Thursday, April 28, 2005

Shane Acker

View some nice animation and design by Shane Acker here. A post went out at work recently pointing to this dude's work: "Shane was a winner of Rhythm & Hues’s 2001 Scholarship in Modeling, and received Honorable Mentions in the Animation and Cinematography categories. More recently, Rhythm & Hues made it possible for Shane’s short to be transferred to film." The fact that R&H helps out folks like this dude (whom I have not met) in order to get their work out there is truly amazing, and gives the studio such a great vibe. He has a short film that is touring around the world now.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Bike Nation Comes To Los Angeles

I just started to ride to work this week. I figured I was settled in enough; I knew my route well, I was set up at home and at work for showers, and all the necessary details were in place, etc. So, it was time to start. I have been really looking forward to it. Getting back into the routine of having a guaranteed hour of exercise built into your day is just a stunning way to live. So I headed off with no limit to my enthusiasm.

As luck would have it (and after Meg told me "be really careful, dude" at least a hundred times) I crashed on the way home! I have ridden various bikes, in various circumstances, for literally years without a crash. On road, or off road. On my first day of commuting yesterday, I had a full-on, "The Walshman Is Down!" road rash wipe out! And here's the kicker! Guess what caused it? I was trying to avoid a puddle! There's no water on the road anywhere for about 100 freaking miles and I find the one dumb-ass big puddle that I have to swerve around (so that I don't get my nicely cleaned bicicletta dirty, of course!) and that manouvre did something unexpected and BAM! I am on the ground. I am fine, of course, aside from some skin cells I can stand to lose. I managed to just shrug it off and get on the bike again this morning... One of the great myths about cycle commuting is that is it "more dangerous than driving your car to work." Total hogwash. I feel so much safer knowing that my commute is largely devoid of traffic than when I am pinned inside a steal box going 50 miles an hour on a crammed full interchange with a bunch of whackos just waiting to go into road range mode. Yeah, a lot safer. No thanks.

On the plus side, in Vancouver, I would ride to work in appalling conditions, down pours, black ice, you name it. So here it seems like a breeze - always so nice out. I have a great route to work - mostly on separated bike path - and at about 30 minutes, it actually counts as "exercise." Since I arrived in Los Angeles I have been putting in about 150kms per week "training", so the added kilometres are not all that crucial, but at a minimum of $50 a week savings on gasoline - there are more reasons than one to keep bicycle commuting.

Anyway, I am back at it in force and I feel so great about it: 1) morally 2) financially 3) health-wise. Now, if I can just stay upright for another couple of years...

Monday, April 25, 2005

A Film For Dates And A Wine For Cheapskates

If you're in the mood for a little light, romantic-comedy, date -type entertainment you might want to check out "A Lot Like Love." Directed by Nigel Cole, who previously steered the ingratiating British comedies "Calendar Girls" and "Saving Grace," and written by the actor Colin Patrick Lynch, "A Lot Like Love" tells the story of a would-be couple who fail to get it - and themselves - together time and again. Given that one half of this pairing is none other than Ashton "Dude, Where's My Car" Kutcher, best known for his off screen affair as boy-toy to The Demi Moore-bot, I was sensibly going to give this film a pass. However, having read a review in the New York Times over the weekend, written by Manohla Dargis, that was largely flattering, I decided to take Meg and check it out. Having seen the film, I agree with the lines that convinced me it was worth a try:

One of the best things about "A Lot Like Love" is that this is one of the few mainstream romantic comedies in memory in which innocence isn't a sucker's game. Part of what keeps Oliver and Emily in each other's orbit, despite the myriad complications, is that they never become captive to cynicism or morph into alien beings in some urban "lifestyle" fantasy. Seven years into this romance, Emily was still driving a wreck, Oliver was still struggling and, against all expectation, I was still happy to be along for the ride.

Kutcher is watchable in that quintessential "watch how the American hayseed matures" kind of way, and Amanda Peet is more than watchable and occasionally riveting in a performance that feels "just right." Not forced and mannered like a Jennifer Lopez is so often is in this kind of role. The film is also technically accomplished for this kind of 'straight' film, and there are very well shot scenes. Of particular note, established second unit stuff that is very stylish, without bowling you over.

