SHot of the Day #243: FrightFestX Day 5: Tea Time

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At this point, Im frakkin' lucid. Everything feels like a dream, or just a floaty, hyper-real environment. Walking around London on this, our last day, feels like almost intangible, but I think that may be the lack of sleep finally catching up to me. Even if we weren't technically WORKING (although we shot the last of BC in a cool alley and got our final, inspired interview for the 5th short shot and edited in immediately.

Same day service, folks, its amazing and terrifying. Mostly amazing.

But at this point, last week feels like last year, yet it sped by like we just arrived. But the bossest moment was yet to come....

At 2am last night I got an invite from Landis for Lunch/Tea, and hot darn if i wasn't gonna fucking pass that up. Now, there were some hotly-anticipated movies playing today, including Ti's HOUSE OF THE DEVIL (with pal AJ Bowen, my brother-in-beards who Im a big fan of and I was excited to see), CASE 39 (which was shot at the same time I shot WT2 in Vancouver and STILL hasnt come out, hmmm) HEARTLESS (with Jim Sturgess, who Im also a big fan of) and of course THE DESCENT 2 (which, Im mixed about it's inception at all), but this might be cool, so we told him after DEVIL (which he said he wanted to see as well) we'd love to tag along.

CUT TO: FLoaty Joe off to the Empire, where we met up with everyone and enjoyed the slow-burn terror of HOUSE very much, thank you (Cleary, Ti's best flick to date, and Im a big TRIGGER MAN fan. Hey, that's catchy). Outside, we met John, who also invited Joe, Parker and DiBlassi as well for the ride. We decided on his hotel for food, which was supposedly serving lunch on him (and Universal...thanks guys!), but we had to hoof it a few blocks, which was fine for us; exercise good. Lo-mein, bad....

So, here's 5 young filmmakers being courted around by one of Cinema's most recognizable face of the last 50 years (seriosuly, everywhere we went, people politely gawked and pointed), and we're standing in Picadilly Circus as he gives us a shot-by-shot glimpse into the making of the final scene in the movie movie (by now, you'd think Id be sick of AWIL; nope ;) ) as well as a guided tour of the walking distance vicinity, complete with stops in grand department stores-where John kept shoving pieces of strange delicicies in our mouth, explainging after it's ingredients ("Oh, that was a deviled Quail egg wrapped in pig fat and head cheese on a cracker made of cranberries and goat shit. Good, huh???")-to parks where Terry Giliam used to take him "because it was ugly".

We finally made it to his hotel, which wasn't serving lunch (BOO) but was serving Tea (YES!). So in a room by ourselves, we traded insults and mostly listened to Landis as he told some amazing stories...sorry, you just had to be there. But lunc-er, "tea" was actually great, with the first bite of real food I had all week (a plain chicken sandwich on sundried tomato bread and of course, plenty of mayo...with awesome fries) and one of the best Creme Brulee's I've ever had the honor of consuming (and I loves me some CB). We were there for close to 2 1/2 hours before John had to leave for Les Mis (man, that guy is cultured) with an elegant, elderly movie star that I could not for the life of me tell you who it was, and we walked back with smiles on our faces. To be here, now, with good friends, (mostly) terrible food and some true icons of cinema in this electric city that I know mostly from one film...you can see why I mention "dream-like" above, right? So we missed CASE 39 & HEARTLESS, but those movies will be available to see again. Moments like the one we had are once in a lifetime....at least to us.

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(Yes, I have my hair in pig-tails. Please, dont even ask.)

It's gonna be sad tonight, saying goodbye to everyone, especially the FF Guys (Alan, Ian, Paul & Greg) and the Lovelies (Ailsa, Sian, Jen, Kat & yes, even Ed) and hell....everyone here for that matter, old friends and new.
When you're at FrightFest, you're family. Jesus, I sound like an Olive Garden Commercial.

Off to see the last short (oh boy), demand the FrightFest Guys get a standing O for their tireless, dedicated work and then DESCENT 2. Wish me luck. Then to the final Phoenix night. PLEASE wish me luck there.

