OK, a short blog today because we've all got stomach flu and I could need to barf any second now (a lovely thought, huh?)
Anyway, I've entered an animation contest on www.aniboom.com. It's an American Idol parody called Aniboom Eyedoll. My entry is called "O.C. Dee: Really Clean" and is a parody of Billy Jean. I've put a link down below, but you should go vote for it, too.
The direct page link is: http://www.aniboom.com/Player.aspx?v=8362
Anyway, be sure to tell everyone you know to vote for it and view it.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007
We're back from Disneyland! Now for a job...
We're back. It was a really fun trip. For the most part, the crowds were pretty manageable, and though we didn't strictly follow the schedule (especially the first day when Space Mountain and the Indiana Jones ride were both not working the first few hours), we still saw as many rides per day as I'd planned. Maddy chickened out and didn't go on California screamin', but she rode all the others she wanted to. Joel, who's usually scared of everything, ended up loving Haunted Mansion (except where the vehicle goes backwards into the cemetary and when the ghosts pop up from behind the tombstones). Abe's favorites were the teacups and Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters. We STILL have never been to the Golden Horseshoe.
When I was in line to pick up our tickets the evening we arrived, I recognized a guy in front of me. It was the actor in "A Mighty Wind," "Best in Show," and a number of other films: John Michael Higgins http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0383422/
He dropped his ticket, and I picked it up for him, then later as he was leaving, I asked him is he was the guy from "A Mighty Wind" and he said yes. Of coure I didn't stand there and chat him up, but it was fun to see a celebrity.
We also all got FREE Mickey Mouse ears while I was walking Joel to the bathroom.
We probably won't be going back for a couple years--we want kids to be OUT OF STROLLERS and willing to go on more rides without prodding.
Anyway, now that we're home, I have an announcement--Amanda got accepted to the Occupational Therapy Master's Degree Program at the University of Utah for this fall. She's really excited and I'm very proud of her. Now we just need to get through the next 3 1/2 years and we'll be set for life--OT's are in high demand, and it pays really well. But those next 3 years...
...My company's struggling to stay afloat, with the political thing still in need of sponsors (and a bigger election year) and film/commercials being such a tricky business anyway. They've started a video rental thing where you can pick up a video (or have it delivered) when you order pizza from a local pizza place. Then you return it by mail, like Netflix. So for the next little while, I'm working nights (which means we're needing babysitters because Amanda works nights, too) taking rental orders over the phone. Meanwhile, I'm also actively looking for a NEW job, and assuming that for now, the dream job is officially DEAD. I've created a new Animation demo reel to send out to companies. I've included it below. Enjoy:
When I was in line to pick up our tickets the evening we arrived, I recognized a guy in front of me. It was the actor in "A Mighty Wind," "Best in Show," and a number of other films: John Michael Higgins http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0383422/
He dropped his ticket, and I picked it up for him, then later as he was leaving, I asked him is he was the guy from "A Mighty Wind" and he said yes. Of coure I didn't stand there and chat him up, but it was fun to see a celebrity.
We also all got FREE Mickey Mouse ears while I was walking Joel to the bathroom.
We probably won't be going back for a couple years--we want kids to be OUT OF STROLLERS and willing to go on more rides without prodding.
Anyway, now that we're home, I have an announcement--Amanda got accepted to the Occupational Therapy Master's Degree Program at the University of Utah for this fall. She's really excited and I'm very proud of her. Now we just need to get through the next 3 1/2 years and we'll be set for life--OT's are in high demand, and it pays really well. But those next 3 years...
...My company's struggling to stay afloat, with the political thing still in need of sponsors (and a bigger election year) and film/commercials being such a tricky business anyway. They've started a video rental thing where you can pick up a video (or have it delivered) when you order pizza from a local pizza place. Then you return it by mail, like Netflix. So for the next little while, I'm working nights (which means we're needing babysitters because Amanda works nights, too) taking rental orders over the phone. Meanwhile, I'm also actively looking for a NEW job, and assuming that for now, the dream job is officially DEAD. I've created a new Animation demo reel to send out to companies. I've included it below. Enjoy:
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Sunday: 2 days til Disneyland--we told 'em
OK, this morning (Sunday morning) Amanda and I decided that it would save us a heck of a lot of trouble packing if we just went ahead and told the kids we were going to Disneyland. No sneaking around, the kids could help pack, and plus, the anticipation for the trip is part of the fun. So before church, I put their new suitcases on my bed, along with the new shirts, then told them to come in the room. (watch the video of it below).
Things to notice: As they're entering the room, I'm walking backwards filming them and trip. It hurt. But watch Maddy's mocking "point-and-laugh". Later, Joel says we could have put it on America's Funniest Home Videos. Every once in a while over the past few months, we've said, "Guys, we should go to Disneyland." But Maddy always says "No, we don't have enough money." So that's where that comment comes from in the video.
So anyway, the cat's out of the bag, and we're leaving bright and early Tuesday morning. See you all when we get back next weekend!!
Things to notice: As they're entering the room, I'm walking backwards filming them and trip. It hurt. But watch Maddy's mocking "point-and-laugh". Later, Joel says we could have put it on America's Funniest Home Videos. Every once in a while over the past few months, we've said, "Guys, we should go to Disneyland." But Maddy always says "No, we don't have enough money." So that's where that comment comes from in the video.
So anyway, the cat's out of the bag, and we're leaving bright and early Tuesday morning. See you all when we get back next weekend!!
Thursday, March 8, 2007
5 Days left--Bottom 5 List
Since I did a top 10 list at 10 Days, it's only fair I do a "botton 5" list on the 5-Days day. You find some similarities among the attractions. All these rides require long waits in line for very short, very plain rides. Most of them just spin you around, too. I also lumped similar rides into the same ranking.
5. King Arthur Carousel/Fish Carousel: Pretty to look at, nice music, boring ride. As a parent, I usually end up standing next to my child, who is seated on a horse (or on a fish at the King Triton Carousel).
4. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride: I don’t know what the big deal is with this ride. Maybe it was fine and thrilling back in the 50’s—I think it’s the absolute worst Disney dark ride (and I went on Superstar Limo!) Most of the figures look like cardboard cutouts, and it’s so frenetic you don’t even know WHAT’s happening.
3. Teacups/Francis Ladybug Boogie: Spinning. Woooooo. Better than the others because the Teacups music really makes me feel like I’m at Disneyland.
2. Dumbo/Astro Orbiter/Flik’s Flyers: These rides are #2 on the list because not only are lines long, but there are only 8 or so ride vehicles running at a time. That means they’re REALLY slow-moving lines, plus the only sights you see are whatever buildings you fly by—not the greatest. Of course, kids LOVE riding Dumbo (Maddy at least—Joel didn’t like it at all.)
1. Autopia: I’ve already explained how much I hate this ride. But I’ll list the reasons again...Long lines, loud cars, stinky exhaust, unless you’re a little kid, driving just isn’t that big of a deal (and most little kids are too short to reach the pedals/drive on their own on the ride anyway). Plus, it’s a huge waste of space—they should level it out and build a couple new rides in it’s place—heck, you could almost put a whole new land there between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
Runners Up:
Tarzan’s Treehouse: OK, I kind of like walking around the treehouse (though the Swiss Family version had some cooler stuff to see), but there’s a lot of steps to climb and the person in front of you is always the SLOWEST person on earth. But at least you don’t usually have to wait in line (though the attraction itself is basically one big line, huh?)
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience: My least favorite 3-D movie at the Disney parks. I saw it once, on my honeymoon, and haven’t gone again. Maybe we’ll try it again sometime. Some fun effects—like the rats crawling up your legs and the shaking floor when people onscreen walk past—but it’s just not as fun as the others.
So there you have it.
Now take a ride on those dang teacups:
5. King Arthur Carousel/Fish Carousel: Pretty to look at, nice music, boring ride. As a parent, I usually end up standing next to my child, who is seated on a horse (or on a fish at the King Triton Carousel).
4. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride: I don’t know what the big deal is with this ride. Maybe it was fine and thrilling back in the 50’s—I think it’s the absolute worst Disney dark ride (and I went on Superstar Limo!) Most of the figures look like cardboard cutouts, and it’s so frenetic you don’t even know WHAT’s happening.
3. Teacups/Francis Ladybug Boogie: Spinning. Woooooo. Better than the others because the Teacups music really makes me feel like I’m at Disneyland.
2. Dumbo/Astro Orbiter/Flik’s Flyers: These rides are #2 on the list because not only are lines long, but there are only 8 or so ride vehicles running at a time. That means they’re REALLY slow-moving lines, plus the only sights you see are whatever buildings you fly by—not the greatest. Of course, kids LOVE riding Dumbo (Maddy at least—Joel didn’t like it at all.)
1. Autopia: I’ve already explained how much I hate this ride. But I’ll list the reasons again...Long lines, loud cars, stinky exhaust, unless you’re a little kid, driving just isn’t that big of a deal (and most little kids are too short to reach the pedals/drive on their own on the ride anyway). Plus, it’s a huge waste of space—they should level it out and build a couple new rides in it’s place—heck, you could almost put a whole new land there between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
Runners Up:
Tarzan’s Treehouse: OK, I kind of like walking around the treehouse (though the Swiss Family version had some cooler stuff to see), but there’s a lot of steps to climb and the person in front of you is always the SLOWEST person on earth. But at least you don’t usually have to wait in line (though the attraction itself is basically one big line, huh?)
