Excellent work on both the 2nd Assignment and the Extra Credit Assignment! Updated grades including the EC Assignment will be posted on my door tomorrow (Wednesday) night.
If you are not happy with your grade to Assignment 2, you are always welcome to redo it, but it must be turned in ASAP, as the "redo" grade will drop with time just like a late assignment. Frankly, unless you had a 7 or lower, redoing will not make a large difference in your grade. You're better off doing the next Extra Credit Assignment, which will be given out soon.
And remember, the lowest quiz grade will be dropped anyway.
ALSO remember, if you wish to show one of your films in class, drop a DVD off for me in the sound department.
FINALLY, today's lecture has been uploaded to the web site, but unfortunately, the battery died during the second half of the lecture, so you only get the first half.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
SHUT UP and See this Film!
Saw the documentary SHUT UP AND SING tonight. It's really good, but like INCONVENIENT TRUTH, it preaches to the choir.
I'm not a country music fan, but there are a lot of interesting things in the movie. Natalie Maines, the lead singer of the Dixie Chicks, is much smarter than one would be led to believe by both the mainstream media and much of her music. Clearly the best musician of the three as well, she was the one who made the comment between songs that led to the group's infamy.
One of the interesting sidebars of the film is the fact that even with radio boycotting their single, the Dixie Chicks follow-up album of politically-motivated material hit number one without ANY radio airplay. Amazingly, they became a much better group when their label (Sony) and Clear Channel (virtually a monopoly on major radio stations) no longer forced them to be the group that they thought the public wanted.
Radio is dead. Thank god. As I've mentioned in class, the audience for pop music now is more musically literate than ever, and has broader tastes. Pop radio no longer serves them, once the Internet opened their ears to the many other sources available.
As for the political content of the film, it's inherent in art that the artist injects his or her beliefs into the medium of their choice. Great composers, writers, and directors have always put their politics into their work, and since songs have lyrics, they will always reflect their point of view.
The mistake the Chicks made was making the statement in between songs. If they had simply written a song about the war, they would have been fine, and in fact, now that the did that, they are fine.
Nonetheless, the film is an important statement about censorship in the media. Not since the McCarty era have we seen such a concerted effort to squelch the dissident voice.
See this film.
I'm not a country music fan, but there are a lot of interesting things in the movie. Natalie Maines, the lead singer of the Dixie Chicks, is much smarter than one would be led to believe by both the mainstream media and much of her music. Clearly the best musician of the three as well, she was the one who made the comment between songs that led to the group's infamy.
One of the interesting sidebars of the film is the fact that even with radio boycotting their single, the Dixie Chicks follow-up album of politically-motivated material hit number one without ANY radio airplay. Amazingly, they became a much better group when their label (Sony) and Clear Channel (virtually a monopoly on major radio stations) no longer forced them to be the group that they thought the public wanted.
Radio is dead. Thank god. As I've mentioned in class, the audience for pop music now is more musically literate than ever, and has broader tastes. Pop radio no longer serves them, once the Internet opened their ears to the many other sources available.
As for the political content of the film, it's inherent in art that the artist injects his or her beliefs into the medium of their choice. Great composers, writers, and directors have always put their politics into their work, and since songs have lyrics, they will always reflect their point of view.
The mistake the Chicks made was making the statement in between songs. If they had simply written a song about the war, they would have been fine, and in fact, now that the did that, they are fine.
Nonetheless, the film is an important statement about censorship in the media. Not since the McCarty era have we seen such a concerted effort to squelch the dissident voice.
See this film.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
BABEL-ing Aimlessly
Saw BABEL tonight. Quite a letdown. Although it had many great moments, the sum of its parts was much less than a whole.
The movie has three intertwining stories. The worst of the three is the Mexican story, which is surprising, as it's a Mexican film, and the Mexican characters are the weakest. In fact, they make the Mexican characters look like morons, thinking they can smuggle two American kids to Mexico and back with no problems. This story is sadly predictable and full of cliches.
The Japanese story is better, but still weak. It's about a deaf Japanese girl longing to grow up too quickly and in the wrong ways. The actress is very good, but the story meanders aimlessly at the end, and it's the scene they choose to end the movie with, which makes it feel very unfulfilling at the end. This story could have been cut out entirely and it would not have effected the story.
The most interesting story takes place in Morocco with a local family, and some tourists played by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Don't blink, or you'll miss Cate's part in the film. Pitt is not particularly good in the film, although he's not terrible, but it's certainly not Oscar material for either of them.
The movie also plays on the long side, which is inexcusable when you have a film that is so easily editable.
The movie has three intertwining stories. The worst of the three is the Mexican story, which is surprising, as it's a Mexican film, and the Mexican characters are the weakest. In fact, they make the Mexican characters look like morons, thinking they can smuggle two American kids to Mexico and back with no problems. This story is sadly predictable and full of cliches.
The Japanese story is better, but still weak. It's about a deaf Japanese girl longing to grow up too quickly and in the wrong ways. The actress is very good, but the story meanders aimlessly at the end, and it's the scene they choose to end the movie with, which makes it feel very unfulfilling at the end. This story could have been cut out entirely and it would not have effected the story.
The most interesting story takes place in Morocco with a local family, and some tourists played by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Don't blink, or you'll miss Cate's part in the film. Pitt is not particularly good in the film, although he's not terrible, but it's certainly not Oscar material for either of them.
The movie also plays on the long side, which is inexcusable when you have a film that is so easily editable.
242 & 310 Mid-semester Evaluations
242:
Mid-semester evaluations are complete. You should have received an e-mail only if your average is below a C. There are four people who have not yet turned in Assignment 2, which is 20% of your grade. Check your e-mail if you have not!
Remember there is an Extra Credit assignment due Tuesday, as well as the usual quiz.
310:
All 310 students should have received their mid-semester evaluations via e-mail, including a listing with your quiz and assignment averages, versus the class as a whole. Remember that grades will be scaled, and there will be an extra credit assignment in a few weeks.
Mid-semester evaluations are complete. You should have received an e-mail only if your average is below a C. There are four people who have not yet turned in Assignment 2, which is 20% of your grade. Check your e-mail if you have not!
Remember there is an Extra Credit assignment due Tuesday, as well as the usual quiz.
310:
All 310 students should have received their mid-semester evaluations via e-mail, including a listing with your quiz and assignment averages, versus the class as a whole. Remember that grades will be scaled, and there will be an extra credit assignment in a few weeks.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
USC Loses
They put up a fight until the end, but USC lost their first game of the season, against un-ranked Oregon State (who came into the game with three losses). At one point USC was behind by 20 points, but rallied to a 33-31 loss. The team is not the same without a Heisman-quality quarterback, and are likely to drop from the top 8 after that embarrassing loss.
