Still Rendering...

Top 10 Movies of 2011

2011-12-24T11:32:00.000-05:00

Its been a whole year since I posted last. I've pretty much given up blogging, however, this is a topic I thoroughly enjoy discussing, so here I am again.

I should qualify this list by saying, it's not the "best ten films released in 2011." It is what I consider, the ten films I enjoyed watching the most for the first time in 2011.

Interestingly, four documentaries made it in the list, only four of the films selected had a production budget over $10 million, and none had a budget over $50 million.

10. Catfish - This documentary is quite contraversile and some are still arguing whether or not its actually true; which makes it a fun watch.

9. Conan O'Brien Can't Stop - Shot while Cocoa was banned from television, it follows Conan while developing and executing his tour.

8. Super 8 - Bottom line, it made feel like a kid again watching Goonies or Flight of the Navigator.

7. True Grit - I heart Jeff Bridges. And Roger Deakins cinematography was stunning.

6. Exporting Raymond - Follows the process of trying to produce a remake of "Everybody Loves Raymond" in Russia. I learned a lot about healthy team dynamics, collaboration, and communication watching this.

5. Everything Must Go - This movie has pretty much everything I hope for in a film. It's funny, real, small in scope while full of substance, and ends with a little hope that isn't too contrived.

4. ESPN 30 for 30: Unguarded - Once again a 30 for 30 film makes it in. "The story of Chris Herren, a high school basketball superstar who played in NBA, struggled with drug abuse his entire career and ultimately, found redemption and personal fulfillment through the game." It broke my heart and then made me smile.

3. Bridesmaids - If you don't want to have to think too hard and just need to laugh for a while this is your fix.

2. The Help - Well done in every aspect. Viola Davis and Emma Stone were amazing. It was inspiring, but also raw in moments. It made me laugh and then caused my eyes to moisten a couple times.

1. Win Win - When I saw this at the theatre about 9 months ago, I was pretty sure it would be my favorite of the year. If you want to watch a redemptive story that is both authentic and inspiring with the perfect dose of humor, this is the ticket. This is the type of film I want to make when I grow up.

Top 10ish Movies of 2010

2010-12-29T10:26:00.000-05:00

Top 10ish Movies of 2010

No one film stood out to me this year as especially amazing, other than the one I worked, but there were several(eleven) I appreciated and thought were worth the price of admission. In no particular order, here are the flicks, which were distributed in some form during 2010, that I became a fan of.

Crazy Heart

I’m a fan of Jeff Bridges, I was fortunate enough to meet some very talented folks who worked on the soundtrack, and very rarely do I say the words, “I wish this movie was a little longer.”

Cyrus

I have a crush on the Duplass Brothers (directors), Brad Wise will testify. They did more with $7 million than most do with $50 million. John C. Reilly makes me smile, a lot. And I’m jealous of Jonah Hill’s ability to be so awkwardly funny.

Inception

One of the rare instances that a big budget movie is entertaining and provokes thought. I don’t know that I will necessarily want to see it again, but I highly enjoyed the experience of watching it in a cinema.

Despicable Me

What a pleasant surprise. I love Steve Carell, but was worried it would be something just slapped together for Steve Carell to do. I was wrong. I was thoroughly entertained, did not regret spending $10 to see it, and was even a little moved. And who doesn’t love cute mumbling minion?

Hitting The Nuts

So I can’t be terribly unbiased about this one since I was on set. But what I thought was hilarious when seeing it shot in person, turned out to be at least as funny in edited video form. Joe Boyd took on a huge task attempting to produce, direct, and star in his first feature film and succeeded like a boss.

Get Low

Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, in a small town, with a low budget. That is my sweet spot. Take the above combination, add Sissy Spacek, redemption, and quirky character and it doesn’t get any better. Very glad I had the opportunity to watch this one before hit shelves.

The Damned United

Damn good. Yeah, I had to go there. I don’t care for soccer, and I know next to nothing about European soccer, or football as it is. But I engaged through this film and am already looking forward to the director’s next project, The King’s Speech.

The Fighter

I was asked to watch it a second time within a week of the first viewing and was happy to oblige. Christian Bale was so good that I forgot I was watching Christian Bale. The producers deserve a cookie for this one.

Big Fan
Patton Oswalt was the lead, and was nearly perfect. The story had a fun couple of twists. After watching Big Fan and The Wrestler, I’m eagerly awaiting Robert Siegel’s next project as well.

Whip It
Roller Derby is cool. Ellen Page is charming. And it carries some healthy messages for young girls. It also makes me want to go watch the Cincinnati Rollergirls.

Exit Through The Gift Shop
It made me smile. It was unique. Not sure what to think of it’s subject. But it did make me think. Which is the sign of a good film.

Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL
One of the best things to happen in documentary world over the last year is ESPN’s series “30 For 30.” And my favorite thus far is Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL? Though I was a toddler during the professional football alternative, I have always been intrigued by it and this was the perfect way to feed my appetite.

Christmas - An Invasion Story

2010-12-04T20:16:00.002-05:00

Christmas Invasion from Still Rendering on Vimeo.

The Next 11 Days

2010-11-04T23:54:00.000-04:00

I will be spending the next 11 days with a group of folks from Vineyard Cincinnati following up and expanding upon the activities explained in the videos below.

H2O Nigeria - First Well from Still Rendering on Vimeo.

Nigeria H2O Update 2010 from Still Rendering on Vimeo.

H2O Nigeria Update - Director, Kande Wilson from Still Rendering on Vimeo.

I'm A Pretty Lucky Guy

2010-09-30T22:41:00.000-04:00

This afternoon I stood around an old hotel room in Middletown with about 10 people, eating vegetable soup, sweating, listening to an antique radio, and loving it. And this is part of my job!
I can't believe I get to make movies, like as part of my job. But yet at the same, I also have health insurance.
I think I'm probably the most blessed person I know. Who else gets away with this? And on top of it all, my wife goes along with it. She actually helps on crew and allowed a 15 to 20 person film crew to invade our home for 15 days.
Don't misunderstand, we work hard. We work really really hard at times. And sometimes we get really stressed. But then there are moments like I described above and I can't imagine too many things that are too much better.
This filmmaking stuff is like being 9 years old again, working on a monstrous lego sculpture; sometimes the pieces don't fit like you want them to or a block falls off, but you work through it, slaving away at your creation, loving it, and in the end you can't wait to show off what you just made.

YEP

2010-09-24T22:04:00.000-04:00

A Public Blessing

2010-09-18T22:08:00.000-04:00

This evening as I reflected on blessing, I realized I've been better at receiving than at giving. This is particularly true of my relationship with my wife. She's regularly praises me and builds me up, and I too often take her for granted and neglect to accurately express my appreciation for her. So tonight, I wanted to briefly share who she is to me and how I think God sees her.

Jenny,

You are God’s gift to me. You have and are what I lack. Your smile calms the uneasy waters shifting within me. Your blind faith challenges me. You have the ability to shrink the social gaps between groups of people and make everyone feel important, worthy, and loved. You have been created unique, for a unique purpose and will be the spark to inspire many to leave the comfort of normal and jump into the divine chaos of love. Your journey is just beginning. And I look forward to witnessing all that will be done through you.

P.S. I just coughed up some flem.

The Vineyard is offering a Film Camp

2010-04-15T13:54:00.000-04:00

I'm pretty pumped that for the fourth summer in a row I get to help facilitate a film camp to train young people in the filmmaking production process. And for the first time ever, Vineyard Community Church is partnering to support the camp. Should make for a great summer experience.

Here's a link to more info.

Check out a couple highlight videos from previous camps.

Film Camp for HS Students from TheUG on Vimeo.

Zama Highlight from TheUG on Vimeo.

Whale of an Escort

2010-04-02T16:06:00.005-04:00

I read an interesting story today about someone paddling 40 miles while being escorted by a minke whale. But I think there's more to the story than just a nine hour aquatic adventure. Jodie was called to do something extraordinary and peculiar and hoped for help from man(celebrities). But when man didn’t answer the call, she didn’t dismiss her calling/mission/vision. She didn’t give up hope. And now it looks as though something supernatural will provide her a vehicle to achieve her calling/mission/vision that she could have never designed or planned for.

Redemptive Snow

2010-02-06T10:32:00.000-05:00

As I left for work this morning, I was refreshed by my aesthetically pleasing surroundings. What is typically an old worn down neighborhood in need of more than a few repairs, was made beautiful when covered by white snow. The blanket of snow covered imperfections and helped me see what the neighborhood might have looked like when it was new. I think there's a song about that...

I Heart the Music City

2010-01-11T17:08:00.003-05:00

Over the last 3.5 years I've visited Nashville 5 times. Each time my visit has been for business and this week I return again to do a little business. Though most of my trips have involved some physical labor and 15-hour days, I've highly enjoyed all of them. I imagine this one will be no different. Brad Wise and I have the honor of joining Michael Wilson to do a little work for a group of super talented musicians for their concert at the Belcourt Theatre.

I'm not a big country music fan, or even a big music fan, but I don't think you have to be to enjoy the city. It’s a great eclectic collection of artists, urbanites, and southern charm. The Music City is also home to the bowl my favorite university football team (their obviously not that great) frequents and three of my favorite restaurants.

If you're ever in the area and have a hankering for some tex-mex check out San Antonio Taco Co. on Commerce St. If high quality yet amazingly affordable Steak and Italian is more your thing, just walk about one more block on Commerce and pay a visit to Demo's. Last time I was there, I got a bacon-wrapped filet and a side of spaghetti for under $12! And though Memphis is the Mecca of Barbeque, Jack's on Broadway in Nashville can compete with anyone. I hope while during my 24ish hours there I manage to drop by one of these southern gems.

Holiday Movie Review

2010-01-07T21:46:00.003-05:00

This post is a few days late. However, if you actually follow my blog, you know all of my posts are either late or nonexistent.

Over the holidays I had a little more down time than usual and decided to take in a variety of motion pictures. Some good, some bad, some okay. Not that you asked, but here's the skinny.

Avatar - $400 Million. We could have produced more than 4,000 sequels to Hitting The Nuts for that chunk of change. However, said HTN sequels would not have been in amazing 3D imagery and grossed $1 Billion. Basically, James Cameron convinced a few rich folks to spend $400 Million on 160 minutes to say "I hate George Bush." Though I don't have any extreme emotions toward George Bush, the movie was great to experience 1 time in the theatre and I will probably never watch again.

The Wendell Baker Story (released 2005)- I watched Henry Poole Is Here a few months ago and really enjoyed it. "Why not see what else those Wilson boys can do for a few million bucks?," I thought. Bad thought. Their first attempt at producing and directing something significant revealed it was their first time.

Julie and Julia - Amy Adams is on a hot streak. The creators flowed through the dance of the two stories flawlessly. And Meryl Streep made me worry I might have a crush on Julia Child - thats impressive. Thanks to Joe Boyd for the recommendation.

500 Days of Summer - So I hear Brad Wise sing the praises of this flick for months. I tried to see it at the theatre and it's run ended about 18 hours before I made it to the box office. So I snatched it up at Hollywood Video and when the Sugar Bowl got out of hand, I enjoyed one of the best films of the year. The story was good, but the delivery of the story was genius.

The Blind Side - Who knew Tim McGraw could act? I understand Dave Workman's concerned with the message within the message, but I wouldn't mind if more Leigh Anne Tuohys existed within the realm of private Christian schools.

The Puffy Chair (released in 2005) - This was created for only $15,000! It held my attention. The characters were quirky, interesting, and believable. They used their restrictions as artistic style instead of cheesy lackings. If you don't mind the strong but believable language, its a great example of less can be more.

VCC Christmas Show Teasers

2009-12-14T11:30:00.009-05:00

This year The Christmas Show at the Vineyard will unwrap the nativity story on stage and screen. Six characters in six different art forms and styles that will work together to give you a fresh perspective on the nativity story. A mix of humor, drama, dance, original music and perhaps a couple streamer-launching cannons...turns out the Nativity Wise Men are a little miffed they were overlooked in the casting process this year...

