Ave of the Arts, Philadelphia Pa

Ave of the Arts, Philadelphia Pa from ALMFII on Vimeo.

I received the new Vado HD camera in time for Christmas. Here is some test footage of the night I received it, I am such a geek. I hope to get some great Christmas footage.

Vado HD output - SengKang Drift Meet on 6th Dec 2008

VadoHD - High Definition RC Drifting from Blackmanta7117 on Vimeo.

This drifiting competittion is filmed with the Vado HD pocket camera, check it out

Dear Santa. a change of plans I purchased the Vado HD

Dear Santa, I have a late change in a previous request. The good news is it is a cancellation, I no longer want the The Flip Mino HD . I actually decided on a Vado HD and decided to get it myself for our family Christmas ski trip.

It was a tough decision, the Vado was just recently released and clearly has superior features to The Flip Mino HD . However the video quality is said to be just a close second in quality. You can view the Vado HD's output at vimeo.com, do a search on "Vado HD".

After much debate I decided on the Vado HD for a few specific reasons.
1. The rechargeable battery is removable, the flip is not
2. The Vado HD has a recording capacity of 4 hours versus the Flip's 2 hours in HD format.
3. The Vado HD is rated superior for indoor recording by PC Mag

I am looking forward to playing with my new pocket cam and sharing the footage. It will be posted to vimeo.com and embedded here.

Damn, this is exhilarating!

As you may well be aware, I am a self admitted geek. I love my Tech-Toys, Gadgets, and SciFi. I admit to having four collector edition signed comics, still in the bag, framed and mounted on a wall in my home. I was unfamiliar with Watchmen until now; the series was published by DC Comics in 1986 and 1987.

Psychokinesis, Telepathy, and Precognition have always entertained and fascinated me. Does anyone else remember the Fury, which was years before Carrie. Anyway I digress, this movie trailer looks like they are bring their A game to the screen. Although I am a major fan of Heroes I will reserve any comparison until I see the film. Also there is a prequel in a comic book that is coming out soon, check it here at Super HeroHype.com.

Trapped In Paradise

Thai anti-government protesters shut down Bangkok's second airport on Thursday, further crippling the kingdom as tourists scrambled to leave and fears grew the crisis was deepening.

Below is an email from my oldest friend, who was also my first love, he is trapped in Thailand.

"Guest what? I'm stuck in Thailand! Yes, my sister and I were scheduled to depart today from Phuket via Bangkok and then through Taipei into LAX. Since the takeover of the airport in BKK, we've been in the south but all flights through Bangkok that had not been re-routed are cancelled. Thousands are stranded.

We're working with out travel agency's representative to get out through Malaysia on 12/3 and perhaps then onto LAX via Taipei, but so far only Malaysia destination is certain. We're safe and yes, we are stuck, albeit in paradise. We would like it to become less cloudy, but that hasn't stopped us from getting cheap Thai massages daily, fending off the sellers of every cheap trinket, or enjoying the beach.

I hope all is well with you and I hope you enjoyed the holiday and are relaxing and taking care of yourself. I will speak with you soon and I have my laptop so I am in touch and making the best of Paradise!

Love,Marc

-- "I'll admit I may have seen better days, but I'm still not to be had for the price of a cocktail, like a salted peanut."Margo Channing (Bette Davis)All About Eve - 1950"

Black Friday with "Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom" and good friends

Yesterday, on Black Friday, the much anticipated "Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom" opened at one of the Landmark theaters here in Philadelphia. I previously purchased tickets online to ensure that we could see the film opening day. Upon arrival at the 3:35 viewing I was disappointed to see that it was not sold out. I prefer to think it was because of Black Friday is indeed was the busiest shopping day of the year.

Fortunately, I decided to catch the commuter rail into Center City, Philadelphia. I was amazed at the volume of people I encountered at the train station and on board for a mid-day excursion. There were dozens of families with children, folks headed to the airport, and a several international visitors headed for a walking tour of our historic Philadelphia. The city was packed both with pedestrians and cars clogging the sidewalks and streets alike. Christmas truly is in the air, with hundreds of children headed to see the various Christmas attractions. The most popular by far still is the Wanamaker's, now Macy's, Christmas light show. It has ranked number one since my childhood in the 1960's and the only to survive that long. Our newest attraction is the dazzling display in the lobby of the the still new Comcast Center, the 10-million pixel video wall also known as the largest four-millimeter LED screen in the world, measuring 83.3ft x 25.4ft. This technological marvel runs 18 hours a day with shows beginning each hour on the hour.

I arrived at the theater approximately 45 minutes before the ticketed showtime. Bradley, my dearest friend and soul mate, was already there waiting. I picked up the reserved tickets and joined him Bradley at a seat to watch the men pass by while we played catch up. After awaiting the arrival of, Robert and PJ, I decided to head down the escalator and into the theater to secure four premium seats.

Before the escalator reached bottom I saw him. I say "him" because I am always confused for an instant as to exactly how I should address him. No, I am not being shady, upon making his acquaintance initially his name was Ricky. However when I took him to a pool party as my date he corrected me and said his name was Thomas, or was it TJ. It was at the moment of embarrassment that I heard the bell toll for him.

I reached out and grabbed his arm before he could pass. I now believe he saw me but preferred to slip away unnoticed. He glanced at my eyes and looked away smiling. I forgot how he could not hold eye contact. We exchanged pleasantries and spoke of the film, he enjoyed it and assured me that I would as well. We exchanged sincere wishes for the Holiday and embraced awkwardly.

I will not ruin the film by revealing any plot lines or character development. The film opens on a ferry to Martha's Vineyard in winter. I have always found something quite magical about the beach in winter; such a beautiful place, peaceful, serene, and displaying a hypnotic beauty.

It is at this beautiful shore in winter that our story unfolds with our usual cast of suspects. I quickly suspended all reality and settled in to be entertained. There is more than enough drama for your nerves, campy lines, and some truly surprising developments. One moment in particular was a kiss, but not just any kiss. It was a moment when the audience gasped and leaned forward in our collective seats.

Personally, my continued discomfort with the Baby Gat character remains. He has never worked for me, I have always felt he was woefully miscast. Even with my suspended reality he seems like a caricature out of place.

Several years ago, during the Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Bradley and I had the pleasure to meet Patrik-Ian Polk, Jensen Atwood, and Rodney Chester. This was well before the LOGO broadcast deal was finalized , Polk then was planning on releasing the show through mail order by DVD. One of the topics that he spoke on was piracy and supporting what he and the cast were attempting to accomplish. After a screening and Q&A session, we met with the director and cast members. Since that moment I developed a sense of admiration for them. my brothers who pursued a dream in spite of the many obstacles they faced.

After the film I met with my own cast of characters over cocktails. We caught up on the holidays, laughed and embraced. We deconstructed Noah's Arc, Quantum of Solace and Twilight. We shared and were distressed to learn of one of our own recent diagnosis with prostate cancer. It was at that moment time seemed to stand still and I realized the beauty of our friendship and camaraderie. We did not cry but instead we hugged and made plans for our next get together in two weeks.

Dear Santa, I have totally flipped for The Flip

My Vote was 1 in 66,316,572

I actually recorded my vote on my BlackBerry. No, I wasn't being paranoid, LOL, just capturing the moment.

“Joan Miró: Painting and Anti-Painting 1927-1937” at the Museum of Modern Art

Cool New BlackBerry 8320 Theme

I just installed a new theme on my Blackberry 8320 Curve (OS v4.5.x.x). It is my favorite so far, very sleek and minimalistic. Here is a link to the download, it is Aqua Theme.

I can find happiness in the littlest things!

U.S. Takes to Air to Hit Militants Inside Pakistan

According to American and Pakistani officials, attacks by remotely piloted Predator aircraft have increased sharply in frequency and scope in the past three months.

The decision to focus on an intensified Predator campaign using Hellfire missiles appears to reflect desperate measures on the part of the White House for striking a blow against Al Qaeda in the Bush administration's last days in office.

Through Sunday, October 26th, there were at least 18 Predator strikes since the beginning of August, some deep inside Pakistan's tribal areas, compared with 5 strikes during the first seven months of 2008.

At the same time, however, officials said that air strikes alone, would be unable to weaken Al Qaeda's grip in the tribal areas permanently. Advocates of ground raids have argued that only by sending Special Operations forces into Pakistan can the United States successfully capture suspected operatives and interrogate them for information about top Al Qaeda leaders.

Comcast Outage

I was laying in my sick bed watching Heroes when it happened. Until then I was coping with my laryngitis, swollen glands, blocked sinuses, and the occasional battle to bring up mucous.

But how could I be expected to survive my illness with an outage from my cable TV and Internet provider. What a cruel twist of fate this is.

Thank the heavens I have my BlackBerry curve to make it through this catastrophe of epic proportions, I missed Heroes.

Sent via BlackBerry,
ALMFII

Zoom Zoom

I fell in love with the RX-8 two years ago when I spent some time behind the wheel. I have not had as much fun driving anything since. More so than any vehicle I know the RX-8 desires you to push the tach to the redline, this a car for the seasoned driver. Now that I have a new life perhaps it is time to Zoom Zoom. Dear Santa, I checked the dealers within 75 miles and they don't have what I want, "Brilliant Black Clearcoat", however I am willing too pick up in the Pallisades.

Architectural Design - 56 Leonard in Tribeca

Unparalleled Design by Herzog & de Mueron

Artist rendering of the Lobby of 56 Leonard St in Tribeca, the Annish Kapoor sculpture anchors the stunning structure.

The innovative glass tower is most often compared to a glass "Jenga" tower.

The residences have floor to ceiling glass with spectacular views and multiple terraces.


Penthouse floor plan

Construction of the much anticipated 56 Leonard is underway in Tribeca. The collapse of the global economy left many with doubts that the project, now a hole in the ground, would move forward. Construction of the magnificent structure is a green lighted.

The Anish Kapoor sculpture is reminiscent of his, well known, Cloud Gate installion in Millennium Park, Chicago. This project is designed to be a seamless integration of Art and Architecture, 56 Leonard will be his first permanent installation in New York.

Residences are being offered by the Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group , floorplans, pricing, and photos are now available.

The National Debt Clock has run out of digits

The National Debt Clock in Times Square has run out of digits. It is no longer able to accurately reflect the massive debt incurred within the Bush administration. It will be replaced in 2009 and will be able to track debt up to a quadrillion dollars, which is a '1' followed by 15 zeros.

How tragic that we have mortgaged the future and it was not on education, rebuilding our infrastructure, health care, or fixing the medicare disaster that is looming before us. Trillions were squandered on war, massive bank deregulation leading to a bailout, tax loopholes for outsourcing, tax cuts for the wealthy, Blackwater, Haliburton, and the mismanagement of a record budget surplus.

Just to think that Americans are embracing Sarah Palin, she is a female George W. Bush. Perhaps she is not as dumb as Busch, she can read teleprompters and can memorize; she is much more dangerous considering the fiasco he is leaving behind. We can not afford to allow her near the seat of power, for I fear all will be lost. Can we not recognize a wolf in sheep's clothing, or dressed as a pit bull in lipstick. Wake up people!

Got an idea to help the world? Here's $10 million

(CNN) -- Got an idea that could change the world, or at least help a lot of people? Google wants to hear from you -- and it will pay as much as $10 million to make your idea a reality.

People are encouraged to submit their ideas, in any of 25 languages, at http://www.project10tothe100.com/index.html through October 20. Entrants must briefly describe their idea and answer six questions, including, "If your idea were to become a reality, who would benefit the most and how?"

Dear Santa,

I am in lust with the Spyder can-am, it now tops my wish list. It can best be described as a three wheel motocycle from Bombardier Recreational Products.

Aluminum never looked so Sexy

I am in love with the MacBook Pro 17 inch, 2.5GHz. Unfortunately I can't justify the expense in today's economy. I feel the need to hold onto every available ducat until the election is over.

President Bush, with his 16% approval rating, has finally awaken from his stupor. I have no faith in an economic bailout package that is created on his watch. Big business has run amok under his administration and fleeced America. Now the houses of cards are tumbling. His economic policies are directly correlated with the Wall Street fiasco. Blaming the sub prime mortgage market is simply smoke and mirrors and a means of placing fault upon the American public.

Should we be fortunate enough to elect Barack Obama I am celebrating buy purchasing this aluminum beauty on inauguration day.