Straight Outta Purgatory

"When a Problem Needs a Problem Solver..."

2008-10-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh! By the time I get home from working 10 hours, I honestly have no motivation to blog. Today, I have been very productive. Doing a little bit of that Autumn cleaning. Took a break from cleaning and watched A Simple Plan whilst changing my bass strings. Freaking good movie. Sending off a roll of Kodachrome tomorrow that I shot over a year ago.

Mr. Poop

2008-09-13T07:01:00.000-07:00

Short and to the point: Photos everyone!

I have a job now. It's nothing special.

Ka-ka-ka, Ye-ah!

2008-08-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

I bet you have been wondering what exactly is better than brownies? Well, I am here to tell you what that thing is. That thing which is better than the illustrious, traditional brownie is this...the...cheesecake brownie! I am afraid that it is quite spectacular. If you haven't been to allrecipes.com, it is a most useful site for those who wish to cook your food rather than heat up/have someone heat up your food for you.

My back has been giving me whatfor this week. I am too young for kidney stones. I know that's not true, but I want to believe it is. I actually don't care what the pain is, I just want it to go away. On the opposite end of the news-related spectrum, I have a meeting with a client tomorrow to discuss her wedding photos. I think that is pretty much a done deal. Might have an actual job job soon, too. My band is going to be playing shows...a month from now. So, good things to look forward to. Also, I don't know if you have heard that N.E.R.D. song, "My Drive Thru," but initial reaction has been extremely positive. Of course, that could be attributed to BET's playing of a music video that isn't total garbage (see: Lil' Wayne). The album, Seeing Sound, is pretty dern good, too. Photos and such. Without the such. Maybe a little such.

Not to toot my own horn, but this is probably one of my favorite photos I have ever taken. There is something arresting, disturbing, off about this. Still employing the cuteness that is my great niece, Madison, the open area on the right side is nothing short of haunting (at least to me anyway). I'd like to think that this was my sole intention with this photo.

It's Contagious

2008-08-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

Plenty of things have happened since the last post - none of which job-related. Friends moved away, sibling rivaling, nieces come to visit, new births, movies seen, photos taken, etc. I got a whole bunch of film in the fridge now. I photographed the band. Quite pleased with the results. I hope all the individual sessions turn out as good as Edward's. I regret to inform that Lynn's must be redone. My band as well as one of my photos will most likely be in the Memphis Flyer! Here are some photos. I am not nearly as short on these as I am on words at the moment.

That one big square one is the latest edition of make-your-great-uncle-feel-old. Of course, a toddler provides a wealth of entertainment as opposed to newborns.

"Splattering Poop...

2008-08-01T08:28:00.001-07:00

...like a monkey's racehorse." - Jason from Home Movies

Later today, I will have more film than I know what to do with. Later today, I will be photoing a birthday party at Shelby Farms for pretty dern cheap. Tomorrow, I might be photoing products (and model holding products) for the talented Ms. Maggie Hendren. I looked through some old art school projects and can't wait to start making my own prints again on Fiber Paper. Here are some black and white scans for your Friday -

(: D

2008-07-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

The Watchmen trailer - Wow!

The Dark Knight movie - Double Wowee! Wowee!

Nicole is obviously a good model. Will be doing more shoots with her in the near future. My next photo-related purchase seems to change from day to day, but currently, I am adamant about getting a large format camera.

Suck My Blood Like a Leech...

2008-07-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

Yo. What's up? This is what I am listening to right now. I saw Hellboy II: The Golden Army yesterday. It was awesome fun. The creature design, as per usual with a Guillermo del Toro joint, were fantastically perfect. I absolutely cannot wait for Thursday night to see The Dark Knight. Thankfully, I have been pretty successful at evading any of the TV spots over the past month. I am finally getting around to finishing the Watchmen comic. I started it probably 5 years ago (don't worry, I am starting over from the beginning). Amazing book. I don't understand how it will translate to the big screen.

I have a new great niece. Her name is Clara. This is her sister, Madison:

I should get some photos of Clara back from the lab soon. Can't wait!

But I Can't, I Can't, I Can't

2008-07-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

This would be the new camera/toy I bought yesterday. Another Polaroid Land camera for which I paid $3. The battery works, but I think it is almost out of juice. Can't wait to give it a test run.

Been listening to a lot of Of Montreal and The Zutons lately, and more importantly, I have been thoroughly enjoying the musical experience.

I Am Going to Blow Your Mind

2008-06-27T13:38:00.001-07:00

Today, we had childrens over that my sister keeps so they could swim which naturally means that we partook of something very kiddish for lunch - corndogs. I prepared my corndog with the usual mustard and being in snacking-mode, casually snagged a piece of leftover bacon my mother was using to prepare tonights supper. I had the first bite of corndog in my mouth as I proceeded to chomp on said bacon. "WOW!" was the only word I could come up with for this unlikely combination.

I highly recommend that you try this once in your life, BUT if you, in any way, value your life and health, you won't make it a habit as you will feel your ateries hardening as you eat.

A few months ago, Jason asked me to do some photos of the New Daisy for his job. There are supposed to be some flyers around town that feature some of these shots. I am pretty pleased with how these and the flyer came out.

baby hammock

2008-06-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget that flickr is not the be-all, end-all of photo-sharing and photo-appreciation. I say this because I got rejected from a group called Quality over Quantity. Now, I didn't spend over $15,000 in other peoples money to not know what makes a good photograph which is to say that I know my stuff is good and moreso, that many of the photos in this group are not, in the least, above-mediocre images. Although, I am not trying to say that there is no art like my art is art. There are plenty of people who downright mop the floor with me in all areas aesthetic and technical.

Anyway, my first reaction is not happy, but like I mentioned, flickr, while being invaluable with the amount of technical information it contains, is not a fine-art-centered community no matter how moderated and pretentious their groups may be. So, I now know how ridiculous it is to let that bother me. That being said, my group is awesome. BTW, this is the photo that got turned down:

Rant Over.

