Saturday, March 31, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.91: Baby B & The Frog


Shot with iPhone, click to enlarge.

...the title for today's SOTD sounds like a kids book or a 70's crime comedy.

At the Co-Op, the first place that Plissken descends on with his little mini shopping basket is the candle section, where he literally smells every SINGLE candle there to determine the sniff-sniff master. Today's main challengers, above, we not the winners (the red rose scented candle took home that prize) but worthy contenders. I'd say they make a good mis-matched pair, no?

Friday, March 30, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.90: For the Arwen

Shot with iPhone & Camera Bag, click to enlarge.

My "media blitz" partner through a bunch of interviews for Holliston at Ariescope today.

Speaking of which, have you been to the site? Check it out HERE. Also, hit us up at the Facebook page, THERE!

As I become a broken record...Get FEARnet or get iTunes so you can go to HOLLISTON!
See you at Casey's Crossing, first round is on me.

Joe

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.89: Lovitz Lives.

Shot with iPhone & Camera Bag, click to enlarge.

Seen on a mural wall at Native Foods, Culver City (our usual cruelty-free greasy spoon). I think the place got slapped with some Lovitz Propaganda. Didn't get the bulletin on the new movement, gotta keep up with my cults.

Joe

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.88: A Derry Flashback

Shot with iPhone & Camera+, click to enlarge.

This image sent a chill down my spine when I saw it on a rainy routine walk.

It reminded me of a moment from Stephen King's masterful small-town epic, IT.

All I kept thinking was...is the owner of that ball down there?

...Didn't help I just re-read IT and trying to slog through the mini-series* so its fresh in my head. All that is missing is a lizard-like claw gripping the grates or Pennywise looking right back at us.

"...We all float down here, Georgie..."

Joe


*did we actually think this was good other than Tim Curry being genuinely terrifying as Pennywise? For a remake, BRING HIM BACK.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.87: Yum or eW?

Shot with iPhone & Infinicam, click to enlarge.

My new favorite snack. Ew, what did YOU think it was?

Joe

hint: elaK etalocohC

Monday, March 26, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.86: The Pew Pew Strikes Back

Shot with iPhone, Click to enlarge.

Or..."My Lucas takes your Disney, bitch"

Great day at Disneyland, a sort of "do-over" since the last time we went and I was a grump (for reasons I'll someday explain in detail, it's a hum dinger). Met up with some of Team Holliston, who had already been there hitting all the rides. But we had The Plissken, which always makes a place like Disney a whole new experience. Like here for example, when he showed Fantasia-themed Mickey his new "Stah Wawz Goy" (of all the cool, limited edition action figured, legos, cars and otherwise cool collectable shit, he picks a Shock Trooper from CLONES? Cripes.) and Mickey, feeling the Force within him, was taken aback. Normally, I would have scoffed if it were just the mouse doing that stichk to anyone else, but when it's your kid? A magical moment he'll likely have already forgotten and one you'll always bring up to embarrass when dates come over.

Shot with iPhone, Click to enlarge.

While it's still no WDW, the Land did the trick, thanks Mouse House.

Joe

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.85: Kaleidoglobe

Shot with iPhone & Camera Bag, click to enlarge.

At our good friend Aaron & Abby's house for a rainy day visit. For a day of grey (literally & figuratively) this was the only bright spot. A frikkin' blown piece of glass.
(Actually no, the company was really nice...and the soup was delicious.)

Joe

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.84: Highway Poetry

Shot with iPhone & CameraBag, click to enlarge.

Saw this while waiting to get on the 405N tonight. Speaks for itself, I'd say.

"If I dont get my way, I'm going to put a bone through my nose".
-Gen. Idi Amin.

Joe

Friday, March 23, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.83:...One More Candle.

Shot with iPhone & Camerabag, click to enlarge.

Happy Birthday to me.

Great day overall, even if it was shortened by work obligations a little. That I have my family safe and sound with me today to enjoy it is a present enough. (The 647 Facebook & Twitter birthday wishes WAS a nice touch, however.)

Thanks so much to everyone who wished a Happy Birthday, I really appreciated it. I'm usually not a fan of the day, but today helped warm me up a little to the prospect.

