Wednesday, October 29, 2008

I remember when...I was a news producer...

It was just over 2 years ago that officially left KUTV in Salt Lake City to pursue my career in Los Angeles. For two and a half years I was part of the 2 News team that informed the entire State of Utah about the happenings of the world. I worked as a morning producer for a good chunk of that time. My main responsibility was to write/produce the hour-long newscast, 2 News this Morning: Weekend Edition. I really enjoyed the job, but I loved the people I worked with on a daily basis. I have very many fond memories from Channel 2, from my first day as an intern, to the day I made my "On Air" debut, I will never forget my time in news.

I was lucky to be a part of the weekend morning show from its inception. All the anchors, reports, editors and photographers I worked with, made my newscasts look great and were always a riot. I couldn't have done it without them.



Recently I came across some old airchecks of my final show. It's kind of fun, because the anchors chose to include me in all of the the feature segments. Take a look-see:



So that was my last day at KUTV Channel 2.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Looking at Halloween past and present...

I spent a good part of the weekend, getting this year's Halloween costume in order. For some reason I had a really hard time figuring out what to do this year. In fact, for most of October I had NO idea what I wanted to do. But inspiration came to me two days ago, and I think it is going to be good. I am not going to reveal my idea just yet but my hope is that folks will enjoy it, just as much as I am.

Here is a look back at Halloween past...

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

My College Roommate Murdered...R.I.P. Brad Gerrard

Today I learned some very sad and disturbing news. My Freshman year college Room mate, Brad Gerrard, who was working as a corrections officer was murdered in cold blood last night in Buckeye, Arizona.





My thoughts and prayers go out to Brad's wife, children and extended family. He leaves behind his pregnant wife and one child.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

The countdown to Solace...

We are officially less than one month away from the AMAZINGNESS OF SOLACE! Bond 22, or the Quantum of Solace, explodes into theaters on November 14, 2008.

For most people who have a beating heart and blood flowing through their veins, this is movie is what they are looking forward to this holiday season. If you're not that stop reading my blog, NOW! If you made it into theaters at all this past weekend, you probably saw the newest version of the Quantum of Solace trailer. I don't know about you, but it totally tickled my senses. Check it out for yourself...

Friday, October 10, 2008

Two very impressive Music Videos...

"Restless" by Langhorne Slim



"Work It Out" by RJD2

Zombies attack again, and speak Norwegian?

If you haven't figured it out by now, I am a HUGE fan of the Zombie film Genre. Several of my all-time favorite films are from that genre. Specifically, 28 Days Later..., number one on my "Zombie Film" list. Danny Boyle's unique twist on the genre, has set a new standard that has us fearing from highly contagious zombies that can run. The movie take place 28 days following a rabid outbreak of a virus, RAGE, that leaves all of London abandoned by humanity with packs of "infected" running loose.

The 2002 film was followed up with a so-so sequel, 28 Weeks Later... that didn't quite reach the expectations that were had by many, but still held to be entertaining. The sequel pits U.S. military forces in London trying to repopulate the city with evacuees, 7 moths (28 weeks) after the initial infection. Of course, things don't go as planned and infection breaks out again leading to the mass death of hundreds of military and civilian personnel.

Now the Internet is buzzing about a possible 3rd installment to the series. It doesn't take a genius to figure out what the title will be either, 28 Months Later... According to Arrow in the head news ‘28 Months Later’ will be directed by Paul Andrew Williams (The Cottage). No exact details have surfaced on the plot, but I think it is safe to assume that based on the end of "28 Weeks" the Rage virus will have spread to western Europe and possibly further. Stay tuned...

In other Zombie news, what do you get when you combine Nazis, my favorite genre of horror with my motherland, a cabin and a lot of snow? A little Independent Norwegian horror film called "Død Snø" translated "Dead Snow." Looks like an awesome premise, A group of Norwegian medical school students go camping at an isolated cabin in the dead of winter and when all seems safe zombies show up. You ask where is the twist, well, these zombies happen to be former Nazi soldiers that have been dead since WWII. It's not clear if they have been roaming the winter tundra since dubya dubya 2, or if they were mysteriously resurrected by a scientific experiment gone wrong. Check the trailer, I will find someway to see this movie, even if it means I have to stow away on a Norwegian Whaling ship to make the premiere.



Dead Snow comes to theaters in Norway on January 9, 2009.

New Transporter 3 Trailer...

Jason Statham is my boy, it may be a bit over the top, but I look forward to the Transporter 3...

Friday, October 03, 2008

VP Debate + Football + Niel Diamond= AMERICA

Last night was a pretty eventful one. Not one that I will be forgetting anytime soon. First off, most Americans were looking forward to the Clash of the Vice Presidents, the debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. My mind was weighing heavy, due to the fact that I had 3 important events occurring at the same time. First, the much talked about debate. Second, my good buddy, Aaron, scored some free tickets to a ridiculous show at the Hollywood Bowl. And third, My undefeated University Of Utah Utes were playing a strong Oregon State. How could I possibly choose between all the options. I figured that our wonderful media would be talking about the debate for the next two or three weeks, as they always do. And thanks to the advent of the iPhone, I could keep tabs on my Utes as I enjoyed the GREAT NEIL DIAMOND in concert.

The concert was great. Granted, I'm not the biggest Diamond fan, I wouldn't even call myself a fan at all, but that man really knows how to put on a show. And at the age of 67, he's still got it. While singing along to "Sweet Caroline" I couldn't take my eyes off my iPhone, the Utes were up, then down, then tied. I thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown. I kept thinking "Why am I not at home, watching this game?" I was beyond nervous for my Utes, but luckily they pulled it out in the last quarter with a field goal. They are still undefeated and I got to enjoy some good old fashion rock and roll at the Hollywood Bowl.

Here are the remaining minutes of the incredible game that I missed. GO UTES!!!

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Mike Myers Austin Powers...

So I'm sitting here inside theater 5 awaiting the showing of AFI Night at the movies presentation of Austin Powers. This is a very cool event hosted by the Arclight Hollywood. The theater closed it's doors to all regular business to accommodate each of these movies. Initially I was very worried that I wasn't going to make it on time, there was bad traffic between here and the Hollywood bowl, probably from Niel Diamonds adoring fans(I'm actually seeing the Diamond for free tomorrow night.). But I made it with 10 minutes to spare, this was supposed to start at 7:00, now it is 7:38 and still nothing, but I anticipate it to start soon. In fact I'm hearing the ushers saying that we are moments away, so I am going to put my AMAZING iPhone away and report back later...

*several hours later*

The movie was loads of fun, Austin Powers has always been one of my favorite comedies of all time. Before the screening the film's Director, Jay Roach, came out, shared a short story about the issue the production actually had with getting Sharks with "freakin" lasers attached to their heads. The budget wouldn't permit so they really couldn't get sharks. Mike Myers, in all seriousness suggested to Jay they get mutated ill-tempered sea bass. Jay liked it so much, that it was rewritten and added into the movie. See it for here...



After Jay Roach did his piece, he introduced the one the only, Mike Myers. Mike told of his love for the Austin Powers franchise and actor Robert Wagner aka "No. 2." Apparently "RJ" as his closest friends called him, made a lasting impression on Mike. As you would assume, Mike was full of jokes and funny stories. Unfortunately there was no hint of a possible fourth installment of the A.P. series.

The AFI night at the Movies event was very cool. I will be attending next year and so should you. Below is a list of the films and actors that presented at the event.