My parents sent me a hilarious Valentine's Day Card. On the outside was a cartoon girl and the text "To the daughter who really does have it all" On the inside: "ALL over!" with a drawing of a messy room, including a bowl of popcorn on the bed!
I had to run some errands this morning and in general was not up for a trip to Chicago, even though I had a diner date/bar date with Booker. He's retired from sex anyway. I have tix for a show at Beat Kitchen in a few weeks and will just wait until then to go up. Besides, this seemed to be a bad weekend for friends being available for hang outs.
Plus, there is a show at Firehouse is Normal on Saturday night and a lot of STL pals are driving up, so that will be sweet. It's also my birthday that day.
This is incredibly funny to me:
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Patron Saint
My brother has been sentenced to the workhouse, and he starts tomorrow.
Tonight he called my dad to tell him that he put my dad's name on the list so that if my dad wanted to come visit, he could.
Hahahahaha!
I love my brother, but he deserves what he has coming to him. He deserves to be in jail, and he needs some one to kick his butt into gear. All the rehab attempts have been useless, my parents have spent tens of thousands of dollars on lawyers fees to keep him out of jail, and he keeps falling into the same cycle of addiction. This picture is from the last time I saw him. He stole the $200 cash I received as a gift from my grandmas.
Totally related: We were not raised Catholic, but I have been turning toward certain Catholic saints, and in this case, specifically Saint Maximilian Kolbe, patron saint of drug addicts.
I kindly ask you, loyal reader, to please call on St. Maximilian Kolbe as well. For the sake of my brother and for the sake of drug addicts everywhere and the people who are affected by their disease.
Tonight he called my dad to tell him that he put my dad's name on the list so that if my dad wanted to come visit, he could.
Hahahahaha!
I love my brother, but he deserves what he has coming to him. He deserves to be in jail, and he needs some one to kick his butt into gear. All the rehab attempts have been useless, my parents have spent tens of thousands of dollars on lawyers fees to keep him out of jail, and he keeps falling into the same cycle of addiction. This picture is from the last time I saw him. He stole the $200 cash I received as a gift from my grandmas.
Totally related: We were not raised Catholic, but I have been turning toward certain Catholic saints, and in this case, specifically Saint Maximilian Kolbe, patron saint of drug addicts.
I kindly ask you, loyal reader, to please call on St. Maximilian Kolbe as well. For the sake of my brother and for the sake of drug addicts everywhere and the people who are affected by their disease.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
shorts recap
On Saturday night Karen and I met up at the Tivoli for shorts showcase. They were running both short animation and short fiction as separate programs, but back to back.
The EmCees were William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg, who won the Oscar last year.
Overall, I enjoyed the showcase, and I thought all the films were deserving. Interestingly enough, none of the films relied on dialog, which Karen and I discussed this at the end of the showcase. She would like dialog, but a large part of the appeal of the genre for me is that dialog isn't necessary. She made the argument that since "The Artist" won last year, now does everyone need to make their film silent. But no dialog in animation is nothing new.
And the program went as follows:
1. Maggie Simpson in 'The Longest Daycare': Excellent as expected from the Simpson's team. No dialog, but several jokes on posters/signs in the background. I remember the "Ayn Rand School for Tots" from a Treehouse of Horror episode or something a long time ago. The story was cute and fun, and there was a unified gasp from everyone in the big theater at a plot point near the end. Executed perfectly as expected from seasoned vets, but I don't think the academy will let Simpson's win.
2. Adam and Dog. At 16 minutes, this was too long, and it seemed to drag on. I appreciate that it was all cels and that a person actually painted all those pictures and exposed each one. I also appreciated the details in the man, such as the hair on the back of his hands, and also the exclusion of details, as in his swinging junk. Some of the walking movements were a little wonky, but again, this definitely did not have the smoothing aid of a computer. The sound was superb! Especially the wind sequences and leaves rustling. I was expected a credit from a film school at the end, but that wasn't the case, which surprised me. It just had a student film/thesis feel to it to me. I also had a problem that the Eve character who showed up with full perky breasts and long reddish hair.
3. Fresh Guac: Cute and creative, but not a winner. Clocking in a two minutes, it also had a student film feel to it. It was exectued well, and I enjoyed the creative inclusion of the "ingredients" such as Monolopy houses and colored die of various sizes, pool balls, Christmas lights, golf balls, and Trivial Pursuit pies. But again, student film feel, maybe trying out a few different in camera techniques.
4. Head Over Heels: Loved this. And this is my vote for the win. Perfect length of story but didn't feel rushed or sluggish. And I liked the story, too.
5. Paperman: Allegedly, this one seems to have the buzz about it that it will be the winner. I personally have a problem with Disney. I do not like the look of their artwork: Big doe-eyed characters, perfect-figure females. I was drawn into the story initially, but then I was just kind of put-off when then paper planes were dancing cutely behind the man and finally leading him and the girl to each other.
