June 25, 2007

Yes, it's been a while since my last update. However, the gap is still much shorter than it had been in the past, AND it's been a busy week. That is, last week was busy -- this week I'm on vacation. Which means I've finally gotten around to start working on the script for the Season Four premiere. So far so good.

I stopped by at the comedy club tonight (Monday is open mic night), but I wasn't on stage. Yet, next Monday will be the big day. The countdown has begun. That's when I'll be stepping before the audience to share with them some insightful comments and pointers about day to day life. It's all observational comedy, for those familiar with it. I've always had a unique viewpoint (some would call it a strange viewpoint) on things that most people would take for granted, so that helps greatly. So I'm looking forward to that. The way I practise is I record myself doing a performance, then listen to it and analyze it. Some recordings have been making the rounds at work, and everyone was quite impressed by it.

On my way home I stopped to pick up some Diet Coke and Red Bull (I have a two hour script to write this week, after all -- I'll need that energy). And as I was driving I came up with an interesting idea for a David/Tom story, which I think has potential. I know, it's kind of crazy how I'll go from comedy to sci-fi, but what can I say? Anyway, I haven't gotten too far with the idea just yet; after all, it just came to me about an hour ago. But I'll be working it out to a point where it can be pitched to the staff. And I have to say, having finally gotten started on the script for the premiere is a great feeling. More than any previous years, I had really gotten around to taking a break between seasons this time. So writing these characters again is a nice feeling. Kind of like being reunited with old friends. Working on an outline and coming up with story ideas is one thing. But getting back to putting the words into the mouths of the characters is a whole other thing. It's great to be coming back to doing the show; I've been missing it, but the break was much needed. So now my batteries are fully charged again, and I'm good to go. It's the same feeling of joy and anticipation mixed with the dreading realization that we have 24 hours worth of scripts to write once again; in other words, the feeling I have every year around this time. And more than ever before, I'm looking forward to what we'll be doing this year. I think that the show at this point will be starting to hit its stride. There's a few things that will be different about this season, compared to last. And we've got a new, familiar character joining the family. I'll give you a hint: this character will have great chemistry (it shows even in outline stage) with one of our other regulars, because they share a lot of the same interests. I can't wait to get to their first scene in the script. Bringing these two characters together on screen is something I've been wanting to do for a very long time, to be honest. And now it feels like it's the perfect time to do it.

I've officially started training for this new job last Wednesday. It's looks to be a fun challenge so far. We'll see how it all pans out.

Been spending some more time on my MySpace page. It's fun, and I'm glad someone recommended it to me. Improved the look, added a couple of friends (and yes, some of them I know in person), added a song, and took a fun little survey. So if you're interested, head on over to check it out:

http://www.myspace.com/alexrubit

I'm thinking about starting to blog over there too; after all, it's there. So don't be surprised if you'll be seeing some double blogging in the near future.

That pretty much wraps it up for today. By the way, if you have any questions, feel free to post them in form of a comment. They can be about Horizon or anything else mentioned on here that attracted your curiosity (in other words, you can ask ANYTHING), and I'll be sure to answer them in my next blog.

Talk to you then.

June 17, 2007

So today, finally, I've had the chance to recharge a little. Finally, a day off from work. A day to just... not work. Except for working some more on the season premiere outline, which, of course, I don't consider work anyway. So anyway, I went to bed probably around two last night. At least that must have been around the time I fell asleep with the TV on. I remember hearing the theme from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, which was on Nick at Nite, as I was drifting away. About thirty minutes later, I realized what had happened. So I quickly turned off the TV, and officially went to bed. It was a night filled with some fascinating, yet in a way weird dreams. The weird ones are the really fun ones. I then got up around two this afternoon. Yup. You've heard correctly -- two this afternoon. I didn't really want to get up. But I realized it was time, and I had a phone call to make. So I forced myself out of bed, quickly proceeded to make some coffee, and shortly after that I sat down with coffee and two Little Debbie snack cakes (call it late breakfast, if you will), and called my grandparents in Germany. It was around 9:30 pm there. I was happy to hear that everyone is doing well.

After I concluded the phone call, I felt the urge to take a little nap. I know, I know. I've just had one of those lazy moments. But I knew I couldn't do that, so I proceeded to my laptop, turned it on to see who was on MSN. We didn't officially plan for a meeting today, so I wasn't expecting everyone from the staff to be there. Eventually, Marc and I got together, though, and we discussed the story for episode four, currently titled "The Bunker." Marc will be doing the honors on that one, and we were kicking around some ideas. Ran into Cindy a little while later, and we briefly talked about some more ideas. After that, I worked some more on my outline, which is shaping up nicely, before reading Mike's story document for "Eden." Looking fantastic. I posted a couple of notes on the forum, and am waiting to hear everyone's input on that.

