I didn't really get to dive into the game as much as I would've like, since children and GTA doesn't really mix well. And I don't really know if its because I'm running the game on standard definition, but the game actually doesn't look as good as I had envisioned it. Its still impressive for sure, but maybe I was just driving in the neighborhoods which have mediocre backgrounds. But I'm looking forward to spending more time with the game this weekend, since we're all caught up at work and I can have me some three day weekend rest and play.
I'm officially ticked at GameCrazy, which is like a bastard spinoff of Hollywood video. I've had one annoying tiff with them when they didn't have my Resident Evil 4 preorder in stock because of a delayed delivery. Then yesterday, I tried to claim my preorder and was told that I didn't even exist. My last name wasn't in there, a mispelling of my last name wasn't in there, even my phone number was non-existent. I told him that I had even signed up for a MVP account, which basically was an annual membership that alloted discounts for used games, but he said I wasn't in there. He asked rookie questions like, are you sure it was this store - and proceeded to call said store to verify that I wasn't in their system, and asked if it wasn't maybe Gamestop. Anyway, they did find my name after all, but my last name was listed as my brother's first name. So yeah, they managed to enroll me into their precious membership using me and my brother's first names as my whole name, and also losing my phone number. So no more preorders for these jokers.
In other news, I'm growing increasing agitated about a wedding that we're going to next Thursday, and they haven't even told us what time it starts. That's just ridiculous.
Showing posts with label wedding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wedding. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
January was Suck Month
I don't know what it was about January, but it just sucked royally. I should be a little careful though, the month isn't quite over. Better look out for saws dropping from the ceiling or the like.
Right now, the kids are sick - they are coughing a great deal, first hitting Alex and then moving through to Zoe. The doctor ruled out strep throat and is testing for whooping cough, but it's still pretty inconclusive. One night was so bad that he'd cough and wake up crying, leaving my poor wife to stay up with him most of the night, sitting in the rocking chair consoling him. She definitely earned a Mother of the Year award for that one. I slept mostly because I knew I couldn't do any less than 5 and a half hours of sleep. I would implode or have some structural failure if I tried.
So now Zoe has it, but we're laying on the cough medicine, which he hates, to at least let them have some rest at night. Being sick and sleep deprived makes for a very cranky and irritable kid. They're on the mend, but we're kinda trying to take it easy, stay indoors, and watch Daddy waste away his weekend with PS3 goodness.
Work was hard. I'm on my feet for the 10 hour day, walking back and forth, doing lifting and sorting and the like, and holding in repressed anger at my co-workers for redefining the personification of "Lameass". In addition to that, we had a few 58 hour weeks, and either one or two days off. I don't care who you are, but after you work that much, you really start to lose sight of everything else, like who you are and people around you. I was dreaming about work, it was so bad. My coworkers and I got into a high tension discussion about my supervisor taking roll call in the morning, and marking people up for tardies and ultimately firing the repeat offenders with as little as one warning.
Their argument was that it was just a few minutes, and that shouldn't matter. I argued that if it was a big deal for them, then just show up on time. Work starts at the same time everyday. My co-worker accused me of living too closely to work (7 minute drive), and that some people had to commute on the freeway and traffic was what it was. I said again, work starts the same time everyday, and a lot of people show up on time or early. Then I put it to him this way, if the supervisor came to him and said, I'm going to take a few minutes from your lunch today, how would he feel, since we were practically stealing time when we show up late but still filled in the timecard as 40 hours. He said it doesn't matter, since we leave work a few minutes early anyway.
At that point, I do this thing when I'm done talking to him, which is to say, "I don't know." repeatedly until he leaves me alone, then I just put on my earphones and walk away. It's much like aruguing with children when I'm at work. They want it their way, have no logic to back it up, and can't see more than 2 seconds ahead of what the consequences will be.
One of my other projects in the new future, in addition to finishing the wedding, planning the trip to California, and all the other daily crap that I ignore, will be to go through some emails from my wife and pull up excerpts of kid adventures. I've neglected to report a lot of their shennigans and so I'm trying to remedy that.