The showcase concluded with a few honorable mentions:
6. Dripped: It was from France, and in my opinion, was one of the best one of the night! I don't know why it wasn't nominated. I liked the artwork, the storyline, and the flying sequences and the general depressed feeling I could identify with in the main character. The premise is an art thief eats the paintings and turns into them/gets powers from them. When he has eaten all the famous paintings he has stolen, he tries to paint his own and ends up puking (hahaha!)
7. The Gruffalo's Child: I was a bit worried when I learned this one clocked in at 27 minutes, but those 27 minutes went by in a flash. All-star voice cast, excellently executed, smooth animation. Awesome sequences and sound with the snow/blizzard and the ice breaking on the lake. A cute story, to boot. I laughed out loud several times. Not sure why this one wasn't nominated as well.
8. I have a feeling there was another honorable mention that I am failing to recall/include.
I kind of had a headache by the end of the showcase, probably because I ate so much popcorn and was incredibly salted up. I passed on staying for the short fiction showcase, which was the right choice as I had a bitchin' migraine by the time I got home.
I might go back later in the week to check out of the short fiction showcase.
The EmCees were William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg, who won the Oscar last year.
Overall, I enjoyed the showcase, and I thought all the films were deserving. Interestingly enough, none of the films relied on dialog, which Karen and I discussed this at the end of the showcase. She would like dialog, but a large part of the appeal of the genre for me is that dialog isn't necessary. She made the argument that since "The Artist" won last year, now does everyone need to make their film silent. But no dialog in animation is nothing new.
And the program went as follows:
1. Maggie Simpson in 'The Longest Daycare': Excellent as expected from the Simpson's team. No dialog, but several jokes on posters/signs in the background. I remember the "Ayn Rand School for Tots" from a Treehouse of Horror episode or something a long time ago. The story was cute and fun, and there was a unified gasp from everyone in the big theater at a plot point near the end. Executed perfectly as expected from seasoned vets, but I don't think the academy will let Simpson's win.
2. Adam and Dog. At 16 minutes, this was too long, and it seemed to drag on. I appreciate that it was all cels and that a person actually painted all those pictures and exposed each one. I also appreciated the details in the man, such as the hair on the back of his hands, and also the exclusion of details, as in his swinging junk. Some of the walking movements were a little wonky, but again, this definitely did not have the smoothing aid of a computer. The sound was superb! Especially the wind sequences and leaves rustling. I was expected a credit from a film school at the end, but that wasn't the case, which surprised me. It just had a student film/thesis feel to it to me. I also had a problem that the Eve character who showed up with full perky breasts and long reddish hair.
3. Fresh Guac: Cute and creative, but not a winner. Clocking in a two minutes, it also had a student film feel to it. It was exectued well, and I enjoyed the creative inclusion of the "ingredients" such as Monolopy houses and colored die of various sizes, pool balls, Christmas lights, golf balls, and Trivial Pursuit pies. But again, student film feel, maybe trying out a few different in camera techniques.
4. Head Over Heels: Loved this. And this is my vote for the win. Perfect length of story but didn't feel rushed or sluggish. And I liked the story, too.
5. Paperman: Allegedly, this one seems to have the buzz about it that it will be the winner. I personally have a problem with Disney. I do not like the look of their artwork: Big doe-eyed characters, perfect-figure females. I was drawn into the story initially, but then I was just kind of put-off when then paper planes were dancing cutely behind the man and finally leading him and the girl to each other.
The showcase concluded with a few honorable mentions:
6. Dripped: It was from France, and in my opinion, was one of the best one of the night! I don't know why it wasn't nominated. I liked the artwork, the storyline, and the flying sequences and the general depressed feeling I could identify with in the main character. The premise is an art thief eats the paintings and turns into them/gets powers from them. When he has eaten all the famous paintings he has stolen, he tries to paint his own and ends up puking (hahaha!)
7. The Gruffalo's Child: I was a bit worried when I learned this one clocked in at 27 minutes, but those 27 minutes went by in a flash. All-star voice cast, excellently executed, smooth animation. Awesome sequences and sound with the snow/blizzard and the ice breaking on the lake. A cute story, to boot. I laughed out loud several times. Not sure why this one wasn't nominated as well.
8. I have a feeling there was another honorable mention that I am failing to recall/include.
I kind of had a headache by the end of the showcase, probably because I ate so much popcorn and was incredibly salted up. I passed on staying for the short fiction showcase, which was the right choice as I had a bitchin' migraine by the time I got home.
I might go back later in the week to check out of the short fiction showcase.
Friday, February 1, 2013
production plummet!
Productivity levels hit an all time low this week!
New season on Dallas started on TNT.
Justified on FX (Raylen is my boooooooy!)
New series The Americans on FX. I was a bit unsure about Felicity in a leading spy role, but she was bad-ass!
I did go to boxing twice and managed to avoid the flu (knock wood) that has sidelined two of my co-workers.
Extra shakes, extra vitamins, plenty of sleep, and hand washing, of course!