Joe

Shot of the Day #242: FrightFestX Day 4: London Lo-Mein

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I barely know what today is. So tired, gotten 8 hours of sleep total since Tuesday. Everything hurts. Ugh. Plus, been so fucking busy with a new BC shoot AND finishing up the FrightFest shorts (was editing till 4am last night) that trying to get actual food between screenings (other than the shitty popcorn they have, assy Hot Dogs and the free beer) is something of a challenge. Thankfully the area has a bunch of "noodle shops" which serve low-grade Lo Mein with some chicken in various preparations, so here is me sitting away from the circle of madness outside the fest where the autograph mongers roam for a quick, quiet bite before I go back in....and of course not two bites into it and someone wants me to plug their "zombie walk" or do an interview. I do both, gladly and happily, but running on fumes can't work forever. Ugh.

Im shocked I even have an appetite after seeing HUMAN CENTIPEDE, which was like if David Cronenberg and Matthew Barney hooked up. Sick, twisted...and I kinda dug it. Later we enjoyed the hell out of NIGHT OF THE DEMONS remake our good friends Adam and Jace made; as a fan of the original, I was excited for this and for boobs and blood, the flick delivers big time. Adam and I then saw the VERY disturbing documentary I THINK WE'RE ALONE NOW, which chronicles the stalker obsessed life of two Tiffany fans. Jesus, was that strangely stark and thankfully funny too. Then another film I'd seen, Anthony DiBlassi's DREAD, which was even more fantastic the second time around (and beautifully shot by Sam McCurdy, who I think is avoiding me). Late tonight Landis is gonna show the VERY rarely seen THRILLER making of, which everyone is jazzed about, and should be fun. Hopefully tonight I get some sleep.

Hopefully.

Joe

Shot of the Day #241: FrightFestX Day 3: (Kinda) Lost in London

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So here we go again; LAst year our friend 'Scotty Dawg' convinced us to steel away from the festival to check out the "Hatchet Pub" which is located....somewhere...in London. After having a GREAT time with the crowd today, Since it was the day HUMAN CENTIPEDE (Holy shit), GIALLO (HOLY-WHATAPIECEOF-SHIT) & TRICK R TREAT (SO SO good on multiple viewings) were being screened, the crowd was in great spirits and it felt like a real FRIGHTFEST again, so we didn't want to be away from The Phoenix long.

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We also stumbled on a store selling, yes, "Moobs". How appropriate.

After about an hour of searching, we gave up for another year, but damn if it wasn't fun snooping around the alleyways in dark, nighttime London with some of the family. Then we headed back to The Phoenix for arguably the best night at the pub EVER. Spirits were in full force and someone kept putting American Werewolf songs on, so our large group just kept bursting into song, which was historic. There was such a wonderful sense of family here tonight, I dont think anyone will forget it. Nor will they forget seeing my ugly naked ass on that big Empire screen. Im actually happy that there was some technical issues (the file was too big so it stuttered...ha! I knew I was always too big, heh) so the slightly flickering image didnt reveal 'Lil Joe' too much...until they go online. Ugh.

GREAT day and night...onward to day 4!!!

Joe

Shot of the Day #240: FrightFestX Day 2: The Coming of Landis

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Wow, what a fucking day to say the least.

First Adam and I got up early to finish shooting the final pickups, which was fun. Love working with that fucking guy.

Then we went to a double shot of AWIL: Paul Davis' brilliant documentary BEWARE THE MOON, which is the most comprehensive documentary about AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON ever made, and it did not disappoint. We've been talking to Paul for years so it was so awesome to see him up there with his hairy baby.

Then, the main event: AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON's brand new HD-Blu-Ray transfer, and my god, it was like seeing the film for the first time. Landis sat behind me the whole time, leaning over to give me shot by shot commentary, and that alone was fucking surreal. Then, he gets up on-stage and has many of the UK cast and crew up with him, and the SECOND question asked was 'So....what was it like working with Joe Lynch and Adam Green on the shorts last year!" and he goes into a hilarious tear on us, calling us divas and "worse than tarantino" which to me was an honor! To which i screamed out "FUCK YOU LANDIS!!!" and the crowd goes nuts.

THEN....Landis turns to the crowd and says "Well funny story..." and talks about how he recommended me for my new project, which is called THE KNIGHTS OF BADASSDOM. He screams out "Hey Joe! Whats the name of the movie?"
"Im not telling!"
"Oh come on!!"
sigh...."The Knights of Badassdom!"
...and then he tells me in front of all the audience..."Dont fuck this up!" Yikes! Pressure much! Afterwards, Brendon from Slashfilm sauntered up to me for more info which I cryptically said some more on the project and then jetted the F out of there before more people asked about it. Thanks Landis!

Then we checked out the US/Italian suspense shocker SHADOW (meh), the french gonzo zombie vs. mobster flick THE HORDE (which made Landis fall asleep on my shoulder, how sweet) and finally the Indonesian Chainsaw massacre-esque MACABRE (which I was falling asleep to, actually) then back to the hotel for more work...but not before seeing this, which pretty much made our weekend (and no, we didn't make these):

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UK fans are the bestest!!!

Joe

PS: The second night of AMERICAN DOUCHEBAGS IN LONDON went REALLY, really well. The crowd was loving it and i think Landis was really touched....or just so sick of us he's given up. Either or.

Shot of the Day #239: FrightFestX Day 1: The Empire Runs Red

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Tonight was the first official night of FrightFestX, and things started well with the first of our "Road To FrightFest" shorts, this year entitled "American Douchebags in London", which should be online next week. To us, this was the lesser of the series (5 in all) but we had to start things off and establish the scene a bit, but I assure you they get even better...but the crowd seemed to dig it so we finally breathed a bit easier and enjoyed the rest of the time.

First up was Chris Smith's TRIANGLE, which was like TIMECRIMES but with poutier lips (overall it was OK) and then Dave Parer's THE HILLS RUN RED, which I REALLY liked, even more the second time with a crowd. Def check this one out in a few weeks (and I cover it for a future BODY COUNT, so look out for it). Above is a shot of Dave and his cast on-stage at the massive Empire Theater (seriously, fucking HUGE!!!) after the well-recieved screening finished, embarking on a great Q&A. So proud of him. Way to go Parker!!!

We then headed to The Phoenix (had to miss out on the midnight film, INFESTATION, which I heard was fun), the usual FrightFest watering hole for some spirits before back to the hotel for more editing. Seriously, I thought I was supposed to have some fucking downtime here? No luck I guess.

Joe

Shot of the Day #238: FrightFestX Day 0: Cobblestone blur.

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Suddenly, Tuesday turned into Wednesday and we've arrived in the UK safe and sound. After quickly doing a "how's yer fatha" in the hotel (which is VERY nice, the St. Martins) we had to shoot some pickups for the shorts and then go to a special concert gig held by one of the directors in FF who is supposedly a big-time music icon in Italy. Frankly, I just want to go to sleep. But being back in the UK is fucking great, I love it here so much...and its windy out, so there's less of a chance of me sweating my weekend away this year...but I brought the headband, just in case.

Standing outside the club waiting for the others to come out, seeing these cobblestone streets made me feel so warm inside for some reason, like I was home. Just loved the colors on these old-fashioned stones, wondering how long they've been here and how long they will continue being here. I love the history of this land.

Tomorrow, the true madness begins, and I can't wait. Now if I can just get some sleep. No time, I need to edit!!!

Joe

PS: This is the screen my ugly naked ass will be projected from in front of thousands of people. Eep.

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Shot of the Day #237: UK Bound....

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...its about 6 hours into the flight to the UK for FrightFest X and already Im about to jump out of my skin. The seats are like recreating scenes from THE DESCENT, Green is sick so he's like a can of Sterno next to me, singing my arm hairs, the food was bloody awful (and still bloody I think) and we're in the back of the plane, trying to stay sane and not pull the lever on the emergency hatch just to get some fresh air. Can't wait to get off the fucking plane, get to the hotel....and then shoot more. Ugh. This better be worth it....but so excited for FF this year. Bring it!!

Joe

Shot of the Day #236: Feather in the cap

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BUSY Monday, trying to wrap everything up before we head out to FrightFest. So much to do, so little time, and I feel like its gonna be a VERY late night. Nothing like constantly living in the 11th hour, huh? Sometimes I wish the Governor would call, sometimes I wish they're just pull down the lever and let the juices flow.

