sheets to the wind. I had an extraordinary midnight kiss from Jodi, Thanks btw. As Brady and I enjoyed some Scotch and a Cigar on the porch, we talked about hopes and such until we were assaulted by the rest of our party, ready to move on to Molly's, the local bar. We found out they had Absinthe and it was game over for Joe.

We went to a few more places, Suzie's and Dave Morgan's, after which I retired to Brady's...but Hark!

Around four thirty I remembered a bottle of wine I'd left in the snow at 11 that evening. We found it, still corked in the snow where I left it. Six hours later makes it LEGENDARY!

I'm still looking forward to getting back to FL though. I'm ready to get the mother-effin' ball rollin'. Ya hear?

Christmas is around the corner

2007-12-11T11:01:00.000-06:00

Don't know what it is about the holidays. I become indifferent.

Last night I went to see my favorite Christmas movie on the big screen. The AMC at Universal Walk shows old movies at midnight, so we went and it was AMAZING!

It was so great to see the film version. All the pocks and scratches on the film were amazing, and the pre-digital transfer was great. Also, stereo, yes. It was amazing and only made me more excited to get into film full time.

Dios Mio

2007-11-27T15:04:00.001-06:00

It's happened again.

I saw the line. THAT line. The line the distinguishes between the rest of society and...well, me. I saw it and without second thought, proceeded to violate it an nearly make a mockery of it in front of said "rest of society."

I was in the Full Sail Media Center (a pathetic excuse for a library, unless you need obscure film books...hence my presence) and I saw a DVD that made me nearly giddy.

It wasn't a movie. It was in fact "Creative Screenwriting's Wordplay: Secrest of the Storytelling Trade." That's right folks. I nearly freaked over a 10 hour long seminar with 10 lecturers about storytelling.

I have a problem. I swear there's gotta be some psychoactive drug to help me deal.

Anyway, I checked that out and the book "Eats, Shoots & Leaves."

Hey All!

2007-11-27T00:33:00.001-06:00

I got an A last month in lighting! W00t! and tonight i had a bottle of 7 Deadly Zins...amazing!

2007-11-15T20:20:00.001-06:00

News and such

2007-11-09T12:58:00.000-06:00

Things have been busier than a whore on Bourbon street, but that's all good.

I started writing for a movie site, Atomic Popcorn.

My first opinion piece is about Jack Nicholson. Check it out!

Long time, no post...again

2007-10-26T02:54:00.001-05:00

Things have hit a high, I'm not really sure what there is to post about. I'm watching Fido, pretty good so far, but that's about it right now. Tomorrow I have to be to school at 1 for a pre-pro meeting with Byron, Ralph, Adam and Nikki, but that's about all there is on my plate for the time being.

l8r g8trs

A Fear - One Among Many

2007-10-12T05:29:00.000-05:00

I don't really know what it is, I haven't even liked Yellowcard since their last album, but I can't stop listening to this new song.

I can't tell what it is, but I think it has to do with the fact that I'm terribly afraid of the future I fear/know is coming. On top of that I'm afraid it's already starting to happen.

Since when does choosing your dream become selfish? Do your dreams include your friends, or are you alone?

I can't honestly say what or who my dreams include anymore. I'm glad for the friends I have, used to have, and may yet meet, but those I've lost? What of them? Did they fit in my dreams, or did I just never think of them in it?

I don't know if I chose me over my friends...or if I chose a future I wanted over settling.

I think a lot about the past. This song makes me wonder about the future. I don't know what to expect, but I hope that it's not all shadows and regrets. This is for those lost over the last four years, and those who I will know forever.

Mayor's Movies: His Dark Materials UPDATE!

2007-10-09T22:31:00.000-05:00

So...for those of you who know me, you might know that Phillip Pullman's series has a special place on my shelf, right next to Tolkien's masterpieces, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings. This being said, I'm glad that New Line Cinema's given both stories their opportunities to be seen on the big screen. I had my doubts that the immensity of The Lord of the Rings could be pulled off, but New Line astounded me by creating a fantasy worthy of the title Lord. Now, with The Golden Compass about to kick off the His Dark Materials trilogy, I'm ready and waiting...with reservation.