Right now, the kids are sick - they are coughing a great deal, first hitting Alex and then moving through to Zoe. The doctor ruled out strep throat and is testing for whooping cough, but it's still pretty inconclusive. One night was so bad that he'd cough and wake up crying, leaving my poor wife to stay up with him most of the night, sitting in the rocking chair consoling him. She definitely earned a Mother of the Year award for that one. I slept mostly because I knew I couldn't do any less than 5 and a half hours of sleep. I would implode or have some structural failure if I tried.
So now Zoe has it, but we're laying on the cough medicine, which he hates, to at least let them have some rest at night. Being sick and sleep deprived makes for a very cranky and irritable kid. They're on the mend, but we're kinda trying to take it easy, stay indoors, and watch Daddy waste away his weekend with PS3 goodness.
Work was hard. I'm on my feet for the 10 hour day, walking back and forth, doing lifting and sorting and the like, and holding in repressed anger at my co-workers for redefining the personification of "Lameass". In addition to that, we had a few 58 hour weeks, and either one or two days off. I don't care who you are, but after you work that much, you really start to lose sight of everything else, like who you are and people around you. I was dreaming about work, it was so bad. My coworkers and I got into a high tension discussion about my supervisor taking roll call in the morning, and marking people up for tardies and ultimately firing the repeat offenders with as little as one warning.
Their argument was that it was just a few minutes, and that shouldn't matter. I argued that if it was a big deal for them, then just show up on time. Work starts at the same time everyday. My co-worker accused me of living too closely to work (7 minute drive), and that some people had to commute on the freeway and traffic was what it was. I said again, work starts the same time everyday, and a lot of people show up on time or early. Then I put it to him this way, if the supervisor came to him and said, I'm going to take a few minutes from your lunch today, how would he feel, since we were practically stealing time when we show up late but still filled in the timecard as 40 hours. He said it doesn't matter, since we leave work a few minutes early anyway.
At that point, I do this thing when I'm done talking to him, which is to say, "I don't know." repeatedly until he leaves me alone, then I just put on my earphones and walk away. It's much like aruguing with children when I'm at work. They want it their way, have no logic to back it up, and can't see more than 2 seconds ahead of what the consequences will be.
One of my other projects in the new future, in addition to finishing the wedding, planning the trip to California, and all the other daily crap that I ignore, will be to go through some emails from my wife and pull up excerpts of kid adventures. I've neglected to report a lot of their shennigans and so I'm trying to remedy that.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
I'm Charlie Brown.
We're watching "Snoopy Come Home" for the first time, and one of his first lines is, "Everything I do, I feel guilty." That sums it up for me. Even when I ebay my crap online or on Craigslist, I feel like I shouldn't be making people pay. Never give me money, lest I give it all away because I don't feel like I deserve it. After I skim the funds for an iPhone, of course.
---
Speaking of which, I heard that my brother in law got himself an iPhone, and I'm insanely jealous. If you're a techie like me, you probably know more than you'd care to about the iPhone. Here's 4 reasons on each side why I'd get/not get the iPhone.
Gimme!
1. It's got Mac OSX on it, and anyone with a Mac will attest that it has a stable, attractive, and functional user interface. Plus the touch screen with the OS is just sweet icing on the cake.
2. Internet on my phone! The real internet too, not the neutered, funky one that comes on most cell phones today.
3. WIDE SCREEN IPOD. C'mon, that's just insane. Movies on your iPod is just awesome.
4. Youtube, internet, blogging, are very integral to my survival. And doing that on an unlimited 59.99 plan is actually not that bad.
I'll Wait for a Couple Years.
1. For first gen, it is pretty sweet. But 8 gigs is still small. My selected playlist is already about 5 Gigs, and my podcasts alone are at around 5 itself. Also, no video and flash for the camera, with EDGE wireless instead of 3G? I'll wait for 2nd Gen.
2. If only I could get the iPhone without the phone... I don't talk that much on the phone, but I use the internet a long. Paying the 40 bucks just for the minutes isn't worth it. An iPod with internet access is really what I'd like.
3. Some funky stuff like no iCal, no proper word processing type program, synching through iTunes only, and a limited compatibility with 3rd party earphones? What is that all about.