Switching gears now. If you are looking for a little "vino tinto" for that "despues el cine" experience you have in mind and don't want to bust the budget in the wine department, give this one a go: Domaine Grand Veneur, "Les Champauvins," 2003, Cote Du Rhone Villages. This is a $12 US wine that aspires to a lot more - in fact, only a couple of kilometres separate this wine's origins from those of its posher northern neighbours. It is a GSM (grenache, syrah, mouvedre blend) from the south of France near Orange, and Chateau Neuf Du Pape, and definitely tastes like a lot higher than its price point. I had it with a beautiful "favada" Megcita and I prepared on the weekend (a kind of Castillian stew that features chorizo sausage, large white broad beans and a rich broth) and it fit perfectly. Not so rich and fruitful as it is dry and balanced, it is great sunday lunch wine, but also goes well with that "cheap date pizza!"

Thursday, April 21, 2005

"Transformers" Preproduction Starts

Given my esteemed beginnings in computer graphics (my first ever credit was as an 'animator' on the all computer generated television series Beast Wars: Transformers) I thought this news deserved a post!

(From Dreamworks Fansite) Most film producers stay pretty aloof, one however not afraid to comment and let his feelings be known is Don Murphy. The man behind a slew of recent Alan Moore comic adaptations, he is now one of the guys responsible for the upcoming "Transformers" movie. Today, Dreamworks Fansite has assembled the man's collective thoughts on the film from dozens of posts that he has put together over recent weeks.

In the first draft of the script there were four main Transformers on each side but the plans are to expand that to five on each side in the next script revision. The characters of Optimus Prime, Jazz, Ratchet, Bumblebee and Arcee for the Autobots and Megatron, Soundwave and Starscream for the Decepticons. The remaining 2 Decepticons are yet to be determined.

The story is set in Southwest, USA and will be about Autobots who have been on Earth for a long time, (possibly as far back as biblical times) and are engaged in hidden war with other Transformers. It will told from human perspective. There are currently no plans for a second or third film but if the first film does well, two more are likely to follow.

The script is expected to be done by July 1st, preproduction begins September 1st and filming begins December 1st. A PG or PG-13 rating is expected, as is a November 17th, 2006 release date.

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Quaffable But Far From Transcendant

Click here for a hilarious rant derived from the hubbub surrounding the film Sideways. "Quaffable, but far from transcendant" has got to be the best line in that film when it comes to ridiculous, verbose, nonsensical descriptions of wine. Yet, it does mean what it means. Hilarious. I have to admit that the film does grow on you like a fine wine. The first time I saw it I thought it was another "fine, well crafted, but far from transcendant" piece of film making from Alexander Payne. On a second viewing, however, I really thought that the film hit on some marvelous character definitions and a certain creeping banality that really roots the film. The reality of these couple of mid-life idiots is all too telling and a great slice of American life as it is for many in the middle classes today. These characters, so embedded in their banal lives, are struggling to accomplish things that are anything but banal - the fanatical appreciation of Pinot Noir, writing a novel, starting a vineyard, etc. Throw in that classic down beat sense of humour present in all of Payne's films and you have some compelling film making.

Monday, April 18, 2005

Mandeville Canyon Road

Last weekend one of the dudes I was riding with out on PCH told me to check out Mandeville Canyon Road as a regular midweek "value ride." Value because of the fact that it is a comparatively secluded canyon road in the Hollywood Hills, thus having less traffic and better air quality, and it has a gradually increasing uphill grade for about 7 miles. Perfect for the 90:00 minute out and back before work. So, today I decided that Meg and I should check it out. Great idea. It was just as billed. A strangely secluded groove in the hills that allows the avid cyclist a little choice uphill canyon action (and downhill fun for that matter on the way back) super close to home if you live in the north west of the city. Lots of posh houses and hidden driveways no doubt housing garages full of vintage sports cars line the road and provide plenty of distracting eye candy. It is the regular haunt of the whole range of cyclismos in Los Angeles f from the 50kms per weeker all the way up to the 300kms per weeker. You get to see the full cross section of cycling society on this road. By the way, I am thinking of joining Velo Club La Grange while I am in Los Angeles. They run regular rides in my area and have a good following with competitive and non-competitive (that's me!) riders.

