A Healthier Me - Day 107

Today I decided to tweak my workout.. since I'm trying to lose weight more then gain muscle I opted to switch to Monday, Wednesday and Friday to 1 hour of cardio only and Tuesday and Thursday do 30 minutes of cardio and my weight training. This is opposite of what I have been doing the first 100 or so days. I'm hoping by doing this it will help me lose pounds faster and once I'm down do a certain weight I can work on building my muscles.

Since it's Monday I weight myself this morning 205.5

Today's Workout:

1 hour of cardio on the elliptical

Yes I gained 1 pound this week from last weeks weight in. Not too worried about it.. of course I'd rather be losing weight but I do weight myself everyday ( I know I shouldn't) but for the first time since I have been working out my weight has been 205.5 everyday.. no gain and no lose. Still have a month to lose 5.5 pounds which I hope to do with my accelerated cardio workout... only time will tell.

Knights of the Guild Ep 22 pt2

Download from itunes http://bit.ly/KotGCast or listen / direct download from http://knightsoftheguild.com/

 Here it is Episode 22 part 2 of Knights of the Guild. We hope you enjoy it.

Today’s show features:

• * First up we have a Classic Vorkism
• * We are recording this weeks podcast over skype (Jenni is a busy lady)
• * We discuss Behind the Scenes of Season 3 Episode 10  The Return
• * We have another great fan interview with Jeff Valdez

• * Guild Something with Sean Becker & Brian Kameoka
• * We thank our donors.
• * Then Business Time (We continue to use contest submissions)
• * Then our Good byes

Thank you again for all your support, we do this podcast because we are fans and more importantly for the fans.

Kenny & Jenni

Other Important Links

• Knights of the Guild Feeds/Downloads http://knightsoftheguild.com
• Knights of the Guild Daily Blog http://knightsoftheguildpodcast.blogspot.com/

People's Choice Podcast Award

Today they announced the nominations for The People's Choice Podcast Awards. My podcast Knights of the Guild focused on being nominated in two categories People's Choice and Entertainment. They made the announcements live on Ustream and because of our crappy internet I only got bits and pieces. I missed the "Entertainment" category but heard the People's Choice Award nominees and we didn't make it. I was kind of bummed but I knew there are alot of podcasts out there and our chances of getting nominated were slim. So the announcement was over and it was going to take another hour or so before the would have all the nominees up on their website. So I checked back and couldn't believe my eyes. Under the "Entertainment" category the first name was Knights of the Guild.. THAT'S RIGHT my podcast was nominated for a People's Choice Podcast Award. I couldn't believe it.. I was so excited I immediately texted my friends, tweeted and facebooked about it.

There were 1,110,000 people submitting nominations on 2931 podcasts.. here are how the nominees are chosen. There are 44 reviewers, 2 per category who will listen to every podcast nominated. Here is how they rate each podcast.

40% - Number of Nominations
15% - Quality of Website Design
15% - Quality of Sound
10% - Quality of Delivery of Show Content
20% - Relevance of Content

So they grade each podcast on those percentages and the top 10 per category are the ones officially nominated.

It kind of makes me feel good that it's not solely a popularity contest to get nominated, that all the hard work I put in to this podcast, ie sound, website, contest all paid off.

Voting starts December 1st and ends December 15th. You can vote once a day everyday per computer, per browser. http://podcastawards.com/

Improv, Plushies & Padawan

Tonight I went to my very first Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: Improv Comedy Show. Featuring Alex Albrecht, Felicia Day, Tony Janning, Jeff Lewis, Sandeep Parikh, Tara Perry, and Brooke Seguin. I went with my Padawan Troy but there were also a lot of Guild friends that went, since Felicia, Jeff and Sandeep were all in the show tonight. So I got to hangout with not only Troy but Andrew, Jared, Greg, Derrick, Gabe and Brian, It was great to see all those guy. I also go to meet Aaron, he is the guy who is working on the Knights of the Guild App for the iphone/itouch. We've been talking via email for months so it was great to finally meet him and see the progress he has made The KOTG app is looking pretty sweet!!!!

The show was FANTASTIC!!! Watching improv always amazes me, those folks need to be extremely quick and constantly on.

After the show I got to chat with Felicia, Sandeep and Jeff for a bit. I was finally able to give Sandeep and Felicia their Lil' Guldies Plushies that Jes had sent me. Both really liked them. I hope to get the video up soon.

After we said our goodbyes to everyone, Troy and I went out to Denny's to grab a bite to eat. One thing that we tend to do when we go out is talk.. and talk.. and talk and we lose all track of time. But this time we had a plan, his car was parked on the street (by the improv theater) and needed to be moved by 2am.. so we knew we'd be back no later then 2. So we got to Denny's had some breakfast and chatted for about 2 1/2 hours when I noticed it was 1:30am and said we should be getting back. We get back to his car and as usual we chatted for another 2 hours. We only had one cop car pull up beside us and shine their light into my jeep but I guess they didn't see anything nefarious so they drove off quickly. Around 4:15am I called it a night.. we could have continued to chat until the sun came up but I needed to get home for some sleep as I had a long day of Christmas stuff and editing my podcast ahead of me.

Good times were had by all!!!

A Healthier Me - Day 104

So I took the day off yesterday from working out, it was only a cardio day but with Thanksgiving I wasn't in the mood to workout.

Since I had today off from work opted to work out later in the day. No need for me to get up early on a non-work day.

