Saturday, August 29, 2009

Employment Blues

I've been working at an office temp job for over a year. It's been made clear to me that the company has no desire to ever bring me on as a regular employee, nor is there any chance for advancement or a raise. I've been pretty diligent and thorough in looking for a better job, but there really isn't anything out there. The few things that are open or either things that I'm "overqualified" for or the company has no interest in me. Anyway, two weeks ago I was informed that I was being downgraded to working two days a week "until things pick up". This despite the fact that the company hired a new high school graduate on full time. Nothing against her, but I could do all of her work probably in half the time she does it in. But I digress. This Thursday I go in to work. It was one of the two days I was scheduled. I woke up earlier than normal and there were no trains, or tractors, car problems, or unusually long waits at the stoplight at the construction zone so I actually got to work five minutes earlier than I normally do. There wasn't any orders on my desk, but that's no big deal because there's not always something there on my desk, so I immediately begin filing some paperwork in the to-be-filed tray. About ten minutes later, my supervisor walks up and says, "Tom, didn't anyone contact you?"

I said, "No. Contact me about what?"

She says, "Well, we called the temp agency yesterday afternoon and this morning, but we don't need you today. There's nothing for you to do." As she saying this the recent high school graduate is sitting behind me stuffed up to her eyeballs in envelopes that need to be stuffed to be mailed out.

"No. No one contacted me," I say.

"I'm sorry," she says and turns around and disappears.

What I wanted to say was, "No. No one contacted me. What the $*?#! If anyone contacted me and told me that I wasn't needed here today, do you think I would be standing here right now? Do you think I would have gotten up at 6am and taken the time to drive over here just so I could $*?#/$% stand here for ten minutes to have you tell me I wasn't needed today?"

I've got the almost unemployment blues.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

The Show I'm Directing

I'm directing a play this October. The show is 12 ANGRY MEN. A friend of mine sent me the link to the following video. It's a wonderful preview. This video really captures the essence of what the play is about. Maybe it could even change your life.

Friday, August 21, 2009

"Fireflies" Music Video

Today I came across this music video from Jack Hager's blog. It's from a band I've never heard before, Owl City. The song is catchy and a little bit inspiring. However, the music video that goes along with the song is amazing! As a filmmaker, I think it's brilliant. The idea is simple, but the execution is so complex. It probably took days to just set the room up for the opening scene. Enjoy!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Preview

The following commercial has been playing in three theatres in the southern Illinois area before the trailers. If you're not doing anything this weekend and are able, come out and see the show. Enjoy.

Thursday, August 06, 2009

John Hughes Is Dead

I just found out that John Hughes died today. That's sad. No one captured an era on film the way Hughes captured the 1980s. RIP John.

Spielberg to Remake HARVEY

I just found out that Steven Spielberg has signed on to direct the remake to Harvey. The movie is supposed to be a "modern" retelling of the beloved classic. Supposedly Tom Hanks is slotted for the role of Elwood P. Dowd. I love the original movie and am a big fan of the play it is based upon. I'm also a fan of Spielberg and Hanks. However, this is one movie that doesn't need to me remade. There are some films that are just better off left alone and Harvey is one of them.

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Twitter Tracker on THE TONIGHT SHOW

A little over a month ago, Conan O'Brien took over THE TONIGHT SHOW. I really don't watch late night tv, but Conan rocks! I love this new weekly segment, "Twitter Tracker" (which I've only watched online). A newer segment of it aired last night, but until that becomes available, enjoy the one from the week before.