The Cheater

I had an Oppurtunity to act in one of my friends videos. I didn't write this, I didn't edit this, I didn't story board this. I did apsolutly nothing except act. It was kind of fun. Its probably the most hands of video I have ever been apart of and it felt pretty good. Its a quite long winded, short, and a little hard to follow unless you really pay attention, but my friends are really getting better.

I was a little potty mouthed in this vid, but I was playing a character. Wonder what those dudes are gonna come up with next. Although I was only an actor and I did see the progress the editor has made, I still took avid notes on all the mistakes I caught, and things I would have added. But I think these litte videos are only gonna get better.

The Heist- Rated PG

What it do?

Figured I would share with you guys the last film I helped my friends make for their film class.  Be warned that the content in this film is rated PG for language, and adult content.

It's been extremely refreshing to be involved in this recent slew of short films. Good times all around. In this film I was in it as an actor, co-director, and editor.

More films to come, as a matter of fact we are filming tomorrow, for the next film.

Super List: Top 5 Drummers

This week on the Super Blogs I bring forth an offering to you in list form. The topic on the agenda for tonight is top 5 drummers. I have been a drummer for creeping up on 10 years. Unfortunately I'm probably not 10 years good due to inactivity and such but I feel qualified to discuss drumming, and can certainly justify my list.

#5 Alex Van Halen

The Lesser known of the Van Halen Bros Alex has been very influential to me. One of those in a select group of drummers whose style is so original, and is often imitated but never replicated.

From the late 70's to the mid 80's there were not many drummers in the mainstream rock world that could be compared to Alex Van Halen. As kids Eddie and Alex both started on their paths to musicianship. What many don't know is that in the beginning Alex played guitar and Eddie on the drums. At some point I think they realized something didn't quite feel right and they switched up... That switched ended up with Eddie becoming on of the best and most influential guitarists of out time, and Alex becoming a god off thunder. If you would like a source for that statement listen to the intro of Hot for Teacher and realize that the insanely fast, drum pattern you are hearing is being done with his feet, and try to tap along to it yourself

#4 Max Weinberg

You know him from Conan O'Brien, the one and only Max Weinberg, leader of the Max Weinberg 7.

Max is a Jazz style drummer that found his niche applying his signature drum style to rock music with Bruce Springsteen and the E street band. Max is extremely charismatic, hits the drums extremely hard, but makes everything seem extremely effortless. Wearing a full suit and jazz grip this guy can shred something nasty on the drums. The video to go along with Max is a drum duet he did with his son in 2009. 

#3 John Dolmayan

Never mind the fact that he is a huge comic book nerd, and has a customized drum kit with artwork on it by over 20 different comic book artists, He is also the drummer of my all time favorite band System of a down.

He is not the most technical and or intense drummer, in fact he is quite ordinary. The fact that he keeps things basic is why he makes my list. All of his beats and grooves fit the songs so well. System of a down is an Armenian Rock group that incorporates a lot of middle eastern type scales into their music. Their songs sometimes frantically change pace and dynamics. John was the first drummer I actually tried so hard to mimic his style. I learned to play just about everything he recorded. He was extremely influential on me as a drummer and for that I tip my hat to you John.

#2 John Bonham

Not much explaining is necessary hear for the seasoned classic rock fan, for those of you not in the know let me just break it down a little. John Bonham was the drummer for one of the most beloved and respected classic rock bands Led Zeppelin. 

As you can see from any live Led Zep footage you can find, the guy is bananers. He is ridiculously active and fun to watch, on top of that he created the most epic drum rolls that where so dramatic and larger than life you can't believe the fit in his alloted "fill" period. From the funky rhythmics to the massive see-through acrylic drum kit to playing with his hands, the man was a legend, and thats why he makes the list.

#1 John Blackwell

Jazz influenced Drummer who has made a name for himself playing with Prince and Justin Timberlake, John Blackwell tops my list of Best Drummers. 

John Blackwell is second to none in his level of technicality and showmanship. He is the type of guy  who adapts the theology that  we never stop learning and have limitless potential to get better. He is constantly pushing the boundaries and trying to hit the next level of greatness. He has the abilities to take the most basic beats and put the nastiest swagger on them. Watching his solos part of what makes them great is that occasionally you will catch him make a mistake. Its not carelessness its, rather him pushing the limits of his abilities right there in front of a live crowd. Gotta respect his raw talent and positive attitude...

At the Urgency of Toast Robot, and Technicator: Honorable Mentions

Neil Peart

Dave Grohl

Danny Carey

Keith Moon

Mike Portnoy

The Super Blog 2.0 (The Next Generation)

Okay Okay Okay, looks like its time to take this blog tot he next generation! I'm satisfied with the fruits of my labor in the Super Blog, but lets face it its time to transcend to the next level.

In the coming weeks hopefully I will revamp the look of the Blog, gone are the days where you can get by off of the stock backgrounds, Blogger.com provides. I will be working in collaboration with some friends of mine to create my own custom Super Blog mascot.

Also I am going to work harder on providing more intriguing and complex content. I would like to start getting more videos posted on a schedule of some kind, as well as start up my podcast. I'm thinking maybe some movie/ video game reviews, Top 10 lists, local music reviews. I'm open to opinions, Let me hear them.

It's my goal to turn the super blog into a hub of entertainment, and a way for all of you to get your voices heard.

If you are reading this and you have something that you would like to promote like a band or concert or play. Let me know and we can work together and start a revolution.

The Podcast idea

Okay, okay put on your thinking caps my friends because I'm thinking about expanding the H4nd of thor blog idea to the next level. The idea is to start a Podcast, recorded at my very own home, including my very own friends.

My original idea was a podcast about comic books/ video games/ movies/ current events/ and things of that nature, and then I had another thought. How about digging through my friends list on facebook and doing updates with some people from the high-school days.

I have friends in bands, friends in theater, friends with families, all sorts of people that would be fun to kind of interview and get updates and insight from.

I'm working on the technology aspect of this whole thing, I think I have a good majority of what i will need, but I would like to get in some practice runs and try a few people out as co-hosts.

My overall dream is to become and On-Air personality at the radio station I work at, and I think this type of guerrilla podcast recording will be a huge step in the right direction. Developing my voice and getting comfortable with my own voice.

So my questions for you: What types of things would you like to hear in a podcast? Should we play games and do things like that? Would you be interested in being a guest? Would you be interested in co- hosting? What traits should I be looking for in a co-host? Let me know via the comments section below!

Much Love, RESPECK