Welcome to China, Janine!

2008-06-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

One of the potential photo jobs I am awaiting is the photography that is the photographing of foods.

That last one was inspired by nectar and light. She does some awesome polaroid-food-beverage photoing!

I saw The Happening this past weekend, and the more I think about it, the less impressed I am with it. It was pretty good. I understand what M. Night was doing with the 50's paranoia thing, but it just lacked something. Though popular opinion is not necessarily favorable on his last two, I thought Lady in the Water and The Village were excellent. There was something a lot less ballsy about this latest film, and it was probably his least cinematically pleasing film to date. So, overall a bit on the disappointing side.

I need to buy the Home Movies seasons.

1+2=McGuirk

2008-06-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

For having such a productive night (developed two rolls and shot a few night scenes), I feel obligated to give you something that I've done (not today):

We are dangerously close to being caught up, folks!

2008-06-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

So, selfish birthday plug. Feel free to purchase one of these ebay film auctions to make me happy. (from most desired to still really want it)

Film lot 1

Film lot 2

Film lot 3

Film lot 4

Film lot 5

Film lot 6

Film lot 7

If you choose to purchase any of these yet they fall out of your price range, I will be more than happy to accept any of these as a combined gift. Anyway, enjoy the Metalocalypse clip courtesy of adultswim.com.

Dragging Across the Tundra

2008-06-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

I needs me some work. Something parttime. Unless you are in need of a photographer and are willing to give me moneys. This is my most recent wedding and the rest of my portfolio. Tired of being poor. Tired of being bored, too. And a moocher. Patience is key, but a temporary crap job is overdue.

I will stop complaining now. I hope that you otherwise enjoy the visuals that I bring you.

Roid it Up

2008-06-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

I have really been going through a quasi-miniepiphany lately. I think I am finally doing things (photography, music, drawing, etc.)because I genuinely love and want to do them as opposed to escaping apathy. It's a good feeling. I actually drew and inked and lettered a comic last night and today. I am not especially proud of it, but boy, is it a finished product!

As usual, irons in the fire, playing the waiting game, etc. I actually got connected to a site called decidio.com. Hopefully, I will get some jobs out of that. I knew about the site for some time now but couldn't think of a good name. I finally went for the on-the-spot approach. Right now, I am Certain Words Photography. It may change later. Anyway, instant-film-shots-that-are-not-polaroid-because-polaroid-doesn't-make-instant-film-anymore, anyone?

The latest All-Star Superman is so good that I don't want the next issue to come out for fear of the mini-series being over.

Meh

2008-06-04T21:18:00.000-07:00

Today has been a pretty do-nothing day which I justify by saying that yesterday saw some progress. Mostly, I think I can make a legitimate go at photographing for a living. I just have to do the waiting game.

I have heard the first bit of the new Weezer album. I really, really dig it. Weezer is one of those bands that have never really returned to form over their three albums after their hiatus. That being said, I have always found something about these (Green, Maladroit, Make Believe) that I liked. I can be almost pretentious about music at times, but I have always wanted to give Weezer the benefit of a doubt. So far, I think this album is quite unique which, to me, comes off awesome.

I can't wait until Friday. I have been itching to record some stuff to help push along my creative process. I have a couple of songs in the works that, if I make myself record them, I will be more apt to complete. I have a tumblr site. It is more of a scatterbrained, nonsensical thing than how I tend to treat the blog, and also, I post a photo here and there that I didn't upload to flickr (outtakes if you will). It is because of this guy that I even know about tumblr. Mostly, I think he is overrated, but that probably directly correlates with the fact that I am probably jealous of his loyal following on flickr. Anyway, more me now:

Those last two are Polaroid, by the way. I did a photoshoot this past week that was quite productive. I can't wait to get them back and stare at my awesomeness. Long enough entry for you?

Part Two, Part Two, Part Two, Part Two!!!

2008-05-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

I remember what I was going to write about in the previous post. I was going to complain about the movie Abominable, but you know what, good for that writer/director guy. He got to make a low-budget, mediocre (if that) horror movie with some really talented people (most notably the acting). I become increasingly impressed with Jeffrey Combs' acting ability the more I see him no matter how small the role is.

I have been playing God of War 2, and it is driving me mad. My sister and her bunch went on vacation, and them having a PS2, I decided to rent and beat this game. The severe drawback is the complete absence of a memory card. So three times this week I have just played from start until it is too late to keep playing. Each time, I get a nice, meaty chunk of the game farther being able to breeze through the previously played bits. We'll see if I make before tomorrow night. As of now it is looking doubtful.

One of my more interesting pages from my first moleskin (I am only on my second):

And the shot that has successfully trumped this shot of April as far as popularity on flickr.

...

2008-05-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

I thought I had something to write, but I am having trouble remembering. This past Sunday there were an excessive amount of horror movies being shown throughout the basic cable spectrum. It is too summery. I am not a fan at all of summer. Too, too hot. The recent movies I have viewed: Chinatown (good and depressing), Cape Fear (Scorsese version - extra creepy although I have not seen the original), Abominable (so, so), Dan In Real Life (enjoyed it thoroughly), and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly(so, so good). In honor of this most horrid of seasons, pictures...of snow!

Arrrgh!

2008-05-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

I have been going crazy over the past couple of hours trying to find this movie that I loved as a kid. I remembered quite vividly the cover of this movie saying The Quest, but the internet set out to make a liar out of me. There was an 80's short movie called Quest which is not the movie I saw as a kid, but it is based on a Ray Bradbury story. Looking on endless 80's kid movie forums, not a single title remotely resembled the title and font that my eyes beheld in the Video Shop many years ago.