4. They did a cost analysis, and for the cost of the phone and the monthly fees, it's close to $2000 for a year. Yikes.
So anyway, when they do unveil the next gen iPod, I'm probably for it. I've been dying for a video iPod, but with widescreen and touch screen coming along, I'll just wait till then.
---
By the way, this Snoopy is from 1972 and missing from the score and music is Vince Guaraldi and it's obvious how timeless his musical influence is on the Snoopy animation. Without it, the music sounds very dated and a little loopy.
---
Last night I did my last weddding, and it was luckily one that I enjoyed. The bride and groom were nice to me, the family was very kind to me, but most of all, the ceremony had limited moving, great lighting, and best of all, there was a great mix of family and friends. It was a Persian wedding, actually my second one, and it's interesting when I start recognizing songs from it.
The DJ unfortunately, was terrible. He was some kid with no DJ voice at all, seemingly reciting words from memory that often made no sense, like lines that are misplaced into random scenes. He said, "Let's give it up for the groom and bride" about three times, 2 of which had nothing to do with the bride and groom actually doing anything.
He played Norah Jones' "Don't Know Why" 3 or 4 times in the beginning - again, don't know why. When the bride and groom came in, the music started, ended abruptly, then another song started, ending abruptly, then the first one played from the beginning again.
Finally, he wanted the Father of the Groom to dance with the bride, until someone yelled, "Father of the Bride!"
---
This afternoon I was playing with the kids when I heard something hit the window. I thought it might be a bird and sure enough, a foot away from the window was a black and white sparrow type guy who was upright, but not moving much. I had to stare at it for a while because I wasn't even sure if it was alive, let alone a bird. It'd turn its turn a little, probably dazed and confused. When we went out to look at it and offer it some bagel, it flew off.
Our neighbor is maybe less than 10 feet from our house, which probably worked out for the bird. Any further would've caused the little bird more harm.
---
Speaking of which, I heard that my brother in law got himself an iPhone, and I'm insanely jealous. If you're a techie like me, you probably know more than you'd care to about the iPhone. Here's 4 reasons on each side why I'd get/not get the iPhone.
Gimme!
1. It's got Mac OSX on it, and anyone with a Mac will attest that it has a stable, attractive, and functional user interface. Plus the touch screen with the OS is just sweet icing on the cake.
2. Internet on my phone! The real internet too, not the neutered, funky one that comes on most cell phones today.
3. WIDE SCREEN IPOD. C'mon, that's just insane. Movies on your iPod is just awesome.
4. Youtube, internet, blogging, are very integral to my survival. And doing that on an unlimited 59.99 plan is actually not that bad.
I'll Wait for a Couple Years.
1. For first gen, it is pretty sweet. But 8 gigs is still small. My selected playlist is already about 5 Gigs, and my podcasts alone are at around 5 itself. Also, no video and flash for the camera, with EDGE wireless instead of 3G? I'll wait for 2nd Gen.
2. If only I could get the iPhone without the phone... I don't talk that much on the phone, but I use the internet a long. Paying the 40 bucks just for the minutes isn't worth it. An iPod with internet access is really what I'd like.
3. Some funky stuff like no iCal, no proper word processing type program, synching through iTunes only, and a limited compatibility with 3rd party earphones? What is that all about.
4. They did a cost analysis, and for the cost of the phone and the monthly fees, it's close to $2000 for a year. Yikes.
So anyway, when they do unveil the next gen iPod, I'm probably for it. I've been dying for a video iPod, but with widescreen and touch screen coming along, I'll just wait till then.
---
By the way, this Snoopy is from 1972 and missing from the score and music is Vince Guaraldi and it's obvious how timeless his musical influence is on the Snoopy animation. Without it, the music sounds very dated and a little loopy.
---
Last night I did my last weddding, and it was luckily one that I enjoyed. The bride and groom were nice to me, the family was very kind to me, but most of all, the ceremony had limited moving, great lighting, and best of all, there was a great mix of family and friends. It was a Persian wedding, actually my second one, and it's interesting when I start recognizing songs from it.
