Looks Like Good Things Are Afoot!

This is me, starting off this post without having a clear idea where it's headed. See? See how steeped in meaningful symbolism this blog is! And, by extension, its author?

Yes, I am an author. Among other things. Also on the list are: Lumbering Nerd; Actor; Poor-Man's Theologian; Boy Trapped In Man's Body; and Minecraft Fiend.

Not an impressive list, by any stretch.

Here, this is one of my favorite videos on the internet, of all time...



That tire got some air time, in a big way...

Summer approacheth. I know I keep threatening to get some filming done... but it looks like this month is fairly definite. The team that I joined that is doing the 48 Hour Film Festival this month is doing a practice film on the 20th, to prepare for the actual event on the 28th. That means I'll (knock on wood) have two short films to add to my demo reel -- and hopefully post here for your viewing pleasure. I *may* have a hand in helping to write the script(s) as well. We'll see.

And Jeff says that filming for BTI will begin on the 28th as well. They'll start with a scene that my character is not in - that way, it won't conflict with the 48 Hour FF. Then (knock on wood), we'll film on/around every weekend until the first episode is in the can. When it's finished, there will be an "event" in downtown San Diego to premiere it. Then the website will go live, and I'll be able to link you to it. Very exciting to see things rolling like they are.

All that to say, I'm *really* excited about this next month or two.

Had to stop seeing the Great and Illustrious Markshane Malone, my personal trainer for the past three years. Trying to get my finances in shape, and having to bite the bullet, cutting back on some expenses. It sucks. But, hey, it's hopefully for the best, short-term anyway. I certainly hope to reengage his services before too long. In the interim, I'm doing workout videos with my Wifey. Gotta be in shape! If I'm not in shape, how will you all love me still?

Speaking of Persons Great and Illustrious, my favorite author Joe Abercrombie is going to be in San Diego at the end of July for a book signing. This is epic for many reasons. Primarily because it is not Comicon-related! Yay! I wouldn't go near Comicon, even if Joe himself personally invited me! OK, well, maybe... but yeah, that place is a zoo. No thank you.

I know I've said for years that Steven Pressfield is my favorite author... but I was thinking about it yesterday... he did write my Favorite Book of All Time (Gates of Fire), but I'm not sure that should qualify him as my Favorite Author anymore... especially since I *love* just about anything Joe Abercrombie has written. The Heroes is my Second Favorite Book of All Time, and I also loved the First Law Trilogy, and I recently re-read Best Served Cold, which improved upon me tremendously as a result. I think, all things considered, Joe is tops.

All that to say, I'll be buying a hardback copy of The Heroes and having him sign it. It will go on my Shelf of Honour, right next to my signed copies of Gates of Fire and The Name of the Wind.

Musical Interlude...



Currently reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman. About 60% through, and it's definitely the most unique fantasy story I've read. The only thing I can think of that comes close is The Talisman, by Stephen King, and, all due respect to Mr. King, American Gods is far more enjoyable a read (IMNSHO). It is a solid, though bleak and gritty, tale. I'd threaten to write a review when finished, but you know how flakey I can be about such nonsense...

So many good movies out now! And I haven't seen any of them! I still want to see Captain America Winter Soldier, along with Godzilla, X-Men Days of Future Past and now the new Tom Cruise one... what's it called again? Drawing a blank... brb, Rotten Tomatoes run...

Edge of Tomorrow. Currently sitting at 90% on the Tomato Meter.

Anyways, I need to find a way. The family will be at camp this next week - maybe I'll grab a movie after work once or twice while they're gone. Hey, they're also planning a trip to the Grand Canyon and New Mexico in the end of July and early August. Don't think I'll be joining them - they're going to go for 10 to 14 days or so... can't take that kind of time off work. And any time I do take off work will be for BTI-related filming and such... so I'll have some nights to go theater hopping then, too...

Love that picture... I wonder how thoroughly Photoshopped it is? Guess it doesn't much matter. I still like it.

I've dusted off a couple big personal projects of late. Gathering all of my plays into collections, with an eye toward selling them on Amazon as Kindle Books. Also, decided to take my "Daydream" movie idea that I was cooking on last year and start writing it as a fiction piece. Get the story bugs worked out that way, then convert it to a screenplay afterwards. I definitely want to film it at some point in the future.

That reminds me, friend of the blog, and Future Hollywood Director Mattson Tomlin is graduating from Film School today or tomorrow. I wish him all the best. Lemme see if I can track down the trailer to his latest film Persuasion... hang on...

PERSUASION - Trailer 1 from Mattson Tomlin on Vimeo.

I asked him to say hello to Captain Wentworth for me, but he said NO. (That's a Jane Austen "Persuasion" reference, for those who missed the joke).

I think I'll leave this post here for the time being. Thank you all for your patience and friendship!

Adios for now,

Dave the Goof