Work, work, work.
We work so much, we are actually at the office for a two week period when only one week has passed.
We are so tired, we all do stupid things all the time. It's funnyyy and pathetic at the same time. A few hours ago I actually tried to open my apartment door with my car alarm. I only realized what I was doing when I heard a loud "horn" sound coming from down the street [i.e. my car]
Another friend at work asked a co-worked what file was he wearing?
The staff at the Starbucks down the street know our names now. I've already used the word pathetic so I really shouldn't use it again, but I can't think of a more appropriate word to describe the situation.
I haven't written on this blog for a very long time because I can barely stay focused for more than a few minutes. Same thing for the TV. No point in watching good stuff, I just won't pay attention and it will all be for nothing. I am loosing it fast ... got ...to ..go ... to ...bed.
I am posting it without proofreading the thing. it's going to take me a while to complete this entry. I guess we all have our burden to carry.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
034 J'espere ...
My best wish of the week:
When we discussed prototyping the other day, Marty asked me what would be the ultimate 3d physical model – prototyping technique we could use in the office. I told him that what I want doesn’t exist yet. If we’re not going to make something with our hands, if we are no longer going to go through the actual process of “making” and instead send a file to the 3d printer and get someone in the shop to do it, well I then think what we need is a 3d physical modeling technique that is as fast and as cheap as a screen refresh. Millisecond refresh rate, millisecond model making … for zero dollar. THAT’s my ultimate. He laughed at that, but I still stand by what I said. Don’t ask these questions if you can’t handle the answer.
The best conversation I’ve had in a while:
In the meantime, Satoru and I have been having an ongoing conversation about what we could hook up to a USB key [laptop is a must] while at work. Here is what we have come up with so far:
- A cup of coffee. Just imagine, you get your coffee cup hooked on your laptop. The cup heats up and keeps track of where you are with the levels and caffeine intake. Always know where you stand … it’s important.
- A cooling plate with a small ventilator or a mini AC machine. It’s hot in our office, we need the air.
- A hologram of my model. Making it easy to work with model stuff and instantly see as it would be, in 3d.
- Speaking of 3d, we need a USB key – milling machine to mill mini version of our models.
… The list is growing …
The best life strategy I came up with recently:
I’m dying for a gigantic earthquake right now. I need a short vacation, just enough so that I can relax and ignore work-architecture-alarm clocks and responsibilities.
This might be quite a drastic measure, just to avoid the things that consume most of my life. What the hell, we don’t get the time off from work, so we can only rely on death and natural disasters.
The most embarrassing thing that happened to me today:
I got voted best person of the week at Mo0rphosis. What the fuck does that mean?
The best lifestyle choices I made today:
Cheetos for breakfast, Coffee for lunch and I think I might even go for some cheese tonight. Live dangerously, that’s how it’s done.
When we discussed prototyping the other day, Marty asked me what would be the ultimate 3d physical model – prototyping technique we could use in the office. I told him that what I want doesn’t exist yet. If we’re not going to make something with our hands, if we are no longer going to go through the actual process of “making” and instead send a file to the 3d printer and get someone in the shop to do it, well I then think what we need is a 3d physical modeling technique that is as fast and as cheap as a screen refresh. Millisecond refresh rate, millisecond model making … for zero dollar. THAT’s my ultimate. He laughed at that, but I still stand by what I said. Don’t ask these questions if you can’t handle the answer.
The best conversation I’ve had in a while:
In the meantime, Satoru and I have been having an ongoing conversation about what we could hook up to a USB key [laptop is a must] while at work. Here is what we have come up with so far:
- A cup of coffee. Just imagine, you get your coffee cup hooked on your laptop. The cup heats up and keeps track of where you are with the levels and caffeine intake. Always know where you stand … it’s important.
- A cooling plate with a small ventilator or a mini AC machine. It’s hot in our office, we need the air.
- A hologram of my model. Making it easy to work with model stuff and instantly see as it would be, in 3d.
- Speaking of 3d, we need a USB key – milling machine to mill mini version of our models.
… The list is growing …
The best life strategy I came up with recently:
I’m dying for a gigantic earthquake right now. I need a short vacation, just enough so that I can relax and ignore work-architecture-alarm clocks and responsibilities.
This might be quite a drastic measure, just to avoid the things that consume most of my life. What the hell, we don’t get the time off from work, so we can only rely on death and natural disasters.
The most embarrassing thing that happened to me today:
I got voted best person of the week at Mo0rphosis. What the fuck does that mean?
The best lifestyle choices I made today:
Cheetos for breakfast, Coffee for lunch and I think I might even go for some cheese tonight. Live dangerously, that’s how it’s done.
Monday, October 5, 2009
033 Starge Universe [SGU]
Universe: So, here I am storing the show on my DVR and thinking that for the first time ever, I am actually going to watch this series from the start. It was difficult, I kept it tucked away for three days before I worked up the courage to watch it. I was working on an interview [The Joel Goldsmith one] and was unfortunately given a lot of information about the season before even watching the first episode. So I knew more than I should have when I finally watched it. "Air" [Title of the episode] is a great departure although it could be said that it is not so different at all. The creative team is exactly the same, those guys are still there working at it. To say they are reinventing the wheel but then use the same team to make it, is in my mind a conflicting statement.
It is trying very hard to be different. To be about the characters and not just an action flick. To be mindful of the viewers who are not so stupid after all. To give us a little bit of the darkness in Battlestar Galactica without loosing the fun-careless action of previous Stargate seems to be a tall order. I guess it works in some ways but right now, it’s borderline too dark. Hopefully things get more varied as the shows go on. I hope they can strike a balance.
I know it is probably unfair to judge the show on the premiere episode, but I would think that they would make those first two hours, the best two hours possible. I don’t think they succeeded in that regard. Even if as a whole, the series is more story and character based, I think that the first two hours need to establish more of a hook, a connection for the viewer to hang on to. I think these first two hours were treated too much like a regular episode, I think it needs to be more flashy. Same thing with the characters, it’s difficult to become part of the story and to care about the people because they are already [for the most part] showing way too many weaknesses and flaws. They should build more on that as things evolve rather than throw it all in our faces right away. It’s the disappointment, the discovery, the reversal that makes things interesting. Being curious about a character only to find out later that there is something wrong about him or her is the best part.
The guests: The cast of SG1 [of course Atlantis always gets left in the dirt with these things] makes a brief appearance and I have to say … They all looked really old except for Michael Shanks. That was just weird. Not enough to be completely distracting, but just plain weird.
The music: I don’t think it worked at all. There was nothing that really made it special. I understand they want to stay away from the aesthetic of previous shows and I think that was a good idea. But they need to establish an identity, something recognizable even if it’s subtle and minimalist. The ship is its own thing, for the first time it’s obvious that the Destiny is going to be a character and not just a set. I love that.
Did I manage to talk about SGU without actually voicing a specific opinion? I think I want to leave it vague because it’s only the first episode and I want to give them the chance to show that they are as awesome as they say they are.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
032 OMG, He does care about us.
I must be overreacting again. It happens to me often enough that I am not always sure I actually mean it. [if that makes any sense.]
I just saw a full on, legitimate commercial for a “special” medication. Ah! wait for this one, it’s priceless …
Woman can now grow fuller, longer, darker and better EYELASHES!!! It's a miracle.
No more of that “Oh, Boubou, you look a little tired, have you gained weight?”, “Shenee, is this you? OooMaaaGooosh what happen to your eyes?” Or the Nene [Housewives of Atlanta] type answer “Damn Kim, did you get in a fight with some clippers or something? Looks like you lost you eye hair. Well, at least you look surprised and alert, all the time now.“
Please, kill me now. I can’t believe that pharmaceutical companies spend so much money like this. The research, the marketing and the commercial … it’s beyond ridiculous. There are countless diseases out there that kill millions of people all over the world. And if people of America don’t care about the people of the world, well, let me rephrase: “There are countless diseases that kill thousands of people all over America.” [South America and Canada not included in this statement]
I mean, if they really, really want to waste money on useless shit, I can help. I mean it’s true, I rarely come up with something useful, although I myself never though about the eyelashes situation per se. Sounds pretty serious. And it is a genius idea to drop millions of dollars on eyelash rejuvenation. Thank God they made a commercial explaining the crisis. Hiring Brooke Shields was also another genius idea. They must have a few of them out there or was it just divine intervention? Well, however it happened, we definitely need strong, proud and level headed women who are not be afraid to talk about their own eyelash situation.
Anyway, everyone: Enjoy the eyelash commercial. At the end they recommend you go see a doctor, because of course you need a prescription for this particular “remedy.” So, now the doctors and the insurance companies are also sharing in the bounty of our stupidity. Hey, that’s what they do in China. They spread the wealth all around. And from what I hear, it's a country full of really happy people.
I just saw a full on, legitimate commercial for a “special” medication. Ah! wait for this one, it’s priceless …
Woman can now grow fuller, longer, darker and better EYELASHES!!! It's a miracle.