Reserve your seats at tix.vineyardcincinnati.com

Defying The Odds... Part 2

2009-12-04T10:15:00.005-05:00

I really enjoy sociological research, but I don't like to read lengthy studies. Therefore, the studies yahoo posts on their front page are perfect for me.
So, a couple weeks ago I shared that the area I grew up in was the 3rd "Smokiest Area" in the country. Nearly 28% of the people in the area are current smokers, and the same area contains the nation's fattest city, the most dangerous stretch of interstate, and one of the highest cancer rates.
Keep in mind, I grew up in the Tri-State of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio. Today, I read that after a study conducted to guage the overall happiness of our country, out of 50 states, Ohio was 47th, Kentucky 49th, and West Virginia 50th. Wow.

Storytelling From God's Heart

2009-11-25T15:04:00.005-05:00

So over the last 2 years I've been on this journey of falling in love with filmmaking and with stories that reflect the heart of God. I'm not necessarily talking about "Christian films," but more so, stories that reflect and question the essence of redemption, purpose, love, sacrifice, etc. During this journey I've become aware of others who have a similar stirring- some who work directly along side me everyday, some who work in the Greater Cincinnati area, and others who are currently fleshing out these concepts in Hollywood. Ralph Winter, producer of "X-Men", "Fantastic Four", and soon, "The Screw Tape Letters" and "Same Kind Of Different As Me", is one of those guys telling redemptive stories via Hollywood.
Below is part 1 of a three part youtube video I posted of Ralph speaking about storytelling and God.

Defying The Odds...

2009-11-19T13:22:00.003-05:00

I just saw a report on Yahoo that lists my hometown as the 3rd "Smokiest Area" in the country. Nearly 28% of the people in the area are current smokers. In addition, the same area contains the nation's fattest city, the most dangerous stretch of interstate, and one of the highest cancer rates. I never realized it growing up, but I was an at risk youth. I wonder if I could get a check from the government? Nonetheless, like Chuck Woolery, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Joe Boyd, I too will rise above the hazardous circumstance of my youth to success.

Pre-Turkey Improv

2009-11-12T20:18:00.005-05:00

Join the QCPers for some comedic improvisation to prepare you for your not-so-smile-enducing thanksgiving trip to the in-laws.

* Friday, November 20th 9pm $5
at Taza Coffeehouse
2900 Jefferson Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45219
www.taza.cc

* Sunday, November 22nd 5pm show and 7pm show
Flavors Eatery - 8374 Princeton Glendale Rd West Chester, Ohio 45069
Tix are $15, which include dinner, drink and show

For more info look us up on Facebook "Q City Players" or checkout our blog.

Hitting The Nuts

2009-11-03T20:08:00.002-05:00

Here's the fruit of much labor...

Nothing Says Happy Anniversary Like....

2009-10-17T13:27:00.002-04:00

So Jenny and I celebrated two years of marriage this past week. On Wednesday we received two anniversary cards in the mail from Jenny's great aunts. One with a nice little note inside, the other with a nice little note and a Jehovah's Witness track inside.

The Gospel According to the Blues Brothers

2009-09-28T11:12:00.005-04:00

Through out the Bible, God calls out the rejects, misfits, and outcasts of society to be used for his purposes.
Orphaned criminals, Jake and Elwood, are given a mission.

His purposes often involve delivering an oppressed group or tribe from a tyrant, from the evils of society, and/or from their own self-destruction; not to mention a specific recognition to the importance of caring for orphaned, widowed, and elderly.
The mission is to save an orphanage. An orphanage taking care of orphans, ran mostly by older single females, which will be shut down by the government/bank, unless they are able to pay a significant amount of money.

Within these situations, God’s chosen one(s) face impossible circumstances, yet through His divine, and sometimes rather odd, intervention the impossible becomes possible.
Tens if not hundreds of police cars, a SWAT team, Illinois Nazis, violent country western musicians, and an illegally armed princess Leia attempt to stop and/or kill the Blues Brothers. Our heroes avoid doom by leaping bridges, driving through malls, flashing eyebrows, disrupting dinner at an expensive restaurant, and spontaneously executing a crowd-pleasing country and western musical set.

It’s not uncommon for the chosen one(s) to make terrible mistakes or selfish decisions along the way, but those actions don’t go uncorrected.
Elwood’s apartment is blown up, they are beaten by a nun, they pay back money they owed, and they return to prison.

And despite the overwhelmingly human characteristics and limitations of the reject(s), misfit(s), and outcast(s), God’s purpose is served through them.
They collect enough money to save the orphanage and restore hope for a vulnerable people.

Movies Movies

2009-08-16T18:25:00.004-04:00

So I'm currently engulfed, absorbed, and preoccupied with filmmaking.
Soon, I will be teaching a class about that exact process. If you want to know more about the film, click on this link... Hitting The Nuts.
If you want to know more about the process, sign up for my digital filmmaking class by clicking on this link... Digital Filmmaking 101.

Eventful Early Summer

2009-06-27T14:15:00.006-04:00

Well blog, it's been a while. A lot has happened since I last wrote you.

I now have purchased a house and a lawn mower.

I have begun Officially Funded PreProduction of a Digital Feature Film.

And I interviewed the residence of a homeless tent village community.

Why not?

2009-05-23T21:39:00.011-04:00

Combinations, mergers, and mash-ups can be magical, amazing, and sometimes horrific.

Peanut Butter and Jelly, especially Jif and Smuckers Grape Jam, is a personal favorite combo.

I think the AFL and NFL generating the SuperBowl, is pretty magical.

Mike Sr. & Charlotte Ditka creating, Michael Keller Ditka is amazing.

Magic Johnson and late-night television was close to horrific.

This evening I decided to get creative with some random remaining groceries, draw from my Appalachian upbringing, and add to it my appreciation of Mexican cuisine. My efforts culminated with the debut of the Bologna Quesadilla.... I give it a B-.

Man vs. Dog

2009-05-19T10:03:00.003-04:00

While waiting on media to render and transfer, I'm a little irritated by the amount of attention and level of concern the public and media have given to Michael Vick.
I think Michael Vick did some pretty bad stuff. I don't want dogs tortured and/or killed. I love dogs. I hope to have another within the next year or two. And I will name him Kevin.
But why do we place Michael Vick so high on the list of terrible people for abusing dogs? Why isn't this level of attention given to professional athletes who abuse their wife or persuade their teenage baby sitter to sleep with them?
If a grown man was going to either hurt my dog, sleep my 15 year-old daughter, or abuse my wife, I think I would let them hurt my dog.
I think what I'm getting at here, is saving the whales, saving the rain forest, and saving dogs is great; but can we focus on saving people first?

The Good Stuff

2009-04-25T01:20:00.002-04:00

Going to bed so sore you can’t fall asleep after a very productive day
A cold drink and fresh peanuts at the stadium on a warm day
Participating in something larger than yourself
Lazy Sunday mornings with Jenny
Uncontrollable laughter
Making a child smile
The first grilled burger of the spring
Experiencing the extinction of the impossible
Wearing a sweatshirt while attending a football game in mid October
Happy accidents while editing
Newly acquired knowledge
Spending time with my family with no agenda or schedule
Visiting new places
The internal peace after serving someone
Creative surges
Recliners
Jenny laughing hysterically at my mediocre jokes
Teaching
The last bite of a burrito
Witnessing someone’s increase in confidence
Randomly meeting a lady who has 3 pet miniature donkeys

A Word From A Favorite Writer

2009-04-14T11:25:00.003-04:00

I screamed to God out of frustration
After another day of waking and hating the fact
That I’m still where I’m at
What’s the point of all of this
Cuz I’m not seeming to find it
Is it meaningless? I search the reason behind it
Because these moments seem to drag on forever
And these years on end seem to have never been this
Desperation has formed repetition within
Too insecure to pretend and I’m too weak to defend
Here it comes again all in my world again
Left with no direction no beginning no end
The days blend together and the weather never changes
Numb to the outcome but yet not quite painless
Aimless to whether or not I made a mistake
And if so how far is too far before it’s too late
Should I wait but then what would be too long
To reverse the effects if I was wrong