Today's Workout:

45 minutes of cardio on the elliptical
4 sets of 10 on the chest fly for my chest (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the curl arm for my biceps (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 working on my back (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 for shoulders (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the front leg press (45 lbs)

Since I missed my cardio I squeezed in an extra 15 minutes today.. really going to try and make that my norm starting next week. Still working on getting my cardio up to 1 hour all five days. Cardio is what I really need to lose the weight.. weight training is good but I'd rather be losing the weight then gaining the muscle.. at least at this point in my workouts.

Mark Willis - Don't Laugh At Me

I've loved this song since the very first time I heard it.. it's such a beautiful song and the words ring true.

I'm that little boy with glasses, the one they call a geek, the little girl who never smiles,'cause I got braces on my teeth, And I know how it feels to cry myself to sleep

I'm that kid on the playground, who's always chosen last, A single teenage mother, trying to over come my past, You don't have to be my friend, if it's too much to ask.

Don't laugh at me, Don't call me names, Don't get your plesure from my pain, In God's eyes were all the same
someday we'll all have perfect wings, Don't laugh at me

I'm a cripple on the corner, You pass me on the street. I wouldn't be out here beggin', If I had enough to eat
You don't think i don't notice, That our eyes never meet.

I lost my wife and little boy, Somewhere 'cross that yellow line, The day we laid them in the ground, Is the day i lost my mind, Right now I'm down to lovin, This little cardboard sign

So, Don't laugh at me, Don't call me names, Don't get your plesure from my pain, In God's eyes were all the same, someday we'll all have perfect wings, Don't laugh at me

I'm fat, I'm thin, I'm short, I'm tall, I'm deaf, I'm blind Hey arn't we all?

Don't laugh at me, Don't call me names, Don't get your plesure from my pain, In God's eyes were all the same
someday we'll all have perfect wings, Don't laugh at me

Thanksgiving Dinner

Last year we had Thanksgiving dinner at our house so this year my brother and sister-in-law decided to have it at their place. Only thing we were responsible for was desserts. So on my way home last night I picked up 2 pumpkin pies and 1 apple pie. Also this morning I made a big batch of rice krispies treats.

Dinner wasn't until 5pm so we left our house around 1pm as it normally takes an hour and a half to get to their place. But of course being Thanksgiving and everyone trying to get out of town we were stuck in traffic for almost 3 hours. We finally arrived at there place a 4.

Dinner was served at 5 and was FANTASTIC, we had Turkey, Ham, Mash Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Corn, Rolls, Cranberry Sauce, Green Bean Casserole and Stuffing.

Lora (my sister-in-law) also invited some of her family to join us and it was great hanging out with them as we don't get to see them very often.

It was a fun night had by all.. we left around 9:30pm and got home at 11pm

PS.. no pictures were taken :( but I did get some video. :)

V - Returns Jan. 4th

Really looking forward to the return of this series.. it look a few episodes to get going but man the last few were AWESOME!!!

A Healthier Me - Day 102

Got up at 6:30am.. it's getting really easy now getting up that early. I actually get up half hour to fifteen minute earlier then my alarm. Most morning I feel well rested. It's getting colder and colder, that's really my only issue.. may have to start bringing in a space heater to the garage to warm it up, but normally when I start my cardio the coldness goes away.. for the most part.

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical
4 sets of 10 on the chest fly for my chest (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the curl arm for my biceps (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 working on my back (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 for shoulders (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the front leg press (45 lbs)

A Healthier Me - Day 101

Today was a cardio day and I once again walked around my work area.. It's cold outside.. not sure I'll able to continue with this as it gets colder.

Today's Workout:

30 Minute Walk

I'm On Fanboy Funhouse

Filmed this a few weeks ago.. it was a lot of fun.

A Healthier Me - Day 100!!!!

Whoo hooo made it to day 100. Can't believe I've been working out for 100 days now and sticking to it. I've had my ups and downs but for the most part it's been a great experience. 

Since it's Monday I weight myself this morning 204.5

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical
4 sets of 10 on the chest fly for my chest (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the curl arm for my biceps (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 working on my back (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 for shoulders (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the front leg press (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the free weight (110 lbs)

So I am at my lowest so far since I've been trying to lose weight. 4.5 lbs to go before I hit my goal to get below 200 by years end. Today's work out was great, no issues with cardio and I'm liking my 4 'sets' now, feel like I'm really getting a good weight training workout... and I have to say my arms are looking pretty good. I'm starting to get "cut" and I've never been able to get "cut" before. Can't wait to see what the next 100 days has in store for me.

SDCC FAIL!!! 2nd time

Today I got up at 5:45am to purchase some San Diego Comic Con tickets. These are not for me as I get a Professional tickets but are for my brother and friends. So I got up early and jumped online, at 6am I clicked on the site and got and error, again and again I clicked on the site and got error after error.

Suddenly Twitter went crazy as everyone was having issues. It was like deja vu as this is the same thing that happened on Nov. 1st when they tried to sale tickets last time. So I tried and tired for over an hour with no luck. at 7am I had to get outside to workout so I took my mini netbook out with me and continue to try while working out with no success. I got back from working out and tried some more but this time there were tweeter folks saying that they got their tickets finally.. it looks like, at least for some of us, that we were able to get tickets.. then suddenly SDCC closed tickets sales once again stating that they will try again at a later date. So everyone who didn't get a ticketed wasted 2 and a half hours.

So a second attempted FAILED, you'd think they would have this process down since they have been doing this for so many years..  I know the con is more popular then it's ever been.. but what was the point of them going down for three weeks to "fix/find a solution" to the problem and then have the same issue all over again.