First off some SPOILERS are about to come forward in my post; I promise this will be the only paragraph, and if it's not, there'll be more spoiler warnings. DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU DON'T WANT THEMES FROM THE BOOK TRILOGY TO BE SPOILED. The nature of the trilogy is that Lyra's father, Lord Asriel, is fighting a war against god, lower case g. God, once again lower case, is an angel, the first, who has assumed power and the title of Lord. How, in our neo-conservative culture does one MAJOR SPOILER ABOUT TO DROP kill god on film? I'm worried about the integrity of the movie and what this means about the plot if, as I assume, this will be dropped. But that's two Christmas' from now (ironic) and I don't have to worry about that immediately.

This is the only thing that's bothered me about this film since I heard that the rights had been sold nearly four years ago.

Anyway, last night and this morning some most excellent news came across the web. Casting news.

First off, the already known cast:

Nicole Kidman - Ms. Coulter
Daniel Craig - Lord Asriel
Dakota Blue Richards - Lyra
Sam Elliott - Lee Scorsby (The only one better would've been Ian McKellen)
Eva Green

This cast is picture perfect. With the exception of Dakota, of whom I've never heard, this is the strongest cast I can imagine for this epic. The casting director deserves an Oscar now for pulling this off.

Secondly, the polar bears:

Ian McShane - Iofur Raknison, the un-justified King of the Panserbjørne (Armored Polar Bear Warriors)
Sir Ian McKellen - Iorek Byrnison, the true King

Whoa! Great, great news. These two will be great, battling for the power of the Polar Bears. Things seems to be shaping up as the names keep getting added to the list.

What's that? There's more?!

Thirdly, Daemon updates:

Kathy Bates - Hester, Lee Scoresby's hare daemon
Kristin Scott Thomas - as Lord Asriel's Snow Leopard Daemon

And FOURTH!!!!

There's a great new trailer over at Yahoo...check it out!

Thanks to JoBlo for keeping up to date on these things...you guys rock!

What a day it's been: Travels, BSG Season 4, Dark Materials News...

2007-10-09T20:37:00.000-05:00

Alrighty...what a day it's been.

Last night Victoria said something to me that I've been thinking for a while, but hadn't done anything about; "Why don't you go do something?...You tell all these stories about home, but you don't leave the apartment when you have days off," or something along those lines...this was about 23 hours and 30 minutes ago. So today I did something about it.

I went out in search of an adventure. While I might not have had a legit 'adventure' I definitely enjoyed the trip.

I left my apartment at 3:30 and didn't get home until 9:45.

My first instinct was to take a left out of my apartment complex. I've never been that way before, but it turned out to not be terribly exciting, just a subdivision with a bunch of houses.

From there I went to Altamonte Springs back to Winter Park, over to Cassleberry where I found a most excellent comic shop, ACME. Didn't have much time to check it out b/c they close at seven and I arrived at ten 'til.

After that I went to Winter Park Village and bummed around Borders until 8:30. before heading down to Colonial where my box is kept at Sci-Fi City. Picked up my comics, one of which I accidentally grabbed was $15, and I didn't find out until after I paid...schucks. But all is well.

I made it home in time for Damages, which is two episodes away from it's finale, and was expertly entertained for the 10-11 hour.

All in all a great day...other things that happened:

BSG Season 4
Dark Material News

Check 'em out when they're posted...

Things yet to come this evening include:

Studying
Pushing Daisies 1x02
Gossip Girl 1x04
and a few more post worthy events...

l8r g8r

Fandango's Halloween Movie Costume

2007-10-09T15:00:00.001-05:00

Alan Tudyk says Universal's on for Serenity 2!!!

2007-10-04T01:46:00.000-05:00

Chud.com:

According to Moviehole, Alan Tudyk "They had to put [the new dvd] out because they've been selling out of the other one and so Universal's like 'So let's do another one'. And now...there's now a chance there's going to be another movie."

AMAZING!!

Let's hope this pans out.

Bringin' it Back: Cleopatra 2525

2007-09-28T13:22:00.000-05:00

Bringin' it Back's going to be a new feature. Here's the first: Cleopatra 2525.

A 30 minute action/adventure that featured these three strong women; Sarge, Hel, and Cleopatra, a cryogenicaly frozen exotic dancer from the year 2001. These women fight horrible villains and robots in an attempt to take back the surface world, stolen by robots. These three have to fight their way through the underground, directed by "Voice", the voice only Hel can hear.

Crazy, yes.

Amazing, yes.

Bad, YES.

This show lasted 2 seasons, 28 episodes.

Is it something you need to see? No. But the song is catchy...and horrible.

Check it out; it's not the worst thing you did today. I know.

L8r g8rs!

NEWS FLASH: Joe Myers Spotted at Local Fitness Center!

2007-09-26T21:02:00.000-05:00

Joe Myers was spotted at the Fitness center of The Crest at Waterford Lakes. He was reportedly seen on the treadmill for a measly 15-20 minutes. After that he may have used the machines available, but details are sketchy.

Why is this adonis working out? Rumor has it Joe's put on a little bit of weight in the last few years. Is that what this is? Does Joe think that he's put on a bit of a keg? Is he working to redefine the term “six pack”? Who knows. All we know, is that it's going to take a little bit more than a 15 minute run to take off those extra layers. We'll keep you posted.

P.S.
Just got back from break, during which I ate a large order of fries.

Battlestar Galactica: Interview with D. Moore

2007-09-22T17:03:00.000-05:00

This is an awesome article over at EW! Check it out over there for the visuals.

First Look! Battlestar: Galactica

Source: EW!

By Adam B. Vary

Gotta love those wily scribes at Battlestar Galactica. The fourth and final (sniff!) season of the acclaimed Sci Fi series doesn't yet have a set air date—a rep says look for it early next year (more on that in a bit)—so for an appetizer, the show's cooked up Razor, a two-hour flashback episode airing Nov. 24. (An extended-cut DVD hits shelves Dec. 4.)

The story is ostensibly about the first mission of the (now-lost) Battlestar Pegasus under the command of Lee Adama (Jamie Bamber), which falls roughly in the latter half of the second season. It's told, though, through the eyes of new character Kendra Shaw (Stephanie Jacobsen). ''Lee promotes [her] to be his [second-in-command],'' explains show-runner Ronald D. Moore, ''and you wonder, who is this woman?'' That question, says Moore, allows the show to explore ''a lot of things that we've talked about or alluded to but never actually seen. You start flashing all the way back to before the Cylon attack on the colonies, to who she was, how she came to the Pegasus, what happened to them, and what was their story before they met up with Galactica.''

The Pegasus backstory means that yes, the hard-bitten, uncompromising Admiral Cain (Michelle Forbes) will be returning, much to the delight of the writers. ''Everyone sat up [in the writers room] and said, 'Yeah! Let's do something with Pegasus and Admiral Cain,''' reports Moore, ''because everyone missed her.'' And we'll get to see just how Cylon agent Gina (Tricia Helfer), a ''Six'' model, went from posing as a systems analyst to the beaten, raped, and tortured prisoner in the Pegasus brig eventually responsible for axing Adm. Cain.

But Razor isn't just confined within the Pegasus bulkheads. ''Along the way,'' says Moore, ''we also do things like flash back to the original Cylon wars 40 years ago. We see a young [William] Adama [who will be played by a younger actor, not Edward James Olmos] fighting in a Viper. We move around quite a bit in the chronology of the series.'' Although that chronology won't include any sort of resolution to the season 3 cliffhanger, Moore does guarantee that ''there are some things that happen in Razor that set up things in the fourth season.''

Yeah, about that fourth season: ''It's very big,'' promises Moore. ''We're moving very strongly into the finale of the show. It's about getting to Earth, and what does Earth mean, and what is it, and where is it.'' Along with previously announced guest star Lucy Lawless (who'll pop up again for a few episodes as messianic Cylon D'Anna Biers), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine alum Nana Visitor will appear in an episode as a cancer patient undergoing treatment with President Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell). Oh, and Moore says that, yes, he does know who the final unknown Cylon is; yes, whoever is playing that character knows he or she has been anointed; but no, they haven't shot the reveal yet (it will most likely be in the second half of the season).

Just when we get to see that half, however, is still very much up in the air. When asked about recent reports that Battlestar's final episodes may not air until 2009, Moore is noncommittal. ''That's a possibility,'' he concedes. ''No decisions have been made in terms of airdates and how many episodes they're going to run. There's a lot of factors, everything from there are other series they're going to have on the air [to] a possibility of a writers strike and how that affects programming. It's a complicated equation and there's no answer to that yet.''

Really, though, no matter when it airs, Moore is pumped about how it will all end. ''I took the writers on a retreat over the summer for a few days and we had lengthy discussions about Earth, what it's going to be when we get there, and what it means for the show. At this point, I think we're pretty jazzed. We really liked where we ended up. It's certainly a bittersweet thing, because we know it's the end. But we're happy with the direction we're going.''

CMI...kiss my ass!

2007-09-22T16:08:00.000-05:00

I've got a 95% in my CMI class! WOOT! 100% on the in-lab project that's 20% of my grade.

KNWT- Open Channel Promo

2007-09-17T21:42:00.001-05:00

A promo we made for our campus-based television show... Open Channel

Cary Judd maybe coming to FL?

2007-09-17T11:43:00.000-05:00

It's been pretty chill the last few days. I've been studying for uber-quiz numero dos, so I haven't had all the time in the world for anything else. Two days ago though, I took the time out to write Cary Judd and see if he was coming to the FL anytime soon. I received a response this morning:

I'm meeting w/ my booking agency this month, as of yet, i've never been to
the south (FL, AL, MS, GA, SC), I'll talk to them and see about it.

Badass.

G'night

2007-09-14T02:21:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting in the apartment, mellowed. It's been ups and downs for the past three months. I'm glad to be in film school, missing my friends and family, and looking forward to the next two years.

By the by, Darren Aronofsky finally posted the commentary for The Fountain on his new website: http://www.darrenaronofsky.com. Check it out when you get a chance. Looks good.

Good luck to everyone.
All the best.

Joe

Jon Stewart is back for Oscars '08

2007-09-12T02:18:00.000-05:00

Jon Stewart, the best-most-miraculous-most-funny-most-honest-most-lovely-most-hosty host ever is back for '08. Take that Hollywood!

Jon Stewart Hosts the Oscars

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2008 - The Year of the Geek

2007-09-10T09:19:00.000-05:00

The times are right.

There's the smell of 1's, 0's...ink...celluloid...ripe island-dwelling Losties returning to the screen, the stench of 41,399 survivors breathing the same air for five years, the dead returning, a world full of XX chromosomes, the comic book return of a lone soul, something bionic...

We live in the time of the geek and it's great.

Here are some of the things I can't wait for:

I didn't used to be a fan, but recently things have changed and now I really can't wait for Iron Man. Should be great with Robert Downey and this trailer.

Lost Season 4
I fell in love in season 1, kept up to date with season 2, was impatient during season 3, but can't wait for season 4 now that the entire run has been laid out. Season 4 starts in January and will run straight through for the entire season arc. I hope it gets me back...this wait is killing me.
Dead Like Me - The Movie
Can't wait to see George, Mason and Roxy... I'm sad that Rube supposedly will be missing, and that Georgia's going to be played by someone else, but I'll take what I can get. This show was sooooo mishandled during its short time on Showtime, but I'm really hoping that this movie can get it kick-started again.

Lie to Me
I'm an extra...W00t! No release info yet...
Risk: At-Risk Girls Behind the Camera
This is gonna rock! Should be making some festivals hopefully next year...who knows? I can't wait to see how it turned out. Go Risk!

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Now playing on iTunes: My Chemical Romance - Teenagers
via FoxyTunes

Battlestar Galactica - The Final Season
The trip to Earth is almost complete. Our weary travelers have been to hell and back. The cylons are catching up and the race for the final destination will heat up in this final season of BSG. We'll be saying good bye to more than one character. People will die. This series will rule.

Y: The Last Man
Brian K. Vaughn's (Lost, Buffy: Season 8) great comic of post-apocalyptic world of 2002 has an interesting twist. The apocalypse leaves a planet full of women...and only one man. Let the bitch fest begin! This is being made into a movie, and I expect that it'll be pretty awesome. Go.

The Dark Knight
Christian Bale...Heath Ledger

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Now playing on iTunes: Fall Out Boy - A Little Less Sixteen Candles, a Little More "Touch Me"
via FoxyTunes

Bionic Woman

Angel: After the Fall

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Now playing on iTunes: +44 - Make You Smile
via FoxyTunes

2007-09-02T01:09:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Film!

2007-08-31T09:10:00.000-05:00

110 years ago today, Thomas Edison patented the Kinetoscope. Go Movies!

Mayor's Must See: GREEK

2007-08-16T18:57:00.000-05:00

This Must See is near and dear to me. GREEK is a show I easily overlooked since it's premiere on ABC Family. I'm not a fan of Disney and didn't have much hope for a college based show created by Disney; i.e. Sabrina, the College Years. On a network of horses and reruns, how could a show hope to define one of the most biased depictions of college life and treat it with the respect (and disrespect) it deserves?

More to come...have to get DVDs.

//Edit\\
And now I'm back. Greek just reminds me so much of my freshman year. There's the confusion, the new people, pledging and so many other aspects that I never expected to see tackled on network/cable TV. I've been happy with what I've seen so far and can only hope for more of the same.

Check it out sometime; you might be surprised.

Weekend Update: settling...

2007-08-12T19:19:00.000-05:00

Things are finally settling and getting rather chill here in The O,FL. Last weekend, Victoria and I went out to Tatame, a saki bar. It was pretty chill and we had a good time. Then we went out to the Independent Bar, which was great the second time around, but we had some shitty, shitty rum (and you guys know I don't have a very discerning pallet. They played the Jackson 5, I moved my feet a tad, and before we knew it, they were closing. After that, we went to Wendy's...at like 3 something, and crashed back at home. It was a pretty good time.

This past week we started Photography, and I've already shot two and a half rolls of film. Some pictures are good. I'll post 'em as soon as I can get 'em online.

This weekend pretty much rocked also.

Thursday I went to the Enzian. It's kinda got the feel of the Hangar, but with better movies and a more college feel. I saw Introducing the Dwights, and Aussie film that wasn't bad, but could'a been better.

Friday, I chilled. I was up all night writing and it was 5 before I got any sleep.

Saturday was chill again, I went out, shot a roll of film, and then went out driving at 2.

Today I went to FilmSlam #8. It was a pretty good time and I'm planning on going to the others in the next few months.

Other than that, I'm working on about three scripts, and all are coming along pretty well.

New Poll

2007-08-10T03:24:00.000-05:00

Visit my blog: http://thecityofmartyrdom.blogspot.com and let me know if I should go back to black. DO IT!

The Mayor's Must Sees: Damages

2007-08-03T15:49:00.000-05:00

Recently the pilot for Damages became available for free download on iTunes. Get it...this is going to be a great show...one of the best from FX so far. Here's a tease:

Whedon update! (this con was amazing)

2007-07-28T22:27:00.000-05:00

Current Whedon Projects:

A Cabin in the Woods - A horror movie that's not torture porn, so I'm really looking forward to it. It's supposed to be the "horror film to end all horror films."
A certain lupine friend will be making a return to Buffy, whether it be in season 8 or 9 (I KNOW!!!) is still unknown.
RIPPER is going to the BBC. It's going to be a 90 minute tv movie, but ASH should be totally kick ass.
Joss has an online comic over at Dark Horse Online. It's new material, unrelated to anything else, but it's mildly funny.
Also, he's finishing the score for a short he's doing called The Serving Girl. It's a ballet that's going to star Summer Glau.
Something will happen to Frey, Goners is in studio rewrites, Angel "After the Fall" will be out soon (12 issues), and Serenity's Collectors Edition is coming out on August 21.

Thanks to TV Squad for the info!

Dexter Returns...

2007-07-28T21:53:00.000-05:00

A recent leak, (I'm pretty sure Showtime is responsible in an advertisement attempt) the first two episodes of Dexter have made their way onto the net. After watching the first episode of season 2, I can't wait for the rest. I love this show and it only gets better and better...check it out if you get a chance. It's on DVD this August 21.

101 posts!

2007-07-26T14:20:00.000-05:00

This blog has officially surpassed 100 posts! Woot!

Alright...for those of you who doubted, here is proof.
At Full Sail, you have to have a 95% in a class to have an A.

Now I do...how d'u like 'dem apples?

Awesome!

2007-07-26T12:56:00.001-05:00

I got 102% on my midterm...that kicks my grade up the final notch to 95%...I've got an A!

Banana phone

2007-07-25T17:37:00.001-05:00

My mom bought the album

Apple orientation - Day 1

2007-07-24T13:55:00.000-05:00

The Death of Harvey Birdman

2007-07-22T11:02:00.001-05:00

Damn...it's all over...later Birdman!

My first Orlando Adventure

2007-07-21T10:05:00.000-05:00

Last night was pretty interesting...

Victoria, my roommate, thought that it'd be fun to go out and get some Sushi. We doll up, and head out without even looking at the clock. By the time we pull into the closest Sushi place, they tell us they're no longer serving. When we get back to her car, the time is 10:53.

We decided that, since we were out, we were going to go out and find a place still open. We tried the Thai Sushi place and even Gizmo's Sushi before we gave up on the idea completely. Luckily, in the lot next to Gizmo's we met Chris. Don't ask me what Chris was doing in a Sushi parking lot after 11, but he couldn't even remember his name for a minute... He gave us directions to downtown, and so we headed that way.

When we got to Colonial and Orange Ave, we started to hear the clubs. These aren't like Molly's clubs, but more of the OC type clubs. Holy crap. There were more stilletos than a stripper convention out last night. We went and checked out some bars, all the ones without cover, and one that let us in for free. It was a pretty cool area of town. We're gonna have to return and explore it a bit more some time when we're "dressed more appropriately" (from a cop).

As we went home, we ran into our second tranny of the month. It looked like a dude, but it had a sports bra on and no shoes...creepy.

We eventually got home after a quick stop at our local 7 Eleven, where I got a slushee.

Sitting in class...

2007-07-19T19:30:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting in class, just waiting to get out.

My newest project is well underway. I'm in a group of eight and things are going pretty smoothly. We finished our proposal piece today. Ben, a group member, is going to edit it and turn it in on Tuesday. I guess I'll work on our poster, but I really don't know if I can do anything else--other than study for our mid-term test on Tuesday. Ce la vie!

First Full Sail Post

2007-07-18T00:57:00.001-05:00

Wow. Am I insanely excited and tired at the same time?

That's a HELL YEAH!

We've met for Behavioral Science twice now and have a H-H-HUGE project due the 28...ish. Part of it is actually due Thursday-Monday, whenever we get it done.

We've got plans and they are epic.

Finished my first lab with no problem. It went really well in my opinion.

Other than that, I missed saying good bye to some people when I left and have felt really bad about it. I'm sorry. I got really busy with the packing and moving and was an asshole. I apologize. I hope you can forgive me.

More to come, I want to start using this pretty reguarly again, but I have a script to complete and e-mail tonight. L8r g8r.

FW:My last day in 'da ville

2007-07-10T11:59:00.001-05:00

Keep in touch.

That's a wrap...

2007-06-30T18:36:00.000-05:00

And so it begins...

2007-06-26T22:07:00.001-05:00

My body's use

2007-06-20T21:34:00.001-05:00

Your body is for use, not abuse. Thank you. I was wondering.