Monthly Archive for February, 2007

Do Your Part: Save the Internet

Published on February 24, 2007 in Events, Florida Creatives and Podcasts. Closed

Net Neutrality is not a partisan issue. Businesses large and small don’t want to raise their overhead by having to pay telcomm companies for “guaranteed speed” or whatever the hell they call it. Creatives like us obviously don’t want some quality control watching our packets so that video, podcasts, torrents and other forms of sharing get lower priority and slower transfer rates. This is an issue we can all get behind, just like the cause of creating a strong creative community here in Florida.

I decided to post this video here of all places because of the community we have begun to build. This group is capable of great things if we focus our attention. This video even mentions Florida. Take 4 minutes and watch, then go to SaveTheInternet.com and see what you can do to help. If you have a website, blog, podcast, radio/TV show, or a healthy email list, you can share this with others and do your part to dispel the confusion around Net Neutrality.

We are getting a booth at the Grandma Party Craft Bazaar on April 7th. Another event I would like to have a presence at is the Fringe Theatre Festival from May 17th-28th, but only with the help of this group. I think we have a golden opportunity to not only spread the word about Florida Creatives at these events, but to offer a place for people to have their questions about Net Neutrality answered. Anyone interested should leave a comment, email me or use the contact form at the top of this page. This doesn’t end here.

MicheLee Puppets: I Drinky Water

Published on February 23, 2007 in Blogs, Orlando Video and Video. Closed

I know about MicheLee Puppets, Tracey Conner, the Extreme Health Challenge, and MC Rico B. Kuhl because of my good friend Becky Lane. I believe MicheLee is the first non-profit organization we have featured here on Orlando Video, but I may be wrong (see Assembly). According to their PDF-only fact sheet from the site, they provide presentations on divorce, bullying, child abuse, healthy lifestyles (hence the drinking water), literacy and sexual assault prevention.

I Drinky Water is one of five commercials used to reinforce the messages from the wacky hit production of EXTREME Health Challenge, a show that empowers kids to eat right and get moving. Sit back, enjoy the video, and pass the link on to your friends to share.

Have an EXTREME day!

Um, wow… I guess principals and teachers like to see stuff like that. However, I did receive this submission via email to the liberatr [at] gmail DOT com, so I am more or less obligated to share it with you.

From what I understand, the Extreme Health Challenge begins with a live show in the school auditorium or gym and is aimed at elementary age kids, I suppose from 1st to 5th grade. Different ages probably get into different parts of the show. From what I understand, Fuschia (Becky) interacts with a number of puppet characters in a 40-minute-long show that encourages (or challenges?) kids to practice a healthy lifestyle. The other videos I have seen involve getting a good night’s sleep before a test (especially FCAT) and other fun stuff a-la early JetSet Show.

I don’t know why these videos haven’t been on YouTube since last summer when they were produced, since the entire audience MicheLee is going after with ExHC uses YouTube as their primary form of entertainment. It’s not like puppet music videos or encouraging kids to be healthy through music and pageantry wasn’t invented… oh… thousands of years ago. Plus, Sesame Street has a whole series of videos about being healthy, which I hope has the “We Just Love to Brush Our Teeth” song.

Actually I love this video. No, really. If you’ve got puppet stuff, send it my way. For a while I considered doing an all-puppet blog, but I think video from Orlando is small enough in scope… I’ll leave the puppet blogging to the puppeteers for now.

Crapface 36: Don’t Let My Lust For You Impair Our Friendship

Published on February 21, 2007 in Podcasts and You Can't Spell Crapface Without PFA. Closed

Episode 36
crapface_36.mp3
Running time: 32:29


Kait and Ariel join Myla Goldberg and the Captain of the Other Team for a playful Skype romp about phalli, hot cross buns, Richie Scurvy, and more. For the first time in a long time, VH1 and the Gilmore Girls don't come up in conversation. Be sure to check out the links this week.

Don't forget to send your emails to pfalliance@gmail.com OR pfa.myla@gmail.com, and check out the links and past shows at pfalliance.blogspot.com.
Links referenced in this show:

Tampa Bay Blogger Meetup

Published on February 19, 2007 in Events, Florida Creatives and Podcasts. Closed

Sticks of Fire is a Tampa-based local blog I subscribe to, and they are co-hosting a blogger dinner in Tampa next Tuesday. Here’s the announcement:

From Sticks of Fire:

Who: Bloggers and Podcasters, fans of them or even those who want to become one…
When: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 — 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Hawks Neighborhood Grill — 3114 Bay to Bay Boulevard, South Tampa

Why: Putting names and faces to the local blogging community, to share a beverage, and say hello.

Everyone is invited to come out and participate. This is an Un-Meeting, with no agenda or specific purpose other than meeting and getting to know one-another “offline.” If you have any questions, or if you plan to attend, send me an email: jim [at] stateofsunshine [dot] com, and let me know — so we can get an estimated headcount for the restaurant.

We hope you can make it!!

This one is co-hosted by State of Sunshine, Sticks of Fire, Seminole Heights, Out in Left Field, and In Theory…

It was events like this that inspired me to start Florida Creatives… well, BlogOrlando, the Fringe Festival and Grandma Party specifically. I know the Tampa area has Craft Out Loud (March 3rd, Globe Coffee House) and a couple of other events that bring creatives together… I wonder if they are being reached out to? That’s why I bought Florida Creatives a booth at Grandma Party, and why I want to raise the $325 for a table at Fringe (May 17-28, Loch Haven Park).

If anyone asks me, I’ll set up a PayPal donation for it. Also, if we get surplus money we can maybe supply some beers to everyone who donated as a way of keeping the money in the loop. Either that or purchase a table at crafting out loud or support an Assembly show, or some of these other creative events around the state that could benefit from knowing there is a larger community out there. I love Orlando, but I called this group Florida Creatives for a reason.

OSF “Shakes” the Festival from its name

Published on February 19, 2007 in Blogging Fringe and Blogs. Closed

From the Orlando Sentinel

The Orlando theater company best known for Shakespeare is changing its name.

Known for the past 12 years as the Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival, the area’s largest resident theater company will be called Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

Apparently, the backers of the festival are hoping we the people will start calling it “Orlando Shakes” - hence the snappy title. They are even renaming the website to orlandoshakes.org - maybe it will catch on…

Apparently, it’s not too bad that they dropped the “UCF” from the name either. According to the Sentinel, UCF is only supplying about 8% of the festival’s budget, instead of the more than 20% the originally supplied back in the 90’s. Now we will get “in partnership with UCF” like the Orlando Rep.

From what I understand, people are making fun of the pre-ordained nickname… I mean, I didn’t ask to be called “the Blog Guy”, but Chad Cronon seemed to think it fit last year.

DRIP: Paint in Motion

Published on February 16, 2007 in Blogging Fringe, Blogs and Podcasts. Closed

Imagine a painting that can paint itself, dance, look at you, touch other paintings and change those others with its own paint. Sounds too good to be true? It might be, but DRIP is bringing it to us.

There is a great interview with Marla Maribal, the artistic director for DRIP, over on her MySpace page. The original article was printed in a recent edition of the Watermark, a local GLBT publication.

Most Fringers will remember last year’s performance by Jessica Mariko and crew at the Fringe Preview (this year’s is April 30th). Actually, I didn’t make it last year, but from what I understand it was unforgettable.

DRIP can also be seen performing at Nude Nites this weekend if you’ve got the time.

Linwood Sassy’s Screw You Review

Published on February 16, 2007 in Blogging Fringe, Blogs, Podcasts and Video. Closed

I’ve just finished writing a post over on Orlando Video about Dewey Chaffee. You might recognize the name, but if not, just know that he is associated with a certain grumpy old man who has emerged as one of the early adopters of this whole YouTube/MySpace/promote your show/promote early/promote often… thing. If you have a Fringe show, look at what Linwood and Dewey are putting together.

I can’t really say what the show is all about, but it’s very clear that Linwood thinks our little festival is below his celebrity. Here’s a quote from his MySpace:

I know what those “festivals” are all about: a bunch of homosexuals runnin’ around on stage NAKED and callin’ it “art.” Screw that! I refuse to do it. So don’t get too excited about my show. I’m not comin’.

Dewey Chaffee: Linwood Sassy at the Orlando Fringe Photo Shoot

Published on February 16, 2007 in Orlando Video, Podcasts and Video. Closed

This post is a bit of a cross-over with another site of mine, Blogging Fringe. It is relevant because it fits into both sites so neatly. Here is a local comedian with a show in the Fringe Festival working hardcore to promote his show with video.

Dewey Chaffee has been performing comedy for fifteen years. His brand of comedy is honest, charming, and hilariously insightful. Dewey is based in Orlando, Florida, which has been his home for the past twenty-five years. He spends his time writing, performing improv comedy and booking gigs all over the country as a professional “Ace Ventura” celebrity impersonator.

Linwood Sassy is a one of those guys that you just have to admire for all the spice and pep he still has at his rapidly advancing age. Linwood and Dewey have started releasing a series of videos which I’m sure will grow in number in the weeks leading up to May 17th and the start of the Orlando Fringe. Honestly, I think if Linwood ever sees this post he might sue me, make me shave my head, stuff peanut butter in my socks or do one of those pranks with a bucket of water over the door and be hiding just out of sight with Dewey filming the whole thing so they can put it on YouTube. I wouldn’t put it past the old codger.

Then of course there is the whole meta-YouTube aspect of Dewey. One YouTuber named DISnut has created a whole series of vlogs featuring characters from Disney/MGM’s Streetmospheres - this is one of my top 10 favorite things about Disney - I really love the level of interactivity you get from engaging a live performer. Presenting Francis Floot and Paige Turner, Citizens of Hollywood.

If you want your video featured here on Orlando video, send a link to an embeddable video to lberatr [at] gmail DOT com. If you don’t know how to get things up on YouTube or some other service, you don’t have fast internet, or you otherwise want to get a video to me in some other way, get in touch with me to work out a delivery of some kind.

Florida Creatives Happy Hour 3/19

Published on February 11, 2007 in Events, Florida Creatives and Podcasts. Closed

Event Page & RSVP
Monday, March 19, 2007
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
crooked bayou
50 E Central Blvd # D
Orlando, Florida 32801
28.542, -81.3782

By now this event is old hat - this will be our 4th gathering. We should be getting the student chapters rolling and starting to branch out to other cities.

We now have over 55 people on the list of attendees from all 3 events, but this is just he beginning.

Monday nights and Crooked Bayou are feeling like a good time and place to gather. March 19th is the 3rd Monday, if you foresee any big problems with Mondays in the future (like national holidays, perhaps) we’ll see what we can do.

Riding the Creative Waves

Published on February 11, 2007 in Events, Florida Creatives and Podcasts. Closed

I want to send a big thank you to all those who attended our February event at the Copper Rocket. We got 17 new names on the list, not counting one wife and baby who showed up. Thanks to Damien for driving out from Sanford and the new Ryan for trekking from Tampa! Ryan might be gathering support for a Tampa event, so if you’re in that section of Florida, let me know and I’ll get you guys talking.

The next efforts I want to focus on for the group are getting some more functions here on the site like being able to link to a resume, linkedin page, mybloglog profile or something of that sort so people get an introduction to you. I also would like to make sure we have everyone’s zip code so we can do a fun map of creatives around the state, and eventually a job board so Florida businesses can hire Florida Creatives. Anyone interested in helping out should use the contact form on the site.

Florida Creatives is now listed on Apartment E under “local podcasts”. Frankie Messina and his crew have a similar group that I learned about after we had our first event. This group is definitely worth paying attention to if you’re in Orlando.