Friday, April 15, 2005

The Birthday Pie!

Yesterday I became "closer to 40 than 30." Yep, I crossed the 35 year threshold. I have firmly shut the door on "youth" and moved headlong into "the middle years." This birthday definately feels like a door is closing on a chapter. I am officially outside of the key fashion/sales/marketing demographic of 25-35 years of age. No longer a trend setter, etc. What will the world do without Donnie Walsho leading the charge? I am sure that the "Echo" kids will pick up the torch...

I woke up early to get on the bike and start the day off on the right note. A lovely little 90:00 minute jaunt taking in Santa Monica's beach front, and few of the "posh hills" as I have been calling them, and then a spin down to Marina Del Rey and back to the flat. Little did I know I would find my beautiful wife serving up a special turkey and chipotle chile spiced sausage breakfast on my return! Some toast and eggs, and diced cantalope on the side as well. Que fantastico! I definately had a spring in my step as I headed off to work.

When I arrived home after work I was greeted by a couple of big "Happy Birthday" signs and a beautiful sausage pasta dinner. What's more there was a magnificent blueberry birthday pie as well! Cojonudo hombre! "What great fortune do I have today!" I thought, gawdzukes! Sausage for breakfast and dinner with pie for desert! And in the immortal words of J.C. "Jack" Walkey "I think it was the best goddamned pie I have ever had!" Meggi presented me with a great little book about riding in the area around San Luis Obispo north of Los Angeles, and tickets for us to take in a couple of key shows at The Malibu Film Festival. The Aero theatre on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica was the spot and proved to be a great old refurbished independant cinema. There is kind of a "Cambie Street-esque" strip on Montana with a lot of posh shops. We saw Mad Hot Ballroom a documentary film about the New York Public School system's attempt to teach 10 and 11 year olds the finer points of dance and a short program that included an outstanding, offbeat, animated short from Disney called Lorenzo. When you see work like that from Disney Animation it is a wonder why they produce the dreck they do so often! Amazing! This film is what animation is all about, man. Accomplishing things that live action could never accomplish and in a style you've never imagined. Really impressive.

I feel great today. I love my wife, I love my family, I love my friends, I love my career, and I am as passionate or more passionate about these things as I have ever been. Life is good, and the glass is more than half full. Thanks to everyone who took the personal time and effort to recognise my birthday! Muchisimas gracias, un abrazo tan fuerte a todos!

Monday, April 11, 2005

Coming Out of Retirement on the Pacific Coast Highway

I went for my first "serious road ride" on Saturday morning and it was a very enjoyable, although severe, shock to the system. A fast seventy-five total kilometers from my front door north on the Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu to a little place called Trancas and back. The weather was lovely and sunny, but cool by the water. Perfect for cycling. I warmed my old bones up riding to Temescal Canyon Road on the beach path, and then as chance would have it a mixed men's and women's group road by. I thought "there's a good way to learn the ropes around here." So I decided to follow along. They had about a one minute lead on me because of the light at Temescal, and so it took me 16 minutes of pretty hard riding to catch them up. By this time I had realized that I was following a far too fast, far too fit group, and I was already tired from the sprint to catch up. This thought was confirmed when I started to chat with one of the dudes at the back of the group who casually dropped the following line "oh yeah, I have been to Spain too, when I road the Vuelta de San Sebastion." This is a notoriously difficult one-day early season professional race on Spain's north coast that features prominently in the book about Lance Armstrong. So I struggled along happily keeping up to these fit folks for the "out" portion of the journey, but they removed all pretentiousness of compatibility on the "back" portion where even the women (especially the women?) showed me the meaning of "I have another gear you only dream of having big boy." But, there were so many road riders out there I had no trouble hooking up with another couple of mid-thirties grey beards like myself for the better part of the return trip. All in all a fabulous introduction to what I am hoping will be a regular event here this year - La Vuelta de Malibu!