Finally got around to shaping up my myspace page a little, after someone reminded me yesterday that I actually have a myspace page. I haven't been spending too much time on there, so there's not too much to see just yet. But if you're curious, you can find it at:

http://www.myspace.com/alexrubit

Interesting wallpaper there in the background, don't you think? I'll see if I can finally get the site going a little, so if you have a myspace page, feel free to add me as one of your friends. Or alternately you can show me your myspace page, and I can add you.

It's been a while since my last blog update (but still doing well in updating it regularly), so let me just tell you that things have continued to go well. It's a pretty safe bet now that I'll be getting that new job, as I'll be attending a first training class for it on Wednesday. The great thing is you can start off as either part time or full time; not sure yet what exactly I'll do. I'll probably know more after Wednesday.

I'm about to head off, but I was asked by jimm to say a little something about Season Six of 24 in my next blog. I said I would, and I'm a man of my word. Well, season six. First off, let me say I enjoyed it. I don't think it topped Season Five, but after all, how could you top Season Five, which, in my opinion, was just a fantastic season. Not really sure if I have a favorite, but if I had to choose, meaning if someone pointed a gun to my head, and said: "Choose your favorite season of 24! Now!" Then I'd reply: "Season Five." And then I'd ask this individual politely to lower the gun and calm down.

Anyway, I think season six was a pretty good season. But I agree with what seems to be the general opinion, that next season needs to be something a little different, just to keep things fresh and interesting. And from what I've heard, that's what it's going to be. So I'm looking forward to that. It seems that Seasons One through Three kind of worked as a trilogy, and I'd also look at Seasons Four through Six as a trilogy. So perhaps we're about to see a trilogy consisting of Seasons Seven through Nine. I wouldn't complain about that. And after that maybe a series of feature films.

Anyway, I'm curious to see who'll be back for next season. Something I really love about 24 is the shades of grey, which was once again ever present throughout day six. Characters are introduced as sort of antagonists, and later you consider them definitely to be good guys. Nice examples would be Tom Lennox and Noah Daniels. As usual, the acting from everyone was top notch. And, of course, it was fun to see Michael Shanks make an appearance. So all in all a great season. Looking forward to Season Seven, and what that day will bring.

Now let me wrap it up by once again wishing my friend, Felix, a Happy Birthday! Now, aren't you glad I got you to read this blog?

Talk to you all soon!

June 12, 2007 - It continues...

So you didn't think it was gonna happen, did you? You were thinking: "Well, he might have started a new blog, he may have said he'd update it more than once every three months. But you know what? I don't believe him. It ain't gonna happen. Never. Not a chance. Updating his blog on a regular basis, like other people do. What the heck is he thinking? How could he possibly be bold enough to publicize such a ridiculous idea. Now, if he had said that he saw a real life space ship. That he spent the weekend being abducted by aliens, who looked remarkably similar to those furry little creatures they had in that one episode of Stargate, and that he came back, having developed a strange yet startling craving for chicken sandwiches with nutella, pickles and unions -- now THAT, that I would have believed. I would have bought it. It doesn't seem too unlikely. It's possible. Ya never know. But updating his blog??? No. I don't believe that. He must have been joking. Either that, or he was intoxicated when he made that first blog the other day."

Well, well, well. Looks like it happened after all. And to answer your question: I was remarkably sober when I made that first blog entry. And the idea of chicken sandwiches with nutella, pickles and unions seems very disgusting to me. I'm not sure why.

But anyway, the blog's going strong. And I have to say, I think 2007 will end up being a great year. Some personal life things seem to be falling in place, as I've met this very nice person not too long ago. Have to wait until Friday before I see her again, but it'll be well worth the wait. Just today I had an initial interview for a new job that it seems I may be getting. It's still early, but I've got a good feeling so far. I'm heading back there tomorrow for the second stage of what will be a three stage interview process; I think I made a great first impression today. Also today, for the first time, I recorded my entire comedy act (77 minutes), just like I used to record podcasts. I listened to it for analysis purposes, and was very pleased. Working on perfecting it some more, as I am a perfectionist. But it's looking like I might sign up for an open mic night this coming Monday. So I gotta figure out what some of the best five minutes are. I checked out that place about two weeks ago -- Houston's Laff Stop, if you want to look it up online -- and most of the open mic performances didn't really impress me. So I feel very confident that I will be way above average, once the great moment comes. What you wouldn't know is that for the most part of my life I wanted to be an actor. It was Horizon that got me also interested in a career behind the camera. So it's not too surprising that I'd finally get on stage. Who knows where that will lead? But either way, it's great fun.

I've also accomplished some more Horizon work today; I'm up to Act Seven of the season premiere outline. Found some real life locations that I think will be a great basis for what will hopefully be some impressive concept drawings. Had a quick exchange with Beth the other day; she said she's eager to get back to doing some concept work. So that should work out well. I think Horizon's Season Four is already shaping to be the show's best season yet. I was happy with how Season Three turned out, but I don't think it topped Season Two. I do think that come Season Four, it'll go down in the show's history as having been the season that took it to a new level, as the series started hitting its stride. Happens often, that shows really start taking off in their fourth seasons. But by all means, we're not doing this on purpose. It's just how it seems to be turning out at this point in time.

So, personal life going well, new job at the horizon, a newly found passion for performing stand up comedy, and Horizon kicking off what will be a fantastic season. Yup. Can't complain about 2007 so far. I hope everyone else is having a good year, too. Interestingly, seven was always one of my lucky numbers. I'm curious how 07/07/2007 will turn out, especially around 7:07 am and 7:07 pm. I'll make sure to let you know.

Well, I'm about to turn in for tonight. Big day tomorrow. Some kind of sale at the department store I'm currently working at (if all goes well with that other job, I'll be doing this one part time pretty soon). Yeah, department stores; hard to believe, huh? I got a nice monologue on that actually -- it's just too easy a target.

Anyway. That's it for tonight. More to come soon.

Talk to you then!

June 9, 2007 - The Premiere

So it's early in the morning, and I'm sitting here, finally getting around to starting this new blog. Something I've been contemplating for some time now, but just hadn't gotten around to doing just yet. But here I am -- finally. And while it's great to get things started, I also find myself thinking about how to kick things off. Should it be a general rundown of today's events? Should I start by telling you a little about who I am? Should I just post a couple of lines from one of my stand up comedy acts, hoping it'll break the ice, inviting you back for more?

None of the above. I figure, let's kick things off by telling you a little about the purpose and the general ideas behind this blog. I used to have a Stargate: Horizon specific blog, which I updated every three months or so, averaging to about four to five blogs a year. It was really just about behind the scenes things, including the occasional spoiler for the curious fan. But truth is, there weren't always too many things to talk about, which explains the low amount of updates. In fact, it started getting to the point where, I think, people started to assume that my entire life revolves around this wonderful series (of which I am very proud) and some TV on DVD. And while I will admit, that my previous blog incursions could have easily led you to that assumption, the truth is there's a lot more to this guy than you've been aware of thus far. Behind his activities online lies a person with -- what some people would call -- a unique personality. And I'd agree with those people: unique, indeed. I can live with unique. At least, the good kind of unique. We're talking about the good kind, right?

So from this point forward things will change a little, and you'll get a chance to gain some more insight into the life of the guy you all thought you knew. Prepare for some surprises, prepare to hear about the people and/or relationships that exist in my day to day life. And be prepared for a lot more things, all of which I can't seen to think of at the moment. Possibly it's because it's early in the morning and my mind is occupied with knowing that I need to get some sleep to get ready for tomorrow. Uh, I mean... later today. Big day today. Big day yesterday, too. It was my brother's birthday (Happy Birthday again). Michael turned 19, making me realize just how fast time is going by. I stole myself away for a 15 minute break from work, which turned into more of a 25 minute break, to give him a call, wishing him a happy birthday. He lives in Germany, along my mother and my little sister, Maxine. It's always great to get a chance to talk to them. Haven't seen them in nearly three years. But as soon as I get the money that's needed saved up, I'll be heading over for a visit. I've come to miss the place I grew up at, so that means it's only a matter of time until I'll be taking a couple of weeks to head on over.

So that was the special occasion of the day. Initially, there was supposed to be another special occasion. But alas, that didn't work out because the person whom I thought would be there, wasn't there. I have a pretty good feeling that today will be the day, though. Let me give you a quick breakdown of how I expect this day to play out: I'll get up at some time between nine and ten o'clock, have breakfast, get some work done on Horizon and a comedy project I'm working on. Then, I'll head on over to that Hallmark store where I'll pick up a card, before driving into work, where I have to be at one o'clock. I have this day job, where the only thing I really like are the people I work with. So anyway, I'll be there at one. And that's when I got this little mission to carry out -- mission of great importance. And from that point on, it's all in the open. The bets are off, and if all goes well, it should be a great day. I'll definitely make sure to let you know.

Well, not bad for a first entry, huh? Nice little intro, little info on what I've been up to, some questions have been raised. Comedy project? Stand up comedy acts? For now, let me just tell you I wasn't joking. Even though I do tend to joke a lot. Humor is something that's hard to convey over the internet because often people will not realize you're joking; at least, sometimes that seems to be the case. But anyway, yeah, that's something I've been working on. I'm desperate to break into the entertainment industry, so I'm making sure to utilize all of my talents. And aside from that, it's a tone of fun. But more on that later, as it's time for me to go to bed (maybe squeeze in an episode of Seinfeld on DVD first).
And with that, I hope this premiere blog was somewhat interesting. There's a comments feature, if you wanted to respond to that and/or ask questions. Oh yeah, and don't forget to tell all your friends about this. Make sure to tell them: "HE'S BLOGGING!! HE'S GOT A NEW BLOG!! I KNOW, IT'S AMAZING!!"

Well. Feel free to word it differently, if you like. Anyway, I'm off for now. And tomorrow I'll tell you how the day went, and if things went the way I'm hoping they will.

Talk to you soon!