Stranger than Fiction - -

TSA - Welcome to New Berlin

These video clips aired November 14, 2010. We should remember this day.

Must-see Documentary

I just watched this (dated) documentary on Link TV. It was released in 2003 and (this should come as no surprise to anyone alive) is all the more relevant now; The Corporation.

You can watch it in its entirety here via Youtube - see below. When you want to skip to a specific chapter, you can load it by clicking on the button next to the Play/Pause button. Otherwise, at the end of the chapter it will roll right into the next chapter; 23 in all. Enjoy and enlighten yourself.

New Photos

I've got new photos up at the following web sites:

redbubble and imagekind. Check them out and let me know your thoughts!

On a more social note, this past weekend was the annual Troy Strawberry Festival, which I guess is the highlight of the summer here in Troy. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but (here it comes) "back in my day..." the highlight of the summer was the soap box derby on the 4th of July. Well okay, that and the 4th of July fireworks show at the stadium. Plenty of Oohs and Aahs all around.

You wanna see what passed as entertainment last Friday night?

I'm in the process of editing the footage now, so come back later this week and have a look.

And enjoy the hilarity.


Don't laugh all at once....

Last Call - The Brig Moves On - Music by Shinedown

Just finished this video for my friends at The Brig. See you soon somewhere when....

Iron Man 2 Review

Not that I was dying to see Iron Man 2 at the first moment possible, but hey, it's Ohio and I'm unemployed and don't have to get up for work in the morning, so there I was at the midnight show with other guys in my situation (I imagine) and high school seniors who don't have to show up at school tomorrow.

The thing I love about movies (I, of course, prefer the term "film," because of an academic background, but whatever) is that the good ones work on many different levels without trying too hard. No preaching, no didactic finger wagging, just an entertainingly immersive story that, okay - could help you forget your troubles and make you laugh - but also maybe, perhaps, from which you can walk away with a kernal of wisdom that may come in handy someday.

I'll keep this short and sweet. Knowing the back story of Tony Stark aka Iron Man, played by Robert Downey Jr., isn't that important. You'll get filled in. The movie delivers on action, conflict, character intimacy (that's called Story, by the way) and oh yeah, special effects, acting, directing and spectacle (that's called Filmmaking).

What got me is that as a PG-13 film, kids and teenagers (and geeks like me) are drawn in by the Marvel comic book hero Iron Man (thank you Stan Lee!) in order to see our hero save the day, only to come close to death and then save the day again. I'm not giving anything away here. That's the nature of comic book heroes. What you usually don't see in a PG-13 film is how paternal neglect can affect offspring well after dear old dad has been dead and gone, unless of course, that's what the film's theme is. Yes, I know. Dangling participle. Get over it.

What you usually don't see in a PG-13 film is a main character who is terminally ill and struggling to tell the person they love that they may not be around much longer and how much that person means to them, unless, of course, that is the theme of the film. See that? No dangling participle. Feel better now?

And you usually don't see a character who is too overwhelmed by what's going on in her world to perceive or sense (use whatever empathic, intuitive word you want to use here, but you get the picture) what someone she cares about is attempting to tell her in his own way, unless - - you guessed it - - that's the theme of the film.

And what you definitely don't get in a PG-13 film is a scaled-down lesson on military politics and the ramifications thereof, unless of course - - class, all together - - that is the theme of the film. It all comes together in this film elegantly, fluidly and seemingly without effort. Bravo, ladies and gentlemen of the cast and crew. Bravo.

Now is this one film gonna change the world? Who am I to say? Maybe a father that sees this film will go home and remember to tell his kids that he loves them - and mean it. Maybe he doesn't say it tomorrow or the next day, but maybe someday - - before he's gone or before his kids are too old to care or too proud/defiant to show that they care (read 'hurt'), he does. Could that change the world? You bet.

Maybe a guy or girl who sees this film will take the time to listen - I mean really listen, in order to hear - what the person that they are intimately connected to, is trying to tell them, but doesn't have the words or is having difficulty finding them. Could that change the world? What do you think?

Having worked in the business and knowing how many films are produced and released theatrically every year (along with those that never see the back door of a cineplex), it's nice to see all of the above come together in such a widely available package. Of course, it all started with the mind of one man: Stan Lee. But then, he's the guy who brought us The Amazing Spiderman, The X-Men, The Fantastic Four, Captain America, Daredevil, Silversurfer, Nick Fury and The Mighty Thor. One man. Who's still alive.

Can one film change the world? Hmmm.

Sounds like a comic book.

Cleveland has Beer...

...but I wouldn't know what it tastes like, even though I just had lunch at Great Lakes Brewing Company.

Let me tell you, g0ood burgers (amish-fed - or is that amish-raised? I can't remember what the menu said).

Snowing here. Getting ready to get on plane to Denver. in the 40s there.

ciao for now.

Off to Denver

I'm leaving tomorrow on a jet plane. Well, two, actually. If I can pull myself into a cafe with wifi I shall send reports from the road.

Take care, all.

ciao for now

"Treasures For My Friends" released

My living homage to my uncle, Rev. Lloyd George Barrett, is partially complete. "Treasures For My Friends", a visual poetry book is now available on blurb.com and this week I'll be working on a short film version of the book. It should be up on Itunes by the weekend - - if I stay on the straight and narrow....

Speaking of which, go to see THE BOOK OF ELI if you haven't yet. I was fortunate enough to see it last week (seventh row center, of course) by myself. Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's a post apocalyptic treatsie of America, blah blah blah.

However, it's more than that. I'm gonna see it again, thank God for the cheap ticket prices around here and then maybe see it a third time and thank God again for the fact that I don't have to watch films and then write papers about them, like back in the day....although, it wouldn't be hard to come up with a decent thesis argument. It's visually arresting, has great subtle music, the writing is excellent, the direction is not bombastic and the cast has some heretofore hidden jewels in it. Of course, having Tom Waits and Gary Oldman in any cast doesn't hurt.

That's it.

ciao for now

Software Company Solves Problem

Well, thanks to the software program Free Studio from dvdvideosft.com, I now have a simple way to create copies of the films in any format that fits your situation. Thank you dvdvideosoft! You guys just got an end title credit for all my podcasts. How's that for free advertising?

If you've watched Nite Lites Volume 1 online via blip.tv and would like a copy you can play away from your computer, email me via my photography site and I'll get you my mailing address.

You can send me whatever storage media you'd like (flash drive or dvd disc - blank, of course) and specs (HD or regular, widescreen or regular, NTSC or PAL, even Ipod, Iphone, PSP, etc.) and I'll be able to burn you a copy.

All I ask is that you check out my photography online and that you cover my shipping costs back to you (the Donate button has been added to this site, just to your right). Of course, you can donate whatever amount you'd like. All is appreciated.

For the next podcast I'm working on "A Treasure For My Friends," a poetry video book that features poems written by my uncle, Rev. Lloyd Barrett, who will be receiving an honorary doctorate degree later this month. He wrote these poems in the early 70's and assembled them into a small booklet which he self-published and gave to - - guess who - - his family and friends.

I'm self-publishing a new edition of the book as a surprise for him, which will be available sometime in March. Needless to say, it will include accompanying photos by yours truly. The poetry video book will be a companion project. At any rate, I will keep you posted.

If you're a musician and you'd like to provide the soundtrack for the next Nite Lites volume, please contact me. I'd love to marry my eye to your ear.

ciao for now

iTunes accepts new video podcast

Well kiddies, I just received word that iTunes has approved my video podcast "mediamode presents." It will be up and operational by the end of the week, which means that you'll be able to download the trailer (although you can watch it here on the blog) and then the film Nite Lites Volume 1, which is being uploaded as I type.

Also, a post will be added here once the film in available on the web via blip.tv.

