BEHIND THE SLIDE

GTD obsessed

2007-02-20T14:29:00.000-08:00

I'm obsessed with GTD - er, Getting Things Done.

Simply stated, it works for me.

Read David Allen's GETTING THINGS DONE.

Here's a short primer, a longer overview, and an article in CNN about the GTD phenomenon.

I use Actiontastic for Mac, which is in Beta for now - works great!

I recommend CNN's "In Case You Missed It" video podcast

2007-02-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

I recommend CNN's daily video podcast IN CASE YOU MISSED IT.

Its desribed as "..a raw look at the sights and sounds from the top news events and most dramatic video from the day."

They just show raw video of the day's events...no talking heads, no super-fast pace, just video....

Here's a link to their iTunes presence.

I'm curious what you think of it - drop knowledge in the comments.

Podcast Academy V, Duke University

2007-02-06T16:08:00.000-08:00

Join me February 14-15, 2007 at Podcast Academy V at Duke University where I'll be presenting a session entitled "88SLIDE: Inside the Biggest Little Game Show in the World"

Duke University's Information Science & Information Studies department has partnered with GigaVox in presenting Podcast Academy V on the Duke campus in Durham, NC.

Anyone there?

2007-02-02T16:20:00.000-08:00

We're here.

You might be wondering, "what happened to we'll keep you posted every step of the way?"

The truth is, I've been entirely focused in finding the right partner for the 88SLIDE experience. While I'd like to share more about everything, my gut tells me to find this right partner first, and THEN share the experience. "Update 88SLIDE blog" has been on my to-do list since December, as I didn't really know how to share this sentiment.

We're gettin' there, I promise you.

Other developments...Rachel is in North Cali, we just celebrated Blaine's birthday, and I'm on a GETTING THINGS DONE kick. I'll be speaking at Duke University on February 14 & 15 with a session titled "88SLIDE: Inside the Biggest Little Game Show in the World"

There you go. Other quickies: SURVIVORMAN on Discovery is a good show, like the TV version of GRIZZLY MAN...bought a film projector on eBay to watch OLD family films...I moved...uh, that's it.

T.B.,
Noah

P.S. Below are two emails from viewers like you over the past few weeks, last names omitted for privacy...

Rachel, Blaine, and Noah
I really got used to having you guys there in the morning with my breakfast and cup of coffee. Was a good way to start my morning and loved the weekends for your outtake reels.
Please tell me you will be back soon
impatiently waiting in Johnstown PA. (always a free place to stay when passing thru)
Rick XXXXXXX

Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet????? Huh huh huh????
Having withdrawls…
Rene XXXXXXX

88SLIDE in Hibernation

2006-11-19T23:51:00.000-08:00

Hey gang...I just uploaded Monday's episode...

So if you didn't see the episode, here's the deal...

We're taking 88SLIDE to the next level, and that means bigger episodes AND bigger prizes. Although I can't say much more yet, just know that we're continuing with our mission to entertain, interact, and enlighten the world daily in 60 seconds.

We'll keep you posted every step of the way here on the blog - and of course, drop us an email anytime at info@88slide.com

I'm on my way to bed, but real quickly - I want to say thank you...

Thank you first to Rachel and Blaine - without whom we definitely wouldn't be where we are today. Thank you Eric, Loren, Louis and Baba for all of your help writing/punching up, coding, wardrobing, and "pinch" acting, respectively. Thank you, thank you, thank you...Thank you to all of our friends n' family who've helped us get to where we are today: Rick K (for your vintage car and more!), Rishi M (support), Andrew K (Spanish translation and voiceover), Steve R (French translation), all of our guest stars, collaborators...Rachel R for letting us borrow clothes, Doris S and Adam S for multiple locations ..so many people have gotten us to this point...

I'd like to give a special shout out to everyone in this video podcast/short-form community who've been super supportive on this journey.

And of course...thank YOU - the viewer, for joining us day in and day out - 60 seconds at a time...

This is just the beginning; if you're reading this, you've played a very important part of this story so far.

In the meantime, check out the ARCHVIES to see how far we've come!

Steve translates via phone, while Blaine phones it in...

2006-03-31T01:48:00.000-08:00

So we obviously shot this episode (March 31, 2006: "EIFFEL TOWER") in front of a blue screen...this is the third time we've used it..first, in the Action88 News episode, and again on Wednesday for Blaine's insert in the Solar Eclipse episode. As I mentioned before, I simply bought this blue patio/outdoor fabric from this store on LaBrea for 40 bucks.