No more of that “Oh, Boubou, you look a little tired, have you gained weight?”, “Shenee, is this you? OooMaaaGooosh what happen to your eyes?” Or the Nene [Housewives of Atlanta] type answer “Damn Kim, did you get in a fight with some clippers or something? Looks like you lost you eye hair. Well, at least you look surprised and alert, all the time now.“
Please, kill me now. I can’t believe that pharmaceutical companies spend so much money like this. The research, the marketing and the commercial … it’s beyond ridiculous. There are countless diseases out there that kill millions of people all over the world. And if people of America don’t care about the people of the world, well, let me rephrase: “There are countless diseases that kill thousands of people all over America.” [South America and Canada not included in this statement]
I mean, if they really, really want to waste money on useless shit, I can help. I mean it’s true, I rarely come up with something useful, although I myself never though about the eyelashes situation per se. Sounds pretty serious. And it is a genius idea to drop millions of dollars on eyelash rejuvenation. Thank God they made a commercial explaining the crisis. Hiring Brooke Shields was also another genius idea. They must have a few of them out there or was it just divine intervention? Well, however it happened, we definitely need strong, proud and level headed women who are not be afraid to talk about their own eyelash situation.
Anyway, everyone: Enjoy the eyelash commercial. At the end they recommend you go see a doctor, because of course you need a prescription for this particular “remedy.” So, now the doctors and the insurance companies are also sharing in the bounty of our stupidity. Hey, that’s what they do in China. They spread the wealth all around. And from what I hear, it's a country full of really happy people.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
031 The Problem with Lambda
We’re back making architecture this week. The project was introduced to the press, we went public ... Now it’s time to get going [Seriously]. The problem we are facing is that a portion of the design was represented conceptually. There is a major component that is explicit and readable as architectural form. And then, there is another that is suggested rather than clearly stated [it's complicated].Obviously, put the two together and you create a certain ambiguity. For people “in the know,” it’s completely fine and may even be playfully stated, but for the common “man” it is somewhat confusing. They default back to trying to connect the forms to something they know, something they are familiar with . And if our model and renderings mix explicit representation with implicit meaning things just get impossible to sort through. The goal was simple, the intent clear but the resolution was ambiguous.
Friday, September 18, 2009
030 Summer Television Fling
My 2009 summer TV adventures:
Summer is ending this weekend and so are all our summer shows. It wasn't a fling, more like research [and I say this with a straight face] I watched a lot of it for fun. Prerequisite is definitely low brain activity.
Mostly, I am looking for help while on a quest for inspiration: Stuff like good scripts, directing, character developments and good plots. I selfishly try to understand how to put a good story together. I got my own thing going.
Some of the shows feel like fill-ins and miss the mark, others are actually worth something.
And then, there are the guilty pleasures. In general, the summer choices are limited -- I deal with it.
THE CLOSER [season 5]
The classic well acted, well written, witty, funny show I will watch until it ends.
Ooh yeah, I really like that show. I fell into it randomly when I was in Europe. I was just looking for anything that wasn’t dubbed. Even though I speak french, I get angry when I have to watch something dubbed in ANY language really. And French television automatically "dubbs" everything [Is that a word?]. That’s just a shame. I keep thinking that they would be better served by limiting the amount of American shows they keep playing thus avoiding the "constant dubbing effect." Luckily the Dutch are still using subtitles [not enough people speaking that language to justify dubbing the shows] and so The Closer was one of the shows I watched. Once I got back in the US, I immediately added it to my DVR and have been taping it ever since.
Every episode this season was good and oh so deliciously classic. The body stuffed inside the cooler episode just says it all. It really looked like they made a real effort. Just like CSI did after loosing William Petersen [Grissom]. The guys on The Closer are pros, they know what they’re doing and it shows. And now Kyra Sedgwick’s got her daughter involved in this. With Kevin directing, this is becoming a real family affair. The only annoying thing about the show is that Kyra Sedgwick has really really ugly hands. I noticed it a couple of seasons ago [Kim Bassinger has the same problem]. I was kind of getting over it when "someone" who was watching it with me made a comment. THAT was funny.
DEFYING GRAVITY [new]
The surprise -- Anonymous show I don’t know what to think of.
This one snuck up on me. ABC never really advertised it and so it came as a surprise when I flipped the channel one day and discovered it. I just don’t understand that. It’s like they want it to fail, just like Virtuosity [this one did fail]. Defying Gravity is one of the new shows FOX studio filmed in Vancouver in order to lower the cost. I have seen all the episodes, thanks to HULU. I have no idea if it will be canceled, although I would not be surprised if it was. [Go there for synopsis]
I hope that this season ends with some kind of answer because I could not handle yet another “Lost Wannabe.” Too many questions and too many unknown can be overwhelming sometimes. I actually stopped watching Lost a few seasons ago for that reason. The last 2 seasons I saw, I actually taped every episode and then watched everything at once because the wait between episodes was just too much. And even then, I was still getting frustrated. Anyway, my hope is that Defying Gravity will have more resolution and answers at the end of the season.
Do I like it? That’s another frustrating thing. Even though I am watching the thing, I still can’t decide. I am currently leaning towards “No.” I do tape every episode or if I miss one, I’ll just watch it on HULU. I skip a lot of parts, as usual to avoid the commercials, but with this series, I have been skipping actual portions of the show. I am not necessarily bored, just ready to move on.
EUREKA [season 3]
The “coup de coeur” -- Better late than never.
This is the revelation of the year for me. I have always avoided it after trying to watch it a couple of times. The problem with SYFY shows, is that they are often a too soft and turn to comedy rather than take itself a little bit more seriously. In this case, it took me a while to get into it and the only reason I started watching it in the first place is because there isn’t much of anything going on during the summer. Most shows are on hiatus and so I find myself “lowering my standards” and exploring the channel lineup a little bit more. That’s how I find little gems here and there … Such as Eureka. The season finale is coming up, too bad. I barely had time to get into it. I have however 2 more seasons of the series to watch and Colin Ferguson, genius that he is, started a Eureka podcast commentary for the show.
WAREHOUSE 13 [new]
The disappointment – that I continue to watch.
Too soft. Way too soft. I mean, I like it but at the same time I feel it’s a little bit of a “quickly put together – summer filler” type of series. The fact that it is doing really well is at least in part due to the fact that people are starving for new material and they [like me] will watch things they would never have considered watching in the Fall or Spring seasons. They are lucky to have come one when they did, because I am not sure how it would have fared against the Fall lineup and Stargate Universe. [Go there for synopsis]
The story itself is not that unique but it definitely allows for a wide range of stories. The problem is that it doesn't know if it wants to be a drama or a comedy which makes everything bland. And yet, I am still watching it.
FLIPPED OUT & HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA
The guilty pleasures someone could watch at night with the shades down.
If someone were to watch any of those shows it would be because they portray people that are so outrageously in denial, completely full of themselves and definitely out of touch with “our” reality, kind of like SciFi. I can’t say too much because I haven’t personally seen it [ah!] but I can’t imagine it wouldn’t get a chuckle out of anyone seeing it for the first time, actually it's much more than that, those shows are hilarious.
The real question is this: If this is so bad, why would anyone waste any time watching this tripe?
Anyway, this is in part what I was doing this summer. Now I wait impatiently for Stargate Universe, Sanctuary, Fringe, House, CSI, NCIS, Dexter, Family Guy, American Dad, Southland, The office and Community. Already annoyed by The mentalist, Parks and Recreation, Dollhouse, The Cleveland Show, Castle, Flashforward, Medium and on and on. Some of these have already started by the way.
Summer is ending this weekend and so are all our summer shows. It wasn't a fling, more like research [and I say this with a straight face] I watched a lot of it for fun. Prerequisite is definitely low brain activity.
Mostly, I am looking for help while on a quest for inspiration: Stuff like good scripts, directing, character developments and good plots. I selfishly try to understand how to put a good story together. I got my own thing going.
Some of the shows feel like fill-ins and miss the mark, others are actually worth something.
And then, there are the guilty pleasures. In general, the summer choices are limited -- I deal with it.
THE CLOSER [season 5]
The classic well acted, well written, witty, funny show I will watch until it ends.
Ooh yeah, I really like that show. I fell into it randomly when I was in Europe. I was just looking for anything that wasn’t dubbed. Even though I speak french, I get angry when I have to watch something dubbed in ANY language really. And French television automatically "dubbs" everything [Is that a word?]. That’s just a shame. I keep thinking that they would be better served by limiting the amount of American shows they keep playing thus avoiding the "constant dubbing effect." Luckily the Dutch are still using subtitles [not enough people speaking that language to justify dubbing the shows] and so The Closer was one of the shows I watched. Once I got back in the US, I immediately added it to my DVR and have been taping it ever since.
Every episode this season was good and oh so deliciously classic. The body stuffed inside the cooler episode just says it all. It really looked like they made a real effort. Just like CSI did after loosing William Petersen [Grissom]. The guys on The Closer are pros, they know what they’re doing and it shows. And now Kyra Sedgwick’s got her daughter involved in this. With Kevin directing, this is becoming a real family affair. The only annoying thing about the show is that Kyra Sedgwick has really really ugly hands. I noticed it a couple of seasons ago [Kim Bassinger has the same problem]. I was kind of getting over it when "someone" who was watching it with me made a comment. THAT was funny.
DEFYING GRAVITY [new]
The surprise -- Anonymous show I don’t know what to think of.
