subversive crossstitch

I just found out about this yesterday. I now have a new place to pull desktop art from. subversive crossstitch

flying by

Only one weekend left of summer... We didn't really do many summertime activities this year, but I suppose we've been otherwise occupied. I can't believe how much we're doing out here. We've been away from Chicago for one year and we have:
1) gotten engaged
2) bought a theater space
2.5) started to build theater space
3) produced 4 different live comedy shows around Portland
4) created 5 different ensembles / show casts
5) made a lot of great new friends
6) lost jobs
7) found new jobs
8) written a videogame story in Paris France
9) saw Obama speak
10) created a life we enjoy (or will soon be enjoying as soon as the craziness settles down... who knows how long that will take...)

I never would have guessed I'd be here right now, 365 days ago.

spreading myself too thin

I have been busy.
Starting up a comedy theater.
Starting a new part time job.
Directing a live show.
Coaching an improv group.
Writing / rehearsing a sketch show.
Writing / rehearsing a kids show.
Trying to edit together dvd's from the CSz championships to send out to people.
Having enough quality time left to spend with my fiance.
Having enough quality time left over to spend with my li'l pup Arlo.
Trying to write music reviews.

That's a lot.

Anyway - music.
I have been listening to a lot of good new stuff over the past few weeks, but I can't seem to get enough Dinosaur Jr. I have loved this band for fifteen years. The 'greatest hits' collection they released two years ago is solid, but my favorite album is this one

green mind

Smoke Rings

This weekend I was a part of a great short film called Smoke Rings - written, directed and produced by Rex Carter. In the daytime Rex works as a Flame Artist at Laika Studios here in Portland. I can't wait to see how the film looks after the editing and post production. Here are some pictures from the set. It was a very professional experience with the set built at Laika, Costumes professionally designed and a great production crew. Thanks to Rex, Rhonda and everyone for making the whole experience so wonderful.

the Oregon Coast

Stacey had a friend in town over the weekend. She hadn't seen him in 19 years (since High School) so it was a crazy reunion and a lot of time was spent catching up. On Saturday evening - after a rehearsal I had - we took a drive out to the Oregon Coast (where I had never been). Arlo loved it!
And I realized we were on the same beach that the ending to Goonies was shot!
It was a nice, cooling break from a hot and busy weekend.

Losing Patience

the Curious Comedy Productions submission to the 2008 48 Hour Film Project. Required Elements:
Character - Dr. Jake Gravenstein, Wellness Practitioner
Prop - Jumper Cables
Line of dialogue - "Okay, I think I got it straight"

Genre: Horror
Losing Patience

48 Hour Recap

Crazy.
We did get the horror genre.
We made a funny little film called Losing Patience that takes a sharp turn down spookie/creepyville at the end.
The main action takes place in a waiting room

The main character is distracted by an annoying fellow patient waiting in the waiting room, going on and on about anything and everything. There are short daydreams about what awaits him in the doctor's office:




The charm of one mister David Saffert comes through really well, as the annoying/over-friendly and talkative patient in the waiting room.


Thanks to everyone who helped make this film in within the alloted 48 hours.
Stacey Hallal - great editor, filled with the best ideas.
Kathryn Durkin - a great whore nurse and writer for the game of operation
Jeffrey Kauffman - fantastic lights and tech guy, as well as the perfect flirty, drink spilling doctor.
Tucker and Robin Johnson - I am sad Tucker felt uncomfortable calling his mom "sweetheart", but was super pleased at how quickly he learned and committed to the lines.
Scott Rogers - Who wrote and starred as the creepiest doctor you could imagine. Everything from the green pancho and the creepy voice. It was perfect.
Bri Pruett - for helping with all the make up and costumes as well as playing the part of Sarafina RN / Magician's assistant. I enjoy working with you way too much.
Nate Smith - for participating in the writing process... while in NEW ZEALAND.
Bill Cernansky - Dr. Fantastic! The Magical MD. Thanks for coming in last minute and playing the character funnier than I ever could have written it.
Nathan Loveless - the greatest silent actor I know. Thanks for your breathing and sweating and taking the time to do some reshoots with us.
David Saffert - Your personality and charm are award winning. Thank you for being so great.
Catch LOSING PATIENCE at the Hollywood Theater on Thursday in the 9:30 show slot.