In baseball, the most boring World Series in recent history ended yesterday, when Dodger & Angel castoff Jeff Weaver pitched 8 great innings for St. Louis to win the final game. David Eckstein, also a former Angel, was the series MVP. The Angels have raised ticket prices 20% for next year and were already far above the Dodger ticket prices; they are going to have to make some major off-season moves to compete. Pitching coach Bud Black is likely to leave to manage San Diego with Bruce Bochy moving to San Francisco.
Now I have to wait four months until spring training starts.
In the NFL, New England plays Monday night against Minnesota. NE is favored by 2, I give them 12 over the Vikings. Buffalo has a badly needed week off.
In baseball, the most boring World Series in recent history ended yesterday, when Dodger & Angel castoff Jeff Weaver pitched 8 great innings for St. Louis to win the final game. David Eckstein, also a former Angel, was the series MVP. The Angels have raised ticket prices 20% for next year and were already far above the Dodger ticket prices; they are going to have to make some major off-season moves to compete. Pitching coach Bud Black is likely to leave to manage San Diego with Bruce Bochy moving to San Francisco.
Now I have to wait four months until spring training starts.
In the NFL, New England plays Monday night against Minnesota. NE is favored by 2, I give them 12 over the Vikings. Buffalo has a badly needed week off.
LAST KING OF SCOTLAND
Outstanding film. I think Forest Whitaker is one of the great actors of our generation, and may get the Oscar he deserves for portraying notorious Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in a fully-fleshed performance. His performance, combined with a top-notch script, will leave indelible images in your mind after viewing it.
It's also one of the few films I've seen this year where there was a good, subtle use of subjective sound.
It's also one of the few films I've seen this year where there was a good, subtle use of subjective sound.
Friday, October 27, 2006
THANK YOU for a Good Movie!
I finally caught up with THANK YOU FOR SMOKING tonight. So far, this is probably the best film I've seen this year (although that's not saying much). Filled with lot of very biting satire, it's surprising that the film got made in a city where product placement drives production. Great casting and performances all around, with the possible exception of Mrs. Cruise, who (as in BATMAN BEGINS) was playing a part that required more maturity than she can show.
Definitely recommended.
In baseball, the team that was referred to on ESPN as "the worst team to ever make it to the World Series" won game 4 tonight, taking a 3-1 lead over Detriot. David Eckstein, whom I loved as an Angel, got 4 hits for St. Louis after starting the series 0 for 11.
Definitely recommended.
In baseball, the team that was referred to on ESPN as "the worst team to ever make it to the World Series" won game 4 tonight, taking a 3-1 lead over Detriot. David Eckstein, whom I loved as an Angel, got 4 hits for St. Louis after starting the series 0 for 11.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
242 Extra Credit Assignment 1
Next week is Halloween.
Your extra credit assignment is to choose a film that you think has interesting sound, and come to class dressed as your favorite character from the film. You will then stand in front of the class for judging on the following bases:
Your costume must be immediately recognizable without explanation. (This means you are better off choosing a character from a popular film, rather than an obscure one.)
Your costume must show a significant amount of work and should not in any way resemble normal clothes, nor should the costume look like it was rented or purchased as a costume. The majority of your costume must be of your own doing.
Your costume should show effort, ingenuity and creativity.
No weapons, either real or fake, or anything that even remotely resembles a weapon. No fires or flame or any other substance that could be considered dangerous or makes a mess.
No costumes that may be deemed offensive or obscene in any manner.
If your costume passes the class test, your grade on your costume will replace your lowest quiz grade.
The person with the "best" costume as judged by the general class reaction, as well as my personal opinion, will also receive an additional prize, probably something really cheap. In the event of a tie, the contestants may be asked to explain why their character choice represents good film sound.
Good luck, and have fun!
Your extra credit assignment is to choose a film that you think has interesting sound, and come to class dressed as your favorite character from the film. You will then stand in front of the class for judging on the following bases:
Your costume must be immediately recognizable without explanation. (This means you are better off choosing a character from a popular film, rather than an obscure one.)
Your costume must show a significant amount of work and should not in any way resemble normal clothes, nor should the costume look like it was rented or purchased as a costume. The majority of your costume must be of your own doing.
Your costume should show effort, ingenuity and creativity.
No weapons, either real or fake, or anything that even remotely resembles a weapon. No fires or flame or any other substance that could be considered dangerous or makes a mess.
No costumes that may be deemed offensive or obscene in any manner.
If your costume passes the class test, your grade on your costume will replace your lowest quiz grade.
The person with the "best" costume as judged by the general class reaction, as well as my personal opinion, will also receive an additional prize, probably something really cheap. In the event of a tie, the contestants may be asked to explain why their character choice represents good film sound.
Good luck, and have fun!
Monday, October 23, 2006
VOLVER
It's hard to discuss Almodovar's new film without giving away the plot twists, but to say the least, it's Hitchcockian, which is a steep departure for him, and not a particularly good fit. The major twist is telegraphed about halfway through. I'd forgive that if the characters were more well-developed, but for Almodovar, the characters are pretty thin. Penelope Cruz does the most with her part, as does the actress who plays her mother returned from the dead. But all of the other roles are one-dimensional, and with a pacing that is on the slow side, there's too much time to put 2 and 2 together.
In sports, the Tigers won yesterday, and as predicted, the Pats creamed the Bills.
In sports, the Tigers won yesterday, and as predicted, the Pats creamed the Bills.
242 Reminders for Tuesday
Just a reminder that there WILL be a quiz this week. All quizzes are cumulative, but this quiz will focus on Chapter 2, Subjective Sound (Psychoacoustics). I strongly suggest you re-read Chapter 2 and bring any questions you may have to class next week. (Also remember that the lectures have been uploaded to the web site.)
ALSO in the last half hour of class you will have a visit from Pablo Frasconi, who will talk about what you have to do to qualify to take 310 next semester. It is extremely important that you are all there for this lecture.
ALSO PLEASE REMEMBER *ALL* ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE AT THIS TIME!
ALSO in the last half hour of class you will have a visit from Pablo Frasconi, who will talk about what you have to do to qualify to take 310 next semester. It is extremely important that you are all there for this lecture.
ALSO PLEASE REMEMBER *ALL* ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE AT THIS TIME!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
310 Congratulations!
Congratulations on the excellent work on the first group of films!
Now, we move on to the next films.
NEW directors: PLEASE e-mail me your scripts immediately.
ALSO remember that ALL STUDENTS have your script assignments due in class this Wednesday night.
See you then!
Now, we move on to the next films.
NEW directors: PLEASE e-mail me your scripts immediately.
ALSO remember that ALL STUDENTS have your script assignments due in class this Wednesday night.
See you then!
