the Look Machine -- living the dream

New Site Launched

2005-09-12T21:05:00.000-04:00

Well, we're moving. Welcome to the last post on this version of the Look Machine weblog. Lots of memories here. Good times. And some bad ones. And even some strange ones too. I think we've all learned alot here.

Check it out now !

Brace Yourselves

2005-09-09T15:09:00.000-04:00

You will soon see that the Look Machine is alive and kicking, perhaps harder than ever before. Collin (and Jason?) have been designing an awesome new site. It will be up soon, and you will love it. We also did a photo shoot with Brett Weber the other day. He is a very talented photographer with a real eye for compisition and the know how to make it happen. He got some great shots of us that we will be using some time soon.

Our Demo is almost ready! We were going to finish it tonight, but had to postpone due to computer problems. However, it will be worth the wait. We're also practicing hard and writing a lot of new (heavier) music. I can't wait to be playing shows!

Inspirational Posters

2005-09-08T17:07:00.000-04:00

You know those inspirational posters they have in gyms and principals' offices? I always think they are so funny. Some genius put these spoofs together. Amazing.

TRUE STORY about Ian

2005-09-07T13:48:00.000-04:00

So the other day Ian was travelling through the countryside with a Hindu Priest and a Rabbi, as he often does. But a horrible windstorm kicked up and they needed to find shelter. They happened upon a farmer, who said they were welcome to wait out the storm at his place.

One catch, there was only room enough for 2 in his house, so one of them had to sleep in the barn.

The Hindu Priest, being a kind man, said he would gladly sleep in the barn. But, after about 10 minutes, a knock came at the farmhouse door.

The Priest said there was a cow in the barn, and since he considered cows sacred, he could not in good conscience sleep there.

The Rabbi said, "Fine, I will sleep there so you can stay in the farmhouse."

But a couple of minutes later another knock came at the front door. Sure, enough it was the Rabbi.

"There is a pig in that barn, and it would not be kosher for me to sleep beside it."

Ian recognized what he needed to do. He offered to sleep in the barn so that the others could stay in the house. And he headed out to the barn.

A couple of minutes went by. Then there sounded a KNOCK KNOCK on the front door. The farmer opened the door. . .

Standing there were the cow and the pig.

Who is this dude?

2005-09-07T13:10:00.000-04:00

And what is he doing on our weblog?

I Am A Youngin

2005-09-06T22:28:00.000-04:00

Here is an ingenious (I even spelled that word right on the first try I think...) post I invented.
Well. School started today.
This is how my year looks like it is going to be. (I am ripping my own brain out in this picture.)

Hmmm...

Very Expensive Gas

2005-09-04T22:52:00.000-04:00

Today I had to fill up both of my cars. I spent $117.00 on gas. That is pretty amazing to me. I know that I am going to sound like an old man right now, but I remember when I started driving and gas was $.89 per gallon. I paid $3.50 per gallon today. That is a lot of money when you get right down to it.

Everyone may hate me for saying this, but part of me is really glad that gas prices are going up so much. We don't pay nearly enough for gas in America. In other countries, gas can easily cost over $8.00 per gallon. When per capita income is taken into consideration, it is not uncommon for people to pay 30 times as much as we do for gas!!! Because gas has been so inexpensive fo so long, there has not been much of a felt need for fuel efficient cars or alternative energy sources. I am hoping that the dramatic rise in prices will spur public support and funding for research in those areas. It is a dream of mine to live in a world where we don't use fossil fuels and we don't pollute the air.

The dream of being completely fossil fuel-free is a distant hope. In the short term there are things that could happen that would make a positive difference. I would love to see an increase in carpooling and public transportation. As prices have climbed recently, Lindsay, Ian and I have all re-arranged our schedules a bit so that we can ride together to Newark a few days per week. Each of us has made a small 1/2 hour change in our schedules and we have gone from driving 3 cars to driving 1. Because one of those cars is my truck, we have cut our gas consumption to 1/4 on the days we share rides. I hope to see more people make this shift. It is really easy and it is totally worth it. Your wallet will love you and the environment will thank you.

