24 February, 2010

The Last Lecture: Randy Pausch



Some motivation for you...If you feel down, frustrated, or if you need a little bit of encouragement. Hmmm, these days, sounds like many of us are in need of this right? Me included. Listen to Professor "Randy Pausch's Last Lecture"

As an instructor / educator / teacher, we want nothing more than to see all of you succeed (whatever that means). Sometimes though, its hard. Life gets in the way and things knock us to the floor. We are human, we make mistakes, and sometimes despite all our good intentions, some people choose not to listen. If you take my classes, hopefully you'll never sense that its one of those bad days. Be Tigger everyday! Be positive, have fun and help one another.

I originally saw this lecture air on Oprah many years ago, and once in awhile, his messages of encouragement come back as gentle reminders for how to live the many aspects of my life. Its simple, to the point and easy to understand. Recently, this lecture and many of his points keep entering my mind, so I took it as a good sign to create this post. I hope that you too find it motivational.

Randy was a respected and renowned instructor at Carnegie Mellon who learned tragic news of his pancreatic cancer when he was also told that he only had 3 - 6 months to live. This video is a recording of his "Last Lecture" as it appeared on the Oprah Show.

After you've viewed the lecture. Be sure to check his keynote speech to the graduates of Carnegie Mellon close to the year he passed away in 2008. Thanks Randy for your words of encouragement.



16 February, 2010

Clash of the Titans: Trailer 2


This new "Clash of the Titans" trailer is tasty. Watch it first, then go back and pause your player to see new Medusa and Pegasus clips. Also, stick around till the end to see long awaited clips of the Kraken.

Enjoy!

12 February, 2010

Toy Story 3: Trailer 3



Hooray! The new Toy Story 3 trailer is up and running. To watch it, click here >>
Looks sweet! Get ready to see lots of new characters.

But guys... Barbie/"Ken" doll? (place sound of ladies cheering here). Here we go >>!



10 February, 2010

Last Airbender: Trailer 2



Not sure why this didn't show up during the Superbowl, but it is nonetheless...engaging. Thanks for the heads up Jimmy.

Logorama



Is a fast paced, well executed, animated, action short. If you are like many of us, you'll end up watching it many times, see if you can find "Your" favorite logo in the shots. Just be careful how many times you watch it, its over eleven minutes long.

The piece is highly entertaining and its a great example of how effective composition, timing (in action), editing, research and sound can be all while using simple shapes and colors. Keep the kiddies away as there some bad words in it. Nice contrast their guys.

Thanks Nae for sharing!

Fire it up and enjoy!

08 February, 2010

My Top 10 Superbowl Commercials for 2010

Let's get right to the cream. Here are my Top 10 Superbowl commercials 2010. I chose them based out on shear entertainment / giggle value... the ones I keep watching over and over again. Seriously, just watch these so you can be the educated one at the water tank at work. It'll be a great 10 minute investment of time to get you prepared for the day. Once again, the Bud Light ads score on the top of the list, and to my students, be prepared for a pop quiz in the morning.

Here we go....Let's start things off right...at number 10...


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"Asteroid" - Bud Light: Very clever, great idea and funny.



"Casual Fridays" - Careerbuilder.com: This is borderline gross! I love it.



"Sleepwalker" - Coke: Traditionally, they rank high on the list... hmm, not this year though. Of the two ads (the other starring "The Simpsons"), I like this Coke ad the best. Well executed and thoughtful. Here's to "Open Happiness".



"Honda Accord" : This made it on the list for its visual presentation, and its unique use of CG.



"Dove for Men" - Dove: Great idea. Well executed, timed right and funny. To all the Daddys out there, this commercial is spot on and dedicated to you.



"You're Not You When You're Hungry" - Snickers:



"Stranded" - Bud Light: I think this is genius. Let's see if we can keep "Lost" going, even though I got "lost" after Season 2.


"Voice Box" - Bud Light: Very reminiscent of the "Wazzap" ads from back in the day. Anyone remember how many versions they created. Superfriends anyone? Anyone? This is going to be a classic folks.



"Bridge" - Budweiser: Simple, well executed and elegant. Thanks Bud and Bud Ad Agency for making such an outstanding award winning piece. I will enjoy this for many generations to come.


So which commercials make up your Top 10 for 2010?

Thanks for reading. Open Happiness to Everyone!

Randolf

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Related Posts:
Superbowl Ads 2009.

Shaolin Pepsi

05 February, 2010

Last Airbender: Superbowl Spot



This is going to air during the Superbowl, if you can't wait, here you go. Keep an eye out for the Earth and Waterbenders. Enjoy!

04 February, 2010

Peter Zoppi


Peter Zoppi is a talented modeler and creature designer who has done work for both video games and film. His site came across our screens this week, and it made everybody pause...we wanted to get a closer look. He creates his base mesh in Maya and adds the detail using Mudbox. He's got a great command over surface detail, and a holistic understanding of anatomy that is obvious, especially in the Alien piece above.

I hope you will be inspired just as I was, be sure to check out his demo reel by clicking here >>.

Hey Pete, keep up the great work and thanks for posting. Lots of people here like your work.

Fire it up!

Randolf