Hindsight is a beautiful thing
When you can look back and see what patience and time can bring

Is it a must that I’m here is it a must that I stay
In order to look forward must I look away
We're moving towards a new day
Unsure of what tomorrow will bring our way
I’m not even quite sure of what this day holds
I say we travel the unknown and watch it unfold
Hold today close while still reaching for tomorrow
Through the test of time I’ve seen joy overcome sorrow
So with every trial I endure
With hopes to mature into what I was created for
More than life itself I want life itself
Press past the present until forever is felt
And take hold of the hidden mystery
Wide eyed and open I now see differently
If it’s to be then give me the strength to be content
And find peace in knowing one day it will all make sense

Learning to accept the unexpected
Because the unknown wasn’t here for me to correct it
So I let it go and stopped trying to control the impossible
Simply put tossed in the shuffle
At a young age just like everyone else
So I don’t feel sorry for you or for myself
Love is bigger than that and I’m not below or above
The way it moves even though the things it does
To my train of thought can bring about doubt and uncertainty
Patience tends to not agree with my psyche
That’s more than likely just some pride in me
Fighting expectations of where I think my life should be
Selfishly I forget so quickly
Let me never forget Lord break me in humility
Some sort of amazing grace on me
As I look back upon my life and where You’ve taken me

Hear the call peace fall
From trial to triumph I want your hand in it all
Allow me to know where to stand in it all
Life Giver

Improv All Night Long or until about 10pm

2009-04-01T21:21:00.001-04:00

The Q-City Players will be performing improvisationally in comedic fashion this Friday.
Comedy is funny and hopefully so is Q-City.

Friday, April 3rd
8-10 pm
(doors open at 7:30, come early for the best seats)

Ballet Tech Cincinnati
6543 Montgomery Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45213
513-841-2822

$5 per person at the door

Good Day

2009-03-29T22:35:00.015-04:00

Things I like that I experienced today…

Sleeping in

Seeing my Michigan State prediction was correct

Doritos dipped in bean dip

Pre-Production for a feature film

Cooking without a time constraint

Meaningless jokes with my wife

Listening to my 10 month old niece on the phone

A new Jim Gaffigan special

Saving 10 cents a gallon on Gas with my Kroger card

Flipping back and forth between New episodes of King of the Hill and The Simpsons with classic episodes of WKRP and Newhart

It was a pretty good day.

i am beau

2009-03-22T12:10:00.004-04:00

Beau approaches me after school at the end of the first grading term of our senior year of high school with a peculiar grin.

He hands me his report card and shares, “Mr. Sylvester gave me an ‘A’ in Art.”

I counter, “So, it’s Art.”

“Yeah but I don’t do anything. I never turn in my work, except for a couple sheets of paper with random stuff scribbled on it,” he says. “The only person I talk to is Bobby. And most of the time I just lay down my head and sleep.”

Bobby was a kid who lived in our neighborhood and reported to the special classrooms for most of his day. Outside of being nice to Bobby and saying hi each day, Beau didn’t like people and didn’t talk to who he didn’t like.
Beau proceeds to explain that some of the kids from the special classes who have been integrated into traditional elective classes have been placed in his art class.

So now I’m starting to put it together. He sleeps a lot in class. The only art he has turned in, are scribbles. He doesn’t talk to anyone except to one of the special integrated students.

As I’m processing the data, he smiles again and proclaims, “Mr. Sylvester thinks I’m retarded. He gives me an A and don’t have to do anything. This is awesome.”

I never experienced someone being so proud, so excited about being incorrectly labeled as mentally retarded. But then there’s Beau.

Beau milks this error in judgment for the next two grading terms, receiving an ‘A’ for each. The fourth quarter rolls around and Beau approaches me, with disappointment, and report card in hand.
“So how’d you do?” I ask.
“Mr. Sylvester gave me a ‘C’ in Art.” He explains, “I realized James Ellison wasn’t so bad and he brought Magic cards to school so I started playing with him. Sylvester saw me playing Magic in class and figured out I not retarded.”