At this point, I am grasping at straws. I think to myself, "The kid in this movie kind of looks like the kid from E.T." So, I arrive on the imdb page of Henry Thomas and begin investigating his early works. It's called The Quest not Frog Dreaming, imdb!!!

There needs to be much smaller gaps in these blogs o' mine. I was almost caught up on picture posting, but then I did a wedding. Someday, I might actually post a blog with photos I took that month.

No Baboons in Mime

2008-04-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I desired french toast. I make it so infrequently that, every time I do, I look up instructions to ensure I don't leave anything crucial out. The ingredient that I would have left out was vanilla. So, I look in the cabinet and to my dismay, no vanilla. Ah, but there was almond extract. After I mulled it over, I said, "The heck with it," and just went for it. Now, this story doesn't end with the moral warning, "Don't use almond extract in your french toast." No, the point where the story goes awry is not in the taste but smell of said flavoring accessory. It has been said that the aroma of certain hard liquors will knock you over. I implore you: almond extract is not too be taken lightly either, and I am somewhat sure that the stuff will not get you drunk.

My brother went to England this week to see his son, and in honor of this, I watched two Eddie Izzard DVD's back to back (Unrepeated and Glorious). Too bad I am always poor.

The Manatee Has Become the Minto

2008-03-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

My photography over the past year has been productive, but by the same token, I am not sure that I have invested myself into it enough or managed to create something that is as satisfying to my emotions and ideals as it is to my taste for the technical aspect of it. Part of why I even started picking photography back up was to help figure that first part out (emotions/ideals). I need to buckle down and really think about what I want to say. I would prefer to not pay tuition to make someone encourage me to do it.

On a somewhat related note, I have my first real, official, I-dont-know-these-people wedding to shoot in a couple of weeks. I certainly cannot wait to have some monetary validation.

So, this blog that I have. While I would hope anyone who drops by cares about what I say, it would please me much more greatly to have the reason for your reoccurrence to this page be for my photography than my overly wordy...words. Without further ado(doo), I will keep typing, prolonging, overhyping aaaaaand...

Hope you like it. My dad, who does a bang up job making color look delightfully dreary, accomplishes the exact opposite by making black and white look so cheerful.

It's Just Like Diamonds...

2008-03-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

Still jobless. I did, however, get some film back today. Also, I'll be developing 3 rolls myself in the coming week. So, I have still been productive. Read a bunch of comics and watched a few movies. Wanted (the comic) is just flatout awesome which is much more than I can say for the movie trailer. I mean, I could see someone not having read the comic think it looked kind of cool, but in relation to the comic itself, it looks tame. The Alan Moore run on Supreme is another fantastic read. It is a shame that it didn't get to officially end story-wise.

I saw Funny Games this past weekend. It was so disturbingly, terrifyingly brilliant. I wish the guy who made that movie was making Wanted. I won't say that it was the most disturbing movie I have ever seen, but it is still uncomfortably wrong for a mainstream audience. Some other movies that were a pleasure to see - Thank You For Smoking, Hi Mom!, The Ten, Hot Rod, Deer Hunter (so depressing), The Mission (incredible music), The King of Kong (watch it now!), The Shape of Things (still conflicted on that one), and Living In Oblivion.

I got a frickin' lot to catch up on the photographs:

Spontaneous Dental Hydroplosion

2008-02-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

Either I am working hard and too exhausted to blog, or I am enjoying lazyness and so used to not-blogging that I just don't do it. I suppose blogging can be an art, and if it is, it would explain why my inspiration to do it happens whenever I am completely unable to get the ideas out. Never have a pen when I really want to draw - never have my camera when I see the "perfect shot" - never near my computer when I have something semi-interesting to write about.

One of my best friends, Ryan, is in town for the week. He is my personal motivational speaker so this should be fun. Eventually, I will venture to his woods to visit (although, I must confess, it is with an ulterior motive - I want to go to Europe!). He lives in Vienna at the moment. Anyway, nothing really clever in mind to say today (because you know I ALWAYS say something clever).

So, there is much more to catch up with blog-wise. although, I am not currently taking photos as ferverently because I am awaiting the return of the lens which goes to my square-shooting camera. I am finally getting it cleaned. Poop.

Too Long

2008-01-13T21:28:00.000-08:00

Since I have posted. I have a new job loading trucks which demands a lot of my time and energy. This, in turn, has left me with little energy left over to think of things to type and form sentences and whatnot. I have restarted my darkroom and now have 5 rolls of film under my belt. I love processing my own pictures. This weekend I saw a slew of movies - No Country For Old Men (a-freaking-mazing-ingly-azing), Do the Right Thing (which I rather enjoyed), and Smoke (all the while I thought it was a Jim Jarmusch film and this is not the case - still very good, though).

I am faced with a big decision this week. In my mind, I have my paycheck spent on a new camera/other photo-related things, but I am torn on what to get. Not that the majority of readers even know or care, but the choice is between a Kowa Six and a Pentacon Six. I will eventually get both. The results I have seen from either camera have both been very pleasing. I guess, we'll see:

Green Pepper Jelly

2007-12-30T16:46:00.000-08:00

is what I saw when I opened the refridgerator yesterday. Even now knowing this jelly's intended purpose, it still is a disgusting first impression because, normally, when you think "jelly," one's mind tends to go to fruity tastes and their combination with peanut butter and one's choice of bread. My imagination instantly came up with a potential taste for this new jelly on said sandwich. I am sure you, by this point, have done the same and have decided that this would be disasterous. I don't doubt that it would taste good given the proper habitat(i.e. fancy hors d'oeuvres), but initially, horrific at best.