Thursday, April 07, 2005

Neil Bruder's Photostream

If you ever have some time on your hands while at the computer (like, oh, say... waiting for a render or something...) check out Neil Bruder's Photostream! Neil is an amateur photographer I know in Vancouver. I had not checked it out recently until today and again I am amazed yet again by Neil's collection of photos. I think Neil has a very bright future as a photographer. I especially love this one of Vancouver in the winter. I think it really captures the essence of what it is like to plunk a city down in the middle of a rainforest. And the city looks so amazing when you get those raking breaks of pure sun through broken cloud. Rich.

Tuesday, April 05, 2005

Is Your Starsucks Getting You Down?

Don't get mad! Get Even! Check out this amazingly cool website called "Delocate" devoted to offering you, the cafe aficionado, a wealth of opportunities in the non-corporate, or mom and pop, or independent cafe world. Who doesn't love selection? Personal choice? Diversity? Don't settle for that homogeneous garbage coffee milkshake you call a "vente triple shot latte frappacino!" Get the real thing! Get originality! Get uniqueness! Get life! Well, at least get a proper cup of coffee and pay someone who deserves it! Come on!

Click here for a link to the Urth Caffe website, my current cafe of choice. It is just a couple of blocks away from the new flat and they make a proper cappucino. Meg has also been ordering what they call a Spanish Latte which is a beautiful after dinner treat! Urth specializes in only purely organic coffees and teas. From what I have experienced, it is working! The stuff tastes like black heaven! Also, there is some great, straight forward dope on why chosing organic coffee is important.

Monday, April 04, 2005

Niamh Marguerite Anne Is Born!

Meg and I are Aunt and Uncle for the first time! My sister Andrea gave birth to baby Nia yesterday at around five in the afternoon and both are happy and healthy! Congratulations to Andrea and Gord who have now written page one in their new chapter together. We wish them the very best of luck as parents. My very pleased and overwhelmed parents, now proudly grandparents, gave us the news last night. I have yet to speak with Andrea and Gord as they are still at the hospital I guess, but I can't wait to hear from them! The little baby girl's full name is Niamh (the Gaelic form of Neve) Marguerite (in tribute to Gord's Mom) Anne (in tribute to my Mom) and she will go by the shortened form, Nia. Incidentally, the Gaelic name Niamh means "bright and beautiful." Oh yeah, and she will share the Aries sign with yours truly! Making here an Aries along with Julie, my sister in law, my father in law Christian, and my grandpa Bud! The Aries are taking over the family!

Friday, April 01, 2005

We Have A New Home!

As you can see I have updated my contact information. Meg and I have managed to secure a nice flat overlooking the beach in Santa Monica. In fact, we are only five blocks back from the water, just off of Main Street, and there is a bit of a hill, so that our third floor balcony has a nice view! I believe the area is called Ocean Park and it is nicely sandwiched between Venice Beach and downtown Santa Monica. One of our biggest concerns in coming to Los Angeles was the dreaded "drive-a-holic" culture in the city. "Everybody drives everywhere" was something that friends told us about Los Angeles much in advance of arriving here. The "405 Parking Lot" was a familiar refrain as well. We are not really driving people, so images from Steve Martin's hilarious "LA Stories" where people get in their cars to drive four or five houses away were swirling around in my head. I have preferred for years to ride to work, and Meg and I adjusted very well to using the Metro, walking and cabbing around in Madrid and London. I think that if all public transit was as easy and cheap to use as the metro in Madrid we'd all be converts! We really have only used our car as "a recreational vehicle" over the years. So, all along the plan was to perhaps pay a little more, but be in a location that allowed us to maintain a somewhat "European existence" within the "freeway city." From our new location, I will be able to bicycle commute on "bikes only" paths for about 90% of my commute to work. We will be able to walk to most major amenities including the gym, a fresh vegetable market, cafes, restaurants and a public library! In fact, the cafe that is two blocks away called "Urth" makes great cappucino and is already becoming a favorite. All in all, it was a bit of a struggle to find something, but I think what we have found will work out nicely for the year.