RESET God

2009-02-23T12:19:00.011-05:00

Right before the RESET Jesus journey began I was reading through the book of Exodus and developed a few questions about the story and about God's logic/motivation during situations of that period. During my wonder, I realized, I should just ask God, maybe he will answer my quiries. Then I further realized something that my intellect knew, but that my heart had not quite connected with... The God I communicate with is the same God who communicated with Moses. He was there. He's the same one. He never retired. He was never replaced. Though this might seem pretty obvious to most who have any awareness of the God worshiped by Jews and Christians, its a concept that is radically different once it goes beyond our minds and reaches our heart. I find it very empowering.
A few weeks ago, I watched a documentary about bowhead whales recently killed, who still had harpoons in their bodies from the 1790s, which,indicated they have a maximum life span, so far, of at least 211 years. The researchers commented how amazing it would be if we could hear the stories these whales could share. Though I would be fascinated by a talking 200 year old whale, we don't really need one.
We have access to the creator and witness of all history.

By the way, do you think when Moses's staff turned into a snake and ate the snakes surrounding it and then turned back into a staff, the staff was larger than it's original size?

The Source of Creativity

2009-02-16T15:40:00.002-05:00

I have nothing to add to what this video already communicates...

Sarah or Sarah

2009-02-16T10:59:00.005-05:00

So last night I came across Sarah McLachlan on Austin City Limits and decide that listening to her televised acoustic concert was a great way to unwind my mind after hours of deep thought and discussion. This proved to be a pretty good decision. But before totally unwinding and retiring to bed I had one last thought. Sarah seems to be the type who can either appear very stunning or not so stunning with little change.

Its kind of interesting how different see can look based upon environment and a few minor tweeks (make up and hair). But then again, most of who are not in the public eye frequently, probably have just as differing appearances each day. We're jus not as aware of the difference. Each of our appearances aren't recorded.

My new Sarah McLachlan thought also reminded me, that based upon my environment and a few minor tweeks (frustration and a lack of patience) I think most people would view me differently than they currently do. Most would consider me less than stunning. This is when I realize my wife is pretty great to love me no matter what I look/act like during those less than stunning moments.

Valentines Day Eve

2009-02-09T10:50:00.006-05:00

Nothing says I Love You like steak and improv comedy.

Join Q City Players at Riley's Restaurant in Springdale on

February 13th.
Guests will be treated to dinner (steak, chicken or salmon with all the fixings) followed by an improv comedy show provided by Q City.

Two shows to choose from: 6:00 pm - 8:15 pm or 7:15 pm - 9:30 pm

Tickets are $25 per person to be paid at the door.
Reservation required.

Tickets include dinner, non-alcoholic beverage, show, tax and gratuity.

Please call Riley's Restaurant (513-771-3361) to make reservations. Ask for the Manager on Duty. Please have ready your name(s), choice of show time, and choice of entree(s).

Dreaming of Dreams

2009-01-31T16:44:00.017-05:00

I find myself dreaming again for the first time in over a year. Ironically enough, I’m dreaming so much that I find it hard to fall asleep at night. Most often we associate dreaming with sleep. So for clarity I will just refer to it as meditating on aspirations.It’s kind of a bad place to be in when we stop aspiring; when we settle for mediocrity. When we stop dreaming, I think it’s evidence that we lack hope. And an absence of hope is never good. 2008 possessed only a small reserve of hope for me. I wasn’t extremely depressed. I wasn’t even terribly unhappy. I was just dissatisfied without the energy or inspiration to hope. Now I am beginning to be reintroduced to my previously dreamful ambitious self. I like that version of me. And I think my wife definitely prefers that version of me; except when I keep her too from sleeping due to sharing my dreams.So here’s to a dream filled 2009. Right now I believe just about anything is possible… outside of winning the Gold in 2012 for Singles Figure Skating.

Beau Stories

2009-01-19T19:23:00.003-05:00

Anyone who has known me for more than a year has been told a “Beau” story. And now I’m compelled to start putting my “Beau” stories in writing.

In a city of less than 30,000 people there is a short list of ways to kill time. So when the 7:30 showing of Jim Carrey’s “The Grinch” was sold out, my friends and I grabbed tickets to the 9:30 and proceeded over to the Ashland Town Center Mall to hang at the Wal-Mart. Now you must understand, my group of friends were not just your typical teenage males- picture Freaks and Geeks and then some. And Beau, the lead character in most of my childhood stories, is especially different. At this point in time I think it’s fair to describe him as John Goodman (during the Roseanne days) with bushy hair, a Hartford Whalers hat, a barn jacket, a Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts, black socks, and black work shoes; an ensemble to turn heads even in Ashland, KY. We were purusing the value-filled isles while watching for following prices, when Beau spotted one of his many odd fascinations – cheap toy rifles. I’m talking the rifles that are strapped to cardboard by bread ties and have the clicking level to simulate cocking the gun. Whenever he saw one loose, he required 5 minutes of cheap toy gun entertainment. And in this particular instance, there were two detached from their cardboard homes. The guns were quickly snatched up and armed both of Beau’s hands. Immediately there was pathetic attempts at army field maneuvers being performed and elbow crawling through the toy section and into the school supplies. Charlie was not safe. Not safe in housewares. Not safe in automotive. And soon the enemy camp would have been taken captive, if it were not for the upset mother approaching with a little girl’s hand tightly grasped in hers’. The bewildered women narrowed her eyes and said to Beau, “it’s because of people like you that I won’t allow my daughter to walk around alone.” She turned quickly without time for a response and left. Beau then turned to me and explained, “I was going to shoot her, but I thought it would have been a bit much.” And so is the way of Beau.

New Years Day and Spring Training

2009-01-08T12:54:00.007-05:00

The NFL is approaching its climax for the season - the divisional playoffs. But I'm really not completely excited. This just means in a few weeks professional football, along with college football after today, will go into hibernation. And I will still have a whole month before I can redevelop an interest in the Reds during Spring Training and even longer to wait for March Madness. You see, when you're in school (especially K-12), it's really difficult to enjoy New Years Day, because all you can think about is, tomorrow you have to go back. There's no more sleeping in. No more Super Nintendo with a bowl of cereal at 1pm. No more USA Network Midday line up of Major Dad, American Gladiators, Wings, and Just the Ten of Us. It will soon be that time of year to trade in the NFL and late morning/early afternoon Captain Crunch for the mildly interesting NCAA hoops and algebra homework....and the Reds still need a right handed power hitter.

Peace Out 2008

2009-01-05T10:37:00.007-05:00

So I know it’s a little late to be delivering a Best of 2008 list, but I’m going to anyway. I suppose it’s a good way to introduce myself to the world of blogging. Sorry Brad Wise for taking your idea, but I decided to prepare a list several weeks ago. Here’s a collection (in no particular order) of things that made my world go round in 2008.

Studying Improv (thank you Missy and Joe)

The Dark Knight (it’s kind of scary how much I loved the Joker)

Eli Manning avoiding a sack and David Tyree catching Eli’s pass on his helmet during Superbowl XLII.

The {re}gifter – I was thrilled to be a part of it and amazed by what God did with our efforts.

Meeting and playing with my niece Ali Kate

Buffalo Chicken Dip (just discovered it during the holiday season and my mouth can’t get enough of it)

Beginning a new job and being surround at work by several cool talented people.

The Zone winning Best Music Television Program

Experiencing Dov SS Simens’ DVD Film School. He yells a lot and is quick to remind that the film industry is not about art, it’s a business.

My 2nd Annual Birthday Kickball Game. I lost all 3 games last year, but I’m already training for 2009.

Seeing Johnny Cueto’s major league debut from 9 rows behind home plate. That kid is the next Jose Rijo. His stats don't reflect how well he did last year for a 22 year old and his ceiling is way high.

And most importantly, Jenny’s patience and support during a trying and eventful year.

Peace Out 2008