Ramblings - A personal Weblog

Vote for Disney Dream Job Winner

2007-03-10 11:34:19 -0500

Vote for Disney Dream Job Winner

Date Created: Mar 10, 2007, 11:34 AM

One of my favorite internet podcast is Ricky Brigante's wonderful, "Inside the Magic", a fan podcast dedicated to all things Disney, coming straight from Orland Florida. Ricky's show is one of the best produced Podcasts out there and inspiration for my own Star Wars show in many ways.

Recently Careerbuilders.com and Disney got together to offer fans the opportunity to have the Job of their Dreams for a day --- working at the Disneyland Themepark as either a Haunted Mansion Butler/Maid, Jungleboat Skipper, Princess, or Parade Performer. Ricky has always stated on his show that he is a major fan of The Haunted Mansion attraction, and so his dream is to be a Haunted Mansion Butler. Check out his video (below) and see how much he loves the ride, and then head on over to THIS SITE to cast a vote for him to win. Vote over and over. This guy deserves it.
While there, check out some of the other funny videos as well!

VOTE FOR RICKY!

BAM! In the Studio with Emeril Live!

2007-03-10 11:24:00 -0500

BAM! In the Studio with Emeril Live!

Date Created: Mar 10, 2007, 11:24 AM

This week at work, I was given the opportunity to attend a special VIP taping of the Emeril Live show. I have never really had time to watch cooking shows before, but as I mentioned earlier this week, I've suddenly found the need to make my own food, so this special event gave me more incentive to stop and watch the Food Network a bit.

I never realized cooking shows could be so much fun. Emeril is a gregarious, yet amiable character, who brings a lot of personality and humor into what he does. He is undeniably famous, for even though I never watched an episode until this week, I knew who he was and what he was about, and of course about his catch phrase, "Bam!".

Since it was a daytime recording, I had trouble finding someone who could join me, but eventually I was able to convince my old man to come along after watching a fun episode, in which Emeril was preparing something with lots of "Gahr-lic". Dad enjoyed his accent and his antics.

The studio is located in the recently renovated Chelsea Market, which is a really interesting place to visit. Inside a brick laden building are several old style market places selling everything from fish, to fruit, to baked goods and meat --- a perfect location for the FOOD NETWORK if you ask me.

We were given VIP treatment of a sort -- If this was VIP I wonder what the regular crowds are treated to. It meant waiting in a room an hour earlier with some snacks. Now, you'd imagine snacks for a cooking show would be gourmet treats made by the "Number One Restauranteur" in the world, wouldn't you? Nope. The "snacks" were probably provided by the television production house. They were chips, drinks, and dove chocolate bites. Nice of them to feed us, but not what we expected. But again, that was the TV Studio offering, not Emeril's.

We thought, when we were given VIP tickets that we'd be seated in the tables near the stage, but perhaps something in our small group had them seat us in the front row of the studio audience instead. Perhaps we weren't pretty enough?

But enough carping.

The show itself was great fun! Lively audience participation. A great live band. And Emeril himself came across as light and funny as he does on television. Filming his intro to the show barely 4 feet in front of us, we couldn't help notice how he made eye contact with us a couple of times.

Prepared this show were some dishes that were "Kicked up with Fruit". All of the meals looked luscious and tasty, but really only two or three people got to try them.

All I know is, this show was truly inspiring, and I look forward to catching some of these shows and perhaps trying out a recipe or two in the kitchen. I'll let you know how that goes. The airdate will be sometime in May or June.

We had a blast.

n one word, "Bam!"

Lost Episode "Enter 77"

2007-03-10 11:08:43 -0500

Lost Episode "Enter 77"

Date Created: Mar 10, 2007, 11:01 AM

Yet another riveting episode of this great, great show. You can tell you are watching something great when you find yourself yelling at the screen. Several times during my viewing of this show, I found myself yelling at the character Locke, as he foolishly decided to push some buttons he should never have touched. (Of course it led to dire circumstances). The character of Sayeed, a former Iraqui guard, was given more backstory this time around, and I fear his time might be coming. Usually, in this show, when a character makes peace with an incident from their past, they meet their final death. I believe the acting, story, and creation of this show is very cinematic and for me it has gotten better and better with each passing week.