But an image like this, captured at work, reminds me that I'm VERY lucky that imagination is the Plutonium for my Flux Capacitor.

Joe

Shot of the Day #235: Don't ask.

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Final round of edits tonight as FrightFest looms. In Adam's Geek/Metal Sanctuary, we found this little slice of awful awesomeness under a seat, hiding away for no one to discover. It all makes sense now.

Hope it's not gonna be a late night, but all sings point to 1am. Frak.

Joe

Shot of the Day #234: Cake iz gud. Shirt iz bettah..

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It's Mike D'Alonzo's birthday (well, I think it was yesterday; my brainpan is on high heat) and he was nice enough to invite me over for his Bufday party at his house, complete with cake, booze and a gaggle of funny people. Mike being one of the funniest guys I know, he never disappoints when we hang out (which unfortunately doesn't happen often outside work), but the shirt he's wearing here might be the single best garment of 2009. Sure, its' a little inside, but do you need to know anything behind the backstory to laugh at this? I think not.

Happy Birthday Mike!

Joe

Shot of the Day #233: Like Ice Cube said...

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...today was a good day. HUGE news coming. Big smiles now. INGLORIOUS BASTERDS tonight.

Word, Cube.



Joe

PS: Gotta love when your shitty childhood nicknames come haunting you again in the most unlikely of times:

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Shot of the Day #232: Couch in the Alley

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Driving to the Landmark theater for Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN 2 screening, which Im actually excited for based on some "unused" trailer that leaked yesterday. I had little to no expectations of the new film since I wasn't a fan of the original remake (Oxymornic statement of the day), but that trailer and the soundtrack lead me to believe Zombie (who Im a big fan of) has pulled off another DEVIL'S REJECTS. GREAT use of "Knights in White Satin" too....NOW I'm psyched....Here's hoping.



But Im driving down the alleyway that connects our parking garage to the street and caught this surreal scene, which promptly stopped me in my tracks. Its moments like these that Shots of the Day were meant for capturing, right? Discuss relevant signifigance at will....or not at all. Your choice. I'm just glad i got it.

Joe

Shot of the Day #231: JoeshFace

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Well, another Body Count in the bag, so to speak. Had a great time working with David the new producer as well as Ryan (the usual DP) and Joesh (seen here, who you've met before on SOTD) who was on Audio tonight and showed me a killer iphone app that turns your phone into a Beretta 9mm. Frikkin sweet.

At Dark Del's, where we usually shoot the BC at, there were rows of plush toy Leatherfaces laid out for a signing. Something creepy about a baby snuggling up to a mass-murderer wielding a chainsaw. Unless it's MY baby, then it's all good.

Still high off of seeing one of the best movies of the year last night (in my opinion), Bobcat's new film with Robin Williams, WORLD'S GREATEST DAD. Seriously kids, this is dark, twisted stuff....but it not only had a wonderful spirit, lovely (if profane) writing & lush cinemotography (which subversively allows you to swallow the rough stuff), but also one of Robin's best performances since GARP. I know I know, bold talk, but once you see it, you'll never forget it. Calling it the "Heir to HEATHERS" almost doesn't do it justice, but Williams wins the Joe Lynch Oscar this year, hands down. See this movie NOW.



Joe

Shot of the Day #230: He's the cure.

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Another shit-tastic day saved only by a screening of one of my childhood delights, Sly Stallone's Razzie-nominated COBRA. Seeing it in all it's HD glory (thanks to the always amazing HDnetMovies), I forgot just how "ODD" the movie plays out...the punk-lite approach is more like Sly watched REPO MAN and went "Hey, yo!" and tried to apply the same attitude to it, only with cooler cars, dated soundtrack, Brigitte Neilsen and mirrored shades. As a kid I ate it all up, the mayhem, the excessive violence...and here and now its more nostalgia than real appreciation. But the scene where his "diet" consisting of Cobretti taking a scissor to the end of a slice of old pizza to consume while watching a Christmas-themed Toys R Us ad is a sliver of genius.

This view right here? The cure for my Tuesday blues.



