Math!

((PSP + Me + Need 4 Speed / Time) * Cost) ^ ((PSP video 9 + Demo Reel + TV Clips) * Comic Book Scans)) / BP = Happy

Woot!
PSP rocks, few pixels are less then perfect but playing Need 4 Speed you can't see them. This device defies any discription. Till you have held one you just can't know. It's like a designer from apple was courpted by the dark side of the force and made a Sith Ipod for Sony. N4S has all real cars with realistic physics. You can mod, paint, body kit, etc. You can even change out the sway bars and bushings, that's just badass. I have Lumines and Spiderman coming from the good folks at Gamefly. It's like netflix for videogames.

Update

Found something to do. Incredibles game for the PC is fun, almost forgot I had it, Karin bought it. Got about 1/4 the way through the game since my last post. Up to the Dash late for school run, hard level, have to finish it another night.
12:30, time for sleep, 7 and a half hours till I need to wake up, 4 and a half for Karin.

day odd

I was going to title this post day off but I mistyped. I figure it's my blog so I can do what I want. 6 day weeks are getting old. I want my weekend back. I managed to wash my MINI this morning after torah study. I need to get the oil changed. and some other mods taken care of. Just need more time. So I guess it's Easter, explains why everything is closed; so still no PSP. I don't need one but I should have one. Watched Pi (3.14 not pie) today, had not seen it in far to long. I forgot how much I love that film. Also saw Finding Neverland, great as well. It's almost 11pm. I am tired but I want to have fun, don't feel like video games, watched all the good tv off the replay, Karin is asleep as she has to be at work in 5 hours, I have to be awake in 8 hours. I miss my weekends. Oh I did a bios update on my DVD player, it fixed the audio sync problem, how cool is it that I can download a patch for a home theater component and patch it myself? I also fixed my subwoofer cable, it had a bad connector. Incredibles sounds much better with the subwoofer working. It's going to be a busy Monday, very busy Monday.

bad day

Today sucks. Hit some road debris, going to need a new bumper again. That will be bumper #4 if you are keeping score. Soda machine took my dollar without giving soda. Sony PSP is sold out everywhere across LA and I don't have one. I still have to do my taxes. I have to work Saturday. Today is the last day for one of my team members. Lots to do at work. Some co-workers are also in a crappy mood. It's 11am and I wish the day was over already. On the plus side it is Martini night, but karin isn't coming since she has to work tomorrow.
Today sucks.

PSP or not to PSP

The sirens song of new toys. I don't need one and it's expensive. That have my name written all over it or what? I did drive by Best Buy this morning, They had people still outside at 8:40am. They opened at 8. I looked at the line, laughed a bit, and drove on. Is the PSP cool? yea, will I stand outside at 8am for one? no.

I like my gadgets but I like sleep more. When the games I want (GTA & GT4) come out for the PSP I will look at getting one again. Untill then I will play my coworkers PSPs.

Next Generation MINI

MotoringFile has new details on the next generation MINI. Due out as on '07 model it looks very promising. Keep in mind the '05 models are still just getting into peoples hands. Lots of things will change but I have been keeping an eye on the developments of the all wheel drive version. I would not expect it to be the first version out, more like '08 or '09. The same time as the bigger clubman version. So if it does come out then expect me to get one, no my current MINI will not be for sale. She well become my Track and Project MINI. If I do get the all wheel drive MINI, I may do a lift for it instead of dropping it like my current one. Fit it with some off-road 22" wheels and make myself a genuine Rallye MINI.

Eye of the Storm

I am hoping it will not rain tomorrow morning or tonight. I need to keep my car clean. We have a big detail day down at Meguiar's in Irvine. So not driving in Rain would be a good start at keeping my car in the condition needed for this event. The temple is having a big Purim Carnival on Sunday, looking forward to that. K is making a bunch of stuff for the woman's club bake sale. They have no idea of the shear coolness of the Chocolate Basket she made just to put the stuff she is selling into, but they will on Sunday.
Oh yea, the topic, Work is a Storm of Activity but I feel like I am at the center at times. It is all calm in my personal space but that could just be due to my killer team and some good planning. They are working like a really nice clock, with cogs and gears that all mesh.
Big congratulations to Erik on getting a girlfriend, Julie is lucky to have you. Are you both coming to the wine trip?

Flu

It sucks having the flu. We made a big deadline on Saturday so my body decided it was ok to stop fighting the Flu and just go with it. Felling better today, but that's probably do to all the meds.

The forcast for Saturday in Irvine is Rain again. We are suposed to have our Meguiar's Detail day. I hope it dosn't rain.

Eating Well in Los Angeles

I heard a rumor that some people we know might be coming to town. If you just happen to be coming to Los Angeles for a few days and want to eat well, I have a list of places for you to go. I do not know how often you have been to LA but it's a bit more spread out than NY or Philadelphia. I also do not know your mode of transportation while in my town.
Without further adieu, I present, Where to Eat!

Valentino Italian Restaurant
(310) 829-4313
3115 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Make Reservations: Yes
One of the highest rated Italian Restaurants by Wine Spectator, over 250,000 bottles of wine on hand. I recommend there 'Extravaganza' It's a Price Fixe 5 to 7 course dinner that is well worth the money. It ranges from $75 to $100 a person. They do have an optional wine pairing for it, or you can pick your own from there impressive collection.
This is the restaurant where Karin and I go for our anniversary every year.


Lawry's the Prime Rib
(310) 652-2827
100 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Make Reservations: Yes
One of Los Angeles's Most famous Steakhouses. It's on my list but I have not had a chance to eat there yet.

Gyu-Kaku
(310) 659-5760
163 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
http://www.gyu-kaku.com/
Make Reservations: Not a bad idea, but not required.
For an 'Only in Los Angeles' experience, try out Gyu-Kaku, It's a japanese take on the Korean BBQ concept. Very lean cuts of meat, high quality vegetables, and seafood are marinated and prepared for you. The cooking is done by you with the grill in the center of your table. Unlike most Korean BBQ restaurants the place is not smoky at all, there are vacuum fans built into the sidewalls of the grill that pull the smoke away before it gets a chance to fill the room. Start with the edamame.

The Stinking Rose
(310) 652-7673
55 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Make Reservations: Yes for weekend nights
http://thestinkingrose.com/
The tag line for this place is "A Garlic Restaurant" and they are not kidding. If you are not a huge fan of garlic then this place is not for you. I would also recommend not eating here your last night in LA before getting on an airplane. I will tell you this, the food is great. You must order the Bagna Calda, it's the only way to start a meal there. Then try the Fillet Mignon Chili.

Picanha Churrascaria
(818) 972-2100
269 E Palm Ave
Burbank, CA 91502
http://www.picanharestaurant.com
Make Reservations: Doesn't accept them last time I checked
Another Los Angeles take on regional food, this time Brazilian. Located north of the City in Burbank, Picanha is a very relaxed setting. The concept is a simple one, all main courses are brought to you on large swords. May kinds of meats and chicken are cooked over open fames in the center of the restaurant. The servers go from table to table offering you what they have. All side dishes are situated around the back wall so you can pick what you like. It's a fun atmosphere and a unique dining experience.


Moun-Of-Tunis
(323) 874-3333
7445 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046
http://mounoftunisrestaurant.com/mounoftunis/
Make Reservations: Good idea on weekends
This Moroccan Restaurant offers one of 5 Feasts for you to try. In true Moroccan style you sit on pillows and eat with your hands. Very good food, Moroccan and Tunisian servers in regional garb, professional belly dancers. It's located on heartbeat of Los Angeles's night life, Sunset Blvd.

Chaya Venice
(310) 396-1179
110 Navy St
Venice, CA 90291
Make Reservations: Yes
Sushi, Fusion, Japanese decor, expensive cars, celebrities. What more do you need?

Chart House
(310) 454-9321
18412 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
Make Reservations: Yes, ask for a table by the water and windows.
http://chart-house.com/
The Chart House in Malibu serves the west coast menu for this fine dining chain. Fresh Fish and a restaurant built over the water along PCH. We have had some very nice dinners there.

Grand Lux Cafe
121 S La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048-3325
Phone: (310) 855-1122
Make Reservations: Not Accepted
This is the new upscale restaurant by the owners of The Cheesecake Factory. We have been there several times and had great food every time. It's part of the Beverly Center, Which is a cross between a Shopping mall and Rodeo Drive.

Arnie Morton's of Chicago Steakhouse
(213) 553-4566
735 S Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Make Reservations: Yes
Located downtown this is one of the many Arnie Morton's Steakhouses around the country.

Bay Cities Italian Deli
(310) 395-8279
1517 Lincoln Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Make Reservations: No, but expect a line
A great spot to go for lunch. Bay Cities makes the best sandwiches in all of LA. Fresh Sourdough bread, Boar's Head Meats, Cheeses from all over the world. Be prepared for a line. It's not uncommon on a Saturday afternoon to be 40 numbers back at the deli counter. Don't worry thought, they have 7 guys making sandwiches and it moves fast. Just don't miss them calling your number. They have tables outside to eat at or you can go 10 blocks west to the ocean and eat there.

I would list some more of the Jewish Deli's out here but honestly if you are from the east coast they will disappoint you. They are overpriced for ok quality. Stage Deli in NY ruined me for anything out here. I have heard good things about Langer's.

Al Langer's Delicatessen
(213) 483-8050
704 S Alvarado St
Los Angeles, CA 90057
Make Reservations: No
"doling out the city's best pastrami sandwiches for more than 50 years"

But I take the easy way out, as 1/4 a mile from my house is:

Johnnie's Pastrami
(310) 397-6654
4017 Sepulveda Blvd
Culver City, CA 90230
Make Reservations: No
My favorite Pastrami & Corned Beef in LA. Hot Corned Beef on Rye is my favorite.
Open very late, Cash only.


Famed LA Food Spots:

Tito's Tacos Mexican Restaurant
(310) 391-5780
11222 Washington pl
Culver City, CA 90230
http://www.titostacos.com/
Make Reservations: No, but expect a line
Best Tacos in all of Los Angeles for as long as anyone can remember.

Pink's Hot Dog Stand
(323) 931-4223
711 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Make Reservations: No, but expect a line
A Los Angeles landmark since 1939, famous there hot dogs and Chili dogs of course.
http://pinkshollywood.com/


Wolfgang Puck
Often thought of as the most famous chef in Los Angeles. He owns four fine dining restaurants here including the one that started it all, Spago. The are normally busy and have very high reputations.

Vert Brasserie by Wolf Gang Puck
(323) 491-1300
6801 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Spago of Beverly Hills
(310) 385-0880
176 N Canon Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Granita
(310) 456-0488
23725 Malibu Rd
Malibu, CA 90265

Chinois on Main
(310) 392-3037
2709 Main St
Santa Monica, CA 90405


Are you intrested in picking up some wines before heading home? On the way to the airport stop at The Wine House. Near the 10 and 405 freeways. This is the best place to find nice wine in LA. They have tastings and events there every week. The highlight for us last year was the 6 vineyards tasting with kosher for passover wines. We picked up all our wine for the seaders that night.

Wine House
2311 Cotner Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90064-1877
http://www.wineaccess.com/store/winehouse

A G-D among men

I pride my self on my vast stores of knowledge. Getting a higher score then every one else at work is something I take pride in. Other people may not, some people just won't get it. In the world I live in this is a good thing.



disclamer: No false idols where used in this post. Use only as directed. May cause various bad things. Do not taunt happy fun ball.

Only for you

On every show I have worked on there is a range in the quality of artists. The is normal as few shows could afford to be staffed entirely by veteran artists and it would give no chance for people to move up.

We are 3 days from a major deadline. Things are under the gun but again that's normal. Like any rapidly approaching deadline ideas, plans, corners need to be cut to achieve the goal. So when a happy accident happens, you normally say "great, done, next". The weirdness in this case is I made something that is only OK looking but another element covers the bad part. This made my element look better, but mostly hidden. The problem is that the Comper on the shot made my element look so good in comp that He thinks the shot will work better if we see my element longer and earlier. This means lots of work to fix my element. In this case He is correct, it will make the shot look better but For any other Comper I would have said, "to bad we have a deadline"; But for this guy I had to give in. He is one of the best here and He just makes our stuff look so good, how could I say no?

Back to the grind stone (not to be confused with an upper mill stone)

The Tint of the Black $#perl

It was one of those mornings where so many things happen you really can't imagine how much more could happen in a day. By 10 am several shots where finaled, others where in limbo, and lots of feedback and comments had been made. The work is looking great but still more to do ahead of us. By 11:45 even more work piled up but I had to take an early lunch. You see at Noon I had an appointment. A very special appointment, with Eclipse Tint Inc. Any clues as to what they do? Expect to see some sweet pictures posted here soon.

By 2pm back at work things where going ok, emails working but we are low on disk space. You would think we could make do with 20 terabytes, but we manage to fill it. One of my artists wrote a slick perl script to help us find old data we could delete, this was super handy but I needed some new features. This begin my adventure in Perl Script. Yea... Perl. It's like the Latin of computer languages.


Ever wonder how I got my Red MINI?
I Present to you:
"Mom and Dad go Motoring"

It's in blog form, so you need to scroll to the bottom and read from the bottom up.

Stress

Stress takes many forms. Today it's stress dealing with people pulling me in every direction. Tons of work to do, looming deadlines, and ever changing parameters. I love what I do, but man it sucks when the mail server goes down.

Other News in no real sensible order

1. I am getting my MINI's windows tinted tomorrow :D
   
2. I got my blood pressure down 20 points on both numbers! It's now 120/70, or atleast it was before the mail server went down.
   
3. I started to learn painting techniques from a master scenic painter
   
4. We are going on a 3 day SCMM wine trip!
   
5. Sleep is not overrated, and I like it a lot. Ok that's not news but it is a good point.
   

Ok enough of that. Back to work, my render is done.

8:44 am

Another day, Another post. There is a knarly flu going around the office. I have managed to avoid it for quite some time but it appears my struggle has reached it's end. Scratchy thought, sore shoulder muscles, general feeling of grumpiness. Yea.. This is not going to be a fun week. I already have a doctor's appointment for today anyway so I will see if there is anything He can do about this. Filmouts wait for no illness.

Most of my friends are doing slick site redesigns. It's been on my list of things to do forever. Just not enough time and energy. I know this post is boring but frankly that how things are right now. Long hours and a tired geek. I'm not trolling for pity, just laying out the situation. I enjoy the hour or so I get to spend a night with my fiance before one or both of us has to go to bed for work.

Have I mentioned you can finally see the trailer for the film I have been working on for 2 years?
STEALTH : A Rob Cohen Film
It's only at yahoo movies not at apple's site. Why? I don't know, not my department. It's always nice when the Star of your film wins Best Actor at the Academy Awards just five months before your film premiers.

That's all for now. Back to your day jobs.