I wasn't 100% happy with the way the blue screen turned out in this episode. It's totally fine, don't get me wrong...but not as sharp as the previous two, so I wanted to use some smoke and mirrors to make it a little better...

#1. I converted everything to black and white, which not only made the blue screen work better, but also gave it this vintage Parisian feel...

#2. I called a college buddy of mine in New York City, Steve, to do some French voiceover for us around Noon. First of all, I didn't realize just how fluent and proficient he was in the language. By adding Steve's voiceover, in addition to the subtitles, we take away from the blue screen a little more and puts us, the viewer, right in Paris (I think!?!). We see the tower, Rachel's beret, and of course - hear the language. I originally did a first pass translation script for Steve through the Internet, but it wasn't that good...I emailed Steve the English script and he took a few minutes out of his day in his hoity-toity NYC law firm to work with me.

I have this account with an audioblogging company that allows me to record a post via telephone, and it automatically uploads it to the Web. I used it during my travels in India last year. Steve and I called the number on conference to do the voiceover session.

Here's the raw MP3 file of one of the calls with Steve...we ended up doing it three times...this is probably the second one...

Voiceover Session with Steve.mp3

OK, and Blaine...another story...First, I gotta give it to him for basically being home around 9:20 every night to do this thing. I'm so fine with him not being on camera every night...after all, I think our audience appreciates that we're real people behind this thing!....So I call him around 8:30 to see where he is (as I always do around that time every night)...no answer. OK, no prob. 9:00, no answer...9:30, nothin...I figure I'll grab a bite at McDonald's and take a break; he should be done by then. After my #5 (Big n Tasty w/Coke as mentioned in another post), Blaine gives me a ring from his friend's place at Sepulveda and Sunset. I ain't shleppin' out there at 10:30; I have a meeting first thing in the morning plus I have to put the finishing touches on the episode.

SO, we used the same audiblogging service and record his voice from there. I mocked up a little Charles de Gaulle airport sign via Photoshop and there ya go...look closely at the sign, it says "Charles de Gaulle Airport & Tanning". Hardee har har.

Here's the raw MP3 file of my call with Blaine; we did a few different takes and approaches:

Voiceover Session with Blaine.mp3

Oh yeah, one more thing. After we discussed it, Steve ended up saying in his voiceover "email, text message or Minitel your answer by 9 PM Pacific Standard Time..." The Minitel is actually a pre-Internet service that was used throughout France back in the day...here's some info from Wikipedia:

"The Minitel is a Videotex online service accessible through the telephone lines, and is considered one of the world's most successful pre-World Wide Web online services. It was launched in France in 1982 by the PTT (Poste, Téléphone et Télécommunications; divided since 1991 between France Télécom and La Poste). Since its early days, users could make online purchases, make train reservations, check stock prices, search the telephone directory, and chat in a similar way to that now made possible by the Internet."

This image of a Minitel machine is also credited via Wikipedia...

Fun day, lots of last minute changes - but that's what this is all about. No layers, no higher ups, no deliberation...just doing and moving forward...and that's why I'm doin' this.

Tomorrow's outtakes and bloopers are starting to shape up...I left the end of the Eiffel Tower episode run long to tease tomorrow...

That's it! I have to remember to return that beret, don't let me forget.

Thank you all for a great week, especially our guest hosts Ty Paddington from ShowbizNewsyNews.com, the LA Rebellion Rugby Club, and astronomer Dr. Robert Hurt...and Steve, our French voiceover...and of course, Blaine and Rachel.

We apprciate your 60 seconds with us, daily.

Noah

LAist mentions 88SLIDE...88SLIDE joins PodGuide Top 20

2006-04-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

We got a nice write-up in yesterday's LAist. LAist is the LA version of the very popular NY based blog, the Gothamist. Thank you.

Bigger news though...

We've made PodGuide.TV's Top 20 Most Subscribed Podcasts in their week ending April 1, 2006.

Check us out at #9 on the list!

The #1 through 5 positions are pretty much adult oriented, so consider us #4!?!

To all the subscribers who joined us via PodGuide.TV, THANK YOU!

Next up, iTunes Top 10...

Tomorrow on 88SLIDE....

2006-08-30T01:08:00.000-07:00

Join us tomorrow as Rachel studies for her first economics test! Yikes!

