Friday, June 25, 2004
Got back in touch with the fine folks at Hip-O Records about continuing the work we were doing together pre-stroke. I had done several incarnations of their mascot Hippocrates for their off-shoot website, Hip-O Select. You can see the big fella on the left side of the website and see him dressed in different personas by refreshing your browser. Anyway, glad to see the work being used.
Today is 7 months for Linds and me. And it's a beautiful day.
(0) comments
Today is 7 months for Linds and me. And it's a beautiful day.
(0) comments
Sunday, June 20, 2004
When I was in 7th grade, I knew this girl named Cathy. I hated her and I basically let her know in my own inimitable way every day of her life. Even back then I was a top-seeded amateur smart-ass. I think back on it now and I feel pretty wretched about it. She was an unimposing, precocious, red-headed 13 year old; by all accounts a sort of busy-body but completely harmless. Still, for some reason I made her a target. It came to blows one day. We got in a huge verbal fight that turned physical. I don't remember much about it. I do remember pulling her hair and her reaction to it. She started crying and yelled, "Do you know why I'm moving to another school? Because of you!" That really hit hard. I didn't really know what I felt when I heard it that day, but I know it hurt.
Over the years, my impulse to denigrate others in order to boost my own self-esteem has waned but it still rears its ugly head now and again and I feel bad about it. Being mean for self-gratification just isn't what it used to be.
I feel even worse when others do it to people I love. It's a foul way to live and I can imagine people like this 20 years from now, their personalities whittled to nothing, ground down by their own perceived rapier wit. The momentary smirk earned from belittling those around you doesn't really compare to the black spot it leaves one's soul.
I know for a fact that my earlier transgressions have affected me throughout my adult life. And I'm still trying to correct for it. I'm doing the best I can for me and for the people I love.
(0) comments
Over the years, my impulse to denigrate others in order to boost my own self-esteem has waned but it still rears its ugly head now and again and I feel bad about it. Being mean for self-gratification just isn't what it used to be.
I feel even worse when others do it to people I love. It's a foul way to live and I can imagine people like this 20 years from now, their personalities whittled to nothing, ground down by their own perceived rapier wit. The momentary smirk earned from belittling those around you doesn't really compare to the black spot it leaves one's soul.
I know for a fact that my earlier transgressions have affected me throughout my adult life. And I'm still trying to correct for it. I'm doing the best I can for me and for the people I love.
(0) comments
Months have gone by since I've seen my friends' band, the Cousin Lovers. Actually, it's been months since I've had the desire to go out to any place club-ish. But Linds and I went last night to a joint called the Sunset Room to do just that. The venue is apparently some new LA night spot that's been getting press in the fashion/entertainment magazines but I'd only heard about it this past week. Very cool lookin' place, lots of space, with a restaurant attached. I could like it if the people didn't suck and they did not suck last night as so many of them were my friends.
Anyway, the band was in fine form despite the absence of fiddler Craig and the addition of harmonica guy Jack. Linds and I had a great time. We boogied a little and got to act like a couple in public, which was lovely.
Yesterday overall was a really great day for us anyway. I hope Sunday is the same.
The new Beastie Boys is out and I'm so happy to say it seems to be a purely hip hop album which I LOVE! The last few efforts, although excellent, dabbled too much in song-songy stuff. Beats and rhymes are all to be had on this record and with the full-fledged addition of Mix Master Mike the final product is just--well, just ch-ch-check it out.
(0) comments
Anyway, the band was in fine form despite the absence of fiddler Craig and the addition of harmonica guy Jack. Linds and I had a great time. We boogied a little and got to act like a couple in public, which was lovely.
Yesterday overall was a really great day for us anyway. I hope Sunday is the same.
The new Beastie Boys is out and I'm so happy to say it seems to be a purely hip hop album which I LOVE! The last few efforts, although excellent, dabbled too much in song-songy stuff. Beats and rhymes are all to be had on this record and with the full-fledged addition of Mix Master Mike the final product is just--well, just ch-ch-check it out.
(0) comments
Saturday, June 12, 2004
After a little early morning canoodling, Linds has passed out and I'm up pondering my day. I forgot to write yesterday that last month was our 6 month anniversary together. It may not sound like a long time but after nearly 10 years of not having nor wanting a girlfriend, it is. I got done playing the field in my 20s and now I'm here for the long haul with this great girl.
She got glasses last week. Guess what? She's cuter.
