Video Lighting Example.
Another two light setup. Background is too close and shows up the wrinkles more than I really wanted. Could have put a light on it, but at that distance it would have been really obvious and too bright. I'll soon be putting up a new Dale Biron example, different set and backdrop to show the difference.
Key light is a Chimera softbox and a Pepper Light for the hair light. Camera is a Sony PD-100A DVCAM, a collectable these days and a wonderful camera. Uses 3 CCDs and no CMOS sensors.
I so regret not smiling more....

New Changes Here on the Blog and New Video Productions in the Can!!

Due to some intense demands on my services, I'm turning my attention more to demonstrating how non-professionals can get the quality, eye-catching videos they want and need in the highly competitive world of Web video. As an example:

Dale Biron, consultant, speaker and poet has begun the next series of videos for his website, dalebiron.com. We used two locations and different lighting techniques, seen below in some production stills taken by Video Editor Richard Berkvan on his Canon G7 digital still camera.

Couple tools that make a significant difference in quality are a trusted light meter and a good monitor, visible at the bottom of the frame.
I'll explain why in a later post since I want to get this story up quickly.









Locations can be varied, as in the case of these two production sets; one in a garage with backdrop and the other in a spare room in Dale's home.


Having a good Lowell lighting kit makes it easy to get broadcast quality lighting and video, but not absolutely necessary, as I will demonstrate in an upcoming segment.

New Promo Video for MediaMarv Communications
Comments from a client following a successful project:



You can see Dale do his own work at dalebiron.com.

My Favorite Quote of the Day:

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters in his West Wing office Friday that the Republican Party's approval rating is "only slightly above the national drinking age."

More fun for the holidays - enjoying the great colors in the trees near us:

This is NOT an Abandoned Blog!!

Despite several snarky comments (you know who you are) this site is alive and well.
Occasionally I have to earn a living, usually by producing new media for web distribution. Such has been the case recently. I can now say that my client, AAA of Northern CA, Nevada and Utah is happy with the final product, the video clips are running on their internal communication system and the DVD I made will be soon entertaining new employees. Now, time to sit back, have a brew or three and wait for the invoices to produce their desired results, which will allow me to do my small part for economic recovery.

In the spirit of the season, here's a sunflower to grace your comuter screens:

So I Go Shopping and Discover That...

I have bought only things in my 3 major food groups:

Paula Deen HIT In The FACE With A Ham (VIDEO)

Another episode of Swine Flew!!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Favorite Time of the Year.

Yep, I like this time of year and not just for all the food and pies!! I also use this time to listen to old KFAT radio shows that I recorded back in the fall and winter of 1981 when the station was about to go off the air, due to being sold. KFAT was located in Gilroy, the Garlic Capitol of the world. I have nearly 120 hours of "outlaw country" and eclectic music that only KFAT's djs could produce. I'm currently converting them to CDs on mu MacBook since it's getting harder to find working cassette decks and the tapes are failing. I have Christmas Eve shows and the very last show of all.
Anyone interested in copies can contact me and we can work something out. KPIG in San Francisco is the latest incarnation of that format. Even has a few old KFAT djs working there.
I even have an unused bumper sticker. Wonder what that would be worth on eBay?

The 26 Percent Solution

"Because as if you ever needed proof that 26 percent of America -- that would be one out of every four people you see walking down the street, plus someone else's right ankle -- is totally bat-guano out-of-the­ir-freakin­'-minds crazy, check out this new poll just out:"



That pretty much sums it up for me!!!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Suzanne Sena, Former Fox News Anchor, Now On Onion News Network (VIDEO)

This is funny. She is certainly qualified to do phony stories, tho now with a punchline.



Good for her.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

The CFTC and Department of Energy Snore Away While the Oil Patch Makes Hay

How many times have I heard this (oil prices have nothing to do with supply and demand) and when will some action to remedy the situation be taken??
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Winter Is Moving In Here In Wine Country

Getting rain (our version of winter) instead of the light frost for the past couple mornings, here in Sonoma County. All the grapes have been harvested, tho way too many were left hanging on the vines due to overproduction. Now it's brandy and fireplace weather. Fortunately I live less than 20 miles from Korbel, so getting the brandy is no chore. Cutting firewood is, and I have finished with the maple tree we cut down last year. Going up in smoke as I type.
For anyone not familiar with the scenery during the fall and winter, here's a photo that clearly illustrates what the vineyards ( and my neighborhood) looks like these days:

My Pal Dale Has New Video on YouTube

One of the videos I produced for Dale is now up and viewable. Dale's "take" on poetry is like no one else I have ever heard.
For techies, this was shot on a Sony DVCam camera, edited on Final Cut Pro and converted to a h.264 Quicktime mov, then uploaded to Youtube. I am not in love with their compression and the video looks darker than it should, but you can still appreciated Dale's performance, which was done without a teleprompter, many a speaker's crutch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UE53EF0uOg

Tobacco Companies Using Loophole To Avoid Hundreds Of Millions In Taxes

Tobacco companies never quit!!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Kitchen Becomes Studio!