Seems like I had many more food-related thoughts as I ate much more than my share of it over the Christmas holiday (two huge meals, two days in a row). Unrelated, but has anyone noticed a rise in news anchors as well as celebrities-endorsing-something making it completely obvious that they are reading a teleprompter? I can't tell if it has always been that bad, and I didn't notice it or if people are getting lazy. I mean, we are talking network, nightly news - not the local news. With a commercial, it's not as important because it is a one-shot deal, probably a couple hours work, but with news anchors, their job is basically to read a teleprompter and look good at it.

blah, blah. I got a new job. It is okay. It is better moneys with a wealth of hours available. I like it better than washing windows. More funds for the business, I guess:

As it relates to the previous post, I am still feeling pretty awesome about the world and life and all that crap. So, the ambiguity continues.

Vagueness Alert!

2007-12-22T16:52:00.000-08:00

I feel as though I can acheive the impossible right now.

When I Watch You...

2007-12-22T02:43:00.000-08:00

Tara had a birthday get-together tonight at the Young Avenue Deli. At first, it looked to be the norm for a social gathering of 5 or more people. Even when it's around people I know very well, I tend to say hardly anything both for lack of trying and for lack of inclusion (I'm not really THAT shy). But this did not remain the case as I conversed at great length with Maggie and James. This happened the last time I saw these two which was a good while now - about a year. If that wasn't enough, Edward's girlfriend, Lynn, coincidentally showed up, and we also talked for a bit. This is to say I was having quite a pleasant time with no disrespect meant towards the actual "party" (they were having plenty of fun and alcohol without me). I am capable of chitchatting with the best of them, but I suppose it's much easier to relate to/talk to fellow artists/musicians.

As the night turned into morning, I went to play a Mike Dees show at the Hard Rock Cafe downtown. It was pretty cool. I was very smitten with a waitress there who looked like a Brittany Murphy auditioning for the role of Popeye complete with forearm anchor tattoo. Usually, I am immune to short, blonde hair and bubbly, waitress-like personality, but this morning there was no such luck. This infatuation isn't terminal, but I thought it was worth mentioning given her very distinct appearance if nothing else. Anyway, after the hoard of Egypt Central groupies left, 15 minutes of real pop, real rock ensued. Now, the employees of the Hard Rock Cafe know what it's like to have "For the Birds" super-glued to their brain. So, all in all, I rather enjoyed myself tonight.

Schnikt!

Colorless Christmas lights in the front yard:

Chipmunk.
Chipskunk.
I am debating answering every call I receive with "What's up, crack whore?"

2007-12-19T18:00:00.000-08:00

If you have seen Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, then you may be familiar with the scene where Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) gets pushed into the bear pit at the zoo, and she sees the bears and wanting to not wake them, lets out a near-silent "Heeelp!" This is quite similar to the reaction I had when my mother dragged me to Southern Traditions, a store in Olive Branch, about a week ago. Thomas Kincaid, porcelain angels, naked-men-who-I-assume-were-supposed-to-be-Indians-riding-horseback-holding-guns bronze statuettes - these are the things that prompted my inaudible "Heeelp!" that day.

The one set of porcelain nicnacks that actually had a somewhat unique style was the one thing in the store that freaked my mom out. They were faceless people and angels thus relying soley on body language to convey meaning/emotion. I found this humorous.

So, yeah. If you are not happy with your store-full-of-crap and you want some of that faux-small town flair, then mosey on down to the O.B. They are sure to have something overpriced for you!

I Beg Your Pudding

2007-12-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

Just saw I Am Legend tonight. It was pretty good. Kind of a 28 Days Later meets Castaway. Monsters-formerly-humans chasing hero plus one guy all by himself going a little loopy (that's not an implication of a twist, I assure you). It wasn't bad, but something about it was...bland.

But the reason I paid my $6.50 (would have gladly paid the $8.50) was for The Dark Knight trailer.

Holy Ca-cow!!!

It looks frickin' amazing. There were things I didn't like about Batman Begins, but all in all, I still enjoyed it. This new one looks to be much more Nolan-esqe. Heath Ledger was not my first choice for The Joker (Tim Roth was always in my head to play a new Joker), but I am certain anyone who sees the trailer will be won over. The laugh alone will convince you. I am officially, overwhelmingly excited about this movie. Which is a whoooole lot more than I can say about the twenty or so new "epic" movies that I saw previews for before The Dark Knight one.

Recent pictures:

Gargle, gargle, gargle

2007-12-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

I enjoy me some Robot Chicken, and I really can't get enough of this snippet. Yesterday was boring and uninspiring. I hope today is much better. I am off work again because of the scattered showers (that's my excuse anyway). I really need a new job. Washing windows isn't really bad, but it certainly doesn't pay well (especially part time).

Now that my complaining is over (I could go on and on, though not nearly as much as Michael), the reason I started this blasted blogginess: photography-time!

So, so close to being caught up.

Hahaha. Show Me What You Got.

2007-12-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

I had a pit-of-my-stomach sickness earlier this morning. The kind of thoughts depressing enough to make me feel like I might throw up. As much as it pains me to give her this much credit, such thoughts involved my ex-wife and how things ended. It hurts me to think of how she and I both were such cowards. Her, for giving up, bailing out, abandoning something that is supposed to be permanent (even in this fickle, divorce-ridden day in age) and for childish reasons (i.e. she wanted to go be a child - live free and bone someone else she fancied). Me, for letting her go with little fight to no fight at all. As desperate a situation as I found myself, I did nothing. She said the word, and I gave a resounding, "So be it." It could be that my apathy had already set in because I knew it was coming. But this isn't an attempt to analyse (I spent several months of this past year doing more than enough of that). These are just thoughts that, thankfully, I don't have that often anymore, but nonetheless plagued my mind. I guess, even now, as much as I have learned what it is to positively and truly hate another human being and as progressive as my life has been going lately, part of me still wishes things had gone differently.

So, yeah, kind of a drag blog today, but I make no excuses, but I will make it up to you. Nothing but smiley photos:

Since I wrote this entry (I transferred it from my moleskin where I composed it), I feel much better. I don't know if God likes Public Enemy, but as soon as I finished writing, "Who Stole the Soul?" came on my playlist on my phone which made me feel rather awesome.

2007-12-02T19:59:00.000-08:00

So, I had three photo shoots this weekend. Trying to get that portfolio ready to go. I can't wait to get everything back. I just finished Tinman, the SciFi Wizard of Oz revamp. It is pretty cool so far. Happenstance is a french movie starring the lovely Audrey Tautou and freaking rocked my world. I also saw HardBoiled for the first time. Wow. Undeniably one of the best action movies ever, but now, my mission is to see The Killer which, to those I've talked to (and respect their opinion), they say is even better.

I think apricot-flavored things (jelly being the item that prompted this line of thinking) are very underrated. I don't know if many people like apricots or even have tried them. They certainly don't seem to be anyone I know's first choice. But my point is that apricots are delicious. So, um, eat them. Eat the jelly that is the kind made with and from said fruit. That is all.

Wheat Bread

2007-11-29T17:39:00.000-08:00

I guess my taste buds have changed because I prefer it over white.

Bought All-Star Superman. I also bought a comic called Living With the Dead, a decision that was based soley on the art (which kind of reminds me of Clerks-era Phil Hester). After reading it, I don't really regret it, but it is not really written well at all. You win some. Lose some.

Dog Soldiers, a film by Neil Marshall (Descent), is most awesome. He really is a master of tense are-they-gonna-make-it? moments. I saw on IMDB that he is working on a film called Doomsday so I need to remember to be on the lookout for that one.

"Into the Clear" by Andrew W. K. is a minute and a half of pure hope.

Voila:

Almost up to date, folks.

Your Life Was Ended By Murmaids

2007-11-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

So, just trying to catch up a little here. The Dethalbum: awesome! Death Note: The first anime in a good long while that has peaked my interest and sunk its claws in and won't let go. I am hooked. I am finally getting around to shooting the roll of Kodachrome that I bought a month ago. I don't know whether to really make this roll something special or to shoot like normal and expect the results to be the something special. I'm leaning towards the latter because I certainly don't want to force it. Anyway, blah, blah, black and white, blah, blah:

Audrey Tautou's Smile Can Change The World

2007-11-24T19:16:00.000-08:00

Even when she's playing a totally obsessed psycho. He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not is such a film that fits that bill and quite well done might I add. Not life changing but a really good watch. I have been doing some composing today that will hopefully fit into my semi-concept that I am working on. That and watching movies. Here's my a triptych I put together.

I rather like it. I kind of considered doing black bars. I probably wouldn't have out of pure laziness if not for the additional input on the part of chrishaley. If you choose, you can click here, and see this REAL big. If I were remotely html-inclined, I would make the images slightly bigger on here, but I'm just glad I have the current sizes not cut off. So, that is Jason's car that was less than 2 months old before it became totaled (much suckage). Fortunately, he escaped unharmed.

Where There's Gold...

2007-11-23T13:59:00.000-08:00

So, wow...haven't updated in a good while. Many things happened some of which I'm sure that I forget. MC Chris show (awesome!). Thanksgiving (much food goodness). Acquired the Dethalbum deluxe edition (\m/!!). Saw/rewatched plenty of good movies: Re-Animator (1st time), Knocked Up, Magnolia to name a few. Of course, I've taken plenty of photographs:

There is plenty more where this came from. I just want to not post too much. I will make a point to update much more frequently. It is weird because I have had inspiration to write blog entries, but I just never got around to doing them. Ah, well. Shut up.

Break Me Off a Piece of That Applesauce

2007-11-05T19:55:00.000-08:00

So, I officially reclaimed Regina Spektor today. One of many in a long line of shared or (in this case) mutually appreciated artists/bands that holds some connection with the ex-ball and chain. By the mere quoting of Ms. Spektor's lyrics, I was, for a while, deeply offended - as if to say that my ex doesn't deserve those lyrics. Though my feelings on the matter are steadfast, I can say with pride that Begin to Hope has finally re-entered the fold of the music library...of my heart (aww). I listened to the album four and a half times today, and it was enjoyable every time. Now, if only the same can happen for Children of Bodom and Dir En Grey, I will be all set:

That's all (my brain can throw up) for now. Got a roll back today so I'll be posting again soon.

The Eyes Are The Groin Of The Head

2007-10-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

I was going to go into detail about the Ben Harper show and how not amazing it was, but I kind of lost steam. I love Ben Harper (although I have barely heard the new record), but the show was very lack-luster. By saying this, I am even factoring out the fact that he played "Use Me" which, let's face it, is a song that is covered by probably 90% of the local cover bands and the last thing I want to hear any band play ever. Even with that out of the picture, it still didn't have the bite that I remember when I saw him the first time. To say nothing of the fact that the Orpheum is a terrible place to see a rock show. It is pretty, but when you can hear the conversation (MUCH conversation) of the people around you more plainly than you can hear the band, this is not a good sign.

I am not saying that there weren't moments of brilliance because there were. In midshow, he played a long instrumental which was beautiful, but even more than that, the crowd actually shut up for a few minutes. All I can say is that I am glad it was free.

There. Aren't you glad I condensed this down to a small paragraph (and a half)? Had I been overly motivated, it would have been much longer, and a much bigger waste of everyone's time. Anyway, in case you people haven't noticed, I have added The Official Website of Jeffrey Combs to my links to the right. You will probably soon see this picture on there:

I wrote a some words a couple of posts down about my time in Little Rock and getting to meet, not only Jeff Combs, but this guy:

And to top it all off, I found out that the Norse god of thunder is taken:

Sorry, ladies. Well, I suppose that will be all for the time being. Hopefully, I'll be getting to use my plastic Big Shot camera soon. Oh, and pretty, pretty trees/moon/houses/night/stars picture pretty, pretty.