This one snuck up on me. ABC never really advertised it and so it came as a surprise when I flipped the channel one day and discovered it. I just don’t understand that. It’s like they want it to fail, just like Virtuosity [this one did fail]. Defying Gravity is one of the new shows FOX studio filmed in Vancouver in order to lower the cost. I have seen all the episodes, thanks to HULU. I have no idea if it will be canceled, although I would not be surprised if it was. [Go there for synopsis]
I hope that this season ends with some kind of answer because I could not handle yet another “Lost Wannabe.” Too many questions and too many unknown can be overwhelming sometimes. I actually stopped watching Lost a few seasons ago for that reason. The last 2 seasons I saw, I actually taped every episode and then watched everything at once because the wait between episodes was just too much. And even then, I was still getting frustrated. Anyway, my hope is that Defying Gravity will have more resolution and answers at the end of the season.
Do I like it? That’s another frustrating thing. Even though I am watching the thing, I still can’t decide. I am currently leaning towards “No.” I do tape every episode or if I miss one, I’ll just watch it on HULU. I skip a lot of parts, as usual to avoid the commercials, but with this series, I have been skipping actual portions of the show. I am not necessarily bored, just ready to move on.
EUREKA [season 3]
The “coup de coeur” -- Better late than never.
This is the revelation of the year for me. I have always avoided it after trying to watch it a couple of times. The problem with SYFY shows, is that they are often a too soft and turn to comedy rather than take itself a little bit more seriously. In this case, it took me a while to get into it and the only reason I started watching it in the first place is because there isn’t much of anything going on during the summer. Most shows are on hiatus and so I find myself “lowering my standards” and exploring the channel lineup a little bit more. That’s how I find little gems here and there … Such as Eureka. The season finale is coming up, too bad. I barely had time to get into it. I have however 2 more seasons of the series to watch and Colin Ferguson, genius that he is, started a Eureka podcast commentary for the show.
WAREHOUSE 13 [new]
The disappointment – that I continue to watch.
Too soft. Way too soft. I mean, I like it but at the same time I feel it’s a little bit of a “quickly put together – summer filler” type of series. The fact that it is doing really well is at least in part due to the fact that people are starving for new material and they [like me] will watch things they would never have considered watching in the Fall or Spring seasons. They are lucky to have come one when they did, because I am not sure how it would have fared against the Fall lineup and Stargate Universe. [Go there for synopsis]
The story itself is not that unique but it definitely allows for a wide range of stories. The problem is that it doesn't know if it wants to be a drama or a comedy which makes everything bland. And yet, I am still watching it.
FLIPPED OUT & HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA
The guilty pleasures someone could watch at night with the shades down.
If someone were to watch any of those shows it would be because they portray people that are so outrageously in denial, completely full of themselves and definitely out of touch with “our” reality, kind of like SciFi. I can’t say too much because I haven’t personally seen it [ah!] but I can’t imagine it wouldn’t get a chuckle out of anyone seeing it for the first time, actually it's much more than that, those shows are hilarious.
The real question is this: If this is so bad, why would anyone waste any time watching this tripe?
Anyway, this is in part what I was doing this summer. Now I wait impatiently for Stargate Universe, Sanctuary, Fringe, House, CSI, NCIS, Dexter, Family Guy, American Dad, Southland, The office and Community. Already annoyed by The mentalist, Parks and Recreation, Dollhouse, The Cleveland Show, Castle, Flashforward, Medium and on and on. Some of these have already started by the way.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
029 Lifer
Before the vacation
Did a presentation on parametrics in the office. Talked about what it means to integrate those intelligent models in the early phases of design. Talked about education as it relates to parametrics. Good times.
The vacation
Went to the beach, got some sun, played with the dolphins,swam in the ocean and ate a bunch of good stuff … the typical vacation package.
After the vacation
Coming back to our dark, hot workspace in Santa Monica, I had a revelation … I feel worst coming back. I keep thinking this vacation turned out to be the biggest teaser ever. Just like prison. I get a 24hr pass to get out and do whatever I want. Knowing what’s on the outside can do more harm than never really experiencing it in the first place … I don’t think I really thought about it before, but I haven’t gone away in a year and a half. Definitely pathetic and slightly embarrassing.
Too much work in this country. 50-60 hours a week on average including many, many weekends. What do we live for then? Most people I know can’t say no. Fear is the name of the game. Shit, I say no all the time about everything, one would think I should be able to handle it.
The script is moving along. I finally got a title which I won’t reveal, it’s taken me 4 months to come up with it. Could still change, but I am confident this is going to work. I’ve marked the occasion by carving it in a bracelet. It’s not a tattoo but cool anyway.
I used to have a good full story written from start to finish, but with all the changes I have made recently, I am back to the first half outline and still puzzled as to what I am going to do with it. It’s an I’m excited but freaking out moment.
The enemy is back to a generic entity although it has some specific characteristics that will drive the story [Good stuff]. The main character is much better but too weak right now, I have to rework him – urgently, it’s driving me nuts.
In a moment of inspiration I have decided to start on some of the Maya [dynamics] animations for the ship and the station. There's not enough time, I really need to figure out a way to make it part of my R&D at work. Kill two birds with one stone … Or whatever that expression is.
I got yet another interview done for the guys. This one is again with Joe Flanigan. He was good in SGA but with the exception of a guest spot on Warehouse 13 he hasn’t done much – That’s unfortunate.
Did a presentation on parametrics in the office. Talked about what it means to integrate those intelligent models in the early phases of design. Talked about education as it relates to parametrics. Good times.
The vacation
Went to the beach, got some sun, played with the dolphins,swam in the ocean and ate a bunch of good stuff … the typical vacation package.
After the vacation
Coming back to our dark, hot workspace in Santa Monica, I had a revelation … I feel worst coming back. I keep thinking this vacation turned out to be the biggest teaser ever. Just like prison. I get a 24hr pass to get out and do whatever I want. Knowing what’s on the outside can do more harm than never really experiencing it in the first place … I don’t think I really thought about it before, but I haven’t gone away in a year and a half. Definitely pathetic and slightly embarrassing.
Too much work in this country. 50-60 hours a week on average including many, many weekends. What do we live for then? Most people I know can’t say no. Fear is the name of the game. Shit, I say no all the time about everything, one would think I should be able to handle it.
The script is moving along. I finally got a title which I won’t reveal, it’s taken me 4 months to come up with it. Could still change, but I am confident this is going to work. I’ve marked the occasion by carving it in a bracelet. It’s not a tattoo but cool anyway.
I used to have a good full story written from start to finish, but with all the changes I have made recently, I am back to the first half outline and still puzzled as to what I am going to do with it. It’s an I’m excited but freaking out moment.
The enemy is back to a generic entity although it has some specific characteristics that will drive the story [Good stuff]. The main character is much better but too weak right now, I have to rework him – urgently, it’s driving me nuts.
In a moment of inspiration I have decided to start on some of the Maya [dynamics] animations for the ship and the station. There's not enough time, I really need to figure out a way to make it part of my R&D at work. Kill two birds with one stone … Or whatever that expression is.
I got yet another interview done for the guys. This one is again with Joe Flanigan. He was good in SGA but with the exception of a guest spot on Warehouse 13 he hasn’t done much – That’s unfortunate.
Monday, August 10, 2009
028 District 9
Well I finally went to see it. And I don’t regret it. I have been worried about seeing another movie of that caliber because my screenwriting experience is really ruining everything for me. I now know the inner workings of story telling, the tricks of the trade, the hidden meanings.
It’s disturbing.
It’s making it very difficult to watch something and enjoy it “innocently.” So I tried to play it dumb while watching District 9, it worked … To a point.
The interesting peculiarities of this movie are subtle and I am sure that there are a lot of people viewing this movie who wouldn’t necessarily know why they like or dislike it.
The main thing is that this movie is clearly not Hollywood-made. And that makes a huge difference. Different rhythm, different story, different sensibility all around. It’s refreshing but it also emphasizes how much we are used to and influenced by the Hollywood-type of story telling.
In a weird way, I would also argue that the story is not about aliens at all. The issues at hand here are about humanity and/or lack thereof. Of course, the best Sci-Fi stories always weave classic human struggles in a fantastic setting. Here we are dealing with refugees, political and social unrest, ethnic cleansing and segregation. [To name only a few] The setting -- Johannesburg -- is the perfect location to explore those particular issues. And let’s not forget the subtle and yet obvious sprinkling of innuendos and cryptic references to something suspiciously similar to apartheid. [And district 6 for those in the know]
Wikus Van De Merwe is annoyingly failing as a human being every step of the way. Up until the end, he persists on being the anti-hero. As I said, this is not Hollywood and what happens to him at the end is as unsatisfactory as it can get. Christopher and his son on the other hand are from the beginning much more “human” than Wikus and dare I say it, the entire human race as it is portrayed in this movie.
Great variety of deaths all over the place, always entertaining. Love the weapons, the ship and all alien technology. I am just a sucker for that stuff. The bad Nigerian crew is just, well … bad.
And then there’s the cat food. Ingenious and disgusting. Loved it.
Finally I was impressed with the special effects. It was difficult if not impossible to differentiate alien puppets and actors in suits from full FX. Did the actors spend the whole movie talking to tennis balls? I just don’t know.
I keep reminding myself that they did this for only 30 million dollars. I don’t know if Halo with its overinflated budget of 150 million dollars would have been that much better. But that’s just my opinion.
Go see it.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
027 There's this girl I know
Yesterday:
I was already annoyed with the world, so it didn’t take much to get me started with the eye rolling, but sometimes I just can’t help it.
There is this girl I know with whom I will never be friends. And I am totally fine with that.
Anyway, this girl was talking to someone near me. The subject of the conversation was the most stupid and anal thing, the sort of conversations girls often have. There is no point, no interest and certainly no need for it. It’s just a waste of time.
During the whole conversation she was making these baby faces and jumping up and down and then she walked away hopping and singing. What the fuck is going on here? The whole time I was thinking “What the hell is she doing?”
I realized later that she was checking out her immediate surroundings. She was trying to see if anybody was smiling or appreciating her antics. [I made a point to ignore her of course]
I mean, does she really have to act like little baby girls to get noticed? Do we need to hear her comment on her inner thoughts out loud? Because, that’s what she was doing. I was trying to put myself in the guy’s position and see if there was anything even remotely attractive about a girl playing all these games. I couldn’t figure it out. I should ask.
I might even give her some “friendly” advice and suggest that she drop the little girl routine, it’s disturbing and it's obviously not working out for her.
Today:
Oh my God! She’s freaking hopping again!
I was already annoyed with the world, so it didn’t take much to get me started with the eye rolling, but sometimes I just can’t help it.
There is this girl I know with whom I will never be friends. And I am totally fine with that.
Anyway, this girl was talking to someone near me. The subject of the conversation was the most stupid and anal thing, the sort of conversations girls often have. There is no point, no interest and certainly no need for it. It’s just a waste of time.
During the whole conversation she was making these baby faces and jumping up and down and then she walked away hopping and singing. What the fuck is going on here? The whole time I was thinking “What the hell is she doing?”
I realized later that she was checking out her immediate surroundings. She was trying to see if anybody was smiling or appreciating her antics. [I made a point to ignore her of course]
I mean, does she really have to act like little baby girls to get noticed? Do we need to hear her comment on her inner thoughts out loud? Because, that’s what she was doing. I was trying to put myself in the guy’s position and see if there was anything even remotely attractive about a girl playing all these games. I couldn’t figure it out. I should ask.
I might even give her some “friendly” advice and suggest that she drop the little girl routine, it’s disturbing and it's obviously not working out for her.
Today:
Oh my God! She’s freaking hopping again!
Friday, July 17, 2009
026 Working my derrière to death
Yeah that's right. My butt hurts from sitting in the same chair for 15 hours a day.
... On stupid day 7 and counting.
I have been working in 2d microstation for 60 hours. This thing is sooo slow I almost died of boredom a million times.
I hate that program with unusual passion. I feel like I have been sucked into the 2d M0rphosis black hole. [Looks pretty deep from where I'm standing]
click ... dying dying dying dying dying dying dying dying ... click
There is some positive in this whole 2d debacle ... Now I understand why everybody here has this constant vacant look on their faces ... We're bonding.
... On stupid day 7 and counting.
I have been working in 2d microstation for 60 hours. This thing is sooo slow I almost died of boredom a million times.
I hate that program with unusual passion. I feel like I have been sucked into the 2d M0rphosis black hole. [Looks pretty deep from where I'm standing]
click ... dying dying dying dying dying dying dying dying ... click
There is some positive in this whole 2d debacle ... Now I understand why everybody here has this constant vacant look on their faces ... We're bonding.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
025 Pit of Hell you say?
Yes, that’s exactly what I say. The M0rph parking saga continues.
The water main is busted, the lot has flooded.
There is a hole now ...
No one seems to be in a hurry to fill it.
So, we pile up inside the abandoned building next door.
Pathetiiiiic ...
The water main is busted, the lot has flooded.
There is a hole now ...
No one seems to be in a hurry to fill it.
So, we pile up inside the abandoned building next door.
Pathetiiiiic ...
Saturday, July 4, 2009
024 Jesũs, help me ...
I am still sick and my voice remains completely messed up. As I said before, it was sexy the first couple of days, but now [13 days later] I am ready to move on. So, I am eating large amounts of cough drops and getting high on cough syrup to minimize the coughing fits. Not only is that strategy a complete bust, it's also bringing chaos and unrest to my life:
Gained one pound.[blame it on all the freaking sugar in the candies and the syrup]
Got a parking ticket.
Forgot to pay my power bill and was late for the final deadline. Lights are still coming on so I guess they won’t cut it off right away.
Was late on the rent.
Bought the wrong coffee table for my living room. [now I am going to obsess about this one until I can fix it]
Last week UCLA canceled my class because Michael Jackson was causing a stir in the area [being dead and all] -- the nerve.
Almost late to class this week. My car is [once again] stuck in the “three car tandem pit of hell” I have to deal with at the office.
Working there is like getting stuck on an island every day. Knowing I am not in control of the parking situation is driving me nuts.
The classroom is full of people of all ages. They all have something in common … They’re in the business of course [director, editors, actors, writers, …]
One exception … me.
There seem to be an unusually large number of inflated egos in the room. Not that I don’t appreciate it. It’s always entertaining although I don’t know how funny it will be after eight weeks. Must be something about the “biz.”
Gained one pound.[blame it on all the freaking sugar in the candies and the syrup]
Got a parking ticket.
Forgot to pay my power bill and was late for the final deadline. Lights are still coming on so I guess they won’t cut it off right away.
Was late on the rent.
Bought the wrong coffee table for my living room. [now I am going to obsess about this one until I can fix it]
Last week UCLA canceled my class because Michael Jackson was causing a stir in the area [being dead and all] -- the nerve.
Almost late to class this week. My car is [once again] stuck in the “three car tandem pit of hell” I have to deal with at the office.
Working there is like getting stuck on an island every day. Knowing I am not in control of the parking situation is driving me nuts.
The classroom is full of people of all ages. They all have something in common … They’re in the business of course [director, editors, actors, writers, …]
One exception … me.
There seem to be an unusually large number of inflated egos in the room. Not that I don’t appreciate it. It’s always entertaining although I don’t know how funny it will be after eight weeks. Must be something about the “biz.”
Thursday, June 25, 2009
022 I love London ... But
Random
The first thing I did when I arrived in London was to run into Alan Rickman. That’s such a random event it needs no further comment.
Freak Weather
The first thing I saw when I arrived in London was the sun, the bright blue sky and the heat. How am I supposed to appreciate London like this? Seriously.
What’s up with the carpets?
I swear, there is something going on in this country with the carpeting [colors and design] It's everywhere.
Every town has a smell … You just have to find it
I ended up in a pretty bad hotel. [wet – old – dewy] Again with the smells. I really have an issue with that. It made me want to leave early in the morning and stay out as late as possible, which I did. So maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing.
I lost something
I wasn't there for more than 24hr when I lost my voice. I caught some bug in the plane. [that’s when I came up with the idea of getting a separate air system for business class]
Bad timing since I really, really had to talk. And for some other reasons I won’t mention, I actually WANTED to talk. So, I continued to squawk and whisper in French and English as long as I could. The day I left, I couldn’t order my meal in the train. Nothing was coming out. It’s terrible.
English vs. English
They seemed to be confused with my triple accented English. I speak an English with an American accent, a French undertone and some Southern Californian flavors.
Cheers Mate!
Addiction is still alive and well
Starbucks on every cooornners!
A stereotype I was determined to verify
I keep hearing that all Ukites [those who live in UK] have bad, bad teeth. I checked. It’s not entirely true.
No Bread pudding
I ate well. Great food.
Bloody hell
Took a little tour of Zaha’s office [Unit 8, Unit 2]. Heard some gossip.
My personal nerd heaven
I saw all the guys from GT. I love them and they love me. It was fun to see everybody again. Made new “friends.” Reconciled with the Frenchies a little bit.
Cryptic clue
Looks like the nun is ready to get out of the convent.
I had fun. I could live there. [maybe]
I could work there. [for sure]
The first thing I did when I arrived in London was to run into Alan Rickman. That’s such a random event it needs no further comment.
Freak Weather
The first thing I saw when I arrived in London was the sun, the bright blue sky and the heat. How am I supposed to appreciate London like this? Seriously.
What’s up with the carpets?
I swear, there is something going on in this country with the carpeting [colors and design] It's everywhere.
Every town has a smell … You just have to find it
I ended up in a pretty bad hotel. [wet – old – dewy] Again with the smells. I really have an issue with that. It made me want to leave early in the morning and stay out as late as possible, which I did. So maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing.
I lost something
I wasn't there for more than 24hr when I lost my voice. I caught some bug in the plane. [that’s when I came up with the idea of getting a separate air system for business class]
Bad timing since I really, really had to talk. And for some other reasons I won’t mention, I actually WANTED to talk. So, I continued to squawk and whisper in French and English as long as I could. The day I left, I couldn’t order my meal in the train. Nothing was coming out. It’s terrible.
English vs. English
They seemed to be confused with my triple accented English. I speak an English with an American accent, a French undertone and some Southern Californian flavors.
Cheers Mate!
Addiction is still alive and well
Starbucks on every cooornners!
