Wanted-Samson

Samson has weaseled his way into the family.  He’s not perfect, but he is a funny little guy.

We took him on a bike ride today down to the local burger joint.  He got a hamburger, of course.

Here’s the video from the ride today:  Wanted-Samson

Riley, Rachel, Robyn, Randy

We have a very special guest blogger today:  Rachel Hall.

Ten years ago today, Riley, Rachel, Robyn and Randy arrived.    As part of the celebration, Rachel made a short video birthday card for her siblings.

Here it is!  Nice job, Rachel!

And here is the video of their big tenth party.

Todd Rundgren, Metropole Orchestra - Amsterdam September 2011

Todd and Tom Trapp (Arranger) Backstage After Show

While in a late-night meeting with India waiting for my part of dissuasion a couple of weeks ago, I put together one more multi cam video of the Todd Rundgren/Metropole Orchestra show I saw in Amsterdam back in September of 2011.

This video is of “Wailing Wall” and uses the audio from the Radio 6 re-broadcast of the show, synchronized with 5 YouTube videos.  Have to say the new Final Cut multi cam stuff is very nice.

Videos – In  Multiple Quality/Delivery Formats

• Wailing Wall – Broadband High
• Wailing Wall – Wifi High
• Wailing Wall – Wifi Low
• Wailing Wall – Cellular High
• Waling Wall – Cellular Low
• YouTube

Final Cut Pro & Multicams

I needed something a little more right-brained this weekend after a very hectic month at work.  I’ve been playing around with Final Cut Pro X and synchronizing audio and video just for fun.

Today I skipped the Superbowl and played around with some video.  Over the weekend, I got the radio broadcast of Todd Rundgren with The Metropole Orchestra, a show I was privileged enough to see live in Amsterdam on Sept 24, 2011 while on my way to Bangalore.   Just for fun, I pulled a couple of YouTube videos that were shot at the concert (one full clip, one partial clip), synched them up with the audio from the radio show, and did a multi-camera edit — just because I’d never done one before.  Once I wrapped my head around the FCPX approach, it was pretty straightforward, and didn’t take long at all.

It’s hard to describe the wall of orchestral sound that was coming at the audience from this 55-piece orchestra, in a venue that wasn’t huge, but if you look at some of the faces in the crowd, you’ll see it was a pretty special event.

I was surprised in viewing the final render at how much of a difference this approach makes in communicating what was happening (vs just a camera pointed at Todd).

Might have to go out and pick up another camera for my own videos .

Videos  here in various formats.  Pick your favorite!

• God Said – HD
• God Said – Standard
• God Said – Cellular

Well, the peace and quiet was bound to end sooner or later.  We came across this little guy today quite by accident while picking up fish supplies at the pet store.  The Oregon Dog Rescue was having an adoption day, and Samson needed a new home.  He’s originally from California, is roughly five years old, with only one eye.

So we’re foster-caring Samson for a week, essentially test-driving the pooch.   If, by the end of the week, it looks like he fits into this crazy house, he’ll stay,  but judging by the reaction he got when he walked in the door this afternoon, I’m guessing he’ll be with us for awhile.

We’re big believers/supporters of  the shelters,  and it’s very cool that ODR let us try him out in the family for a week before making a decision.  So far so good.

Samson

Samson

Thanksgiving 2011

Things have been a bit hectic around the house, so I’m a bit behind.

But, I have a little holiday 2-fer for you.  Part 1 is of the Thanksgiving 2011 celebration with Terri & Lloyd Phillips and the Davis clan.  We ate too much, definitely drank too much, but had a great time.

Here’s a video of the fun.  

Next up…Christmas, which is in full swing now!

Reed's 12th Birthday

Reed turned 12 this week, and we’re still in shock.  First that he’s 12, second that he survived the first twelve years….he can be a bit of a handful .  But we love him, and had fun celebrating his birthday.

Reed chose Thai for dinner, so we visited the Thai/Vietnamese fusion place down the hill.  It was purty good.

This birthday, Reed joined the cellphone generation.  We told him a couple of years ago that he could get a cellphone at 12, and we made good on that.

Here is some video of the celebration.

Here’s the video.

Banglore, July 2011

I had another trip overseas in July.  Back to Bangalore, but also included stops in Toulouse and Amsterdam.  I always have my trusty camera with me, so I collected a little video….

• H.264 video
• IPad Friendly video

Cover

Inside

Contest display

Rachel's Entry

Rumplestiltskin & Rachel

We are so proud of Rachel, and hope she keeps drawing!  Lots of fun today.