"Branches Be Gone!"

Tired. Sore. Cleared more branches and other brush for the landlord.
NOTE: Hot day. Wear shorts next time. LOL

-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:13 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The Unexpected Life of the Green Frog"

"Hello. I'm a Frog. This is my life."

It's a weblog all about a little green frog from Brussels, Belgium, and his unexpected life. Follow along in his travels to some remarkable places, as well as his visit to a U2 concert, and even his ecape from the police.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:12 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Branches, Bushes, and Brush, Oh, My!"

Well, I just spent most of my day helping the landlord clear branches and other brush from one of the lots he owns. Now that I'm back home for the evening, though, tired is the name of the game. So, I think I'm going to head off and grab me some "Z's".

Have a blessed evening all. Until next time,

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:33 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The Impossible Dream"

Today's "Quote of the Day" comes from the lyrics of one of my favorite stage musicals -- Man of La Mancha. Never, EVER forget the "impossible dream" in your life. To do so would be to forget what it means to be human. Dream big. Live confidently.

"The Impossible Dream" (Man of La Mancha)
- Lyrics by Joe Darion

To dream ... the impossible dream ...
To fight ... the unbeatable foe ...
To bear ... with unbearable sorrow ...
To run ... where the brave dare not go ...
To right ... the unrightable wrong ...
To love ... pure and chaste from afar ...
To try ... when your arms are too weary ...
To reach ... the unreachable star ...

This is my quest, to follow that star ...
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far ...
To fight for the right, without question or pause ...
To be willing to march into Hell, for a Heavenly cause ...

And I know if I'll only be true, to this glorious quest,
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm,
when I'm laid to my rest ...
And the world will be better for this:
That one man, scorned and covered with scars,
Still strove, with his last ounce of courage,
To reach ... the unreachable star ...

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:27 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Legal Guide For Bloggers"

The Electronic Frontier Foundation created a Legal Guide for Bloggers. Whether you're a newly minted blogger or a relative old-timer, you've been seeing more and more stories pop up every day about bloggers getting in trouble for what they post. Like all journalists and publishers, bloggers sometimes publish information that other people don't want published.

The difference between you and your local newspaper reporter is that, you may not have the benefit of training or resources to help you determine whether what you're doing is legal.

This Legal Guide for Bloggers isn't a substitute for, nor does it constitute, legal advice. Only an attorney who knows the details of your particular situation can provide the kind of advice you need if you're being threatened with a lawsuit. The goal here is to give you a basic roadmap to the legal issues you may confront as a blogger.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:07 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Arthur Audition #2"

Yep. Gotta love call-back auditions. It's that lovely in-between time when you haven't gotten a role yet, but you also haven't not gotten one. It signifies that a director doesn't want to give up on you... but he/she doesn't want to give you a role yet either! LOL

Overall, though, my "Arthur..." call-back went pretty well. There seemed to be much more of a turnout than expected, and I got to meet a number of wonderful people -- most of them younger than myself. The only real disappointing thing about the evening, however, was that I was not allowed to take up a sword and join the fight choreographer for his second round of fight auditions. He said he had "seen what he wanted to see from me" on Monday. Unfortunately he seemed a little cold when he said it too. Either he was a little stressed out, or he really *didn't* like what he saw on Monday. Who knows. It was a little hard to tell.

But, as we always say in theatre, "the director always knows best." :)

As there were a lot more girls/women at the audition then us guys (and the guys were all auditioning with the fight choreographer), I was able to do a lot more reading than expected. Mostly with the actresses. And that meant a lot more opportunies to try out various takes on the male characters. For an actor, that's the fun part we all live for at an audition. It's the part where we truely get to "play"! So, while I was unable to take up the sword, I was still able to take up the characters. And in the end, it all worked out.

From what I hear, the cast should be announced sometime next week. I'll let you know what goes, and until then, I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Have a blessed weekend all, and until next time,

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:21 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."
- Scott Adams

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:39 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Free Art Anyone?"

Have you ever wondered how you might be able to acquire some of my artwork... maybe even for free? Well, you're in luck. I'm actually offering some on auction!

For those that love the thrill and enjoyment of bidding, I'm offering a unique collection of personal artwork. It includes, but is not limited, to the following:

1) -- At least five (5) different works of Fine Art!
2) -- One full website design! (not webmastering, just the design.)
3) -- One of my old sketchbooks loaded with old designs and raw sketches.
4) -- A collection of First Draft artwork straight from my professional portfolio!
5) -- Up to five (5) custom gifts from my art store.
6) -- One week of free design consulting on any creative project.
7) -- One "Hollywood Mystery Box" containing movie and stage props!
8) -- One full year of free advertising on JonBaas.com!
9) -- A number of possible sculptures!
10) -- And plenty of free bidding incentives!

The total value of everything in this auction is over $4000!
(The auction will likely to be won for much less.)