Today: Gay Rugby, Tomorrow: Special Guest, Entertainment Reporter Ty Paddington

2006-03-27T00:31:00.000-08:00

Today we met up with some members of the Los Angeles Rebellion, Southern California's first gay rugby club. The episode didn't take too long to shoot. We arranged to meet a few players before their 10 AM practice on today (Sunday)...shot the intro with two members, did Rachel's thing, and came back for some b-roll. Stopped at McDonalds on the way out...Big n' Tasty #5, yo

The timing worked out that Blaine was home when we passed by his place. This marks the first time Rachel and Blaine have been in the same shot together.

In this one take, Rachel must have still had the rugby bug as she almost tackled Blaine on her entrance...very funny, you'll see it in this weekend's outtakes and bloopers.

Speaking of, we had our highest "Outtakes & Bloopers" view number via YouTube this past weekend!

Tomorrow we have a very special guest...

Entertainment reporter Ty Paddington joins us tomorrow as we celebrate a very special day in television history...

That's about it - we're pretty excited for this week. Remember, the audio and video are even better if you subscribve via iTunes. It's free and you don't need an ipod. Click on VIDEO PODCAST on our site.

Oh yeah, we've also updated our archives. While BLIP.TV and everyone at at BLIP has been awesome, I simply wanted to keep the archives on our server, but we're going to continue placing a copy with them...its a win-win...

I spelled the world STRICTLY wrong in the daily email and it's eatin' at me. I hate that!

Aights...I'm off to bed...here's a sneek peek on what's coming up:

TOMORROW: Special Guest Entertainment Reporter Ty Paddington

WEDNESDAY: Solar Eclipse with Guest Astronomer Dr. Robert Hurt

THURSDAY: Van Gogh's Birthday

FRIDAY: We're going to France, sort of...

SATURDAY/SUNDAY: This week's outtakes and bloopers! It'll be HI-LARIOUS!

Here's to a great week...send us an email with any questions or comments via the CONTACT US part of the site...

Later. Thanks Blaine.

Blaine's View

2006-03-28T00:42:00.000-08:00

This is what Blaine sees as he's looking at me behind the camera every night...

Two china balls from Ikea, an existing 3 bulb light stand, a desk lamp....mirror in the background there...records behind him. These go up, Blaine records the correct entry, and then go down - all in about 15 minutes...

I told you we'd go behind the slide in this blog.

Coming up soon, my colonoscopy video.

NB

Cinco de Mayo episode nears 800,000 views on YouTube

2006-11-03T00:34:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking that by the end of today or mid-day Saturday, our Cinco de Mayo episode - our most watched episode ever, will hit the 800,000 view mark on YouTube. It's in the top 100 most viewed entertainment videos on their site.

A lot of people have asked me why I think this episode broke out on YouTube, and it wasn't because it was featured on the front page (like our Pi Day episode).

Rather, I think it's 80% because of the Spanish speaking users who sent this around virally, and 20% because we had this episode available with the proper keywords ON the day OF Cinco de Mayo, as opposed to all the videos from office parties, etc...that happened AFTER Cinco de Mayo. In addition, since this was really the first Cinco de Mayo since YouTube was "known" - we had some of the only related content up there. The fact that the day landed on Friday, when a ton of bored office workers typed it in, definitely helped.

Once it broke out, it got on the DIRECTOR VIDEO side panel, and there ya go...

On another note, time is REALLY flying by. I'm looking through some of our archives and for instance, I can't believe we produced this episode in April and it's now November.

88SLIDE on Veoh's "VIRAL"

2006-11-19T23:37:00.000-08:00

VIRAL is a new series on the VEOH network that went behind the scenes of 88SLIDE. Host Sunny Gault spent some time with us one evening as we taped Blaine's insert of the winner reveal. I also taped a mock episode with Sunny so she could see how we put an episiode together...

In the same episode, Sunny spent some time with a great friend of mine, Doug Cheney, one of the directors of SAM HAS 7 FRIENDS. Doug was the Director of Photography for the Tommy Lee Goes to College project I worked on more than 2 years ago. I spent a few minutes trying to find a picture of Doug and me from our time in Lincoln; I'll dig one up...

The 88SLIDE segment starts about halfway through...

The Most Classic Video on YouTube, Ever

2006-10-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

I've been searching for the following clip online for the past few years and finally stumbled across it today via Yahoo's "The Nine" series, hosted by Maria Sansone...

THANK YOU!

If you grew up in DC, this needs no introduction. Otherwise, this goes down as one of the most classic local commercials ever produced. It was a huge part of my daily television experience growing up.

I remember reading a Washington Post article about this back in the day, and the kid at the end is apparently Jhoon Rhee's son...

Enjoy, and watch this thing explode on the net. It's at 3,113 views right now...

UPDATE: Here's a link to that Washington Post article, reprinted on another site...

Call for VIEWER SPOTLIGHT Submissions

2006-11-03T00:52:00.000-08:00

We'd love to feature you in an upcoming VIEWER SPOTLIGHT...

Drop us an email if you're interested, and in the meantime - check out VIEWER SPOTLIGHT submissions from others in our growing family!

Daniel Lopez

Dave Decker

John Beaudry

Paul Branham

Brian Shunamon

Mike Helms

Ladies? Where are you!?! I know you're submitting in HUGE numbers, and we want to share your story!

This Week on 88SLIDE...

2006-10-29T23:45:00.000-08:00

Coming up this week on 88SLIDE...

MONDAY: Old-man-Rogers yelled at Rachel for stepping on his lawn, and now Rachel gets her sweet revenge on Mischief Night!

TUESDAY: Join your "boo", Rachel, on a special Halloween episode of 88SLIDE...It'll be not-so-scary and sorta-but-not-really funny! That's the SLIDE SPIRIT!

WEDNESDAY: We're exploring the founding anniversary of one of America's oldest fraternities...and its not the Friar's Club!

THURSDAY: Uh, "MC N.B." makes a special guest appearance as we remember the glory days of rap, while Blaine hits the wheels of steel to back him up...

FRIDAY: Celebrating the Earl of Sandwich's birthday!

SATURDAY: Join us for all this week's outtakes and blooooooopers! It'll be hi-larious!

Halloween VlogFest at Yahoo! and Hallowscene 6!

2006-10-29T20:55:00.000-08:00

Had a great time last night celebrating Halloween, first at the Halloween VlogFest at Yahoo! Studios in Santa Monica - and then at a friend's party...Below is a video slideshow of both (produced w/iPhoto), separated in the middle with a picture of a genie's head in a bubble. I'm in character throughout as Richard Simmons...Great to see so many people in the videopodcastvlogwhatever community turn out for a great event - and thanks to Zadi & Steve for not only putting this together, but for including me and some friends (specifically Sexy Grandpa, Matisyahu and Flapper Girl) in the event.

Thought I'd give Yahoo! Video a try since they hosted the first party - very clean interface (notice there's no small white line above the video against the black background like the ones I've posted via YouTube - NERD ALERT!)

In N' Out truck, what an f'en classy detail man...Didn't see as many Borat costumes as I expected, and the one I saw at the second party was great...Loved seeing 3 separate DEAL OR NO DEAL model costumes, and even 1 Howie Mandel! The wolf dressed as grandma from the 3 little pigs was one of the best last night...and yes, that is Baba (Matisyahu's) real hair, and if you've been with us for a while, you'll know him from countless guest appearances like Six Million Dollar Man, John Lennon, Angry Driving Indian Agent, Dr. Philjit Singh, Kramer, and many many more... Sexy Grandpa (brown shirt, not red apron) is Eric - who helps with some of the writing and producing when he's not busy dabbling in television.

Tomorrow's 19" LCD Monitor Giveaway...

2006-10-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

A lil' promo for tomorrow's 19" LCD monitor giveaway...

This Thursday: 19" LCD Monitor Giveaway

2006-10-23T00:24:00.000-07:00

This Thursday...yes, this THURSDAY we'll be giving away a 19 inch flat screen LCD monitor courtesy of the HOTTEST MOM IN AMERICA contest...check 'em out by clicking here!

RAW FOOTAGE: Baba as the Six Million Dollar Man

2006-10-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

I got a few emails asking how we shot Baba as the Six Million Dollar Man...

It was actually real simple...it's three shots:

1. Baba running to camera

2. Baba jumping OFF backwards from the transformer (shouldn't' be playing on transformers, but now that I think of it, it's a telephone junction box)...and then played in reverse to make it look like he jumped up....dissolved to...

3. Baba jumping OFF the box towards camera

All at 50% speed...

Here's the raw footage from the session...you'll notice Baba borrowed my shoes after he jumped off in step #3 first with his flip flops...

Make sure to check out tomorrow's episode when we celebrate the premier of the SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN!

Video Review of 88SLIDE on PulverTV

2006-10-17T22:21:00.000-07:00

Nice lil' mention and review of 88SLIDE on Pulver TV's Focus. Focus is PulverTV's weekly web show where David Kowarsky discusses notable contributions in the Internet TV space...

Breakdancing Baby

2006-10-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

From time to time I like to post some funny videos I've stumbled across, and this morning, I found this breakdancing baby...

Also, I'm starting to explore Metacafe as its been getting a lot of press recently...curious if it can be another distribution point for 88SLIDE...