Backcountry Camping in Banff and Jasper National Parks

2005-09-02T17:19:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone,

I know it has been a really long time since I posted on here. I have been really, busy woth a lot of awesome things. I have a lot of pictures and a lot of stories that I will post in the near future. Here is just a preview.

These pictures were from my vacation. Lindsay and I went backcountry camping in Banff and Jasper National Parks. It was one of the most amazing trips I have ever taken. See for yourself.

The power of the weblog

2005-09-01T22:10:00.000-04:00

The internet opens many new opportunities for people. One in particular that I find amazing is the ability for the individual to warn the masses about unacceptable behavior. I know that if a business treats me badly, I can write a post about it and people will read it and know that they better beware. For instance, search for the apartment complex in LA where I stayed – "515 Kelton Towers" and in the 4th hit you'll find that it has a major garbage problem, courtesy for me. If you want to know about Swinging Beds, you'll find Ian's description of his project on the first page of google hits. Curious about "Oliver the Humanzee," well you'll find my frustration with the Animal Planet doc on the first page too.

I say this only to bring up the fact that – just because I have a weblog – I have the power to contribute to a pretty bad online reputation for a company. In fact, earlier this year an online mortgage company did a very nasty thing to me. When I sat down at the settlement table, they added $850 in fees that were undisclosed prior to then! I couldn't believe it.

Nothing that I said afterwards would cause them to waive that accursed fee. I went back and forth with them for 3 weeks. Each level of management told me "that was the way it was," and "they were allowed to do it." My real estate lawyer said they did it because they knew it would cost way more than $850 in court to force them to pay, so they were basically untouchable.

That is. . . until I said, "You know what, if you don't reverse this, I'm going to have to post about this awful experience on my weblog." I told them to look up a couple of phrases that I gave them and see how highly this weblog ranked in the google search engine. I told them to imagine people looking up their company and finding an accurate description of my experience with them as one of the first hits.

They refunded the money in full, that day.

Wow.

Check in

2005-09-01T16:46:00.000-04:00

Quick question for you all. Broadband or dial-up? Trying to figure out how lean we have to make the new site.

Exciting Update

2005-09-01T00:46:00.000-04:00

We had our first practice in some time tonight and really made the best of it, it was a blast. We ripped through a large number of songs, even working on 2 new ones. What a great time. Nice to be in a room making music again.

A web redesign is on its way. Today Collin and I started putting together thelookmachine.com version 2, and I have to say it's going to be beautiful, blowing away what is currently here.

And there is more exciting news to report. We've been putting the finishing touches on a new site for boysetsfire – one that, we have to say, completely rules this world and shall dominate all other websites until they are its slave – and the owner of the recording studio where they're working on their new album really likes it. He wants us to do a site for him. And he offered that perhaps he could barter hours – we get recording time in exchange for a new website for him. Now we have a partner who's not in the band, so we have to work things out with him. . . but this could mean that we'll pump our ep up to a full length and record a full-fledged 12 song album sometime in the near future. Now that would be very cool, I think.

I miss Chris Farley

2005-08-31T09:29:00.000-04:00

Chris, why why why? It makes me so sad.

The ugliest dog in the world

2005-08-29T19:13:00.000-04:00

That is a real dog. Not made up by some creature technician in Hollywood. Can you believe it? You can read his and his owner's weblog.

wow

2005-08-29T16:48:00.000-04:00

i was just drumming. a florescent lightbulb fell on my drumset and myself and exploded. that was surprising/painful. My drums are a mess now. It was our black light. (48") Dangit.

Be on your guard

2005-08-27T12:58:00.000-04:00

Best to not let your defenses down, even when things seem safe.

The Saga of TO and McNabb: Are we being played?

2005-08-27T12:34:00.000-04:00

I've been forming a theory after seeing the obvious on field chemistry between Donovan McNabb and TO last night. It's just a thought, but I'll share it.

Here is the evidence:
a.) Clearly they are "on the same page" when it matters.
b.) There is no real attempt to sabotage the others success. TO isn't slowly running towards the ball so McNabb is tagged with an interception. Nor is McNabb freezing out TO - he's still his first option. If they wanted to "send a message" pre-season would be a safe time to do this.
c.) Both McNabb and TO have a flair for the dramatic. McNabb has said his dream growing up other than football was being an actor. And TO is TO.
d.) They have pretended to fight in the past, the week after the Steelers game when they really did have a tense moment, on Monday Night Football.

OK, so considering all of these things, here is my thought. What if McNabb and TO are fabricating "the ongoing feud" but actually they have worked things out behind the scenes? It is possible. And you have to admit. . . it wouldn't be such a bad idea. The coverage of "the feud" has taken all the pressure off the rest of the team. There is no intense media scrutiny of bad coaching in the Super Bowl, no stories about how difficult it will be to get back and win, no questioning of the team at all really.

All the newspaper space is dedicated to "the feud." And if the strain between QB and WR is really a ruse, then there is no pressure on this team, and they can play loose and easy with a smile on their faces.

And it's also so compelling, this idea of people who normally hate each other but in times of battle band together to serve the greater good. Think about it, if they continue to "hate" each other, yet win a Super Bowl despite the bad blood, that is a storyline for the ages, the stuff of legend. Everyone will always remember McNabb and TO, the two good soldier who developed on-field chemistry despite their clear animosity.

So I'm not saying that it is all made up, but I would say. . . I guess I wouldn't be surprised if it were. And honestly, I'd be impressed, because it's a pretty savvy act if that's what they are doing.

In conclusion, I would just like to say, "Go Eagles."

First Draft Completed

2005-08-27T01:46:00.000-04:00

You will all be thrilled to know that as of 1.47 AM EST I have finished my first draft of (working title): The Black Death. Weighing in at 106 pages, I think it's pretty good, but I better read through it to make sure.

What Band?

2005-08-25T23:30:00.000-04:00

Okay, time for a post related to the Look Machine. I often forget that this blog is the band's. usually the topics on here have nothing to do with TLM,, and rarely even music.

Well, here is one about us.

I think that we are all back from our trips to various places around the world. We are going to have a band meeting at the Iron Skillet at [Information deleted not to protect privacy, but because I have forgotten]. We will mostly eat and talk about the band a little bit. You see, the swarms of adoring fans would swarm all the Iron Skillets around if we posted the time of the meeting.

That's all for now.

hello.

2005-08-22T01:05:00.000-04:00

hi
i am home now.

do you guys know what i was doing all summer, or should i explain it on here? here is a brief explanation of the dilly. I was on a trip with YWAM to Thailand. I was in a band. We played lots of concerts and worship services and lots of people got 'saved'. If that is not thorough enough for anyone, I can explain it in more detail.

I will put up pictures of the people in the band this summer.

well, here is Ian Howarth (that basest)

Here is April Davenny (lead singer)

Sarah Hale (singer)

Angela Weadon (Horn Player)

Kenneth Bonner (Guitar Maniac)

oh, me too.

That's all for now -- stories later if desired.

More about "the Vine"

2005-08-21T10:55:00.000-04:00

It would be nice if you wanted to subscribe and help out an independant publisher working out of her house.

Hey Jason,
I Love! Love! Love! the song you sent. Man I sure wish you guys
lived out here so I could get you on video. If you have any still
shots like the ones on your website I could do my best at
incorporating them in. It's going to be a challenge to make this
work but I love a challenge. I will need at least one still shot of
each of you with your names so I can tell who's who. Also who plays
what on the song and who sings what. And who wrote it.
I'm going to send you each a copy of the mag. and I'll put just
your part on a disc. for you also.
Just curious, how did you come up with your name?

The Vine, A Video Mag

2005-08-20T16:53:00.000-04:00

We have been invited to have one of our songs featured in a "Video Mag for Christian Girls" called "The Vine."

Hi guys,
I'm looking for original music to put in my "Video Mag" for Christian teen girls. The first one will be coming out Oct. 1st. of this year. I have a small print mag. but want to go into digital format.
I can't pay you. It would be good exposure for you though. If you were here in Oregon I could make a Video of you.
I would love to use music clips and video of you guys.
Let me know what you think.
Yours in Christ,
Mary Wheeler
Editor
THE VINE

Pg 69

2005-08-13T00:51:00.000-04:00

I just wanted everyone to know that I'm only about 30 pages from finishing my screenplay.

I'm sorry, Snakeman. . . toot toot. . .

In other news, I returned to a home with a flooded basement (broken pipes), a dead lawnmower (drained battery), spotty cable (stupid comcast), and Jurassic Park in the backyard (my fault for not hiring a lawn service while I was gone). In fact, we have a bird feeder and the birds apparently dropped some food because we now have corn growing in our yard. Well, at least we'll not starve.

Should I be offended?

2005-08-11T22:29:00.000-04:00

I received this email today:

Subject: FW: Please Read: Today is your day!

Today is the international day for the mentally
disabled. Please send an encouraging message
to a mentally retarded friend--as I have just
done for you. Just thought I'd let your retarded
ass know I don't mind being friends with you. I
don't care if you lick windows or even if you
wear a football helmet to work. It doesn't bother
me that you wear your underwear on the outside
of your pants. All I ask is that when we go to the
club, you drive so we can park up front. You hang on
in there because you are doing great! You are special,
so keep trying! Have a great day!
--Your friend Always

Jim

Leaving LA

2005-08-08T02:23:00.000-04:00

My time here is coming to an end, we're flying home on Tuesday. I'm really going to miss it out here. You can't tire of the weather, nor all of the wonderful places to visit. And there is just something dramatic about seeing beautiful mountains and the ocean everyday.

In terms of the school itself, it was completely worth it, perhaps even bordering on a smashing success.

My TA said that by far my script was the best in the class, very smart and compelling and imaginative. He encouraged me to hurry up and finish it because he would help me refine it, then pass it onto Professor Walter and his manager. Of course, both of these prospects are incredible. Professor Walter gets paid tens of thousands of dollars to read scripts and punch them up for the studios – he does not read his students scripts, only the 1 or 2 that are the best in the class – and finding an agent or manager is the first step towards having a legitimate Hollywood career.

So now I'm killing myself to finish this thing. I've done 55 pages, and I'm pretty excited about where it is now. When I'm cruising, I write maybe a page an hour. And I already know where the story is going. It's more like sculpting that writing sometimes. Putting words on paper, deleting them, reforming them, testing them and discarding them or keeping them. Reading through what you did the day before and running them through the filter again. And then making sure that the world you're creating sticks together. Are the characters actions consistent, are there logical gaps in the story, are there holes in the plot? Then you find a place where the answer is no and have to work to fix that up.

Realistically though, even if it's awesome (and I do think it's getting there), it probably won't get made. That's just the probabilities. Most screenplays written never get sold. Most that are sold are never greenlit. Most greenlit are never filmed. Many that are filmed are not completed. And many that are completed never get released, or receive no marketing or promotional push when they do.

But at the same time, I can dream. And so far things do seem to falling into place. At the very least, I'm inspired to write.

In my experimental film class, the instructor requested that I give her a copy of my final film, because she thought it was "incredible what I accomplished in just 6 weeks," and that my film was so "ambitious in its subject matter, worked on so many levels, and elicited such an emotional response" that she wanted to show it as inspiration to future classes. So yeah, I left her a copy. And of course I appreciate her comments as well.

And finally, the cinematography class was incredibly well taught. If anyone ever has the chance to take Bill McDonald's class 150 at UCLA, do it. I'm still amazed at the breadth of subjects he taught in 6 weeks. With the knowledge I have, I'm now completely confident to go home, rent film gear and shot a picture!

I miss all the folks at home, and having a proper home too. Our garbage chute is clogged right now, so now 3 stories of garbage are piled up and no one can get rid of any garbage anymore. 515 Kelton Towers, I will not miss you, really.

Next time I visit, I'm living in the Palisades!

I'm just a fan like everyone else!

2005-08-03T12:41:00.000-04:00

A while ago, I posted about my great appreciate for Judge Mathis.

I suppose, in some people's eyes, my eloquent tribute has made me some kind of expert in the world of Mathis. Because today I received this email.

I, Debra Hankerson would like an address so i may forward a letter to Judge Mathis. It is regarding a legal situation. I wrote the letter sometime ago.

I got an address from WB, but the letter was returned to me.

Please forward the address to Seriouswoman37@optonline.net

Thank You
Debra Hankerson

I had to break the news to her that despite my high standing in the Judge Mathis Rox Fan Club, I didn't know his address.