A stereotype I was determined to verify
I keep hearing that all Ukites [those who live in UK] have bad, bad teeth. I checked. It’s not entirely true.
No Bread pudding
I ate well. Great food.
Bloody hell
Took a little tour of Zaha’s office [Unit 8, Unit 2]. Heard some gossip.
My personal nerd heaven
I saw all the guys from GT. I love them and they love me. It was fun to see everybody again. Made new “friends.” Reconciled with the Frenchies a little bit.
Cryptic clue
Looks like the nun is ready to get out of the convent.
I had fun. I could live there. [maybe]
I could work there. [for sure]
Thursday, June 11, 2009
021 Rollin' Eyes
April 28th – Paris
I am scheduled to leave Paris on May 7th (I smile at that). On April 28th I learn I have to come back asap (I definitely roll my eyes at that.)
I scramble to find tickets and apartment (involving panic attack, favors and bribes). I pull it off: I am scheduled to come back to Paris May 17th -- until June 15th. I plan meetings with family and doctors appointment in Europe. I am excited that I will be there to see “Le Tour De France” arrive in Paris.
I breathe a sigh of relief … That lasts 3 days.
May 5th – Paris
I am leaving Paris in a few days ... My trip back to Paris scheduled May 17th is canceled.
They say "When you get to LA on May 7th, you should stay there for a while."
I cancel all flights and apartment. I cancel meetings with family and doctors appointment in Europe. I come to terms with the fact that I won’t see “Le Tour De France” arrive in Paris.
I ask “How long of a while is it?”
They answer “We don’t know.”
I ask louder “Well, when are you going to know? I need to plan my life a little bit.”
They answer again “We don’t know.”
I think “Fools.”
May 10th – Los Angeles
They say "You will be here at least until the end of August."
May 12th – Los Angeles
I am told that I need to go back to Paris starting at the beginning of June until the end of July.
I say “Are you fucking serious?” (I think the expletive)
They answer “Sorry, we really need you there now.”
I think “Shit, here we go again.”
This is going to hurt. I rebook all flights and apartment. I rebook meetings with family and doctors appointment in Europe. I am excited that I will be there to see “Le Tour de France” arrive in Paris.
May 29th – Los Angeles
I am told that the trip needs to be canceled. So I am not going back at least until September or October.
They say "We don't know exactly when."
I think “Yeah, what a damn surprise.” A lot of eye rolling that day.
I cancel all flights and apartment. I cancel meetings with family and doctors appointment in Europe. I come to terms with the fact that I won’t see “Le Tour De France” arrive in Paris.
June 5th – Los Angeles
I decide to sign up for a night class at UCLA during the summer. Tired of not being able to plan anything.
June 5th (still) – Los Angeles
Later that day I am told that they are going to allow me to participate to a symposium in London on the 23rd and 24th. But since I am there, I should really stay the whole week and go to the office in Paris.
I am missing my first class on June 25th.
June 10th – Los Angeles
They say “We are thinking about canceling this London trip.”
I smile and say nothing. I think plenty.
I am scheduled to leave Paris on May 7th (I smile at that). On April 28th I learn I have to come back asap (I definitely roll my eyes at that.)
I scramble to find tickets and apartment (involving panic attack, favors and bribes). I pull it off: I am scheduled to come back to Paris May 17th -- until June 15th. I plan meetings with family and doctors appointment in Europe. I am excited that I will be there to see “Le Tour De France” arrive in Paris.
I breathe a sigh of relief … That lasts 3 days.
May 5th – Paris
I am leaving Paris in a few days ... My trip back to Paris scheduled May 17th is canceled.
They say "When you get to LA on May 7th, you should stay there for a while."
I cancel all flights and apartment. I cancel meetings with family and doctors appointment in Europe. I come to terms with the fact that I won’t see “Le Tour De France” arrive in Paris.
I ask “How long of a while is it?”
They answer “We don’t know.”
I ask louder “Well, when are you going to know? I need to plan my life a little bit.”
They answer again “We don’t know.”
I think “Fools.”
May 10th – Los Angeles
They say "You will be here at least until the end of August."
May 12th – Los Angeles
I am told that I need to go back to Paris starting at the beginning of June until the end of July.
I say “Are you fucking serious?” (I think the expletive)
They answer “Sorry, we really need you there now.”
I think “Shit, here we go again.”
This is going to hurt. I rebook all flights and apartment. I rebook meetings with family and doctors appointment in Europe. I am excited that I will be there to see “Le Tour de France” arrive in Paris.
May 29th – Los Angeles
I am told that the trip needs to be canceled. So I am not going back at least until September or October.
They say "We don't know exactly when."
I think “Yeah, what a damn surprise.” A lot of eye rolling that day.
I cancel all flights and apartment. I cancel meetings with family and doctors appointment in Europe. I come to terms with the fact that I won’t see “Le Tour De France” arrive in Paris.
June 5th – Los Angeles
I decide to sign up for a night class at UCLA during the summer. Tired of not being able to plan anything.
June 5th (still) – Los Angeles
Later that day I am told that they are going to allow me to participate to a symposium in London on the 23rd and 24th. But since I am there, I should really stay the whole week and go to the office in Paris.
I am missing my first class on June 25th.
June 10th – Los Angeles
They say “We are thinking about canceling this London trip.”
I smile and say nothing. I think plenty.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
020 Workout Song
Dragged myself to the gym this weekend.
Exotic smells of all kinds.
Hard to describe.
Whoever said you should breathe through your mouth to avoid the smell was an idiot … It doesn’t work.
Now I can taste it too.
Some guy is grunting and moaning while working out.
He’s listening to music, he can’t hear himself.
Everybody else can.
Annoying. I hate it.
Exotic smells of all kinds.
Hard to describe.
Whoever said you should breathe through your mouth to avoid the smell was an idiot … It doesn’t work.
Now I can taste it too.
Some guy is grunting and moaning while working out.
He’s listening to music, he can’t hear himself.
Everybody else can.
Annoying. I hate it.
Friday, May 29, 2009
019 IT (First Draft)
Finally I am writing IT. 70 pages done and at least 40 more to go. The first draft was printed yesterday. IT has been a long time coming. I am obsessing again.
Putting IT on paper was the right thing to do. I'll just need 50 million dollars to transform IT into a great movie. [So clever there]
IT is turning out alright.
Having a hard time finding names for my characters. Right now IT looks like this (sample):
TRAD 1 -- Trader #1
MECH -- Mechanic
CHI -- Child
(also: SS01, PS01, NUM2, ORI, MERC, ... )
IT had a great title, but it's been done before. I got to find something new. It's critical. Hardest thing ever.
Next week I am starting 3D models for the main locations.
SS01 sketch
Putting IT on paper was the right thing to do. I'll just need 50 million dollars to transform IT into a great movie. [So clever there]
IT is turning out alright.
Having a hard time finding names for my characters. Right now IT looks like this (sample):
TRAD 1 -- Trader #1
MECH -- Mechanic
CHI -- Child
(also: SS01, PS01, NUM2, ORI, MERC, ... )
IT had a great title, but it's been done before. I got to find something new. It's critical. Hardest thing ever.
Next week I am starting 3D models for the main locations.
SS01 sketch
Monday, May 25, 2009
018 Terminator Salvation (2009) -- A few comments.
-Once again, a “pre-post-non-sequel”. What? Getting confused with all the back and forth ... ALL that time travel stuff (again!)
-In general I think that to really enjoy the film, people should have absolutely NO expectations. This movie is just what it is. No pretense. Nothing more than pure adrenaline rush action. It's gritty, harsh and violent (very Call of Duty and Halo). A true war.
-The story is basic, although being familiar with the other plots from The Terminator -- Judgment Day -- Rise of the machines is somewhat helpful, making context and background more substantial.
However, it may be that the simplicity of the story is what makes it successful. It doesn’t interfere with the viewing experience. No thinking involved in this one.
-Really cool machines. Different but better, more powerful. I liked it. and the Terminator(s) didn’t get weak all of a sudden when fighting humans. They stayed powerful and fast.
-The Gover-nator was there too ... naked ... for a while. it was ok. he just looked weird as if they had airbrushed his entire body, there was something about it that was strange. I don't know.
-Deja vu: Just like Star Trek (which I also saw recently), The other guy [i.e. Spock in ST and Markus in TR] take center stage with characters that are far more interesting and complex than the supposed Hero [i.e. Kurt in ST and Connor in TR]. What’s going on with that? Is this done on purpose? I can’t imagine that they would spend a load of money, getting Christian Bale and then not make full use of him. Although I am sure he doesn’t care, he’s got Bruce Wayne to fall back on.
Anyway, just a question. Not that I care so much about the answer, but it’s happening to often for me not to point it out.
Oh by the way, Christian … You really need to get that mole off your face. If you’re going to make movies with that many close ups. You got to get that thing off, it’s disturbing.
I’m just saying.
-In general I think that to really enjoy the film, people should have absolutely NO expectations. This movie is just what it is. No pretense. Nothing more than pure adrenaline rush action. It's gritty, harsh and violent (very Call of Duty and Halo). A true war.
-The story is basic, although being familiar with the other plots from The Terminator -- Judgment Day -- Rise of the machines is somewhat helpful, making context and background more substantial.
However, it may be that the simplicity of the story is what makes it successful. It doesn’t interfere with the viewing experience. No thinking involved in this one.
-Really cool machines. Different but better, more powerful. I liked it. and the Terminator(s) didn’t get weak all of a sudden when fighting humans. They stayed powerful and fast.
-The Gover-nator was there too ... naked ... for a while. it was ok. he just looked weird as if they had airbrushed his entire body, there was something about it that was strange. I don't know.
-Deja vu: Just like Star Trek (which I also saw recently), The other guy [i.e. Spock in ST and Markus in TR] take center stage with characters that are far more interesting and complex than the supposed Hero [i.e. Kurt in ST and Connor in TR]. What’s going on with that? Is this done on purpose? I can’t imagine that they would spend a load of money, getting Christian Bale and then not make full use of him. Although I am sure he doesn’t care, he’s got Bruce Wayne to fall back on.
Anyway, just a question. Not that I care so much about the answer, but it’s happening to often for me not to point it out.
Oh by the way, Christian … You really need to get that mole off your face. If you’re going to make movies with that many close ups. You got to get that thing off, it’s disturbing.
I’m just saying.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
017 STAR TREK (2009) Random thoughts
Maybe slightly controversial review, since EVERYONE I know thought this movie was absolutely fantastic. I, on the other hand was left puzzled and mostly disappointed. Let me start by saying that I am a huge fan of this genre and of course, a fan of the Star Trek franchise. I was forced to wait to see this movie for various reasons. I did try to avoid any spoilers and systematically warned everyone talking about the film, to leave the room or shut it. I think that worked out pretty well. In spite of all the precautions, I think the buzz this movie has received definitely influenced me and I walked in the theater with certain expectations.
GOOD MOMENTS
-- Liked the short but inspired title sequence that is NOT a title sequence. It’s the latest thing with the Star Trek movies, no real title sequence in the last two. So this thing was short but nice and sweet. I just thought it was cool.
-- When the ships go to warp.
-- Leonard Nimoy’s first meeting with himself.
-- Simon Pegg’s funny comebacks. I am glad he got the part even though I was rooting for Paul McGillion. Unfortunately for Paul, Simon is a shoe in for this role.
-- Quality of some of the visuals. Contrast between dark, moody atmosphere of Nero's ship vs. harsh and overexposed sequences.
-- We get to find out Uhura’s first name.
BAD MOMENTS
-- Some of the dialogues. The worst? Here it is:
I was quickly annoyed when 3 minutes into the movie, Kurt’s father is about to die, everything slows down and he says [to his wife] “I love you.” I saw it coming from so far away I kept whispering “please don’t say it, please don’t say it, please don’t say it … ” And then he said it – CHEEEESY -- I don’t like it when I can play the scene in my mind or guess the words in advance. It just means that we are going to be served some predictable, classic dialogues … and then we do.
-- I never really understood the significance of the “car over the cliff scene.” The boy actor [Kurt] was pretty bad. His facial expressions were all over the place and really didn’t convey any of the right emotions. He looked angry, scared, annoyed and brazen all at the same time. Just didn’t work for me.
-- Most of the Enterprise is still unknown. Look gigantic but we only see a minuscule part of it. disappointing.
DON’T KNOW IF IT’S GOOD OR BAD
-- Time travel. Again?
-- The bridge of the Enterprise looks like Apple’s iMAC. Bright, slick, smooth and … white.
-- The engine room looks more like a gigantic bear factory.
CHARACTERS
Throughout the movie, Spock develops nicely as character and in some ways was much better than his counterpart Kurt. The young Spock was dead on and the scene relayed all the relevant key emotions and set the right tone for the character. It turns out that Spock had depth and dealt with a variety of “emotions”. The fact that we see him in the past [Jacob Kogan], present [Zachary Quinto] and future [Leonard Nemoy] really helps build a solid and complex personality.
I was disappointed in Kurt. He came out as just a loose canon who happens to be the luckiest fool of the whole bunch. I never really got hooked. He is cute, very cute and his care free ways are fun to watch, but there doesn’t seem to be anything else there. This movie was really about discovering Spock, I never bought the Kurt character.
JJ ABRAMS AND STAR TREK
Well, we all know why he is the darling of Hollywood right now. The latest, hottest commodity and he’s not even 40 yet. He is a composer, a director, a producer and a writer. [negligible acting credits] He can do no wrong … we’ll see.
The overall story was ok, nothing very groundbreaking or interesting. I guess finding out more about the origin of Kurt and crew is a perfect place to re-start the movie franchise.
The one think that is consistent throughout the film is the oddly beautiful camera movements. The camera is never still. A lot of the scenes are shot with a moving, flowing and tilting point of view. It is subtle enough to avoid sea sickness and done in a way that really adds to the viewing experience. It moves into the scene and around the characters. Beautiful. Personally I think this is what makes this movie work.
GOOD MOMENTS
-- Liked the short but inspired title sequence that is NOT a title sequence. It’s the latest thing with the Star Trek movies, no real title sequence in the last two. So this thing was short but nice and sweet. I just thought it was cool.
-- When the ships go to warp.
-- Leonard Nimoy’s first meeting with himself.
-- Simon Pegg’s funny comebacks. I am glad he got the part even though I was rooting for Paul McGillion. Unfortunately for Paul, Simon is a shoe in for this role.
-- Quality of some of the visuals. Contrast between dark, moody atmosphere of Nero's ship vs. harsh and overexposed sequences.
-- We get to find out Uhura’s first name.
BAD MOMENTS
-- Some of the dialogues. The worst? Here it is:
I was quickly annoyed when 3 minutes into the movie, Kurt’s father is about to die, everything slows down and he says [to his wife] “I love you.” I saw it coming from so far away I kept whispering “please don’t say it, please don’t say it, please don’t say it … ” And then he said it – CHEEEESY -- I don’t like it when I can play the scene in my mind or guess the words in advance. It just means that we are going to be served some predictable, classic dialogues … and then we do.
-- I never really understood the significance of the “car over the cliff scene.” The boy actor [Kurt] was pretty bad. His facial expressions were all over the place and really didn’t convey any of the right emotions. He looked angry, scared, annoyed and brazen all at the same time. Just didn’t work for me.
-- Most of the Enterprise is still unknown. Look gigantic but we only see a minuscule part of it. disappointing.
DON’T KNOW IF IT’S GOOD OR BAD
-- Time travel. Again?
-- The bridge of the Enterprise looks like Apple’s iMAC. Bright, slick, smooth and … white.
-- The engine room looks more like a gigantic bear factory.
CHARACTERS
Throughout the movie, Spock develops nicely as character and in some ways was much better than his counterpart Kurt. The young Spock was dead on and the scene relayed all the relevant key emotions and set the right tone for the character. It turns out that Spock had depth and dealt with a variety of “emotions”. The fact that we see him in the past [Jacob Kogan], present [Zachary Quinto] and future [Leonard Nemoy] really helps build a solid and complex personality.
I was disappointed in Kurt. He came out as just a loose canon who happens to be the luckiest fool of the whole bunch. I never really got hooked. He is cute, very cute and his care free ways are fun to watch, but there doesn’t seem to be anything else there. This movie was really about discovering Spock, I never bought the Kurt character.
JJ ABRAMS AND STAR TREK
Well, we all know why he is the darling of Hollywood right now. The latest, hottest commodity and he’s not even 40 yet. He is a composer, a director, a producer and a writer. [negligible acting credits] He can do no wrong … we’ll see.
The overall story was ok, nothing very groundbreaking or interesting. I guess finding out more about the origin of Kurt and crew is a perfect place to re-start the movie franchise.
The one think that is consistent throughout the film is the oddly beautiful camera movements. The camera is never still. A lot of the scenes are shot with a moving, flowing and tilting point of view. It is subtle enough to avoid sea sickness and done in a way that really adds to the viewing experience. It moves into the scene and around the characters. Beautiful. Personally I think this is what makes this movie work.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
015 Free Will
What do you do when faced with a choice of 2 stupid options? None is appealing. I can either quit/loose my job or continue to have no life because I have to spend it in Paris. It’s an impossible choice, one that gives me no pleasure and definitely takes me down a path of more trouble and difficulties.
PATH1:
I can choose to continue to work and go live in Paris for months at a time, where I am miserable. Putting my life on hold [completely] – [again] – [and again]. I am incapable and unwilling to immerse myself in that culture, that city, that country. [Screw the French] The only thing is, I am making a ton of money there. [Thank the euro]
PATH2:
I can choose to stay in L.A. this summer and take the class I so wanted to take. It’s also where I have a better life, where I talk to and see friends, where I feel good and refreshed and also where I might not have a job in the near future. That’s a real possibility. Because I just can’t see my boss accepting what they might call “my eccentricities”, I am already expecting things to go down the drain, fast. Oh yeah, in case people don’t know this already, according to some people, if I’m not married and I don’t have kids, apparently my life doesn’t exist and I am considered fully flexible. At one point I considered getting myself knocked up just to be able to tell then to go fuck themselves … take THAT! But I quickly reconsidered. It’s a little bit drastic. And then, what do I tell the kid later, “Yes, honey, be proud, mommy made you to prove a point.” No, that wouldn’t work.
With this stupid economy, I don’t know if I can reasonably hope to find something else to do. Maybe barista at Starbucks, I go there enough.
Choices are only fun when the options open up to new exciting possibilities. I feel like I have no such luck with these things and that I am often faced with bad and worst. Which one to take? Well, I don’t want to take any of those stinking options. I just wish that one day I would be faced with something like:
A. Get 50 million dollars and go make your movie.
B. Get 50 million dollars and go design my house.
C. Get 50 million dollars and go enjoy yourself ... Oh, what the hell, take 60.
Is that too much to ask?
[To be continued]
PATH1:
I can choose to continue to work and go live in Paris for months at a time, where I am miserable. Putting my life on hold [completely] – [again] – [and again]. I am incapable and unwilling to immerse myself in that culture, that city, that country. [Screw the French] The only thing is, I am making a ton of money there. [Thank the euro]
PATH2:
I can choose to stay in L.A. this summer and take the class I so wanted to take. It’s also where I have a better life, where I talk to and see friends, where I feel good and refreshed and also where I might not have a job in the near future. That’s a real possibility. Because I just can’t see my boss accepting what they might call “my eccentricities”, I am already expecting things to go down the drain, fast. Oh yeah, in case people don’t know this already, according to some people, if I’m not married and I don’t have kids, apparently my life doesn’t exist and I am considered fully flexible. At one point I considered getting myself knocked up just to be able to tell then to go fuck themselves … take THAT! But I quickly reconsidered. It’s a little bit drastic. And then, what do I tell the kid later, “Yes, honey, be proud, mommy made you to prove a point.” No, that wouldn’t work.
With this stupid economy, I don’t know if I can reasonably hope to find something else to do. Maybe barista at Starbucks, I go there enough.
Choices are only fun when the options open up to new exciting possibilities. I feel like I have no such luck with these things and that I am often faced with bad and worst. Which one to take? Well, I don’t want to take any of those stinking options. I just wish that one day I would be faced with something like:
A. Get 50 million dollars and go make your movie.
B. Get 50 million dollars and go design my house.
C. Get 50 million dollars and go enjoy yourself ... Oh, what the hell, take 60.
Is that too much to ask?
[To be continued]
Monday, May 18, 2009
014 EarthQuakiness
As it does everyday, the earth shook in Los Angeles again. But this time I really felt it. I always seem to miss it. Last time, I was in Paris and the time before that, I must have been somewhere else too because I don’t remember any of it.
Last night, the epicenter was deep underground which means: smooth wave-like shakes. So smooth that I though it was just a “big twuck” [nephew talk] driving by. Sprawled on my stomach, in bed, I was working on the computer -- Jumped up and ran to the nearest doorway. Which incidentally I learned (afterward of course) is not the best strategy for survival. “Really?”
I also have no water, no “working” flashlight and no food … I am not ready.
Last night, the epicenter was deep underground which means: smooth wave-like shakes. So smooth that I though it was just a “big twuck” [nephew talk] driving by. Sprawled on my stomach, in bed, I was working on the computer -- Jumped up and ran to the nearest doorway. Which incidentally I learned (afterward of course) is not the best strategy for survival. “Really?”
I also have no water, no “working” flashlight and no food … I am not ready.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
013 The show I hate ... But have to watch anyway
-- How many stupid shows do I actually watch on TV?
Answer: way too many to count, but that’s what makes TV oh so special.
Latest one to really drive me nuts is CSI: Miami. It is sooo bad, words cannot accurately express the blatant idiocy of this show. I don’t remember if it was always like that. I think I used to enjoy it. None of the characters have any depth and after 10 years they really have nothing left to say. The main supposed lovers have no chemistry, it makes me gag.
I have tried to ignore it, removed it from my DVR recording schedule and bad mouthed it all over town. And yet, here I am, watching it [I curse On Demand], I have sunk so low, I am embarrassed. Although I my defense, it’s so stupid it does manage to give me a good chuckle here and there, so just for that, I might continue to watch.
So, last week, just like every week this stupid show begins with some kind of montage of half naked drunk Miami resident getting killed. There is some definite stereotype going on here. When David Caruso [Lieutenant Horacio Caine] strolls onto the screen, holding on to his sunglasses, head titled to the side, it’s just hilarious. I bet they shoot that same scene every time. Seriously, they should just reuse some stock footage and get it over with. We also always know exactly what he’s thinking since the actor has a grand total of two facial expressions: Thoughtful and Angry-thoughtful. Well, at least we know what’s going on I guess, he’s easy to read if you know what I mean.
Invariably something stupid is said. Definitely, Caruso is the one who says it.
Last week -- “Reality just got real”
Yeah Caruso … Go!
Answer: way too many to count, but that’s what makes TV oh so special.
Latest one to really drive me nuts is CSI: Miami. It is sooo bad, words cannot accurately express the blatant idiocy of this show. I don’t remember if it was always like that. I think I used to enjoy it. None of the characters have any depth and after 10 years they really have nothing left to say. The main supposed lovers have no chemistry, it makes me gag.
I have tried to ignore it, removed it from my DVR recording schedule and bad mouthed it all over town. And yet, here I am, watching it [I curse On Demand], I have sunk so low, I am embarrassed. Although I my defense, it’s so stupid it does manage to give me a good chuckle here and there, so just for that, I might continue to watch.
So, last week, just like every week this stupid show begins with some kind of montage of half naked drunk Miami resident getting killed. There is some definite stereotype going on here. When David Caruso [Lieutenant Horacio Caine] strolls onto the screen, holding on to his sunglasses, head titled to the side, it’s just hilarious. I bet they shoot that same scene every time. Seriously, they should just reuse some stock footage and get it over with. We also always know exactly what he’s thinking since the actor has a grand total of two facial expressions: Thoughtful and Angry-thoughtful. Well, at least we know what’s going on I guess, he’s easy to read if you know what I mean.
Invariably something stupid is said. Definitely, Caruso is the one who says it.
Last week -- “Reality just got real”
Yeah Caruso … Go!
Friday, May 8, 2009
012 Oooh Los Angeles
WED - 2AM - PARIS
I decided not to sleep during my last night in Paris so I would be tired when I get on the plane.
Idiot.
THUR - 8AM - PARIS
I was exhausted. Left town yawning.
THUR – 2PM – BOEING777
Traveling in business is the best. Tried to watch movies on the plane and never made it through a single one.
The reader, bride wars*, slumdog millionaire**, Valkyrie*** and others I don’t even remember.
* Worst movie I’ve seen so far this year. Wait, can this tripe even be considered a “movie”?
** This one is not that good. I don’t understand what all the hype is about. I feel that I have to say I liked it otherwise I look stupid. Well, I am not playing that game. So I’ll say it: I didn’t like it.
*** What the hell was TC thinking about?
Boring.
THUR – 5PM – L.A.
I just arrived in LA. Was feeling weird the whole time, not really believing I was actually here.
Smells good.
THUR – 6PM – L.A.
Had to go to the office again to get my car. Always awkward. I kind of know these people, but at the same time I don’t. I haven’t worked with them [ever]. So it’s in between saying hi or ignoring everybody, but that’s rude.
I got to find out who are the owners of the two cars blocking mine before I can leave.
Car is so dirty I can’t see through the windshield.
I decided not to sleep during my last night in Paris so I would be tired when I get on the plane.
Idiot.
THUR - 8AM - PARIS
I was exhausted. Left town yawning.
THUR – 2PM – BOEING777
Traveling in business is the best. Tried to watch movies on the plane and never made it through a single one.
The reader, bride wars*, slumdog millionaire**, Valkyrie*** and others I don’t even remember.
* Worst movie I’ve seen so far this year. Wait, can this tripe even be considered a “movie”?
** This one is not that good. I don’t understand what all the hype is about. I feel that I have to say I liked it otherwise I look stupid. Well, I am not playing that game. So I’ll say it: I didn’t like it.
*** What the hell was TC thinking about?
Boring.
THUR – 5PM – L.A.
I just arrived in LA. Was feeling weird the whole time, not really believing I was actually here.
Smells good.
THUR – 6PM – L.A.
Had to go to the office again to get my car. Always awkward. I kind of know these people, but at the same time I don’t. I haven’t worked with them [ever]. So it’s in between saying hi or ignoring everybody, but that’s rude.
I got to find out who are the owners of the two cars blocking mine before I can leave.
Car is so dirty I can’t see through the windshield.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
011 X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) -- No spoilers review
Before I start with the actual review of the movie I have to mention the smell situation, which once again prevented me from fully enjoying myself. In Paris, smells get in the way all the time. And I’m not talking about flowers, baby powder or freshly baked bread. No, I am talking about the stale smell of sweat, old urine in street corners, wet dog after the rain, crap smeared on the sidewalk, vomit in the metro and of course, the cheese. Needless to say, I have learned a lot about the subtle varieties of smells since I got here. It’s educational, definitely not pretty. In this case, every five minutes, when the air came on, we got served with a nice bouquet of urine and feces smells; The type that got left over after an unsuccessful flush and has had time to macerate in the bowl – Potent and distracting.
This movie is pretty much a mildly entertaining series of clichés and platitudes. At least for the first part. Until he [Wolverine] gets to the island, things are pretty much stale and predictable, the dialogs too simplistic. “I know, he’s a man of few words, but for Christ's sakes, when you say something, avoid the clichés.” If this movie is mainly about developing the character, it’s not going to happen with an endless succession of banalities. I'm just saying. However, there are a couple of nice scenes, a few fights and some chases that are pretty good. There is also some serious eye candy. For the girls I mean.
Once Wolverine gets on the island, things begin to improve -- unfortunately we’ve already been in the theater for over an hour (smells and all). There are a couple of twists in the plot I did not see coming. The line separating the good guys from the bad is completely blurred. Nice suspense there. And Mutant XI is surprisingly good. I never saw that one coming.
Also, there is an extra scene at the end of the movie, after the credits. It’s short and I suspect that most people don’t know about it and don't stay long enough to catch it. I think out of the 50 or so people in the theater, only five actually saw it.
Overall I was disappointed because I was expecting more out of that story line. But the end made up for the first hour.
This movie is pretty much a mildly entertaining series of clichés and platitudes. At least for the first part. Until he [Wolverine] gets to the island, things are pretty much stale and predictable, the dialogs too simplistic. “I know, he’s a man of few words, but for Christ's sakes, when you say something, avoid the clichés.” If this movie is mainly about developing the character, it’s not going to happen with an endless succession of banalities. I'm just saying. However, there are a couple of nice scenes, a few fights and some chases that are pretty good. There is also some serious eye candy. For the girls I mean.
Once Wolverine gets on the island, things begin to improve -- unfortunately we’ve already been in the theater for over an hour (smells and all). There are a couple of twists in the plot I did not see coming. The line separating the good guys from the bad is completely blurred. Nice suspense there. And Mutant XI is surprisingly good. I never saw that one coming.
Also, there is an extra scene at the end of the movie, after the credits. It’s short and I suspect that most people don’t know about it and don't stay long enough to catch it. I think out of the 50 or so people in the theater, only five actually saw it.
Overall I was disappointed because I was expecting more out of that story line. But the end made up for the first hour.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
010 Shuffle Through Paris
Just went out on a run. Well, it’s more of a shuffle really. Can’t remember the last time I did that. Listened to Abd Al Malik on the way (I recommend). Started at Louvre/Rivoli metro station then through the Louvre where tourists are already lining up at the pyramid! It wasn’t even 8.30am … Touristing, what a fascinating activity.
I then ran through the gardens of the museum all the way to Concorde and back.
Did I say I almost died? – I’m out of shape. Keyword here: OUT.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention, I am doing this race in a month:
20km de Bruxelles
And here is the Frenchie Abd Al Malik
Enjoy.
I then ran through the gardens of the museum all the way to Concorde and back.
Did I say I almost died? – I’m out of shape. Keyword here: OUT.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention, I am doing this race in a month:
20km de Bruxelles
And here is the Frenchie Abd Al Malik
Enjoy.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
009 What The Fu@*&%*#&$%ck ... I missed Castle Again
I cannot believe I missed it again. This time the DVR did tape it (let’s all be grateful for small miracles), but now it’s the player that doesn’t work …
“Is the world so cruel as to thwart me again? Can I not win this war?” (see post 003 for the previous Castle debacle.)
… Bright spot this morning, The Vman sent me a funny email. Silliness and wisecracking aside, we do have fun don’t we?
FUNNYYY
“Is the world so cruel as to thwart me again? Can I not win this war?” (see post 003 for the previous Castle debacle.)
… Bright spot this morning, The Vman sent me a funny email. Silliness and wisecracking aside, we do have fun don’t we?
FUNNYYY
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
008 Damn Secretaries
Why does everybody always have to try to change the world or reinvent the fucking wheel -- Who do you think you are? It's a legitimate question. I think it's weird and slightly narcissistic.(I’m just saying!)
If you are anything other than a fictional characters, a God(whichever one you believe in), or if you have less than 100,000 people following you on twitter … Please shut it.
Do your job and enjoy it. Do not try to change everything you know nothing about. Because you are making our lives miserable.
Get over it. I know I will.
If you are anything other than a fictional characters, a God(whichever one you believe in), or if you have less than 100,000 people following you on twitter … Please shut it.
Do your job and enjoy it. Do not try to change everything you know nothing about. Because you are making our lives miserable.
Get over it. I know I will.
Monday, April 27, 2009
007 Cardboard Fantasy
So, I have a new cardboard fantasy … His name is NF and he is cuuute. I was talking to the girls yesterday and they both knew exactly what I meant, one of them said she also has one and he works with us. Too close for comfort. I tried to explain to her, the point of a cardboard fantasy is that from the front it looks yummy, but if you peak at it from any other direction, there is nothing, no substance, it just disappears. You can’t know it, you can’t even live near it. It doesn’t talk and it’s hardly a person really.
D.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s.
D.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
006 Anonymous
Someone I know was walking down the street and saw their reflection in the window of a coffee shop. Exasperated, this person realized that "some things” were hanging out and could not be hidden.
This is what they saw:
Annoying.
This is what they saw:
Annoying.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
005 Whale Tail
We went out for drinks yesterday ...
I couldn’t say no because I’ve already past my quota of refusals for the month. I was due for a yes. It’s a personal code of conduct, I try to abide by it, but it really doesn’t mean anything. I crack myself up sometimes. The internal conflict is a thing of the past. Now, I just say no, I choose what feels best on the spot.
... There was a girl two tables away, who had super low cut jeans and a g-string riding all the way up her crackhole. Someone called the scene:“whale tail”.
I couldn’t say no because I’ve already past my quota of refusals for the month. I was due for a yes. It’s a personal code of conduct, I try to abide by it, but it really doesn’t mean anything. I crack myself up sometimes. The internal conflict is a thing of the past. Now, I just say no, I choose what feels best on the spot.
... There was a girl two tables away, who had super low cut jeans and a g-string riding all the way up her crackhole. Someone called the scene:“whale tail”.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
004 Mind Drift
(From that stupid screenplay we are trying to write. Only 20% done, still a long way to go.)
MindDrift
-- An altered state of mind that can occur at any time of the day or night. It exists in parallel with StateZero (normal state.)
MindDrift
-- An altered state of mind that can occur at any time of the day or night. It exists in parallel with StateZero (normal state.)
003 Distress ... I missed Castle
My DVR did not tape my fucking show on Monday night ... This is the one show I am completely obsessed about right now AND I need to see it in order to maintain a constant and fruitful supply of daydream material. This is screwing everything up. AND because I am in fucking Paris, I can't even download it (I am willing to pay for the stupid stuff). The worst is, I know it's going to be canceled, there is no question about it. Call me crazy ... So I have to make the most of it now, while I still can ... I still hope this one lasts more than one or two seasons, as I said, I need material.
In the meantime, I have to keep myself entertained and my mind filled. It turn out that this task is more complicated than I thought. A lot of energy is spent just doing that. I am bored out of my mind (Ah!) most of the time. This has gone on for longer than I care to remember.
Ok, I just lied. It's been: 1 year and 3 days exactly.
In the meantime, I have to keep myself entertained and my mind filled. It turn out that this task is more complicated than I thought. A lot of energy is spent just doing that. I am bored out of my mind (Ah!) most of the time. This has gone on for longer than I care to remember.
Ok, I just lied. It's been: 1 year and 3 days exactly.
Friday, April 17, 2009
002 Paris ... Again
I hear (and it's not a rumor) that we should all find Paris to be the most ROmantic, the most EXiting and the most VIbrant city in the world.
I have one answer for that inane thought: "Fools! ..."
I am in this city too often. If I had a cat back home, it would have died a long time ago (the gold fish and the plant too).
It does make others envious; they tell me so. I put up with it, because I know, they don't know better, they have absolutely no idea.
A word to all ... It’s not worth it. I’ve been doing this for a while. And if this city is the best, then I guess the world is pretty sad.
Charles De Gaulle airport.
“This airport smell of shit and cheese …”
The streets of Paris.
“Taking a big breath only to choke and cough … too much urine and BO in the air.”
“Disinfected the soles of my shoes once … Felt better.”
Smells.
“Can’t go to the bathroom or I vomit from the smell.”
“Someone just vomited outside.”
Seats in the Metro.
“Can’t think of all the asses that have sat on this before.”
“There is vomit on the seats! Metro sucks.“
I have one answer for that inane thought: "Fools! ..."
I am in this city too often. If I had a cat back home, it would have died a long time ago (the gold fish and the plant too).
It does make others envious; they tell me so. I put up with it, because I know, they don't know better, they have absolutely no idea.
A word to all ... It’s not worth it. I’ve been doing this for a while. And if this city is the best, then I guess the world is pretty sad.
Charles De Gaulle airport.
“This airport smell of shit and cheese …”
The streets of Paris.
“Taking a big breath only to choke and cough … too much urine and BO in the air.”
“Disinfected the soles of my shoes once … Felt better.”
Smells.
“Can’t go to the bathroom or I vomit from the smell.”
“Someone just vomited outside.”
Seats in the Metro.
“Can’t think of all the asses that have sat on this before.”
“There is vomit on the seats! Metro sucks.“
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
001 First Impressions
This Blog is a long drawn out rant full of deadpan life observations and convoluted theories on The Nothing.
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