I actually wrote my contact with the "Pro" department at Comic Con and asked what the deal is with Professional passes as we use to get 1 for us, then 1 free one for a guest and the option to buy 4 more at regular price. Well I heard back and it looks like they have limited those passes as well. As I pro I will get one for me and if I sign up as soon as they announce pro reg. I will more then likely get one free one for my guest and be able to buy 2 more at regular price.. so I'll be able to get 4 total. But again nothing is set in stone other then me getting 1 pass for myself. 

There has to be a better system!!!

A Healthier Me - Day 98

Was suppose to work out yesterday but got really lazy so I forced myself to get up early today to get my workout done. Which I did.. 

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical
4 sets of 10 on the chest fly for my chest (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the curl arm for my biceps (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 working on my back (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 for shoulders (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the front leg press (45 lbs)

Starting to see definition in my arms, chest and lats. I think my upper body is coming along nicely and I've never had an issue with my lower body, it's always been toned and muscled, it's the middle section that is the toughest part for me and I really don't see a change yet. But I'll struggle onwards.. I know this isn't a quick fix, it's a lifestyle change and it's a slow process but so far I'm happy with the results.

I also want to Thank all of you who read my Work out blogs and leave me messages of encouragement. Honestly you guys are the reason I continue to do this. There are days when I just don't want to work out but then think of you guys who are following my progress and letting you guys down when I don't blog. Of course I could blog that I worked out but it's tough to lie to you guys.. so guilt is keeping me working out. It may not be the best way but hey it's keeping me going. Thanks for all your continued support.

Doctor Who 2010 Christmas Special Trailer

I miss Doctor Who.. can't for this years Christmas special

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt1 - My Thoughts

I'm not good at writing reviews as I love everything and have a hard time critiquing stuff so it should come to nobodies surprise that  I LOVED this movie. I had seen several of the scenes already online and knew where they were going to split the book. So much stuff happens so quickly that I'll need several more viewings before I have fully take in the movie. But here are my thoughts from my first viewing.

• Loved all the additional scenes they added, it's always tough to film exposition or stuff in the characters head but with the additional scenes they did a great job with that.
• Seven Potter scene was funny and action packed, my only complaint, if you can call it that is the action happens to fast that I barely saw what happened. But I think that's most from the fact that I was 10 feet from the screen and had to keep turning my head back and forth to see what was going on. I think I'll be able to see more when I see it again from a regular seat.
• Another thing they did different was Hegwigs death. In the book she is hit by a stray spell and dies. But in the movie she goes to help Harry and dies trying to save him... really liked that change.
• Loved all the interaction with Ron and Hermione, the subtle looks and glances were perfect.
• Ginny's kiss with Harry while George walking in was priceless.
• Loved the wedding and Kingsly patronus and voice was very chilling.
• The Diner scene was great and extremely tense
• Kreacher and Dobby effects were unbelievable, especially Kreacher.. looked extremely real.
• The Minster of Magic break in scene was a bit different from the book but never the less pretty awesome. Troy told me afterwards that he read the three actors who portrayed Ron, Harry and Hermione under polly juice potion watch footage of the 3 to get there mannerisms down and boy did they, I was very impressed with that scene.
• Ron splinching himself was well done and Hermione's reaction and Emma's acting was superb. 
• I liked the growing tension between the three
• And the showdown between Ron and Harry was AWESOME, very well acted on all three of there parts. It pretty much played out exactly like the book.
• They added a controversial scene of Harry dancing with Hermione but I though it was well done and to me didn't feel like they could possible hook up. Ron had left and it was just those two sitting around listening to the radio and Harry tries to lift Hermione's spirits by dancing.. it was quite cute.
• Going to Godric Hallows was a great scene, slightly altered from the books. Batilda Bagshot was extremely creepy and then when Nagini came out of her the action ramped up. The final scene kind of happened a little to fast for my taste but it was an exciting scene.
• One of my favorites scenes was the opening of the Locket, it was FANTASTIC!!! the SFX were cool, Rupert's (Ron) reaction was dead on. The Harry and Hermione who came out of the locket were exactly as I picture them.. more horrible and beautiful then the real life versions. That scene gave me chills.
• Visiting the Lovegoods was a good scene, shortened a bit from the book but I did like how they conveyed The Story of the 3 Brothers.. very Tim Burton'esqe. 
• Them getting caught by the snatchers was a bit different but much more action packed. Again because I was so close and the camera work on this scene it was difficult to see anything. They used the shaky camera technique to make it more frantic which works but it was a bit too much.
• The Malfoy Manor scene extremely well done. The torture scene was chilling. Once again Emma's acting was superb and of course Helena "Belletrix" was as crazy as ever. Something different from the books was Hermione having "mudblood" cut into her arm. I saw an interview with Emma were she said that was her and Helena idea.. great addition.
• Dobby rescuing everyone was great. disappointed that Wormtail didn't die, like in the books.
• Dobby's death was the best, I cry every time I read it and I cried watching it. They extended his speech in the movie. In the book he only says Harry Potter. But in the movie he says how much he values his friendship and being free and having Harry Potter as a friend.. OMG I'm starting to well up just typing this... such a sweet scene.
• Voldermort breaking into Dumbledore grave as well done and the perfect way to end the film.. I could have watch part 2 right then and there but it was a good way to leave the story.. our heroes are down, losing one of there own and the bad guys gets the ultimate weapon.. everyone is doomed.

I can't wait to see this movie again.. like I said it goes so fast and so much stuff happens. Of course there are those who will complain that things were left out, especially since it was split in two they will figured they included everything. We still don't know where Harry gets the shard of mirror, or how the person who conjured the doe knew where they were staying (as in the books it's Nigelious' portrait who over hears Hermione mention it) but in the end those are minor details that don't really effect the over all story.. and who know maybe will get answers in part two.

Great addition to the Harry Potter world and I can't wait to see it at least a few more times in the theater.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt1 - Getting to the Theater

First let me say I normally don't do Midnight screening as I'm getting older and it's just too crazy but this is Harry Potter and one of the final movies which makes it special so when my padawan Troy asked Harry and I if we wanted to see a midnight screening with him I said why not.. will be a fun experience. Well it was an experience.. fun, I'm not so sure.

So where to begin, first of all I had planned to get to the theater around 10pm, I figured 2 hours before the movie started should be okay. Well at around noon I started getting tweets from friends in other cities who were already lining up and I started to panic a bit.. but figured oh those are the really die hard fans (which I am) but not willing to waster 12 hours of my day sitting in line. Anyways I got off work at 7pm, had the worse traffic I have had yet in the two weeks I have been there. Got home at 8:30pm, made a quick dinner and we ate at 9pm. Got dressed in my Hogwarts school clothes but didn't have time to shave so I looked like a Hogwarts student at his 20 year reunion. We got on the road at 9:15pm and had to stop for gas, but of course our local gas station is out of gas and the closes one is 20 minutes away (but luckily on our way). So we finally get on the 14 around 9:45pm and head south. Figured traffic wouldn't be too bad as we were heading opposite of most traffic but when we got to the 170 split on the 5 they decided to do road work and bring the lanes down to one.

Now suddenly we are in bumper to bumper traffic and I knew we were going to have some issues once we go to the theater. Well we got there around 10:15pm and drove around for another 15 minutes looking for a parking space. Finally getting to the theater at 10:30pm I got the tickets and found out that they already let the people in the theater, mind you we still have an hour and a half wait. I knew then we were screwed and sure enough when we walked in it was PACKED!!! We attempted to find three seats together but there was nothing and we were forced to go down to the very front of the theater where we found some center seats that were four rows back from the screen.

So we made it, got horrible seats but I guess they could have been worse (very first row, or not sitting together). Now we had to wait for my padawan Troy, who was attending a premiere screening of movie that friends had worked on, this was in Culver City.

I get a text around 10:45pm saying that he is leaving and on his way.. I thought great.. plenty of time to get here. At 11:00 he calls me and tells me that the 110 is closed and he was forced to continue on 10 going east and needed help to find his way to Burbank. Now I know freeways but downtown LA is a little blurry to me so I have get off the freeway and go back on the 10 west hoping to catch the 110 but of course that's closed as well and instead of him driving around downtown LA I tell him to get off the freeway while we figure out where he actually is. After a few minutes we realize he is near the Staple Center so Harry maps it on his phone and we tell Troy the directions but of course something is going on at the Staples Center and there bumper to bumper traffic downtown that he is now stuck in. So I stay with him on the phone watching the minutes tick away until my phone is about to die so I wish him luck and hang up around 11:45pm. He was just about to get on the 110 when I hung up and I figured there would be no way he would make it here in time. But normally get previews so I figured he had an extra 20 minutes or so. Anyways I wait and wait watching the time tick away when I get a call at 11:55pm saying he's here and asking where to park. I direct him to the parking lot and head out of the theater to go grab him. After a little shuffling around I finally find him and we get to the theater at midnight. We sit down half way through the first preview.. we made it with 15 minutes of preview to spare. Now I can relax and enjoy the movie.

A Healthier Me - Day 96

Today was a cardio day and I once again walked around my work area.. I knew when I get home tonight I wouldn't have time to do any cardio since I'm going to see Harry Potter at midnight so I did a 30 minute walk during my lunch break.

Today's Workout:

30 Minute Walk

Do Nice Guys Finish Last?

I've been called a nice guy all my life. When I was younger I was extremely naive and was taken advantage of many times, the worse was buying a car for a friend (cute straight boy I was very smitten with) who started to pay back the "loan" then suddenly disappeared out of my life leaving me several thousands in the hole.

There have been many instances in my life where being nice really hurt me, luckily none of them as costly as the one above, but still there are only so many times you can get taken advantage of before you start questioning your choices in life. I do learn from my mistake but cute straight boys seem to be my weakness back then. I was in the closet and so desperate for a little attention that I'd do anything for them knowing that I was going to get hurt in the end.

As I get older and wiser I am less naive, at least I like to think so. But at the end of the day I'm still a nice guy..

So my question is; Can you be too "nice"? Do nice guys always finish last, if so why??

I will always be a nice guy and I'm sure I'll get taken advantage of from time to time, and if I'm destine to finish last at least I'll be happy with they way I lived my life.

A Healthier Me - Day 95

Well today's workout almost didn't happen. I tried to convince myself that I wasn't feeling so well and wasn't going to work out.. but I knew better. I'm not feeling 100% but far from not being able to get my butt out to the garage to work out.

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical
4 sets of 10 on the chest fly for my chest (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the curl arm for my biceps (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 working on my back (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 for shoulders (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the front leg press (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the free weight (110 lbs)

Once again did 4 sets instead of 3 and my arms feel like weights. I'm going to try this weekend to get back to working out during the early morning before work.. this working out after work is killing me.

Cowboys & Aliens Teaser Trailer

OMG!!! I've heard bits and pieces about this new movie but not a whole lot until recently when they released a teaser poster yesterday and now they released a teaser trailer and man it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.. looks like this is gonna be a good one.