This reminds me of the breakdancing classes I use to take at the JCC during the mid-80's.

Miracle Stunt Baby - Extreme Talent - video powered by Metacafe

Me, breakdancin' back in the day...

Speaking at the Podcast & Portable Media Expo

2006-10-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

I was part of a panel a the Podcast & Portable Media Expo the other week produced by the LA PODCASTERS.

From left to right: Keith and Chemda from Keith and the Girl, Soccer Girl from Soccer Girl Incorporated, Me, and Tim Street - Creator of French Maid TV

The panel was moderated by Dan Klass and Lance Anderson, and we discussed the similarities and differences of audio and video podcasts.

Take a listen to “Video Killed the Audio Star” Panel Live from the Expo by
clicking here.

88SLIDE on iTunes Front Page

2006-10-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

Very cool...88SLIDE mentioned again on the iTunes Store front page!

Click the image above to check it out!

88SLIDE at Korean Restaurant

2006-10-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

Went out to dinner last night with Blaine, Eric (who helps out with some of the writing from time to time) and a few other peeps...

Here's a quick mobile clip of Blaine in front of our tabletop grill in the heart of LA's Koreatown...

VIEWER SPOTLIGHT: Daniel Lopez

2006-10-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

It's time for another VIEWER SPOTLIGHT, and this time we're featuring Daniel Lopez from Austin, Texas!

Before we continue, Daniel has written and produced a tribute song to 88SLIDE!

That's right! Take a listen here to the MP3 version, or download and save it to your iPod...

Below are the lyrics to Daniel's tribute song:

Every morning I wake up to find you there smiling at us
Every morning I wonder, wonder if I will win today
Did I, did I get it right this time - was it 'A' or maybe was it 'B'?
But I don't know because Rachel and Blaine will tell me soon, soon, soon...

And do they have a special guest today, I don't know, I don't know
But I've never seen Noah, does he really exist?
And what will Rachel say today?

Sometimes you bring on special guest, I love them all so much!
But sometimes you get a little crazy, like jumping in a pool
And one time you did the whole commentary with a hula hoop
I was kinda scared for you, I don't know why
Because I just wanna know, wanna know if I will win today...

88SLIDE you're always with me when I need you the most
And 88SLIDE I have you RRS bookmarked on my homepage
And maybe someday I will win a prize
And maybe I can bribe you with this song, with this song...

We love you Rachel you know its true
And Blaine you're wild, I'd like to party with you!
But Noah, Noah I've never seen you, never seen you
You're like an albratross, you're like an albatross to us!

88SLIDE The One Minute Daily Trivia!
I cannot win, I cannot seem seem to win!
I wanted the rice cooker, I wanted the GPD, I wanted the camera, but I got none of them
That's okay, I'm loyal to the end!

88SLIDE, 88SLIDE you're always there for us, for us
Every morning it's like a little Christmas Gift on my computer screen
Oh yeah!

NAME: Daniel Lopez

AGE: 23

LOCATION: Austin, Texas

OCCUPATION: Auditor / Musician

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT 88SLIDE?: I was surfing through YouTube a long time ago looking for cool content when I came across one of your trivia questions. I was like, "Hey! That's awesome!"...been a fan ever since.

FAVORITE EPISODE: Being a big 007 fan, my favorite episode would have to be "Host vs. Spy" Rachel could definitely be an undercover agent!

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT 88SLIDE: I like the ever changing locations, the unique special guests and the team you guys have created. You've actually brought a little joy to the usually boring podcast I see on the net. And another thing I like is you guys really seem to be having fun and enjoying what you do, and that's always a cool thing.

WHERE I WATCH 88SLIDE: I try to watch at work because I am able to catch the latest episodes almost immediately. I work overnight so I can hit the site as soon as a new day begins. It's one of the benefits of my job! Get payed to play!

WHEN DO YOU WATCH 88SLIDE: I watch it whenever I can. I usually try to be either at work or at home relaxing. I have to make sure I focus, I never want to get an answer wrong! Which I have done a few times! Doh!

ANYTHING ELSE?: I hope 88SLIDE is around for a long time! I never seem to to get enough of the trivia and sillyness that is abound every morning. You've picked the perfect host for the job and the announcer is wild! And I'm sure the rest of the team is just as great! You guys have a wonderful show going and I look forward to many mornings to come with 88SLIDE.

Thanks Daniel! We appreciate your 60 seconds, daily - and are happy to have you as part of our family!

If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming VIEWER SPOTLIGHT, drop us an email!