Joe

Shot of the Day #229: Gloomy Monday Redux

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A dreary Monday morning into work. Actually, I prefer overcast, dark days like these, they warm the heart and usually a nice break from the sunny 70's, but today's already been one big fist in the ass, so i guess its only appropriate that this picture be the SOTD. Plus I thought I saw something floating in the air and quickly whipped the camera out to capture the moment, only to realize it was just a dense smudge in the glass. Damn.

Gonna be one of those weeks....

Joe

Shot of the Day #228: Brains, Fried.

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Long work day, my head hurts. Didn't feel like going out to get food so I threw some Soba noodles in the pan, splashed it with Soy Sauce and suddenly, I'm reminded of a PSA from the 80s. Looks pretty gross....and the taste is comparable.



Fried Brains....it's whats for dinner!

Joe

Shot of the Day #227: Editing w/ Pussy

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Long but fun edit day with the gang at Green's house, getting closer to picture lock. I love working with these guys, hope we can keep it up. Also met a great DP at The Counter for lunch before the edit; he's worked with one of the Masters of Horror and it would be very cool to work with him. Decisions, decisions....

Later tonight we're gonna hit a screening of HALLOWEEN 2 (the original) at the New Bev, so time's a wastin.

Do I need to say more with this picture? This pictures screams 10,000 words. Or meows.

Joe

Shot of the Day #226: Shadow Sessler Complex

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In a meeting with the one and only Adam Sessler, X-Play host, G4 Guru and all around great guy (who also loved horror, especially Cronenberg....which is nice). Sitting in the meeting, the light just hit him the right way from the lamp pictured here, and it felt like a Sam Fuller noir or the opening to SLING BLADE. You choose, but it was a compelling shot and I had to take it. Thanks to Sessler for letting me steal his soul!

Joe

PS: Wow, 2 Elvis cameos in 2 days? I think this is a sign...

PPS: GO SEE GRACE OR DISTRICT 9!!!!! DO IT FOR YOURSELF. DO IT FOR THE GOOD OF GREAT CINEMA!

Shot of the Day #225: Thai Elvis

Shot with iphone, click to enlarge the Elvisness.

Met up with a great group of Horror Screenwriters for a once-traditional dinner gathering tonight, it was good to see everyone and comiserate with the gang, but the highlight at this particular restaurant, The Palm Thai on H'wood Blvd, is that they have an In-house Elvis impersonator. I was FLOORED. Of course, being the humble slave to this SOTD experiment I said to myself: "I have to get a pic of this!" but before our orders were finished being taken, the Thai King had left the building, so all I have as evidence of this odd and wonderful occurance is a prelim wide-shot of people eating in the FG while he spits out "Rise man, say....Onry Fooors Rush eeen....".

It was awesome. Good Thai too.

Thankya...Thankyaverymuch.

Joe

Shot of the Day #224: Scary Alley

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I love and hate how my brain works sometimes.

Here we are, downtown Los Angeles, about 10pm at night. I'm leaving my good friend's new loft apartment (which I am very envious over; reminds me of New York and Tokyo apartments) and the only entrance access is through a long, dark alleyway behind the building. During the early evening it was only a little cautionary, but now at night? A little nerve-racking. Plus, OF COURSE, there had to be some shadowy dude about 20 yards behind me, walking at a steady, ominous clip, so from the time i left the gate to the moment I stepped into public view....my heart was racing and every "dark alley" clip from every movie was reeling through my mind. Stupid horror movies....

Needless to say, I made it home OK. This time...

Joe

Shot of the Day #223: Eatin' Old School

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Had a really nice time geeking out over food and drink with two of the industry's brightest musical minds at the Edendale Grill in Silverlake. I'd tell you who they were, but then that would spoil the surprise....

Great atmosphere (and the food ain't bad neithuh), and as we walked out a photo of Fatty Arbuckle stopped me in my tracks, an then led to to investigate the history of the eatery, which was around since the 20's and fed the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson and many other names of Hollywood yesteryear. FUnny how places like this can withstand the test of time in such a liquid business. Guess people come and go over the years in this town, but everyone's gotta eat, right? Except Lindsay Lohan of course.

