when csb met kopek, egypt central and cold: part 2

Just another day with CSB

Once again I’ve been slacking and I wanted to have this written and posted yesterday but better late than never, right? And by now you know my usual rhetoric: I’ve been busy. But at least this time I’ve actually been showing you–through video no less–what it is I’ve been busy doing. And that’s exactly what I’m showing you again here…

While I wasn’t operating any of the cameras taping the bands, I was snapping pictures of the band and us (CSB) taping the bands, which is what I showed in the last post. I feel like these videos should be longer, but that’s probably because we spent most of the day there, setting up, waiting in between sound checks, “hanging out backstage with rock stars” …ya know, the usual. But enough of my blabbing, let’s get to the videos. Just a recap, this is all brought to you by The Rock 106.9 WCCC. I’m posting these in the order they were recorded. Read more ›

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in fripodding, music, school

when csb met kopek, egypt central and cold: part 1

Me, Egypt Central #1, #2, Haley, #3, Christina, #4, Pete and a guy that I apologize can't remember his name but is a graduate that came to help

I kept promising this post for a couple weeks now, but here it is finally. These are my pics and videos of what I did with my school, CSB, when we went to Pig’s Eye Pub in Hartford to record a few rock bands being interviewed and performing acoustic sets by Connecticut rock station The Rock 106.9 WCCC.

Prior to arriving, I knew nothing about any of these bands. Everyone at the school said that if you are asked to do anything with the school or go anywhere, just say yes. So I said yes. Read more ›

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in fripodding, music, pictures, school

“my dinner with andre” film review

I’ll say this upfront: this is not a movie for everyone. It’s one of those experimental and original films that takes a certain kind of audience to appreciate. Why? Because this movie isn’t just about a conversation, it is a conversation. And a deep one at that. All over a full course meal at an exclusive restaurant.

But let me set up the characters, which are only two: Wallace Shawn (probably most famous for The Princess Bride among many, many other films) and Andre Gregory (I’ll admit I don’t really know him that well, but he’s got a familiar face). They are “playing themselves” when it’s more or less not really about them? I was never really clear on that, but again, that isn’t essentially important. Read more ›

Tagged with: , , , , , ,
Posted in movie, review

“happythankyoumoreplease” film review

I really wanted to write this review right after I saw it. I saw a trailer months ago and was excited to see it because I’m a fan of Ted from How I Met Your Mother and I support pretty much anything any member of the cast does. So upon hearing Josh Radnor wrote, directed and starred in this film, I had to see it. So I called up my film buddy and we went to the city to check it out.

I was delighted to see a movie that felt fresh and original even if it had elements of “oh, I know where this is going” to is. Although, to be honest, I don’t think I really thought about that because I was entranced in the story, which is a good thing. Even if I could predict the next move, I think I still would’ve been happy.

For the sake of names, we’re going to call the main character “Ted” even though in this film his name is Sam. Ted is a struggling writer but befriends and takes in a little orphan boy. Already, this movie gave me a curve ball I wasn’t expecting but I was going along with it. It’s not like he tried to find the boy help, but he had a heart and felt compassion and brought him along with him. He found the boy to be somewhat of a muse as well as helping him meet a girl named Mississippi. Ted also has a female friend who is contemplating a relationship with Tony Hale, better known as Buster from Arrested Development. Actually, she does the best she can to ignore it. But it’s from her lips to his ears do we get the meaning of the title: to constantly say “Thank you, more please” to life, the universe and everything. Kinda like a mantra.

There’s also another couple, and they are struggling with life changing decisions. All of these people are friends or are connected to each other in one way or another. Not quite the twisty wed like Love, Actually, but maybe a simpler version of late 20, early 30-somethings trying to figure out life. And for me, that’s what made this film relatable. Not that I was lost or hopeless, but it gave me hope and a new mantra.