The DJ unfortunately, was terrible. He was some kid with no DJ voice at all, seemingly reciting words from memory that often made no sense, like lines that are misplaced into random scenes. He said, "Let's give it up for the groom and bride" about three times, 2 of which had nothing to do with the bride and groom actually doing anything.
He played Norah Jones' "Don't Know Why" 3 or 4 times in the beginning - again, don't know why. When the bride and groom came in, the music started, ended abruptly, then another song started, ending abruptly, then the first one played from the beginning again.
Finally, he wanted the Father of the Groom to dance with the bride, until someone yelled, "Father of the Bride!"
---
This afternoon I was playing with the kids when I heard something hit the window. I thought it might be a bird and sure enough, a foot away from the window was a black and white sparrow type guy who was upright, but not moving much. I had to stare at it for a while because I wasn't even sure if it was alive, let alone a bird. It'd turn its turn a little, probably dazed and confused. When we went out to look at it and offer it some bagel, it flew off.
Our neighbor is maybe less than 10 feet from our house, which probably worked out for the bird. Any further would've caused the little bird more harm.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Hiring a Videographer for Your Wedding
These are some things to keep in mind if you're planning to hire a videographer for your wedding. I've run into a lot of these problems which could've been easily avoided if some ground rules are set. My regular readers won't care, but if this is googled, and it helps someone out, great.
Make a Timetable for your Wedding Day, and Stick to It.
During the invitation, stress that the wedding will start on time. There will always be stragglers coming in during the ceremony, there's no delay you can put on your wedding that will remedy that. Why the strict timetable? Because this will give both the videographer and photographer estimates as to when the important stuff happens, and they won't miss it capturing something else. You should have things like start of ceremony, start of reception, First Dance, Bouquet Toss, Garter Toss, Money Dance, Father/Mother Dance and Cake Cutting all laid out. Try to get them out of the way early in the reception, so that your guests will be able to enjoy all of it. I've had a garter toss at midnight when only a few gals were left, and I've had to miss a few things because the couple had scheduled those activities outside my time frame. Never underestimate your friends and families' ability to leave early during the reception. Remember, it may be full of commotion for the bride and groom, but for the guests, if the reception drags without any real activity, they will start leaving. A timetable is essential to a successful wedding day.
Assign a M.C./Coordinator
If you can't afford one, assign a family member to it. This family member should be the taskmaster type that likes to keep everything organized and going. A socializer would not be a good idea for this role. This person will be responsible for the timetable being upheld, and basically given the authority to act on the bride and groom's behalf. He or she will ensure that the happy couple are where they need to be when they need to be, and just make sure that the evening goes according to plan. This person can even be given the power to outrule any offending parents who might want to veer the evening a certain way - basically a voice and enforcer for the bride and groom who can answer questions.
Tell the Videographer of Special Circumstances
This might seem obvious, but then again, it isn't. But when there's something unique like a choreographed dance, a member of the wedding party singing, or there are many different speakers during the ceremony - anything like that, the videographer needs to know. That way the people can be mic-ed up, and the videographer can find the best angle to shoot from. Videographers don't like surprises, because we get caught off guard and miss something. And when we miss something, it's difficult to stop the action to remedy the shot, or reposition the camera.
Let the Pros do their Job
You've paid money for the Photographer and Videographer, right? Let them do their jobs, and get the best shots. Unfortunately, the bride and groom are usually too busy being married, so they can't do anything about it. But I've had two ceremonies whereby friends and family will have the gall to stand in front of my camera to take their own photos and videos. I shoot from the back because of two reasons - to get the couple walking down the aisle at the end of the ceremony, and to stay out of the guests way. I could certainly be position shotgun right by the bride and groom to get the best angle, but it would block all the guests from seeing the bride and groom. So it's no different when Uncle Jimmy decides to stand in the middle of the aisle trying to get a good shot. This is when the MC/Coordinator has to come in and shoo them away.
Your ceremony is a once in a lifetime moment. Don't let it be obstructed by overzealous amateurs trying to get a good photo or video. They mean well, but it is too difficult to work around. Let the photographer and videographer get first dibs.