Rare Star Trek: The Next Generation Photos

I'm a huge HUGE Star Trek fan and The Next Generation is not only one of my favorite Star Trek series but one of my all time favorite TV series. So when I got up this morning and saw a tweet from @thinkgeek on twitter that said: "Wish these 130+ rare candid ST:TNG pics could be anchor linked to the one of Riker & the Borg Queen: http://j.mp/aFOfeP" I immediately had to click on the link and check them out... and OMG.. so many great candid photos of the cast and crew of TNG.. not only the TV series but their movies as well. I don't know if this site is new or it's been around for years but man I'm to happy that Think Geek found it and shared it with  it's masses. Here are are some of my favorite photos.. you can see them all HERE

A Healthier Me - Day 94

Today was a cardio day and I thought I would try something different so during my lunch break at work I went on a 45 minute walk around my work area. Not sure how much I increased my heart rate but it was nice for a change.

Today's Workout:

45 Minute Walk

A Healthier Me - Day 93

Wow.. feels like forever since I worked out last. Didn't work out last Friday because I didn't go into work and though off my early morning workout and though I intended to work out it never happened. This weekend was jammed back to so no make up day and then because of the busy weekend I didn't get to bed until late on Sunday and couldn't motivate myself to get up super early to work out today.. so I just finished my workout.

Since it's Monday I weight myself this morning 205.5

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical
4 sets of 10 on the chest fly for my chest (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the curl arm for my biceps (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 working on my back (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 for shoulders (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the front leg press (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the free weight (110 lbs)

So I increased all my "sets' to 4 and man are my arms dying at the moment.. got a really good weight session in. Did only a half hour cardio and really struggled with it.

My weight is down again this week but I can't seem to get past 205. I hover between 208 and 205 for the week the past three weeks. Of course I'm not eating as well as I should. When I was out of work it was easier to not eat out but now that I'm working I find myself going out to eat lunch 3 to 4 times a week... that's not good.. gonna have to triple my efforts in eating healthier.. Starting to worry that I'm not going to be below 200 by years end.

A Helping Hand

Just got back from lunch.. went to El Pollo Loco, first let me say that this El Pollo is in a rundown part of Santa Monica. There was this youngish guy who was in the early 20's and he was asking the employee how much things were, looks like he had one of the welfare debt cards. Anyways he ordered some food and it came out to $4.89, when the employee swiped the card she told him it had only a few cents on it. He kind of turned back to me and gave me an apologizing smile, then rummage through his pockets and manage to pull out $4 in change. So then he asked what he could get for under $4. I almost offered to pay the remaining .89 cents but I wasn't sure how he would take it. I mean he wasn't dirty and looked very clean cut, I did notice he had a duffel bag and a few paper bags with him but I wasn't sure if he was homeless. I knew he was already feeling embarrassed and I didn't want to make him feel any worse but on the same note everyone deserves to eat and I would have paid for his full meal if he'd let me but in the end I didn't offer. I kind of feel bad that I didn't but the uncertainty of how he would have reacted stopped me. What would you have done? Should I have offered and taken the chance of offending or embarrassing him even more?

Knights of the Guild Ep 22 pt.1

Download on itunes http://bit.ly/KotGCast or listen/direct download http://knightsoftheguild.com

Show Notes:

Here it is Episode 22 part 1 of Knights of the Guild… Enjoy!!!

Today’s show features:

• * First up a classic Vorkism
• * Jenni is busy so we had to record our podcast over skype.
• * We have both of our Costume Designers / Wardrobe ladies for a very fun double crew interview

• * We find out what the cast and crew are up too
• * We have some Listener Feedback
• * We also announce winners of our end of month contest for October, our winners for our itunes Review contest, our winner for the crazy Jenni contest as well as talk about continuing contests
• * Then Business Time (I continue to use our contest entries as they are so good)
• * Then our Good byes

Thank you again for all your support, we do this podcast because we are fans and more importantly for the fans - Kenny & Jenni

Other Important Links

• Knights of the Guild Feeds/Downloads http://knightsoftheguild.com
• Knights of the Guild Daily Blog http://knightsoftheguildpodcast.blogspot.com/

Shooting & Editing with my Padawan

Today we got up around 9am and started to work on what our plan was for today. My padawan Troy had highlights of what he wanted to say in his SAM-e Complete Good Mood Blogger contest. We planned to show it several times on our property and then go to Vasquez Rocks and shoot it a few more times.

Everything went pretty much as planned, it was windy which screwed with the audio but we would try and record while the winds died down. Our first location was behind my house over looking the valley below. I had him stand by a tree, which was nice as it kind of framed the picture. Next we went to the front of the house and I had him sit on our bench and do the entire piece over again.

We then drove to Vasquez Rocks where we did it again two more times, so we had a total of four different recordings of the same thing but in four locations. We got back and I started to upload the video while Harry and I went to a neighborhood meeting for the hour. Troy hung out at our place surfing the web. When we got back it was lunch time and I started uploading all the video clips to Avid. When we got back there were a few more clips that needed to be uploaded and another hour everything was ready to go.

For the next six hours Troy and I edited he contest video together. There were a few issues, the major one was the audio, the wind was so strong at times you couldn't hear Troy at all. Another issue was our first location, thought it was pretty, the tree branches blowing in the wind made for some strange shades on Troy's face which he did not like.. so we couldn't use any of that footage. Our second location, the lighting was great but there was a strange reflection hitting the camera lens which I didn't see when I was shooting. We could only use very limited amount of footage from that shoot, but this shoot had the best audio of course. So we pretty much used the Vasquez Rocks shoots to edit the video. Like I had said the audio was the worse but we manage to find bits and pieces to make the video work and other then the audio sound the piece turned out really good. We've uploaded it You Tube and it will go live for the contest in a few days.. I'll keep you posted.