It’s considered an indie flick, so you probably will have a hard time catching it in a theater. But if you can find it, check it out. And the DVD is worth owning because it’s really a great story. It has an ending I liked. It was one of those ambiguous endings which just felt right. I, as a viewer, don’t need everything wrapped nicely with a bow. Besides, the movie won me over so I was probably going to like how it was going to end regardless. And lastly, the other reason I liked it is because of the rule of threes. Unfortunately, explaining that would spoil it. So ask me after you see it if you don’t already know what I mean.

This movie is rated R mostly for language. And the language part is partially used for comedic effect. Every time Ted swears, he turns to his little companion and immediately tells him not to swear. But it feels very real, so the language is gratuitous, so it’s not distracting. Other than that, it’s a great movie to watch with friends, loved ones, by your self, with the dog, your mature children… just watch it. It’s one of those feel goodery flicks.

Tagged with: , , , , , ,
Posted in movie, review

“the big kahuna” film review

I watched this movie on a whim. I couldn’t remember who or why this movie felt suggested to me, but since there was a curiosity, I decided to check it out. I’m glad that I did.

I feel like this is one of those movies very few people would watch or be into, only because on the surface of the movie, let alone the plot line or premise, it’s hard to figure out exactly what this film is about. Or you might be watching it waiting for something to happen and missing the point entirely.

Fortunately, I feel alerted to films like this when I catch words or names that suggest the film I’m about to watch was adapted from a stageplay, like this one was. Plays are great ways to deal with stories that reply strongly on heavy dialouge like this film is. Don’t get me wrong, some things do happen and it pays off in a good way.

But let me back up… the movie is about a group of sales reps. I found myself realizing what they were selling wasn’t all that important to the plot. But I’ll get to that in a second. There are two veteran reps, expertly played by Kevin Spacey and Danny DeVito (which makes me wonder why they don’t have Oscars for these roles) and a newbie rep who is recognized these days as head of the Cullen pack in Twilight. I know I’m not really describing his character correctly, but that’s not all that important either. The two main reps are putting on a function to get some new clients and they are looking for one in particular before the evening is over. Turns out they might have an in with “the big kahuna” when they learn about the rookie, who happens to be a strict Christian. That part is important to the story.

What happens from the start to the end is a discovery about honesty, regret, and what makes someone human. It’s a lot more than that, actually. In fact, writing a mere review isn’t giving this film the justice or the debate it’s calling for.

What I can do with review is continue to praise the awesome acting of both Spacey and DeVito… both actors I’ve learned to respect more and more with each movie I see them in. Yes, even Batman Returns.

I’ve read that this film can be compared to one I haven’t yet seen called Glengarry Glen Ross, which has a heavy monologue delivered by Alec Baldwin. Another great and famous monologue is by Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men which doesn’t make that much sense without seeing the whole movie to get the full context of what he’s saying and why he’s saying it. The same goes for this movie and DeVito’s ending monologue, which I’ll post, even though it’ll be out of context.

One last movie I’d like to throw out there… if you liked this movie, you may like Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? I believe that film was also based on a play, but it also deals with some heavy topics. Or at least one really heavy topic realized by the end of the film. But it’s also a film that takes place in the span of a single day. Maybe a whole 24 hours or less, or at least The Big Kahuna did.

As for ratings go, it’s rated R for language. Whether you want your kids around or not, I’m pretty sure they won’t be interested to care what’s going on. I can already imagine adults who wouldn’t care. But if you want to see a film with stellar acting and great discussion, I suggest checking this out. I still need to process this film for myself… as I recess into deep thought mode.

Tagged with: , , , , , ,
Posted in movie, review

when school is too cool

I kept promising to divulge in what I’ve been up to the past few weeks to a month. As most of you should know by now, I go to the Connecticut School of Broadcasting which from here on out will be known as CSB (unless, for whatever reason, I feel the need to spell it out). Since I’m still there, I know there’s a lot more I’m going to learn and experience. Initially it’s an 8 week program, but it offers a lifetime, career long service. I could talk all day about how awesome the school is, but for right now, I’m just going to explain why I’ve been so busy.

