I have never claimed to be on the forefront of technology, trends or social networking. I was late to MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and Zannel. I started my Blog years after I should have. I managed to avoid Friendster and finally gave in and joined FourSquare.
The one thing I have been kept in the loop about is "web-series". That's primarily due to Michael Flores of Cazador Prouctions, the creator of "Western X" and "A Six Gun For Lobo: Two Kills For A Virgin".
Now since I refuse to have a "traditional" video blog, I will be doing something different. The premise as of today (premise subject to change) real "reality"-esque show in web-series format. I'm not sure how long the "episodes" will be but after the initial one gets on the net I will make sure they will be at least weekly, or damn close to it. They will NOT be edited for content, language or "inappropriateness". They will be edited for time and to fit the week/episodes theme. Certain things I will need to get permission before filming it (that's for legal reasons), so once that's done I will let everyone know how much more this will all expand and cross-over to things.
This whole thing will be shot as everything unfolds. No second takes. No "I sound stupid, don't use that." If it makes it in, it makes it in.
It's going to be nothing fancy. No lighting crew, sound guys, PA's, grips. Just a guy, a camera and maybe some stunts performed by professionals.
What qualifies me to do this and not have it look like complete dog shit??? Well during my time in NY I started off by guest hosting on a show called "Clubland TV". That led to me hosting my own show, "Rock Project X". Once again there was nothing fancy about it. It was a rock video show hosted by me introducing the videos with some bullshit banter from me to the camera. The entire thing was shot inside my car. Am I bragging about this part? No. What I will brag about is that after running 23 episodes over 26 weeks (I let one episode run for a month) I was asked to return for a second season. I didn't return for a second season because I didn't have the time to do the show anymore.
I started that show to prove a point and I did just that, so here is round two.
Once the everything goes live, it will be on YouTube. Since someone is "username squatting" on VonDice, it will be TheVonDice, but that will be announced when it's all said and done.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Timing, it can go fuck itself ... or ... I'm tapping out
Been roughly a month since the last blog entry, so here is a brief recap of the last month before this round of my diatribe.
In early 2000 someone came into my life that would not only change my life but would be someone that would actually make me hold on to an ideal that is "normal".
So now over the course of the almost eleven years there have been ups, there have been downs, there have been occurrences that haven't made a bit of sense. Every time things seem to make sense it takes another turn and it has yet to turn good.
Now over the last two years every time the timing lined up, something got thrown in the gears. There goes the timing ... AGAIN.
For eleven years I've seen and heard it all about this person, subject and topic. Normally I would think it's me being blind to what is really going on BUT almost everyone else sees it the same way as I have been.
Perception is a very interesting thing. One mans perception of a situation could be the complete opposite of another. (Yes. I know that sentence seems redundant.) Apparently a good portion of us all drank the same Kool-aid cause we're all seeing the same shit, except one. Except the one person that leaves the rest of us scratching our heads in complete confusion.
I've been told lately that if I truly want something that I will try every angle to get what I want without thinking of any consequences. Even though I do disagree with the person that told me that, I DO agree with that persons statement in regards to this particular situation.
Over the last few months I've said to myself that I'm going to be done with the whole situation and scenario, and without fail something brings me back in. Like a true addict, I allow myself to go back to something that will continue to give me the same result.
Is it time to realize I'm at the breaking point and to finally tap out? Is it time to end another chapter of my life even though it is SOOOOOO far from how it was written?
- Officially back in AZ
- Still not smoking
- Lobo & Western X start shooting in roughly a month.
In early 2000 someone came into my life that would not only change my life but would be someone that would actually make me hold on to an ideal that is "normal".
So now over the course of the almost eleven years there have been ups, there have been downs, there have been occurrences that haven't made a bit of sense. Every time things seem to make sense it takes another turn and it has yet to turn good.
Now over the last two years every time the timing lined up, something got thrown in the gears. There goes the timing ... AGAIN.
For eleven years I've seen and heard it all about this person, subject and topic. Normally I would think it's me being blind to what is really going on BUT almost everyone else sees it the same way as I have been.
Perception is a very interesting thing. One mans perception of a situation could be the complete opposite of another. (Yes. I know that sentence seems redundant.) Apparently a good portion of us all drank the same Kool-aid cause we're all seeing the same shit, except one. Except the one person that leaves the rest of us scratching our heads in complete confusion.
I've been told lately that if I truly want something that I will try every angle to get what I want without thinking of any consequences. Even though I do disagree with the person that told me that, I DO agree with that persons statement in regards to this particular situation.
Over the last few months I've said to myself that I'm going to be done with the whole situation and scenario, and without fail something brings me back in. Like a true addict, I allow myself to go back to something that will continue to give me the same result.
- Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results. -Rita Mae Brown
Is it time to realize I'm at the breaking point and to finally tap out? Is it time to end another chapter of my life even though it is SOOOOOO far from how it was written?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Ezekiel 25:17 ... or ... Dice gets biblical.
Over the last 11 days I have tried to start writing numerous blog entries of numerous subject that have come up in the media and in my personal life; "Cyber Bullying" "Kid Expelled From School For NERF Gun" and so on. Honestly though whatever tirade I would have put up would have been just me on a soap box. This on the other hand is simple and to the point and most relevant in my day today.
About 10 years ago while I was working in the clubs I entered into a business and was told to avoid one man in the industry. After meeting this man face to face I approached him head on. We spoke and because of that I became his partner and was very successful.
Now years later I'm in a new business. A few years back when I started in this industry I was told to avoid another man. This man was different, he had years of proven experience, where I had none. Now over the course of a few years I have gotten to talk with this man, be advised by him, learn from him and work with him.This man has become a great ally and someone I feel I can call a friend.
Far too often people try to stop others from dealing with "men" like these by slandering them or making them seem like elitists and that they would not deal with people outside of there circle.
What's interesting about people's "circles" are they are very simple.
Now there will ALWAYS be a preexisting person in the circle that is either not secure in there position, ability, standing ... whatever it maybe who will try to slander and keep down any new comers that may be a threat to them. What's worse is sometimes that person will be on the outside of the circle with every bridge burned and can't get themselves in, they will do the same thing. Simple answer to that: FUCK 'EM!
So why's this one called Ezekiel 25:17?? Well for those of you that know Pulp Fiction it makes a little bit of sense I'm sure. For those who haven't, the short version is fuck with me or one of my own and we will bring the fight to your front door.
On the second unrelated unrelated note, I feel the urge to define a few things because some people just don't get it:
"Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?"
If you can not figure out the meaning of this one, I will recommend you doing a bit of research and educating yourself.
About 10 years ago while I was working in the clubs I entered into a business and was told to avoid one man in the industry. After meeting this man face to face I approached him head on. We spoke and because of that I became his partner and was very successful.
Now years later I'm in a new business. A few years back when I started in this industry I was told to avoid another man. This man was different, he had years of proven experience, where I had none. Now over the course of a few years I have gotten to talk with this man, be advised by him, learn from him and work with him.This man has become a great ally and someone I feel I can call a friend.
Far too often people try to stop others from dealing with "men" like these by slandering them or making them seem like elitists and that they would not deal with people outside of there circle.
What's interesting about people's "circles" are they are very simple.
- Don't act like an asshole and most will let you in.
- Don't try to impress and most will let you in.
- Listen and learn instead of talk and know everything and most will let you in.
- Let your actions speak for themselves and most will let you in.
Now there will ALWAYS be a preexisting person in the circle that is either not secure in there position, ability, standing ... whatever it maybe who will try to slander and keep down any new comers that may be a threat to them. What's worse is sometimes that person will be on the outside of the circle with every bridge burned and can't get themselves in, they will do the same thing. Simple answer to that: FUCK 'EM!
So why's this one called Ezekiel 25:17?? Well for those of you that know Pulp Fiction it makes a little bit of sense I'm sure. For those who haven't, the short version is fuck with me or one of my own and we will bring the fight to your front door.
"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you."
Over the last year and a half I have sat back and gone the "business" route on a lot of situations. This has been for a variety of reasons; good business, perception, saving face for others, suffering flack for stick to what I think is right, being slandered myself and the list goes on and on. Well today was the last day of suffering shit with a smile. I will no longer sit back having someone piss on my head and tell me it's rain ... I'm tired of being wet.
On the first unrelated note I have been sober since: September 23, 2009. I'm not bragging just proving a point to some.
- Womanizer - A man who likes many women and has short sexual relationships with them.
- Sense of Entitlement - An unrealistic, unmerited or inappropriate expectation of favorable living conditions and favorable treatment at the hands of others.
"Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?"
If you can not figure out the meaning of this one, I will recommend you doing a bit of research and educating yourself.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Hording ... SNAPPLE???
For those who follow my twitter, facebook, zannel and/or myspace have all noticed a slight obsession with "Bret's Blend Tea Trop*A*Rocka - Diet Snapple". Currently I have a small pyramid of Snapple consisting of 17, 6-packs sitting in my room and one in the fridge. Now besides the obvious, that I'm slightly batshit crazy, why would I have so much damn Snapple? Well it's because Snapple does randomly decide that sometimes they should discontinue "flavors" and a brand.
Firstly let's start with the brand, depending on the age or taste of some of my readers may or may not remember "Snapple Soda". The two flavors I remember are "Tru Root Beer" a clear root beer and "Cherry Lime Rickey". I remember being a kid and constantly hunting down the root beer and then one day *POOF*, the stopped the whole line of Snapple Soda.
Now the other brand they got rid of was "Elements" that had flavors like "Rain", "Earth", "Fire" and "Sun". Those were the basic four flavors that they came out with which they expanded onto and added five more flavors. Personally I was a fan of "Rain", it was a refreshing flavor. I remember spending the end of my highschool career and the beginning of college drinking "Rain". Then once again *POOF*.
I mustn't forget my favorite flavor of Snapple "Bali Blast" drank it for many years and you guessed it *POOF*.
So let's ballpark from 1990 until 2010 Snapple has gotten rid of a brand that I enjoy roughly every ten years, not to mention the random disappearance of "Bali Blast". Here we are now in 2010 and I have found a new flavor I enjoy "Bret's Blend Tea Trop*A*Rocka - Diet Snapple". This time I am merely getting ahead of Snapple and stocking up on it that way if I decide to stop drinking it, it can be on my terms
For all of you that think I'm losing it just a little bit more, go out, try and find a bottle and taste it. So far everyone that has tried it on my recommendation as enjoyed it. Everyone know I don't endorse specific brands and won't until they pay up and I'm not getting paid by Snapple for this (I wouldn't bitch one bit if they did though ... I'm just sayin' Snapple).
Other news/upcoming:
"A six gun for LOBO, two kills for a virgin." is rolling along, it now has a twitter @ASixGunForLobo and a website asixgunforlobo.com. - Remember if it wasn't for Western X westernxtheshow.com there would be no LOBO, so don't forget to check them out as well.
Congrats to Kristin Davis for getting on the ballot for Governor of NY.
And just because she is both a friend and trainer to myself and Kristin Davis here is a plug for MJ Carlesi and musclesorority.com.
If I plug MJ I must also plug Steve C. of Foundry who has just released "Foundry Retooled" on iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/retooled-feat-rich-decicco/id389765371 definitely worth the download.
That's all for this post, so until next time; "Enough is enough! I have had it with these motherfucking snakes on this motherfucking plane!"
Firstly let's start with the brand, depending on the age or taste of some of my readers may or may not remember "Snapple Soda". The two flavors I remember are "Tru Root Beer" a clear root beer and "Cherry Lime Rickey". I remember being a kid and constantly hunting down the root beer and then one day *POOF*, the stopped the whole line of Snapple Soda.
Now the other brand they got rid of was "Elements" that had flavors like "Rain", "Earth", "Fire" and "Sun". Those were the basic four flavors that they came out with which they expanded onto and added five more flavors. Personally I was a fan of "Rain", it was a refreshing flavor. I remember spending the end of my highschool career and the beginning of college drinking "Rain". Then once again *POOF*.
I mustn't forget my favorite flavor of Snapple "Bali Blast" drank it for many years and you guessed it *POOF*.
So let's ballpark from 1990 until 2010 Snapple has gotten rid of a brand that I enjoy roughly every ten years, not to mention the random disappearance of "Bali Blast". Here we are now in 2010 and I have found a new flavor I enjoy "Bret's Blend Tea Trop*A*Rocka - Diet Snapple". This time I am merely getting ahead of Snapple and stocking up on it that way if I decide to stop drinking it, it can be on my terms
For all of you that think I'm losing it just a little bit more, go out, try and find a bottle and taste it. So far everyone that has tried it on my recommendation as enjoyed it. Everyone know I don't endorse specific brands and won't until they pay up and I'm not getting paid by Snapple for this (I wouldn't bitch one bit if they did though ... I'm just sayin' Snapple).
Other news/upcoming:
"A six gun for LOBO, two kills for a virgin." is rolling along, it now has a twitter @ASixGunForLobo and a website asixgunforlobo.com. - Remember if it wasn't for Western X westernxtheshow.com there would be no LOBO, so don't forget to check them out as well.
Congrats to Kristin Davis for getting on the ballot for Governor of NY.
And just because she is both a friend and trainer to myself and Kristin Davis here is a plug for MJ Carlesi and musclesorority.com.
If I plug MJ I must also plug Steve C. of Foundry who has just released "Foundry Retooled" on iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/retooled-feat-rich-decicco/id389765371 definitely worth the download.
That's all for this post, so until next time; "Enough is enough! I have had it with these motherfucking snakes on this motherfucking plane!"
Monday, August 9, 2010
Spin-Offs
Well after writing a pretty lengthy blog just now, I realized that I may actually want to work in Hollywood one day, so I deleted the thing and will now "continue" what was to be the end half of that blog.
As some who are reading this may or may not know, later this year starts "A six gun for LOBO, two kills for a virgin." which is a spin-off of "Western X".
Now I've heard some grumblings about spin-offs not lasting or being flops. Well let it be said that even the ones that don't make it far are still remembered. Here is a short list of the ones that are the most known shows and their spin-offs. This is not including most cartoons, the thousands of reality shows and the like.
All in the Family (1971–1979)
-Maude (1972–1978) - Good Times (1974–1979)
-The Jeffersons (1975–1985) - Checking In (1981)
-Archie Bunker's Place (1979–1983)
-Gloria (1982–1983)
-704 Hauser (1994)
Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000)
-Melrose Place (1992–1999) - Models Inc. (1994–1995)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
-Angel
Cheers (1982–1993)
-The Tortellis
-Frasier (1993–2004)
The Cosby Show (1984–1992)
-A Different World (1987–1993)
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (since 2000)
-CSI: Miami (since 2002)
-CSI: NY (since 2004)
Dallas (1978–1991)
-Knots Landing (1979–1993)
Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986)
-The Facts of Life (1979–1988)
-Hello, Larry (1979)
The Golden Girls (1985–1992)
-Empty Nest - Nurses
-The Golden Palace
Good Morning, Miss Bliss
-Saved by the Bell - Saved by the Bell: The College Years - Saved by the Bell: The New Class
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys
-Xena: Warrior Princess
-Young Hercules
Law & Order (1990–2010 )
-Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999– ) - Conviction (2006)
-Deadline (2000–2001)
-Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001– )
-Crime & Punishment (2002–2004)
-Law & Order: Trial by Jury (2005)
-Paris enquêtes criminelles (2007– ) — an adaptation of Criminal Intent
-Law & Order: UK (2009– )
Liquid Television
-Beavis and Butt-head - Daria & King Of The Hill
-Æon Flux
-MTV's Oddities - The Head & The Maxx
-Cartoon Sushi - Celebrity Deathmatch
From Love, American Style
-Barefoot in the Park (1970)
-Wait Till Your Father Gets Home (1972–1974)
-Happy Days (1974–1984) - Laverne and Shirley (1976–1983) - Blansky's Beauties (1977) - Mork & Mindy (1978–1983) - Fonz and the Happy Days Gang (1980) - Joanie Loves Chachi (1982–1983)
The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)
-Lou Grant (1977–1982)
-Phyllis (1975–1977)
-Rhoda (1974–1978) - Carlton Your Doorman Cartoon (1980)
Perfect Strangers (1986–1993)
-Family Matters (1989–1998)
Sam and Friends (1955–1961)
-Our Place (1967)
-Sesame Street (1969– ) - Play With Me Sesame (2002–2003)
-The Muppet Show - Muppet Babies (1984–1991) - Little Muppet Monsters (1985–1986) - Muppets Tonight (1996–1998)
Sanford and Son (1972–1977)
-Grady (1975–1976)
-The Sanford Arms (1977)
-Sanford (1980–1981)
So it's a bit of a lengthy "short" list but it's just to prove a point.
As some who are reading this may or may not know, later this year starts "A six gun for LOBO, two kills for a virgin." which is a spin-off of "Western X".
Now I've heard some grumblings about spin-offs not lasting or being flops. Well let it be said that even the ones that don't make it far are still remembered. Here is a short list of the ones that are the most known shows and their spin-offs. This is not including most cartoons, the thousands of reality shows and the like.
All in the Family (1971–1979)
-Maude (1972–1978) - Good Times (1974–1979)
-The Jeffersons (1975–1985) - Checking In (1981)
-Archie Bunker's Place (1979–1983)
-Gloria (1982–1983)
-704 Hauser (1994)
Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000)
-Melrose Place (1992–1999) - Models Inc. (1994–1995)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
-Angel
Cheers (1982–1993)
-The Tortellis
-Frasier (1993–2004)
The Cosby Show (1984–1992)
-A Different World (1987–1993)
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (since 2000)
-CSI: Miami (since 2002)
-CSI: NY (since 2004)
Dallas (1978–1991)
-Knots Landing (1979–1993)
Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986)
-The Facts of Life (1979–1988)
-Hello, Larry (1979)
The Golden Girls (1985–1992)
-Empty Nest - Nurses
-The Golden Palace
Good Morning, Miss Bliss
-Saved by the Bell - Saved by the Bell: The College Years - Saved by the Bell: The New Class
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys
-Xena: Warrior Princess
-Young Hercules
Law & Order (1990–2010 )
-Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999– ) - Conviction (2006)
-Deadline (2000–2001)
-Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001– )
-Crime & Punishment (2002–2004)
-Law & Order: Trial by Jury (2005)
-Paris enquêtes criminelles (2007– ) — an adaptation of Criminal Intent
-Law & Order: UK (2009– )
Liquid Television
-Beavis and Butt-head - Daria & King Of The Hill
-Æon Flux
-MTV's Oddities - The Head & The Maxx
-Cartoon Sushi - Celebrity Deathmatch
From Love, American Style
-Barefoot in the Park (1970)
-Wait Till Your Father Gets Home (1972–1974)
-Happy Days (1974–1984) - Laverne and Shirley (1976–1983) - Blansky's Beauties (1977) - Mork & Mindy (1978–1983) - Fonz and the Happy Days Gang (1980) - Joanie Loves Chachi (1982–1983)
The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)
-Lou Grant (1977–1982)
-Phyllis (1975–1977)
-Rhoda (1974–1978) - Carlton Your Doorman Cartoon (1980)
Perfect Strangers (1986–1993)
-Family Matters (1989–1998)
Sam and Friends (1955–1961)
-Our Place (1967)
-Sesame Street (1969– ) - Play With Me Sesame (2002–2003)
-The Muppet Show - Muppet Babies (1984–1991) - Little Muppet Monsters (1985–1986) - Muppets Tonight (1996–1998)
Sanford and Son (1972–1977)
-Grady (1975–1976)
-The Sanford Arms (1977)
-Sanford (1980–1981)
So it's a bit of a lengthy "short" list but it's just to prove a point.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
For fuck sake.
Well apparently I do have a blog and it hasn't been touched for almost a year. I don't know if going through my phone and finding the number to text in my blog was a good thing or not yet.
So now that I've spent the last hour reworking everything so that this doesn't revolve around all my old shit from a year ago here starts the new shit.
In the last year I've managed to get out of the corporate rat race and get back to stunt work. Thanks to MJ Carlesi I dropped a good amount of weight and got back in shape.
As far as upcoming projects; Western X is still going strong and going so well that its getting a few spin-offs one being "A Six Gun for LOBO Two Kills for a Virgin" which will star myself and Victoria Paege. I do have to thank Michael Flores for this one.
Thats about all the crap I'll cram into this first post and hopefully I'll stay up to date on it this time.
Want more info on the people mentioned, find it here.
Dice (ME) - www.facebook.com/vondice, http://www.twitter.com/vondice
MJ Carlesi - www.musclesorority.com, www.facebook.com/musclesorority, www.twitter.com/musclesorority
Western X - www.westernxtheshow.com, www.twitter.com/westernxtheshow, Western X Producer's Blog www.xwilltravel.com
Victoria Paege - www.victoriapaege.com, www.vpaege.blogspot.com, www.twitter.com/victoriapaege
Michael Flores - www.cazadorproductions.com, www.twitter.com/michael_flores
So now that I've spent the last hour reworking everything so that this doesn't revolve around all my old shit from a year ago here starts the new shit.
In the last year I've managed to get out of the corporate rat race and get back to stunt work. Thanks to MJ Carlesi I dropped a good amount of weight and got back in shape.
Thats about all the crap I'll cram into this first post and hopefully I'll stay up to date on it this time.
Want more info on the people mentioned, find it here.
Dice (ME) - www.facebook.com/vondice, http://www.twitter.com/vondice
MJ Carlesi - www.musclesorority.com, www.facebook.com/musclesorority, www.twitter.com/musclesorority
Western X - www.westernxtheshow.com, www.twitter.com/westernxtheshow, Western X Producer's Blog www.xwilltravel.com
Victoria Paege - www.victoriapaege.com, www.vpaege.blogspot.com, www.twitter.com/victoriapaege
Michael Flores - www.cazadorproductions.com, www.twitter.com/michael_flores
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)