Hanging with my Padawan

Today my buddy Troy came over for the weekend. We had planned to shoot his SAM-e Good Mood Blogger video entry but something come up and he wasn't able to get to our place till around 3pm and we had plans to go see Darren Criss in LA at 7pm. So we wound up hanging out at the house a few hours eating lunch before heading down to LA for the concert. Darren Criss is an up and coming musician/actor. His came to fame was playing Harry Potter in a You Tube video A Very Potter Musical, which has gotten over 3 million views. He stared playing clubs and recent was cast as a semi-regular on Glee. Anyways Troy is a big fan of his and I thought it would be fun to experience something that Troy likes. I mean since he is my Padawan and I have been teaching him the way of the Geek..it was only right for me to have him teach me something.

Got to the Mint and had a great time watching Darren preform. He's got a great voice and is on the rise. After the performance he was selling CD's, shirts and other DC Stuff.. I bought Troy and I a CD and got in line to have him sign them and take a picture with him... it was a fun time.

Afterwards we came back to my place and played around with my new webcam program that allows you to take fun pictures of yourself.

After that we hung with Harry and just chatted while watching a little TV until 2am.. when finally we sent to bed since we had to be up early the next day to shoot his video.

Kenny Vs. The Woodpecker

I was woken up at 7:30am by the tap, tap, tap, tapping on my bedroom wall. I jumped up put on some sweat bottoms and ran outside to kill that woodpecker.. but of course the moment you get close it flies off. This is the first time I have seen the new damage that this bird has done since last weekend and it's getting worse.

We've tried shiny things to deter the bird, we've tried bird repellent  and nothing is working. I know they said it's tough to get rid of a woodpecker but there has to be a way other then killing it (which I am close to doing).

Couldn't got back to sleep so I got up and filled in all the hole with wood puddy and plan on hanging CD from the roof and hope this will detract the pecker from pecking. I can tell this battle is far from over.. but in the end I will win one way or the other.

Tixs for Midnight Showing of Harry Potter!!

Finally got around to getting tickets for a midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Was really surprised how many places were sold out already. I mean I know it's a week until it comes out but I didn't expect so many places to be sold out. I finally found some tickets at AMC 16 in Burbank. Got 3 tickets, one for me, Harry and my Padawan Troy.

Plan on wearing my Gryffindor robes, tie and scarf. Good celebrate the beginning of the end in style. If you live in the LA area and want to join us on Thursday Nov. 19th at 12:01am in Burbank let me know.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my Mom's 56th Birthday.. yes if you do the math I just turned 40 a few months ago that would make my Mom 15 years older then me.. well now 16 years older. She had me when she was just a baby.. we've always been close because of that.

Happy Birthday Mom.. Love you!!!!

A Healthier Me - Day 89

Well I forgot to blog this, this morning.

Today's Workout:

1 hour of cardio on the elliptical

Woo hoo I did a full hour of cardio today. Started off slow but got into a rhythm and was feeling pretty good.

My Crazy New Schedule

So now that I'm working again I've come up with a weekly schedule that seems to be working and will be my schedule for the next seven months.

6:30am - Get up, eat something quick.
6:35am - Go out to the garage to work out for about an hour.
7:30am - Take the dog out for her morning walk
7:45am - Take a shower and get dressed
8:00am - Jump online blog/check emails
8:15am - Eat Breakfast
8:30am - Leave for work
10:30am - Arrive at work and start my day
10:30am to 7:00pm - Work
7:00pm - Leave work for home
8:30pm - Arrive at home
8:45pm - Eat Dinner
9:00pm - Depends (hang out with Harry, watch TV or emails/blog
10:30pm - Bed

Of course this schedule if very flexible as I may have to stay late at work, or need to stay up late to work on a podcast or catch up on some TV. I also want to see some of my friends after work.

My weekdays schedule is packed and things that don't get done during the week will spill over into the weekends. I expect visiting with friends and family, blogging, podcastings, TV watching, house duties will mostly be done on weekends.

I hope I survive this!!!!

A Healthier Me - Day 88

I'm liking this getting up early and working out before work. When I get home after a long day normally around 8:30 I'm exhausted and so happy that I don't have to go work out. Of course getting up super early isn't fun but I think I'm getting use to it.. but it's only been three days.

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical
3 sets of 10 on the chest fly for my chest (75 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the curl arm for my biceps (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 working on my back (75 lbs)
3 sets of 10 for shoulders (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the front leg press (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the free weight (110 lbs)


Plan on upping my reps next week to 4 of each.

Nominate Knights of the Guild

Hey Guys, please take a moment and nominate my Knights of the Guild podcast for a 2010 podcast award.

http://www.podcastawards.com/index.php?option=index

You can nominate Knights of the Guild twice and I'm trying to get everyone to focus on two categories. People's Choice and Entertainment.That way we might get lucky have actually become a nominee.

Don't forget our website is http://KnightsoftheGuild.com

I'd really appreciate the support... Thanks!!!!

A Healthier Me - Day 87

Once again got up at 6:30am to work out. Today is only a cardio day

Today's Workout:

45 minutes of cardio on the elliptical

Not bad should have pushed myself to do a full hour but opted to stop at 45.. oh well 

1st Day on the Job (MTV)

Today I got up at 5:30am to work out  then got ready for my first day with MTV. Left the house around 7:30am and got to work at 9:30am.. yep.. two hour of wonderful traffic, but I expected that so it wasn't huge surprise. I am going to see if I can come in a bit later and shave off 30 to 40 minutes off my commute.

But I got into work at 9:30am and met the new line producer Liz. She then introduced me to the new PA Johnathan and then took me over to another building where the post department would be. There were two edit bays that were set up and my lead AE Johnny was already getting to work, he's pretty awesome and I'm extremely happy to have him on my team.

