Greetings Friends And Foes
Been a awesome couple of weeks in my area of the woods.  I headed down to Memphis with the guys in Numerics to scout out a very cool little project that we'll be starting soon.  We also just put the finishing touches on their debut video which should launch in the next few weeks. Keep your eyes and ears tuned this way for details.  Ate B-B-Q and climbed tons of steps at the Old Tennessee Brewery. I also finally got to visit the Loraine Motel.  We went after the civil rights museum had closed, and I was amazed at how open it was to the public.  Memphis is a great town, and I am all kinds of jealous of their baseball stadium. If anyone down Memphis way is interested in getting involved with some shooting, just send me a message.

I spent last weekend In Austin TX with the Muse family, and attended the Quiet Company Cd release party for "Everyone You Love Will Be Happy Soon". I saw Bo Wingo which was pretty amazing, as he has moved away and is never in Edgewood when i get home. Anyhow,  Its a great record and if you have the means you should purchase a copy.  Check Quiet Company out in my top friends.  We also had a baby shower for soon to be born Harper Lennon Muse. I made a shirt with A M.C. Hammer head that said Please Harper don't hurt em.  Going to be a good year for Leah and Taylor.  Some laser tag, and a Great guacamole burger at the Waterloo before catching a plane back to Nashville rounded out the weekend. Hopefully some video coming soon.

Also this is final days for voting in the rondo awards. There was some info up at the new valiant myspace, but I have not mentioned it much. I'll copy & paste a bulletin at the bottom explaining it a bit better, but if your reading this I could really use your help by sending one email to taraco@aol.com with the below mentioned categories filled in with us. Please take the time to vote for everything you want.

Ok so this fills ill prepared, and a great deal like a schill for telling you to watch, buy, and vote.  I apoligize for that, and in the future will try to get to this blog sooner, as not to leave out more subtle details.

Cameron

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Greetings Fright Fans,
It's
been another great year of Rondo voting. We're down to the final days
of voting, and could use your help if you have yet to send a vote in.
You just have to send an email to taraco@aol.com with your name and
ballot, which is available at rondoaward. com.
You can vote in as many or few categories as you like (so don't be
frightened away if you don't have picks in all the categories.

Lots
of things to be discovered on this years ballot, as well as some old
mainstays we always support. We're asking for your votes in these
specific categories...

17. Best Fan Event - Vote Dr. Gangrene's Chiller Theater Live!

18. Favorite Horror Host of 2008 - Vote Dr. Gangrene

20. Best CD - CREEPING CRUDS: Tennessee Bloodbath

28. Monster Kid of the Year - Larry Underwood, Linda Wylie, Cameron McCasland, Michael Creason for the Go Green With Dr. Gangrene campaign

Happy voting
Creature Feature Staff

Greetings friends and foes,

Everyone in the McCasland household is getting over various stomach bugs and the like. Other than that all is well.  I was invited to the Nashville City Council meeting to be presented with a copy of a resolution passed for the Go Green With Dr. Gangrene shorts I did last year. It was very kind of them to do, and we enjoyed the evening.  Here is the video from the meeting, and a copy of the resolution if you care to read it (skip ahead there is more).




..
RESOLUTION NO. RS2009-600

A resolution recognizing the contributions of The Go Green With Dr. Gangrene campaign, New Valiant Productions, and WNAB CW 58 Creature Feature for their faithful service in the best interest of the City of Nashville Tennessee and Davidson County.

WHEREAS,
Mr. Larry Underwood, Ms. Linda Wylie, Mr. Cameron McCasland, and Mr.
Michael Creason award winning film makers and television producers here
in Nashville have achieved tremendous success and are well deserving of
recognition; and

WHEREAS,
Mr. Larry Underwood began his career at Middle Tennessee State
University, Ms. Linda Wylie began her career with the Globe Theater
London, UK and Second City Chicago, Mr. Cameron McCasland began his
career at East Texas Baptist University, and Mr. Creason began his
career with the New York Institute of Photography; and