If you're the bidding kind, and have always wanted to own a collection of my art, then this might be an enjoyable opportunity! The first bid starts at $10! And, yes, the winning bidder will recieve everything in this auction. Pretty cool, huh!

Why am I auctioning off all this artwork? Well, quite honestly, I'm looking for the work, yes, but I'm also looking to share my creative wealth with someone else who loves great art, or wants to own a little bit of my connection to film and "Hollywood". Art and acting have always been my strongest two passions in life. Being able to share it with others is half the fun! :)

So, if you're interested, feel free to take a peek. Otherwise, carry on. :)

"The Jon Baas $4000.00 Mystery Treasure Auction!"

Have a blessed day all, and until next time,

Your happily blogging entrepreneur friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:03 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Arthur Audition #1"

Today was the second of two parts to my audition for the upcoming Dare to Dream children's theatre production of "Arthur, the Boy Who Would Be King".

Overall, I think I did rather well. I actually spent most of my afternoon in the theatre, sticking around to read for other auditions, as there were less men who showed up than expected. In the end, though, it proved to be rather enjoyable. And, the good news is, I've been called back for another round of auditions this Friday. So, I guess we'll see what those hold in store.

For now, however, that's about all I can say of the audition. I'll probably know more by the end of the week. But until then, I guess the suspense will have to prevail. Sorry guys. :)

Have a blessed Tuesday all. Until next time,

Your happily blogging actor friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:43 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Sword-play"

This weekend I'm auditioning for another stage show. This one deals with King Arthur, Camelot, and the Knights of the Round Table. It also involves that thrilling activity us actors like to call "stage combat". And yes, it does involve bladed weaponry! :)

So, this evening was the first part of that audition. Today we got a crash course in the basics of safe combat. Not only were we introduced to standard broadsword tactics, but we were also being evaluated on our handling of the weapons. I'm sure I was quite cautious (as any modern-day novice would be), but I think I still did well. And I can honestly say it was a lot of fun too! Whether I impressed the combat choreographer or not still remains to be seen. But as far as I'm concerned, just getting a lesson in swordplay made my whole evening worthwhile!

And tomorrow, I get to have fun yet again! Tomorrow I get to act!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:04 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Cooling Breezes"

Well, we now have an air conditioner! Muggy humid air be gone! :)

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:57 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Going Home Soon"

I just found out that my only remaining grandfather suffered a heart attack this morning. From what I hear, it was pretty serious. He survived thus far and has been recovering in the hospital throughout the day, but things still appear to be pretty shaky. He'll be closely monitored for the next couple of days, and from there we'll see what happens.

If you could, though, keep him in your prayers. He could be going home (aka, heaven) soon.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:41 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Be careful who you don't trust."

How ironic is this....

Yesterday I posted about my excursion to test the fire alarms at two other apartment buildings in the area (owned by my landlord). At the second of the those buildings, I was turned away by two of the residents who refused to let me finish my task. They were suspicious of me, and didn't believe I was who I said I was -- or that I was indeed assisting the landlord by testing those alarms.

Well, ironically, one of those two residents who turned me away is currently mowing the lawn at my apartment building! Apparently he too is assisting our landlord.

Funny how things work out like that isn't it?! :)

-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:11 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Medicine Man and Fire Alarms"

Today was an interesting day. Most of it was spent around the apartment working, and finishing up a variety of ongoing projects and the like. But once the late afternoon came around... so did the adventure and excitement!

See, from time to time I've been assisting my landlord with a number of small projects. It takes some of the load off of him, and I get paid for it. Recently, one of those projects was the yearly testing of the fire alarms at his local apartment buildings, and making sure they were all up to code. Today I had planned to walk the few miles necessary to visit two of those buildings.

It was a humid but breezy walk, and the sun was already setting as I set out for my expedition. The hope was to head out in the early evening, and thus catch the tenants after they had returned from work. After a forty-five minute walk, I arrived at the first building, and had little trouble taking care of my intended task. I even met one of the residents -- a Native American Medicine Man -- who struck up a conversation with me, and proved to be a very interesting individual!

As it turns out, this wise older man fought in the Vietnam War, has survived three heart attacks (while remaining uncharacteristically optimistic throughout!), is very strong into his beliefs and Native American heritage, and upon hearing that I was the creative sort of person (aka, actor/ artist), even sang me a traditional "Native American Medicine Man song"! I have no idea what the lyrics were, but apparently it was one of good luck from the Spirits. We'll see if it works! LOL!

By the time I left his building, though, I was smiling. I had hardly expecting to meet someone this unique on such a routine task, but, then again, I suppose that's what makes life so interesting. Even when you're doing the mundane, you still never really know what to expect!

After departing the first of my two destinations, I walked for another forty-five minutes to the second apartment building, only to be turned back by two of the residents who were standing outside chatting. Neither of them had been told to expect a "strange young man" who would be stopping by to check their fire alarms. I guess the landlord had neglected to mention my visit, and, understandably, due to reasons of security, neither of these two tenants seemed interested in letting me bother their neighbors with my "odd" request either. So, rather than press the issue, I thanked the two cautious men, and set out the remaining hour and a half walk for home.

Granted it had been a wasted trip to the second building -- especially considering the length of the walk -- but, I guess if I were in their shoes, I would have probably reacted similarly. Afterall, how often does a total stranger walk up to your house and ask to check your fire alarms! LOL!

But it's been a good day. It's not often you get to meet a Native American Medicine Man; have him sing a song to the Sprits for you; have two strangers look at you suspiciously when you ask to check their fire alarms; and then get to walk for nearly three hours through peaceful Milwaukee neighborhoods on a beautiful summer night!

Yep. It's been an interesting day. Here's hoping tomorrow is as exciting. I like days like these!

Have a blessed Thursday all, and until next time,

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:54 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The Creative Side of Ebay"

For those that may be curious what I've been up to lately, I have two new "Mystery Auctions" running on ebay. Feel free to take a peek sometime. :)

"I have travelled "Back to the Future"!"

"The $4000 Art Mystery!"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:57 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Old Newsreels"

At the Internet Archive, there are about 600 Universal Newsreels.

In the pre-TV era, people saw the news every week in their neighborhood movie theaters. Newsreels were shown before every feature film and in dedicated newsreel theaters located in large cities. Universal Newsreel, produced from 1929 to 1967, was released twice a week. Each issue contained six or seven short stories, usually one to two minutes in length, covering world events, politics, sports, fashion, and whatever else might entertain the movie audience. These newsreels offer a fascinating and unique view of an era when motion pictures defined our culture and were a primary source of visual news reporting.

Universal City Studios gifted Universal Newsreel to the American people, put the newsreels into the public domain, and gave film materials to the National Archives in 1976. Surviving materials from the entire collection are available at the National Archives and Records Administration in College Park, Maryland.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:47 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Humid but Breezy"

...And then God said, "Let there be humidity. And there was."

Lovely day today! Wonderful breezes. Lots of sweat. If I were to hazard a guess, I'd say summer is just around the corner. I could be guessing here, but somehow, I think not. Time to break out the "cooling devices"!

Have a blessed day all, and enjoy the last of Spring!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:55 PM  I   I  0 comments

"I Hate it When That Happens!"

Well, no church for me this morning. My alarm and subcontious mind were feuding.

See, I seem to have a moody subcontious mind, and sometimes he acts up at the most inopportune times. Call it a bad habit I guess. Whatever is it, it's an infrequent "habit" I seem to have very little control over. I'll set my alarm clock to wake me at a certain time, apparently turn if off while still sound asleep, and then wake up 45 minutes later baffled and wondering why the stupid thing didn't go off and wake me up when I told it to!

I find that immensely frustrating. But what's even more frustrating is that I can't predict when it will happen. Normally, I have no problems waking up when I intend to -- in fact, my internal clock is usually quite punctual. I'll often even wake up moments BEFORE my alarm clock goes off and then be scared half to death from the loud noise in my ear! How that seems to work out so regularly, I have no idea. But it does.

And then there are those mornings when my alarm clock and subcontious mind have some vendetta against one another, and decide not to cooperate. Maybe they think it's funny, I don't know. But me.... I hate it. I really do! It bugs me to no end!

Unfortuntely, today was another one of those mornings. And of course, that also meant I missed church. Even Scott woke up late (five minutes before church to be exact), and he was already rushing out the door when he stuck his head into my room and verbally removed me from sleep. My head still groggy from being snapped out of uncontiousness so suddenly, I just pounded it in disgust, and hit the pillow for another hour. Go figure.

Bah! Stupid subcontious mind. Missing church because my mind is fueding with my alarm clock really is a stupid reason, isn't it? Heh. Stupid subcontious mind.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 12:21 PM  I   I  0 comments

"My Evil Shadow is Stalking Me!"

Good news! Someone has purchased my evil shadow. I am free man!

Yes, that horrible blight has finally been removed from my life thanks to the wonders of Ebay, and the joys of creative marketing. Even more interesting is the fact that that shadow sold for the wonderful price of $132.40! Not bad, eh? That's an appropriate price for an evil shadow such as mine, don't you think? :)

Congratulations to melpat68 for winning the auction!

If you're curious, feel free to investigate my other Ebay endeavors. Whether you have intentions of bidding or not, you can rest assured they will usually be quite entertaining. Afterall, creativity *is* in my blood! To ignor that fact would be like stealing the pacifier from a baby. And that's generally not a good idea. Besides, I'm in my true element when allowed to ooze creativity. As far as I'm concerned, I plan to do a lot of that in my lifetime!

Have a blessed day all! I'm off to audition a much friendlier replacement for my departed shadow! Much friendler, and far less sadistic! :)

Your happily blogging creative friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:52 PM  I   I  0 comments

"June Cometh. Summer Awaits."

Beautiful day today! The perfect start to the month of June! :)

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:17 PM  I   I  0 comments