I might not like Silverlake (only because I haven't been here much), but this place is one to note.

Joe

Shot of the Day #222: The ONLY way to fly...

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Absinthe offered on the flight? Yes, please. Anything to help deal with a 5 hour flight that turned into 10. Fucking Weather.

Wait, what was that green thing on the wing of the plane? Wow, this shit is STRONG.

Joe

Shot of the Day #221: Family Wall

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Every time I come home I always look at this wall of pictures and see how our family has evolved, spread, blossomed and shrunk too. Knowing there wont be any more photos of my Dad to add was sobering, but knowing that there will be additions to it with Remy's mug was a nice salve. Seeing pictures of the Lynch boys in various stages of age is also such a gas, and made me pray that the hard drive I sent to get repaired (the one with ALL of my pictures from the last 8 years) is salvageable; it would really kill me if all those memories, like the ones captured and framed on this wall, are lost. That's the problem with Digital...its nice to be able to instantly capture moments instead of shooting them and hoping for the best after getting the roll developed, but its also much better to have tangible images in your hand, ready to be framed. I miss prints.

Saw G.I. JOE with the boys last night, just like old times. We used to go with my Dad all the time, and in a way, it felt like he was there with us, laughing his ass off on how awful this flick was. I really missed him then. Then again, maybe we spared him the agony of sitting through this fucking thing. For the best Im guessing.

Had a GREAT meeting with a NY based DP this morning as we met at an IHOP in East Islip. Great conversation, fluffy pancakes....good times. Hope it works out.

Joe

Shot of the Day #220: Oceanic Closure

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My father loved the ocean. For a gearhead biker-type, the last place you'd expect this chopper-ridin' badass was on the open sea, yet some of my fondest memories of my father truly happy was on our old boat he shared with his best friend (and our Uncle) Paul. They would go out fishing or just take us around the island, cutting through the Long Island Sound in their sea-ride, enjoying the salty wind in our hair. Such fond memories that always resonate whenever Im near open water.

So after my father passed away, we all decided that the most fitting place to spread his remains was in his favorite nautical coordinate, which was the water surrounding Block Island, which is a small body of land between the tip of L.I. and Rhode Island, a pretty little place indeed. I remember my dad saying, jokingly in the past as if Death would never land on his doormat "I wanna be buried at sea!". Now that what was left of him was in a box, we actually had to make the decision to honor that wish.


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So my Mom and Paul chartered a boat and we all set sail early after hitting typical Hamptons traffic (fucking rich people), Remy being the usual smiley chap and my brothers filling the cooler with beer. It was a beautiful day, a perfect hue of blue and the wind not too crisp. The mood was reserved but bright, all of us keeping it light and airy as Charlie the Captain sped us over to the Island, which too about an hour. There, we dropped anchor as my mother pulled "the box" out of a bag. Holding the leather-bound box, which reminded me of those cases for old cameras, it was surprisingly heavy. "They told me Dad has dense bones" she said, which made sense.

With the ship idle (and inconspicuous as its supposedly not kosher to be doing this), we all took turns taking handfuls of Dad and spreading it over the water. It was such a strange sensation, knowing that only a few months back I was hugging what was now mere particles in the palm of my hand, collecting with the ocean breeze and the water beneath us. We all took turns and it was a pretty heavy, sobering moment, but looking back, it felt right. It felt proper. It felt good.

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Afterwards we spent some time on Block Island, spreading the rest of his ashes in an old graveyard he always liked that had an amazing view of the ocean and held families past which dated back to the 1800's. Knowing he would be here too would have made Dad very happy.

On the ride back not much was said, although we were all starving too so that might have factored in the pause of conversation. But it might have just been that everyone was silently saying their final farewell's, as I did. What did make me feel better was the notion that now I have a purpose to come back to this spot someday, once Remy is older possibly, now that we've dropped an emotional anchor here. It was a little bit of hope that my father is truly never gone or forgotten...just part of the elements.

Good tidings and Happy Sails, Dad. Till we meet again.

"Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon at the end of the ocean"
-David Searls

Joe

Shot of the Day #219: Flightplan 2: Remy's Revenge

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I swear to god, this kid is seriously a miracle baby.