Literally, not in a real estate sense.

Working with Dale Biron to produce some new video for his Public Speaking and Poetry As Change Agent seminars, I decided to make use of the space we had (our kitchen) for the set. I'm sure Dale could find a poem that would give voice to that effort of "making do and doing right."

Used a conventional two light set up, with muslin backdrop. Fortunately, the dogs remained quiet while the tape was rolling... one down side of not having a studio, location sound can be tricky with unexpected party crashers.

Dale just completed a wildly successful series of classes at Dominican College in San Rafael is eager to start a new series next Spring. Check out his website for more info and maybe eventually a glimpse at the videos we made.

http://www.dalebiron.com/speaking_workshops.php

American Idiot in Berkeley: The Raves Are Justified!!

Kay and I say American Idiot at the Berkeley Rep yesterday (actually we ushered to get free tix) and were just knocked out. Not familiar with Green Day's music, but it didn't really matter. From an Audio Visual perspective, I have never seen so much multi-media happening at once! TV screens, projected images, live band on stage, a dancing duet on wires, lights, lights and more lights! Ear plugs are available and some will definitely want to use them. Great, young, talented and energetic cast! I was tired just watching them Hands sore from clapping so much. I highly encourage you to see this play, it's head for New York soon.. like several other Berkeley Rep plays in recent years.
Some pix taken from Green Day's Web site:http://www.greenday.com/site/american_idiot.php

Chevron Corporate Espionage Campaign Backfires; Makes <em>The Insider</em> Look Like <em>Peter Pan</em>

Good. Chevron just raised my gas card (a GE Financial product) interest rate to 27%. Repeat: 27%



That's greed, price gouging, usury all wrapped up in one bundle. Of course, I pay off the balance (if there is one) every month so I don't pay them any interest.



This after another year of record profits!!! The credit card industry is totally out of control and the whores in congress are doing nothing!!!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Another Randy Republican Surfaces in SC

Here we go again (h/t CrooksandLiars.com)

Let's talk about that. Just last week, I asked this question, what's up with South Carolina Republicans? Beginning with Mark Sanford, the famously wayward governor, why can't they seem to be staying out of trouble these days? There's Governor Sanford, there's Congressman Joe "Big Scream You Lie" Wilson. We just had two county chairmen who essentially said juices are good with money.

And as if on cue now, we have Roland Corning. Who is Roland Corning, you ask? He's a former state legislator, and as of now, his latest performance, former assistant attorney general. Why?

Get this -- a police report obtained by the "Associated Press" is saying that Corning was questioned by an officer after speeding away from a cemetery with a stripper in his car, and with a bag of sex toys. And with some Viagra, Corning, I should tell you, is 66 years old. According to the police: the stripper, 18 years old. She works, by the way, at an establishment known as the Platinum Gentleman's Club.

According to the report, Assistant Attorney General Corning and the 18-year-old stripper gave conflicting accounts as to exactly what they were doing on Corning's lunch hour? In a cemetery? It states that Corning carried the sex toys, just in case.

Neither Corning nor the stripper was charged with anything. But after word reached his boss, Corning was stripped -- pardon the pun -- of the job he'd had since 2000. I mean assistant attorney general, stripper, sex toys, Viagra, cemetery, don't look good. South Carolina -- again?

Eric Schmidt: Web Will Be 'Dominated By Chinese Language, Social Media'

I already speak Mandarin.. have for years. Bring it on!! Job security.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

One of California's More Egregious Pharma Whores in Congress

Read up on who contributed to Issa's campaigns over the years. Note that he took $100k from pharma companies. Guess which side of the health care issue he is on.

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/darrell-issas-campaign-contributors

Grayson Calls Linda Robertson A "K Street Whore"

I like this guy!! He should be running the Senate instead of being in the House.



I'll contribute to his presidential run!!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

This Week's Unexpected Analyst's Failures

Every week brings results that were totally unexpected by our Country's sterling analysts.
In other words, week after week, issue after issue, experts and pundits are always wrong. It's not wonder our financial situation is in such disarray.

Here's just one example so far this week (and it's only Tuesday):

CHICAGO – Consumer's confidence about the U.S. economy fell unexpectedly in October as job prospects remained bleak, a private research group said Tuesday, fueling speculation that an already gloomy holiday shopping forecast could worsen.

The Consumer Confidence Index, released by The Conference Board, sank unexpectedly to 47.7 in October — its second-lowest recording since May.

Wall Street analysts predicted a reading of 53.1.*

A reading above 90 means the economy is on solid footing. Above 100 signals strong growth.

*See that part about Wall Street analysts? Wrong again? And we bailed these fools out?

Finally Saw "Wicked" is SF

Took many months but we finally saw the show. An amazing production. Great light fx, funny, bright and loud! I can see why people want to see it more than once!!

Dinner at Luna Cafe afterwards... Valencia Street is really becoming a hot neighborhood between 18th and 24th streets...

Important News and Technological Breakthrough!

Apple announced today that it has developed a breast implant that can store and play music.

The iBoob will cost from $499 to $699, depending on cup and speaker size.