Office Hours
I will have an extra hour of office hours this week on
Monday 10/23 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM.
I also have slots available on Tuesday 10/24 at 1:30,
and Wednesday 10/25 at 5:00 and 5:30.
Please make an appointment via e-mail if you wish to see me.
This is your last chance to see me before registration.
Monday 10/23 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM.
I also have slots available on Tuesday 10/24 at 1:30,
and Wednesday 10/25 at 5:00 and 5:30.
Please make an appointment via e-mail if you wish to see me.
This is your last chance to see me before registration.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
UNITED 93
I finally caught up with this very moving film tonight. Almost everything about the film was top-notch. All I could think while watching it was, "the only thing that could ruin this film is the presence of Nick Cage."
Seriously, the lack of star casting made this film very real, along with a documentary style of cinematography. The only thing I could criticize is the score; every time it came in, I was reminded I was watching a movie. It would have been a lot more effective and real to go entirely without music.
Nonetheless, I highly recommend the film.
Seriously, the lack of star casting made this film very real, along with a documentary style of cinematography. The only thing I could criticize is the score; every time it came in, I was reminded I was watching a movie. It would have been a lot more effective and real to go entirely without music.
Nonetheless, I highly recommend the film.
Sports
My prediction about the Mets was wrong, they not only didn't sweep the Cards, they lost completely on Thursday when their bats fell asleep.
Tonight the Cards move on to face the Tigers in Game 1 of the World Series. I'm rooting for Detroit, who are heavily favored in predictions.
USC has an off day today. UCLA already lost to Notre Dame, and #2 Michigan is beating Iowa in the 4th, 20-6.
Tomorrow, my two NFL teams play each other again, the Bills and the Pats. The Bills need the win more, but are predicted to lose by a touchdown.
Tonight the Cards move on to face the Tigers in Game 1 of the World Series. I'm rooting for Detroit, who are heavily favored in predictions.
USC has an off day today. UCLA already lost to Notre Dame, and #2 Michigan is beating Iowa in the 4th, 20-6.
Tomorrow, my two NFL teams play each other again, the Bills and the Pats. The Bills need the win more, but are predicted to lose by a touchdown.
Friday, October 20, 2006
310 Mix Times!!!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MIX TIMES LISTED ON PAUL'S LAST E-MAIL ARE INCORRECT.
THE ONES ON MY E-MAIL ARE CORRECT. PLEASE CHECK YOUR E-MAIL.
THE ONES ON MY E-MAIL ARE CORRECT. PLEASE CHECK YOUR E-MAIL.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Mets vs. Cards
No one is more surprised than I am that the Cardinals have taken the NLCS to 7 games. Tonight's game should be exciting, as the winner moves on to play the Tigers in the World Series.
Before the post-season began, everyone expected the Mets to be heavily
favored going in, but tonight they start Oliver Perez (who frankly was terrible for most of the season) against former Red Sox starter Jeff Suppan (who has been stellar as of late). One might be tempted to give the advantage to Suppan, but it's likely that we'll see a LOT of the Mets' bullpen, perhaps as early as the 4th inning. With a collective 2.8 ERA, that gives the Mets the advantage.
Prediction: Mets 6, St. Louis 5
Before the post-season began, everyone expected the Mets to be heavily
favored going in, but tonight they start Oliver Perez (who frankly was terrible for most of the season) against former Red Sox starter Jeff Suppan (who has been stellar as of late). One might be tempted to give the advantage to Suppan, but it's likely that we'll see a LOT of the Mets' bullpen, perhaps as early as the 4th inning. With a collective 2.8 ERA, that gives the Mets the advantage.
Prediction: Mets 6, St. Louis 5
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
242 Lecture Uploaded
Lecture notes are uploaded to my Briefcase Web Site.
There will be a quiz on this material next week. I strongly suggest you re-read Chapter 2 and bring any questions you may have to class next week.
There will be a quiz on this material next week. I strongly suggest you re-read Chapter 2 and bring any questions you may have to class next week.
Wednesday Office Hours
By popular demand I will be adding office hours this afternoon from 5-8 PM. Book an Avid and come get me in my office.
St. Louis has taken the lead in the MLCS, 3-2. So my for my prediction of a Mets sweep!
St. Louis has taken the lead in the MLCS, 3-2. So my for my prediction of a Mets sweep!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
310 Reminders
This false info has been forwarded around school:
"Fades on every region - To prevent digital clipping (the pop that you hear on some FX if they start in the middle of a sound), you should apply a short (less than one frame in general) fade to the beginning and end of every region. This is important to do now - if you notice pops in your mix, you're going to waste your time fixing tiny mistakes that could have already been taken care of."
This is a long-time USC urban myth that keeps popping up no matter how many times I try to douse it. It is neither necessary nor desirable to put fades "on every region" for pops. Pops will not be audible on an HD system if the prefs are set properly. They may be audible on the LE systems you are using upstairs, but they will disappear when you bring them onto the dub stages.
You SHOULD use fades when you need to get into or out of a track that has background noise on it, which is usually material recorded in the field (as well as Foley & ADR at times). Those fades aren't necessarily "less than one frame," they can be quite long to mask the change.
If you put one-frame fades on everything, it becomes VERY difficult to made editorial changes later on. PLEASE do not do it.
Two other reminders:
1) Meet with your mixer again before your mix to make sure they like your track layout.
2) Put MARKERS on EVERY scene change. These can be imported into your mix session in v7.2 downstairs and it will make your mix go MUCH faster.
"Fades on every region - To prevent digital clipping (the pop that you hear on some FX if they start in the middle of a sound), you should apply a short (less than one frame in general) fade to the beginning and end of every region. This is important to do now - if you notice pops in your mix, you're going to waste your time fixing tiny mistakes that could have already been taken care of."
This is a long-time USC urban myth that keeps popping up no matter how many times I try to douse it. It is neither necessary nor desirable to put fades "on every region" for pops. Pops will not be audible on an HD system if the prefs are set properly. They may be audible on the LE systems you are using upstairs, but they will disappear when you bring them onto the dub stages.
You SHOULD use fades when you need to get into or out of a track that has background noise on it, which is usually material recorded in the field (as well as Foley & ADR at times). Those fades aren't necessarily "less than one frame," they can be quite long to mask the change.
If you put one-frame fades on everything, it becomes VERY difficult to made editorial changes later on. PLEASE do not do it.
Two other reminders:
1) Meet with your mixer again before your mix to make sure they like your track layout.
2) Put MARKERS on EVERY scene change. These can be imported into your mix session in v7.2 downstairs and it will make your mix go MUCH faster.
Monday, October 16, 2006
310 Notes - Composer Specs
Tomorrow I still have plenty of open slots for office hours. I will not be on campus Wednesday. I will be there Thursday, but that will be too late to make major changes before sound lock on Thursday night.
Composer specs: composers should try to deliver .BWF files, time-stamped. You can drop them into sync directly in Pro Tools in SPOT mode. If they can't do .BWF, then ask for .WAV. Third choice would be AIFF (which will need conversion in Pro Tools). Last choice is SD II which also needs conversion.
DO NOT use MP3, MP4, or any other data-compressed formats.
See you tomorrow.
(Baseball postponed due to rain.)
Composer specs: composers should try to deliver .BWF files, time-stamped. You can drop them into sync directly in Pro Tools in SPOT mode. If they can't do .BWF, then ask for .WAV. Third choice would be AIFF (which will need conversion in Pro Tools). Last choice is SD II which also needs conversion.
DO NOT use MP3, MP4, or any other data-compressed formats.
See you tomorrow.
(Baseball postponed due to rain.)
Sunday, October 15, 2006
An INCONVENIENT Movie
I think the documentary may be a dying art form. Instead of truth in cinema, we are watching the ego in cinema. First Michael Moore, then Morgan Spurlock, and now Al Gore present their ideas to the audience personally, instead of letting the story tell itself.
Now , I happen to agree with them, but that doesn't excuse sloppy filmmaking. AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH is very sloppy. It's basically an overly long PowerPoint presentation about global warming. However, it is continually interrupted with Al Gore's personal story. The death of a son, the death of a sister, the death of his political life with the 2000 election; who cares? How does this support his film?
If anything, his presence reminds us that he is the wrong person to make this film. He claims that it is a non-partisan issue, which is true, but his very presence makes it partisan. Why not interview John McCain, or Nancy Reagan, or Charleton Heston for that matter... and see why so many people are pretending that global warming is not an issue, when it so clearly is?
The film also talks down to the audience quite a bit. It pretends that a zero-emission lifestyle is possible. It's not. Unless we replace the internal combustion engine completely, our lives are filled with elements brought to us by emissions.
Worst of all, he's preaching to the choir. Anyone who went to see this film is already on his side, and anyone whose mind he might have changed will be put off by his presence.
ROBOT CHICKEN was good tonight.
In sports, the Mets won, and the Bills lost a close game to the Lions.
Now , I happen to agree with them, but that doesn't excuse sloppy filmmaking. AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH is very sloppy. It's basically an overly long PowerPoint presentation about global warming. However, it is continually interrupted with Al Gore's personal story. The death of a son, the death of a sister, the death of his political life with the 2000 election; who cares? How does this support his film?
If anything, his presence reminds us that he is the wrong person to make this film. He claims that it is a non-partisan issue, which is true, but his very presence makes it partisan. Why not interview John McCain, or Nancy Reagan, or Charleton Heston for that matter... and see why so many people are pretending that global warming is not an issue, when it so clearly is?
The film also talks down to the audience quite a bit. It pretends that a zero-emission lifestyle is possible. It's not. Unless we replace the internal combustion engine completely, our lives are filled with elements brought to us by emissions.
Worst of all, he's preaching to the choir. Anyone who went to see this film is already on his side, and anyone whose mind he might have changed will be put off by his presence.
ROBOT CHICKEN was good tonight.
In sports, the Mets won, and the Bills lost a close game to the Lions.
Office Hours
My office hours this week will not be my normal hours. Instead, I have the following slots open on Monday and Tuesday. Please e-mail me for an appointment and reserve an Avid station if you wish to show me anything.
Monday 10/16
12 Noon
12:30 PM
1:00 PM
1:30 PM
2:30 PM
Tuesday 10/17
12 Noon
12:30 PM
1:30 PM
2:00 PM
2:30 PM
3:00 PM
3:30 PM
4:00 PM
4:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
8:00 PM
Monday 10/16
12 Noon
12:30 PM
1:00 PM
1:30 PM
2:30 PM
Tuesday 10/17
12 Noon
12:30 PM
1:30 PM
2:00 PM
2:30 PM
3:00 PM
3:30 PM
4:00 PM
4:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
8:00 PM
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Sports Update
Detroit swept Oakland, and the Cards upset the Mets to take a 2-1 lead in the NLCS. One has to admire former Red Sox pitcher Jeff Suppan, who pitched 8 innings of shutout ball AND hit a home run.
USC looked like it would finally have a big win, but gave up 14 points in the second half, barely winning 28-21.
Jinxed #2 Florida was upset by Auburn. Will USC ever rise to #2? And with the jinx, do they want to?
USC looked like it would finally have a big win, but gave up 14 points in the second half, barely winning 28-21.
Jinxed #2 Florida was upset by Auburn. Will USC ever rise to #2? And with the jinx, do they want to?
Friday, October 13, 2006
Weekend Sports
St. Louis finally won a game against the Mets. Should be a close game tomorrow. Detroit looks to sweep Oakland tomorrow.
In college football, Virginia Tech was upset last night by BC. USC is favored by 19 over Arizona State. It's about time for USC to take a commanding victory.
Florida has moved into the jinxed #2 spot instead of USC, and they must play #11 Auburn.
Sunday, the Bill will be playing the yet-to-win Lions, and are favored by only a point. I think they'll take it by 10. New England has an off week.
In college football, Virginia Tech was upset last night by BC. USC is favored by 19 over Arizona State. It's about time for USC to take a commanding victory.
Florida has moved into the jinxed #2 spot instead of USC, and they must play #11 Auburn.
Sunday, the Bill will be playing the yet-to-win Lions, and are favored by only a point. I think they'll take it by 10. New England has an off week.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
310 Reminder!
Don't forget Saturday is our big day! All students have a table screening with me, and most of you have Foley as well.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A FOOTBALL GAME THAT DAY, SO TRAFFIC AND PARKING MAY BE VERY, VERY DIFFICULT! Give yourself plenty of time to get on campus.
PLEASE invite your mixers. For the two that don't have mixers yet, please check with Manny in the sound department tomorrow (Friday) to see if anyone has signed up.
Also please try to have as much material ready as possible, at especially any kind of dialogue, but also backgrounds and cut effects. All dialogue must be in place at this point.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A FOOTBALL GAME THAT DAY, SO TRAFFIC AND PARKING MAY BE VERY, VERY DIFFICULT! Give yourself plenty of time to get on campus.
PLEASE invite your mixers. For the two that don't have mixers yet, please check with Manny in the sound department tomorrow (Friday) to see if anyone has signed up.
Also please try to have as much material ready as possible, at especially any kind of dialogue, but also backgrounds and cut effects. All dialogue must be in place at this point.
Ebert Returns!
As you may know, Roger Ebert has been ill with various complications from cancer surgery. He has finally posted a new review, of THE QUEEN.