WHEREAS,
New Valiant Production's film makers Cameron McCasland & Michael
Creason began in Nashville, Tennessee in the summer of 2007, and joined
with Larry Underwood, Linda Wylie & the staff of Nashville WNAB
CW58 Creature Feature which began broadcasting in Nashville in June of
1999, to create the series of public service shorts entitled Go Green
With Dr. Gangrene to bring awareness to environmental and safety
concerns to the citizens of Nashville; and

WHEREAS,
Larry Underwood playing Dr. Gangrene, and Linda Wylie playing Nurse
Moan-Eek have provided quality television entertainment to the
Nashville area since 1999 with the award winning television program,
Creature Feature (Where it’s Halloween all year long) on WNAB CW 58,
keeping in tradition of former Nashville Horror Host Sir Cecil Creape
portrayed by Russ McCown on WSM-TV in the 1970s continuing the
tradition; and

WHEREAS,
New Valiant Productions premiered the series of shorts entitled “Trash
Day Of The Dead” , “Two-Lane Trash Stop” and “Bonehead” for the “Go
Green With Dr. Gangrene Crusade (produced by Michael Creason and
directed by Cameron McCasland and Starring Larry Underwood and Linda
Wylie as Dr. Gangrene and Nurse Moan-Eek) on Creature Feature's home
station WNAB Nashville CW 58 as well as on the web through their
official web pages www.gogreencrusade.com , www.newvaliant.com, and
www.drgangrene.com; and

WHEREAS,
during their tenure at New Valiant Productions and Nashville WNAB CW58
Creature Feature Undewood, Wylie, McCasland, & Creason won several
awards including The 2008 Sapphire Blingy Award For Environmental
Excellence, The 2008 Golden Marcom Award, and the 2008 AEGIS Finalist
Award for the short Trash Day Of The Dead as well as being recognized
with the Governors Award Of Merit for their work on the Go Green With
Dr. Gangrene campaign awarded by Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen; and

WHEREAS,
it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes Mr.
Larry Underwood, Ms. Linda Wylie, Mr. Cameron McCasland, and Mr.
Michael Creason for their distinguished careers and wish them well on
their future projects.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the contributions of The Go Green With Dr. Gangrene campaign, New Valiant Productions, and WNAB CW 58 Creature Feature for their faithful service in the best interest of the City of Nashville Tennessee and Davidson County.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Mr. Larry Underwood, Ms. Linda Wylie, Mr. Cameron McCasland, and Mr. Michael Creason.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Duane Dominy

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm planning on being in Austin TX for the Quiet Company CD Release next month. Looks like I will also be shooting some footage for their new video.  Its a awesome idea, as they are getting a lip dub from The Rock-Afire Explosion formerly of Showbiz Pizza. I'm a big fan of the RAE, as I spent a lot of time as a kid in Showbiz. There is also a new doc about them coming out that I hope to see soon.  They are currently raising funds to make this happen, as well as giving away the first single, "Seal My Fate" from the new record.  If you want to help out check out the Quiet Company myspace blog (in my top friends) or their website forum at quietcompanymusic.com. You can give as little as 5 bucks.  To see a lip dub test check this out...

I'm finishing up one music video at the moment, and will be heading down to Memphis in a few weeks to scout some areas. If your in the Nashville or Memphis area and want to get involved send me a message.  Hope your all well.

Cameron

To get this you need to watch at least half this video.



And then you can enjoy this.



Basically Pam Sams sent me a message that said this guy looked like me, and in an effort to get a chuckle I made this for her.  Hope you all enjoy it.

P.S. If you have a youtube account you can subscribe to my channel. Rate It, Favorite it ,etc.  You can also subscribe to the New Valiant Channel if you want to see music videos and commercials.

Greetings Friends & Foes,

So I'm way late with the four tracks that Quiet Company are asking people to listen to as they vote for a single.  They should pick "Seal My Fate" and be done with it now.

For those who want the short version, I went to the Emmy awards and did not bring home a statue. But all is not lost, read along for some details.

Mom & Dad came up late on Friday night, and used the sleeper sofa.  They were up and to breakfast and back before we even woke up.  Roxie has been a bit under the weather this weekend, and we had not been resting well, so they didn't wake us even though I had asked them to.  Jessica went to cut some hair , and left me with the kids, as we usually do on Saturdays.  My parents visited with me a bit before Mom headed to Jessica to get her "hair did".  Dad drove her and went looking for shoes.

