October 31, 2007

After spending the day traveling, I have finally made it to California. Things were relatively quiet during the journey. I had one stop-over in Denver. Both flights were less than half full, so there was plenty of room to stretch out. Although there wasn't much to speak of treat-wise (it is Halloween after all) we did get a crappy movie en route to Orange County from Denver. I think it was The Invisible. You know, the one where the kid finds out he's dead and has to find his way back to his body, but then he needs help from the people who killed him. If you're confused and bored it's because I was too. The emotional connection the story tries to create between the characters is way to rushed, so you have real trouble empathizing with any of them. The fact it was showing on a noisy airplane probably didn't help either...

Since its really late, there aren't many pictures. Right now they're still in the middle of a giant Halloween party in West Hollywood. My hotel looked like it had it's own celebration earlier as well. There was a giant bowl with a few pieces of candy left sitting on the check-in counter. I took the opportunity to snag a fun-sized bag of skittles. I only hope my housemates remembered to buy the big candy bars for our neighborhood's intrepid trick-or-treaters. You always need to buy the big candy bars, Halloween is no time to nickle and dime the youngsters.

Pics: Happy Halloween! Airport turkey sandwich with provolone. An airplane that I discovered did not actually work. Not pictured: Me being tackled by airport security attempting to fly the plane.

October 30, 2007

I passed a person dressed up like the killer from the Scream movie series during my run today. I just thought he was wearing a robe until I got close to pass him on the sidewalk and he turned around and jumped like I was a mugger (I guess you can't trust anyone running around with an iPod wearing running shorts). Lo and behold he not only was wearing a full robe and hood, but also the mask from the Scream movies. I guess he really wanted to get a jump on the door to door candy grab.

Dinner was at the parent's tonight on occasion of my grandparents being in town. Since I was still rushing to prepare for my trip I didn't stay long. We had roasted chicken, sweet onions, asparagus, sauteed carrots, and yams. Joining us was my sister's boyfriend Brett. Most of the dinner was spent talking about Randolph Scott and Blazing Saddles (first it was just Randolph Scott). The Blazing Saddles segue was thanks to some quick association on the part of Brett and myself, both of whom never actually saw a real Randolph Scott cowboy movie. Apparently, grandpa was a huge Randolph Scott fan as a boy.

Thankfully I was offered a ride to the airport tomorrow morning by no less than three different people, and laden with some cab money that I neglected to get from the bank before it closed for the evening. I always manage to forget something when travelling. Usually it is easily replaced upon arrival, but every once and a while growing up, there were a few majors (at least I always packed clean underwear). With any luck, I'll escape Orange County with plenty of cab money for Sacramento. I'm still crossing my fingers on the hotel-airport shuttle (on second thought, wait here while I call and ask).

Pics: Setting the table with Mom, Brett, Jenny, and Grandpa Terry. Harry looks for scraps around the table. Dad, Grandma Dori, and Grandpa Terry talk after dinner while Arthur tries to get a treat from dad. Jenny and Brett get a little help from me in washing the dishes. Mom de-chickens the remaining chicken roast for leftovers tomorrow. Lemon squares for dessert.

October 29, 2007

This morning CK had an appointment to be dropped off at the dog sitter's for the duration of my trip to California. It's amazing how much he likes riding in cars. Usually you can tell if a dog's excited by the severity of their tail wag. When they get really happy though, they can smile just like people. Some dogs just kind of smirk though, but it's almost the same thing. Smiling his way to the sitter's in the car, Clark preceded to drool all over my freshly cleaned upholstery (which I usually don't mind). This time at the sitters, the little beagle puppy that terrorized him (miniature beagle puppy) didn't seem to bother him as much. Hopefully he'll make himself a new friend. I made sure he had plenty of his favorite bones and toys. The bones will probably last him till the end of tonight (I left him with 6).

I'm still honing my presentations for later this week. The second one is s bit more specific, and just requires a little more learning on my part. My first presentation is coming completely from scratch. I'll be modeling it in part on the presentations given by Steve Jobs. These are a few of the reasons professionals talk about his presentations so much:

1. Build Tension

A good novelist doesn't lay out the entire plot and conclusion on the first page of the book. He builds up to it.

2. Stick to One Theme Per Slide

One slide, one key point. Simplicity is beautiful.

3. Add Pizzazz to Your Delivery

Jobs modulates his vocal delivery to build up the excitement.

4. Practice

Jobs makes presentations look effortless because he takes nothing for granted. Jobs is known to rehearse demonstrations for hours prior to launch events.

5. Be Honest and Show Enthusiasm
If you believe that your particular product or service will change the world, then say so. Have fun with the content.

Pics: Season 3 of The Office + Imo's deliciousness.

October 28, 2007

I've spent the better part of the weekend getting ready for a couple of presentations later this week. Both are for my trip to California. Nothing major, just a couple of 5 min. sales talks to prove that I'm not incompetent or worse. After watching most of the past 3 seasons of The Office I feel a little warped. Maybe that's why I didn't watch it to begin with? Just kidding, but it does take you a second to come back to working-place reality after seeing an episode.

My parents have been preparing their house for my grandparents arrival this week (Mom's parents). They stop by on their way to and from their winter home in Tucson, AZ. We went there for the Christmas holiday last year. Great location, awful holiday (just that year). Tucson is what you'd expect from an Arizona town, it only got cold in the early morning, and got blistering hot for the rest of each day. This visit from the grandparents is on their way to Arizona. Each year they spend a little bit more time down there. They're from Ohio, so they definitely appreciate not having to dig out their driveway every day during the winter.

Since I'll be gone for half of the week I'll miss most of the festivities. I will be taking my laptop, so new pics will be posted nightly. I have been to a lot of places in California, but not to either of the cities I'm visiting on this trip. Naturally, Clark will be staying with the dog sitter for the duration of my trip. Usually he'd just stay at my parents', but my grandparent's have a little corky who's old and very fussy around other dogs. He even bugs Arthur to death, who is probably 3x as tall and weighs x6 as much. What are you gonna do? Exactly.

Clark usually enjoys staying with the dog sitter. The care he gets is great, and he loves to play with other dogs. Imagine a really good camp you went to as a kid. His last visit to the sitter he freaked out when a little 2 month old beagle puppy yelped at the top of it's lungs the whole time I was dropping him off. Clark's pretty protective of me, but when push comes to shove he's a weenie just like most puppies. Gotta love 'em though.

Pics: Stinky 2 finds his toy, Stinky 1 in a headlock, beware of quickly approaching puppies, in case of an emergency landing please grab rings for support, Arthur likes to look important, getting excited for visitors, and Supermutt takes flight chasing squirrels, literally.

October 27, 2007

Between getting ready for next week and sleeping in most of the day was spent finishing seasons 2-3 of The Office. I've never watched the show live before (don't know why). After seeing a few episodes on Netflix "watch it now" last week I was hooked. Picture a dead silent house, with me sitting in front of my computer with a pair of headphones on laughing hysterically (all by myself). The thought conjures up both weirdness and lots of laughs. I can't stand sitting in front of my monitor for long, let alone watching full TV episodes. Luckily it's a 1/2 hour show, which amounts to 22 minutes of actual footage.

I spent some time talking with one of my housemates about the appeal of The Office to working people. In my own experience I've been through a lot of situations that the characters on the show go through. It's totally sublime humor because it's so true to life. I can't say I've ever had a manager like Michael, but I can remember a few co-workers that reminded me of Dwight, Pam, Kevin, etc. Some of the scenes are just painful to watch. Mostly because they were painful to endure when I went through them, and when you see The Office spin their take on the experience you wince with memories (and usually laugh loudly while doing so).

Today when I went by my Mom and Dad's to play with the dogs I couldn't find any of their toys. Both of them really enjoy fetching, mostly because they're labs and it's in their blood. My puppy in particular (Clark Kent) is a bit "play crazy". As much as he likes fetching, he loves teasing you and playing tug-'o-war even more. This afternoon he nearly had a puppy-sized panic attack when he couldn't find a toy to tease me with, which was hilarious.

Since my puppy play-date fell during lunchtime I made sure share some of my chips. Of all the "people foods" that my parents give to Arthur (their dog), chips are the only real food I let Clark have growing up. I didn't even start doing that till he was about 6 months old either. My treat giving really only started after my sister returned my puppy (then a few months old) she had borrowed for a baseball game. She had taken Clark with her boyfriend just for fun. She told me that after nearly an entire bag of popcorn (doled out as rewards), she and her boyfriend had taught Clark to sit. Every time I made popcorn after that day, Clark would go crazy and sit by the microwave until I gave him some. He's quite good at long-distance popcorn catching.

Pics: CK thinks about eating his treat.

October 26, 2007

The impending holidays mean that romance is in the air. For those who are single that romance smells more like desperation. Fear not, lazily browsing the internet I have uncovered some helpful gems of wisdom in making it through the Holiday dating scene. Courtesy of none other than Cobra Commander (didn't know he was such a ladies man did you).

Cobra Commander: The following social advisement is my first and final gift to you, aside from allowing you to live under my future rule. Also, as recommended by my publicist, I will temporarily dispense with my theatrical sssssserpent lissssssp, for ease of audibility.

DATA COLLECTION: When asking a female for her digits, have a B.A.T. (Battle Android Trooper) with you to digitally record her phone number, and holographically image her face.

If said phone number turns out to be erroneous, assign Storm Shadow to assassinate her. If said phone number turns out to be correct, assign Storm Shadow to assassinate her, but after you bang her.

TRANSPORTATION PROTOCOL: When picking up a date, it' unnecessary to arrive with a battalion of H.I.S.S. tanks.

Arriving alone in your own personalized H.I.S.S. tank is perfectly acceptable.

ATTIRE: If going to a more formal venue that requires tickets or reservations, make sure to wear your explosive laced helmet, and accessorize with a pink cape and solid gold cane. For a more casual activity, such as bowling, wearing your blue hood is perfectly fine.

In a crunch, the above mentioned blue hood can be worked into a birth control device. It simply requires some patch fabric and a sewing kit. Always bring with you some patch fabric and a sewing kit.

HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN: Though highly inconceivable, in the event that a date isn't going well, a Cobra F.A.N.G. gyrocopter provides a convenient escape. So does a hand grenade.

SEALING THE DEAL: When you bring a date back to your secret mountain-top lair, direct her right to your battle-arena of death.

If for some reason your date survives the battle-arena of death, simply throw her into the 20,000 foot ravine. If she survives THAT, marry her.

Best of luck and happy hunting!

Pics: No pics tonight.

October 25, 2007

What a day, I found out more about my trip to California. My presence was requested in Orange County and also in Sacramento the following day. I must be popular (not likely). I spent the better part of an hour coordinating my journey. Fly to Orange County, book a hotel for one night, fly out that evening to Sacramento, book that hotel for two nights (because I couldn't find a flight out during the evening). Eventually after some really frustrating math I decided to fly rather than drive (would have added two or three days to my trip, yikes). I just hope the fires out there don't complicate my itinerary.

I meant to check out Irvine Novaquatics while I'm in Orange County. I spoke with the coach (used to be Dave Salo, who's now at USC). He asked me to stop by and check the team out. I always wanted to train in SoCal. For those who don't know, Southern California was where the golden age of swimming took place. All the best athletes and all the best coaches gravitated towards a few key swim clubs. Now the swim team pantheon is a little more geographically diverse, but all the best are still associated with a few teams in Southern California. Man, I can't wait to train outside in the winter again.

I was excited to see Smallville tonight. For a while I felt like the show didn't really resonate with me anymore. This season the writing, as well as the cast seem to be on their "A" game. Tonight featured Clark getting a very "Superman-esque" red cape at the end of the episode (with ominous music playing in the background). All the writing this season seems to be moving the show towards a few things:

1. A final departure from Smallville as the backdrop for every story
2. A "flying" Clark (not Superman yet, Lois gives him that name in a story.
3. Saving people abroad without putting on "the tights"
4. Introduction of more known associates of Superman (other superheros).
5. Lastly, a series finale (Putting the suit on is the end of the show).


Pics: The dynamic duo Lenny and Carl are at it again.

October 24, 2007

After checking out some other blogs it looks like the Sci-Fi network has renewed Stargate Atlantis. One of the major blogs I visit is written by an executive producer with Atlantis. Judging from the influx of comments today everyone is going crazy over the news. I'm pretty happy, it is one of my favorite shows. It definitely grew on me over time, kind of like Battlestar Galactica.

I checked out another funny blog written by one of the South Park P.A.s. Today's post wasn't really meant to be funny, but the blog is largely oriented around life as a P.A. in South Park Studios. Getting to peep the crazy genius of Matt Stone, Trey Parker, and all the other writers is pretty interesting. I gotta say It almost makes me want to go into show business. If I did, it would probably be as a writer/actor. I'm not sure how I'd do as a crew member, probably not as well as a storyteller.

I did read some personal accounts from random people who broke into the business without having a famous relative. Pretty much all of them said that you basically start out eating dirt for 16 hours a day, whoring yourself to every production crew and cast member. Eventually after a season or two you work your way up slowly, and after several years, you get a staff position (unless your a badass and get there sooner). Several more years later you eventually work your way to a producer credit, and lastly if you stick around long enough and are successful consistently you get to be an executive producer/show runner. You work just as much as a P.A., but you begin to make a lot more money.

The only way to move up after being a show-runner/executive producer is to get a development deal, start a successful show, and retain a portion of the back-end and licensing products. Then you're rich Jerry Bruckheimer style. All in all if you start out as a whore P.A. in your early 20s, you might be able to make it to the top or near the top by your mid to late 40s. Good luck.

I made it by Vintage Stock to see what's new this week in the DC universe. I can't really say I'm a fan of Marvel titles. They're good, but unless you want to spend all day catching up with really convoluted stories, you need to focus on a few favorites. I particularly enjoyed the conclusion to Escape from Bizzaro World. It did have some touching moments of emotion, but it really felt like more of a comedy arc.

Great moments: Clark's "Superman vision" gives Jonathan Kent Superman-esque powers, Bizzaro's "bizzaro vision" creates a bizzaro justice league (as well as notable bizzaro'd villians), and the conclusion when Bizzaro gives Jonathan Kent a Superman-esque uniform (looks like pajamas). Also hilarious, Bizzaro speaks amazingly like the Cookie Monster. Maybe there's a connection. Me am Cookie Monster, me zap you with cookie vision!

Pics: We am Bizzaro Justice League we am number 1!, time-warping Teen Titans, evil Robin pops Donna Troy (ouch), and some old school Flash stories.

October 23, 2007

I recently read an article about a trip that President George W. Bush took to Russia. In Russia Bush met with Russian President Putin. The exact purpose of the trip is lost on me, but a lot of commotion was raised when it was said that Putin mentioned to Bush he planned to become prime minister after his term in Russia was up (as a way to maintain power). Bush supposedly then said, "I've be thinking about the same thing myself."

As disturbing as that sounds, I don't think Bush will stay in office past his term, or maintain power. But, in honor of silly politicians today's post will focus on politics in The Simpson's (because nobody but the Daily Show lampoons politics better). I'll hit a few great political episodes down in no particular order. Since these episodes have so many laughs, in the interest of time and my lunch getting cold I'll just hit the big laughs.

Great political episode #1: Sideshow Bob Roberts

In this episode Sideshow Bob runs for office against Mayor Quimby. Sideshow Bob is selected by the local republican party to run against Quimby. The local republican party consists of Mr. Burns, Renier Wolfcastle (Gov. Terminator), Dr. Hibbert, and Dracula. The fact that Dracula would be a Springfield republican says it all.

Other great moments of political satire: The construction of the "Matlock" expressway, radio talk-show host Birch Barlow (Rush Limbaugh) author of the best-seller Only Turkeys Have Left Wings, and the satanical language spoken at the republican secret meeting.

Great political episode #2: Bart-Mangled Banner

The Simpson's get sent to re-education when they're arrested for defaming the USA. This episode had some great moments like meeting Bill Clinton, who had been sent to the reeducation center for criticizing tax cuts. Other inmates at the reeducation center include, Michael Moore, The Dixie Chicks, and Elmo (I think just for comedic effect). Being that Clinton is a former president, this episode is clearly from a more recent season. The fact that the current administration (within the episode) would send a president of the United States to reeducation camp is hilarious all by itself.

Often times Simpson's co-creator Matt Groening will do additional parodies within parodies using his comic strip Life in Hell. Usually the parodies are of overreacting fans and critics. Unfortunately, the comic strip doesn't run in many nation-wide papers.

Pics: The Simpsons, gotta love 'em.

October 22, 2007

Wow, I can still hear all the Sox fans from Wooster screaming on Facebook. I can't say that I followed Cleveland or Boston, but I'm happy for everyone who is. Isn't it the Cubs that have "the curse" I mistakenly mentioned it was the Red Sox yesterday.

Since my food question to Stargate Executive Producer Joe Mallozzi was promptly answered, I hereby dedicate today's post to food (good food, not that other stuff). I actually just asked him about cuts of beef, no biggie.

Tonight's menu includes: Wild Salmon (I found out the grocery store doesn't always label it properly), pasta (nothing special here), and Chili (courtesy of housemate Brian B.). Early on, Brian poked his head into my room and inquired about my desire for chili. Since I already had planned a small dinner, I said thanks but no. Thinking twice about my decision I changed my mind. In retrospect it was the right thing to do, the chili was great.

My mother makes pretty good chili, I'm not sure if she has her own recipe or a family one. Mom's is usually heavier with a much higher meat content relative to sauce and beans. Tonight's chili was a little more balanced. Medium spicy, lots of great garlic salt, and all the standard ingredients (no "creatively unusual" chili tonight). I took a few moments throughout to document the progress, and ended up stopping mid-bowl desperately seeking a drink. All in all another great meal. Time for dessert!

Pics: Caution chili in progress, and I get my just desserts.

Tonight's TV: Heroes. I'm hoping Kristin Bell's (Veronica Mars) addition to the cast is as cool as I think it'll be.

October 21, 2007

I had high hopes of some great eatin' tonight. Not that the night's dinner ended badly by any means. This afternoon I had the sudden urge to head off to a sushi bar for some Japanese beer and creative dishes. I planted the seed for going out to dinner with my sister. I figured since she's temporarily shacking up with our parents she'd be the first to say yes to a night out. I mentioned our Dad's name too, usually he's game for good eating. Later I got the customary, "we're tired, need sleepy, no go out." Typical broken English for the beleaguered. Instead I ended up cooking some good salmon again. It was probably for the better, I ended up settling for some fast food for lunch (not the best choice in the world).

I'd like to make special mention of Jason and Kathleen's wedding next week, for anyone who knows them. They've been together for at least the last 5 years. I'm sure they had super secret status for a little while before everyone knew they got together, which isn't unheard of (Billy and Shiara, also now married). It looks like the Drury swimmer alumni train will be rolling in to Springfield within the next week to begin the mass celebration. My college swim coach at Wooster always said that it's nice to see swimming couples from the same school end up together. He used different words, but you get the idea. A special congratulations to both Jason and Kathleen, be sure to yell an enthusiastic congratulations of your own at them if you run into them in the next few days (regaling them in a large crowd is a plus).

It was a special night last evening on Stargate Atlantis producer Joseph Mallozzi's blog when show co-creator Robert C. Cooper did a guest appearance posting. He took the time to answer many questions both pro and anti for the recent episode which he had directed (he's actually known more as a writer/producer). Robert was nice enough to answer my question with a very warm "thank you". It's not very often that you get to communicate with the creator of one of your favorite TV shows. The experience reminded me of the time my little brother Andrew ran into Dustin Hoffman in the L.A. airport. Andrew went to college in L.A., so celebrities were everywhere. Andrew and Dustin were both on their way home (Dustin to L.A. and Andrew to Springfield). Andrew said that Dustin walked up behind him in line to get food at an airport restaurant and they ended up sharing a cup of coffee and whisky (the whiskey was Andrew's). Andrew said that Dustin was just a normal guy when they were chatting over coffee, and the experience was really cool.