Unrelated: Not to toot my own horn, but this wedding I shot for Karen's sister looks and sounds great! It will be a nice momento for their family. Working on this and executing it so well have been quite a self-esteem booster. Or maybe I mean confirmer? ;)
New season on Dallas started on TNT.
Justified on FX (Raylen is my boooooooy!)
New series The Americans on FX. I was a bit unsure about Felicity in a leading spy role, but she was bad-ass!
I did go to boxing twice and managed to avoid the flu (knock wood) that has sidelined two of my co-workers.
Extra shakes, extra vitamins, plenty of sleep, and hand washing, of course!
Unrelated: Not to toot my own horn, but this wedding I shot for Karen's sister looks and sounds great! It will be a nice momento for their family. Working on this and executing it so well have been quite a self-esteem booster. Or maybe I mean confirmer? ;)
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Multiple Choice
So I received the following text from Bookit during our textversation during lunch:
Context is discussing the flu going around and trying to avoid it:
B: "...EAT A GIANT DICK, ILLNESS!"
S: "Unrelated: I'm coming up Feb 13 or 14 through 18. We should get food at least once."
B: "No sweat."
B: "Also: I mention a giant dick, you mention food. PERV!"
I did not respond to this, and it is prob too late now, but I think he wants to be Valentines.
Context is discussing the flu going around and trying to avoid it:
B: "...EAT A GIANT DICK, ILLNESS!"
S: "Unrelated: I'm coming up Feb 13 or 14 through 18. We should get food at least once."
B: "No sweat."
B: "Also: I mention a giant dick, you mention food. PERV!"
I did not respond to this, and it is prob too late now, but I think he wants to be Valentines.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
"Stay Retarded" recap
I was adamant about NOT attending the Dude's Mag party this weekend, because, well, I was expecting a total shit storm. Also, I have been sober since November 10, 2012 and being around shithammered people at 3am is super annoying when one is stone cold sober.
Besides, I had agreed to be part of Karen's trivia team at an event on Saturday night. It was at a parish in Afton, there was 38 teams present, and we came in first place! $240 purse!! Plus, all the popcorn (6 bowls), pretzels (1 bowl) and Sprite (3 8oz cups) I could drink.
Prior to trivia, I went to the Ballroom to meet up with Chi-Town and Ohio pals who were in town for the party. A super cute bearded guy who I have never seen and have no idea who he is, asked me, out of the blue while playing pinball, if I was going to Night Birds. I said, "Of course!" I don't think he lives here, he had that Chicago hipster vibe that I love so much.
Post trivia, I swung by Lemmon's, Ben paid $12 for me to get in because I didn't want to stay, just give Nato a token for a complimentary ice cream cone at Culver's, and GTFO! But I wasn't allowed in without a wristband, so I was just going to leave. But I ended up staying and actually had a good time. Spoke a lot with Christina, who laughed because literally like, 50 guys came up and either high-fived or hugged me and said hello! I gave Sam an extra long hug since his GF wasn't on this tour and he was in party mode (re: sociable) and really took in his dirty dirty scent. This made him laugh.
I don't really recall who all's sets I watched other than NC&TBDB and Masked Intruder, for whom I was down near the front. Several people crowd-surfing, everyone arms up singing along and dancing. Great set, great energy. Monster Mask was in attendance!!!
Came home about 2am and stayed up until 430 reading the new issue.
I have to give D and NH proper props; I was expecting a real shit storm, but was pleasantly surprised and had a great time.
Smile pit! Courtesy of PH:
Besides, I had agreed to be part of Karen's trivia team at an event on Saturday night. It was at a parish in Afton, there was 38 teams present, and we came in first place! $240 purse!! Plus, all the popcorn (6 bowls), pretzels (1 bowl) and Sprite (3 8oz cups) I could drink.
Prior to trivia, I went to the Ballroom to meet up with Chi-Town and Ohio pals who were in town for the party. A super cute bearded guy who I have never seen and have no idea who he is, asked me, out of the blue while playing pinball, if I was going to Night Birds. I said, "Of course!" I don't think he lives here, he had that Chicago hipster vibe that I love so much.
Post trivia, I swung by Lemmon's, Ben paid $12 for me to get in because I didn't want to stay, just give Nato a token for a complimentary ice cream cone at Culver's, and GTFO! But I wasn't allowed in without a wristband, so I was just going to leave. But I ended up staying and actually had a good time. Spoke a lot with Christina, who laughed because literally like, 50 guys came up and either high-fived or hugged me and said hello! I gave Sam an extra long hug since his GF wasn't on this tour and he was in party mode (re: sociable) and really took in his dirty dirty scent. This made him laugh.
I don't really recall who all's sets I watched other than NC&TBDB and Masked Intruder, for whom I was down near the front. Several people crowd-surfing, everyone arms up singing along and dancing. Great set, great energy. Monster Mask was in attendance!!!
Came home about 2am and stayed up until 430 reading the new issue.
I have to give D and NH proper props; I was expecting a real shit storm, but was pleasantly surprised and had a great time.
Smile pit! Courtesy of PH:
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