When they arrived back, we mostly watched Titanic on television, which is strange as the dvd is in my house, but it just kind of stayed on as things do.  I did a little phone calling and emailing to let people know how to watch the Emmys.  Mom and Dad ended up renting a room, as my mother wanted to have some spread out room to get dolled up.  Also, having a hotel room bed is much better than a sleeper sofa in a house with two young children.  Marie headed to her Bmas house, for an overnight stay, Sunday morning church, and a matinee of Hotel For Dogs.  She was pretty worked up and tired by the time she got home today.

I got into my tuxedo, and watched a youtube video to learn how to tie a real bow tie.  I skipped the pre-tied, as I felt like it was cheating.  I also laced up my new black on black Nike Cortez for the event. I'm a bit of a sneaker whore these days, and seemingly this is my good luck shoe.  I have about ran a hole in the bottom of my green sneaks, (and have a fresh pair up in the closet for a rainy day).  This is only important in the sense, that I have been wearing Nike Cortez on the first day of just about everything I have directed thus far.

Jessica got home, and got dressed. She looked lovely.  We had a moment of comedy as she bought panty hose that were seemingly child size (though the box said otherwise).  I hope this doesn't emberess her, but feel the need to jot it down for posterity, as these are the small moments that otherwise are forgotten.  Babysitter arrived for Roxie, who seemingly was/is feeling better.

We rode with Mom & Dad downtown, and sat like teenagers in love, as the rear passenger side seatbelt was busted.  I refuse to let anyone I love go without a seatbelt, and not to mention it would be pure hypocrisy, as one of the shorts we did in this series was for seatbelt safety. We met at Linda's house, and ordered a cab, as parking was a mess due to the circus being in town. It was an icy cold night, and its not fun to walk blocks in formal wear.  I took a few Asprin for a headache, and skipped the bar.

The food was nice, and we ended up sharing our seats with some News anchors, whose names I don't recall.  Everyone would send texts when they put us on screen, and Linda was seemingly keeping up a good text conversation with Tim & Donna Lucas.  Hal Ketchum did a prett good job with the whole thing, and I was glad to see his Texas tattoo prominently on the back of the program picture.  Oddly enough, Jessicas stepmother was the childhood next door neighbor to Hal in New York.

I don't have any highlight moments to speak of, other than the whole Nasa presentation.  They showed some various shots from missions and interviews from Astronauts and Mr. Spock himself Leonard Nimoy.  The cool part was that the Astronauts on the space station accepted the award.  All I could think is, wow someone in space saw me on television.  As may of you know, I'm a true believer in the idea of Space Tourism and hope to be up there myself someday.

My category came up, and It went to something called "Steam Promo". It won three emmys, which almost sweeped the Advanced Media categories.  I honestly thought Jessica was going to cry.  She had been more sure of it than anyone.  The strange thing to me, was all of the people who through other channels were asking if I was ok.  You see, while I won't give the standard, its just an honor to get nominated line... I will say that I had a blast getting nominated and getting to experience the whole thing. The anticipation is a great feeling, and I while I would always rather win, taking home a trophy isn't the ultimate validation for me.  Just to get to see my mom get to go was worth the whole thing.

To make Jessica feel better, the rest of the night I did the fake clap with a grimace look, as portrayed by Mike Wazowski when Monsters Inc. lost to Shrek at the Oscars a few years back.  For some reason we both thought it was hilarious years ago.  We got back in the cab afterwards, and then headed home.  I checked some email, ate a frozen pizza, and went to bed.

I got up Sunday for breakfast at Ihop with my parents, and spent the early afternoon showing my father around.  He's been to visit a few times, but always to help around the house, etc.  We went to the Ryman, and I made them take the tour. The thing about Nashville is, if you don't learn about the history its easy to dismiss it as just another city on the map.  Nothing in town gives a better snapshot of our heritage of our town than the Ryman Auditorium.  While my parents have always been supportive of my endeavours, I don't think they have always understood my passion for Nashville.  Its funny showing someone else around, and realizing everything I have learned in the 8 years I have lived here.

We also spent a great deal of time talking about Texas and life on the farm. I miss it dearly sometimes.  It was so much simpler for me.  I hope it stands to see the generations that will follow me.  My parents left toward Texas after a dinner at the Bar-B-Cutie.  I think they'll sleep near Memphis tonight, and make the rest of the trip come sunrise.

All in all a great weekend.  And for anyone who felt bad for me, just know I'm a young man still. Plenty more projects on the way, and as long as I get to work, I'm happy.

Thanks for all the kind words, I love and miss you all.
Cameron

Hey Everyone,

Hope your all doing well. Tongiht's the big night, and as I type this Jessica & Mom are getting their hair worked up, and my father is looking for some new shoes.  I'm excited about the whole thing, and hope my Tux fits well (Its a little snug in the middle if you know what i mean.)  Anyhow, the great thing is since they are giving NASA a special award tonight, their are numerous ways to watch the show.

The show starts at 8 p.m. Central, and will be broadcast on Nasa TV nationwide. You can watch the show on (Direct TV channel 283) or (Dish
Network Channel 213). You may want to double check those channel numbers though. If you don't have a satellite check to see if your
cable carries Nasa TV OR you can watch it streaming live online at www.nasa.gov/ntv It is on the public channel (and should defalt to that
when you open the site).

In the Nashville area you can see it live on Comcast channel 74, or catch the repeat on NPT at 11 pm tonight.

I'm up for Advanced Media Writer/Producer, but have no idea during what
part of the show they will get to it.  Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Cameron McCasland

Greetings Friends And Foes,
2009 has arrived, and I'm sure many of you are recovering from a night of debauchery.  Christmas went well at the McCasland home, and Santa made sure to visit Roxie & Marie.  For those inclined, you should be able to see photos on my wife's page in the next few days. Jessica is still In New York at the moment visiting with family, which found me without a date on New Years for the time in as far back as I remember.  So I basically stayed home and watched "The Signal" and began planning my conquest of 2009.

2008 was a banner year.  Adding Roxie to the mix was a blessing, and professionally I couldn't have asked for much more.  Between the festival run that Fashionabel had (and all the glorious people I met during that time), The CMT, and Alan Jackson jobs, and being able to ride the Trash Day Of The Dead Bullet into 2009 I feel pretty accomplished.  I've already gotten myself involved with a nice slate of work for 2009, and I hope to see success in those endeavors.

I'm holding off on doing a top list for movies and music this year at the moment.  I didn't keep great track of that this year, and would hate to shun anyone. I did listen to the new Black Keys alot, and have a special place in my heart for Jody Lamberts documentary "Of All The Things".

My Resolutions
1. Get My House Organized
2. Take A True Family Vacation
3. Try to be more thankful and say my prayers
4. Spend My wedding Anniversary with my wife.
5. More reading (a novel & a technical book a month to start)
6. More Writing (a daily journal and hash out some of these stories better)
7. Get through some of those dvds i haven't watched
8. Get this feature film off the ground, and off my back
9. Exercise and assess my health a bit closer
10. Be more indipendent, bold, and braver with all things under the sun.

My hopes for 2009
1. A healed nation & safe return to our soldiers
2. An A.L. Pennat for the Texas Rangers
3. Prosperity for the people I love
4. Expanding our house
5. More Festivals More Travels

So to all of you I came to know in 2008, and those I have known before Happy New Year.

Cameron McCasland

Greetings friends and foes. Just wanted to drop a quick note.  Tonight I was nominated for an Emmy Award for writing, Trash Day Of The Dead.  Its pretty exciting.  Best part is Hal Ketchum is hosting the show, and Jessica is a big fan.

I'm heading out of town to direct a music video in about two hours, so I need to pack.  Just wanted to share the good news.  Be sure and check the NEW VALIANT page, as there should be some more details up over there shortly.

-- Cameron

p.s. If you haven't seen it (or want to see it again). Here it is.

