RuinedIphone.com

I saw this site while browsing Gizmodo today. It is a site with an open letter to Apple CEO Steve Jobs regarding the catastrophic prices set forth by Rogers for the upcoming iPhone 3G release. The prices are unbelievably high, the lowest plan is a whopping $60 CAD a month for a mere 150 weekday minutes, and only 400mb data cap! Now, I know web browsing on a phone isn't too intense, but if you're anything like me, you're using AT LEAST 2GB a day on the home internet! I think what people were looking forward to was a respectively priced unlimited data plan, however Rogers/Fido thought different!

I like www.ruinediphone.com because it shows the initiative and persistence of the people fighting for the better. Personally, I think that this was the best approach. Steve has likely taken a look at his letter by now and realized that 14,000 angry Canadians aren't to be messed with. Something is sure to come about from this. Look out Rogers.

Me? I'm in no rush to get the iPhone. I'm quite comfortable with my Telus HTC s720, it's got all I need. However I really feel kinda bad for all the people who were hoping to get the iPhone, now stranded. So I'm helping spread the word. Go check out www.ruinediphone.com and sign the petition, and let's see how far this gets!

Wordle!

I found this awesome online app (with the help of chris pirillo) Where you insert a bunch of text, and using java, it makes a scramble of all the commonly used words in that text! It's a really artsy-fartsy approach to word art, and it's really easy to do. I tried out the song No Longer, by The Kooks, it's one of my favourites. I also did one for EHDT Studios. Check em out below.

P.S. If you want to make your own, hit up www.wordle.net

China Gear: The Moleskine

Moleskine Pocket Notebook

Moleskine notebooks have become more and more popular over the years, forming somewhat of a 'cult.' I joined that group the other day when I picked up my first Moleskine from Indigo for $15.49. The reason I got the Moleskine is to record all the import notes about my trip this summer. I also have recorded all the important details like phone numbers, flight info, and emails. The thing I like about the Moleskine is that it sort of becomes a part of you. From what I've seen, they are great for filling up with transit stickers, tickets, receipts. And that goes along great with your notes about what you did, where you stayed, and what you ate. 

The Moleskine is available in many different sizes, paper types, and finishes. One that I really like is their City Notebook series. They are like a personalized travel guide with spots to put all of the stuff I spoke about earlier. There is a Beijing notebook coming out around mid July. I'd order it, but I fear it might not get here in time.

As you can see, I've already customized mine by drawing the enjoi panda inside :D I'll keep you updated on how things progress inside my Moleskine.

Till then, enjoy some more reviews coming soon!

China Gear: PeliCase Review

Pelican Products 1010/i MicroCase

Let me start by saying that these cases are AMAZING! They are shockproof, waterproof, and dustproof cases designed to hold your expensive equipment. These cases are rock solid, Pelican even claims that if you can break their product, they'll give you a new one, free of charge! With that kind of guarantee, these things must be indestructible! I purchased the 1o1oi about a year ago at the Apple store for about 40 dollars (price has gone down). This case has a molded insert that is custom the most iPods (fits 5g video perfect) It also has an external stereo jack so you can listen to your music outside of the case. However it's not intended for submersion of swimming. 

The second case (yellow) is a plain Pelican 1010 micro case. I use this to store my Sony DSC-N1 camera. It was purchased at Mountain Equipment Co-op for $12.50. Instead of a headphone jack, this case has the patented purge valve that makes it possible to open the case at high altitudes by allowing air to transfer freely, but not water. 

I chose these cases for my two most used electronics while traveling. They will make great companions while in China because I won't have to worry about damaging them if I drop my bag. They'll be safe in there!

Overall, I would recommend the cases to anyone wanting to protect their investments while traveling. They are a bit bulky, but you can't beat the durability. 

I am planning on purchasing the larger sized 1120 case for my camcorder, as it comes with customizable foam inserts!

Check back for more reviews soon!

Exam Season

Yes, I was THAT fed up with studying that I made a video. This is just something I made while my camera was out. No biggie.
The video basically shows how studying SUCKS, and we all procrastinate, but eventually we get it done. I talked to about 10 people and they all said this is exactly what they go through when trying to study :P

Enjoy!

fifty thousand shirts.com

I was browsing the web the other day and came across a really great website. it's called fiftythousandshirts.com
This organization is looking to sell 50,000 t-shirts and raise $1,000,000 towards the relief effort is Sichuan China.

Right now they are looking for reservations before their online store opens up. I've got mine reserved, if you check out their wall you'll see my name at # 574

The shirts look really great, can't wait to get my hands on one. If you're interested, go over and take a look, it's a nice website with a great cause!

Stickers!

Sebai, Kurani, and I have agreed to order about 250 EHDT stickers!

They are going to be high quality outdoor vinyl stickers with the black on white monkey design!

Se image;



They stickers will be available sometime next month, so if you see me, ask.

Just thought I'd do a little contest thingy here. Just to see if anyone REALLY reads our blog. The first 5 people who email me at evanatorx@gmail.com on Monday 23rd will get three stickers mailed to them! (North America only please)
So hopefully I get some emails, and somebody gets some stickers. They are going to be a perfect size for laptops, bikes, school stuff, cars, and whatnot!

Check back soon for more info on stickers!

Canadian Scientists Develop First Triple Human Clone!

I tried out the infamous cloning technique today. This took several tries and i still didn't get it perfect. The background here is a bit choppy because I used variable bit-rate by mistake. Also, there are a few parts where the mask screwed up.

Overall using masks in Vegas is pretty easy. I basically consists of plotting out a mask with a polygonal type pen tool, then just layering everything.

A few tips;

-Set up grids and shoot with a partner. Have your partner observe the grids on your camcorder LCD to ensure you don't cross a masking boundary.
-Shoot outside, or in an area with balanced lighting so that there are no long shadows that interfere with boundaries.
-Keep it simple. Nobody likes a show-off. And it will save you some headaches.
-Instead of straight lines, try using masks that conform to the subject.
-enjoy

Fun With Comic Life

Just played around with Comic Life a little while ago when Sebai and I sat down to discus the new film. Just took the photos with my phone, "bluetoothed" them over, and put this together right there. Pretty neat no?


Click to thumbnail to see original size

Lupe Fiasco: A Comprehensive Study

Hey, here's some more school work. Did this one about a month ago for english. It is an analysis of Lupe Fiasco's song "Put You On Game"

I had fun doing this. In the time it took me to finish, I had listened to the song 77 times! I really appreciate some of the things this song has to say. Some other I am undecided. 

Once again, please don't criticize my work or opinions. Credit appropriately. 

PDF Can be downloaded Here

[Click "Download Now"(no spyware)]

Requires Adobe Reader. Download Here

Good Life Promotional Images

Hey, have some freebies. Whipped these up for the film. Use em' as your background, your display, put them on your site, your locker. Do whatever, just don't take credit.




CD Cover/ Display Photo



Desktop Background


Banner

Images seen here do not represent final images or title of the film.

Westdale Film Festival: An Update

Last week Westdale held the awards ceremony for the Westdale Film Festival. The entire senior school was invited and present. 

The films we had entered include Winter, Cooking With Moe, and Cereal Killer. We also had Opus Vivace entered by Media Arts. 

We were hoping Cereal or Cooking With Moe would win so that the school could see our favourites. Instead we won the commercial category with Opus Vivace.

I have to thank Haoxiang with the filming and production of this film. He stood outside in -4 centigrade and filmed me also freezing my ass off. Big ups to Helsinki.

I also just want to congratulate all the other winners. The short films were amazing, some great work.

Since I'm away for the better part of the summer, we're already starting production on our next film to be entered in next years festival. We are documenting Mohamed El Sebai's life. Why you ask? Well here's what my dad said "He's perfect for a documentary! He's a great actor, has an interesting life, and he's one handsome kid!" So with that, I started doing a script. To please Kurani, we are going to include some subtle "Office" type humour. Other than that, this will be a serious film.

Production should begin by next week. We'll be sitting down to discuss scripts, dates, people, and whatnot...

Here's some photos!