I'm working on a horrendous shot for "I, Robot" right now. It's all I'm gonna think about all weekend. I hate it when I bring work home. I think it's my last bit of work for this show but it's gonna take days. Now, days isn't long in movie effects time but this particular shot is swimming in tedium. The bummer about it (and also the cool part about it) is that if I do my job right, not a soul will ever know I even did anything. So much of effects work is just that: invisible effects that fix something production doesn't like, for example, and it's completely unsung work. It's not flashy like dinosaurs and tidal waves. But just about every single movie we see today has them. "Hey, a boom mic dipped into the scene." Digitally removed. "We don't like that sky." Digitally replace. "That guy? We don't want him to talk." Digital mouth replacement. And it happens in just about every TV show now as well. Just think about that next time you're watching "Gilmore Girls".
(0) comments
She got glasses last week. Guess what? She's cuter.
I'm working on a horrendous shot for "I, Robot" right now. It's all I'm gonna think about all weekend. I hate it when I bring work home. I think it's my last bit of work for this show but it's gonna take days. Now, days isn't long in movie effects time but this particular shot is swimming in tedium. The bummer about it (and also the cool part about it) is that if I do my job right, not a soul will ever know I even did anything. So much of effects work is just that: invisible effects that fix something production doesn't like, for example, and it's completely unsung work. It's not flashy like dinosaurs and tidal waves. But just about every single movie we see today has them. "Hey, a boom mic dipped into the scene." Digitally removed. "We don't like that sky." Digitally replace. "That guy? We don't want him to talk." Digital mouth replacement. And it happens in just about every TV show now as well. Just think about that next time you're watching "Gilmore Girls".
(0) comments
Friday, June 11, 2004
Why the hell does Scott Baio get to go to Ronald Reagan's funeral? Arnold, I understand. Even Merv Griffin. But Scott Baio? Hollywood's premiere blonde trim hunter?
I don't get it.
(0) comments
I don't get it.
(0) comments
This sucker has slowly turned into "The Monthly Rick" as I have not had much to write about. So I'm cramming many things into one entry.
My health is steady but unsure.
The only thing that's really sure in my life is my darling Linds who celebrated a birthday at the end of last month. We threw a party for her at the apartment and I must say it was a big success. I didn't expect so many people to show up but the place was packed like Jonestown on Kool-Aid Day. We're trying to streamline my life so we've got a garage sale planned for maybe next week. I realized I somewhat obsessed over material possession and now that that's all gone I really don't care to have most of the stuff I have now. I like my books, some of my music, some of my movies, and that's about it. Not sure what will actually go on sale, but I hope it makes a dent. My babygirl needs closet space.
Anyway...happy birthday, my angel. My light. My star.
I've done about two weeks of freelance effects work on "I, Robot", the big Will Smith summer flick. I've enjoyed the director Alex Proyas' past films (Dark City and The Crow) and I'm hoping this one will be good. I do so love robots. Found out that I'm probably getting a credit as well so keep them eyes peeled for my name while you're desperately trying not to piss yourselves after the movie.
I did some illustration work for S-Curve Records artist Sarah Hudson a few months ago and the stuff's finally starting to pop up on her official website. Some of the artwork will also be on her first cd which will be released on July 13th. Look out for it! I met her during the production of the artwork. She's a very nice girl. If her music hits with the kids, you'll never stop hearing her music.
(0) comments
My health is steady but unsure.
The only thing that's really sure in my life is my darling Linds who celebrated a birthday at the end of last month. We threw a party for her at the apartment and I must say it was a big success. I didn't expect so many people to show up but the place was packed like Jonestown on Kool-Aid Day. We're trying to streamline my life so we've got a garage sale planned for maybe next week. I realized I somewhat obsessed over material possession and now that that's all gone I really don't care to have most of the stuff I have now. I like my books, some of my music, some of my movies, and that's about it. Not sure what will actually go on sale, but I hope it makes a dent. My babygirl needs closet space.
Anyway...happy birthday, my angel. My light. My star.
I've done about two weeks of freelance effects work on "I, Robot", the big Will Smith summer flick. I've enjoyed the director Alex Proyas' past films (Dark City and The Crow) and I'm hoping this one will be good. I do so love robots. Found out that I'm probably getting a credit as well so keep them eyes peeled for my name while you're desperately trying not to piss yourselves after the movie.
I did some illustration work for S-Curve Records artist Sarah Hudson a few months ago and the stuff's finally starting to pop up on her official website. Some of the artwork will also be on her first cd which will be released on July 13th. Look out for it! I met her during the production of the artwork. She's a very nice girl. If her music hits with the kids, you'll never stop hearing her music.
(0) comments