As for the ratings, again, I must announce to those silly Nielsen people -"Wake UP and stop thinking inside the box!". I did NOT watch this show live when it came on Wednesday night at 10, because that happens to be my bedtime, aside from other reasons. BUT I would not miss an episode. I recorded it on DVD and watched a tiny bit of it at lunchtime, and couldn't wait to get home that night, make time to sit back,relax and watch it at my own leisure that night. It doesn't mean no one is watching. It means we are watching it our own way. More on that some other time.

Vote for Rich in Spielberg Contest!

2007-03-10 11:01:05 -0500

Vote for Rich in Spielberg Contest!

Date Created: Mar 10, 2007, 11:01 AM

My movie-making cohort Rich has a movie entered in Steven Spielberg's new filmmaker search contest that will be turned into a television reality show!
His movie is called "The Injectionist", and is a dark comedic piece about the life of one of the 'bad guys'. He made it specifically for this contest using his Mac, Final Cut, and Garage Band.

You will have to register to vote, but it takes a few minutes. This contest is based upon viewer votes so go an and check it out! Leave your feedback, too!

Visit the movie by clicking here: http://films.thelot.com/films/12215

Something Cooking

2007-03-02 20:55:07 -0500

Something Cooking

Date Created: Mar 02, 2007, 08:51 PM

I've been on a new budget plan for the past month or so. Seems the Ms. and I got a little out of hand with going out to eat all the time, and so we decided it was time we started having our own home cooked meals, instead. This way we can save a few bucks (which I need to pay off some things as well as for some upcoming journeys), and also avoid the need to overspend for something you can make yourself.

She started by making a few interesting dishes -- but tonight I decided it was my turn. I'd forgotten how long it had been since I'd "slaved" in the kitchen, but it has certainly been a long, long while. I made my first real dish in years. Nothing special. Some rice (kinda came out like Pork Fried Rice)-- But it's a start!

Everybody Loves Hugo

2007-03-02 20:51:00 -0500

Everybody Loves Hugo

Date Created: Mar 02, 2007, 08:40 PM

Episode: "Tracy Tonaka is Still Dead"

One of the perfect examples of why I enjoy LOST so much was evident in the latest episode, aired this past Wednesday evening. It was a funny, touching, moving show centering around the overweight drifter known as Hugo, who had to face his stigma of bad luck that had followed him since winning the lottery while using the infamous numbers. The episode featured the return of the main cast, who had been waiting for months on the island (how DO these people get paid when they aren't even on the show every week?), and some great character moments that had me chuckling out loud.

Favorites that come to mind:
• Hugo's mother covering the ears of her gold Jesus statue when she's about to say something she feels is dirty
• The endless barrage of insulting names coming out of Sawyer, with "Snuffy" and "International House of Pancakes" taking the cake.
• Sawyer, the lonesome drifter obviously grew up with too much TV in the house.
• Kate's refusal to admit she's in love
• The bonding moments between the cast were great.

I couldn't believe I actually thought Cheech Marin's acting was incredible -- I usually don't like him. But he was wonderfully cast as Hugo's wandering father.

I've recently begun watching the entire series over from the start on DVD and I just love being able to fill in the backstory with all we know since the show began so long ago. You keep thinking, wow, so THAT'S what he was thinking when that happened!

Oh, and for those Media folks who rely oh so much on "Neilson" numbers:

I didn't watch the show live on Wednesday night. I recorded it and watched it during my LUNCH hour (on DVD). Network TV has to RETHINK how it judges its viewership. Last week, I watched it ONLINE at www.abc.com! TV ratings are meaningless!!!!

Getting "LOST"

2007-03-01 15:29:57 -0500

Getting "LOST"

Date Created: Mar 01, 2007, 03:29 PM

One of the shows that brought me back to watching again, as I may have mentioned in an early blog, is LOST. This captivating show had intrigued me since its debut in 2004, but it wasn't until the 1st Season DVD arrived in late 2005, along with the iPod Video and the ability to download aTV show to an iPod that I paid it any attention.

My biggest gripe against shows like this is that if you miss an episode or two, you are, well, lost. And even though I had Tivo'd the premiere of the show based upon its titillating promos and advanced good word, I could never get into the show without feeling as if I'd have missed something the week before.

So I definitely think that anyone remotely interested in the show should somehow get their hands on Season One on DVD and give it a chance. Forget about Where they are or Why they are there. Just watch. You're not bound to see such intriguing characters anywhere on TV. In one episode you can totally despise, love, and empathize with the very same character you ignored a few episodes ago. Brilliant

I have no theories about what this show is about other than ultimately it is about the Human Condition. About Faith. Losing one's soul and redeeming it. Redemption.
Faith. Hope. Redemption. Humanity.
That's what makes it intriguing to me.

Time for Tivo

2007-03-01 14:20:40 -0500

Time for Tivo

Date Created: Mar 01, 2007, 02:20 PM

Since I am reviving this blog site, I thought I'd start with a new category, since a few things have changed over the past few years.
When I first started this blog a few years ago, I had not watched a regular television show since about 1994, when Star Trek:The Next Generation went of the air. From about 1986-2005 - the most network TV I'd watch is a blurb or two on the news about the weather, and perhaps an interview program or two. I really had no need for TV. For it's programs. I had lost faith in the writing as being nothing more than rehash of stuff that came before it. So in 1984, with the first episode of the Cosby Show on NBC, I turned off regular TV watching for good. For decades, even... Except for Star Trek. Yes, geeky as it seems, it was the only hour I'd allow myself throughout the '80's and '90's to be glued in front of the tube for. Moreso in the later days when we were a large group watching things together.

In late 2001, I was convinced that I needed to get a Tivo. I had let dozens of great programs slip by, and was told that TV was getting better. And the idea of scheduling shows on my own time, to watch when I wanted seemed tempting. So I got one, and have been able to enjoy my own programming for the past 5 or so years - watching what I want, when I want, and totally ignoring Network TV....Until recently....

And that's where this category comes in. Turns out I have been following a couple of shows during the past millenium. Hit shows that are woth writing, talking, and reading about. So I thought it was approprate to start writing about them here.

Some of them are great (LOST), some of them are weird (BIG BROTHER), some of them are simply inexplicable (GREASE:YOU'RE THE ONE THAT I WANT), but mostly they are all just fun. And now with the Youtube-ability of being able to share clips with you within this blog, too, I can't help myself!

So enjoy my rants, my raves, my thoughts on the few TV shows I watch. Maybe you watch them too!

Awards, Shlawards

2007-02-27 23:21:26 -0500

Awards, Shlawards

Date Created: Feb 27, 2007, 11:15 PM

I totally gave up on the Oscars years ago, when it became apparent that none of the movies that I felt were deemed worthy of a gold statue were so honored. The Oscars became a sham. A joke. Something to showcase the falseness of Hollywood. And I refuse to watch, unless of course someone I like is nominated and has a chance of winning (And I actually KNOW someone whose won a couple! --wink!).

That said, I totally avoided this year's ceremonies. Choosing instead to excersize and do a few other more important things before going to bed early.

However, I do think it's nice that Oscar gave an award to one of the only movies that were nominated that I actually saw this year. Jennifer Hudson's win was a nice surprise, and I do hope the talented girl goes far. Unfortunately, she's far too young to understand what any of this means. As far as she's concerned, it's just another piece of gold.... Oh, wait, that's right... it IS!

Never mind.

Gotta Have Faith

2007-02-27 23:15:46 -0500

Gotta Have Faith

Date Created: Feb 27, 2007, 11:08 PM

I don't usually comment on Current Events - mostly because I don't really enjoy presenting or reading biased points of view very much, but this latest one is something I thought I'd put two cents in about.
It's been reported that filmmaker James Cameron has made a documentary in which he purportedly uncovered the remains of Jesus Christ and his family. Now I am not going to go into the veracity of his claim or what has been proved or the motives or any of that. I simply feel implored to remember the following: The main message behind the stories of Jesus is to "Love one another" (as he has loved us). Plain and simple. Let's all get along. When you think about all of the stories handed down through the ages, that's what we are meant to take away from the parables, stories and gospels.
Resurrection, in my opinion is of the spirit. It doesn't matter what bones they feel that they have found. It does not "disprove" any theories of resurrection in my opinion.
The very fact that we are still talking about, thinking about, worrying about the existence of Jesus Chris as a person (or "God as a thing" as John Lennon once put it), over two thousand years after his death clearly means one thing: Jesus DID come back to life. He lives with us with every thought. Every mention, every notion of good. Every time we remember to do something His lessons taught us.
His story was not about bones or discovering what wasn't. It was about the possibilities of what was.
That's just my thought on the matter.