Expect a Longer Turnaround for your Video
One of the first questions should be, "How far are you currently behind?" Ask for a honest answers. I myself would be forced to answer a few months, and I've heard horror stories about videographers being a year behind. I've heard from a client that her sister got married, had kids, and still haven't seen their wedding video. I'm not the best, but I'm not that bad. Editing is a lot different than just shooting a video. A videographer has to sift through hours of footage, score it to music, render the effects, author the DVD and design the case. They do take a lot of time.
On the other hand, videography are often small businesses and owners often can procrastinate, especially if they work from home. So, try to establish whether the videographer you have in mind will have a dependable and acceptable turnaround before you hire them.
Make a Timetable for your Wedding Day, and Stick to It.
During the invitation, stress that the wedding will start on time. There will always be stragglers coming in during the ceremony, there's no delay you can put on your wedding that will remedy that. Why the strict timetable? Because this will give both the videographer and photographer estimates as to when the important stuff happens, and they won't miss it capturing something else. You should have things like start of ceremony, start of reception, First Dance, Bouquet Toss, Garter Toss, Money Dance, Father/Mother Dance and Cake Cutting all laid out. Try to get them out of the way early in the reception, so that your guests will be able to enjoy all of it. I've had a garter toss at midnight when only a few gals were left, and I've had to miss a few things because the couple had scheduled those activities outside my time frame. Never underestimate your friends and families' ability to leave early during the reception. Remember, it may be full of commotion for the bride and groom, but for the guests, if the reception drags without any real activity, they will start leaving. A timetable is essential to a successful wedding day.
Assign a M.C./Coordinator
If you can't afford one, assign a family member to it. This family member should be the taskmaster type that likes to keep everything organized and going. A socializer would not be a good idea for this role. This person will be responsible for the timetable being upheld, and basically given the authority to act on the bride and groom's behalf. He or she will ensure that the happy couple are where they need to be when they need to be, and just make sure that the evening goes according to plan. This person can even be given the power to outrule any offending parents who might want to veer the evening a certain way - basically a voice and enforcer for the bride and groom who can answer questions.
Tell the Videographer of Special Circumstances
This might seem obvious, but then again, it isn't. But when there's something unique like a choreographed dance, a member of the wedding party singing, or there are many different speakers during the ceremony - anything like that, the videographer needs to know. That way the people can be mic-ed up, and the videographer can find the best angle to shoot from. Videographers don't like surprises, because we get caught off guard and miss something. And when we miss something, it's difficult to stop the action to remedy the shot, or reposition the camera.
Let the Pros do their Job
You've paid money for the Photographer and Videographer, right? Let them do their jobs, and get the best shots. Unfortunately, the bride and groom are usually too busy being married, so they can't do anything about it. But I've had two ceremonies whereby friends and family will have the gall to stand in front of my camera to take their own photos and videos. I shoot from the back because of two reasons - to get the couple walking down the aisle at the end of the ceremony, and to stay out of the guests way. I could certainly be position shotgun right by the bride and groom to get the best angle, but it would block all the guests from seeing the bride and groom. So it's no different when Uncle Jimmy decides to stand in the middle of the aisle trying to get a good shot. This is when the MC/Coordinator has to come in and shoo them away.
Your ceremony is a once in a lifetime moment. Don't let it be obstructed by overzealous amateurs trying to get a good photo or video. They mean well, but it is too difficult to work around. Let the photographer and videographer get first dibs.
Expect a Longer Turnaround for your Video
One of the first questions should be, "How far are you currently behind?" Ask for a honest answers. I myself would be forced to answer a few months, and I've heard horror stories about videographers being a year behind. I've heard from a client that her sister got married, had kids, and still haven't seen their wedding video. I'm not the best, but I'm not that bad. Editing is a lot different than just shooting a video. A videographer has to sift through hours of footage, score it to music, render the effects, author the DVD and design the case. They do take a lot of time.
On the other hand, videography are often small businesses and owners often can procrastinate, especially if they work from home. So, try to establish whether the videographer you have in mind will have a dependable and acceptable turnaround before you hire them.
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