Welcome back, Roger!
Welcome back, Roger!
Television
Last summer, I went to an event at the Television Academy and one of the producers of SCRUBS pointed out that whenever he tells people what he does for a living, people always respond with "I don't really watch television."
What is it about television that people are ashamed to admit they watch it? I think right now we're in somewhat of a renaissance in television, particularly with sitcoms. I'd say the batting average for TV is significantly higher than feature films right now. And with Tivo, I can skip the commercials.
The shows I watch tend to fall into a number of categories:
Live-action sitcom:
MY NAME IS EARL
THE OFFICE
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM
EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS
SCRUBS
One thing you'll notice about these sitcoms is they are all single-camera, and several are mockumentaries. I think the multi-cam sitcom is close to dead. I also loved ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, but it was cancelled. It's rerunning on G4.
Animation:
THE SIMPSONS (jumped the shark a few years ago, but I still watch)
KING OF THE HILL (probably past its prime by a year or two)
FAMILY GUY
AMERICAN DAD
SOUTH PARK (still relevant after all these years)
BOONDOCKS
FUTURAMA (coming back soon!)
ROBOT CHICKEN (stop-motion animation)
Sci-fi:
BATTLESTAR GALLACTICA
I also sometimes watch STAR TREK or QUANTUM LEAP reruns. Otherwise I generally don't watch one-hour dramatics.
Animal shows:
Pretty much anything on Animal Planet. I like documentaries in general and watch material the Discovery and History as well.
Sports:
Baseball & Football
(I was glad to see St. Louis lose tonight, especially with Jeff Weaver pitching.)
News programs
JEOPARDY. When I was a kid I watched it all the time, and when I was recovering in the hospital, it was a big help in getting my brain back to normal wile recovering.
And finally, DAVID LETTERMAN and CONAN O'BRIEN. I only watch once in a while, but they are still pretty funny.
I think one of the reasons TV gets a bad rap is reality shows. Believe me, I hate them more than anyone, as they have cost me a lot of work. They are bad television, but some of them are still watchable. We watch AMERICAN IDOL. It's very addicting. And entertaining.
As someone who works in both TV and film, I've never understood the snob attitude of people who insist on working in film only. Let's face it, working on a movie for HBO or Showtime is almost exactly like working on a low-budget feature. (Better, in some ways.)
And, given the choice, there's a lot to be said for the regular work environment of episodic television. It's a good paycheck for half the year, when in features, you spend at least three-quarters of your time looking for work.
What is it about television that people are ashamed to admit they watch it? I think right now we're in somewhat of a renaissance in television, particularly with sitcoms. I'd say the batting average for TV is significantly higher than feature films right now. And with Tivo, I can skip the commercials.
The shows I watch tend to fall into a number of categories:
Live-action sitcom:
MY NAME IS EARL
THE OFFICE
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM
EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS
SCRUBS
One thing you'll notice about these sitcoms is they are all single-camera, and several are mockumentaries. I think the multi-cam sitcom is close to dead. I also loved ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, but it was cancelled. It's rerunning on G4.
Animation:
THE SIMPSONS (jumped the shark a few years ago, but I still watch)
KING OF THE HILL (probably past its prime by a year or two)
FAMILY GUY
AMERICAN DAD
SOUTH PARK (still relevant after all these years)
BOONDOCKS
FUTURAMA (coming back soon!)
ROBOT CHICKEN (stop-motion animation)
Sci-fi:
BATTLESTAR GALLACTICA
I also sometimes watch STAR TREK or QUANTUM LEAP reruns. Otherwise I generally don't watch one-hour dramatics.
Animal shows:
Pretty much anything on Animal Planet. I like documentaries in general and watch material the Discovery and History as well.
Sports:
Baseball & Football
(I was glad to see St. Louis lose tonight, especially with Jeff Weaver pitching.)
News programs
JEOPARDY. When I was a kid I watched it all the time, and when I was recovering in the hospital, it was a big help in getting my brain back to normal wile recovering.
And finally, DAVID LETTERMAN and CONAN O'BRIEN. I only watch once in a while, but they are still pretty funny.
I think one of the reasons TV gets a bad rap is reality shows. Believe me, I hate them more than anyone, as they have cost me a lot of work. They are bad television, but some of them are still watchable. We watch AMERICAN IDOL. It's very addicting. And entertaining.
As someone who works in both TV and film, I've never understood the snob attitude of people who insist on working in film only. Let's face it, working on a movie for HBO or Showtime is almost exactly like working on a low-budget feature. (Better, in some ways.)
And, given the choice, there's a lot to be said for the regular work environment of episodic television. It's a good paycheck for half the year, when in features, you spend at least three-quarters of your time looking for work.
DePAHted!
The best working director, and many of the best actors, and none could do a convincing Boston accent.
DEPARTED is a very flawed film. Although the basic story line is intriguing (an undercover cop is sent as a mole in an organized crime ring, while at the same time a mobster makes his way into the police force), the script is weak, and when you have a running time of 2:40, you give the audience WAY too much time to figure out what's going to happen. The first act of the film is the weakest, and although it perks up toward the start of the third act, it falls apart by the end with predictable "twists."
The script may be weak, but the acting is all over the place. DiCaprio and Damon are pretty good, but the female lead clearly got her part based on her looks, and Nicholson has officially become a complete parody of himself, chewing the scenery (literally, in one scene with a fly). Even Marky Mark gave a one-dimensional performance (although I think here you can blame the author). The only standout performance was by Alec Baldwin, who may get a supporting actor nod.
Howard Shore is credited with score, but as far as I could tell, there wasn't any, with plenty of familiar songs that were also predictable and hit the nail on the head much too tightly.
But at least it was better than GANGS OF NEW YORK!!!
DEPARTED is a very flawed film. Although the basic story line is intriguing (an undercover cop is sent as a mole in an organized crime ring, while at the same time a mobster makes his way into the police force), the script is weak, and when you have a running time of 2:40, you give the audience WAY too much time to figure out what's going to happen. The first act of the film is the weakest, and although it perks up toward the start of the third act, it falls apart by the end with predictable "twists."
The script may be weak, but the acting is all over the place. DiCaprio and Damon are pretty good, but the female lead clearly got her part based on her looks, and Nicholson has officially become a complete parody of himself, chewing the scenery (literally, in one scene with a fly). Even Marky Mark gave a one-dimensional performance (although I think here you can blame the author). The only standout performance was by Alec Baldwin, who may get a supporting actor nod.
Howard Shore is credited with score, but as far as I could tell, there wasn't any, with plenty of familiar songs that were also predictable and hit the nail on the head much too tightly.
But at least it was better than GANGS OF NEW YORK!!!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
USC Office Hours
Due to 310 mixes and various other events, my normal office hours are skewed for the next two weeks. Office hours tomorrow (Wednesday) are almost fully booked, but I still have 2:30 - 3:30 PM open.
I will have additional hours on Monday (10/16) and Tuesday (10/17).
PLEASE e-mail me to make an appointment if you wish to see me. If you are in 310 and want me to look at your film, you will need to book an Avid station to show it to me.
Thanks,
I will have additional hours on Monday (10/16) and Tuesday (10/17).
PLEASE e-mail me to make an appointment if you wish to see me. If you are in 310 and want me to look at your film, you will need to book an Avid station to show it to me.
Thanks,
THE QUEEN (updated)
Awards season is starting up, and tonight I saw a screening of the THE QUEEN at the Arclight in the Dome.
It was pretty good, although the third act happens too quickly, and the Tony Blair character's shift happens too suddenly. Helen Mirren was very good, but Michael Sheen really stole the show. There was a Q&A with the two of them afterwards, and he had a lot of good comments about playing a real person.
Wednesday I plan on seeing THE DEPARTED. I'm looking forward to it!
EDIT: As per Ziggy's request, I'll talk a little more about THE QUEEN.
There are some SEMI-SPOILERS here, so if you don't want to know more, don't read! (If you remember the events in real life, you probably know most of this.)
The film has a strange structure because it covers exactly one week of time, starting with Tony Blair's election, then immediately goes to Diana's death. (Diana is shown only through real documentary footage.)
The rest of the film deals with the one-week period during which the country mourned, but the royal family denied any involvement with the funeral because Diana was no longer a member of the royal family.
There's a lot of good writing in Elizabeth's character, showing how and why she did nothing, and the movie is actually a comedy much of the time, laughing at how out of touch the royal family is. It could easily have been parody or satire, but I think Mirren's performance rises above that and makes her more human.
The best scene in the movie (BIG SPOILER) has Elizabeth alone driving out to a hunt, and getting stuck in the middle of a river. She sees a beautiful buck, and when she hears the hunters approach, she shoos the animal away. It's an amazingly touching scene, with no real dialogue, and only one character. Mirren plays the whole scene with her facial response. There's a parallel payoff scene later in the movie, which humanizes her more with the deer than with her own deceased ex-daughter-in-law, a bitter irony.
That said, I don't know if it was really an Oscar-caliber performance, although I notice a 98% on Rottentomatoes.com, which could translate into a nod. She's clearly a big part of the film's success. (She also won an Emmy this year for playing Elizabeth I!)
Michael Sheen, on the other hand, carried the movie. He's in far more scenes than the Queen, and when he's onscreen, the scene is about him. Except for some weak writing of his character shift, his character is far more three-dimensional. I'd be surprised if he didn't get a nomination, probably for supporting since he's second-billed. It helps that he looks amazingly like Blair from certain angles.
Interesting fact: Helen Mirren did her own makeup for the movie, in about fifteen minutes a day. Neither actor used extensive makeup (prosthetics) to play their parts. They both felt that the transition should be handled by acting.
It was pretty good, although the third act happens too quickly, and the Tony Blair character's shift happens too suddenly. Helen Mirren was very good, but Michael Sheen really stole the show. There was a Q&A with the two of them afterwards, and he had a lot of good comments about playing a real person.
Wednesday I plan on seeing THE DEPARTED. I'm looking forward to it!
EDIT: As per Ziggy's request, I'll talk a little more about THE QUEEN.
There are some SEMI-SPOILERS here, so if you don't want to know more, don't read! (If you remember the events in real life, you probably know most of this.)
The film has a strange structure because it covers exactly one week of time, starting with Tony Blair's election, then immediately goes to Diana's death. (Diana is shown only through real documentary footage.)
The rest of the film deals with the one-week period during which the country mourned, but the royal family denied any involvement with the funeral because Diana was no longer a member of the royal family.
There's a lot of good writing in Elizabeth's character, showing how and why she did nothing, and the movie is actually a comedy much of the time, laughing at how out of touch the royal family is. It could easily have been parody or satire, but I think Mirren's performance rises above that and makes her more human.
The best scene in the movie (BIG SPOILER) has Elizabeth alone driving out to a hunt, and getting stuck in the middle of a river. She sees a beautiful buck, and when she hears the hunters approach, she shoos the animal away. It's an amazingly touching scene, with no real dialogue, and only one character. Mirren plays the whole scene with her facial response. There's a parallel payoff scene later in the movie, which humanizes her more with the deer than with her own deceased ex-daughter-in-law, a bitter irony.
That said, I don't know if it was really an Oscar-caliber performance, although I notice a 98% on Rottentomatoes.com, which could translate into a nod. She's clearly a big part of the film's success. (She also won an Emmy this year for playing Elizabeth I!)
Michael Sheen, on the other hand, carried the movie. He's in far more scenes than the Queen, and when he's onscreen, the scene is about him. Except for some weak writing of his character shift, his character is far more three-dimensional. I'd be surprised if he didn't get a nomination, probably for supporting since he's second-billed. It helps that he looks amazingly like Blair from certain angles.
Interesting fact: Helen Mirren did her own makeup for the movie, in about fifteen minutes a day. Neither actor used extensive makeup (prosthetics) to play their parts. They both felt that the transition should be handled by acting.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Division Series Completed
St. Louis beat the Padres, so they will play the Mets in the NLCS. Yesterday's Tigers victory means they will play Oakland in the ALCS.
I think the Mets will sweep the Cards the same way they swept the Dodgers. The Tigers at Oakland is a tougher call, but I'll be rooting for the Tigers. At the top of the season, I don't think anyone expected them to make it to post-season, let alone go to the ALCS. Oddsmakers are picking Zito's pitching to win game 1 on Tuesday.
In football, New England beat Miami as expected. The Bills took a beating in Chicago, playing one of the best teams in football.
I think the Mets will sweep the Cards the same way they swept the Dodgers. The Tigers at Oakland is a tougher call, but I'll be rooting for the Tigers. At the top of the season, I don't think anyone expected them to make it to post-season, let alone go to the ALCS. Oddsmakers are picking Zito's pitching to win game 1 on Tuesday.
In football, New England beat Miami as expected. The Bills took a beating in Chicago, playing one of the best teams in football.
242 Reminders
Three reasons to be on time Tuesday morning:
1. The assignment is due Tuesday morning for "A" group members. Assignments received after 9:00 AM will be marked down.
2. There WILL be a quiz Tuesday morning. Bring a #2 pencil. All quizzes are cumulative, but this quiz will focus primarily on PRODUCTION SOUND, from the lectures on 10/19 and 10/26.
