Been a While...

Like the title says, it HAS been a while. But I am starting to feel that I need to get some feelings out in the open and I feel this blog will be the best way to do it. I plan on doing more writing I will eventually make into a book. The last 12 months have been interesting. Since the passing of my parents (they died three week apart last year) I have done much soul searching in finding out what really matters in life.

I have always been a little distant when it comes to sharing my feelings on the internet, and sadly the internet has become a cesspool of crap, mixed in with a few good places to visit (oh, look, I've already started). So why I am sharing this on-line, I not sure. But I have left behind being nice about things and decided to be honest.

There is a real war going on within politics, religion and just social living all together. I personally feel that most of us don't care about the world around us, there are just those few that stir the pot and rally the troops behind a cause. I think we as a society will be surprised how much we all want the same things. We all wake up, get dressed, eat, pay bills, etc. And yet, there is so much fighting amongst people over almost nothing that are spun by simply a few people.

Anyway, I just wanted to start expressing my feelings on this venue, not sure how often I can do this (daily, weekly, monthly) but I figure I will start forming a habit of some type.

Catch you on the next entry...


- POSTED BY KELS GOODMAN

Premiere of THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT

In Orem, Utah, where we filmed the movie The Last Eagle Scout, we held an official premiere at the Scera Theater with cast and crew, friends and neighbors. It was a crowded house with about 400 in attendance. 

I was very nervous because we had been through several different cuts of the film and mixed reviews from the previous showings we did last year. But after the final cut of the film, our audience tonight was overwhelmingly pleased at what they saw. 

It was also great to see the actors and crew come after almost 4 years to the day we went into production. I could start naming names, but it wouldn't be fair to those I missed. 

We started at 5:00 with a reception for cast and crew, where we had food. My awesome assistant, Dennissa, spend hours preparing sandwiches and fruit. My lovely wife, Stephanie, helped decorate the room we were in. Brian Kelly, of Shop J and L is handling our merchandising, and he was there with a table where he sold the DVD at a reduced rate as well as the shirts, hats, backpacks and the comic book. I also sell t-shirts with a logo of the previous project I produced for six years, Will It Blend. 

Then, we started the film at 6:30. I introduced it and also announced a Kickstarter program I am starting to help raise money for the Scera Theater to purchase a digital projector. They are still using 35mm reels, and the big studios are basically going 100 percent digital on new releases by the end of the year. 

As the film played, I paced the halls (I never sit in a showing of mine, I know I should). I talked to others who were outside. Then, I went in at the last 10 minutes so I could just jump to the microphone and take questions. Gladly, the end brought about an applause I haven't had in a while. I stood up and brought everyone to the front who worked on the film. (Or I jokingly said "anyone who would still be seen with me"). It was a large crowd of cast and crew and I was proud to have them up. Because time was short (we were being kicked out for the next showing of another film) I couldn't introduce them all. So we just opened for Q and A. People loved the half comedy/half drama feel of the film, as well as the message it presents. We worked hard to not make it a right/left argument, but just a message of political correctness craziness and a media that is out of control. 

Wonderful event!

It ended, after cleanup, with Steph and I doing our traditional visit to IHOP (didn't have dinner yet). 

The only thing missing were my parents. It would have been great to have them there, but I am sure they were there in spirit. 

Think and Grow Rich/Instant Motivator-FAITH

This principle can seem a little redundant, but it all relies on this. This first principle we talked about earlier, burning desire, is where the seed is planted. Faith is where the first jump or leap is taken from that burning desire.

Many may have had burning desires for years and years, but never move. I have seen for years, in my profession, people coming to me with a burning desire to make a film. I know, I've been there. I've dreamed, I've researched, I've talked, I've written, but I could never get past that threshold of action, mostly because I didn't have real faith.

Faith itself, is usually a belief, whether it be religious or otherwise. But it's not real faith unless action is attached. Consider faith a verb. If no action is involved, it is merely hope. This concept can be religious as well. The Bible talks of faith the size of a mustard seed moving mountains. The Book of Mormon even talks of faith "starting as a little seed" and then growing inside of you toward becoming a "perfect knowledge".

Napoleon Hill talks about faith being a state of mind that may be induced by affirmations or repeated instructions to the subconscious mind.

Earl Nightingale says that if you get a mental image of yourself in whatever position you wish to be in over and over again, you can muster the faith you need.

As a personal note, I must say, this really works. Find daily habits that help you remind yourself of where you need to be. Say to yourself daily who you really are and where you want be in life. If you feel you have really done the work you need to get where you want to be, then your faith should kick in. This leads into the scripture "faith, without works, is dead".

- POSTED BY KELS GOODMAN

BURNING DESIRE

In the audio recording of "Think and Grow Rich: Instant Motivator", Earl Nightingale starts with the first principle of Napoleon Hill's book, known as burning desire.

If a person is actually ready to change things in his life, he would be a changed man after reading this book. But the emphasis is on "ready to change". Earl states that "a burning desire is nothing more than an actual picture of what you will one day become".

If you have nothing to look to, then you really have no desire. Anyone who wants something can get it if he wants it badly enough. Recently, I followed a friend on Facebook who took the same leap of faith I just took by leaving his job and going out on his own, pushing his recording company. It is fun to read his posts, almost daily, because you can feel his "burning desire" in his words. You can tell he "felt it", and is ready to make things happen.

Earl goes on to say that if you go after something cautiously, timidly, you don't have a burning desire at all. Not that you go nuts and put your family and faith at risk, but you simply get off of first base and run to second. Obviously, I include The Lord in these decisions. But I think The Lord only wants you to succeed, when you in the right frame of mind. The parable of the talents is a perfect example.

The other thing, I've added myself, is depending on what it is you desire (and remember, it may not always be money), you have to let go any issues you have with achieving the goal. If you put down others for having what it is you truly desire, don't expect it yourself. Thus, causing you to wallow in your own worry or even jealousy. If you desire more money, don't protest the other guy who has more than you. Let yourself go of these jealousies and even celebrate their achievements. I used to be jealous of others, mostly those who I mentored in my field, only to watch them pass me up in success. But when I learned to let go and realize that all our successes are different, I started to change my thinking, and eventually, realize I was successful in my own right, with more to come.

Will it Blend, for example, I could never really deem that a "cinematic masterpiece achievement", but in viewership on YouTube, I could boast more views than all my friends put together. Over 300 million. My desire is to go to the next level, and celebrate success like that of my peers.

So if you have a burning desire to move on something that has been tugging at you, move on with it and never look back. Now is the time.


- POSTED BY KELS GOODMAN

The Strangest Secret in the World

For years my father would hand me this photo copy of a photo copy of a short story titled "The Strangest Secret in the World", by Earl Nightingale. As a kid, I never read it. I mostly brushed it off. When ever new events would come up in my life, I guess he would feel I was finally open to the Strangest Secret in the World, but most of the time it sat in my archives of the "illgettoit" files.

Finally, a few years back, Stephanie and I started watching "The Secret" the movie. (It was easier to watch a film then read a book, after all.) I took the advice from a guy who I met who became well off from a company he purchased, built up, and sold. I asked him about his success and he admonished me to watch "The Secret". We practically memorized the film.

This led to other ideas of who we could listen to when it came to self help. I liked what The Secret had to offer, but because I hold Gospel principles above anything else, I couldn't agree with everything it said. It talked about "the Universe" all the time, just giving you what you want, but I don't totally feel that is true.

I also went to watch one guy who teaches body language, and he was alright, but the problem was I was starting to feel a slight worship or "buy my stuff or it won't work" Kind of feeling. When you start putting numbers to it, it almost feels like I'm selling Amway.

Steph finally found Earl Nightingale. For some reason, I could click with him. He had an old radio show for years that taught self-help principles and I guess either I love his voice, or maybe he reminds me of my father. I remember seeing tapes on my dads desk that were self-help principles with Earl's name on it. There was a calm, cool tone to his voice that, even though it's older recordings that Steph found on iTunes, I feel the principles are still the same.

In fact, I would venture to say, it's these types of principles that we are very well missing in our world. I even think some of the self-help speakers of today, to a degree, even feed the fire of a "something-for-nothing" kind of attitude. Earl teaches anyone can have anything, but they have to work for it, along with the belief of making it real. We downloaded about 12 hours worth of audio of Earls radio show, listening on our many drives to Vegas. What I also love is that I never hear Earl trying to sell one of his products, that I won't succeed unless I buy one of his books. He puts the principles in very humanistic terms. We certainly could use them in our day...