Greetings Friends and Foes,
Hope this finds you well.  Been having an interesting life since last i wrote and just wanted to catch up.

Halloween was a blast this year. Marie & Roxie dressed as Sully & Mike from Monsters Inc. and we did the Trick or Treat deal. I went in the worst Darth Vader costume ever, consisting of a Childs mask, and an old star wars t shirt.  I wanted to wear a towel as a cape but It was to much with the beard coming out the bottom of the mask.  Pics are available on Jessicas page, so go peak if you wish. My sister Jillian came to visit in October an we got to catch up.  Its good to have family close.

We finished up this years run of Creature Feature, and though we will start again shortly, its good to have a breather.  The Go Green With Dr. Gangrene keep reaching a broader audience as they have picked up a few awards, and commendations.  If you want to read more on that, you can hit the blogs at myspace.com/newvaliant  We had a blast doing the Ghouls at Grassmere and the Horror Hootenanny.  New things brewing, but we all need time to relax and write new material.

I am working on a hefty little project.  Directing a few music videos for a band that I can't announce yet.  We're shooting in Nashville and Memphis, and all places in between.  Should be very cool.  If anyone wants to work for copy/credit/food just hit me up.  We've done two pre-production meetings, and will be casting next week it looks like.

I'm also hoping to have two new shorts out by years end, but no promises as there is a lot on my plate at this point, with the above mentioned music video project.

I'm looking forward to the holiday season, and some time with family. Looks like I'll be in Texas for Thanksgiving, and New York For Christmas if anyone wants to get together.  I also have every intention of getting down to Austin before Taylor and Leah have that baby, I'd like to be around for the new Quiet Company Record to drop.  Jessicas mother is planning a visit next week, so we're all looking for a good time with "Nanna not Nanner" - according to Marie.

Ok, so I need to write more blogs if only to share the things I am watching/listening to.. I'll try and hit some highlights.

Zack & Miri Make A Porno
I loved it.  Its dirty, and a bit surreal, but Kevin Smith still knows how to hit home.  For those screaming Judd Apatow, I gotta say I see just as much John Hughes, which I hope Kevin would take as a compliment.  Go see it.

Poultrygeist: Night Of The Chicken Dead
So I got asked to work on this movie what seems like forever ago, and opted to go to Tulsa instead. (Needless to say that wasn't the best life change i ever made).  But now I'm really kicking myself as this is pretty good.  Its a Troma movie, and for anyone who even has an inkling that they may be offended by Zack & Miri, then just stay away.  Its splatter filled, lude, and my mother is probably disapointed in me for seeing it.  But its funny, and the musical numbers are incredible.  Speaking of Tulsa, I got to see some scenes from a movie called Locard's Principle which I worked on, and they looked pretty good.  They have a bit more to do, but I hope everyone gets to see it soon.

Other than those two above mentioned and this season of Heroes (which I'm not to impressed with)  I've been watching tons of shorts and documentaries on the web.  I love the internet for video distribtuion.  I'll try to do a blog soon with new trailers, and stuff to watch.

I can't think of any new records i love.  I need to spin the new Toadies and Lucinda WIlliams.  Been listening to a ton of Bill Cosby comedy records, and some, Hayes Carl.

Love and miss
Cameron McCasland

Greetings friends and foes.  Thought I would drop some knowledge on some interesting stuff I had ran across in the last little bit.  For those who who had been asking, I got an e-mail from Mike Creason and he is recovering at home with his family.  Thanks for the well wishes.

Earlier this week, I-Tunes released Jim Hensons 1966 Academy Award nominated short "Time Pieces". (A Year earlier than I thought for those friends whom i already sent this out to).  I had always wanted to see this, but as far as I know it never had a home video release, and I was never able to track down a screening or bootleg copy.  Turns out the Smithsonian is touring it at the moment.  You can see it for free on youtube, or download it for 1.99 on itunes. Also look in the credits for Frank Oz being credited as Frank Oznowicz (who plays the messenger).



This hit me at the right time, as earlier in the day I saw the newest incarnation of the muppets on Disney's Studio DC with the Jonas Brothers and Miley mugging with Piggy & Kermit.  While I have no problem with this, as the muppets have always been around the flavor of the month, they also worked with the classic actors and musicians.  I  see very little of this going on.  When Disney finally got controll of the muppets, I was pleased as they started popping up again. Pizza Hut commercials, America's Got Talent, SNL, and The Wizard Of Oz special.  Disney promised to keep them child like with the same adult themes.  Kermit even said "damn" in the Wizard of Oz (though they cut the line for the dvd).  The above short I think has a genious to it.  Made just a few years before sesame street, you can see alot of the same type of film making in this that are prevalant in those first few seasons of that show.  I-Tunes also released a telefilm called "The Cube" that Henson made for a television show called Experiments in Television. Its a strange little piece, if you get the itch.  Henson was a true master.

A Collection of Trailers for upcoming releases that look interesting.  Many of these could go either way, but I thought I would pass them on.

Appaloosa (Ed Harris Directs and stars in this Western)



Zack and Miri Make a Porno ( Directed by Kevin Smith)
(Note, This is just a teaser and none of the footage is in the movie)



Burn After Reading
(new Coen Brothers)


CHOKE (adapted from the book by Chuck Palahniuk who also wrote Fight Club)



The Wolf Man
(Note: This is a crappy handy cam take from Comic-con. Nothing has been release official on the net yet)



Quantum Of Solace



Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince



The Curious Case of Benjamin Button



Star Wars Clone Wars
(See It Next Week)


On a final note, I want to pass condolences to the Bernie Mac Family.  The man was a comedy gold. I was so happy when he got his own show, and to see him getting parts in some of the huge blockbusters of the last few years.  So sad to see him go.

Greetings friends and foes,
Wanted to give some updates on going ons and such.  Jessica has taken it upon herself to start adopting rabbits, which Marie loves.  We have three in the backyard, and hopefully that will be the end of it.  Oddly enough, the best name for a rabbit was given to a little boy who apparently had his last pet stolen for food...creepy. The new rabbits name is Dennis Hopper.

Roxie has learned to smile, which makes being a parent easier.  That gum filled grin makes it easier to get through the day.  I have taken a few turns home alone with the girls, and I gotta say its been a bit rough.

On to all kinds of big news and things you might like to see.

First off, I got a write up from Mallory Potosky in the new issue of Moviemaker magazine (which I told you about last time I know).  It's issue 76 with Ben Stiller on the cover, and talks a bit about Fashionable - A Music Video For Quiet Company, and the Crossroads Film Festival.  So pick up an issue, or at least cruise to page 108 next time your sitting at Borders or Barnes & Noble. 



Quiet Company is also in competition for ACL fest again, so go over to myspace.com/quietcompany and help them out once a day be emailing a vote.  In other Fashionable news, we received a recognition from the governor of Texas, Rick Perry, and a letter from the governor of Mississippi Haley Barbour.

I also got a great write up from Terry Britt,  in my home town paper, The Van Zandt News.  This interview was a blast, as Terry told me it would take about 15 minutes, and an hour and a half later we were talking shop about Eraserhead, Robocop, etc.  It seems the good people back in Texas love some Alan Jackson. I heard from dozens of old friends I hadn't heard from in years, the week this came out.  You can read the entire article at http://www.vanzandtnewspapers.com/news/126/ARTICLE/5664/2008-07-13.html

Speaking of Alan Jackson, The "Good Time" music video went to number one on GAC, and the single is currently number one on country radio.  I've been stopped by tons of people here in Nashville, asking if I was the guy from the video.  Good Time indeed.  I have been considering working in more acting roles, so feel free to hit me up if you have any ideas.

Creature Feature is back in production.  We shot two episodes on Sunday, one of which I wrote.  I'll hold off on the movie titles, as that is up to Dr. Gangrene to announce.  However you can cruise over to his page for updates.  I will say, that everything turned out great, with some very funny stuff.  Lots of great stuff going on in that camp, including a letter from Nashville Mayor Karl Dean (you think I was in politics with all the government attention I've been getting.)  The show will back on the air here in Nashville in September, and it looks like we may go to a bigger schedule for next year.