Off to BATTLE ROYA-er, HUNGER GAMES!

Joe

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.82: "Um, could you..."

Shot with iPhone & Infinicam, click to enlarge.

Between bouts with the press, Team Holliston decided to walk down & check out the Sunset Billboard together before it got tagged (can't wait to see what happens there!). What a surreal experience. Thankfully, a passerby (seen above) was nice enough to take our picture in front of it. The unnamed photog (we totally forgot to ask his name) even dealt with 2 directors asking for "alts" and "another take", so as a return favor, I took his photo too. Thanks "guy"!

Call us what you will, but when YOU have a billboard on Sunset, I think you'd want a group shot in front of it as well.

Crap, I didn't get a release. Whoops.

Thanks unnamed passerby/impromptu "celeb" photographer...you made our day.

Joe

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.81: PARAdise

Shot with iPhone & CameraBag, click to enlarge.

Meetings, meetings, meetings...sometimes, you can't help but stop and enjoy the view, even for a moment.
Sometimes, that's all it takes.

Joe

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.80: Sunset at Sunset

Shot with iPhone & Camerabag, click to enlarge.

I dont even know what to say, other than....HOLY CRAP.

We're on a billboard. On Sunset Boulevard. All I could do is stand there and giggle. For a long time.

Top 'o the World, MA....

Joe

Monday, March 19, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.79: TappaTappaTappa

Shot with iPhone & Infinicam, click to enlarge.

My 10 hour view (kinda).

At least I got a new keyboard...WITH A "D" key! Things are looking "Millhouse" around here. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to type on another window.

Joe

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.78: Coasting in Light Speed

Shot with iPhone & CameraBag. Click to enlarge.

Another Sunday, another opportunity to watch a familiar flick with the ones we love while enjoying a cold beverage...on STAR WARS coasters.

Of course.

Joe

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.77: Wondercon, activate!

Shot with iPhone & Infinicam, click to enlarge.

We came, we saw, we Sharpied...

Great day checking out Wondercon, which was, like that BADASS PROMETHEUS trailer that blew up the place today, a little taste of what's coming this summer (i.e. Comic-Con). A very packed convention with tons of fans, cosplayers and the like...but the nerd funk had not made it's mark yet, which is always good. And hey, there was even a pumpkin
carving of The Dinklage! This place was not messing 'round.

We had a signing at 2pm at the FEARnet booth, which was very cool to do even if it was for a show noone has seen yet. However, the line was HUGE and we ended up signing for at least a hour! Thanks SO MUCH to the fans who greeted us there, took a bunch of pics and were very nice as we signed till our wrists bled*. It was a great way to end a long week which started in Austin, came back home for 6 hours, then off to Boston & Holliston, back home, private screening and finally...here. Plus, I got to stock up on some cool new geek T's, so all in all it was a win of a day, despite the rain.

Onward we march! Thanks so much to everyone we met these past crazy days, it meant the world to us.

If you like, HERE is a gallery of some Wondercon highlights. Enjoy!

Joe



*This is a lie.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.76: Invading Sony


Shot with iPhone, click to enlarge.

Seen from outside the Sony Lot in Culver City (south entrance).

Also witnessed: busses with the blue poster trolling Los Angeles....??

Um, what?

Joe

PS: Watch out for bus signs and billboards...we are coming for you!!! Check out the official HOLLISTON site HERE!

PPS: Thanks to everyone who came out to our special sneak preview of the show for some friends and family. Sorry it was short notice but thanks for spending Friday night with us! Great way to start wrapping up the Holliston Tour.
Next Up: Anaheim for Wondercon!!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.75 (HOLLISTON in Holliston) Fiske's X

Shot with iPhone, click to enlarge.

Bittersweet ending to the trip, saying goodbye to everyone in town before we head to the airport. Funny how locals were just stopping their cars in the street to say hi or bye, give us food & other goodies (the owner of the Holliston Grille actually gave Green a Corned Beef & Cabbage platter she was bringing for someone else!) and just voice their love & support for us & the show. We seriously did not want to leave!

But before we headed back to Logan airport, the gang and I stopped by Fiske's General Store, which is supposedly an institution in town. It felt like THIS was the unofficial Town Hall, an old-fashioned general store where you could usually buy ANYTHING (you know, before Wal-Marts and Targets squeezed Mom & Pop out of the business). Fiske's was the real deal. For example, you aren't anyone here till your name is scrawled across the dry-erase board (seen below) which is usually reserved for Birthdays, graduations and other celebratory mentions. I had seen the storefront in the shots we took for the show (the "in-betweener" shots of town or location-based elements that go between scenes in most sitcoms to set up time and/or place) but had no clue how much a part of the town it was. We had a great time with the owner/operator, John "Fiske" as he regaled stories of the old establishment, including how he met his wife here, standing on this very X you see above. He can tell the story much better, but it was yet another sign that life is too precious for cities; you can never stop and smell the roses (or anything for that matter) like you can in a smaller town. He was just one example of the love we felt from this small slice of suburbia.

I'm truly going to miss this town and everyone there we met who were so gracious and inviting. We promise to make you proud!

Adieu, Holliston. TIll season 2!

Joe

Team Holliston in Holliston, Ma:
Shot with iPhone, click to enlarge.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.74 (HOLLISTON in Holliston) Town Hall Meeting

Shot with iPhone & Infinicam, click to enlarge.

I don't even know where to begin with this one. I;m sure Green will put it way more eloquently than I would, especially this day was much more significant his return to his home town (and the setting for our show) than our first time here.

But I will share one anecdote, one that will stay with me forever...

So it was the cast and our producer there to set up the screening. Nope, no PA's no PR, just the humble band of Team Holliston who set up the chairs, screen, etc for tonight's town hall screening in Holliston. We were worried since it was so last minute and the high school's Senior Showcase was the same night, but we hoped for the best, praying more than 10 people showed up.

After running some errands, eating some "authentic" east coast Chinese and heading back to do an interview with the Boston Globe, we were all nervously excited for the evening's events, which would begin with the screening, segue into a Q&A and then once we cleaned up, have a few drinks with the attendees at Casey's Crossing, a local bar that figures into the show. But would anyone show?

30 minutes before doors open, everything is ready (or at least we thought), about 50 seats put out and we're into our interview in the kitchen of the Town Hall. Suddenly, we hear low murmurs from the main ballroom, where we are set up. Are people actually here? Then Sarah quietly rushes in and asks me to come out. Apparently...we didn't set up enough seats! There's at least 100 people already here ready to rock. So I scramble to set up more as some Hollistonians help out and then I head back in with a cryptic smile on my face, Green not sure how to take that as a sign. But as we wrap up the interview, everyone walks out and the place is PACKED. No one expected THIS. So we quickly set up and when the time comes, I run up, introduce Adam to his town and we're off 'n running.

Again, to go any further would likely be redundant to what Green will write in his blog, but lets just say it was a magical moment to share with him. The crowd LOVED the show, genuinely, and all of the struggle to make the show felt worth it for this very moment in time. To feel the whole town enjoying this, young and old, demo or not, was insanely gratifying. Oh, did they laugh!

After, we went up for a Q&A which everyone stayed for, which ended in a heartfelt Standing Ovation and a huge 4-way hug. But here's the kicker: When we mentioned that people should give us a few minutes when they arrive at Casey's since we'll still be breaking down the hall and putting chairs/equipment away, I heard one person go "We'll help!" and immediately....all 200 people broke into action and what took a good hour to set up amongst 5 people took 10 minutes with the town helping out. The sense of community was so infectious and heart warming, it made me miss my own hometown of Port Jeff back on Long Island and that feeling of communal unity. It was amazing. I hope the show in some small way brings us all together like it did that night.

Overall the screening was a hit, everyone had a great time, spirits were high (and flowing) at Casey's afterwards and we finished up the night around 2am, all elated and still a little shocked. Still had half a day left here...but none of us wanted to go home. I think we all felt at home here, even for a short while.

Hooray For Holliston,

Joe

PS: Go Panthers!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.73 (HOLLISTON in Holliston) Emmerson Rising

Shot with iPhone, click to enlarge.

Yeah, so today...

-Up at 4am. What?
-Picked up at 5am, 3 hours of sleep. Great to see the band back together though (Green, Corri, Laura, Producer Sarah).
-First flight at 7am had to be scrapped just as we were to take off. Sat in LAX for hours before getting on an 11am flight. Did we mention now we're going to be late for our first screening at Emmerson College which starts at 7? We arrive at 8. Awesome.
-Arrive in Boston, race over to screening at the Paramount (above), which was half full but GREAT response. FEARnet swooped in and kept people there with Pizza when we knew we'd be 2 hours late. Whew.
-After the funny Q&A, met some fans. Ate 3 slices. Got the F out to get to hotel. We got stuck in the Boston downtown loop looking for food and drinks. Made it to hotel by 2 (now thanking god I didn't have to get up at 5 to do a radio interview like Green and Ortiz are.).
-Couldn't sleep. Bed at 4am. What?

Big day tomorrow, hometown screeninzzzzzzzzz

Joe

Monday, March 12, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.72 (SXSW): Monday Morning Milkshakes

Shot with iPhone & CameraBag, click to enlarge.

Milkshakes for breakfast? You gonna stop us??

Had to hit the 24 Diner (again) before we left Austin, where we had 5 Dollar Milkshakes (I, the Roasted Banana & Brown Sugar; Green, the Coconut Creme) and discussed the next week at hand. It's gonna be a doozy, especially since we arrive back in L.A. at 9pm and get picked up for Boston/Holliston for the East Coast part of the Promo tour at 5am.
But hey...not a bad gig, right?

Peace out Austin...it was another short one, but always glad to be here! Just the vibe here, the people, the scene and of course wonderful people and venues of The Drafthouse...If there was anywhere besides NYC I'd move to, it's Austin, for sure. Can't wait to return soon. Wish I got to stay and do more at SXSW (seems like the music portion is just revving up, transforming the populous into a mini Mardi Gras) and even see more movies, but I'll be back...this I swear!

Joe

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.71 (SXSW): Self-Flaring

Shot with iPhone & CameraBag, click to enlarge.

Reflecting with some sparkly flare while in the Elevator down from the Omni after a very long and "Austin" kinda day & night. The panel went, some cool people showed up. Some press, then got to watch a panel Green was on (The mystifyingly titled "Three R's" panel with K. Low from Dread Central, Weinberg, Ward & Ferrands as well) and it was, to understate..."emotional", especially when a HOLLISTON clip was shown (at the wrong time, really low in volume and the wrong frame-rate). Good times. Got to see a killer trailer for a "Found Footage" AMITYVILLE movie Dan directed (looks really cool!) We then hit a pizza party, then the HighBall for drinks, then the Alamo for the midnight showing of V/H/S (where we ate Candy Sushi...interesting). Then back to the hotel to grab my bag, go back to "Her" apartment (which is what I liked to call it) and pack before we have to skedaddle. SXSW feels like a blur...but at least I got to see ONE movie!

Joe

PS: This reminds me of the Struzan THING poster.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.70 (SXSW): DOUG REDUX

Shot with iPhone & Infinicam, click to enlarge.

Another rainy SXSW day & I was invited back (for some crazy reason since last time I sucked ass) to do Doug Benson's DOUG LOVES MOVIES: SXSW edition. I'm sure he asked EVERYONE else in town before settling on me, but it was a blast at Esther's Follies in Austin with a leaky roof & a packed crowd, MUCH bigger than last time at UCB. I was on-stage with Ti West, Greg Proops & James Adomian and it was both relaxing and nerve racking, especially during the games (Build-A-Title & the infamous Leonard Maltin Game). While I didn't freeze up as bad as last time, it was still pretty humbling to not remember frikkin' DADDY DAY CARE!!?? But everyone seemed to have a good time and I left relatively unscathed. Thanks to Doug for having me back on...someday maybe Ill even win a round!

Now...let's see if I can see some actual movies tonight?? Seriously.

Listen to the podcast (and other DLM) HERE!

Joe

Friday, March 09, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.69 (SXSW): SXSWet

Shot with iPhone & Infinicam, click to enlarge.

It's 3pm. I'm in Austin (!!) and while the rain slams down on our rental car, I'm half-sleeping outside the Alamo Drafthouse on the eve of the first night of SXSW. Green and I are here to promote HOLLISTON (with a panel on Sunday at 2pm, be there) and we're psyched to spread the word and of course, eat a lot of BBQ and other foods of the land. However, the PR company booked me in what was supposed to be a B&B (since hotels were scarce) and it ended up being a woman's apartment...with her still in it, working! So while I left Green to crash before the CABIN IN THE WOODS premiere/party we were scheduled to attend (AMAZING MOVIE, BTW...just wait!) I had time to kill, so I attempted to see SILENT HOUSE while I wait for the Landlady to split, but the movies were cancelled due to the festival...and I slept in the car. Glamorous, huh? At least I was near a location I truly love. God Bless The Alamo.

Oh, did I mention its POURING OUT? Holy crap. I did NOT pack for this.

It's gonna be a hell of a weekend...

Joe

Thursday, March 08, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.68: Ah, Milano

Shot with iPhone, click to enlarge.

Took some in-laws out to one of the finest eateries off the 405...Macaroni Grille! Yes, we are of high class. Its a chain Italian place that Bri and I used to frequent when we lived in NY, and this dish, the Pasta Milano (Chicken, Farfalle pasta, mushroom, red peppers, cream sauce) is my "usual". Don't even try to sway me to any other meal there, it's useless to resist this. The simple pleasures...

Joe

PS: The bread rocks as well.

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.67: 3-Dcycle

Shot with iPhone & CameraBag, click to enlarge.

Saw THE LORAX last night with the family. At first, Remy was a little unprepared for the "WOOO!" factor of the 3-dimension (didn't help that it was in IMAX which must have been overwhelming enough) but it was a gas to watch him innocently jump or grab at the screen certain times. It was more fun watching him watch the movie than the movie was itself.

On our way out, he asked why we're throwing away our glasses. We told him we were just recycling them for other people to use later.

He took his glasses. Our little Casey Siemaszko...

Joe

Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.66: OldDog

Shot with iPhone & CameraBag, click to enlarge.

Shot this Old Dog while watching OLD BOY. Significance?

Probably not. Crazy to think we got Banzai when we first came to L.A....10 years ago. She was a puppy not bigger than your fist, now we got Old Woman River ova her'. She's a trooper. Good snuggler too.

Joe

Monday, March 05, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.65: Full of Stars

Shot with iPhone & Infinicam, click to enlarge.

Funny what you'll find when you just look up....

Joe

Sunday, March 04, 2012

Shot the Day 2.64: Care-free, Weightless

Shot with iPhone & Camera Bag, click to enlarge.

Ah, I miss those days. Not a care in the world, bouncing in the balloon room. Oh wait, I was too "big and fat" to be allowed in those. Sigh. Well I get to live vicariously through my kid. That's how it works, right?

Joe

Saturday, March 03, 2012

Shot the Day 2.63: Faxed out.

Shot with iPhone, click to enlarge.

Out with the old, huh?

At all costs, keep Michael Bolton AWAY!

Joe

Friday, March 02, 2012

Shot the Day 2.62: Mammoth

Shot with iPhone & Infinicam, click to enlarge.

Took Rem to the Page Museum near the tarpits. I used to love going to the Museum of Natural History in NYC and just walk around for hours, enjoying the self-imposed quiet and dim lighting, along with all the displays of lions, tigers and, well, Wooly Mammoths, like our friend here.
The kid was digging the bones. Of course.

Joe

Thursday, March 01, 2012

Shot of the Day 12.61: Swirling Shamrocks

Shot with iPhone & Infinicam, click to enlarge.

Guess they want to catch that St. Paddy's Day rush? Hell, its not even the first day of March and I'm already driving past signs for Shamrock shakes. As I walk to my weekly Thursday Midnight show (this week: PROJECT X), the Century City mall has swirling, hypnotic lights with Holiday-themed "cookaloris" shapes to add that holiday cheer. Why do I want a beer all of a sudden? And get into a fight?

Joe