Don't have an office, computer or desk yet but I hope to get all that settled in the next couple of days. Today I hung out in the AE room and helped Johnny try and makes heads and tails of the pilot info.

All in all if was a great first day, going to have challenges but my team is coming along nicely. Other then the extremely long commute, thought coming home I found a pretty good route and it only took me an hour. I'm extremely happy with this new gig.

A Healthier Me - Day 86

Starting my new job today so I got up super early 5:30am to work out.  Not sure I will continue to get up early to work out.. but wanted to test it out. This is the first time I'll be working out in the morning. Up till now I've been working out late at night. I'm hoping by working out in the morning it will give me loads of energy throughout the day.

Today is Monday and that means weight in day.. Currently 207.5

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical
3 sets of 10 on the chest fly for my chest (75 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the curl arm for my biceps (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 working on my back (75 lbs)
3 sets of 10 for shoulders (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the front leg press (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the free weight (110 lbs)

Unfortunately I didn't lose any weight, but at the same time didnt' gain any from last Monday. I actually weight myself everyday and I did get down to 205 mid week. Oh well the fight goes on. My new challenge is not eating out for lunch everyday now that I have the new job.  Wish me luck!!!

Hanging with my Padawan

Yesterday my Padawan Troy came over to hang out with Harry and I. First we hung out and chatted, then went out to dinner at Outback Steakhouse and had a really great dinner. After that we headed to the super market to get some lemons and limes as we wanted to try those miracle fruits. So when we got back all three of us tried it and had some lemons, limes, salsa and broccoli. We video taped the entire thing but nothing really happened so I don't think I'll post it. The lemons were a bit sweeter and the limes and salsa had a sweetness to them but the broccoli was still horrible.

After that Troy showed me some videos on YouTube that he wanted to share. We then recorded a piece for my upcoming Knights of the Guild podcast and finally we chatted and chatted and chatted. Harry, Troy and I stayed up until 5am (really 6am but time changed early this morning) talking. Troy wanted to drive home though I protested as I was exhausted and tired but he on the other hand said he could make the hour and a half drive home. He is 20 years younger so he left and Harry and I went to bed. Didn't sleep that well and woke up at 7, 9 and finally just got up at 11am. And now I'm super tired and not sure what my plans are today.

I had planned to go down and visit my Dad, Bro, Sister-in-law and nephew but both Harry and I haven't been feeling 100% and don't want to get the baby sick, plus being sleep deprived on top of it isn't really helping me feeling any better. I could go hang out with my buddy Will which would tons of fun but I have to see how I'm feeling in a few hours. Plus this is my last free day before starting my new job tomorrow and I need to be up at 6:30am, leave my house by 7:30am to get to work by 9:30am... and that's if I work out after work. If I work out before work I need to be up by 5:30am.. uggg.. good times ahead.

Another Harry Potter Clip

WB has been releasing scenes here and there the past few days. Only 12 days to go before the next installment of Harry Potter comes out called Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1. The more I see of this the more excited I get. Check out the latest clip.. so intense...

A Healthier Me - Day 82

Today was just my cardio day.. didn't go as long as I would have liked but I haven't been feeling so hot lately.

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical

Duty Calls

Got a call a few hours ago from my next gig with MTV. They asked if I could start working on Monday.. yeah this coming Monday. Of course I said yes but man I was bummed. I've been out of work for almost seven months and the bank account / savings has taken a HUGE hit and I've been under alot of stress to find work. When I accepted this MTV gig they told me it wouldn't start until the end of Nov, possible beginning of December and I was cool with that because it meant I would have a few weeks to a month off with no stress. Well that all came to an end with that phone call. And to be honest it's a good thing as we need the money and I have been out of work for seven month. Now I just have to get back into work mood, going to have to figure out my new workout schedule, podcasting, visiting with friends and family and everyday up keep around the house.  I'm excited to start this new adventure at MTV and see what the future holds for me.

But until then I'm going to enjoy these final few stress-free days...

A Healthier Me - Day 81

Because of being pulled into a podcast earlier tonight I got to my workout a bit later then usual but still had a really good workout.

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical
3 sets of 10 on the chest fly for my chest (75 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the curl arm for my biceps (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 working on my back (75 lbs)
3 sets of 10 for shoulders (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the front leg press (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the free weight (110 lbs)

The Forcecast podcast kept me company tonight.. good times.

Tonight's "Podbombed"

Tonight I went to listen to my buddy Sean Becker on a podcast that he was being interviewed on. They do there podcast live and have listener interaction via the chat window on ustream... which is pretty cool. Anyways I get in there about an hour into the show and hear Sean talking.. but he wasn't alone Guild uber fan Dani and Brett Sheridan (Mr. Wiggly from Guild) was also in the chat being interviewed... next thing I know the host Chris sees me in the chat room and asks if I want to join in. Of course I'm not going to say no as it sounded like they were having lots of fun. So for the next hour and half we chatted about everything, old tech, Guild, conventions and so much more.. it was totally crazy and fun. Before we got off the line Sean said something about being "Podbombed", in reference to folks who jump into other people pictures (photo bombed)..thus coining a new phrase.. so Dani, Brett and I "Podbombed" Sean on Tech Barbarians Podcast.

The podcast isn't up just yet.. but should be up in a few days... You can check out the show here http://techjives.net/tech_barbarians/

It's Good To Be Blue

So the country just shifted once again. This isn't new to me I mean over the past 22 years (since I've been able to vote) we have gone back and forth over and over again. Yesterday most of the country turned Red (Republican) but I'm happy to say that I still live in a true Blue state. Not only was Meg Whitman not able to buy a governorship, but Fiorina wasn't able to buy the Senate seat.

