Well I'm apologizing up front for not posting in A WHILE. What can I say - Nothing significant going on in my life. Oh yeah, there was that thing about the first Black President, and oh yeah that other story about Prop 8 getting passed. I guess I COULD have blogged about those.
Well not to diminish the astounding significance of Obama winning the election (I'm still shedding tears of joy over that - I'm so loving it - it's so right!!!
But then I came across this video about 'protecting marriage'. If you know me, and even if you don't - I strongly opposed Prop 8. It's insane that it was even on the ballot since the Supreme Court had already once declared it unconstitutional - but I digress. So now that it's regrettably passed, we must move on to the next phase and to begin I think every Prop 8 supporter (and us opposers too) should watch this video. It pretty much sums it up.
First welcome to the 2008 Edition of my Blog! Hope you all had a fantastic, fun, and safe holiday season and New Year's celebration! I KNOW I did! I thought I'd start this year off with something inspiring - thus the video. I find it inspiring and amazing that the guy in this video has turned something most would consider a handicap, into something both amazing and inspiring. His love of dance and amazing attitude are very motivational to me.
I chose that video to represent, for me, the overcoming of challenges which we all face in some form, in our lives. Last year started on a sour note for me but by my own determination to make my life better, I turned 2007 into a very fun and fulfilling year for myself. As I glance back at my posts from last year, I have evidence of the life-changing, good times I had. I am so thankful and grateful for everyone, and every opportunity which blessed me during the year! Everyone who's life touched mine has enriched me and made me better, and I hope, in some small way that I've done that for the people I've met and interacted with last year.
My designs for 2008 are going to be equally inspiring to me. I intend to make this year better, than last, and one hell-of-a good time for me. While I'm not much on making 'resolutions', I have gained much insight this past year and I know that by setting goals, and living them - literally expecting them, they will happen. It happened so many times last year for me, it blows my mind, and I'm getting better, and better at creating the life I want for myself.
As an inspiration for yourself, my suggestion to you is to make some goals for yourself. Write Them Down. Then, every day, visualize your life as if those goals have already been achieved - literally living as if they've already happened. You will undoubtedly surprise yourself at the end of this year, by going back to your list and seeing how many of your goals you actually HAVE achieved.
Give it a try. There's really only one thing in life which is holding us back - and that is our own beliefs about what is possible to attain and achieve in our lives. If you get out of your own way, you will assuredly surprise and delight yourself with what you ARE capable of doing. I urge you to do this and make 2008, truly GREAT!
Click on the video below to watch "The Smelly Janitor". A film by my friend and fellow actor Trent. I met Trent several years ago at a school we were both teaching at. Since Trent was an actor and at the time, I was just beginning my journey into acting, and because we're both a little nuts (and computer geeks too), we became fast friends. I always knew Trent had a lot of talent, and working with him on his Second Film School project, I got to witness his talent first hand. I think the film is both funny and well done (for a sophomore film-school effort, heck for any effort) and clearly shows his talent for writing, directing acting, and basically story telling.
I am thrilled to have been a part of it. I was both an actor in it, and also served to document the film by being the 'still photographer' and behind-the-scenes photographer. The cast was all great! A special kudos goes out to my friend Josie Nicholas who was cast (at my suggestion) as the 'lady with the walker'.
You can also check out more about the film, and Trent's other, and upcoming projects at his website.
We'll I posted below a video I created with at Animoto.com. The pictures were taken at San Diego's Wild Animal Park. Now, since I'm cheap and don't want to pay for a full membership I can only create 30 second videos. Thats' way too short for a chronic photographer like me. So I give you my Picasa video. Many more pictures but no audio. Perhaps I'll buck up (after payday) and get a full membership to Animoto, but for now, I'm just experimenting. So enjoy more of my day at San Diego Wild Animal Park.
Some photos I took during my day at the San Diego Wild Animal Park.
I'm still experimenting with Animoto animation site. These photos I took last Sunday at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Don't ask me what some of the animals/birds are called, I can't remember what their names are (except the obvious ones). I'll probably post a Picasa video also, as I can put more pictures in Picasa (but no music).
I found this video creation site and wanted to try it out. The "free" account only allows 30 second videos but they are pretty cool. It even helps you post online! Not bad.
This is the video for the Walllflowers "Beautiful Side of Somewhere" from their Rebel Sweetheart album - released in 2005. I was fortunate enough to be cast in several parts of the video. It was obviously released a couple years ago but due to recent advances in my blog postings, I'm able to put video online (and not just through YouTube) so here it is. See if you can spot me in the various parts of the video. [Video courtesy of MTV.com and of course The Wallflowers - Hi Jacob, and thanks!]
First I have to apologize for this post, but I just couldn't help myself - OK, you may say I'm sick, depraved or several other colorful terms, but, this one was so incredibly moving (and by moving I mean "AWAY FROM THE SPEAKERS"!!! Anyway, if you have a strong stomach, an even stronger EAR, give this video a viewing - and remember to have your speakers on! BUT BE WARNED! It'll make you realize that even in your worst attempts to sing, there's always someone worse than you! Praise the Lord! - A special thanks to Tif for sending this my way!