That's why I am starting a weekly report on the principles he gives. But for starters, I'm going to give a report on a recording he gave about his review of another man's book, "Think and Grow Rich", by Napoleon Hill. Earl gives his points of view, but draws them from the 13 points given in the book, Think and Grow Rich. These principles have totally worked for me, as now I consider myself living my dream job. I feel I would not be doing the service I need if I do not share this knowledge with others.


- POSTED BY KELS GOODMAN

Life Changes

Much has happened since my last entry. The first focus is the passing of my father, Robert Goodman. My dad passed on January 15 of this year, just 24 days after the passing of my mother. There was no doubt a sympathy for my mother when she was just given weeks to live from her cancer. My dad had leukemia, but never knew it till those last few weeks. But as my father always told me, "be of good cheer".

After about 10 trips to Vegas to set up one thing or another, both parents have left us, and it has been a different life, not getting my daily call from my father. But I have made changes to my own life that I hope will make my father proud.

As Blendtec is changing direction with a new CEO, we felt the era of WILL IT BLEND is over, which I think we are all relieved. But many other changes came to Blendtec that pretty much gave me the pathway to leave the company. It has been something I have plotted over the past 6 months. Our marketing team has grown from just a couple of us, to 20 people now. It's all good, but I also felt my opinion on things were starting to mean nothing. I was feeling like the old guy with stupid old ideas and all I was doing just pushing the buttons the younger whippersnappers wanted me to push.

Plus, I love my independence. And I noticed the company was growing to proportions that require order in all things. When I was hired there over 7 years ago, I had an interview and was given the job 5 minutes later. Things were much looser. In leaving, it was a challenge. I was trying to finish up things and it took me longer then the leaving date I turned in. So I told some people I needed a few more days to clean up, finishing projects I started. I felt I was doing them a favor, working for free for an extra week, but I noticed I had worn out my welcome.

Anyway, I am now on my own with a number of projects that have been waiting for my attention. First is the release of THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT. Then, I am being hired to produce a series of short films about the constitution that will be playing in schools across the country. Then, I will be shooting a new film with Rob Diamond, which is a feature film, a modern day version of the Prodical Son.

I have also changed my company name to Tier 2 Media. I forgot to renew my name with the state of Utah and some dufus decides to buy Ampersand Films and wants to sell it back to me. Good time for a change, I guess.

I also have a surprise that I will not reveal just yet. Pretty exciting.

- POSTED BY KELS GOODMAN

Shirley Goodman 1935-2012

As my sister tells me, "I am not very sensitive to other's feelings". My mother was comatose for a good few days, so even though I was scheduled to come to see my parents for Christmas not till Friday, I came a day earlier. I got things squared away at work (even though we had a new WILL IT BLEND episode being released on the "end of the world").

I got to the house and went to see this frail, week yet sweet woman who gave me all I have... my life, now ready to leave hers. I barely got a nod and a grunt when I told her that I was here. Stephanie received the same.

Later that night, we met as a family, all who was there and took turns telling her good night. The next day she was still breathing, but not even moving. My sisters Connie and Pam continued to move her around to try to make her comfortable, but we didn't even know what she was feeling.

Finally, a blessing was given by Connie's father-in-law, who was also a patriarch, and asked The Lord to relieve her of her pain. And not more then 3 hours later, she passed. After about 30 minutes, with family gathering, calling hospice and giving the official report, I let my other family members know, then put a posting on Facebook.

My sister, Pam became upset with me the next morning because her kids found out about it on Facebook before she could call them herself. It was 2 in the morning, so I didn't figure many people would have read the post till later, but I was wrong. I assume I will always do something wrong in the sight of my sister Pam, not sure how to handle it.

All I can think of is Mom is now in a better place and no longer having to deal with this evil and mixed-up world. Love you, mom.



- POSTED BY KELS GOODMAN

THE LATEST... (START BLOGGING BACK UP AGAIN)

It has been an interesting day. In fact, it has been an interesting few weeks. Interesting few months.

Yesterday, I went to the re-baptism of Rob Diamond. It was the most spiritual baptism I had ever gone to. It meant several things. I was asked by Rob to give the opening prayer. During the opening song (before the prayer) many things floated into my mind, that I was still processing.

Thus, as I started to say the prayer, I broke down and cried, which I don't do much. And I can't talk very well when I am crying, so I struggled through the prayer. I then exited the chapel as they started the meeting.

What went through my head first was how joyous it is to see a friend in the film world come back into the fold and make a decision to live according to what he believes. Rob has been through a lot these past 20 years. Much of which I know nothing about and wish to keep it that way. But, the film business is an ugly business. I jokingly tell young people who want to get in that if you are not strong in the Gospel, you might as well just leave the faith now, because it will be challenged. I can't count how many married mothers who want to be actors in the film business have left their spouses and left their church to go "change the world" or go "seek after their fortune" in becoming actors or actresses in film.

That is what I have said many times, in LDS Cinema, there are those who are "just LDS enough" to be in an LDS film and dump the church. I feel it a big reason why LDS Cinema struggles. We are not giving the "glory to God" like many successful Christian movies do. (save that for another discussion). So to see a fallen soul come back into the fold, is much to cry about.

I met Rob through my second wife, Heather. While I was married to her, I come to Utah and worked on a film with Dave Sapp that Rob was producing. Heather kept telling me about him, but I had never heard of him. She said we would get along and she was right. I consider him a close friend, and it is our hope that we have more films to work on together.


In the midst of all this, the night before, I was informed that my father had been in the hospital and has leukemia and if he doesn't do the extraneous (28 days of treatments in the hospital) that he would only have weeks to live. He has chosen against the treatment. I don't blame him.


Ironically, my mother, who has been fighting cancer for 3 or more years, is now in a bed-ridden position, and was also given 3 weeks to live (which was 6 weeks ago, and is actually doing better then my dad.

So we are waiting to get my father home from the hospital and my mother is already at home, being set up with a hospice program. Thanks to my two sisters who live there in Vegas near them, they are being taken care of. I personally have taken 6 trips to Vegas in the past two-three months.

So in the Goodman family, we are overwhelmed by these events, but have a calm feeling toward our lives here-after. I have a brother and sister who passed away years ago and I am sure they are awaiting their arrival. I feel for those who don't have some sort of comfort as to the other side. Such as my favorite drummer, Neil Peart.... but I will save that discussion for another blog post.

Until then, 2013 is going to be a full plate of events, keep in touch.

- POSTED BY KELS GOODMAN

Scout Camp 2012

Another fine scout camp year is behind me. That will make 10 years in a row I have attended or ran a camp as either a scout master or some kind of leader.

I actually visited camps in the mid-to-late 90's but really started as a father in 2002 with Forrest, then as a Young Men's President in 2003, then as a scout master in Virginia in 2004 and 2005, then as a father again in 2006, then as a young men leader again from 2007 till now.

I don't remember all of the events, but I have tried to get better over the years, understand the rules as they constantly change. Being a Scout Master is a busy calling. This year was no different.

Luckily, I had good help. But I back up a moment. I actually went from assistant scout master, to scout master, back to assistant scout master because my schedule got busy, but I wanted to stay with the scout.

Then, the scout master that replaced me moved and I was stuck alone as the sole leader for a while. Camp came and I did it on my own. I totally understand. You can't just become scout master overnight. It takes a lot of time to understand all of it. I am still trying to get all the rules.

Then, that scout master was released and I was stuck as the sole guy again. But, then a new one was called and he has been eager to learn and is learning fast. Mike Lamb and Brian Card were Scout Master and Assistant Scout master this year (there are two assistants).

Now that I have confused you, just know that camp was awesome this year. We switch every year, one year we go to an organized camp, the other year we do our own camp. This year we did our own up the American Fork canyon in a beautiful setting, worked on Camping merit badge, went canoeing, learned a little about life saving, and Brian set up a sling shot range (it was probably the hit of the camp).

My dufus here (me) made brownies in dutch oven (an experiment) and besides a sun burn earlier that day, got sick from eating A LOT of the uncooked brownie mix (the coals weren't working very well). While everyone got to hike Timp Cave, I had to lay in my tent all day, waiting for something to happen to my stomach... nothing happened. Got a ride home half a day early from someone visiting.

The picture above shows how I looked before I left camp. Even though there could be no more beautiful place to be sick (with the port a potty standing close by), it was better to recoup in the comfort in my own bed.

The miracle came when I received the inspiration for my next film while laying there begging The Lord to "take me". Instead, I wrote the story to a new film I am writing called Lemonade Stand.

You will hear about it soon.


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Location:In Bed

Delaying the Sequel

As you can see from this fine photo (it was late) the Nick has just finished playing a cowboy.