Unrelated

2007-10-28T21:22:00.001-07:00

New pictures that I love that have nothing to do with my latest batch of words:

All but the last are the Fuji film I was raving about. Man, I love it!

Unholy Crap!

2007-10-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

This past weekend has been AMAZING! I just got back today, and even apart from the Full Moon Horror Con, the trip was a much needed, thoroughly enjoyed time away. There was great company: Mike; Mike's brother Steve and girlfriend, Sally; and Mike's buddy, Ron and wife, Kim. They were a blast. Guitar Hero, bad horror movies, Trivial Pursuit (80's edition), and great food.

First night - DamnGood Pizza (the name says it all)

Second night - Whole Hog BBQ (6 sauces to choose from and potato salad that will change your life)

And last, but obviously not least, the Con. We did go there to play a show, and our show was what it was supposed to be: background music. Not bad. Not incredible. Completely worth the drive. I didn't get as much time as I would have liked to have a total geek out (or more appropriately, I wish I had more time to work up the courage to have a total geek out and talk to everyone). I did, however, get to talk to two people who I couldn't have left without talking to and getting their picture.

Michael Graves and Jeffrey Combs, on top of being awesome at what they do (and as far as I know, have no connection with each other), are very, very cool guys. Both completely approachable. With respect to Mr. Graves and Mr. Combs, I would say I am an entry-level fanboy so I couldn't bore them all day about their own catalogues of work, but there was nonetheless some nice conversation. I told Michael Graves that when I saw The Misfits at the New Daisy, it was the first I had ever even heard the band (I was there with a friend to see Earth Crisis) and to date, still the loudest show I had ever seen. I was surprised to hear him say the name of the venue before I did. To Jeff Combs, I gave the glory of being the "redeeming factor" of The Frieghteners (which is not to say the movie was bad. He was just incredibly good). He told me about how much of a joy it was to work with Peter Jackson. Both of these guys were completely mezmerized by my camera (the Mamiya C33 TLR) so both conversations lead to photography and this beauty of a photo-taking machine. You really couldn't ask for a nicer couple of guys.

Plethora of other horror celebs. Horror posters. Horror toys. Horror anything collectible. Filmmakers. Artists. Half-naked girl wearing monster bra (which are stupid - especially a bra in the shape of breasts). Half-naked other girl working at the tattoo booth. Guy in awesome Thor costume. Etc., etc. All of these were icing on a very delicious cake (if I had to be more specific, I would say red velvet cake in the shape of a severed head).

In case you skipped the first sentence and every word of this entire post: It was a tremendous weekend.

A Quick One, While I'm Away

2007-10-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

I am about to go out of town. Playing a show in Little Rock for a horror convention - more specifically, the Full Moon Horror Con. It should be a bounty of awesomeness as big names synonymous with the genre will be there: Linda Blair, Jeffrey Combs, Tony Todd, Michael Berryman, and Michael Graves(!) just to name a few. So, wow...I'm excited now...talking about it. Anyway, I have stuff to post, but I haven't posted and I apologize to the very minute amount of people who read this blog o'mine. Here's a bunch:

I just got new shots in yesterday so I'll probably post again Sunday...maybe. If I may make a suggestion for you film shooters out there, Fuji Pro 800(Z) is a very nice, fast film. The said shots I got yesterday look pretty dang nice (and that's not exclusively on behalf of the picture-taker).

Made With Not From

2007-10-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

Concentrate. I got another photo posted on the Film Is Not Dead It Just Smells Funny blog. Once again, I am honored. They have a lot of really great work on there of a very wide array - from toy cameras to large format, polaroids to pinholes, interiors to portraits, abstract to street photography. Even if you are not a photonerd (like me), I'm sure you'd find a handful of pictures to catch your eye. The first photo posted here is the one featured:

Oh, I can finally afford comics again. The Goon #19, Brit #1, All-star Superman #8, and Batman #667 were my first two purchases back into the world comic-nerdery (two separate comic store visits - same week).

A movie of cinematic brilliance (especially if you have any appreciation for the camerawork in Boogie Nights): I Am Cuba

Song to help you get angry (in that good way): "You Think I Ain't Worth A Dollar, But I Feel Like A Millionaire" by Queens of the Stone Age

Song to calm you down after the rampage: "Caminho Das Aquas" by Maria Rita

Prefix/suffix of the day: Nerd, apparently.

New Post on Your Face

2007-10-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

So, I shot some stuff today that I feel will yield some very pleasing results. Who knows when I'll get them developed, but either way...I even took some polaroids. Anyway, here's new stuff:

I'm actually fairly fond of these, but the flickr community doesn't seem to think as highly of them. Not that I'm out to win a popularity contest, but I suppose criticism would be better than nothing.

I have watched quite a few things lately. Extras - amazing, Freaks and Geeks (discs 1 & 2) - also amazing, Penitentiary - unbelievable, and Art School Confidential - eh, it was okay...just to name a few.

Oh, and Saturday, I went to a hayride thing with some friends of the family. It was pretty wonderful. One tends to forget how something so simple and (I suppose) childish can be so pleasant. Just watching the kids get so jazzed was, in itself, a joy. Anyway, I guess that's the short version. It was rather enjoyable.

Monkey Banana Raffle

2007-10-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

So, washing windows is fun. Okay, not fun, persay, but it isn't bad. Part timing it has been nice. Although, I may have second job lined up soon. Anyway, here are some square pictures that I've had for a week, but I have delayed posting them for hope that some inspiring or humorous words could be conjured...by...my...um, brain. Anyway, here you go:

So, I saw Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus. It was very well done, but I don't know what to make of it. The happenings in the movie are majorily ficticious (if not entirely). I suppose if I knew the facts of her life, I could appreciate it more. It had a lot of photography stuff in it which was pretty darn cool. The acting was very good to amazing - Robert Downey Jr. is always good. Beautifully shot. Like I said, I don't know what to make of it, but it was definately worth watching. Shutting up now.

"I Ain't Got No Car To Take You On A Date"

2007-10-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

So, as grammatically horrendous as it may be, I can't get enough of Timbaland (in this case, "The Way I Are"). At the very, very least, he is a beat writing master. If all hip hop was at least this good, maybe it wouldn't suck so much. Speaking of sucky hip hop, by stark contrast, Kanye West is an over-hyped, under-talented idiot responsible for raping one of my favorite songs. I can't even listen to "Harder, Better..." by Daft Punk without remembering what he did to it. I can't say that I've heard a tremendous amount of this hack's work, but from what I have heard, he certainly doesn't deserve all this praise and adoration that I perceive him getting. For all I know, Timbaland and Kanye West are no different and I'M the idiot, but you shut up. You...just shut up and look at this kitten:

A brief and satisfying rant by Adam Dodds about...hip hop?

Concrete And Blue, Heartache Or Party

2007-10-01T20:42:00.001-07:00

So, I saw these concrete things and became inspired enough to turn around. This film I used was Great Moments (which I assume is a knock-off of Kodak via its similar canister). I bought four rolls of the stuff at a gas station for $2. I didn't have any kind of professional expectations for this film, but being that it was expired and stored in a fairly improper environment for who knows how long, I did hope to see some wacky-ness happen. But alas:

I even went a step further to abuse this film and had it pushed to ISO800 (warning: photonerd alert). Ah, well, I dig these shots regardless. I also shot some Fuji slide film called Provia (for those not film-inclined), and for the most part, I gotta say that I wasn't too impressed. It could have been that I used a different camera, or I didn't use this film in it's most profitable setting, but Velvia is the winner thus far. Anyway, I said all that to not post any of these pictures from that roll in this post (although the first two in the last post were from the Provia). These two shots were from Kodak Portra 400VC which I have had subpar results with as well (as far as negative film, Portra NC is what I like best). Blah, blah. Photo-babble, blah, blah:

Oh, and just in case you were wondering, the photos of my Mom in the hospital in a previous post were from about a month ago, and she is currently doing fine. She had some gastro-condition which prevents her from eating things like peanuts, corn, etc. It acted up (she may have eaten something she shouldn't have), but it is all better now.

Shades of Green, Shades of Grey

2007-10-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

I've uploaded a lot, and I've been debating what to post. The idea for the title of this post helped me narrow it down. As far as 35mm, slides scan so much better! Watched Oldboy again this past week. Initially, I thought it was the weaker of the Vengence trilogy films, but upon second viewing, I'll really have to rewatch the other two for my opinion not to change because it is an amazing film. Anyway, without further doodoo:

Also, here are a couple of shots (the only two that I took) from the last movie night we had at Danny and Megan's former apartment/townhouse. That was the time we watched The Story of Ricky (I don't think that's how you spell "Ricky" in this movie, but you get the idea):

I forget what song Megan was singing to Chris that night.

5 Photos Coming At You

2007-09-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

I have not posted in a while so here are some current photos. Maybe tomorrow I'll write down thoughts and garbage like that.

I Could Flip You Upside Down

2007-09-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a little absent-minded today. I suppose it's a result of an email I got recently. So, not much typ-ee my thoughts today. Here's my new toy that I won't be able to use until I buy some old "magicubes" for it:

And here are some new black and white shots:

That first shot is of the moon, not the sun, btw.

"Monkeys Aren't Donkeys. Quit Messing With My Head!"

2007-09-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

I don't know what kind of whacked-out dream I was having a few mornings ago, but I woke up singing the words, "I got my mind on my taters, and my taters on my thighs." It wasn't to the tune (if you can call it that) of the rap song, but more country-sounding. For the first 20 minutes of being awake, this "song" wouldn't leave my head. Bizarro. Got a new toy. It's a plastic monstrocity to the sound of Polaroid Big Shot. One setting fits all, one distance to shoot from (if you want to be in focus). I'll try to post a picture of it soon to give you an idea of its ridiculousness. Anyway, new stuff!!!

The magic of a little film called Velvia:

I got some more (black and white) stuff I'll put up tomorrow at some point.

A Nuclear Family

2007-09-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

So...yay! I'm a window washer! Or at least I will be next week. Training starts Monday, and I'm fairly stoked to actually be getting some money soon. I must say that it has been a very good day. Not a bad week, either. So I came across another photographer. These photos didn't make me go, "Whoa! That is an AWESOME photo!" The photos in question stopped me dead in my tracks for their sheer "real"-ness. They are beautiful photos, but even moreso, they transcend technique. It becomes more about seeing a genuinely happy relationship than a critique which is especially hard to acheive as well as appreciate. Everyone's a critic, and art students think they are the best critics (myself included - although, I'm not really a student anymore). But when you can lose yourself in what you see, regardless of mission statements, it accomplishes so much more. We want to be moved, and sometimes, after looking everywhere, it takes the simplest things to move you. I like thought-provokingly complex work, but if a capture of a mother/son relationship can be more moving (without being tacky or sentimental), then...I don't know. Art can be valid without being depressing. Anway, Akihiro Furuta is pretty awesome. He also has a blog (in Japanese) that features the photos (in my sidebar - Life Is Beautiful). I'm done yappin'...for now.

It's Too Early.

2007-09-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

Just a quick one for now. One of my photos is featured on the Film is not dead it just smells funny website. Frankly, I was surprised and very honored. All for now. Me need coffee.

We Been Runnin' Barefoot In The Street

2007-09-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

So, my fellow midsoutherns, wasn't the temperature insanely amazing yesterday?! I haven't been out today, but I imagine it is not as perfect. Although, it does look particularly nice what with the sun out. I actually like cloudy weather, but being confined to the house these past few cloud-ridden days has made Adam a dull boy.

