Mike's Morsels of Wisdom

Making Movies

No, this is not a picture of me on a typical Saturday. Although I do ride a bike, wear glasses and have been known to don a life jacket for no reason at all. But, no, this is actually a picture taken on the set of an independent short film that I recently had the opportunity to star in. I know! It's like I'm an almost independent short film celebrity. But don't you worry, I haven't forgotten the little people out there...I still remember what it was like to be "quaint" and "nice."

Anywho, it was an interesting, fun and educational experience to say the least. If you are serious about hearing gritty details and seeing some more pics, read on...

Simply put, the movie is about a manchild of sorts (played by yours truly) who has never known his biological parents. On the day he is finally to meet them, a freakish accident happens and kills them leaving his many life questions unanswered. At the same time he falls in love with a complete stanger AND begins to be led on a wild goose chase by an estranged psycopath who has a hankering for fiberglass statues. This synopsis merely scratches the surface.

The movie is written, directed and produced by my friend, Eric, from ComedySportz Twin Cities. Even though the finished product will probably be only 15 minutes in length, we spent a total of 9 full days shooting. Some of those days lasted 16 hours.

What did I learn? Well, for starters I learned that these things (no matter how low budget they are) take a ton of time and hard work. I've experienced this with the HFT Videos (click the link and then "Browse Videos"), but never to this extent. I also learned the value of a chair. Finally, I learned no matter what kind of permission you have, people get concerned when you set up film equipment in a cemetery and will call the police.

So there it is...a brief recap of my experience in the world of independent film making. Keep checking back for updates and more pictures on this project. Maybe someday I'll include the name of the movie.

Duke Wins...Again.

If it isn't basketball, it's uber-chic technology. Turns out that every incoming freshman at Duke this year will receive one of these sweet iPods. So unfair...so very unfair.

Kerry On Iraq

The GOP has released a documentary that archives Kerry's inconsistent views on the Iraq war over the past decade. Former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani says, "...I think every American should see this..." Even Minnesota's own Norm Coleman chimes in. "It's A Great Video. That's What Should Be Shown At [The DNC] Convention."

Take 12 minutes of your day and watch it here: www.kerryoniraq.com

**Disclaimer: Viewers beware that the editing will become a little cumbersome at times. However, please press on. It is a fascinating little video.**

I want to like cats...

...but I'm so allergic to them. It's really too bad. It makes me mad...at the cat. I mean, couldn't they just keep their dander to themselves? Do they have to spread it all around like candy in a parade? You don't see me walking around, rubbing up against their legs and leaving flakes everywhere.

Anywho...all I'm saying is that come November, my vote goes to the candidate that will push for a cat dander ban. It seems the cats have their candidate picked already.

(Thanks to Matt and Rachel for this picture of their beautiful cat, Cleo)

A Cinderella Story

So I know someone who called a hotel where Hilary Duff may have been staying and talked to a person who may or may not have encountered Hilary's general presence. Isn't that awesome! I am, like, possibly-sort-of-maybe-almost-not-at-all famous.

Confused? Allow me the attempt to explain...

My little sister (we'll just call her Ethel) was visiting me this weekend. "Ethel" is 11 years old, hyper, and a huge fan of said pop princess, Hilary Duff. We were eating at a restaurant Sunday evening and "Ethel" made the comment that she was seeing a "totally ton of girls my age wearing Hilary Duff t-shirts." I looked around and confirmed that "yes, 'Ethel', what you speak of is true." We both concluded that Hilary Duff must have just finished performing nearby. Cool. Interesting. Case closed. But "Ethel" was star struck.

It was amazing. For the next three hours "Ethel" had that wide eyed glazed look that Nate gets when he sees a rest stop in Wisconsin. As soon as we were done eating, she began begging that we stop by the stadium so we could meet Hilary. Now, I'm a dreamer...don't get me wrong. But c'mon! We were not going to meet Miss Duff. Of course, "Ethel" is my sister and I would do anything for her so off to the stadium we went.

As you can imagine, Hilary Duff was not hanging out on the sidewalk like we had hoped. I suggested that she was probably already at the hotel across the street. Big mistake. As soon as we got home, "Ethel" called the hotel to try and talk to Hilary. Here is the transcript of the conversation she had with the front desk operator at the hotel: (Again, to protect the innocent, we'll call the hotel "Super 8")

Operator: "Hello, and thank you for calling Super 8. How may I help you?"

Ethel: (keep in mind she's very nervous) "Hi...is this the Super Late?"

Operator: "Yes."

Ethel: "Um...is Hilary Duff pleasant?"

Operator: "No."

Click.

And so, as I stated earlier, I know someone who called a hotel where Hilary Duff may have been staying and talked to a person who may or may not have encountered Hilary's general presence.

Ah...life is beautiful and rich with experience.