Actually, Nick Whitaker (The Last Eagle Scout) was in a hilarious musical at the Desert Star Theater in Murray called "The Princess Bridesmaid". It was hilarious, I seriously busted a gut. The Desert Star makes up plays based on real plays, musicals or movies, and messes around with them. I think a lot of it is improv. And, at least the show we saw (the final performance of that show) they got off script a lot, making it even funnier. Very fast paced.

Nick has been in many of the shows and I can see why, you have to have major ADHD to perform there.

The bad/good news from Nick was that he was leaving on a mission. I brought him in to do a few voice over pieces for the new cut of The Last Eagle Scout before I release the DVD and he told me it was a good thing I got him since he was leaving for two years.

I am proud of him, the only bad part was I wanted to make a sequel, but I am OK with it and have already started planning on what my next film is. BTW, The Last Eagle Scout will have a DVD release on September 11. I will probably have a few theatrical showings, but over all I am not going to pursue the theater showing much more. The theaters seem to be scared to touch this film. Or not ready for it. Not sure what the hold up is. But I think I know why.




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Location:In bed

"You're Killing Me, Smalls"

A familiar line from the film "The Sandlot", probably my favorite film about baseball and growing up. I was simply 10 years later or so. At 9 years old, I lived in Richmond, Virginia, getting ready to move to South Texas. I became a fan of the local Richmond Braves team. Not sure if the Braves were AAA, AA or whatever they call it (sounds like a type of battery), I just knew it was not the major leagues.

In my church congregation, I vaguely remember a man named Jack who told me about a hot new baseball player named Dale Murphy. He was a handsome tall fellow, just became a new member of our church.

In the spotty remembrance of that time, I remember going to the stands of the games and pointing him out. Then, we met him after the game outside of the locker room. Seems like he might of stayed at our house, not sure the relationship. I just remember I wanted to play baseball and when I moved to Texas, I was going to be on a team.

Jack sat with us in the stands during the games. At the time, Dale was being considered to play for the Atlanta Braves. Sitting in the stands was a man who was there representing the Braves, names Henry Aaron. I sat next to him and he talked to me, but to this day, I can't remember what he said.

I was finished and I went to sit back with my parents, I was thinking to myself "I wonder if he's related to Hank Aaron". It was one of my many "Sandlot" moments, me fitting into the Smalls character very nicely.

I remember when moving to Texas, I was going to play baseball (I was 10). I decided to tryout for the little league. First, I think I was the absolute next to the last player to be picked. I too remember I couldn't throw the ball. I couldn't hit either. In fact, once when I did hit the ball in the middle of the game, I threw the bat (just like on TV) and accidentally hit my coach. I knew there were so many other boys who were better than me.

The end came when I got a black eye during practice and used the pain as the excuse on quitting the team.

Dale Murphy sent me a ball with all of the Braves autographs on it, including Hank Aaron. What did I do with that ball? Well, what did Smalls do with the Great Bambino ball? Yup.

I managed to still keep my hat he gave me, so a few days ago, I got to see Dale again, for the first time in 35 years. I do the video work for the Orem Owlz team and Dale came to speak at the opening season dinner. I went up to him and, not surprised, he didn't remember me. But he remembered the location, the atmosphere, Jack. I related my story and he kindly autographed my hat, noticing it was old and realized what I gem I kept.

I'm not one to run up to someone for an autograph and chat with a celebrity. But this one I couldn't pass up.

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Apology Campaign

No, I'm not talking about the apology tour President Obama gave when he was first in office. I'm talking about the commercials I hear every day on the radio here in Utah.

Let me back up. I know a little something about advertising. Usually you buy airtime on radio, TV or the internet to get people to buy something. You might use airtime to get people to vote for someone or even say thank you for a special event or an award.

In the case of Energy Solutions, I don't really understand what they are advertising to us for. Is there anyone in the listening audience with some left-over nuclear waste that needs to hire Energy Solutions to take it away? Is there a need to tell us that Energy Solutions is the best at taking away nuclear waste just in case sometime down the road someone might have some in their back yard?

Or are they helping ensure the public that the many tons of nuclear waste brought here from Italy is safe? OR, are they making radio spots to get environmentalists off their backs? To show the world that they are "sooo green" that they are the best at taking away the waste.

I'm sorry, but I have to shake my head at the advertisements that talk about how green they are, how their product helps lower carbon emissions or less destruction of the planet. Terms like "smarter planet" and "better for the environment" coming from companies that in my opinion could care less about their carbon emissions, and probably are big wasters of mountains of paper, water, electricity and fuel in traveling around the world.

Truth really is, when a company is promoting how "green" or "friendly" they are, it's really a form of HUSH MONEY. That's right. Companies are just operating in CYA mode when they do that. They are worried some environmental group is going to start camping outside the front door with picket signs that will evolve the discussion from "this company is deadly to the environment" to "this company kills the elderly" to "this company needs to share the wealth". Then "this company" will get a visit from the EPA. Then "this company" will cave and make themselves "green", and more then likely, pay money to some cause in the case of not being sued or look bad in public.

That is why I cringe when I hear the Energy Solutions commercials on the radio, spending thousands of useless dollars to tell the world that the canisters they use are safe.


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No They Can't

On one of our drives to Pine Valley, Stephanie and I decided to download the new Book by John Stossel, "No They Can't". It is an obvious reference to Barak Obama's "Yes we can" slogan.

I highly recommend this reading. In fact, I feel it was this book that closed the books on me being a conservative and becoming more a libertarian. On that note, I still don't see me voting for Ron Paul, even though I believe a lot of what he talks about, but the problem in todays world (sad to say) he is not a candidate that can really capture a "spirit" of my emotion when he talks. He sounds like a complainer. I also don't agree with his stand on the war and on the boarder.

I have always loved to hear John talk on his segments on 20/20 called "Give Me A Break". He always seemed very logical and I feel he is one of the last great objective, calling-it-like-it-is reporters we have.

My favorite part of his book (and most life changing part) was when he complained that conservatives always want to legislate morality, ie drugs, abortion, underage sex, porn, etc, which is fine. But if you do that, you are using the same powers that liberals use when they want to legislate things like what you eat, going green and how much money you make. So if you do one, expect the other.

The best thing for both is to leave government alone. Let government fight the wars and take care of the roads and that's it (I'm being general in that statement, but you get the point) Even if you legislate a law where government reduces it's involvement in some activity, you are still involving government. I would prefer a do-nothing congress.

When you are at a point where government officials shut down a little girls' lemonade stand because she doesn't have the proper permit, you know it's time to reduce government, even if it hurts.

One of the surprising, yet convincing, arguments Stossel makes is legalizing drugs. Honestly, would drug use all of a sudden skyrocket? It might spike, but the truth is, if you want drugs, you will find it. If you don't, you are doing the country a favor. Plus, with all of the problems we are having on the border, just think of how that would subside.

Most of the topics Stossel tackles are financially related, on how much better and richer the country would be, and more free, if we stopped going to the government as the answer to our problems. This was definitely a good read.

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Prove Him Wrong

It sounds kind of weird, but the death of Conservative crazy man Andrew Breitbart has hit me with a different perspective. I am personally a grown up conservative that has inched into a libertarian. There are many things that I don't feel that needs to be legislated and let alone to the individual.

But one thing that I do see a lot of is unfairness in the media... and Andrew fought for that day and night.

As a quick history lesson, one of the goals of the Communist Party listed by former CIA agent Cleon Skousen in his book The Naked Communist, is to take control of Hollywood and the media (this was written in 1958). Thus, instead of winning communism by logic, or even war, lies have to be created and they have to "sing and dance" the message to create an "emotion" to get people to adhere to communism. There are those few who think Communism "works", but history shows people end up dying in the end.

So it has become obvious that the media has an agenda. What long term agenda that is, I am not sure. You can say a "leftist" agenda, and that would be close, but I think it is deeper then that. I am still trying to figure that out.

What ever agenda that may be, the truth is that lies happen. And it is up to guys like Andrew Breitbart to point that out. And he did a wonderful job of that, which takes me to my next point. Andrew was a character.

If you get a chance, type in Breitbarts name anywhere on Youtube. There will be people that will hate him, but whether you do or not, it is fun to watch things like Andrew facing protesters and try to convince them they are just chanting a slogan given to them by their union boss. Or with fire, call people out on a lie someone posted on the news or on a blog. And he did it with such an LA "dude" type of speech, it was hilarious to watch.

Andrew was rough around the edges, but he had character, which is something conservatives have been lacking. The left has all kinds of characters that people have learned to fall in love with, even if you disagree with them. But the right has been short of those who have tough voices who won't just give the "political" answer.