Being gay is who I am and doesn't define me but when it comes to elections it plays a bigger role in who and what I vote for. Of course there a lot of other issues but nothing is more important then my civil liberates to be able to live the life I was born to live. Now that the GOP has taken control of the House of Representatives many of the LGBT measures are in jeopardy, measures like the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, lifting the Defense of Marriage Act, or repealing of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, in the past Republican-controlled chamber has never passed a major piece of pro-LGBT legislation, and all three expected incoming leaders have terrible records on issues of gay and transgender rights. So the next two years look to be very bleak for the gay community.

Not all is bad for the Gay community, more openly LGBT candidates won election to public office in the U.S. in 2010 than in any year in America’s history. So you have to take the good with the bad and will continue to fight for our civil liberates.

A Healthier Me - Day 80

Today was a very late workout due to he election results.. been watching them all day and I actually wasn't going to do my workout (cardio only) but then I got a tweet from my buddy Andrew who said that my working out had really inspired him to continue going to the gym. It motivated me to get my butt up and actually get out and do my cardio.. Thanks Andrew for the motivation.

Today's Workout:

40 minutes of cardio on the elliptical

Do you appreciate what you have??

I'm not sure why this hit me all of a sudden, maybe it's because I just turned 40 and realize that my life is half over (if I live to the average age of 80) but that's just it. There is no guarantee that I will live another 40, 20, or even 10 more years. No one knows how long they will be on this Earth. And I've always had the mindset of appreciating what I have and enjoying the life that was given to me but in recent years kind of lost my way.

It's not about work, or making money, or acquiring material things it's about making those lasting bonds of friendship you have with others. It's about enjoying the company of people that you just love to be with. It's about experiencing life with those you surround yourself with, because that is what life is all about.. at least for me.

Friendship to me is about giving a big hug to someone you haven't seen in months/years. It's about seeing a friends smile and how it just brightens your day. It's about discussing your life, the ups and the down. It's about having a shoulder to cry on when things seem at their worse. It's about feeling comforted and loved with no words exchanged. I am fortunate enough to have those kinds of people in my life.

The past few weeks I have made real effort to re-connect with my friends. I actually made pacts with some of them that we have to see each other at least 3 times a month and 1 of those times needs to be "just hanging out" time, not doing a lunch or dinner but enjoying ones company. I know it sounds stupid to have to make a pact but with all our lives being so busy and crazy at times you need  to do things like this to really make sure it happens. Of course pacts are just words and it still takes effort to follow through and so far I'm doing pretty good.

One question that I have been asking myself lately is if I died tomorrow would I die a happy man, would those around me know how much I truly love and appreciated them. I would hope so, but I must make a greater effort to verbalize it. There is nothing wrong with saying I love you to your friends, they may know through your actions how much you care about them but it never hurts to say it out loud.

Appreciate every moment you have with them  because you never know when it will be your last.

A Healthier Me - Day 79

Monday Weigh In: 207.5

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical
3 sets of 10 on the chest fly for my chest (75 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the curl arm for my biceps (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 working on my back (75 lbs)
3 sets of 10 for shoulders (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the front leg press (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the free weight (110 lbs)

Yeah I gained half a pound from last week, but I weight myself every morning and was down to 205.5 mid week but obviously gained a few more pounds since then. But I'm still hopeful to lose enough to get below 200 by the of the year.

Comic Con 2011 Internet Woes

So today at 9am PST Comic Con opened up it's 2011 registration. Though I get a professional pass and hopefully a guest pass (get those on March) I didn't want to take any chances and pick up 2 more just in case as my brother wants to go next year and normally you can buy up to four more pass but over the years they have really started restricting what "pros" can do. So I was there at 9am clicking on the site and going no where. Twitter started to buzz as everyone was having issues, some were not getting on the website some were in between stage 1 and 2 but no one was able to finish and actually get tickets. After an hour and forty-five minutes Comic Con put upon their website "Please check back on the 8th of November for information on the new registration date."

Yep the pulled the plug on there ticket sales, the servers couldn't handle the amount of traffic as every year San Diego Comic Con gets bigger and bigger and sells out faster and faster. So they shut down everyone and I'm not sure a single person actually got a ticket. Now we have to wait till next Monday for them to tell us when tickets will go on sale. You would think that they would get there act together and have a big enough sever to handle the volume on ticket sales.. I mean SDCC didn't get huge over night, and since they already sold out of 4 day passes with preview night at this years con (first time ever) it should have been a sign of things to come. Let's hope when the open the lines back up they have these issues fixed... Geeks are for the most part quiet and sweet.. but get them angry and look out!!!!

Happy Halloween

Today we went to our friends Tom and Evin's Halloween Party. Tom has this every year where we watch cheesy horror movies and enjoy the company of friends. Of course I wait till the last minute to try and dig up my Harry Potter costume out of the garage as it's been packed away since we moved last year. Luckily I found it and was able to dress up for the party.. really any excuse to wear my Hogwarts robe is good for me. Harry opted not to dress up. We got to Tom and it was great seeing some friends we haven't seen in awhile. We snacked and visited until the movie came out. It was a Hammer films with Christopher Lee called "Dracula A.D. 1972" and of course we horrible. Best part about going to this part are the comments everyone makes during the show... after the show Martin started a Time Warp dance and got several people to join him. It was a lot of fun.  They started a second movie but Harry and I called it a night as we had a long drive home. It was a great nights of food, friends and cheesy movies.

Check out some pictures from the party HERE