That's why it so great when a show runner or cast/crew member is willing to engage the fans (maybe not the crazies). You get to ask them good questions about their work/characters/craft and sometimes they speak to you directly. Very cool.

Pics: No pics, too much work today.

Video: Check back tomorrow.

October 20, 2007

A late visit from Brian B.'s female sidekick kept us up late into the wee hours of the morning joking and sharing tawdry stories from our college days. Upon waking I had expected to play with my puppy before cooking an unusually large heavy breakfast with Brian B. and former housemate Andy S. On the menu: Omlettes, low-fat pancakes, breakfast sausages, some sort of pumpkin flavored cake (very good), and the customary oil drum of coffee. Instead, I woke around 8:30 AM to an empty house. They had left to make breakfast without me, damn.

Sulking in defeat I cleaned up and went over to my parent's to play with the dogs for a little while. Unfortunately, things only got worse. My Mom had decided to do some serious cleaning and since I entered her line of vision I ended up being dragooned into service for a few hours. To be fair, she did ask what my plans were for the day before telling me what my plans were for the day. Note to self, never say, "I haven't made plans yet" when someone else wearing work gloves asks you what you're doing later.

Returning home to change into slave clothes I discovered Brian B. and Andy S. had come back with cooking materials and had not in fact forgotten about me. I quickly made a not-so-small breakfast of pancakes and sausages before heading back to the chain gang. My only real task to help with was roto-tilling my Mom's garden (isn't it winter?). It took the better part of 2 hours to do, eventually I slinked out before Mom found another "real quick" job for me to do. I don't mind helping out, but usually I prefer a few days notice.

Helpful as always, Clark followed me up and down the garden behind the roto-tiller while I worked. Occasionally I would stop to throw his ball for him. He'd grab it, return, and resume following me around the garden. Arthur kept a watch on us choosing to admire our work from a distance (I'm sure if we had asked he'd of helped too).

Not much else to do today, just finishing my book club books Legacy of Heorot and Lord Foul's Bane, as well as A Game of Thrones. Plus I'll be starting Death Star later this evening.

Pics: The cleaning recuiter is on duty (better hide in a closet) and puppy happily munches away through another tennis football.

Video: Returning to the scene of the crime.

October 19, 2007

A great Friday so far. I made it out early to let Clark and Arthur have some playtime. I also remembered to take more of Clark's left over toys back to Mom and Dad's too (I keep finding his things all over the house). All was quiet at the parent's house. I suppose my sister was sleeping off whatever last night did to her, and Mom was MIA for most of my visit. Things over there are usually akin to a ghost town, unless Mom's hosting book club or a party.

Usually when I arrive at their house I can see a small fuzzy blond head dot the landscape. Since their house is on a hill, from an arriving visitor's perspective, the driveway meets the sky so to speak. This morning was no exception as I was greeted by a very happy Arthur, maybe surprised that someone had come to play with him so early? Usually he follows Dad around when he's mowing or working on an outside project, which typically falls in the early to late afternoons most days. I did manage to get a few snaps and some video of the ensuing Clark-Arthur fuzzfest.

After an hour and a half of fuzzy fun, I finally went to get my car cleaned of chocolate fur. Not that Clark is dirty all the time, but after a while any dog will fuzz up your car. I've never met a dog (besides Arthur maybe) that loves to ride in cars so much. Even when he was a little puppy no bigger than my hand, he still loved riding in the car. Back then he usually fell asleep in the shotgun seat for the duration of whatever trip across town we took.

I managed to steal some great stew for dinner tonight. Mostly lamb, rice, and veggies. Very well seasoned, very good.

Pics: Halloween pumpkins begin to decorate Mom and Dad's house, another witch out from the wicked storage closet (made partially from Mom's wedding dress I think), hello kitty you stole my seat, Arthur and Clark fuzz it up, taste testing the new water puddle, Andy S. and Wiener share some afternoon cake, and the new book about the construction of the Death Star.