So, because he has passed away, I am making a prediction that a sleeping giant has been awakened. His face (as harry and as chubby as it may be) will be imaged underground in many places like that of Che, Bob Marley or jim Morrison. It will represent that movement that has long been sleeping and is effecting more young people then before.

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The Last Eagle Scout at CPAC

I'm not political, but I try to pay attention to politics. In a way, we have a responsibility to pay more attention then to get our information from Oprah or David Letterman.

I was invited to show THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT at the theater that is sponsored by Citizens United during CPAC in Washington DC. Everyone who was on the right side of the isle was there. I don't know many of them personally. I know a few pundits who I have become friends with.

Some are wackos (as you can see above). Some I don't totally agree with. I personally have changed my position on many things, going from a full conservative to a right-leaning libertarian. I have become liberal on a number of issues because I simply don't care.

Gay marriage is one of them. I don't care if all of my gay friends want to be married (or at least something that is equal so they can get some of the tax benefits, etc). As long as they don't start forcing religions to marry them. It has to be a give and take on the issue.

Anyway, don't get me started. I do think political correctness has gone out of control, though. Hence, THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT. I've already gotten the first few reviewed of the film and I love the reviews. They are completely baffled of the film. I like to help start discussions.

The people at CPAC loved it. Steph and I saw our friends from Ireland Phelim and Ann. They are a couple who do documentaries, mostly debunking claims made by Al Gore. In fact, there is video on YouTube of Phelim personally challenging Al Gore about his movie and then being escorted out of the building. Love it!

Then, Steph and I took a quick one-day trip down to Richmond, my old stomping grounds, my one of two homes. We saw the home I was born in and the one I lived in when I moved back for a couple of years (where I got divorced in).

I have since come home and did some last re-editing on the film according to the suggestions made by our the showings we have now had. We will put the film to bed and start our limited theater release.

My Trip To The Big Apple

Still haven't figured out why it's called the big apple. I don't think they even grow apples in New York City, but hey I'll go along with it.

All joking aside, Blendtec sent me and my assistant Kyle and commercial marketing director, Russ to New York for two reasons: to attend a housewares awards show, and to film an interview with the busiest Smoothie shop in the world, Planet Smoothie in Penn Station. Supposedly, they make 3000 smoothies a day on our equipment and we are here to record it.

I haven't always been a big fan of New York City. I just feel it's too busy, and always wonder why half the people in this city can't just thin out over middle America and solve the busyness of the many problems it faces. It could be that that statement I just made would have been offensive those living in New York City who are here to get away from middle America. They like the busyness, they love being around so many people, they love living in a box and calling it "living quarters". I'm selfish, I love my space.

While my traveling companions and I were filming at the local Godiva outlet using our equipment to make their elixir, we decided we needed to find a way to go see the David Letterman show. I haven't watched David Letterman for a long time (we have pretty much cut the cable in our house, we never watch TV anymore), but it was fun to see.

While looking at my phone for where to get tickets, a guy came up to me and said they were looking for audience members for The Late Show. We had to take a quick quiz to see if we "pass" for an audience member. I didn't know the first question, which was "what is the name of the one female member of the late show band". I didn't know, so they asked another question "what does Dave often throw at the camera". I knew it was his pencil and "won" the tickets.

Standing in line for the tickets, I witnessed Bill Murray making his way into the theater, since he was the guest for the night. We were given all these rules of how to be an audience member, showing that these orchestrated late night TV shows are just that... Orchestrated. People laughing on cue, even if it is not funny. You can tell how well Hollywood can force their jokes, and even their opinions, by thinking everyone else agrees with them, and laughing with them. We even watched a video before the show started on how we need to make Dave look good by laughing along and clapping on cue...even if the joke is not funny.

It was a well run machine, the Late Night show. They hit 30 years tomorrow night, which is a great accomplishment. But it shows you how you can form opinions through comedy. It has been a fun trip overall.

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Location:New York

The Last Eagle Scout: The First Showing

The LDS Film Festival is quickly approaching and I am "almost" ready to show THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT. It's kind of funny. Today I was told by my sound mixer that I will get the last reel of audio mix on Thursday night... the showing is Friday night. So needless to say, I am a little scared.

I had a flashback of the first showing of HANDCART, one of my earlier films I did about 10 years ago. I showed an incomplete film on Pioneer Day, which is when I originally wanted to release the film. So I think the audience was disappointed. I still remember an "unrendered" shot appearing on the big screen and thinking "man I should have just waited."

Now, for TLES, I have waited, instead of rushing a film to the big screen just because of a date of significance. But I think I have waited too long on this one. And now that I am ready for this first showing, at least I have pushed my post crew to "get'r done".

This showing is not actually a "premiere" of the film. That will happen the Wednesday or Thursday before releasing to some theaters. I just wanted to have the festival be a beginning date to start with.

I am excited because I will use that festival date to kick off the merchandise I will be selling on the film. I want to practice making money in other ways with the film. I find marketing fun. I've got shirts, hats, a backpack, all with our logo. I am also excited about the comic book version of the film. That was very cool to see.

So we have a showing this Friday and Saturday. Then off to CPAC in Washington DC, very interested in seeing that.


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I FEEL LIKE IM GOING TO "BLOW UP"

 We were fooling around at Blendtec (don't do that too much, I promise) and Spencer Taggart showed us this cool app on the iPhone using "Hollywood explosions". You basically roll a few seconds of video and choose your demise.  It is the funniest thing I have ever seen.  My son, Parke got the same app and between him and my step daughter, Kristina (on her iPod touch, spoiled kids) they were blowing up the dog, the other kids, me.  It was hilarious.

It is how I have felt the past few weeks.  My schedule is now getting very booked between TLES opening up and Blendtec, I asked Steph tonight when our next break was.  I am praying for spring break to get here.

On a technical geek side, I have been feeling that the editing software I have been religiously using for the past 12 years, Final Cut Pro, will be coming to an end. One thing I hate is change.  Not that it is stopping, but the recent version released this past summer shows that they are going to a more consumer side (for all those "filmmakers" on YouTube).  Problem is today's filmmaker is more a tech wizard brat kid who can point, shoot and edit... but really can't tell stories.  Just make pretty pictures.

Sorry for getting off the topic.  Point is... I will be switching to a new software.  So my assistant, Kyle and I will be going to NAB this year (in April) with a mission to find what will be our new edit platform.

Again, stop changing things!

Why am I so busy!!!

It's all good stuff. In fact, it's pretty exciting. Right now, I am finally getting special effect shots from my friend Bruce Holt for THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT, barely making in time for the LDS Film Festival... barely. And same with the music and final sound mix... A little on pins and needles to finishing this film. But I finally have some faith (that is if Christian doesn't take me out of the program before hand.)

Then there is the LDS Film Festival itself... I am on the committee and I continue to gather sponsors and organize. It's kind of fun actually.

On top of that, I am producing 3 music videos with Jeremy Hoop, who has provided music for the film. Those will be pretty cool and I hope to have them playing by the time the festival starts.

Also, we are starting an on-line store called "The Trading Post" on the website where we will sell TLES goods (hats, shirts, a backpack) all saying "I've seen The Last Eagle Scout". Plus, I finally saw renditions of the comic book and I was really excited. It's neat to see my work in another rendition.

Now on to Blendtec. Even though I would love walk away from Blendtec and just make movies, I have realized that I have built something long lasting there where I can't see myself leaving anytime soon. I have earned some ownership in the company now. Plus, so many new things coming up, I am very lucky to have gotten that job over 6 years ago. Amazing to think I have been there this long.

I will be going to New York to film a smoothie shop right there in Penn Station, where the busiest blenders are hard at work. Supposedly, they make 3000 smoothies a day down there and have had good experiences. So we will be filming a personal interest video there, watching our blender in action. Plus, around the same time, we were nominated for some award for best new product (Twister Jar). So I might be going to that event in New York at the same time.

Then, I have heard that the TV show "The Office" will be featuring a new character who is real anal, and this character will always be making whole foods in a blender there at the office... and guess which blender they are featuring? Need I say more. I heard we are on another show, but can't remember which.

Who would think I would have this much fun and receive this much recognition from a blender company. Good times.


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Tomorrow, Blendtec will hold its Open House of the third wing of the building.  It is loaded with extra features, such as a Doctors and Dentist office, a cafeteria and a meat locker (not sure what to do with the meat locker, but I can tell you that when it's the end of the world, Blendtec is the place to hang.)

Here is a video we produced for the new Total Blender Designer Series Blender.  Check it out.