I'm dying to give the film away via online downloads, but I haven't found a free site that will allow me to upload the entire film as one file; most have a 50MB per file limit, and I'm not about to re-edit the thing so that it fits into 50mb chunks. It's an editor thing.

Other sites want $$ (who doesn't?),so that won't be free for me.

My next thought was to burn dvds and make them available via snailmail. However, (1) that wouldn't be free for me either, what with money being spent on discs and postage, and (2) I don't know that I'm technically savvy enough to get up to speed on burning an NTSC disc that will play in dvd players here in North America and PAL discs for players in the rest of the world.

I suppose I could charge a nominal fee to cover my costs, but that's gonna require bookkeeping and such. Which sounds like work, to me. And you'd be paying for the film. And that wouldn't be a free film for you, now would it?

The best thing I can come up with right now is to offer to copy the film file onto a flash drive that you send to me (via snailmail) which I would return to you.

Once you receive it, reimburse me via Paypal the postage amount that's on the package. Or give me more if you want. The Donate button will be here on the site in a day or so.

Obviously, you'll be able to download the film to your iPod from iTunes, but how is that picture gonna look on your tv?

The point is, I would like everyone to see my photography married to the music in the environment in which they're comfortable and chilled, with the least amount of hassle to all. If you like what you see, I know that you'll go to my photography site and buy a framed or laminated print for yourself or a greeting card or two with an image from the film for a friend.

Or at the very least, tell a friend about the film or the podcast or the web site.

If you like it, that is. Keep your finger crossed. Come back in a few days. More news then.

ciao for now

DVD trailer of Nite Lites Volume 1

The complete film will be available for download sometime next week for a small donation.

New Video Up

I recently shot and edited a short interview piece for a local nonprofit, HandsOn West Central Ohio, to document part of their MLK Day of Service Food Drive.

I also have some new photos up on my gallery site.


And...finishing the final touches on the first of my new photo/music dvds, Nite Lites Volume 1, for those of you who can't stand looking at a blue screen when you're listening to tunes over your home theater system. I'm beta-testing now. Hopefully I'll have a workable burned dvd ready for release by next week.

Just trying to keep busy, is all....

Took some time this week to watch some classic films, though. I enjoyed myself a great late-hollywood studio-era war film double feature on TCM - The Guns of Navarone and Ice Station Zebra. Both films are based on novels by the great Alistair MacLean .

For my money, Ice Station Zebra was the first technically great submarine film (special effects for 1961 are incredible), followed by Wolfgang Petersen's 1981 Das Boot.

Ahh, guilty pleasures.



ciao for now

Celebrate the 2010 Rose Bowl Champs

$23.75, medium laminated print

via mediamode.redbubble.com

Do you see what I see? Look on the wall behind our tree...

Thank you boys for this prayer

Take these shoes
Click clacking down some dead end street
Take these shoes
And make them fit
Take this shirt
Polyester white trash made in nowhere
Take this shirt
And make it clean, clean
Take this soul
Stranded in some skin and bones
Take this soul
And make it sing

Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, Yahweh
Still I'm waiting for the dawn

Take these hands
Teach them what to carry
Take these hands
Don't make a fist
Take this mouth
So quick to criticise
Take this mouth
Give it a kiss

Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, Yahweh
Still I'm waiting for the dawn

Still waiting for the dawn, the sun is coming up
The sun is coming up on the ocean
This love is like a drop in the ocean
This love is like a drop in the ocean

Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, tell me now
Why the dark before the dawn?

Take this city
A city should be shining on a hill
Take this city
If it be your will
What no man can own, no man can take
Take this heart
Take this heart
Take this heart
And make it break

Happy HOildays!

New Photographs

Old Flu - New Flu. Who Knew?

A tip o' the hat to Karen Jacobson for this sumptuous aperitif, after which, a tiny goblet of mine own:

Read carefully, this could be you......
The Next Pandemic


I went to a gathering last night, where I and other guests enjoyed copious amounts of alcohol.

I awoke this morning not feeling well, with what could be described as flu-like symptoms; headache, nausea, chills, sore eyes, etc.

From the results of some initial testing, I have unfortunately tested positive for what experts are now calling
Wine Flu.

This debilitating condition is very serious - and it appears this is not an isolated case.

Reports are flooding in from all around the country of others diagnosed with Wine Flu. To anyone that starts to exhibit the aforementioned tell-tale signs, experts are recommending a cup of tea and a bit of a lie down. One should not expose himself to fellow employees for at least 24-48 hours.

However, should your condition worsen, you should immediately hire a DVD and take some Tylenol. To ensure this Wine flu remains a minor case, refrain from consuming further amounts of alcohol and stick to Gatorade. Others are reporting a McDonald's Quarter Pounder can also help in some cases.

Wine Flu does not need to be life threatening and, if treated early, can be eradicated within a 24-48 hour period.

NOTE
If you find you are complaining a lot, it may be that it has mutated into Whine Flu. This is particularly common in MEN and can quickly spread to their partners where the symptoms are detected as a serious case of eye-rolling.
---------------

Ahhhhhh.....It doth go down smoothly, nooo? And now, another. Ever so lightly, and yeah, delicate.



So what's a New Yorker's favorite wine?



"I wanna go ta Flawrida!"

-----------------


premature cabernet

Have some
ciao for now

Thought For The Week - - Nay, Rest of the Year

"Every day takes figurin' out all over again how to f**kin' live."

- Calamity Jane
Deadwood
Season 2 Episode 25 "Tell Your God To Ready For Blood"


'Nuff said.

ciao for now

Good Stuff, Mostly

Now that I need some "structure" to my life -my quotes, but my dad's inflection- and I have time on my hands (hey, it's the holiday season, and NOBODY gets hired this time of year, and definitely not in this economy) I plan on doing stuff I've been meaning to for quite a while.

That's a long way 'round the bend of saying I'm gonna start writing reviews of stuff I dig; music, art, film, tv, books, stores and shopowners that - in a perfect world - would not only survive but thrive. Basically, I will blow my horn by blowing those of others that I dig. If that makes any sense.

You'll notice a link to the right to a song by Paul Chesne. This kid (I can call him that 'cause I'm older than he) is (now)a friend of mine that I met 'cause he was opening at The Kibitz Room for the band of another friend of mine - Jay Souza (50 Cent Haircut). He's awesome.

Don't get me wrong. So is 50 Cent Haircut.

I wasn't gonna start doing this now....I was gonna sit down, formulate a gameplan for each review, blah blah blah.

So just enjoy the song for now. Visit their sites and buy their music after you listen to it. It's good wholesome 'Merikan music.

ciao for now

Tree Lighting in Ye Olde Towne Square

Don't you love this time of year?

triptophan blissd

The Lions lost, the Cowboys won (and with Denver and NY still playing), turkey got put away.

Aahh sooo; we can rest now, reassured in the knowledge that yes, Virginia, there will be turkey sandwiches to fuel us through Black Friday and Saturday and Sunday, getting us (at long last!) to Black Monday.

Which is perfect for us, 'cause after having all that triptophan in our systems, we'll have cash in our pockets but will be too groggy to get down to Whatsitsname's Big Box Store to continue the national pastime, Consumer-Gorging on 20% Off This and 30 to 50% Off That.





Like it? This is my "raining glowsticks blind my way" mug. I made it just for you. For Black Monday.


Okay, well not for this coming Black Monday. That would be crazy. Certifiable, in fact.


I mean, I believe in customer service, but comeon - gimmeabreak. I'm good but I'm not that good - you know, deliver-your-stuff-in-three-days-AND-over-the-weekend good!

Tell you what. I can give you 25% off the price of any prints and canvases from both of my fine art sites if you contact and order from me directly (via your paypal account). I'll make good on this offer until the end of the year.

mediamode.imagekind.com

and

mediamode.redbubble.com.


Think about it. The sites are linked to the right and also below.


Now check the frig again. A little birdie is calling you....