Tampa February Film Events

Published on February 9, 2007 in Blogs, Events and Make it Short. Closed

From Sticks of Fire:

There are plenty of local events for film fans this month.  Here are a few to consider:

  • February 9-16 — Film Noir Film Festival at the Studio(at)620 in St. Pete — An exhibit of 20th century mug shots complements the film noir classics showcased in this festival.  Films such as Laura, Sunset Boulevard, The Killing and Blood Simple will be introduced by local authors, filmmakers and film critics, with discussions following each screening.  $7 for one film, $10 for two films, exhibit admission is free.
  • February 16 at 6 p.m. at Studio XP in St. Pete — Pinellas Filmmaker Society meeting and indie film screening — This focus of this new monthly event is to identify and promote local talent.  People are encouraged to bring in their films, resumes and questions and/or to promote their businesses during the Showcase part of the evening.  This event is free and open to the public.
  • February 28 at 8 p.m. at the Studio(at)620 in St. Pete — Ironweed Film Club — A monthly screening of socially conscious films.  Films scheduled to be shown this month are short films Fair Trade:The Story and Interview With Amartya Sen, and feature film Black Gold.  General admission is $5 or $3 for Studio members.
  • February 28-March 4 — Gasparilla Film Festival — Movies.  Parties.  Filmmakers.  Panel discussions.  Movies.  Parties.  More movies.  Be there or be square.

(cross-posted at www.tampafilmfan.com)

Sunday, Not Monday & Bonus Days

Published on February 9, 2007 in Events, Florida Creatives and Podcasts. Closed

I am realizing a bit too late that if you have a monthly event, you need to standardize the date.

Any other dates/times/locations will inevitably be bonus events.

This month’s Florida Creatives is in a different place on a different day - never again.

How does 3rd Monday at Crooked Bayou sound? We can build a relationship with that place, they seemed to like having us on a slow night. This means the next event is March 19th, right after St. Patty’s Day.

There are a couple of Bonus Events coming up I want to discuss with people - one is Grandma Party. This is a one-day craft bazaar that is more than a bit bizarre. Hosted in April in the parking lot of Stardust, dozens of crafters, activists, musicians, videographers, art installationists, farmers, hair stylists, and lots of other -ists gather to hang out, eat soy dogs, drink lemonade, sell their wares and have fun.

I bought a booth for Florida Creatives to try and garner some support from the DIY community. Lots of people there participate in other initiatives like Assembly, and this will be our “coming out” to them. It would be interesting if we could leave some voicemails on the Grandma Party Hotline - 206.666.4.SEW - to show them we are supporting the event.

Later I would like to buy a booth for the Fringe Festival in May, but I don’t have $325 in my back pocket, so I’d like to pass a collection plate.

Want to Learn How to Produce a Fringe Show?

Published on February 9, 2007 in Blogging Fringe, Events and Podcasts. Closed

The Orlando International Fringe Festival’s Producing Artistic Director Returns To Teach Yapinars at The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays-PlayFest

Have you ever wanted to produce a Fringe show but did not know where to start? How about that time you put on a Fringe show and no one showed?

Beth Marshall, the producing artistic director for the Orlando International Fringe Festival has all the answers you need and is returning for the second year in a row to teach two Yapinars on everything you need to know before you begin to plan your next Fringe production at this year’s Master Classes during The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays- PlayFest.

The first Yapinar, “How to Produce A Fringe Show 101,” taking place Sunday, February 25, is the perfect class for first time Fringers, anyone interested in independently producing a show and even veterans who wish to brush up on their producing skills. Everything from sponsorship to marketing ideas will be discussed, as well as how to get into The Fringe “loop” and how to get your Fringe show off and running.

Now that you know the basics, you need to know how to take your Fringe show on the road. The second Yapinar, “How to Tour Your Fringe Show 102,” taking place Sunday, March 4, teaches everything one needs to know about touring with different Fringe Festivals across the globe. Also discussed will be the various models of Fringes and as well as budgeting your show to go on the road.

“Due to the ever-growing popularity of the Orlando International Fringe Festival, we receive hundreds of inquiries asking how to participate in the festival each year,” said Marshall. “These Yapinars are a fun and informative way to not only provide artists with valuable information they need about Fringe, but they also help to continue to increase participation and attendance for Orlando Fringe. The Yapinars focus on individual shows that people bring to the table as well as a general overview of Fringe as a whole.”

Both classes will be held at the Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival’s Lowndes Room from 10 a.m.- noon. The cost to attend each class is $10 and a $5 PlayFest button is required for attendance.

In addition to teaching the Yapinars, Marshall is also producing and hosting Play-In-A-Day for The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays-PlayFest. Play-In-A-Day is a fun opportunity where participating organizations nominate one actor, actress, writer and director to produce a ten-minute play in twenty-four hours.

On Sunday, February 25, each participating group will be given the same surprise topic. The writers have until 7 a.m. the next day to get the script complete, the director has a few hours to look over the script and the actors have a few hours to memorize and rehearse.

The plays are then performed on Monday, February 26 at 7 p.m. in the Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival’s Margeson Theatre. Participants for team Fringe include writer David Lee, director Chad Lewis, actor Rob Ward and actress Clare Gezzy.

Tickets are on sale now for both the Yapinars and Play-In-A-Day by calling the Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival’s at 407-447-1700 x 1.

About The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays- PlayFest

The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays- PlayFest is a ten-day theatre event from February 23-March 4 and is packed with dynamic new plays and new play programming for anyone who loves great theatre! Buy a PlayFest button and step into the interactive theatrical maelstrom of readings, workshops, world premieres, seminars, master classes and more!

For more information about The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays- PlayFest, Master Classes, and Play-In-A-Day, please visit www.shakespearefest.org.

About the Orlando International Fringe Festival

As the oldest, non-juried Fringe Festival in the United States, the Orlando Fringe Festival proudly provides a venue for theatrical and performing artists to display their creative talent and novel performances. From May 17-28, 2007, more than 80 artist groups will perform in nine color-coded venues throughout Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. Including new and established artists from around the world, performances are guaranteed to be everything from the unimaginable to the unforgettable. Staying true to the Fringe roots, all acts will remain uncensored, exposing patrons to performances ranging from mild to wild.

The Closing Agent, Inc., a title insurance agency, is the presenting sponsor of the 16th annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. This project is also funded in part by The United Arts of Central Florida, Inc., by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and The National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information on the Orlando International Fringe Festival, please visit www.orlandofringe.org or www.myspace.com/OrlandoFringe

Media Contact:
Michael Alberici, PUSH
407-841-2299 x1064
malberici@pushhere.com

The Colts are over the hump and are Kings of the Hill in 2007

Published on February 6, 2007 in Podcasts and Student of the Game. Closed

Download Super Bowl
Show_27.mp3
Length: 62:20

The Bears are thwarted as the Colts hoist the Super Bowl trophy and schedule fittings for their rings. The final showdown that was in the eyes of the SoTG, Weasel and Drew — the Local Statboy and some closing remarks on events throughout the league, occurences in and around the game as well as just who REALLY was the Super Bowl MVP

Background music courtesy of WIRED Magazine and the Creative Commons:

  • Thievery Corporation - Dc 3000
  • DJ Dolores - Oslodum 2004
  • Dan The Automator - Relaxation Spa Treatment

To download, right click on the “Super Bowl” above and Save as… or use a podcatcher like iTunes, Juice, etc.

Crapface 35: Dinner for 2 with PFA

Published on February 6, 2007 in Podcasts and You Can't Spell Crapface Without PFA. Closed

Episode 35
crapface_35.mp3
Running time: 1:02:52


Ask and Ye Shall Recieve... PFA! The original lords of Pretentiousness duck it in from the Casa de Capitan in Orlando on WEH DAY of all days! Weh day is often celebrated around Superbowl Sunday as a way to counteract the energy of rainy television broadcasts with awesomeness and organic food and chanting and baked goods!

Don't forget to send your emails to pfalliance@gmail.com OR pfa.myla@gmail.com, and check out the links and past shows at pfalliance.blogspot.com.
Links referenced in this show: