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Switching from YouTube to Vimeo

Posted on November 6, 2009 · Leave a Comment

I think I’ve decided to switch my video hosting needs from YouTube to Vimeo.

The pattern I’m seeing is that YouTube is starting to remind me a lot of MySpace — cluttered, buggy, not user friendly, and full of trash. Vimeo feels a lot more like Facebook — clean, structured, user friendly and fun — other than Facebook’s bazillion apps. I hate those things.

Here are a few things I like about Vimeo:

  • Not only do they have more thumbnails to choose from, they let you upload your own.
  • The video quality just seems better. When uploading the Fissure web series on YouTube, it almost always glitched on the opening. Vimeo was perfect.
  • I love how Vimeo gives you a Quicktime MP4 download option. Very cool!
  • I’ve started using Vimeo for client reviews. The password protected feature rocks.
  • The overall interface is just clean, uncluttered and easy to use.

So, I’m making the switch.  Here’s the Fissure movie trailer from Vimeo:

As a comparison, here’s the YouTube video of the Fissure trailer:

Filed Under: Business, Film · Tagged: , , , , ,
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Increasing Knowledge

Posted on November 5, 2009 · Leave a Comment

I always find it fascinating how fast technology is changing. We are in such rapid technological advances, that it’ll make your head spin.

I’m an electrical engineer, coming through college and into the workplace right when computers were become more mainstream and the Internet was on the cusp of something big.  This video is a great example of how fast times are changing.

This rapid dissemention of knowledge and information reminds of the following prophetic scripture:

At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who turn many to righteousness will shine like stars forever. But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end. Many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase. (Daniel 12:1-4).

Filed Under: Faith, Family · Tagged:
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Shooting a commercial this weekend

Posted on October 30, 2009 · Leave a Comment

We’re shooting a 30-second, spec commercial this weekend for an upcoming contest. If we win, the commercial will air on the Super Bowl. Pretty cool, eh? But, it’s a spec commercial, as in “speculative”, as in “no money”. So, I wanted to let folks know what we’re doing, and if you were interested in helping out, we’d love to have you on board!

There are two key scenes that we’ll be shooting:

  • Scene 1: Pro baseball player getting ready to bat
  • Scene 2: Kid’s birthday party with piñata

Here’s what we need in the way of extras, cast, props and locations:

Scene 1: Baseball Player

Shoot on Saturday, need about 2 hours

  • Extras: 10 or so baseball fans in colorful clothes
  • Cast: Adult pro baseball player (done)
  • Props: Need baseball/softball uniform, batting helmet, gloves, wooden bat, cleats
  • Location: Baseball field, preferably at night (with lights on)

Scene 2: Piñata Party

Shoot on Sunday, need about 3 hours

  • Extras: need 6 to 8 kids ranging from 8 to 12 years old
  • Cast: need one boy (10 to 12) who can play our young baseball player
  • Props: two identical piñatas, some party banners and hats
  • Location: need to find a park
  • Need some kid wranglers to throw actual party for kids in between shots

If you’re interested, send me an email at russ@toppup.com and let me know how you’d like to help.

Filed Under: Family, Film · Tagged:
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My son wants to join a new “family”

Posted on October 12, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Caleb with glasses and hat

Filed Under: Family · Tagged:
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Russ is “Rattled”

Posted on October 11, 2009 · Leave a Comment

What a fun song! I sing this to my wife often.

Filed Under: Family · Tagged:
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