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Tuesday, July 25, 2006 | <11:06 AM> Italian Vacation 2006Friday, March 17, 2006 | <6:33 AM> Ciao!Off to Italy for a week on a long overdue vacation. As usual, will have lots of photos and stories when I return. See you all when I get back. Now excuse me while I go pour myself a huge glass of Chianti... Wednesday, February 01, 2006 | <5:46 PM> upside downHonestly, how can anyone not like Jack Johnson? If "laid back" ever had a sound its him. Great stuff. Upside Down Video Friday, January 27, 2006 | <5:54 PM> movin' on up(town)Mine, mine, mine! Now begins the arduous task of moving. I can feel the ulcer already... Thursday, December 01, 2005 | <7:00 PM> common sense or lack thereofMaybe it really was his "friend's" weed and its entirely possible the resin-stained pipe didn't belong to him (as he swears by), but if I had someone else's shit in my car, I don't think I'd be doing 78mph in a 60 while having an outstanding arrest warrant for a previous traffic violation I failed to pay for with my millions of dollars in the bank. No too smart, Mr. Irvin. Not too smart at all. Sunday, November 27, 2005 | <3:39 PM> sighI'm officially over the 2005 NFL football season after the Texans blew a 24-2 halftime lead to lose (yet again) to the injured Rams in overtime 33-27. Pathetic doesn't quite describe the way that sorry excuse for an NFL team played today. I think North Texas could beat them if they played each other. Do Houston a favor, Bob Mcnair. Fire Dom Capers Monday morning and start fresh for next year. Otherwise you'll be losing this season ticket holder for good. Friday, October 28, 2005 | <7:16 AM> gone, goingSo much is going on these days, its hard to believe I'm still able to drag my ass out of bed before the sun comes up almost every morning. I'd prefer to be sleeping right now, but there's just too much to do. No rest for the weary. For starters, leaving targetbase may have been the best thing to happen to my career in a long time. I have so much freelance work its damn near sick and I finally feel like I don't have to stress over always having a full-time job. I've been fortunate to make friends with people who know what I can do on my own and there's a nice sense of freedom that comes from them feeding you a steady stream of work. I thank all of them for that. I've been on a contract gig the last 4 weeks and I've really enjoyed the change. I just got offered an extension and I was happy with the offer. I really like working here. The people are really, really great -- especially my boss. They flew me to Orlando yesterday for a few meetings with the client I'm working for. Its good to have face-time, but I'm looking forward to going home. There's only so many hours you can spend in a brightly lit conference room with no windows before you want to slit your wrists. Another big change is the fact that I'm moving. After finally getting my house exactly the way I want it; Friday, October 14, 2005 | <12:16 PM> gotta, gottaThe closer it gets, the more I'm really, really itching to go see those nice boys from Ireland when they come to town at the end of the month. I don't even care if I go by myself. I gotta get me a ticket to U2. If you can't make the show and have a nice TV with a great sound setup (like yours truly) I recommend purchasing the Elevation 2001 Llive From Boston DVD. Its damn near the next best thing. And on another random note, saki bombs ARE the bomb. Especially when served up by Ton at Oishii sushi on Wycliff. Best sushi in Dallas. Good, good stuff. Monday, September 19, 2005 | <3:47 PM> adios, MoFo13 sacks and 14 points over 2 games.About freakin' time. Saturday, September 17, 2005 | <1:44 AM> Willie EThere are coyotes howling like crazy right outside my backyard. WTF? Monday, September 12, 2005 | <7:03 AM> 10 combined stinkin' points?!?Well, I know this much; If both my teams (the Packers and the Texans) play like they did on opening weekend, its going to be a long NFL season. 10 combined stinkin' points by both of em?!? I'm not flying to houston 8 times this year to see that crappy display of football prowess. Pathetic, Houston. Pathetic. Watch your job, Dom. In other news, I'm officially 30 now and already I feel more grays coming in, my back hurts in the morning and my gut is getting bigger. Of course having one of your best friends in town for a 4 day vacation doesnt help much. I drank more this weekend and ate more greasy fried crap than I care to. I wouldn't change it though -- I had a blast. I also purchased the soundtrack to March of the Penguins this weekend from iTunes. I had a chance to see this nothing-short-of-amazing documentary awhile back before it became a wide release and let me tell you; the soundtrack by Alex Wurman is absolutely breathtaking. I've already listened to it at least a dozen times and every rotation it just keeps getting better. Its a great background track to get some work done to or even close your eyes and drift off to dreamland. Speaking of work, I'm staying busy on that front too. I honestly thought when I left the base I'd have more time to get things done around here like fixing my chimney, cleaning the attic and having a garage sale, but lately its chock full of other things to do in front of my now antique G4. If it keeps up like this I may just keep working from home. Sure is a nice break for awhile if nothing else. Lots of exciting events over the next few weeks. Interviews, Texans game, Coldplay concert and a fresh coat of autumn paint in the bedroom. Life is goooood. Tuesday, August 30, 2005 | <11:32 AM> tuesday rumblingsI guess not having ever gone through a layoff or anything catastrophic with my career, its an interesting feeling this being "unemployed" business. I say unemployed very loosely, because quite honestly I'm anything but. I have enough projects to keep my busy the rest of the week and for another month if I so choose. I suppose I'll contract at some point or hopefully take a job I like somewhere, but for now this is actually A-OK. It is strange knowing its not just a few days I'm taking off or being on vacation. Strange, but good. It is nice to have some freedom for a little while. Go work out when I please. Go see a movie, work around the house, stay up later than I should, drink. Its nice I get to end my 20s on a high note. :) Only one thing missing. Still working on that part. Thursday, August 25, 2005 | <2:16 PM> its been a good runAfter almost 5 years I've reached that milestone point in my career where its best I move on to bigger and better things. Its been a great run here and frankly I have very little to complain about. As sad as I am to go, I'm also thrilled at what lies ahead and excited about the doors of opportunity that seem to be flying open in the last few days. I'll miss the friends I've made here and hope to cross paths again with many of them soon. More later when I know what's next. For now its time for some very deserved R&R. :) As William Wallace once said: FRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEDOOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!! Monday, August 22, 2005 | <7:46 AM> an epitaph to rememberI don't watch as much TV as some people, but I have nothing but good things to say about HBO these days. After becoming hooked on "Entourage" and a weekly viewer of "Six Feet Under" the last 4 years (yeah, I missed the 1st season) having the TV tuned in on Sunday nights is nothing new for me. Especially for the series finale of SFU. And if you haven't watched Entourage yet, go rent season one -- you'll be hooked. Admittedly, I was ready for SFU to be done with. I felt the series had run its course and was taken about as far as it could go. What I wasn't prepared for after tuning into the Tivo last night was the most amazing ending I've ever seen. Wow. Everything about it -- the song (Breathe Me, by Skia), the editing, the shots of Claire driving alone across the desert while beautifully cutting to each character's "moment of death" in the future was perfect. It was one of those rare moments when a TV show (yes, a TV show) grabs you by the heart and won't let go. To say the least, I was very moved. Congratulations, Six Feet Under. Well done. Tuesday, August 16, 2005 | <11:08 AM> more cowbellHe's got a fever... and the only prescription is president. Saturday, July 16, 2005 | <10:57 AM> david fincher is a bad, bad, manHoly crap, what an amazing video. Unlike the OK GO vid, this one I'm sure took quite a bit more money and time but the results are beautiful. I've liked Fincher since "Se7en" and his directorial work is so unique I'm surprised he doesn't get picked for more big budget movies. Of course, he's also a Reznor fan as anyone who's seen the opening credits of Se7en will recognize the audio mix playing in the background. NIN tickets went on sale this morning. I got lucky again -- I'll be at the AAC in October. Should be another great show to go along with Jack Johnson next month and Coldplay in September. Greatness. Wednesday, July 13, 2005 | <6:18 PM> not I, said the flyWhat's it like to settle? How some people do it, I simply don't understand. Such a waste of talent and energy. Tuesday, June 28, 2005 | <1:50 PM> things you won't see in a 50 cent videoSometimes simple works best. OK GO knows that. How much did this video cost to produce (considering you don't count manhours spent practicing for it)? I think its brilliantly funny. Tuesday, June 21, 2005 | <10:19 AM> Elvis has left the building (but he still has us laughing our asses off)So far, this year has been great here at work. It started out more than a little rocky, but the last few months have completely turned around in a good way. Its nice to work on creative projects you can be proud of. This little gem is no exception. It took up the majority of my time last week and I found myself crying at times from laughing so hard. You should see the B rolls. What's the point you ask? Well, every year gatorade holds a meeting with all its vendors to go over what each company did for them over the last 12 months. Everyone is asked to put together a 10 minute video highlighting key solutions they brought to Gatorade and share them with the class. Since the meeting is in Vegas this year it made perfect sense. What's more fun than working with The King? He's a genius. Props to Frank Ford from Four Day Weekend for taking time out of his busy schedule to come be The King for a day. If you haven't seen FDW, do yourself a favor and make the trip to funkytown one night for a show. Its the best improv troupe in Texas. Great, great show. Monday, June 13, 2005 | <11:14 AM> tabloid romanceYou know, I've always liked Katie, but I've had enough of the vomit-inducing scientologist love fest between her and Maverick. Like Ben and J-Lo, Brad and Angeline, Cletus and Brit-Brit, Jennifer (hobag) Garner and Ben Adrunk, I just really don't give a flyin' flip. They're just people who happen to be famous. And unfortunately, the crowds at the walmart keep buying those copies of STAR so the news of romance spews forth until we're sick of hearing about it. "We all keep dreaming, and luckily, dreams come true," she said. Gag me with a L. Ron Hubbard book. Wednesday, June 08, 2005 | <9:57 AM> it's raining men('s legs)Ewwwwwwwwwwwwww!!! I wonder if the passengers heard a muffled scream shortly before landing. I wonder. Tuesday, May 24, 2005 | <10:38 PM> shut up, alreadyIt's a MOVIE, people. Not everything is political or about a stupid anti-fill-in-the-blank-here agenda. Ugh. More stupid news headlines than I can deal with in one day. Friday, May 20, 2005 | <8:38 AM> arrested againThank you, FOX. You made the right call on this one. Monday, May 16, 2005 | <11:01 AM> aceAmong the more interesting things I saw this weekend at the Byron Nelson was Vijay swinging his 7-iron on the 17th hole for an effortless ace. A hole in one -- one of the rarest things in professional sports. The crowd went nuts. It was absolutely amazing to witness. Of course, the fact that I was watching it from very plush air conditioned box seats near the teebox with free drink and food in hand made it even sweeter. Wednesday, May 11, 2005 | <5:04 PM> back in the saddleS'been awhile since I posted here. One of those periods of a much needed temporary hiatus of all things blog. DId you know that blogs are about as cool as a pair of Z Cavariccis now? Seriously. Everyone has one. I feel so uncool. Do the other long time bloggers feel this way too? I know Jim can sypathize. That's why he updates his as much as I do. I digress. It's been a long, strange trip these last six weeks. Quite the emotional roller coaster on the job, relationship and life front. Sometimes it's been the bumpy old wooden ride that shakes you till you hurt, other times its the nice, smooth steel tracked loopty-loop that makes you smile and laugh. I prefer the latter. But drama is for daytime television. So let's blog some of the more uneventful, yet still important events that took place the last few weeks for posterity... FIOS installed. Yes. I'm a full-fledged internet dweeb soaring the superhighway at speeds so fast it outta be illegal. One you go fiber, ya never go back. So they say. Crazyness on the job front. Its nice to be appreciated, though. I feel much better now than I did a month ago. Maybe its because the superstar Justin is no longer working with us and stands in my way of creative domination! Or maybe it was the $500 President's Award they gave me at the last show. :) All I know is, Damn -- I'm sure gonna miss that slacker. I've been so busy doing pitch work and meeting deliverables lately that its hard to slow down and mourn Cone's occupational passing. All I know is I feel like the last guy on the island. Lots of new faces -- luckly I pretty much like all of them. (Even you, Scott H.). :) Speaking of jobs, sometimes its fun when you get to step outside your normal art director role. A new client is spending a ton o' money with us, but didn't want to blow more than they had to on a massive photoshoot for test market creative. Solution? Get the agency employees in on the act. I must admit, it was quite enjoyable (if not somewhat humbling) to be on the other side of the camera for once. And TH is an amazing photographer. He can make anyone look like a superstar. Jim thanks god every day for these -- to him they are pure photoshoppery gold. Have at it, Jimbo. The Altima is officially paid off in full next week. Finally! I feel like I'm getting a raise. I don't plan on spending it though -- I'll save it for an early retirement or something. Been running a lot lately, too. I discovered the trails of Andy Brown Park a few weeks back and have made the 3 mile course my stomping ground after work a few times a week. Its nice to run by lakes; even small ones. I'm thinking the SKO Fun Run should go off without a hitch this year. Only 3 weeks away. Freelance. Love it. Thank you HV to the LB. Jack Johnson. Can't stop listening to him lately. I've always thought he was pretty good, but I guess I had a rediscovery with "In Between Dreams". Makes me want to pick up the geetar again, move to a nice place with a beach and learn to surf. I could do that. He's a hell of a songwriter and I'm looking forward to watching him from the nosebleed section in August. Jimmy Buffett. DAMN YOU FOR NOT COMING TO DALLAS THIS YEAR! Other than that, I go nothin' but love. Yes, I have my tickets already. No, I'm not dressing up. Excited? You bet. That's enough of this nonsense for now. Monday, April 04, 2005 | <11:44 AM> FIOS, here I come15 Mbps download speeds over brand-new fiber optic cables laid last month in my neighborhood for $49.99 a month? Oh hell yes. For the uninformed, that's about 5x faster than my current DSL connection.Verizon Fios is set for installation next Tuesday. Sweet! Friday, April 01, 2005 | <2:08 PM> transitionsApril fools. No jokes this year from me. It is friday though. Something to smile about. After spending last week in the real Sin City, coming back to work was difficult, but for some reason this one flew by. No complaints on this end. I've spent most of my morning on a nice comfortable couch sipping free diet sodas and doing my best to stay away from the buckets of M&Ms. Yes -- once again I find myself in the comfortable confines of Fast Cuts overseeing video edits for an new business pitch DVD. Oooooo... Don't get jealous; its not THAT exciting, really. I'm not really sure how I ended up here, but it beats a day at the base. Right now the news stations can't seem to determine whether the pope is dead or not. Score another one for the "jumping to conclusions" mat. Dinner was awesome last night. A celebration for new beginnings and I couldn't be more happy for her. Having a nice piece of crab-stuffed snapper and a tall glass of amstel light at Truluck's made it even better. This weekend is supposed to be a nice one. Let's hope it stays that way. Wednesday, March 30, 2005 | <10:42 PM> jackie gleason must be rolling in his graveAlright. Enough already. Please stop, Hollywood. Its bad enough you're out of original script ideas, but if you're going to remake a landmark classic TV series into a movie, at least try and emmulate some of the tone of the original. Cedric the Entertainer as Ralph Kramden?!? Please. This looks borderline sacrilegious if you ask me. Tuesday, March 29, 2005 | <8:45 PM> vegas, baby. vegas.Yes, I: Had fun. Drank a lot. Was made fun of by Les and Jonathan the whole time for taking too many pictures. Stayed at Paris (the pool sucks). Played craps. Saw Robin Leach. Bet on my Packers to win the big one next year. Heard way too many movie quotes in one weekend. Went to Pure, Mix and Rum Jungle (highly recommend R.J.). Am looking forward to going back. No, I did not: Win any huge slot payouts. Leave a richer man. Buy a hooker. Be "trendy" and play poker. Get more that 10 hours sleep the whole time I was there. Spend as much as I normally do. Enjoy the absolute cluster of a security check-in at McCarran Airport. Want to come home just yet. Get myself into too much trouble. Tuesday, March 22, 2005 | <2:12 PM> megapixels and gigabitesTo quote jim: "I'm worthless and weak" Yes. I am. I admit it. But this time, I at least have some reasoning behind purchasing my newest digital toy. To make a long story short, last summer I took my digicam to the lake without the case -- the only time I ever left home without it. And as murphy's law always prevails it proceeded to get coated in suntan oil as it tumbled inside a gym bag with the lid left off. While it somehow still worked after the incident, the picture quality has never been the same. I get a nice haze over all my photos even after cleaning it hundreds of times to remove the remaining oil residue. No dice. I gave up and gave in. So I now have a replacement which arrived yesterday in time for my trip this week. Its last years model (I don't really need more than 4 megapixels) and I got a major discount off the retail price buying wholesale online. After I sell my somewhat tainted older S400 I'll come out ahead with a brand new camera for about a hundred bucks. The great thing about the SD10 is its size. Never again will I have to think about bringing my camera with me. In fact, I can pretty much keep it on me all the time since its no bigger than a cell phone. It takes outstanding pics, too -- something I've come to expect from Canon's digital lineup. So expect more photos in the near future... its just too easy not to. I played around yesterday and experimented with a few shots and posted them here. I'll be rebuilding and posting updated shots as I take more in the future. I'll post all my newest pics into organized galleries when the chance presents itself. I also like the movie mode a lot. While my last Elph had the exact same thing, its pretty interesting to have this capability in such a small package. Movies can be up to 3 minutes long. I took a sample movie of the continous ink system I installed on my Epson R200 last night in another test. I can't recommend a CIS to anyone enough -- the ability to print with bulk inks and not change cartridges every 20 sheets is a huge savings. You can learn more about CIS systems at InkRepublic.com. Later this afternoon, I took another movie of Richard at bulletpoints (time to update the blog, dude) explaining his rationale for frankenMac; AKA -- the kludge; his beloved G3 Pismo Powerbook running on life support since the day he acquired it. Richard is the sanford and son of all things Macintosh. I think this video sums things up for the need for a new computer, company purchased or not. And although Fig likes to call me Kip, I'm not quite that bad. But I have to admit. I do love technology. :) |