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience: My least favorite 3-D movie at the Disney parks. I saw it once, on my honeymoon, and haven’t gone again. Maybe we’ll try it again sometime. Some fun effects—like the rats crawling up your legs and the shaking floor when people onscreen walk past—but it’s just not as fun as the others.
So there you have it.
Now take a ride on those dang teacups:
Saturday, March 3, 2007
10 Days Top 10
Alright, we're down to 10 days...so it's a RULE that there must be a "Top Ten" list. So, here are my top 10 Attractions (since it includes rides and movies) at Disneyland and Disney's california Adventure. Feel free to disagree with me and submit your own top 10 lists. Heaven knows, my wife would disagree with most of my list--she's a coaster-freak (same with Madison).
10. Splash Mountain: This one made it into the top 10 because it’s a happy, colorful, well-designed ride. I love seeing Brer Bear dangling from the rope, and the big steamboat/”Zip-a-dee-doo-dah” finale is great. But I DON’T like getting wet, and the big drop always scares me. Plus, I’m not much for the “sitting in each other’s lap” seating arrangment. FUN FACT: many of the animals in this ride were originally in the “America Sings” attraction in Tomorrowland.
9. It’s Tough to Be a Bug: Lower on the list only because it scares the crap out of my kids, but this is a great 3-D movie. PIXAR did an awesome job with this, and the in-theater effects are great. I especially love the spiders descending from the ceiling and the last effect, where the bugs all leave the theater first (apparently you’ve been sitting on them the whole time). FUN FACT: The voice of Hopper in the attraction isn’t Kevin Spacey—it’s a dead-on impression of him by one of the attraction’s creators.
8. Star Tours: I’ve been on it so many times that the ride has lost a little of its thrill for me, but as a huge Star Wars fan, this ride is still a must-see attraction. FUN FACT: One of the droids in the queue area is a goose from the “America Sings” attraction—they just stripped it down to its innards and added some droid-looking attachments (like binocular eyes). BONUS FUN FACT: Before your first drop inside the spaceport, you can see the “Mighty Microscope” on the right side of the screen.
7. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: The scariest ride on my list. This ride, I go on once then debate about going on again in the same trip. The DCA version is more streamlined than the Disney World version, but that makes it all the more intense. FUN FACT: The library contains props from old “Twilight Zone” episodes.
6. It’s a Small World: Yeah, yeah. Everyone loves to bag on this ride. But after 40 years, it’s still a very popular attraction. It’s got great design/style to it, and my kids LOVE it. It’s a long, relaxing ride that I’ll never get tired of. FUN FACT: This ride was originally part of the 1964 New York World’s Fair, and was sponsored by UNICEF.
5. Muppetvision 3-D: Still the most enjoyable 3-D movie at the Disney parks. Funny, highly-detailed, and not as scary for the kids. Even the wait for this attraction is nice—the pre-show videos on the 3 side-by-side screens are classic “Muppets.” FUN FACT: Waldo, the living 3-D Muppet from the film, was not strictly animated on computer—there was a puppeteer performing Waldo’s actions with a special puppet that was connected to the computer, like “motion capture.”
4. Alice in Wonderland: The best “dark” ride in Fantasyland. Very detailed, and riding up hills, down holes, and over leaves and mushrooms makes it more than just the typical “spook house” ride the others are. FUN FACT: They recently upgraded some of the effects in this ride—just for the fun of it—a sign that Disney management is finally deciding to spend $ on the rides instead of just adding another shop.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: A classic attraction—this one “feels” like Disneyland for me. Highly-detailed, and a long ride, worth a wait in line. FUN FACT: The costumes for the pirates got ruined right before the attraction was to open. Luckily, the costume designer had already made an extra set of costumes (even though management had told her not to).
2. Soarin’ Over California: The happiest attraction at California Adventure. Just as “Pirates” feels like Disneyland, “Soarin’” feels like California Adventure. A thrill ride that isn’t scary, with a GREAT musical score. FUN FACT: The idea for the simulator’s lift mechanism was originally designed with an old Erector Set. BONUS FUN FACT: The golf ball that whizzes past you has a Mickey Mouse on it.
1. The Indiana Jones Adventure: As detailed inside as Pirates of the Caribbean, with a really innovative ride technology, with the Indiana Jones theme—a really great ride. Even the queue area is awesome—I love setting off the “spike ceiling” and pulling the rope in the well—if you haven’t done that, you’re missing out. A little too wild, maybe, but still, it’s the most enjoyable ride at the California Disney parks. FUN FACT: In the “rolling boulder” scene, your car doesn’t actually reverse—it’s a visual trick. You know, like when you’re sitting in your car and the car next to you moves and it feels like you’re moving? That’s kinda like what happens. Seriously.
Honorable Mentions:
Disneyland Railroad: The most relaxing ride at Disneyland, now that the Peoplemover is gone.
Jungle Cruise: I love corny jokes, and the new piranhas effect is great.
Haunted Mansion: Another classic ride, but it’s not as fun with little kids on your lap.
Now, since the top 3 have videos that are too dark, here's #4, Alice--still a little dark in parts, but deal with it, pink boy!
10. Splash Mountain: This one made it into the top 10 because it’s a happy, colorful, well-designed ride. I love seeing Brer Bear dangling from the rope, and the big steamboat/”Zip-a-dee-doo-dah” finale is great. But I DON’T like getting wet, and the big drop always scares me. Plus, I’m not much for the “sitting in each other’s lap” seating arrangment. FUN FACT: many of the animals in this ride were originally in the “America Sings” attraction in Tomorrowland.
9. It’s Tough to Be a Bug: Lower on the list only because it scares the crap out of my kids, but this is a great 3-D movie. PIXAR did an awesome job with this, and the in-theater effects are great. I especially love the spiders descending from the ceiling and the last effect, where the bugs all leave the theater first (apparently you’ve been sitting on them the whole time). FUN FACT: The voice of Hopper in the attraction isn’t Kevin Spacey—it’s a dead-on impression of him by one of the attraction’s creators.
8. Star Tours: I’ve been on it so many times that the ride has lost a little of its thrill for me, but as a huge Star Wars fan, this ride is still a must-see attraction. FUN FACT: One of the droids in the queue area is a goose from the “America Sings” attraction—they just stripped it down to its innards and added some droid-looking attachments (like binocular eyes). BONUS FUN FACT: Before your first drop inside the spaceport, you can see the “Mighty Microscope” on the right side of the screen.
7. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: The scariest ride on my list. This ride, I go on once then debate about going on again in the same trip. The DCA version is more streamlined than the Disney World version, but that makes it all the more intense. FUN FACT: The library contains props from old “Twilight Zone” episodes.
6. It’s a Small World: Yeah, yeah. Everyone loves to bag on this ride. But after 40 years, it’s still a very popular attraction. It’s got great design/style to it, and my kids LOVE it. It’s a long, relaxing ride that I’ll never get tired of. FUN FACT: This ride was originally part of the 1964 New York World’s Fair, and was sponsored by UNICEF.
5. Muppetvision 3-D: Still the most enjoyable 3-D movie at the Disney parks. Funny, highly-detailed, and not as scary for the kids. Even the wait for this attraction is nice—the pre-show videos on the 3 side-by-side screens are classic “Muppets.” FUN FACT: Waldo, the living 3-D Muppet from the film, was not strictly animated on computer—there was a puppeteer performing Waldo’s actions with a special puppet that was connected to the computer, like “motion capture.”
4. Alice in Wonderland: The best “dark” ride in Fantasyland. Very detailed, and riding up hills, down holes, and over leaves and mushrooms makes it more than just the typical “spook house” ride the others are. FUN FACT: They recently upgraded some of the effects in this ride—just for the fun of it—a sign that Disney management is finally deciding to spend $ on the rides instead of just adding another shop.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: A classic attraction—this one “feels” like Disneyland for me. Highly-detailed, and a long ride, worth a wait in line. FUN FACT: The costumes for the pirates got ruined right before the attraction was to open. Luckily, the costume designer had already made an extra set of costumes (even though management had told her not to).
2. Soarin’ Over California: The happiest attraction at California Adventure. Just as “Pirates” feels like Disneyland, “Soarin’” feels like California Adventure. A thrill ride that isn’t scary, with a GREAT musical score. FUN FACT: The idea for the simulator’s lift mechanism was originally designed with an old Erector Set. BONUS FUN FACT: The golf ball that whizzes past you has a Mickey Mouse on it.
1. The Indiana Jones Adventure: As detailed inside as Pirates of the Caribbean, with a really innovative ride technology, with the Indiana Jones theme—a really great ride. Even the queue area is awesome—I love setting off the “spike ceiling” and pulling the rope in the well—if you haven’t done that, you’re missing out. A little too wild, maybe, but still, it’s the most enjoyable ride at the California Disney parks. FUN FACT: In the “rolling boulder” scene, your car doesn’t actually reverse—it’s a visual trick. You know, like when you’re sitting in your car and the car next to you moves and it feels like you’re moving? That’s kinda like what happens. Seriously.
Honorable Mentions:
Disneyland Railroad: The most relaxing ride at Disneyland, now that the Peoplemover is gone.
Jungle Cruise: I love corny jokes, and the new piranhas effect is great.
Haunted Mansion: Another classic ride, but it’s not as fun with little kids on your lap.
Now, since the top 3 have videos that are too dark, here's #4, Alice--still a little dark in parts, but deal with it, pink boy!
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