Things are a bit quiet at New Valiant for good reason.  Michael Creason, underwent a lengthy back surgery this week and is getting some much needed R&R.  If you know Mike, feel free to pass on the good vibes, shout outs, and prayers his way.  Get better soon buddy.

I got asked to toss out the ceremonial first pitch at a Nashville Sounds game earlier this week.  I missed the plate, by a good bit but it was a blast just the same.  I had gone out and bought a bucket of balls and had been tossing it around (as I haven't even played catch since college) in the backyard. I measured off 50 feet, as every time I had ever seen this done, they throw from the bottom of the mound.  Seems the other person who tossed that day wanted to do it from the rubber (60 feet away).  They also gave me this really nice baseball, but it had these weird grooves that seemed to make the ball do something strange.  Either way I sucked it up pretty good, though the catcher played it off nice.  Odd story, was I was trying to get something set up with the Sounds for the "Go Green With Dr. Gangrene" campaign when I got this call.  So we're fast tracking that, and you should see the good Doctor, and Nurse Moan-Eek taking the mound sometime in August.

As for things I've been watching, listening, etc.

Ok first things first. Yes. I have seen 'The Dark Knight" and yes it was awesome.  I know none of the principle cast or crew has signed on to do another just yet, and If I were them I'd just leave it alone.  The critics and fanboys will never let "The Joker" go, and I doubt you could recast it.  It seems everyone already wants to get into the next formula, of "What actor can we stuff into what costume".  Just seems doomed, but if they do make it, I'll watch it.  In other news from that night, the new Terminator movie looks awesome.

Marie & took in both Wall-E, and Kung Fu Panda (which I thought I covered last time, but apparently not).  Wall-E was a good movie with tons of heart.  I was a bit freaked out to see a live action Fred Willard though.  Pixar has been pretty solid, even though "Cars" has left me a bit unmoved.  Kung Fu Panda was great.  It's one of the best action movies I had seen in a while.  The opening sequence alone was worth the ticket price.

I really want to see Hellboy 2 and The X-Files movie, but have not at this point.

On dvd, I revisited Ghostbusters and Nosferatu (1921). I also got a chance to see two movies I missed out on in their theatrical run.  George A. Romero's "Diary of The Dead", and "Be Kind Rewind".  I enjoyed both, with reservations.

First off, I usually am not a big fan of movies about making movies.  Its only be done right a few times (I'm looking at you Sullivans Travels & 8½). But Romero did a nice job with this one.  I kind of hated the girlfriend yelling at the guy for shooting the movie, and for the guy who didn't put the camera down.  It makes a bit of sense, as like Romero nothing was going to stop him from making his movie.

"Be Kind Rewind" was something I really wanted to see when it came out, but Jessica vetoed one night for reasons that are lost on me.  I have a special place in my heart for mom & pop video stores, and this was right up my alley.  I was able to get past them still renting vhs tapes, and the ridiculous way the tapes get destroyed.  The movie works on the heartstrings I have for DIY mentality.  And the remakes are classic.  I kind of hate the dvd though.  All of the sweded movies/trailers that appeared on youtube months back are missing, and the behind the scenes stuff that is their shows a set with a renovated video store (meaning some additional scenes were shot).  This could mean a few things...Either the full vision was nixed for a quick ending, or they plan to sucker everyone for a new dvd months down the road.  I worry that poor sales of the current disc may keep us from seeing that one.

As far as tunes go...

The new Lonely Hearts, is good stuff. It's called "Born In The Dark"  Grab it off Itunes, cd baby, or ask for it in fine record stores locally. This sounds like those guys, and while I have no beef with their previous efforts, this feels real to me. Check them out at myspace.com/thelonelyhearts

Weezer Red is pretty good, but I'm way biased.  I was passing the video around, but if you haven't seen it check it out.



I've also been a bit smitten with Julia Nunes.  She pretty much put some songs up on youtube, and went viral. She does some covers and some great originals.  Mostly Uke music.  She is touring with Ben Folds, so go check her out on those dates.



Also the new Black Keys, Beck, & Nas is worth a spin.

I look forward to hearing from you all, and hope that your all well. I'll miss you all until next time.