Some quick bits

OK, first, an inspirational thought for the day (click image to view larger, that text is kinda small):



Next, in case you haven't seen my Disney CMO entry, you can view it here:

http://www.dreamcmo.com/view-dream-cmo-applicant.php?CMODID=CMO-9E89822605E9ED8EEE40DA0D9E614367

Next, for those who haven't heard, we got Guitar Hero for the Wii. Amanda really really really wanted it. And Joel is awesome at it, too. Though not as good as this kid:




Next on the list, I saw 2 movies this past week, one which was much better than I'd expected, and one that was a lot worse than expected. So let me just say, I think there's something about "expectations" that affect people's perceptions of movies. There have been many instances where people rave about a movie, and I end up being really disappointed. Then there are movies that are supposedly awful that I end up enjoying (or at least thinking they're not as bad as people said they were).

Last Friday night, I went to see "Cloverfield," and I quite enjoyed it. I thought about it all weekend and wish I could go see it again. The "shaky camera" thing didn't bother me (probably from my years of taping and watching home movies) and I thought they did a good job using that video camera gimmick for a monster movie. Yes it's a really derivitive movie, and yes the characters are pretty one-dimensional, but it was fun, scary, funny, and had great effects. And sorry folks, this is 2008, we don't always get the endings we expect.

Flipside: We also rented "Stardust" this past week. Everyone said how great it was. Within 5 minutes, Amanda knew she wouldn't enjoy it, and although I though it was watchable, it wasn't anything I'd rave about or watch again (Joel on the other hand though it was, and I quote, "So freaking awesome!"). I didn't even like Claire
Danes, and I really like Claire Danes.

So that's about it. Last night, I read the "Matt and Mandy" section of the Friend Magazine in a Danny Cranney voice and Amanda and the kids quite enjoyed it. Just trust me, it was funny.

Now, take my recommendation and sit down for 7 1/2 minutes of German animated Oscar-winning Awesomeness. One of the best and most interesting animated shorts I've seen. OK, maybe I'm talking it up too much. You might think it's lame. But I happen to like it and hope to make a cartoon as good and interesting one day.

"Balance"

My new contest

I'm entering a new contest on YouTube. It's a Heinz one. www.topthistv.com

Mine will be based on Goldilocks. Here's a pic of the characters:
(Click image for a larger version, to see all the exquisite detail!!)



I'll post the video in a month or so when I've finished animating it!

2007: Gone already? 2008: A Magical Year

OK, seriously, 2007 went by REALLY REALLY fast. Thank goodness. I can only hope every year goes by as fast as 2007. I’d like this mortality thing to get over ASAP, frankly.
Overall, 2007 was a really good year. I got a real, good-paying job that is at least somewhat in the animation/entertainment industry. True, I’ve spent most of my time there doing motion graphics, video compositing, or sound recording instead of character animation, but it sure beats retail, food service, or tons of other jobs I COULD be doing.

We are able to pay the bills, and we’re slowly (really, really, really, really slowly) getting out of debt. Amanda got a job at the Disney Store that just opened here in Orem (and they’re going to keep her after the holidays, too) and all that goes to paying debts. Plus, I won the Fluflix contest (though I’m STILL waiting for that check to arrive).

Maddy started 3rd grade, Joel entered Kindergarten, and our little Abe is now 2 years old and very grown-up for his age. He’s very good at speaking (they’ve asked him to give a talk in church next month—ok, not really), and he loves music. He’s also in love with Giselle from “Enchanted” and Annette Funicello from “Babes in Toyland.” Joel is learning to read, which should help him (and give us a break) when he has to read stuff on video games. He’s really good at games on the Wii, and has an amazing memory. Maddy loves reading, and goes through a book a night, on average. She’s also been having a lot of fun at Achievement Days at church (Amanda’s the Achievement Days leader, too!)

Movie-wise, I only saw 13 films in the theater: Children of Men, Meet the Robinsons, Spiderman 3, Pirates of the Caribbean 3, Ratatouille, Transformers, Harry Potter 5, The Simpsons Movie, The Bourne Ultimatum, Beowulf, Enchanted, The Golden Compass, and Sweeney Todd. I saw Harry Potter three times (once alone, once with Amanda, once with Maddy and Joel) and Sweeney Todd twice (once alone and once with Amanda).

Now onto 2008. The blog title mentions that 2008 is a magical year. Why, you ask? I will answer you with a link to a new blogsite which you’ll want to check on a regular, daily or weekly basis:
http://10yearsofmagic.blogspot.com

Hope you all have a great new year. Now let’s go back 25 years, to good ol’ 1983: