Here We Go Again!

On of my goals this year was to take part in the DC 48 Hour film festival. Not only did I accomplish this, but I also signed up for the Baltimore 48 hr film festival, and completed it as well. So I'm going for the trifecta.

In 10 days, the 2011 National Film Challenge kicks off! It runs from Friday October 21 through Monday October 24. I will be doing it again. The festival works in the following way: 7:00 pm Friday each team is assigned a genre for their movie. Then all teams are assigned a single prop, one line of dialogue and a character description that must be in each movie. At 7:00 pm Monday, the completed movie must be submitted. So for those few days, all writing, shooting, acting, and editing must take place. It is definitely not easy, but it is a fun time, and an amazing experience.


If you want to join and be a part of it, let me know! I need actors, writers, camerapeople (and cameras), editing people, and so on. No experience necessary, but it does require some commitment during that weekend. If you can be a part of it, that'd be great! (if not, that's okay too)


The following clips are the previews made for each of the two movies, stay tuned for worldwide movie premiere...


DC - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XVm4dNXjFY

Baltimore - http://youtu.be/Jx3TivSPgWU

DC... here we go!

Wow, our lease ends January 31... and it seems me and my roommates are willing and almost ready to move into the city. Its starting to feel real, with how close we are to doing this. So close... yet still so far. Finding a 3br apartment in NW is not easy. In addition, both my roommates have cars, so parking will also be an issue. But I try to be ever optimistic, and we have seen a couple ads for places that are reasonable. Well if anyone knows or sees something... help a brotha out.

Hopefully two months from now, I'll be able to wake up to this view.



(Well not exactly, but you get the picture.)

Picture Overload

So many pictures! Its not even funny. What does one do with 30,000 pictures taken over the course of 3.5 years. It is true that 20,000+ have been taken since April. And most should be deleted, but that task alone is so intimidating... if i go through 1 picture/second thats 3600 pics per hour, and a 6 hour effort. But I guess thats what Blizzards are for. When I was home, I copied all my photos onto on new library on the external drive.... and it took four hours. Bit I did at least make some progress on the deletion and organizing front. Which brings me to my next idea for the new year.

I'm thinking of starting a new blog, specifically for my photos but also for life in general (it gets hard to separate the two). Well, im not sure yet how to do it best. But it'll help sort out some pictures that never made it to facebook/flickr and it may come in handy during the new year and potential resolutions. So if you like or can suggest any titles let me know.


ideas so far:
JustPhotos
JustAPhoto
JustInPhotos
JustPhotography
JustInFocus
JustInPhocus
JustMezinAround

Or something more random
outside of my name completely.... Thoughts? (please)

Out with the old...

My last few days in DC I had made some plans with people and they all fell through. Yet, I still had some good times and good conversations with people that semi-inspired me. One thing that I also recognized, is that its pretty hard to go from a social situation of deep conversation, fun and real friendship. And walk into cobalt/town where things are more shallow and maybe even fake.

This year, Im going to focus on the former. Focus on things and people that I enjoy. That's part of the reason I stayed in NYC, to invest in family. And I think I had a real conversation with my youngest bro for the first time. In addition to thoughts on family, a lot has happened with a number of friendships, that have gotten deeper or at least inspired me.

So out with 2010 and welcome 2011! Hope this year will be even better an more memorable!

Cancer horoscope description... thoughts??

Crabs live in the inter-tidal zone of the oceans, where tides rise and fall twice every day. This is the most dynamic and changeful place on earth, but also the most nutrient rich. Because of the constant change, Cancer have developed a hard outer shell for protection. Cancer can use the hard outer shell of your home as your protection. But it's more than just that. Typically, your sensitive Cancer can hold your feelings quietly behind your own walls.

Crabs also have large pinching claws, and Cancer can hold onto things, especially from the past. Cancer are fiercely loyal and have a difficult time letting go. But Cancer are also quick to bring those you love inside the safety of your outer shell while you nurture them. Cancer love is protective, but unless tempered, can be smothering.

Cancer motto could be, "A good defense is the best offense." Like a Crab in its cave, your attack can consist of baiting your opponent into your territory. What appears to be a retreat to others can be your best aggressive tactic. As you feel your way through life, building your security by developing your home and family relationships, remember that unexpressed anger can turn into resentment and depression, so find someone you can trust and share your feelings.

Cancer Greatest Strength: Your ability to nurture others

Cancer Possible Weakness: Fear of the past repeating in the future

Integration

(Gay + Work + Home + College + Church  ) * Friends + Brother = Dave and Busters, Saturday, 9:30 pm

July!

June just flew by, yet was pretty good. I went to NYC three weeks in a row, for family and fun. I got to see a number of friends and acquaintances, and even made a new one or two. Next up... July.

First, this weekend is a holiday(monday) weekend. Which means many opportunities to hang out with friends and enjoy life.

Second, my younger brother(17) will be coming down next week to stay with me, for a few weeks until he starts college. This will be very different and interesting. I'll have to figure out how to be a locally available, full-time, older brother. Will talk more about that later.

Third, next weekend includes my birthday, among a few other friends. So finding the balance of what I want to do, and who else is already planning/doing other stuff will be a chore. And the fact that my brother is here, will just be one long puzzle. So we'll see how it all fits together.

Fourth, this class has a few bigger things due in the upcoming weeks, so I should ensure that enough time/effort is invested into that direction.

Fifth, two weekends away there is a beach trip planned. Haven't been to the beach yet this summer, so I'm looking forward to that.

Sixth, the racquetball league is officially starting, and theres 20+ people signed up. I'll be getting my own ID to get into the gym instead of relying on other people's guest passes. Which also means I can play at more random times.

Seventh, three weekends away includes two friends birthdays and they'll probably be doing something, so that is another thing for the calendar.

Eighth, my uncle's, who lives in Ohio, church has a men's retreat and he wants me and my brothers to come. So that's another weekend down, travel and family time.

Wow, when I look at it like that it seems like even more. But this is what summer is all about, enjoying life, birthdays-especially my own, and everything else. With proper planning, sleep, and better productive use of time... I just might able to make it through!