I was kind of browsing through some of the groups on flickr I belong to (...them, curse you, preposition! It's so easy to end a sentence with you...of.). In doing so, I often find people who are awesomely talented. This guy had a photoblog which I rather dug. I was going to post a photo or two of his, but combining flickr and this has been met with inconvenience as well as my ineptitude in regards to html. Until I get my latest photos, I figured I would show some older favorites of mine (by older, I mean, within the past 6 months or so):

Oh, and in case you are like me and are very behind on your movie-watching, might I suggest Casino Royal or Crank? Both brilliant. Completely opposing styles of filmmaking but to a similar effect. Pulse-pounding action flicks that transcend typical, stupid action movies. One to avoid: Shoot 'Em Up. I have pondered on the possibility that the film was a joke that I just didn't get. I was even told that it was supposedly a satire, but to me, it came off like a garden-variety 90's comic book. This is not to say that it wasn't entertaining, but in the end, it was what it was: a stupid action movie.

If You're Not Here Haunting Me

2007-09-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

So, I don't have much in the way of new photos (this one isn't new, but hey, it's Bullseye!).

I went to some songwritery Siren night at Neil's featuring Holly Cole and two others whose names I did not catch. It was pretty good for something I don't normally listen to. Snapped a couple of pictures. But I sat there in such a daze thinking of how in the middle I am in life. Going from one point to another. I haven't reached that new place, but I kind of realized that there will more than likely be a requirement on my part to do or be something that is contrary to my current tendencies.

I have many plans and little prospects. My hope is that I am not mistaking procrastination for patience. I feel as though I am being constructive, but things have yet to fall into place which can be a tad infuriating. I just want to be up to the task when an opportunity comes up beit something monetary. Something passionate. Something constructive. "I want something good to die for to make it beautiful to live." Hope it doesn't sound whiney - just trying to light my own fire, I guess.

So, No Creative Title Today

2007-09-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

Got some new photos in. These first ones were made with the Mamiya that has to be cleaned otherwise I can only use one f/stop (2.8 for the oodles of photo geeks that read this!). They are clearly the more popular of the bunch. Very bright and punchy!

The others are done with my folding camera (Nettar). Different film (fujicolor 400H, I believe), totally different outcome. They are asthetically and personally relevant (to me at least) despite lacking the razzle-dazzle of the kodak slide film (e100vs).

That Just Happened!

2007-09-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

So, I'm watching an episode of Californication (which I have mixed feelings about so far), and all of a sudden I hear an odd sound. Now, my fan makes A sound but not at all like this newly-introduced sound. Something told me that, since the fan was looking like someone with inner ear on a rocking boat, this was not good (that would be "swaying boat," not "boat that ROCKS! lml.." babbling, yes - apologetic, no). As I darted over to the control (which has a silver, horizontal switch for light, and a dial 0-4 for the fan), I realized it was too late. And by realize, I mean, I watched the fan fall out of the ceiling:

I will be awaiting my Dad's arrival home as I don't know much about electricity other than it's dangerous to idiots. So, I removed the light bulb so that when it falls and crushes me, at least, I won't have shards of glass protruding out of my face. Okay, okay...a tad overdramatic. It'll just kill me while I sleep.

These Bear Traps, She Be My Master

2007-09-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

So, an update. Yeah. The photos I'm posting are not new, but my process usually entails posting on flickr only the ones I really like and with the blog, posting the best of those. These are from previous rolls I've shot but have passed on posting them. Upon viewing them again, I have a new appreciation for them. I suppose it doesn't hurt that I've been aching to post something as it will be awhile before I get the newest photos developed. Anyway, here they be:

So, there.

Jack Kirby Knew How to Make a Norse God Feel Pretty

2007-08-29T10:05:00.001-07:00

So, I don't have any new photographic adventures to share yet (developing would be the vast inconvenience that digital overcomes). Marvel had these series of Kirby covers, and I figured I would post my favorites - like Thor's pretty, pretty hair.

And the Hulk being...the Hulk.

Ricky Exploded My Brain

2007-08-25T23:17:00.000-07:00

So, I'll just post the photos that I'm most pleased with upon their return from the Memphis Photo Imaging.

I just watched The Story of Ricky, a martial arts/gore-fest ball of cheese that was mindblowingly (in a couple of cases, quite literally) outrageous. I highly recommend the movie as it will most certainly disturb you and make you laugh at the same time. That's all I got. Exploded brain and all...

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Electro 35

2007-08-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

So, my new camera is quite awesome. Went to Wolf Camera today for the first time in forever, and I was very impressed. These scans aren't flawless, but they are eons ahead of Walmart. It was a tad on the pricey side, but I am just so glad the thing works. Also, a advantage of this blog is seeing these images on black rather than the flickr white (although they have the "slideshow" thing, but the sizes seem very finicky - i.e. pictures I know are bigger are shown small, and others are as big as they should be). Anyway, I'm in love with a hunk of metal.

So, yeah, this is my "blog."

2007-08-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

I've decided to keep a blog. Some little something to post my work and hopefully an added catalyst for producing work. I also hope this blog achieves some sense of positivity as I need what I can get in this crazy, mixed up world and some happenings make the getting that much harder...

Anyway, vagueness aside, I also might play the part of informant, trying to pass along some neat coming attractions. Or maybe not as I'm sure anything that I might have interest enough to post (apart from uber "photonerd" stuff) would more than likely already be discussed and posted previously by this guy aka chrishaley or "thechrishaley," a good friend and former bandmate.

Also, I got a new baby!! A Yashica Electro 35 GSN. It is my first rangefinder. Hooray!

http://oswegophoto.home.comcast.net/photo_images/GSN.jpg

Hopefully, I will have images posted by my new beauty (the one pictured is not MY camera, but it's the same) as early as tomorrow, but until then, here are a couple of flickr favs...