This is considered a major social breakthrough, because women are always complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to them.

(Add cymbal crash)

GOP Favorability Rating The Worst Since Clinton Impeachment

Sweet.



And all this despite Faux's desperate, 24/7 push of the GOP brand,



Fail!!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Don Young Part Of FBI Investigation On Bribery Charges

Apparently there are no GOP Congress folks who aren't under investigation for corruption.



Surprise, surprise.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Sea Gull Walks Behind Anchor During Australian News Report (VIDEO)

Funny!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Some Fun Photos at this site:

Sometimes I run across things so original that I have no choice but to share them.
Got this link from Huffington Post:

http://www.xmarkjenkinsx.com/outside.html

Busy Week, Thanks to Bioneers Conference

Worked at the annual Bioneers event in San Rafael last week, thru Sunday night. Very educational and inspiring. Plus good, free coffee each morning thanks to Cafe Mam from Eugene, OR. I bought their Bioneers Blend, Cafe Mocho and Royal Espresso... since I only see them once a year.
Got a few photos, weather was no cooperative the first few days...

Photos taken with my iPhone.










Official coffee of the Bioneers event. Love their Cafe Mocho blend.








Lots of music around as well.

Excellent Example of MSM's Failure:

This blog post speaks to something that really annoys me: false equivalency. Lazy reporters think they have done their job if they mention two sides of a story, as if they were equal. Right wing hate has never been matched by progressive anger or disgust. Facts are very clear about that.
But media tools like Gregory, in the story, can't be bothered to do any real research or present any viewpoint that might upset the apple cart and jeopardize his income.
Read this from FireDogLake:

http://seminal.firedoglake.com/diary/8930

Discovering "South A St. Arts District" in Santa Rosa!

Jeremiah's Photo Corner is an anchor business in this new, growing artistic neighborhood.



Jeremiah himself continuing the restoration work in his new business location. He has a long background in photo equipment retail as well as being an accomplished photographer himself.



An essential ingredient in any good neighborhood is a great breakfast place, which South A has: the Cook House, known for large omelets and tasty coffee.
Art galleries make up a large part of the neighborhood, especially busy during the Art Trails weekends.



















This neighborhood is located on South A street, centered around Sebastopol Ave., a few blocks south of Santa Rosa Plaza and very near Dierk's Parkside Cafe, another one of my fave breakfast spots.

Jeremiah's store can be found at: www.jeremiahsphotocorner.com

Railroad Regatta Fun in Photos!

Despite the heat, the Regatta and Hand Car Races held in Railroad Square, Santa Rosa was a lot of fun and an exciting display of creativity.
Some photos to illustrate my point:


Entry after the race...


Waiting for the starting gun.
Bicycle and hand powered:


Cupcake cars are battery powered:

Daddys provide the power:

Railroad Regatta In Santa Rosa A Real Hoot!

Despite the record heat, great fun.. photos to follow!

This guy had a great start but ran off the rails almost immediately. He did eventually make it across the finish.
















Looks like their fan lost a part, but at least they crossed the finish line. Notice the lade with the broom to clear the tracks. Temps were in the hi 90's Sunday!!











Not sure how this is going to work, but it was a true hand car... you can see the pump action handles above.













Daddy powered rides!! Straight from Burning Man I bet!!









Afterwards, we cooled off at the Russian River Brewery with a couple pints of Blind Pig IPA, easily one of the best beers in the country.

Great Breakfast Place in Newport, OR

We ate at Cafe Stephanie two mornings in a row, the second with chums Jim and Nikki Broadwell, down from Portland to meet us, who loved the food as well. They start the breakfast with scones brought to the table and they are quite good. We had sunny weather so eating outside was a special treat. We highly recommend the place and if ever back in the Newport area, will certainly head there again for breakfast... maybe lunch too!






We stayed at the Shiloh Inn, which we also highly recommend. We had pets so were restricted to one building but it was on the beach with great views and they have free cookies and coffee 24/7.

Third Wedding Anniversary

Yes, it came and went. Sept 22 to be exact. We chose this year to eat the remains of our ceremonial wedding donut from our celebration at VooDoo Donuts in Portland OR.
http://www.voodoodoughnut.com/

Pix of the event and the prestigious donut below.


BTW, we finished it off with a bottle of Korbel Naturale, one of our fave sparklers.














Toasted Coconut as I recall. Delicious. When in Portland, visit them.

Oregon Coast Adventures!

Back from our trek (with the doggies) along the central Oregon coast, our first visit, and I have lots of photos to pass along and some recommendations for places to eat and stay, all coming in the next few days.
Meanwhile, a couple highlights:
Newport was worth the visit for many reasons, among them



Rogue Brewery, a beer drinker's paradise.










Fries from Local Ocean Restaurant, which Kay maintains are the best she has ever eaten










A real fishing harbor













A great spot for Breakfast, Stephanie's Cafe


















And of course, lighthouses, this on at Yaquina Head


















All photos taken with my Nikon Coolpix 5700, a true work horse of a camera.


And speaking of cameras, here's a favorite photo location near Bandon, OR: