Life 101

107.6 Juice FM - Liverpool's More Music Station - Home

2010-07-14T10:22:00.001-07:00

Cool streaming radio from the home of the Beatles Liverpool UK, love it

From: http://www.juicefm.com/

2010-04-16T11:49:00.001-07:00

Using Character voices?, my thoughts on my blog
at imagingradio.com/wp

2010-02-26T13:42:00.001-08:00

Is looking for voice tracking clients for AC/Hot AC/Smooth Jazz or Country. Demos on my site at imagingradio.com

2009-12-23T15:14:00.001-08:00

Letters to Santa:
http://ping.fm/sKqDR

2009-11-19T12:45:00.001-08:00

What do you do when your kid writes a letter to Santa?, I have the answer on my blog www.imagingradio.com/wp

2009-11-11T08:13:00.001-08:00

Picked up voicetracking gig Now on WSTG FM Star 95.9 in Princeton W.Va 3-7pm
W00T

2009-10-06T11:43:00.001-07:00

Updated my resume at Careerbuilder.com

2009-09-26T21:48:00.001-07:00

Chris Botti at The Midland Theatre in Kansas City last night was spectacular, awesome performance, unforgettable

2009-08-18T13:26:00.001-07:00

Does your production staff lack the skills needed to create awesome commercials? Let us create ads that work!

2009-07-31T10:58:00.001-07:00

has new VLog in the works. Check it out: http://ping.fm/fip6p

2009-07-19T18:09:00.001-07:00

just did redevelop/design of www.imagingradio.com, check it out, like or dislike I'd love to know

2009-07-14T09:44:00.001-07:00

Just got a green release of Larry Lagerberg, nice smooth groove on Flugel horn and trumpet

2009-07-08T08:34:00.001-07:00

is on the air today from 2-7p Central on 98.1 KUDL and kudl.com

2009-07-05T13:27:00.001-07:00

Is finally home from class reunion, was the best time I've had in years! We should do it again next year! Great to see everyone that came

2009-07-01T15:44:00.001-07:00

Is now offering BOGO on voice overs for corp, IVR, and commercial vo! Interested hit our site, imagingradio.com

2009-06-25T15:49:00.001-07:00

Is saddened by the passing of icons Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon and The King of Pop Michael Jackson. The world will miss all of you.

2009-06-08T10:32:00.001-07:00

Just got the new single from Michael Lingtons "Heat" cd Ocean Drive, very summer, very smooth, very very cool!

2009-06-02T13:29:00.001-07:00

its slightly annoying to know that an individual who was born the year after I graduated from HS will be running Govt Motors

2009-06-01T09:32:00.001-07:00

working on promotional for summer book, developing new imaging strategies for Q2, and downloading classic 80's Punk Rock, I LOVE 1981!

2009-05-31T09:05:00.001-07:00

is headed to LaBCorp to run the courier route, takes Chuck Loeb with him.

2009-05-28T07:31:00.001-07:00

brainstorming web/viral/promotional campaign for summer/early fall book and looking for imaging library

2009-05-20T10:29:00.001-07:00

is about to get busy with voice over and production of several projects at once. the ultimate in multi-tasking

2009-05-18T13:26:00.001-07:00

has been imaging slammed since 9:30am and has now finally had a chance to catch his breath

2009-05-15T08:11:00.001-07:00

Is looking forward to today's auditions with SunSpots. Lots and Lots of production today. This is a GOOD thing!.

2009-05-13T11:35:00.001-07:00

Has just gotten the new Swing Out Sister CD Beautiful Mess and can't get the darn plastic off it.

2009-05-12T19:47:00.001-07:00

If you're looking for a new voice for your next commercial audio production. Please have a listen to my demos at www.imagingradio.com

2009-05-12T09:56:00.001-07:00

Just started using ping.fm for posting on multiple social networking platforms at once. Very cool

Finding Yourself

2009-02-25T15:44:00.000-08:00

Where do you begin? How do you find your purpose in this life. I heard a song the other day on a Christain radio station and the hook was "You only have one life to love". Don't ever ever take anything for granted. Tell the people you are closeset to that you love them and even now that our nation is in a somewhat tumultous time, we should remember what are grandparents and great-grandparents did, they survived, we can too

2009-01-02T14:06:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2009!.. Wow already I've made a mess of things, spent 3 hours in the Emergency Room after cutting my finger with one of those new fangled knives from the Culinary Institute. they are super sharp. In the hopes of our government getting their proverbial sh** together, I see that the markets were up above 9k today, I am hoping and praying that my job will stay intact and that the economy will continue to rebuild itself. I can't imagine the ramifications if it doesn't. I am extremely motivated to continue to build my network of friends and colleagues to garner some freelance voice over gigs in 09'. I may even try some email marketing strategies, although I am sure 92% of emails are never opened and they get File 13'd, Maybe the best way would be a direct mail piece, but that costs money,, and the loop begins.

Imagingradio Jukebox

2008-12-30T11:21:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the World

2008-08-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

Life 101 has now started for my son Jacob Henry Leigh who came into this world on 8.9.08 after 20 intense hours of labor. My wife Christen is the bravest person I've ever met, not only did she suffer through the labor, not once did she ever say anything that remotely resembled a curse word. She didn't throw things and she was just awesome delivering this glorious gift from God, a perfect little life.

He makes me proud, makes me cry and makes me take stock in my own life, and how precious life is, his grandparents are proud as well. The look of joy on my mothers face as she held him close, the tears of Christens mom as we helped her deliver this bundle of love into the world was worth it all.

The outpouring of fellowship, help, compassion,understanding and love from all of our families is the greatest gift anyone can receive and no matter the circumstance of our lives, the world we live in and it's infinite problems, no one can take away the joy of the birth of our son. It is and will always be my greatest accomplishment.

Down to the Wire

2008-06-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Well, we're down to 7 weeks until the birth of our first child. The baby's room is complete, with a hand painted family tree, color coordinated accessories and generally all the cool stuff that baby's like I guess. I'm starting to get a little nervous about the actual birthing process. I've seen lots of stuff, but never an actual live birth!.

Guess I should tune in to the Health Channel or maybe Discovery channel and catch up on that, but all those shows always are dealing with tragedy in birth and I can't handle that aspect of it, in the back of my mind I am aware of it, but I prefer not to think about things like that right now. I'm so excited that I'm actually going to be a Dad that I haven't been paying too much attention to other things.

I've got my plates pretty full right now, so I should start to relax a little bit. Yeah, like that is going to happen

The Rite of Spring

2008-05-03T07:34:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, Spring!. The time of year where we start anew, creativity abounds and we find new ways to try and re-invent or recharge our creative batteries. This year is especially rejuvenating for me as my wife and I expect our first child. I am quite certain that I've not really paid attention that last few years to the season of Spring.

Look out the window, go ahead, look. Pretty awesome huh!.

I mean really, think about it. You stare for a moment out the window taking it all in and realize that this happens EVERY year, how come I'm suddenly inspired by it all? I wish I knew the answer to that. One of the many jobs I perform is as a courier for a company that picks up specimans for testing (you really don't wanna know) anyway, I drive a little over 400 miles every weekend and it's through the most awesome countryside in the midwest. The trees and bushes are in bloom and the color is just breath taking. Try it sometime. Just get in the car, yeah I know gas is high, but you don't have to go far. Just take a drive through the country and really look at creation and use that beauty to inspire yourself to do whatever it is you do, better.

Does anyone write letters anymore?

2008-04-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

I woke up in the middle of the night 1:30am to be exact and this was a question racing through my mind. I'm not sure if I was dreaming about writing, or what, because I never remember my dreams anyway. But it got me to thinking, Does anyone write letters anymore?

I was going to start a letter to my Dad, who I'm sure would rather get a letter in the mail than the circular from Bobs Nothin But Crap store, when it occured to me that I spend most of my day sitting in front of a computer either creating audio, checking email, downloading videos and mp3's, reading the newspaper online and various other things. When I should be thinking about writing, you know with a pen and piece of paper. I once read,(online of course) that people would spend weeks composing a letter to loved ones, their congress-person, whomever.

I can't fathom spending much more than 3 minutes thinking about what I'm writing about now much less weeks gathering thoughts to compose a letter. Maybe that's where I should be thinking when it comes to the future of our business, Voice over and production is so 21st Century that I'm wondering if I composed a hand-written letter to a radio station PD or a company that I would like to do voice work for, that it would be read, or for that matter even opened? Makes you think a little doesn't it.

I'm still going to write my Dad a letter, and it probably won't be as long as this post, but it will be hand written, thought out and mailed.. with a stamp! Wow what a concept.

2008-04-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

I found, well, I didn't it was link forwarded to me by one of my bosses of a great new blog site
radiocreativland.com for folks that eat breathe and sleep creativly for radio. Everything from writing copy to posting your favorite spots for, and I'm guessing critiques. I'm too self concious to post one of my spots there for fear I'll be shredded. I don't mind critiques as long as their beneficial and I learn something from them, but bashing me, I would just rather not post.
I believe that I create great audio, both commercials and imaging and if it makes me happy, my bosses happy and anyone else I'm producing for, then we're all just fine. But check it out if your so inclined. Changing gears, I've rejoined Plaxo and made some more connections, hopefully I'll be able to garner some much needed production or voice work for the coming months. Lots of Huggies to buy :)

Baby Larson

2008-04-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

Big Day Today

2008-04-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

Through the wonders of science and technology, I will be able to do today what my parents never could and that is see my child in it's mothers womb. Fascinating really, think about it, through the magic of airwaves, an audio signal is bounced in and around my beautiful wife's baby bump and it sends that audio signal back to a radiophonic device that interprets the audio sound waves and develops sort of a radar signal that materializes itself into a shape that the good doctors will point out is "my child" hereto for known as "The Baby".

My parents got the "well you're getting pretty big, you're carrying low so it must be a boy". The wives tales on how to accurately determine the sex of your unborn child are 50/50 at best but it's sure fun to hear them tell the tales of long ago, before cell phone cameras, YouTube, Color TV (yes I was born before Color TV). My Mother said that I was a pain to carry, both literally and figurativly. This might explain why I'm so afraid of letting myself open up. This is the happiest day of my life, and it's right up there with my wedding day and the day I lost my virginity.

Moved

2008-03-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

My wife informs via text message, hey all the kids are texting now, it's great fun, that our unborn child that took 10 years to conceive moved twice in the middle of the night. I wish she had shook me awake so that I could have experienced that small miracle and joy. It's going to be difficult in the coming months to try and juggle careers, part time jobs and life in general to accomodate something that we've waited so long for. The anticipation is gathering energy and I'm starting to look forward to moving the office to my basement, and painting the room in neutral colors (We've decided that we want to be surprised by the sex on it's birthday).

Changing gears, I lost an old friend to cancer last sunday, Dave was only 53 and had so much to live for, his death brings a renewed intrest in my own mortality, am I doing everything I can to take care of myself physically? I've got to start eating better and finding time to excercise more, taking walks, jogging, lifting weights, maybe riding a bike, but definitly eating better. My doctor said that I was "pre-diabetic" what the hell does that mean? Noone in my family has ever been diabetic that I know of and granted I eat lots of sweets, but that's just because I quit smoking 17 months ago(pats himself on the back Yay me!), it's kind of scary really.

Remembering

2008-03-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

I just got through sifting through the various websites I subscribe to and have tagged as favs, that deal specifically with Voice Over, and I can't for the life of me remember where I saw a forum I needed to subscribe to so that I can get some marketing tips on how to market myself more efficiently as a voice talent.

As a freelance voice talent, I just don't have enough hours in the day to freely market my voice and my other talents effectivly. I have a full time job imaging two radio stations and doing production for 6 more. Then on the weekends, I'm a courier for a Laboratory Testing facility, and I drive, listent to radio and drive somemore, then Monday, I'm back doing my paying job.

So when, how and where can I develop my freelance voice over talent marketing plan, so that I can effectivly make some darn money in this business. I'm already part of several networking sites like Talentdatabase, here's my address http://thedb.com/scottlarson and I regularly participate in this forum http://www.voice-overs.com/forum/ it's another great place to learn about stuff. I guess I need more face time networking with real people, not just cyber peeps. If you know what I'm talking about, and would like to help me get my sh#! together please post here, send an email radioimage@gmail.com I'd really love to know when you find the time to do all of this.

Larson

Taxing my Voice?

2008-02-12T06:36:00.001-08:00

February always depresses me for two reasons, it's cold, and my tax man wants to start early knowing full well that I don't file until April 15th. Why does he do that, surely he writes this down in his multi-colored three ring binder that adorns his desk full of pencils, unfiled returns, cookie crumbs, smoldering cigarette butts and various other trivial things. I didn't make much money in Voice over in 2007, but just enough to put me in a slightly higher tax bracket, whatever that means.

I mean seriously, think about it.

You make XX amount one year, and by increasing your miniscul pay by just 100 bucks, you will create an even larger headache than you had the previous year. I bought one of those software packages to do my own taxes, but figured out that it would cost me more in therapy after attempting to install the software, read the FAQ, and gather all my tax info to "input" into this program just to find out that I'll still owe the tax man a healthy chunk of my hard earned chump change.

Here's a novel idea, why not just go ahead and take 25% off the top of each paycheck I get, to pay Mr. Fica, Ms SS, Mrs.Medicare, Joe401k,Mr and Mrs. MOKAN, and anyone else that they can think of that I may or may not owe money to or I can just bend over and take one for my team.

As a Voice over talent and producer I worry that I may be not charging enough, or maybe too much, or I'm not unique enough, you should worry too, but not too much, you're much more talented than you think, and I'm just paranoid.

Larson

Now What

2008-01-24T08:06:00.001-08:00

Is it possible that I've completely overlooked a new way of advertising my services as a voice talent. Twitter is a passing fancy that I found to be a complete time waster but very addicting. Now there's boobtek a sexy way of promoting your erotic fantasy, but can I use that to microblog my voice over services? I'm seriously considering trying it. There's got to be more ways to market my self in a viral setting.

On another note, finding an agent in markets other than the one I live in (because they either don't want to rep me or I have B.O., the latter of which is moot because I shower daily) is proving to be a challenge. I've found some outlets and networking possibilities with other VO Pros who've helped a bunch.

The biggest obstacles I've found is that because I'm non-union, a lot of agencies don't want to talk to me or rep me and the only reason I can fathom is that it's because they don't get the big buck union scale when I get a gig. C'mon people give a hard working guy a break, I'm just trying to make a buck or two.

I lost an old friend

2008-01-14T07:56:00.000-08:00

This past Friday an old friend of 33 years, he died from a disease known as market slumpoctomy, after so many books and trends failed to keep him alive, they gracefully put the Hippo to sleep with "In the Dark" and like a Phoenix was reborn into The Boulevard, Kansas City's Quality Rock.. playing everything the other rock stations in the market won't. It was really hard to see people I've known, worked with and loved be told to pack their little boxes up and leave, Bryan couldn't refrain from displaying and communicating his disdain for the abruptness of his termination.

That's the nature of this beast called Radio, you can be terminated in a nanosecond for the simple reason, "You're numbers weren't good enough". Ironically, numbers is what the suits in the game are counting on to resurrect a dying format. Classic Rock, is well,, Quality Rock, as we get older (and I'm talking about my generation; 40-49) we've come to realize that we can only hear Free Bird and Back in Black so many times before we tire of it.

I welcomed the new station with open arms, as I have learned to adapt to change, embrace it, and learn from it. It's the only way I know how to survive in this game. It reminds me of a commercial on the TV right now, A Chevy advertisement I think, where they're playing Worlds of Warcraft, and one of the online players uses the vehicle as a weapon that slays the dragon.

How do I slay my own dragons is something I must continually pursue with all the weapons at my fingertips, computers, software, the Internet, everything and all at once.

Resolutions for 08'

2008-01-01T09:18:00.000-08:00

Although I normally don't make any resolutions because I almost never follow through with them, this year is going to be a little different. I have a child on the way and that means I'll need to make more money, and to make more money, I'll need more voice over gigs and a raise from my regular job as production and imaging director of two large market radio stations. How am I going to do that?. Good question!

I have to find marketing avenues that are first and foremost cheap. I have to network more with current clients that I serve. I have to make myself more visible to potential clients in all areas of my daily routines, that means when I go to the QT for a coffee, I ask the manager who to talk to at corporate. You get the idea.

So why haven't I done these things in the past? another good question, laziness I suppose, or the fact I'm already working 2 jobs and rarely get to bed before midnight. My home studio is being reworked due to the baby being on the way, which means I can only work from my employers studio's on my time not theirs.

I'm not trying to make excuses, I'm just trying to motivate myself into being more pro-active in my freelance endeavors. You should too. I found some great forums to lurk in and offer advice when I can.
http://www.voice-overs.com/forums
http://www.voiceoversavvy.com
and http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/Voiceovers/

You'll have to join them all but it's well worth it. You'll learn something, and perhaps be able to teach someone yourself

Here's to a prosperous 2008!

2007-12-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

Now that everyone now knows, I thought I'd share it with the world, This was originally to be sent in a card to all my family members as their Christmas Gift from my wife and I, but we didn't quite get that done and it was all done either in person here in KC or by phone to my immediate family members. This is the greatest gift ever to given to Kiki and I and we look forward to August 18th, 2008 when we'll welcome a new addition to the Larson home.
Happy New Year,

What a Christmas!

2007-12-26T04:24:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be a father!. I'll post a pic later of the test, and my wife and I couldn't be more excited as it's been a 10 year struggle with infertility that the miracles of medicine and faith in the Creator of Life, our Lord Jesus Christ has bestowed this blessing upon us. The most exciting part of it really, was telling our relatives, brothers, sisters, Grandparents and friends. It is the very best Christmas present I have ever received or probably will ever recieve. Happy Holidays to one and all.

The Christmas Blog

2007-12-18T14:33:00.000-08:00

As I wind down 2007 it has been a difficult year for both my freelance business and my personal life, but there is good news. If you look back at my first post in Life 101, I explained that my wife Christen and I were trying to conceive a child... I'll let you know the results on Christmas Day when we take the test again.

In January of this year, I resolved to find better paying freelance voice over jobs, pay off some debt, and continue to not to smoke cigarettes. Well.. at least I don't smoke anymore. Christmas will mean more to me this year than any other for a lot of reasons, I have a home, I have a job, I have family and I live in the greatest country in the world. Life 101 is getting better and better. In 2008 I resolve to once again try and market myself and my services better, I'll be a better Christian, I will do my level best to provide for my family and I'll do everything I can to make this world a better place for you and I. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Voice of the Holidays

2007-12-04T07:20:00.001-08:00

It's that time of the year, the hustle and bustle of the rude, the obnoxious, yes, the holiday shopper. Voice work is at a premium here, everyone wants to advertise their wares and most want to do it without sounding "Christmasy"( is that even a word?). A lot of potential advertisers are writing their own scripts, badly of course and they want you to sell their product in the most conversational way possible. But here's the caveat; the commercial copy is written in bullet points and you are to "ad-lib" the delivery.

Tough call, do you turn it down and risk losing a potential client forever, or do you try and read through it a couple of times to get the feel of the copy and then try to have a conversation with your imaginary muse. Hmmm, the latter would probably drive you crazy with multiple takes but... just imagine how imaginative you can become when you get to improvise and "sell" the product.

Here's an easy way to get into that mode of delivery. If you have children, make up stories and use that to "ad-lib" your way through it, if you don't try volunteering at the local library or you can talk to yourself, (at the risk of people looking at you weird) .

I have found that on more than one occasion, telling a story to a 4 year old is great practice, it's fun and you'll find yourself able to converse in an ad-lib type format for just about any product. Now, as far as the copy is concerned, well, you'll just have to live with that one.

Has it come to this?

2007-10-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

The Dalai Lama has an audience with GW, the Turks want to invade N. Iraq to kill Kurdish terrorists, China has said in essence, (and in my best Tony Soprano VO) ' You do this and we gotta problem wit youse guys'.

There's approximately 20 wars going on throughout the world, anarchists in San Fransisco, defiling the Catholic Faith by accepting communion and what Catholics consider the body and blood of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Al Gore gets a Noble Peace Prize for telling the world that it's climate is changing, which, by the way, the world has been doing since it was created, tell me something I don't already know.

My house is not ever going to be worth what I'm paying for it, because mortgage companies and banks gave loans to people who knowingly will never repay them. I think I understand what my grandmother was trying to tell me about the Great Depression, we're headed that way, and probably sooner than later.

Is this the apocalypse? Are the 4 Horseman just about ready to saddle up and bring the wrath of GOD to the masses?

Is there any GOOD news in our world? I've been reading blogs, listening to the news media, both left, right and and fair and balanced, but I get discouraged when all I hear, read, is death and destruction. When is it going to stop?

Never.
I think I'll just turn up Mudhoney and fall deeper into analytical thought

Growing pains

2007-09-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been awhile since the last blog, and quite frankly a busy last couple of months. Not so much in the voice over business, but Life in general, I DID get an agent, no paying gig yet, but some great auditions. I dropped Voices.com because I wasn't getting any gigs, I have contacted several agencies outside my region and sent demos for inclusion, found some great sites for networking and getting my "voice" out there. Took a part time job cleaning a cancer research center to try and get our bills under control, what else.. oh yeah, worked my ass off at my regular job. But maybe things will start to get better in the coming year, but then again, I say that every year. There just isn't enough time in the day to get the things done that I need to get done. 'Nuff complaining, back to work. Write soon, wish you were here (;D)

Do I need an Agent?

2007-08-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

I wondered aloud as I haven't gotten but one job from a Voices company. Over 200+ auditions and only one job. Hardly justifies what I spent to "join" this outfit. Perhaps I should get a voice coach, and pay them 150 bucks an hour in the hopes that I may or may not get a voice over gig that will help pay my mortgages. I'll explore it, but I don't have that kind of cash available, do you? Nah,, didn't think so.

So what IS the deal with agencies?,, I'm a non-union freelance voice over artist and there in lies the problem. I believe that agencies hire union talent because they can negotiate higher rates from the client and still pay the talent their scale fees. It's B.S. but that's the nature of the beast.

I'll make some inquiries into it and get back to you. In the mean time, just keep doing what you're doing.

Lots of Hats

2007-07-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

I love hats, I have about 100 hats in my closet, and my wife will do just about anything to get rid of them, but each hat holds a memory, a point in time where it was received, purchased or found that brings about an emotional response.

Think about that when you're voice acting, or narrating a piece, invoke emotional responses to what you're speaking about. Whether it's cars or cracked foundations, you're ability to tell the story with an emotion in your voice will convey to the listener the one thing that emotionally connects them to the idea, product or story.

I find that telling stories to children is a great way to tune up character voices, or work on delivering an emotion. It's great practice, and its fun for kids too. Try it, volunteer at your local library, or read to your own kids, or grand kids for that matter. You'll find that when you tell the story, and it's just you doing all the characters in the story you'll find ways to emotionally connect to the story, and the audience is just as emotionally connected as you are.

2007-07-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

Finding you niche' is probably going to be hard! No, really, it's going to be the hardest thing about voice work/production. Finding out what you're good at took me 19 years,, well not that long, about 15 years actually. I always wanted to be a radio superstar.. like Lujack, or Mancow, or Dare, or Imus. But,, that never happened, and it probably never will.

So I had to find out what I was good at. Let's see, I can tell good stories, (especially to 3 and 4 year olds) with character voices and mouth made sound effects. Ok, I'll put that on my check list. Let's see what else.. hmm, ok, I have a knack for creating imaging that cuts through, with the use of sfx, drops, conversational pieces.. Ok,, that goes on it too.. but what do I do the best?

I create commercials that sell! But I didn't do that by myself, I had a little help from a creative director who writes.. OH,, you can do that too.. fan-freakin-tastic! You're well on your way to finding that niche' I've been talking about.

Marketing yourself and your niche'?

.. well, let me do some research and I'll get back to you

July WHEW!

2007-07-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

Been a while since the last time we chatted. I've been through so much in the last month it's mind boggling. My father had quadruple bypass surgery and is still in the hospital with rehab issues, a family member had the most extravagant wedding I've ever been to or will go to, and I've been dealing with some personal issues that I think I've worked out.

I started this blog to catalogue my life and how it relates to life, sort of a "how to" book online, but it's mostly becoming a place where I can vent, and post my thoughts on all kinds of stuff.

But enough about me, let's talk about Voice work, imaging and what needs to happen to make it "sound" right. I've worked with a lot of great voice over people in my career, and they've all got great advice on how to get work in this cut throat business. But let's face it, unless you've got kahunas the size of grapefruit, or a voice so unique it's really hard to get business. I'm a member of several online communities, but I've only gotten a few jobs and it's extremely rare that I get a substantial amount of money for the work that I do.

That being said, do not be disheartened by it, and most certainly don't take what I say as gospel. But do try and find your niche' and then follow it. Tomorrow, I'll share how to create some cool effects with software and mic technique.

Now what?

2007-06-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

I received information that my father is to undergo an angiogram on Tuesday. "No big deal" you might say.. but the rub is that my father wouldn't have even told us that he was going to have this procedure if had his way.. Mom is the one who told us and even she didn't know much beyond that as Dad wouldn't let her go with him to the doctor.

What kind of logic is that, is my father so bitter or uncaring that he won't even tell his children that he is having, in my opinion a major surgery (ok, I'm stretching and overstating it a bit) but I'm concerned for the welfare of my parents. I think it's rather selfish of him.

In this wonderful world we live in, the marvels of modern medicine make it possible for doctors to insert a piece of fiberoptics, and look around my dads heart valves. Amazing isn't it! Now for the hard part, they will force him to sign documents specifying that "if needed" we (the medical professional) may need to preform bypass surgery to correct any obstructions that may or may not be found. Isn't that just a way for them to garnish their already depleted Medicare Plans?

Here's the irony, my dad really could care less whether he lives or dies. He's lived a great life. I just wish he would "LOVE" life even more.. There's lots of life to live.

Everything is for sale

2007-06-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

I can buy Paris Hilton's prison jumpsuit for a billion dollars. Ok, so that's a slight exaggeration, but is it?.. Why would I want something like that, and what possesses anyone to buy crap like that. I heard you can buy serial killer John Wayne Gacy's shoes, or perhaps Sirhan Sirhans toothbrush. People will buy anything as long as there is controversy or celebrity attached to it. I had my picture taken with Mancow at a friend of mines wedding, maybe in 300 years it will be worth something.

Which brings me to another observation.

Why do people hate you or are disappointed in you if you like or admire another person. I am who I am, and I'll have anyone I want to as my hero's and who I admire is my business and none of your concern, if it bothers you that much then get a therapist. Ok, enough of that, back to my original thought. If I can buy Paris' jumpsuit, what's next. Brittany's shredded locks, or perhaps Lindsey's puke stained shoes. No thanks, I'm saving my money for something worthwhile.. gasoline

Fallen Hero

2007-05-29T11:27:00.001-07:00

Memorial Day 2007, what did you do?.. I watched Band of Brothers unfortunately with commercials.. good thing for TiVo. There are lots of things that can make a grown man cry, the birth of his first child (I'm still waiting on that one), the singing of the Star Spangled Banner at ANY sporting event, Ol' Yeller, getting a great deal on pizza, Ok, not so much that one, but you get the general idea..

I happened across a documentary on some obscure channel and cried,, it told the story of 5 men and their families and how Iraq has changed them. The soldiers were from a National Guard unit based in Iowa and they're families stories put tears in my eyes, not because of their situation, but because as an American, I'm moved by such dedication to the security of our way life, they had been told that their tours of duty were extended by 12o days. That may not seem like a lot to you and I, but for the soldiers and their families it's a lifetime. Imagine the look on the 8 year old's face when his mother tells him that his Daddy is not coming home in April like they planned, but maybe in August. It brings the salt filled tears of emotion right back to the front.

The fallen hero's of this conflict, will never be forgotten, they'll take their rightful places next to veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Afghanistan. Remember them the next time you're bitching about gas prices, your job, the weather, the price that's paid out weighs all of that.

What can be learned from a 4 year old

2007-05-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

I'm in a Target store yesterday, buying some Green Tea because someone told me it's good for you., that's a different story.. anyway.. a young mother and her charges.. an infant in her arms, a two year old in a stroller and the 4 year old are meandering through the store. She's frantically trying to herd her brood through the winding aisles of the Super Target, when I came up on them.

The 4 year old, I think his name tag from day care said "Hi I'm Bobbie", walks up to me and without missing a beat, points to his name tag and say's "Hi" and immediatly crams his index finger into his nose to dig for that ever elusive CogMollie. Before I could muster a "Hello", his mother yanks him by the arm, glares at me like I'm a serial killer and berates the lad for talking to strangers.

While I admire the mother for taking charge, I must admit, I was taken aback by what her attitude was towards me. I can remember as a child, not much older than Bobbie, when my elders were quick with the hellos, and the pull my fingers. You can't find that kind of friendliness any longer.. at least not here in the city, maybe in small towns across the country. Wouldn't it be great if we could walk up to people we don't know, with name tags that say 'Hi I'm____" and stick our fingers in our nose, regardless of how tacky and un-PC it is. With the world the way it is.. I think I'll try it and see

Why Plants make you smile

2007-05-21T07:25:00.001-07:00

Have you ever noticed how plants and flowers make you smile,, c'mon, admit it.. even if you aren't an avid green thumber, you have to admit that gardens seem to switch on the emotional light inside you. Kiki and I have had to create a small garden,by necessity really, because the air-conditioner is about to roll down the hill in my backyard.

We've gone to the HD and picked out flowers and grasses we think will add beauty and intrigue to our outdoor spaces.. Our backyard is horrible.. it's slope is steep and grass won't grow, so when it rains,, it washes everything away. Now, if I happen to get a win in the lottery, or a windfall of some sort, I won't be creating a retaining wall to keep all that in, but I digress. We now have created this wall around the AC and are in the process of creating a small flower and plant garden.

The smile part comes when your garden, that you created by actually getting your hands in the dirt and playing like your 5 again , comes together and looks like those you see in the magazines. Living everyday to the fullest,, another part of Life 101

Looking for work?

2007-05-18T07:25:00.000-07:00

What not to do if you're looking for a new job? Don't do it on your current employers time.. C'mon we all do it,, admit it, you're tired of your job and you want a new one, one that pays more, has more benefits, is closer to your home. But really, be honest, you've looked at Monster, Career Builder and other job sites while you're supposed to be working for your current employer.

I've done it, I'm not proud of it, but I've done it. If you are looking for a new job, do it on your own time. If you're reading this while you're at work. You're not doing your job. Oh, I'm sorry, you're on break, or at lunch, or just getting ready to leave your office. Well then, that's OK.

Why jail is bad for celebrities

2007-05-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

Well, let's see, I read today where Paris Hilton's jail term has been reduced by half, and she'll be spending it away from the general population of the prison. Why?.. she's no better than any other criminal who broke the terms of their probation. Why does she deserve preferential treatment? Because she's a silver spoon fed, pouty faced brat? and why do I care?. I care because the judges who preside over our justice system are more worried about how they'll fare in their next general election than to administer the punishment fairly. You know the old saying "Do the crime, Do the time"? But I guess it's just Hollyhood.. you're a celebrity, you are seen and heard and the world follows you're every move because they want to be like you. What a waste of my tax money. Here's what I suggest they do instead, put her in Watts or anywhere in East L.A and let the real 'hood take care of it.

I'm not bitter am I?

Help me understand

2007-05-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, Casey Serin (an immigrant) has racked up millions in debt to mortgage companies and banks, refuses to get a job, insists on trying to find a way to get rich quick. Yet, his blog is making money. Shouldn't his creditors garnish those Yahoo and Google accounts to help pay back that fraudulent waste of my money? Seriously, I've been trying to find ways to increase my financial worth for years, perhaps I should have taken the Casey Serin School of Money Management and with a little better luck I could have been in the Black instead of the Red. You have to give the guy a little credit though,, at least he's manipulated the system enough to get putz' like me to examine my life's goals.

Why potholes are a good thing

2007-05-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

Without potholes, You wouldn't have to maintain your expert driving techniques, you save money on tires, shocks, brakes, and that, in turn saves gasoline. With gas now at 3.09 in my neighborhood, I've noticed that a lot more people have started to get their vehicles ready for sale or trade for one of those new Nissans or Toyota's that remind me of a really cool golf cart. I will miss the day's of filling up the car and just going for a drive, anywhere... anytime...

That being said, our children will really never know the pleasure of just cruising the neighborhoods, dirt roads in the country, or the main drag ( if you don't know what a main drag is.. you're too young). Now, back to the whole pot hole thing.. I have a huge one beginning to develop right where it irritates me most.. the driveway. I have to come in at a steep angle every night and when I leave in the morning I must navigate out of my flat driveway at such an angle that NYC cab drivers would be extremely proud. Oh, I've called the city, I've called the HOA,I've called just about everyone except my congressperson, and you ALL know how that's going to go.

So, what to do, I COULD fix it myself with a bag of cement and a trowel, but that's not the point, I should be able to get this fixed with just a phone call to the City Street department. Not gonna happen, I've added this to my summer list of 10 things I'm going to get done this season, and none of those will probably get done anyway.

Life 101 is launched

2007-05-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I've got a myspace page, a twitter page, a regular website, and I've posted all other places in the world. So now.. I've started my own blog and I'll post my random thoughts on Life 101 and how to get a degree in Life.. It's really quite simple. Just live your life the way you think you should. Don't kill anything you don't plan to eat. Love your spouse as you would love yourself, appreciate the small things in life.. like Twinkies.. More of Life 101 is coming to a blogosphere near you.. Thanks for reading

S