Shut Up or Speak Up- Media and Decorum

Often times there are unsaid rules that people do not teach you right away, these things we learn the hard way. Ones that you have to learn in order to achieve success, especially in this viral community where everything we put out on the internet can be used against us in the future.

When you get hired especially in film or media, there is almost always unsaid rules to the business that you do not know until much later. Some rules have to do with how you socialize, who you socialize with and what you say on the internet. As social networking is being pushed at us, we are constantly encouraged and reminded that we need to be utilizing social networking sites to continue to keep a large networking base close to us. However, what some of these studios do not tell you is that they actually research what you say. Yes, it is not uncommon for new employers to do a bit of research on you. Most will track what you say, analyze your writing, and what you do on your off time. I was once turned down for a job at a studio in Los Angeles when they researched me on the internet and complained that they tracked that I have worked on a variety of films. Bottom line, they were worried that I was going to quit in the future for a crew position. 

I have also had employers read my blogs and track me meticulously on the internet. While that may feel like an invasion of privacy. Once we publicly post something- it is out there for people to track. Whether your sexting, posting up crazy pictures of yourself, posting up all of your "extra-curricular" activities. It may be funny and cool with your friends, but for an employer they may frown upon it. So, my thing is feel free to live the way you want, but be careful and know the consequences of throwing yourself out there virally for people to track, document and use against you later.

Nature and Creativity

Sometimes, after working really hard for an entire month it is good to get out in nature. Everyone has there own way of meditating and clearing your head. For me, things linger for a while and so sometimes it is good for me to escape to nature. 

The first thing that one should do when people reject you- is to go out and do exactly what they would not want you to do. There was a famous football player, that at one point had an article written about him the article was full of criticism. The article stated an endless prediction of failure, accusing him of not being skilled enough and good enough and that he would never win. That football player kept that article in his locker and read it every time he would go out to a game. 

He never lost a game since that article was written. Tomorrow, I am getting my Go-Pro camera and my Canon T2I and I am going white water rafting- yes you better believe I am filming. 


When you want to perfect your art, your craft, your skill- you get out there and you do it regardless of your critics.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know."

Theodore Roosevelt

Raging Bull and Editing

In this digital age, we tend to get caught up with a lot of the special effects, CG, 2-D, 3-D...anything seems possible with the green screen and our "Fix it in post" mentality. I went ahead and listened to good advise to re-watch one of my favorite films, Raging Bull for my upcoming short film about female boxers.

I have watched Raging Bull at least a dozen times now and I never seem to get tired of the Martin Scorsese sports drama. I believe it is one of the best depictions of an athlete's struggle between himself, as well as a cultural depiction of traditional gender roles set in the 1964 time frame. What impresses me today is the simple static shots and how the story telling did not use the effects of what some tend to use today, the high shutter speed look. In post production, I know I find myself wanting to do too much and realizing that in so doing- we distract the audience away from the story.

The editing achieved by Thelma Schoonmaker seemed to be tastefully executed with careful simplicity. If you have watched a film a dozen times, it may be good to watch the film again only this time to inspect the color scheme, editing, the types of shots that were chosen and how the camera was used to tell the story.

Every filmmaker's style is different. It is great to appreciate the simplicity in clean, well paced and slow editing without all the fancy effects or fast cuts (which by the way, I am guilty of preferring). You may be like me, someone who loves the edgy editing and fast pace of City of God. However, there is a pureness in Raging Bull that watching it for the 13th time now, I have forgotten. It is easy to get lost in today's fast pace, CG world and so sometimes going back to the way things were done in the days of Raging Bull is not such a bad idea.

Viral Networking and the Anti-Social

We are at the networking age where conversations no longer need to take place in person. We no longer need to face a person, but tend to do more of our conversing over messaging. Does this new technical age somehow make us socially retarded? For me, I have noticed that the more and more I perfect my social networking skills, the more I tend to forget the fundamentals of simple conversational etiquette.

Social networking sites that tend to suck us into random chat sessions that last too long are ones like Facebook and Twitter. When I first began using Twitter, I really did not know what I was doing or how to use it. But, when properly used one could carefully communicate effective messages that lead into marketing strategies for any type of entrepreneur. However, one that is not used by the younger Facebook generation is LinkedIn. LinkedIn is actually one of the most respected networking sites, in my personal opinion. Because, you must know contacts and gaining contacts are not as easy to do as it is on Twitter and Facebook. But having real business contacts is worth the hassle of the slow building process that it takes to gain a network base on LinkedIn.

Also, LinkedIn is a business profile and resume page for your future employers and people that would like to see a professional snapshot of you. While keeping up with these tools are great. Here are 10 things you can teach yourself how to become more emotionally intelligent and socially conscious. I try and practice these mantras daily, especially during stressful moments in life, such as Graduate boot camp at Newhouse.

1. Try not to live in your head, catch yourself when you find yourself wandering from the moment and try to stay present.

2. Be mindful when others are talking and catch yourself if you interrupt- practice active listening.

3. Learn to mingle with everyone and realize that relationships develop naturally. But, if two people do not fit together due to personality clashes, that is okay too.

4. Never allow yourself to get too sucked into networking where it suddenly takes the place of real friends and real human interaction.

5. Learn to not take things too personally and see yourself as valuable, even if others may not see it. You need to see it in yourself and that is the most important thing.

6. Practice moderation with all that you do. Begin with small things and suddenly, you’ll find that the big things aren’t so big at all. You may find more balance in your life this way.

7. When you are faced with a personality that really rubs you the wrong way, ask yourself why and find a way to make peace with who they are and then let the conflict go.

8. Remember all of the times you didn’t feel so acquired. Recall a time in your life where you felt confident, smooth, alive, and sure of yourself and your future. Then, practice placing yourself back in that emotional state, especially during moments where you feel unsure about things.

9. Never allow people or events in your life to effect you so much that it ruins your chances of success. Be the winner and succeed by not giving in to negative distractions. This means, that if you have to block it all out- do so and focus on your own journey.

10. Always try to eat right and get enough rest. You’ll find that when you don’t sleep that much, your tendency to say the wrong things are that much easier.

These are things I am still trying to master and will hopefully become better at over this next year. Because, networking is key and the ability to understand various personalities different than our own can make current or future projects easier to work on and allow for a more socially mature self.

Media, Technology and A.D.D.

If we look back 10 years ago, we’ll recognize that attention deficit used to be primarily an adolescent disorder. This disorder focused primarily on children as young as 5 years old, to those in their late teens. Yet, it was mostly parents with elementary school kids that reported to have the most problems.

Ritalin used to be the drug that was pumped into kids, now this medication has evolved into newer psychotropic medication such as Concerta, Dexadrine, Desoxyn, Vyvanse and more not listed here. Today, attention deficit disorder is on the rise with a whopping 4.4 million children ranging in ages from 4 to 17 have A.D.D. and at least 4 percent of adults now struggle with attention deficit. 

With such high percentages of those suffering from the illness that distracts so many children and adults, one must ask if perhaps this lack of focus stems from more than a chemical imbalance. Living in this technological age where the media is blamed for sensationalizing the news into soap-opera reality-tv; new methods of marketing media, connecting via social networking, and watching films can all be done via our smart phones.

The internet explosion and constant evolution of technology allows our mobile phones, laptops, and computers to be a virtual explorative world at our fingertips.  Today, we can check our e-mails, facebook account, twitter a message, write a short blog, log in to our bank accounts, and surf the internet all from our phones. Beyond simple texting and making a phone call- our phones are mini-laptops able to do just about anything. No wonder, we cannot stay focused? Distraction and cell phones has gotten so bad, that new laws had to make it illegal to call or text anyone while driving because people have actually gotten killed by a driver texting or making a phone call.

Technology has been the driving force to new media forming into an ambiguous amalgamation of computer technology, internet, and web-based video distribution. In the past only those with a hefty amount of money could distribute films and videos. The cost of making films, color correcting, and flat bed editing- was expensive. Now in the new digital age, almost anyone can purchase a digital camera which most come in High Definition and shoot films. Most people equally have their own computers and access to editing software. The rise of filmmakers using DSLR camera’s has become an even more cost effective approach to making films. The quality of filmmaking, media and marketing distribution has become so compact, that the ability to view media is accessible through almost any smart phone or laptop.

10 years ago, we used to value real human contact. We used to really pay attention to what people say and listen intently. Today, it is near to impossible to have a conversation with a fellow human, distracted by the technological world engulfing them. While technology has made it so that we connect to more people, communicate, market ourselves, distribute our own videos, publish our own articles via blogs or websites. Technology has made newspapers obsolete and the news streaming live through the web faster than some television stations can air it. Today, the rise of reality television has influenced how we present news to an audience who are used to sensationalism. In this technological world of wonderful opportunities for growth, and new entrepreneurs, we ought to embrace new ways we deliver and create media with moderation and balance.

Sewing Good

As a frequent traveler, I visited and lived in various places around the United States and have lived Internationally as well.

Lived (In Order:)

Dallas, Texas

Madrid, Spain

Alamagordo, New Mexico

Las Vegas, Nevada

Southern California

   Orange County

     *Costa Mesa * Santa Ana * Garden Grove * Fountain Valley * Huntington Beach

   Los Angeles County

     * Manhattan Beach * Long Beach * Los Angeles

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Richmond, Virginia

Upstate, New York

* Watertown * Syracuse

I have traveled across the country and have not explored as much of Europe as I would like, but I have explored our great nation. I have lived in beautiful sunny California and have lived in blizzards and black icy roads of Colorado. In my times of insane weather conditions, I have realized that people can react in only 2 ways. One can either shiver, grumble that it is too cold or one can bundle up and go skiing or snow boarding. If it is raining, one can either decide to let the rain soak up ones clothes or choose to get a rain jacket, umbrella and get out there and get the job done anyway. This may seem simple enough, but not often do we appreciate what traveling teaches us. In my travels, I have learned to see diversity in people, places, and things as a time to be creative. Uniqueness and change has taught me to think "outside of the box" especially when I have been used to doing things just one way.

Meeting a wide variety of people, has opened up my attention to the characteristics of genuine kindness in people as characteristics to be valued. After having lived just a short while in Watertown, New York I now prepare to move again to Syracuse for Graduate school. I have seen random acts of kindness that has made my short stay in New York meaningful. Meaningful things come in small, but heart-felt packages such as a "Welcome" gift of purple Hydrangea's from my kind elderly neighbors, both of whom are retired educators. They welcomed me to Watertown, New York the way people used to be welcomed in their community with a kind smile, a knock on the door and a gift of flowers or a baked apple pie. This type of kindness is not unusual, but in today's world where an individual's personal boundary places up walls, fear often causes most people to brace themselves from intimacy and connecting with their community. It is in the members of the Syracuse community and University life that left me feeling embraced as well, leaving me with a deep sense of thankfulness.

Where ever one may travel, in any weather and in any language or culture- there is only one thing we can control and that is our own attitude. We can only control ourselves and our own behavior and carve out our own road based upon how far we want to go, how far we want to reach. A good attitude leads to all good things, not just success in careers. Personal and intimate rewards can come from acts of kindness, the sewing of good deeds: putting a smile on someone's face, listening instead speaking, hugging instead of judging, and having a sense of humor instead of taking yourself too seriously. Yes, it must be true that you reap what you sew. Attitude is everything in all situations, that is all you can do is try and do your best in all circumstances.

Conspiracy Theories Vs. Truth

On Sunday, May 2011 our Special Forces team took on the dangerous mission of entering in to the darkness and risking their lives to ensure that one of the most dangerous terrorist living would finally be taken down. After 9.5 years of searching and in a bi-partisan search by both a Republican President and Democrat, Osama Bin Laden was shot in the head. Blood stained photos of the raided compound spread on all the news channels, as quickly as the news that was announced first on Fox news and then caught on to other news stations in lightning speed. It seems as if our military, members of the intelligence community that risked their lives and all the sacrifice was glazed over by people wanting proof of Osama Bin Laden's death?

White House press secretary Jay Carney did a solid job communicating President Obama and those specifically concerned with national security- unanimous decision to not release photos confirming the death of Osama Bin Laden. White House press secretary Jay Carney remained calm, answering detailed questions that continued to sound rather repetitive. Retired Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt, stated on CNN that President Obama's decision to not parade the photos of a dead Bin Laden is the best decision. Being that there is capability of having these photos spread out viral on the internet, it is possible that it could create more security risks with the middle east. Pakistan is already a high threat having steadily expanded its nuclear arsenal.

Back in February of this year, the New York Times and news sources reporting from the UK (The Daily Mail) stated that Pakistan could have as much as 110 nuclear weapons overtaking Britain as the fifth world's largest nuclear power. With the threat of extremists still not completely dissolved, even after the death of Bin Laden, retired Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt echoed what President Obama and the administration stated. Due to the sensitivity of our relationship with Pakistan, the threat that extremists could get their hands on a photo that could float around, and that a floating picture of a dead Osama Bin Laden could lead to more negative consequences. There are already conspiracy theorists starting to spread stories disbelieving the existence of Bin Laden let alone the death of him; they want proof of the infamous and now deceased terrorist.

I know there are many who believe that 9/11 was an "inside" job and that there was never a real terrorist threat. I know from personal knowledge, having close ties to our military that these terrorist do exist and they are still a threat. Pakistan has access to nuclear weapons and currently poses a threat. This is a fact. There were facts about 9/11 and actual proof of these terrorists, their plot and attack on U.S. soil still is questioned today. Personally, I am open minded but I do not believe in these conspiracy theories. I think they stand to divide this country even more and cloud the truth. I know by personal military sources and those that have fought against these terrorists and saw with their own eyes just how dangerous these extremists can be, what most conspiracy theorist wouldn't understand unless they have actually been in battle with them. I challenge the lawyers and conspiracy theorists challenging the President's very smart decision to not parade these photos around, to speak to our military.

Those that have served in our country and have been bombed, attacked, and killed by extremists. Ask them if these terrorists really pose a threat. It is interesting how, no matter how great or a historical moment we witness that there are still people out there that will never be satisfied. Every situation and every President can be scrutinized and people who are not in the situation can easily say what should have happened or what they would have done. The fact that since 9/11 the Iraq and Afghanistan wars cost the U.S. over $2.5 trillion causes lots of justified anger and frustration. This is not a right or left issue. Regardless of your politics and moral views, we should focus on the reality that we did not choose war. Regardless of what conspiracy theorists believe about 9/11, most conspiracy theorists are not military experts nor are they experts of intelligence, international affairs, or national security.

Perhaps some have valid knowledge that would somehow prove that their theory is correct. There is much more proof however, that on 9/11 we indeed were attacked, that the war happened to US. Since, the way we fly and our airport security have changed the way they do things. Since, 9/11 we were in Iraq and Afghanistan. We can argue why we were in Iraq. We can blame Bush and continue to debate why we were sent in to Iraq verses taking another course of action. We can get angry at Obama and theorize that this was all a "political stunt." But, if 110 nuclear weapons in Pakistan doesn't cause you to worry, then you need to speak to the families that lost loved ones on 9/11. You should ask yourself how you would feel if we were attacked today and if you lost your loved ones. Now, is not time to be arrogant and start spouting out the view that you are safe and the United States is fine.

There are too many people that are protesting and arguing about war and questioning whether or not we need to remain in Afghanistan, many of those that protest or speak up are not at all military experts, logisticians, or war strategists. I am more apt to listen to someone like retired Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt who over Skype today on CNN stated that President Obama did the absolute right thing to not spread pictures around because of the security threat of such an act. When asked if we should get out of Afghanistan retired General Mark Kimmitt stated that time is not the issue nor should time be the concern with regards to when the United States ought to extract from Afghanistan.

The reality is- we are there now and now that we are, so as long as there is a threat to our national security we should remain there and leave under the right conditions. Since 9/11, yes the war cost 2.5 trillion dollars, however, because of our military forces protecting our country- we have not been attacked since. I am sure that the extremists would and could attack us if they had the opportunity, with 110 nuclear weapons in Pakistan and the fact that our relationship with them is currently rocky. Another attack on U.S. soil is NOT impossible. Those of our military forces that have witnessed and seen with their own eyes the real danger and the real cruel and ruthless acts done by these extremists, would never question or doubt whether or not terrorist exist or pose a threat. Most of our military forces who lost their lives and those that have witnessed the danger of such terrorist acts, would laugh at all of these crazy conspiracy theories or those that presume that the United States is invincible.

We are not invincible, we can still be attacked again and without tact, the United States national security team, intelligence and military- we could. So, unless you are a military strategist, an expert on national security- one shouldn't just assume we just pull out of Afghanistan tomorrow without understanding the ramifications of such talk. This is not a partisan issue, such as this pressure to release the photos. This is not necessary, as President Obama said that the death of Osama Bin Laden is not something we need to use as a trophy. Even if the pictures are not used as a means to boast or parade around, the release of such photos are still a huge security risk. We are stepping carefully with regards to Pakistan, after killing Bin Laden.

Now is not the time to test our relationship with Pakistan or create more security risks on any level. President Obama is concerned with national security, as we all should be. We can not afford another 9/11.