Trick or Treat

VIDEO #214

Life Sounds from the depths of Portland, Oregon on Halloween Day

Here's a simple lesson to you out there on trick or treating during Halloween. I would like to add, if you're over the age of 12, you might want to reconsider going door to door. I have had years of experience and it seems to be that people judge you more and more the older you get. Anyway, gotta go! I hear the neighbors are handing out Reeses Peanut Buttercups this year! Happy Halloween!!!

How to Scare Your Girlfriend

VIDEO #213

James Bond Theme

Frank has been a good friend these last couple days but he has been a bit of a bad influence on me as he had the great idea to scare Katana when she returned to the house. Lucky me, Katana doesn't scare easily so I think I'm still in good graces with her and I'm sure I can keep Frank as my friend. Really, a win, win situation!

See how Frank and I met (video #210)

Watch in HIGH DEF

Man vs Food

VIDEO #212

Victorious Theme Music and "Loser" by Beck

Thursday night is Nacho Night at the Park City Pub up the street from me and it's been a while since I've indulged in the fun. For under 6 bucks, you too can order the belly buster and go through the tasty gauntlet of nacho mania. Oh, and I almost threw up editing this as the memories triggered my gag reflex. It's a good thing my videos don't come in Smell-O-Vision.

Carving Pumpkins

VIDEO #211

Song - "This Is Halloween" by Danny Elfman

With Halloween right around the corner, pumpkin carving was in order last night and what better way to enjoy the event but with good friends (Frank the Dummy was a hit), pumpkin beer, and scary halloween sounds blasting out of the stereo so loud at times, the neighbors must have wondered who was getting chopped up by the chainsaw. That or what kind of chainsaw and if they can borrow it...

My New Best Friend

VIDEO #210

Song - "Best Friend" by Toy Box

With Halloween right around the corner, I thought I'd create a spooky little fella (aka Frank) to hang around the house.... or is that an excuse for my loneliness and my desperate need of a good man friend? Only I will know.

Expedition #3: Pacific Ocean

VIDEO #209

Song - "The Way" by Bonnie "Prince" Billy

Yet another expedition, this time the path led to the great Pacific ocean.

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Storm Chasers

VIDEO #208

Charlie Brown Soundtrack and some random heroic theme

We headed out to Long Beach, WA to study the habits of the weather system we've all recently been hit by. After all research was gathered, our conclusion became definite... mother nature blows.

Flashbacks

VIDEO #207

Song - "Candy Land" by CocoRosie and Douglas MacArthur's Farewell Speech

It's no more than a strange video, I have no idea if it makes sense... maybe it is simply "art!"

Pleasant, Unpleasant: The Ocean

VIDEO #206

Great Sounds of the Pacific Ocean

Now, I couldn't really hear what the family at the beach was talking about so I thought I would create a couple scenarios. I think it's possible each version took place verbatim, humans are super predictable.

Dan's Office Part 1: Breaking Ground

VIDEO #205

Song - "Dig" by That 1 Guy

Operation "Make Dan an Office" has begun! Soon, these videos will no longer be created in the corner of the living room. Soon, they will be created in the leisure of my own man cave where he can roam free and make voices unheard by mankind. This is exciting! First things first, pour the concrete. Thanks to Ezra, Giddy, and the amigos for all your help so far.

Sometimes You Feel Like A Pickle

VIDEO #204

Songs - "The King of Carrot Flowers" by Neutral Milk Hotel and "Carrot Rope" by Pavement

Harvest is here and this year, with the success in the carrot department, pickling was on the menu. There are tons of fast and easy recipes out there so if you're bored of gnawing on those carrots, try something new... try pickling! Cauliflower, onion, broccoli stems, cucumber and radishes work well too. Crunchy goodness!

The Heat Is On

VIDEO #203

Songs - "Baby It's Cold Outside" Remix and "The Heat Is On" by Glen Frey

Well, it's that time of the year when you have to go all out and turn the heat on. We like to go to the extreme and crank it so we can relive our summer memories. Summer inside, winter outside... no big deal, I highly recommend it!

Kruger's Farm Market

VIDEO #202

Song - "Fisherman's Blues" by The Waterboys

A day out at Kruger's Farm Market on Sauvie Island is far from a dull moment. Head on out and get a pumpkin, maybe an ear of corn, carmel apple, hop on a pony, take the hay ride tour and meet Farmer Don and his wife. For more information, here is their website:

Kruger's Farm Market info

Also, check out great music with Jawbone Flats here:

Jawbone Flats info

Pick a Pumpkin in HIGH DEF

The Bonfire

VIDEO #201

Song - "9 Crimes" by Damien Rice

Out at Sauvie Island last week, tons of people headed out to get their pumpkins and grilled corn, listen to some tunes, ride a pony and get forever lost in the corn maze. For a night cap, piles upon piles of apple crates and wooden pallets were set aflame, lighting up the sky. I don't think anyone made it out of there alive?

Watch in HIGH DEF

The Tale of Zadah Trailer

VIDEO #200

Library Music

Two hundred videos! I thought it would be a great way to celebrate the moment by putting together a Walt Disney style movie trailer of a video my Dad filmed of us kids back in 1988 when we were little tikes. I remember having so much fun, running around all over Duluth, MN with my brother Matt and friends Nick and Morgan. The filmed runs 30 minutes in length, all edited in camera over the period of just one day. The premise is kind of a Goonies meets Stand By Me theme where we find a map and set out to find it. It's safe to say this influenced me in what I'm doing today, and no, I'm not a treasure hunter. Great thanks to my Dad for lugging us kids around, filming the movie that would become the first of many in my time. Thanks Pops!

Watch the Trailer in Better Quality

Morning People

VIDEO #199

Songs - "Two Sleepy People" by Dean Martin and "I Feel Good" by James Brown

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the most fantastic of them all? OK, so logistically it could be a number of options but today it is a simple solution... it is the woman and I on the 199th video bringing it as spontaneous as it gets. We feel good... like we know that we should!

Behind the Scenes: Nike Campus

VIDEO #198

Song - "Heinrich Maneuver" by Interpol

Beaverton, OR is home to the all impressive Nike Headquarters, or "Campus" to those who frequent the area. The buildings are named after professional athletes once sponsored by Nike, most employees are head to toe in Nike gear and they average no more than 3.5% body fat. A cool company and a great place to work. Especially lunch breaks on a nice day where you might find yourself playing a fully organized soccer game or getting in a couple sets of tennis. Whichever floats your boat.

Grab Bag

Video #197

Song - "Tambella Bossa Nova" Library Music

Now who can resist picking up one of those fun little grab bags at the corner stores every now and then? You really don't know what to expect. There could be anything in there! The excitement of it all, oh man... it's almost addictive. I need to go out and get another grab bag, stat!

Mike Gets A Girlfriend

VIDEO #196

Songs - "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver and Remixed by Apres Ski Hut

Mike the Cat has a girlfriend! She might be a little too young for him but in the cat community, it's all good. Their first impression wasn't too bad but it is taking some time for Mike to accept her as one of his own. We are juggling a couple names around for her including Kealey Chompers, just Chompers and the Beast (short for Beastie). I'm sure she will let us know which name fits her the best.

The Luxury Fire

VIDEO #195

Song - "Just You and Me" by Zee Avi

Fall is in the air up here in the Pacific Northwest and what better way to enjoy it than with a little, cozy fire? Now, the weather outside is not that frightful this time of year so the fire wasn't exactly necessary, (my good friend Kim would call this a "luxury fire," which is quite clever.... good work Kim.) but oh man, the fire sure was delightful!

Expedition #2: River

VIDEO # 194

Song - "Flume" by Bon Iver

I headed back out to the Columbia River where I recently took the canoe to walk around the low flowing river. With 2 days of rain, the water level reached somewhere around 50 yards closer to shore from 2 weeks ago but the depth was inches allowing me to walk way out. Very cool time of the year to check it out.