Like I said, the education lasts for 8 weeks. We’re taught by industry professionals (who are still working in the industry they teach) and we learn by doing. We take notes but at times it seems pointless (I take them anyway) because it’s all hand-on training. Grab the camera, sit behind the radio mic, DO IT! It’s intense. They throw a lot of information at you in a very limited time. Fortunately, I have a background in a lot of this stuff so some of it was a refresher, while other parts built on to what I already know. But I’m loving it.

Outside of class, our fearless leader and school director Art takes us out on what a few of us have called “field trips” where we get to experience first hand what some people do for a living. Long story short, we go out and record live performances. We can’t call it “filming” because we don’t work with film. Especially not on these field trips, everything is recorded on to big memory cards. By the way, those cameras are nice. The ones they make us use… well… it gets the job done. But the point is we have to learn how to use a regular camera before they can trust us with the high end ones.

Anyway, I’ve now gone on three of these event field trips, sponsored be local radio stations which usually feature CSB graduates. There are a lot of them out there and all of them singing praises of what a great school it is and how it got them to the job they are working at now, or at least started them on their way. (By the way, the school specializes in dozen upon dozens of jobs. I wish I brought a few of my friends to at least check out the tour.)

CSB with Egypt Central

So our first event was somewhat of a mini rock concert. I want to have a separate post for that because of all the pictures I took and all the video we shot and experiences we had. That was last Friday. Monday I saw Sugarland. Due to this being a much bigger event, camera work was left to the professionals, which was our teachers. I took a few pics with my phone which I’ll also post later. But check out some of the stuff they shot here. Last night I saw Duran Duran (and a cover band called Kick). I actually got behind a camera this time, but video won’t be up for a few days, but I’ll post it when it does.

Besides that, I’ve been having a blast. My classmates are all very diverse and have their own bursts of awesomeness. I don’t want to call any of them out by name right now, there’s time for that later. All you need to know is sometime maybe in May you’ll get to hear a “morning” radio show online called “The Morning After” and yours truly will be the news anchor. It should be a lot of fun and I’ll also be living my dream. Part of it anyway.

Before I sign off, here is a look at an assignment I had been working on. It’s practically finished, but I was so excited, I wanted to show it off a little. The assignment was simple enough, shoot some footage, edit, add a voiceover, maybe some music, some transitions and have fun. Check, check, check, check, check, and check.

Tagged with: , , , , , ,
Posted in adventures, life update, school

so i got a new camera…

Canon VIXIA HF M3000

I feel like I’ve been away for a while, but I notice my last post was actually only 10 days ago. But still, that’s much longer than I like to be away from my beloved blog. Anyway, I wasn’t going to do a video, but I have a new camera so why not? Plus, I haven’t made a video in a while, so I might as well give it a spin, right? Let me know what you think. Maybe with this new toy, I’ll make more videos. This will also allow me to get out of my office (and detached from my laptop) as you’ll see below. I think it’s a major upgrade from the webcam…

As for the pics I mentioned, I’ll upload those ASAP and introduce a few of my classmates and talk a little bit more about what I’m up to.

Tagged with: , , , , ,
Posted in school, updates, video

my unrequited love affair

I’m a night person. I feel I’m at my creative stride when the sun goes down and especially when the moon is full. And yes, I’m one of those poets who has written about the moonlight, under the moonlight, while writing by direct moonlight. Yes, a true romantic indeed. It’s almost a requirement to be a romantic, isn’t it? To be into full moons and such?

Anyway, tonight there was a supermoon. Until last night, I had never heard of such a thing or known it ever existed. Hey, I’m not a lunar expert, I just love the way it looks. I initially passed the thought of a supermoon off as “eh, big deal.” But then I found myself with a clear night and an opportunity to try out my camera once again. I know I need some telescoping lenses to really get a good lunar shot, but I’m happy with what my new camera was able to provide.

However, where I live is surrounded by trees. I also have a sensor light on the garage. Why is that important? To get a good clear night picture, a tripod is required. There’s no leaning on a wall for this. Especially if you are pointing a camera upwards.

I had to practically be a ninja to scale the side of the house, sneak across the far end of the yard, then creep into the blind spot in the garage to get to my car where my tripod is located (I bring it everywhere I go because you never know when you’ll need one). The trip there and to my shooting location was a success. I set up by the side of my house, behind a tree, and just out of range of the sensor light and snapped about 50 photos until I started getting results that I liked. Most of it was trial and error, but that’s what most photographers do, right? I don’t know, I’m still learning. But I had a good time, if not a bit nippy, snapping away and listening to Duffy, whom I recently purchased mere hours ago.

Honestly, it was getting rather romantic, which sucks being single. I’m sure girls enjoy doing stuff like this too. But that pseudo romance didn’t last long because I smelled a skunk, which I have declared to be my mortal enemy for reasons explain in a future post. I didn’t take any chances and what would’ve possibly been an hour shoot stopped at 15 minutes when I practically fell inside my house running away from a smell. No, I didn’t see the skunk, but I know a warning when I smell one. Nevertheless, I’m happy with the photos I did get.

I junked about half of them, and I’m only showing half that I feel are worth showing at all. A few came out better than I expected and while pictures should be able to explain themselves, there are a few I’d be happy to tell you about if you’d like to know.

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in midnight, nature, pictures, storytelling

sometimes…

When I was in the 1st grade, I wrote a book called Sometimes. This book was more of a poem, with a line of prose starting with the word “sometimes” in the center of an 8×11 white paper all bound together with a few staples. I showed it around to various family members and grown-ups who all admired and seemed impressed by it. Was it because a 7 year old made a picture book purposely without pictures? Or perhaps the fact that I wrote a book at all without being asked or instructed and wanted the world to know “Sometimes I am sad and don’t know why” and “Sometimes I do not want a cookie but will eat one anyway”? The world may never know, but sometimes I forget how inspiring little kids can be.

Tagged with: ,
Posted in memories, story, writing, youth

fripodding friday… yeah, rebecca black’s “friday”

Just because it’s everywhere… I’m talking about it here too.

I can’t say I’m a fan of this song. No doubt it’s catchy, but the lyrics are horrible. I’m not really blaming Rebecca herself, but really, can’t we come up with something better than “Fun fun fun fun”? This song is a prime example of extremely lazy writing. No imagine, no creativity, no fun whatsoever. There are way more things to sing about during your Friday than where you’re sitting in a car… unless, maybe the song was about a road trip. [Get’s an idea for a song.]

I’m not even going to talk about the “rap” verse.

This song is definitely laughable, but like The Room, this movie will have a cult following. People love it because it’s bad. I might be part of that group. Will I be buying it on iTunes? Probably not. I don’t really wanna encourage this song to platinum status. And don’t expect this to be in any of my playlists either. Trust me, I have some “bad” songs on the ready, but mostly for my “part time DJ” gig requests… so unless someone requests it, I have no need for it.

I really could be cruel about “Friday” and as a certified critic, I have a right to be. I feel more comfortable making fun of this song than the antics of a certain fired actor who had been all over the web lately. Like someone else said, we thank Rebecca Black for making us focus on something less serious that’s going on in the world.

And Simon Cowell helped me realize how brilliant the song is. Sure it may only be a passing fade, but it’s something we might be looking back on in a few years as something we’ll look back on fondly. I hope it doesn’t haunt poor Becky in a negative way when she gets older. Seriously, I don’t. I also hope she doesn’t think the song is great… but I think she does.

And for the record, I don’t hate the song. I just think it’s ridiculous. I also find it hilarious how I helped fuel the flame and even got it stuck in a few friends’ heads.

Party on Ms. Rebecca Black! Don’t be offended if I don’t show up.

Tagged with: , , , ,
Posted in friday, fripodding, music

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 37 other subscribers
Follow the indoob! network on WordPress.com
January 2026
S M T W T F S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
Blog Stats
  • 37,043 hits
  • An error has occurred; the feed is probably down. Try again later.