3. Oscar-winner Dane Davis will be giving a guest lecture, showing material from The Matrix, as well as other films.
1. The assignment is due Tuesday morning for "A" group members. Assignments received after 9:00 AM will be marked down.
2. There WILL be a quiz Tuesday morning. Bring a #2 pencil. All quizzes are cumulative, but this quiz will focus primarily on PRODUCTION SOUND, from the lectures on 10/19 and 10/26.
3. Oscar-winner Dane Davis will be giving a guest lecture, showing material from The Matrix, as well as other films.
Mets Sweep Dodgers in NLDS
The game was very disappointing for obvious reasons.
Maddux did not bring his game. At his age, I don't think his performance warrants a contract renewal.
Beimel screwed the team by skipping curfew, getting drunk, and destroying his pitching hand, then lying about it. I can't imagine any team picking him up now.
Furcal and Lofton were weak. Drew flopped.
Broxton, a rookie, was leaned on too heavily in the bullpen.
There is no cleanup hitter on the Dodgers. Ethier crapped out so badly in September, one has to wonder if he'll be back next year. He was rookie of the year candidate in August, and now suddenly it looks like Oakland got the better part of the Milton Bradley trade.
The Dodgers left 21 men on base in the game.
Kent worked his ass off to be a one-man team tonight but little-league errors embarrassed the team.
Julio Lugo is a crybaby who should be released.
Nomar still has injury problems. Even though he won COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR, I don't think he'll be a Dodger next year. He'll want a 3-year contract at about $10M/year, and his past injuries do not warrant that. The Dodgers have a very talented rookie in James Loney who is ready to take over for him at first. It's a shame, I think Nomar could be a franchise player for the team, but they need somewhere to put him, and he needs to be realistic about a contract.
In the off-season, the Dodgers need to retool the starting rotation. Lowe is probably the only starter we can be sure of. Billingly is looking good too, but he's still a rookie. Kuo is a maybe. Penny was great in the first half, but now he has back problems, after last year's biceps problem. Hendrickson was a mess, but seems to be better out of the pen.
They need to look for a cleanup hitter.
The bullpen is in the best shape, but they need another consistent lefty. And I think Tomko and Sele are toast.
Grady Little made mistakes, especially in handling the bullpen. They could have left Repko off the roster and carried another lefty like Stultz or Hamulack. Kuo should not have started against Glavine, he should have started game 1 or 3. Penny should never have been used in relief. Little should not have put Broxton in so early in the game tonight. (If they had won today, what bullpen would they have left tomorrow???)
The good: the crowd was AMAZING, especially considering how badly the team played. It was a record crowd. It was fun to be at the game, but not fun to see the outcome.
Thankfully there was good news: I was completely wrong about the Tigers, they beat the Yankess and will move on to play Oakland in the ALCS. I'll be rooting for them.
All said, I had a great time with baseball this year, and I'm sorry my teams are all done, and I won't be seeing any more games in person. I went to 34 games total this year, including Dodgers, Angels, USC, and exhibition. That's considerably more than any other year. I'll miss it.
I have tickets for the USC-UCLA game, so at least I have that to look forward to.
In football, USC won, but only by 6 points over Wahington. However, Arkansas upset #2 Auburn, so USC should move up in the rankings to #2 in all polls.
Tomorrow in the NFL, New England is favored by 10 over Miami, and Buffalo must play the undefeated Bears, who are also favored by 10. New England should beat the spread easily, but Buffalo has their work cut out for themselves.
Maddux did not bring his game. At his age, I don't think his performance warrants a contract renewal.
Beimel screwed the team by skipping curfew, getting drunk, and destroying his pitching hand, then lying about it. I can't imagine any team picking him up now.
Furcal and Lofton were weak. Drew flopped.
Broxton, a rookie, was leaned on too heavily in the bullpen.
There is no cleanup hitter on the Dodgers. Ethier crapped out so badly in September, one has to wonder if he'll be back next year. He was rookie of the year candidate in August, and now suddenly it looks like Oakland got the better part of the Milton Bradley trade.
The Dodgers left 21 men on base in the game.
Kent worked his ass off to be a one-man team tonight but little-league errors embarrassed the team.
Julio Lugo is a crybaby who should be released.
Nomar still has injury problems. Even though he won COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR, I don't think he'll be a Dodger next year. He'll want a 3-year contract at about $10M/year, and his past injuries do not warrant that. The Dodgers have a very talented rookie in James Loney who is ready to take over for him at first. It's a shame, I think Nomar could be a franchise player for the team, but they need somewhere to put him, and he needs to be realistic about a contract.
In the off-season, the Dodgers need to retool the starting rotation. Lowe is probably the only starter we can be sure of. Billingly is looking good too, but he's still a rookie. Kuo is a maybe. Penny was great in the first half, but now he has back problems, after last year's biceps problem. Hendrickson was a mess, but seems to be better out of the pen.
They need to look for a cleanup hitter.
The bullpen is in the best shape, but they need another consistent lefty. And I think Tomko and Sele are toast.
Grady Little made mistakes, especially in handling the bullpen. They could have left Repko off the roster and carried another lefty like Stultz or Hamulack. Kuo should not have started against Glavine, he should have started game 1 or 3. Penny should never have been used in relief. Little should not have put Broxton in so early in the game tonight. (If they had won today, what bullpen would they have left tomorrow???)
The good: the crowd was AMAZING, especially considering how badly the team played. It was a record crowd. It was fun to be at the game, but not fun to see the outcome.
Thankfully there was good news: I was completely wrong about the Tigers, they beat the Yankess and will move on to play Oakland in the ALCS. I'll be rooting for them.
All said, I had a great time with baseball this year, and I'm sorry my teams are all done, and I won't be seeing any more games in person. I went to 34 games total this year, including Dodgers, Angels, USC, and exhibition. That's considerably more than any other year. I'll miss it.
I have tickets for the USC-UCLA game, so at least I have that to look forward to.
In football, USC won, but only by 6 points over Wahington. However, Arkansas upset #2 Auburn, so USC should move up in the rankings to #2 in all polls.
Tomorrow in the NFL, New England is favored by 10 over Miami, and Buffalo must play the undefeated Bears, who are also favored by 10. New England should beat the spread easily, but Buffalo has their work cut out for themselves.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
242 Mikes
Previously I mentioned that if you are recording sound with the PMD-100 cameras, you should NOT use the internal mikes which are stereo omnidirectional (unless you are recording background sounds).
If you are recording dialogue or sound effects, be sure to check out the separate mike kit that goes with it.
NOTE that this kit comes with a "shoe" that mounts on the camera. One side of the shoe connects to the multi-pin connector on the camera, the other side has XLR connectors for the mike.
If you are recording dialogue or sound effects, be sure to check out the separate mike kit that goes with it.
NOTE that this kit comes with a "shoe" that mounts on the camera. One side of the shoe connects to the multi-pin connector on the camera, the other side has XLR connectors for the mike.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Tigers Win!
Kenny Rogers, a man I usually dislike, was the hero today in pitching 7+ shutout innings against the Yanks, beating them and getting a 2-1 lead in the series.
The A's swept the Twins. Tomorrow I'll be at the Dodgers game.
USC is favored by 19 over Washington tomorrow. Last week I thought they would easily win, but the game turned out much closer than predicted.
Today I was at the AES show. A lot of interesting new stuff, including some excellent new field recorders from Nagra.
The A's swept the Twins. Tomorrow I'll be at the Dodgers game.
USC is favored by 19 over Washington tomorrow. Last week I thought they would easily win, but the game turned out much closer than predicted.
Today I was at the AES show. A lot of interesting new stuff, including some excellent new field recorders from Nagra.
Music and Dialogue
Interesting thread on the Tivo board.
This is very similar to a letter we got at the Cinema Audio Society magazine with the same complaint: the music is too darned loud.
This is very similar to a letter we got at the Cinema Audio Society magazine with the same complaint: the music is too darned loud.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Yankees Lose
Well, at least there was some good news in that the Yankees lost.
Kuo and the relief pitchers did not live up to expectations for the Dodgers, but Glavine did for the Mets.
I'll be at the Dodger game Saturday. I hope they win so I can go again Sunday.
Kuo and the relief pitchers did not live up to expectations for the Dodgers, but Glavine did for the Mets.
I'll be at the Dodger game Saturday. I hope they win so I can go again Sunday.
South Park & Baseball
As a fan of animation, I like SOUTH PARK for its irreverence. Tonight's episode was particularly funny, especially for people who play computer games.
Baseball was worse. The Dodgers lost, pulling a base running bungle that embarrassed the team.
And the Yankees game was rained out, so ESPN radio replayed the 8th inning of the infamous Pedro Martinez 2003 ALCS game between the Yankees and Red Sox. Three years later, the Red Sox have since won the world series, and it was still PAINFUL to listen to the announcers REPEATEDLY question WHY WAS PEDRO STILL PITCHING!??!?!?
It pissed me off all night thinking about it. Former Red Sox manager Grady Little, who now manages the Dodgers, definitely messed up tonight, leaving Brad Penny in to walk the bases loaded and give up the tying (and eventually losing) run for the Dodgers.
Baseball was worse. The Dodgers lost, pulling a base running bungle that embarrassed the team.
And the Yankees game was rained out, so ESPN radio replayed the 8th inning of the infamous Pedro Martinez 2003 ALCS game between the Yankees and Red Sox. Three years later, the Red Sox have since won the world series, and it was still PAINFUL to listen to the announcers REPEATEDLY question WHY WAS PEDRO STILL PITCHING!??!?!?
It pissed me off all night thinking about it. Former Red Sox manager Grady Little, who now manages the Dodgers, definitely messed up tonight, leaving Brad Penny in to walk the bases loaded and give up the tying (and eventually losing) run for the Dodgers.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
First Day of Playoffs
Interesting baseball today. I thought with Santana pitching, the Twins might win, but they didn't. Oakland played well.
St. Louis made San Diego look bad. I think they've overcome their slump, and I don't see San Diego pulling it together.
The Yankees took charge, but Detroit put up a good fight. I REALLY do not want to see New York sweep the series.
Tomorrow, The Dodgers play Game 1 of their series in New York against the Mets. El Duque injured a calf working out today, so they may have to go to a backup starter, which would be great for the Dodgers. But the Dodgers had their own bizarre injury with Beimel, their best lefty in the bullpen, who sliced his pitching hand open on a broken glass last night. Hopefully he'll still be able to pitch!
Alas, I will miss the game as I will be at the groundbreaking for the new cinema school at USC tomorrow.
St. Louis made San Diego look bad. I think they've overcome their slump, and I don't see San Diego pulling it together.
The Yankees took charge, but Detroit put up a good fight. I REALLY do not want to see New York sweep the series.
Tomorrow, The Dodgers play Game 1 of their series in New York against the Mets. El Duque injured a calf working out today, so they may have to go to a backup starter, which would be great for the Dodgers. But the Dodgers had their own bizarre injury with Beimel, their best lefty in the bullpen, who sliced his pitching hand open on a broken glass last night. Hopefully he'll still be able to pitch!
Alas, I will miss the game as I will be at the groundbreaking for the new cinema school at USC tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
242 Assignment Reminder
Don't forget that if you are in the "A" group, your 242 Sound Assignment is due next Tuesday, 10/10 at 9:00 AM in class. Please re-read the assignment before turning it in and follow the instructions carefully.
PLEASE do not wait until Monday night to complete the assignment. The lab will be overcrowded if you do that.
If there are any questions or problems, please contact your SA Jonathan or myself.
PLEASE do not wait until Monday night to complete the assignment. The lab will be overcrowded if you do that.
If there are any questions or problems, please contact your SA Jonathan or myself.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Dodgers vs. Mets
It wasn't completely unexpected, but the Dodgers will play the Mets in the NLDS. I'll be at game 3 on Saturday, and game 4 if there is one.
Fortunately Grady Little has chosen to go with lefty starter Kuo in game 2, which means they have a chance of winning that one. Back in LA they go with Maddux, who has been very good in Dodger stadium and is definitely a clutch pitcher.
The other matchups aren't that interesting. The Cardinals should easily handle the Padres, the Yankees will hammer the Tigers, and I think the A's will beat the Twins, although the Twins are definitely on a roll. That's probably the one race that will fo to 5 games.
In football, both my predictions came true, with he Bills winning, and the Pats pummelling Cincinnati.
Fortunately Grady Little has chosen to go with lefty starter Kuo in game 2, which means they have a chance of winning that one. Back in LA they go with Maddux, who has been very good in Dodger stadium and is definitely a clutch pitcher.
The other matchups aren't that interesting. The Cardinals should easily handle the Padres, the Yankees will hammer the Tigers, and I think the A's will beat the Twins, although the Twins are definitely on a roll. That's probably the one race that will fo to 5 games.
In football, both my predictions came true, with he Bills winning, and the Pats pummelling Cincinnati.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
242 Reminders
BRING A #2 PENCIL TO CLASS. There WILL be a quiz this week. PLEASE BE ON TIME. The quizzes will be collected promptly this week due to the guest lecture.
Remember, all quizzes are cumulative. Material which was not digested properly on previous quizzes will continue to show up on subsequent quizzes until it has been proven that you have learned the material.
Remember, all quizzes are cumulative. Material which was not digested properly on previous quizzes will continue to show up on subsequent quizzes until it has been proven that you have learned the material.
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