Walk on water in HIGH DEF (full color version)

Expedition #1: Waterfall

VIDEO #193

Song - "Woods" by Bon Iver

The Columbia River Gorge is home to many spectacular waterfalls and a rainy day usually means less people heading out to them. Sure, you'll get a bit wet, but that's where the fun happens. Plus.... it's a natural and free way to get a quick shower! No wonder my cell phone doesn't work anymore...

Get Soaked in HIGH DEF

McMenamins Groupon

VIDEO #192

Song - "Bongo Bong" by Manu Chao covered by Robbie Williams

If you don't know about Groupon.com, you better get with it. Everyday there is a screaming deal, saving money on a massage to event tickets, restaurant deals to cruises. We picked up a McMenamins $12 for $25 and had a good time. They also have contests for best monthly photo and video. I sent this in yesterday, hoping the cheesiness of it will make a lasting impression. Wish me luck!

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Groupon Video Contest

Groupon Website

Maryhill Wine Tasting

VIDEO #191

Song - "Red, Red Wine" by Neil Diamond

Wine tasting in Oregon and Washington is a huge perk living in the Pacific Northwest. Maryhill is right over the Columbia River from Oregon in Goldendale, WA. They are a higher volume producer than most wineries around the area and have recently added a concert venue to their estate. Now, if you were to drive down the way and drop in to another tasting room, it might not be so elaborate. For example, one of my favorite wineries, Paradisos del Sol in Zillah, WA, is a tiny house you pull up to and meet the owner/winemaker who pours his wine for you. I looked into it and their distribution is pretty minimal but they do ship to Washington, Minnesota and Alaska.... kind of random, huh? All the other 47 states have to make the drive.

Maryhill website

Paradisos del Sol Website

Pumba the Pig

VIDEO #190

Song - "Hot Dog" by the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Katana's mom has quite the exciting backyard going on. Horses, chickens, donkeys, ponies, and of course Pumba, the pot-bellied pig. He was a little upset with me waking him up for filming purposes. After all, the poor fella was just trying to get a little beauty sleep. Sorry Pumba, I owe you big time.

Jack Johnson in Concert

VIDEO #189

Song - "Inaudible Melodies" by Jack Johnson (recorded and live)

Usually, I am not a huge fan of the big-crowd concert but the Gorge is a good exception. Yeah, lots of people and lines for the bathroom that made you nervous in that you might not make it in time.... but as a whole, the night was excellent. G Love, Zee Avi and Jack Johnson put on a great show.

How Bout Them Apples?

VIDEO #188

Song - "Apples and Bananas" - A Teacher's Song

In the recent visit to Selah, Washington I was fortunate enough to be part of something very few people will get to experience in their lives. Yes, it is true... I have stepped onto the apple juice capital of the world's soil! If this remain to be true, I am a proud and fulfilled man. Life can end now. If this is not true and the sign's fact is outdated... well, that is the only thing keeping me alive I guess.

See the Apples in HIGH DEF

Meet Me in the Bathroom

VIDEO #187

Song - "Meet Me In the Bathroom" by The Strokes

There's nothing like working 12 hours on a shoot to come home to work on a video for the blog! It's the best. It's so good that I decided to share the cutest cats in the world drink from a faucet. I know, I know... unbelievably amazing, I agree! Alright, heading to bed.

Gringo Gives Up

VIDEO #186

Song - "Volar, Volar" by Mariachi Cobre

Gringo has been traveling for quite some time now and has finally called it quits. Will we get the privilege to see Gringo again? One can only hope.

Gringo Y Amigos

VIDEO #185

Song - "Guadalajara" by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan

Gringo and his amigos visited the Columbia River Gorge in style. I could see these guys featured in a movie that goes worldwide someday. If that day never comes, at least we will have this here video to enjoy until the lights go out. Ole!

Katana's Non Stick Magic Pan

VIDEO #184

Song - "Breakfast at Tiffanys" by Deep Blue Something

The days of scrubbing and scrubbing eggs off our All-Clad are finally over! Katana researched a safer alternative to Teflon and found Calphalon. If you use the correct care it doesn't kill you. I guess only time will really tell... stay tuned.