News
Family Business
At the moment, I am dealing with some rather dire family issues so I won’t be back for a bit. I hope everything ends up getting worked out.
But in the meantime, here's a pretty interesting video from Mr. GTD himself <a href="http://www.43folders.com/" target="_blank">Merlin Mann</a> about how to handle your hopelessly clogged email inbox. Give it a look and I'll be back later.
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New Apple Stuff and Other Updates
Apple honcho Steve Jobs announced a bunch of new stuff today. Among the items were new, <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/apple-announces-new-imacs-with-aluminum-enclosure-glass-display/">improved iMacs</a> complete with shiny anodized <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/apple-announces-new-keyboards-to-go-with-new-imacs/">aluminum keyboards</a>, <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/ilife-08/">iLife '08</a>, increased storage and other <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/mac-com-updates-with-more-storage-new-tips-on-using-ilife-08/">improvements to .Mac</a> (finally) and a <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/iwork-08/">new iWork suite</a> of applications -- including an "Excel killer" called Numbers. All in all, some pretty interesting new stuff that I can't wait to try out.
I've already ordered iLife '08 and will probably get iWork '08 too -- any chance to use something besides Word is ok with me. I might also go for a new iMac, but probably not right away. They do look cool, though, so it will be hard to hold off for too long. Also, it might be fun to get a new Mac Mini as well, seeing as how his Steveness saw fit to update those today as well. With the recent release of the iPhone and now this stuff, its great to be an Apple user these days.
Also, if you like Apple and you like Podcasts then you're in luck because over at TUAW we're doing another live Talkcast/Podcast about all-things Apple. Its this Thursday, 9:30PM Eastern and I'll be on it along with my esteemed TUAW colleagues <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/bloggers/scott-mcnulty/">Scott McNulty</a>, <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/bloggers/david-chartier/">David Chartier</a> and <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/bloggers/michael-rose/">Mike Rose</a>. We also did one last week as well so check <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/03/tuaw-talkcast-available-for-download/">that one</a> out too.
For all the details on how to listen to this week's Talkcast and even call in live with your comments and questions, head on over <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/thursday-night-9-30-et-tuaw-talkcast-the-second/">here</a>. We like doing these Talkcasts that become Podcasts and they will probably become a regular thing. So, if you have the time, tune in. Finally, I wrote a bit of <a href="http://www.cinematical.com/2007/08/08/comic-con-final-thoughts-and-the-wrapup/">an editorial</a> on my feelings and the state of Comic-Con over at Cinematical.
It should be up tomorrow barring any unforeseen issues like they decide I've written it way too long and gone off on a tirade or something. Me on a tirade or writing something way too long? Not possible.
I’m Back
Man, what a week. Going to the Comic-Con is like running a marathon. I'm pretty beat (and beat-up) but I did manage to get quite a bit of stuff written while at the Con, meet some great people and have a good time during those rare moments when I wasn't running around or pushing my way into this panel or that one. If you've got some time on your hands, head on over to Cinematical or Comic Book Resources and check out the Comic-Con coverage. There's a crap load of it.
One of the best things about the Con for me was getting to spend more time with people that I only talk to on the phone or via email. I also get to meet a couple people in person that I've never met before. That was very cool and may lead to other opportunities for me, which is always a good thing. Another major highlight for me was getting the chance to meet and interview one of the head honchos of one of my favorite TV shows of all time: <em>Battlestar Galactica</em>.
I spent some time speaking to Mr. Mark Verheiden, Co-Exec. Producer of <em>Battlestar</em>, about the show, his movie projects and a bunch of other stuff. He was a very nice guy and talked as openly as he could about things. All and all a pleasant experience and one that I would like to repeat again sometime. It was that fun. That interview is up over at CBR now. Right <a href="http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=11462">here</a>.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/200708021550.jpg" alt="200708021550.jpg">
Other than that, there were the obligatory celebrity sightings like Jessica Alba, Robert Downey, Jr. and Ali Larter from the TV show <em>Heroes</em> (who looked smashing, btw). Although, as I live and work in LA and see celebs pretty regularly at my local Starbucks, walking their dogs in the park or eating at local restaurants, that part was less interesting to me than some other things.
If I lived in Minnesota or somewhere like that I would probably be much more excited. Although, seeing Ali Larter and shaking Stan Lee's hand <em>was</em> pretty darn cool. I'll come back later with some more info, but in the meantime go to the other sites cause we need the hits. Thanks.
The Death of the Comic Book Industry and some Comic Con News
This is an <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oew-cavanaugh17jul17,0,3500070.story?coll=la-opinion-center">interesting piece</a> in LA Times regarding the death of the comic book business and how it might be saved by a move to the web. I don't know for sure if that's right but I <em>do</em> know I really like the feeling of a book in my hands. I don't especially love reading things online. I'll do it but its far more fun to flip the pages and feel the paper when reading a "real" book -- comic or otherwise.
Although, the piece makes some interesting points and I gotta believe the cost of production and distribution would drop quite a bit for comics shown on the web versus those in print form. In the end, economics will probably make the decision for most publishers. If comic books sell in print form and make a profit, we'll still see them sold that way. If not, well then its off to the web we go.
In other (related) news, I will be traveling down to San Diego next week for the madness known as the <a href="http://www.comic-con.org/cci/index.php">San Diego Comic Con</a>. This year I'll be covering it for <a href="http://www.comicbookresources.com">CBR</a> and also doing some stuff for <a href="http://www.cinematical.com">Cinematical</a> as well -- along with my pal Kevin Kelly who is a far more talented writer than I am. So, if you want the latest and greatest news from the Con, check out those two sites next week.
If you happen to be going to the Con, feel free to say hello. Look for me on the show floor, in the various panels or on the CBR boat docked next door at the Marriott marina! Yes, CBR honcho Jonah Weiland got a boat for this years Con. Yes, he's a pretty fun guy.
Good Luck Today
This morning at the gym I found a penny on the floor and it was heads up. So, I picked it up and put it in my pocket. What could be better than finding something like that today -- the luckiest day of all? I don't know but something pretty darn special better happen to me today. If not, what's the point of being superstitious enough to pick up a penny on 7 - 7 - 07 anyway?
If you just don't feel very lucky even though today should make you feel that way, at least you can take a look at this picture of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1083271/">Megan Fox</a> (from a recent FHM Magazine article), currently co-starring in the mega-hit <em>Tansformers</em>. Dating her -- now <em>that</em> would be lucky.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/meganfox-1.jpg" alt="meganfox-1.jpg">
Whatever happens, good luck to all of you today.
Happy 4th
I love America but I'm really starting to dislike what its become under the current "leadership" in Washington. I am counting the days until this President's term is over and we can move on to the business of rebuilding our credibility, standing and respect in the eyes of the world.
That will be a great day indeed and a day when I will be proud to call myself an American. Unlike the <a href="http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/07/02/bush-commutes-libby-sentence/">other day</a> where I was almost speechless when contemplating the level of corruption and duplicity displayed by George Bush and his administration. Although, I can't say it came as that much of a surprise.
Until there's a regime change in Washington, at least we can still celebrate what America is <em>supposed</em> to be about today by having a few beers, eating some food that's bad for us and watching some cool fireworks. This is still a great country -- we've just lost our way a little. But I wouldn't count us out yet -- not by a longshot.
Happy 4th.
The Apple Developer Keynote Made Me iSleepy
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It may come as somewhat of a surprise that I, the vehement Apple fan would ever say anything even remotely negative about my favorite computer -- er, sorry "consumer electronics" -- company, but here I am saying just that. After much hype, speculation and furor all across the web and beyond, the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference <a href="http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/d7625zs/event/">Keynote</a> went off this morning not with the expected bang, but with a whimper. And not a particularly interesting whimper either.
Sure, there were some interesting things about it but those bits of joy were few and far between. Basically, what it amounted to was a big commercial for Apple's upcoming update to OSX called Leopard and some bits about the iPhone and the fact that yes, you can now experience the bliss of using the Safari web browser on your <a href="http://www.apple.com/safari/download/">Windows PC</a>. There are some cool ones like <a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/features/timemachine.html">Time Machine</a> and the new look for the <a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/features/desktop.html">Desktop</a> but without actually using it I can't get too excited yet. If you're really interested, the full list of the new features Leopard has to offer can be found <a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/features/">here</a>.
I have to say I was expecting more. Although, some might argue that I really shouldn't because this event is geared towards software developers and so isn't the place to debut new, exciting updates to Apple's products. Nor is it the proper venue to announce new additions to Apple's ever-expanding line of consumer electronics. That might be true but Apple needs to remember one thing when they decide the content for these keynotes: everyone is watching.
Apple is a trend-setting company whose products have a tremendous appeal and whose influence is felt in many corners of the business and consumer markets. They are not the little company in Cupertino trying to make it anymore. They are a world player to rival the biggest in the industry and they shouldn't waste any opportunity to announce new stuff -- especially stuff people are really waiting to see. So, given all of that, what did I want from the keynote? I'm glad you asked because I made a list:
• Something about an update for Apple's ailing suite of .Mac offerings. The days where getting what amounts to an email account and 1GB of online storage for a hundred bucks a year are drawing to a close. Apple needs to make .Mac more valuable and even better, make it free, for it to compete in today's world where Google gives it all away. Not only that, but now it seems that .Mac was not only overlooked during the keynote, but has disappeared from Apple's website completely. Mmm, I wonder where it's gone? Hopefully it will surface somewhere new and be more fantastic than ever. Google anyone?
• Something about an update for Apple's suite of iApps which include iPhoto, iMovie and iWeb. I like all of these applications but it would be great if they did more -- especially in the case of iWeb. Its pretty good for version 1.0 but it really needs more features and more custom features to remain viable. Of course, there's always the chance that the iApps are also going to appear somewhere else. Maybe they will end up being available the same way .Mac will?
• New hardware. How about an updated iMac in stunning aluminum enclosure or something I really, really want: a 13" MacBook Pro. Surely Apple recognizes the need for a ultra-portable Mac laptop for business people who don't want to lug the 15" MacBook Pro around with them and who won't want to use a MacBook. More than anything, I would really love Apple to come out with this kind of machine. If they do, I'll be ordering one the first second its available. I can't be the only person who wants one of these, can I?
• Tone down the iPhone hype a bit. Sure, the iPhone looks cool and on the surface seems to have a bunch of great features. But seriously, its not the second coming or anything. It's a phone that supposedly does a lot of other stuff still unproven in real-world conditions.
So, while you're flogging the crap out of the iPhone, it might not be a bad idea to remember your loyal user base of Mac computer users. You remember them, right? The ones that kept buying Macs even though everyone in the press was predicting Apple's imminent demise? They kept the company going during the dark times of Amelio and Scully so please try to remember and throw them a bone once in awhile. They deserve your respect and your thanks.
All the hype and attention surrounding the iPhone and its imminent release to a salivating public is one of the reasons I'm counting the days until it finally comes out. Once its finally out there and succeeds massively or falls flat on it shiny, touch screened face, maybe Apple can then get back to doing what it has always done best, make terrific computers that "just work." Until then, if I have to watch any more Keynotes like this I'm gonna need a lot more coffee.
Six Issues Facing the Comic Book Industry
Over at The Comics Reporter, Tom Spurgeon lays it out for you and shares his thoughts about the biggest issues facing the comic book business today. Its a good read and one, if you have any interest in comic books, that you should take a look at. For a different perspective, Heidi MacDonald at The Beat offers her observations of Tom’s observations. Its all very observationy (if that’s even a word. let’s pretend it is, ok?)
Oh, the picture below is of my favorite alternative covers of <em>Astonishing X-Men #1</em> by the gripping <a href="http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?cover_art=Gabriele%20Dell'Otto">Gabriele Dell 'Otto</a>, written by the wonderful <a href="http://whedonesque.com/">Joss Whedon</a> and with art by the cool <a href="http://www.johncassaday.com/">John Cassaday</a>. This series of books is one of the reasons I got back into comics after a long haitus. Now, thanks to Joss and company I've gotten to experience a whole new world of comic books I never read before. Its been great so far and I expect it to get even better.
And yes, I like the X-Men. You got a problem with that?
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/astxm001-delotto-cov-col.jpg" alt="astxm001-delotto-cov-col.jpg">
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Apple won’t sell 10 million iPhones, Secrets and “Mac Chicks”
I don't know for sure but it does <em>seem</em> like <a href="http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/06/02/apple_iphones/">Lance Davis</a> doesn't have much love for Apple, Steve Jobs or the iPhone. Or, it could be that he's just a reserved Brit used to having lowered expectations and settling for less. Or, he's just not been effected enough by Job's notorious "reality distortion field." Whatever the case, his conclusions seem wrong to me. I could tell you why but over at TUAW, David Chartier <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/06/04/on-doubting-the-iphone-and-making-the-wrong-comparisons/">does it for me</a> (and you) so take a look over there.
Why am I linking to another Apple website instead of commenting myself? Well, I could tell you but its not something I can talk about yet. Yes, another one of those "secrets" I seem to have of late. I know, I hate secrets too. And while we're on the subject, surprise birthday parties. But rest-assured all will be revealed in short order. As soon as I know something, I will let you know. Until then, enjoy this months latest "Mac Chick of the Month" <a href="http://www.mandyamano.com/">Mandy Amano</a> over at <a href="http://macenstein.com/default/archives/636">Macenstein</a>.
Actually, on a bit of a side note, my frequent collaborator Anthony D. and I almost cast Mandy in a project once -- right before her now infamous Pepsi Superbowl add aired. Sadly, the project fell through (as they sometime do) and we didn't have the pleasure of working with Mandy. Maybe next time. Although now, we probably can't afford her. At least we still have the new photos and the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisu/31393755/">one I took</a> at the casting.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/mg-jun-2007-1.jpg" alt="mg-jun-2007-1.jpg">
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Microsoft Does Something Else Interesting
Well, if you think <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/surface/">touch sensitive tables</a> are interesting, that is. Really, I kinda do. Although, Surface, as its called, seems to work much like the screen of the iPhone so I wonder where they got the idea? Maybe it was the movie <em>Minority Report </em>that inspired them? Sure, that could be it. Whatever it was that made them think of it, the technology is pretty cool so check it out.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/surfacedrawing.jpg" alt="surfacedrawing.jpg">
Word Press Update and Other Stuff
Well, I’m going to attempt to update Word Press tonight so if this blog goes away in the near future you’ll know why. Hopefully, all will go well and there will be no glitches whatsoever. But if history has shown me anything, its that that just doesn’t usually happen. Oh well, I guess we’ll find out soon.
Also, as some of you may know I recently switched hosting providers in an effort to consolidate my sites and save a few bucks. This move has not been without its minor issues but for the most part has been pretty smooth. Recently, however, it seems like I have been experiencing more and more little glitches and minutes or longer of downtime relatively frequently. I'm not worried yet but I am still, in the back of my mind, looking for an even better solution.
Maybe I just need to get my own server and co-locate it somewhere? Or, move back to my original host and just keep things the way they are? I don't know but if you happen to know any really good web hosts . . .
Another Test
Just another test to see if the archives, categories, etc. work. So far, they don’t so don’t try to use them.
Video Questions, SXSW and the Busy Tony Pierce
Oddly enough I can't embed a video here from a site called <a href="http://www.jumpcut.com" target="_blank">Jumpcut</a>. Even though the video is an interview with WordPress co-founder <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Mullenweg" target="_blank">Matt Mullenweg</a> conducted by LAist head honcho and all-around cool guy <a href="http://www.tonypierce.com/blog/bloggy.htm" target="_blank">Tony Pierce</a>. You would think they would make an exception this time, but no.
So, I can only link to LAist where the <a href="http://www.laist.com/archives/2007/03/14/sxsw_interview_with_matt_1_of_wordpress.php" target="_blank">video is</a> for you to have the opportunity to enjoy it. I find the whole situation pretty ironic. Oh well, at least Matt seems like a nice guy even if I sometimes don't quite understand the rules around here -- as in why YouTube videos are ok and Jumpcut videos are not. Still, glad to be here and: Go WordPress!
Tony was very busy and also got several more interviews while attending <a href="http://2007.sxsw.com/" target="_blank">SXSW</a> in Austin this week. Some of them include the <a href="http://www.laist.com/archives/2007/03/14/the_twitter_boys_answer_obvious_questions_in_austin.php" target="_blank">guys who started</a> Web 2.0 "it" site of the moment <a href="http://www.twitter.com" target="_blank">Twitter</a> as well as and <a href="http://www.laist.com/archives/2007/03/12/interview_with_mary_colvig_of_mozilla_discussing_firefox.php" target="_blank">interview with Mary Colvig</a> of Mozilla. Some interesting stuff -- especially if you love the tech like I do and are also super-jealous of Tony for being able to attend SXSW this year. Next year, dammit, I'm there for sure.
Oh, the picture has basically nothing to do with this post at all. Its just something I used over at LAist for a recent <a href="http://www.laist.com/archives/2007/03/16/tech_news_roundup_viacom_google_jack_thompsons_smackdown_and_yahoos_betrayal.php" target="_blank">Tech News</a> post and I liked it. Happy weekend all.
300: Made on a Mac + The Screaming Death Monkey
Over at <a href="http://www.ballergoods.com/home/2007/3/12/300-creating-the-visual-effects.html" target="_blank">this site</a> they have an interesting bit of info on the film <a href="http://imdb.com/title/tt0416449/" target="_blank"><em>300</em></a> and how the Macintosh was a very big part of getting the film done. Some of the Apple tech that was used to make the film possible include Final Cut Pro, Shake and Quicktime. Even though the film was primarily edited on an AVID system, the filmmakers said they prefer to use Macs running Final Cut instead of AVID. Interesting bit of info. And, if you want even more, head on over to the <a href="http://www.fxguide.com/article405.html" target="_blank">FX Guide</a> site. Even more bits of interesting info there including the above mentioned 'Death Monkey.'
While we are on the subject of <em>300</em>, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the film. As I usually do these days, I went in with almost no expectations and as open a mind as I could possibly muster. Fortuntely, the film more than lived up to the hype and I was rewarded with a great experience. Sure, the film isn't perfect but its a visual treat that should not be missed. Obviously, I'm not alone here because the film made over $70 milion in the first weekend -- the third biggest opening weekend for an R-rated film of all time, btw. So, get a babysitter and go out and see the movie if you haven't already.
Also, got some new stuff up over at Cinematical -- including details on <a href="http://www.cinematical.com/2007/03/13/frank-miller-from-now-on-i-direct-my-own-stuff/" target="_blank">Frank Miller's career aspirations</a>, Michael Eisner's <a href="http://www.cinematical.com/2007/03/13/michael-eisner-takes-us-one-step-closer-to-movies-via-internet/" target="_blank">new venture</a> and the <a href="http://www.cinematical.com/2007/03/10/hollywood-and-youtubes-relationship-on-the-rocks/" target="_blank">YouTube saga</a> -- as well as a brand new '<a href="http://www.laist.com/archives/2007/03/13/ask_the_macist_getting_gmail_with_apple_mail.php" target="_blank">Ask the MACist</a>' over at LAist. Plus, I should have a couple things coming out at <a href="http://www.comicbookresources.com" target="_blank">CBR</a> in a few days as well. And, possibly something new and cool I'm not at liberty to discuss just yet too. You'll just have to chcck back to find out, sorry.
Trying Something New
As people who know me well can attest, I'm pretty much the kind of person who likes to do the same things pretty much all of the time. I like to eat at the same restaurants, go to the same bars, drink the same beverages, see similar kinds of movies, read similar kinds of books and comic books, etc. You get the idea.
Another thing I usually do has to do with my writing. When I leave the house to write out in the world I almost always go to my particular Starbucks to do it. The reasons for this are simple. I know the place, I know the people and I know what I'm getting when I go there. That can pretty much be applied to the other things I do pretty much all the time. I've been around long enough to know what I like and like what I know. No harm in doing what you want to do, is there?
Even though I'm what you would call a "creature of habit" every once in awhile I like to mix things up. So today, instead of going to my usual Starbucks to write some stuff for Cinematical and work on the pilot that can't yet be discussed, I decided to try something new today. I threw caution to the wind and went not to Starbucks but instead, to a place called LuLu's Beehive in Sherman Oaks. That was a couple hours ago and so far, so good.
When I first got here I was privy to an interesting argument between what could best be described as a few "disgruntled" writers. There were three middle-aged dudes arguing about how various studios around town don't know what they are doing, that executives and development people are "idiots" and how the hole business of show i basically a blight on society. Of course, in the next minute they bragged about their upcoming projects and the stuff they had in development and their upcoming deals so they can't hate the business too much as they are still hip-deep in it. Its funny to hear these kinds of conversations because that's what showbiz does to people.
I like to think of showbiz as being like chocolate cake. Its one of those things you know is bad for you but its also so good you just can't help yourself. And really, as I've probably said before, the worst day on a movie set is still so much better than the best day working at a bank or some other "real" job type job. Yes, showbiz and I have had our share of issues. But like any dysfunctional relationship we have also had our very good days as well so I can't say its all bad. Plus, as anyone who knows me will tell you: I love cake.
<em>photo "borrowed" from my former boss at LAist <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/misterjt/415321412/" target="_blank">jason toney</a> </em>
Star Wars and Making Stuff Up
Today, some friends of mine and I took some much needed time off and went to the <a href="http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/">California Science Center</a> to see the Science of <em>Star Wars</em> exhibit. It was fun and they had quite a few very interesting exhibits including several models from the movies -- the Millennium Falcon, Star Destroyer, X-Wing -- and also the full-sized Landspeeder used by Luke Skywalker during the filming of <em>Star Wars</em>.
Plus, a whole bunch of other stuff well worth the price of admission. More, in fact, because the exhibit is actually free. Yes, I said free. The place was mostly filled with school kids on field trips but there were a few older kids around (like us) who had also decided that <em>Star Wars</em> was more important than work today. As we walked around I wondered if the kids looking at all the exhibits felt the same way about the Star Wars films as I did when I first saw them.
Many of the kids were probably close to the same age I was when i first saw <em>Star Wars</em>. Although, <em>Star Wars</em> probably wasn't their first exposure to the universe. It was probably <em>Phantom Menace</em> or the other of the the newer films. If that's true that's kinda too bad for them. To me, the first trilogy will always be the best one and the subsequent three films will always be sub-standard.
Even <em>Revenge of the Sith</em>, which is by far the best of the three left something to be desired when I saw it. I just had to wonder as I looked around today if any of those kids had ever seen the first films or had only seen the second trilogy. If they had only been exposed to <em>Star Wars</em> by watching the second three films I hope someday they find out what they're missing.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/foxnewsbs.jpg" alt="Fauxnews" border="1" height="301" hspace="4" vspace="4" width="400"><span style="font-size:0;">
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In a completely unrelated story (except that Fox was the studio that released the <em>Star Wars</em> films) I love it when Fox News just decides to make stuff up instead of reporting the actual news. Seriously, what passes for "journalism" these days, especially at places like Fox News, amazes me. How do these people sleep at night? Sadly, probably better than I do.
Growing Pains
As I said in a previous post, the move from Typepad went fairly well except for one or two big glitches. Unfortunately, those one or two big glitches are pictures and video. Now, when you go to any posts except those from the last few weeks, they won't have the pictures or video they are supposed to have. To me, that sucks and I'm sorry for the trouble. I don't like to have things looking half-finished. Plus, I want things to be easy and not require me to do a bunch of work I already did. Not the case here, i guess.
I wish there was another solution besides putting everything back where it belongs manually but as of now, I don't know what that might be. If you happen to have a brilliant idea, don't be shy about shouting it out. Otherwise, its manual-replacement city for me for. So, over the next few weeks I am going to be manually putting video and pictures back into the posts they belong in. Should make for a great time. Fortunately, I am still not 100% better from the walking (and will-to-live-sapping) pneumonia so I have some time on my hands -- that is when I'm not sleeping or thinking about sleeping. Fortunately, this picture and video thing shouldn't be a problem for any posts from now on, just the old ones. So, check back and you should be able to see the videos and pictures eventually. Thanks for you patience during this time of transition.
Oh, in case you were wondering that is the cast of the 80s sitcom <a href="http://imdb.com/title/tt0088527/" target="_blank"><em>Growing Pains</em></a>. I thought the picture was appropriate for two reasons. One, the obvious one that the site is having some growing pains of its own. And two, I once did a movie with <a href="http://imdb.com/name/nm0325097/" target="_blank">Tracey Gold</a> who, if I recall correctly, was very nice and a huge fan of Diet Coke. Its a fact, actors love that Diet Coke. We used to go through tons of it on shows. Fortunately, in many cases, it was free product placement so we didn't have to buy it. Just one of the perks of a fully-stocked craft service table, van or occasionally, a trailer -- but only on the bigger shows. I guess there were some good things about showbiz after all.
Moved
So yeah, obviously I moved to Wordpress. And yes, I like the way the blog looks now. But no, the move wasn’t perfect. Sadly, all of the pictures and video files I had put into my posts didn’t make the trip so they will have to be dropped in manually. Quite a bummer actually considering I’ve got over three years worth of posts here and most of them have pictures or some other kind of media.
Anyway, I probably won’t go back and bring all the pictures back in. I just don’t have that kind of time. So, if you happen to read a post with a whole where a picture should be, please forgive me. I am also having some trouble getting embedded videos to play at Wordpress so that will take a little effort on my part as well. Or, I suppose I could ask support for help. Not there yet. I always like to figure this stuff out for myself anyway. It help later if someone else asks me what to do and I can tell them from experience.
Other than that, I’m writing this while looking at an Apple 23" Cinema Display attached to my MacBook Pro. I gotta say that it’s a pretty great monitor and I may keep it. Actually, it technically is supposed to go to someone else but they don’t need it right away so I thought I would check it out for myself and see how nice it is. You know what, its pretty nice.
The Simple Pleasures of a Good Bar and Good Conversation
Last night was the latest LAist meeting where the writers and editors get together to share some beverages and talk about writing, sex, drugs, being attacked by raccoons and whatever else happens to come up. Its a good time made especially good for me because I got to go back to one of my favorite places in Los Angeles: Ye Rustic Inn in Los Feliz. If you don't know it its one of those dive places that are great fun, have giant leather booths, pitchers of beer, cute servers and is plenty dark so everyone looks a lot better. It's definitely one of those places that feel like home to me. Obviously, I've spent way to much time in bars. I'm not an alcoholic but I do like my drinks now and again. Although, more and more its again and not now.
Putting that aside for a moment, its also across the street from another great place to go called the Drawing Room. The Drawing Room has one thing in particular going for it besides its similar characteristics to the Rustic: it opens way early in the morning for your drinking pleasure. Consequently, when I used to toil all night on set and then be fully awake at 7AM at wrap, it was nice to go over The Drawing Room and get a cocktail at 8 in the morning. Yes, those are the things you sometimes do after shooting all night on a Friday and finishing up early Saturday morning.
Of course, we went during the week many times too so it wasn't always confined to the weekends. I gotta say, it sure was nice being young enough and in many ways, dumb enough, to be able to go out and do things like that. Now, as many of my friends will attest, its a pretty rare situation that gets me out of the house at all, let alone out to a bar. I just don't go out as much as I used to.
Really, I didn't want to go last night either. Well, that's not really fair. I did want to go. Its always nice to see LAist people, including one of my favorite people I've met in LA the last few years: Tony Pierce. Over at his infamous blog, I read that he feels similarly to me in that he doesn't like to go places as much as he used to and especially doesn't like to have to be somewhere according to a schedule. I'm very much the same way. I don't like deadlines and I don't really like having to do much of anything I don't want to do. Unfortunately, it turns out that most of life doesn't really give a crap about what I want to do or don't want to do. So, sometimes you gotta be somewhere at a certain time and that's just how it goes. Yes, deadlines are a bitch.
Anyway, a good time was had by all last night at the LAist meet and many pitchers of Stella were consumed so thanks for that Jake. Also, I met some new LAist people who were very cool and talented and will be a pleasure getting to know further. It's really great that I keep meeting quality people after living so long in LA and being sorta out of the business. I used to meet a lot of great people on set but now, as my being on set time is far less, it was getting harder to meet people. Although, I have met a few at the “office” so I shouldn't forget about that.
Something about this town, whatever its other faults, sure seems to attract some of the best people. I guess its probably the lure of Hollywood and fame/fourtune. Or, maybe its the weather? Who knows? Whatever it is, I'm glad it happens. Sure, the traffic sucks and trying to find parking in Santa Monica at 3P on a Thursday makes you want to kill someone but still, this city is home to some great people and some great bars. So, go out and find the place that makes you feel at home. You'll be glad you did.