Spinning the Web

2007-02-27 23:08:12 -0500

Spinning the Web

Date Created: Feb 27, 2007, 11:02 PM

Those of you who found me thanks to the blog subscription who might want to see what else I've been up to on the web might enjoy visiting my home page.

http://web.mac.com/tonygonzalez

will lead you to the main page, updated regularly (aka monthly) - featuring a few photo galleries, more blogs, and other fun stuff. It will also link you to my podcasts.

My Star Wars related Podcast can be found above, OR at:

http://www.starwarsfanworks.com/echo3toecho7.html

That's my show! Now in it's second year!

You can also listen to me on ODEO. I've posted my latest homepage podcast below- just click to listen. But you can also visit me at:http://odeo.com/profile/Echo3

Here are the most recent shows I've done for my personal podcast. Watch for new ones VERY Soon!

My iLife So Far

2007-02-27 22:57:00 -0500

My iLife So Far

Date Created: Feb 27, 2007, 10:48 PM

When Apple came out with iLife 'O6 a year ago, I had no idea how much it would affect my computing life - or iLife. Thanks to that great piece of software, I developed a brand new, great looking website (using iWeb) that I've been excited to update on a regular basis. I only wish the blogging part of it were as intuitive as the software I use to create THESE pages. (And conversely wish these pages were as easily customizable as THOSE Page). Anyway, iWeb was a welcome addition to the package, and allowed me to also create a new way for my friends and family to stay in touch via live comments and regular updates. It's been a blast. (Those pages, alas, are personal!).
GarageBand opened up my world in all sorts of ways -- first off by allowing me to podcast at the push of a button. For Six Months, I was creating a show with a total stranger I'd only met online! In addition, I was able to reestablish my longtime friendship with my old pal and preserve some interesting conversation about our hobby via our own podcast -- -which in turn got noticed by a fan site that invited us to join and which in turn got us nominated for some fan audio awards. How's that for a first year!? This year's been even more productive so far, with a third monthly show added for my personal home page. Fun, fun, fun.
iPhoto was never better than in '06. I was a bit weary at first because the '05 version took a few tries to be perfected. But last year's version was a dream - introducing PHOTOCAST - which enabled me to send links to my sister in Florida that could be updated regularly right into HER iPhoto. Amazing.
And even though I advanced beyond iMovie, last year's version got even better, and I found myself falling back on it more and more. Same with iDVD. I love this stuff.
While we are in the third month of the year and still (at this point) lacking a NEW version of iLife, it's going to be pretty hard for them to beat last year's version, which was a great, and life changing version indeed!

It's Been A While....

2007-02-27 22:47:45 -0500

It's Been A While....

Date Created: Feb 27, 2007, 10:47 PM

In the few months that have passed since I've posted to this site, quite a few things have happened. Many of which I won't necessarily post about here, but allow me to use this posting to say -- "I'm Back".... I think. I need a place to jot down my extraneous thoughts, and what good's writing them down if no one reads them, so if you are out there and you are reading this, then GREAT. Thanks. It helps to know these are going out there for something.

SOMEONE must be reading because earlier this year there was a huge spike in readership, caused mostly to the fact that this blog page was spotlighted over at "Your Mac Life" a great internet Radio show that has provided me with tons of inspiration over the years. So Thanks, YML for the mention. And if any of you enjoyed reading this then so much you subscribed, and you are finding a bunch of new entries today, THANKS again for stopping by and let me know whatcha think.

CARS on iTunes: Are Digital Downloads Comparable to DVD?

2006-11-17 23:54:37 -0500

CARS on iTunes: Are Digital Downloads Comparable to DVD?

Date Created: Nov 17, 2006, 11:52 PM

I didn't get to catch CARS during its theatrical run last summer, but I had expected to buy the DVD when it arrived. In between, iTunes announced that it would be offering CARS for download on the day the DVD came out, for 12.99 (preorder and 1st two weeks only), and that got me thinking:
( As usual, got a story for ya;)

I recently started putting away a lot of my videos into binders rather than storing them on shelves -- aside from sometimes cringing at the huge collection of classic Disney movies on the shelf when there aren't any kids about - I recently decided it was time to try to cut down on clutter. The idea of digital downloads sounded like a great solution - buy the movie via my computer and watch it either on the computer or via the iPod or with the iPod attached to the TV.
No more discs. No more boxes. No more clutter.

I hemmed and hawed about this for a while, but then decided that I'd been dying to try downloading a movie from iTunes, and this one was probably the pick of the bunch. (For those who may not know - the only movies available for purchase on iTunes right now are Disney Company movies). I realized that if I'd gone to see this in the movies, the price would have been exactly the same (okay, maybe 50 cents cheaper). If I didn't like the download, I could always buy the DVD and still feel as if I came in ahead.

Now in the meantime - I'd recently received a great service award from my company -- a 20" flat/DVD TV! It arrived the night I was leaving on my trip to Puerto Rico last week. A nice free gift (though I only wish it were an HD-LCD, but hey, it was a PRESENT!). I could'nt wait to use it, but the trip took precedence! (Had a blast, btw).

So once I got back from vacation, and settled in, I set up the TV (which I intend to use only for viewing DVD and digital movies), and thought -"Hey, ya know? What about buying that CARS movie to try it out? It's only 12.99 online."

So I did this (the movie downloaded in about an hour) and then proceed to get so busy (as usual) that I didn't get a chance all week to watch it. When things finally settled down tonight, I plugged my iPod into my new set and was totally blown away by the crystal clarity of this new digital format. The movie looked fantastic, sounded fantastic, and sufficed to say, I'm definitely going to weigh the options between buying a movie online and buying an actual DVD from now on. Not only can I always carry it with me, I could also plug it into any tv anywhere and watch it there! I love when technology actually does something I always needed!

Now back to the movie---

I was taken aback by the Heart Warming storyline of this movie. And the generous supply of humor. I was laughing out loud several times tonight - I really can't remember the last time a video elicited that reaction in years. I didn't get ALL of the references, though. Unfortunately, *some* of us here in the N/E have no idea what the true appeal of racing is-(sure looks pretty amazing!)- so some jokes were totally lost on me. But this movie sure looked gorgeous! Sounded incredible. And I also got a small whisp of longing for what it must be like to come from a small town. I've driven on Route 66 and thought it was an apt depiction of the road. But most, I enjoyed the microcosm presented in the town. A little bit of everybody from everywhere, thrown in the middle of nowhere. I liked the lessons learned by the brash McQuade, who was all flash and no substance until he met the small-town wrecks. I also enjoyed the ideas put forth about respecting Elders and learning from them. Really touching stuff. While watching the film, I wanted to own a Matchbox car of the characters- I'm sorry I missed out on that. They were adorable. It also reminded me of the days of my youth spent putting together plastic car models. Really nifty visuals.

I was less impressed with the "love" story, though. It seemed to have --er --- gone flat-- once McQuade gets on his --er--wheels again. I also didn't really like the music or use of incidental music, either. The only song I enjoyed was the one sung by James Taylor. I think this movie needed more of that sort of thing. But on the whole, this was a four-star movie, definitely worth the time, and definitely worth the download or the dvd. I loved the Pixar references during the end credits.

The next big release I'm considering is PIRATES 2. This one I saw (as did everyone else in the world) in the movies. It will also be available for 12.99 for a short time. Not sure if I want the DVD extras or not, yet. We'll see what happens with that. For CARS, Disney had created a thorough podcast covering all facets of production (this is still available for free on iTunes).

But for those of you who are considering whether or not digital downloads are worth it -- I say they are -- Think of it this way -- your kids won't be able to damage the disk! No peanut brittle on the DVD. No need to worry about wearing the movie out. There isn't one to damage. (Of course I'll have to figure out the best place to back this file up to and preserve it, but that's beside the point). With CARS on iTunes, I feel the future has indeed arrived!

Fun movie.

Blogging again

2006-11-17 21:56:49 -0500

Blogging again

Date Created: Nov 17, 2006, 09:56 PM

Yeah, I know. It's been ages. But sometimes when you're out and about doing stuff it kind of limits the time you have for doing things like... well... blogging.

I did recently update my homepage considerably, and have a new blog there. If you've the time, please go check it out. There is a new area for comments there, as well.

Speaking of time - Methinks it's time to scram again for a little while. Enjoy the blogs.