Flying to New York for a rough weekend, with Bri, baby, mother-in-Law AND dog in tow. Isn't there a famous adage warning people to "never work with babies or animals"? What if you have both?

But aside from the typical nightmare of getting packed, out the door, to the airport, through security and the gate, the kid was nothing short of a perfect lil' traveller. Always happy, smiling, even when prodded and poked by security. Sorry, we're not using the kid as a drug mule, at least this time.

On the flight, we were surrounded by babies, including one of the Sklar Bros. who had two kids in tow (also of note on plane: Morgan "SUPER SIZE ME" Spurlock) and other screaming rugrats, yet Remy stayed serene and smitten, smiling away at passerbys and flight attendants. Here we are in the back of the plane, hanging out within the Tony Scott-esque lighting of the Virgin America airplane. Love this airline.

We got into JFK late and picked up by my brother Andrew, so by that time Rem was pretty cranky but still never lost his shit, which for a baby of 6 months, pretty shocking. Turned up the 80's on XM and the kid was out like a scout.

Again, perfect kid. Hope he'll be good for the long trip tomorrow. My bets are on "yes".

Joe

Shot of the Day #218: Modern-Day Road Rage Chic!

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Now, I remember hearing all the news about "Road Rage" back in the late 80's, early 90's (including that hilarious scene from LA STORY), but this is redickalous!

How this guy doesn't get shot at for driving this I will not understand.

Oh L.A., how I love and hate you.

Joe

Shot of the Day #217: Beware the moon

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The air was strangely crisp tonight, and the moon full. Reminds me of a movie....

Joe

Shot of the Day #216: Happy Birthday Banzai!

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Here is the "birthday girl" hiding under Remy's co-sleeper, trying to just stay out of the way as we're wrapping stuff up for New York. Smart dog. She's been through a lot since "that thing" moved into her position as the "baby", but surprisingly has been very well-behaved....unless that's all part of her master plan...covert ops, Banz, i got my eye on you.

Still can't believe she's 7 YEARS OLD today and still acts like a puppy. Also, makes me realize we've been in LA for 7 years. Times flies when you're having fu-oh wait.

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Happy Birthday Banz!

Joe

Shot of the Day #215: Lost in Flight

Shot with iphone, click to enlarge.

Nothing worse than it being a Monday and getting the most horrific, heartbreaking news. I swear to Jebus himself, 2009 is becoming one fuck-all of a year with the loss of family, friends and such.

A good friend has fallen and my thoughts and prayers are with her and the loved ones she left behind. It hit me really hard and had to take a breather, so Banzai and I took our round-the-block'er and noticed signs up all over the 'hood for a missing bird, which struck me as both funny, incredibly sad & almost too appropriate for how the day has been shaping. Later, Bri and I met up with some of our circle to commiserate and discuss, drown a few tears in beers and strangely, we both left feeling a bit better that we all have each other. Sucks it had to be this unfortunate event to bring us to that realization.

Hey, Grim Reaper....I think you filled your Quota for the year. How 'bout taking a break, huh?

Joe

Shot of the Day #214: Baby Summit

Shot with iphone, click to enlarge.

The gathering of the seedlings commenced today, despite feeling like warmed over shit. It was great to see everyone from the Birthing class, like mini Class Reunions where the babies are always on the dance floor and the cool kids hang by the bleachers and gossip.

It was great to see everyone together again, taking a few moments out of the day to drop the bullshit and admire baby-speak & other re-discovered body movements, which makes you stop taking life for granted for a hot second.

Shot with iphone, click to enlarge.

...and the Chocolate Fountain we brought? Big hit.

Here the Sunday soiree moved outside and for some reason the view here feels like an M. Night Shyamylan film...the parts with the dynamic, foreground centric compositions, or an Altman film in mid-zoom.

My brain just works like that, deal.

OK fine...it looks like Remy is eating that baby. Happy?

Joe

Shot of the Day #213:NIGHT OF THE WRAP

Shot with iphone, click to enlarge.

Its moments like these that truly make me appreciate the youthful, almost ill-advised fun you need to have & provoke when making moving pictures.

Joe