Every once and a while I take a break from my Blog. But I still seem to post on Facebook. I now see that the last post on this blog was February 16, 2016. So it's been almost a year and a half of not posting. But I have been somewhat busy. When last I posted I was unemployed after my Volt contract at Microsoft ended. But by the end of April I was employed as a contractor with Kelly Services working at Alstom Grid Solutions (in transition to GE Grid Solutions after a purchase by, you guessed it, GE). That lasted until March of 2017 where I was hired as a FTE at GE Grid Solutions. So that's where I'm working now, I even updated my LinkedIn Profile more frequently than this blog (
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hodge-708a405/).
I've also reconnected with Laura and we've been dating and testing out living together. And now we are combining our households. If we can survive this then we can probably survive just about anything else.
I've also been active in filmmaking during this time. While I worked on 10 projects in 2015 and only made 2 short films in 2016, I was the Producer, Director, Editor and team captian on two 48 hour film project short films.
Transference (
https://vimeo.com/187087659 )
The Nature of Things (
https://vimeo.com/175779853 )
So far with work and moving I haven't done any film projects in 2017. Hopefully that will change soon.
I also just started writing for Forces of Geek (
http://www.forcesofgeek.com ).
So to round out the post and prove that I haven't been in a coma for the last 16 months, I am reposting some excerpts of what I've put up on Facebook during this time. It should be in reverse chronological order.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 1:56pm PDT
OMG - Suspiria is coming to the Northwest Film Forum in Seattle right before Halloween! Of course it's in Italian with no subtitles so you should watch it a few times in English before then.
Monday, June 19, 2017 at 4:56pm PDT
Mike Hodge shared Geeky Gamers Unite's photo.
Read or listen to Carrie Fisher's books (actually listening to them when she is reading them is pretty great - she's good at it). Fisher was not perfect but who of us are? We will miss her, remember her and hopefully learn from her.
Sunday, June 18, 2017 at 12:21pm PDT
I'm a father. This is a day. My two kids are alive and well. Pretty good day.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 9:31am PDT
Mike Hodge shared his post.
My grandmother would be 95 today. She went through a lot in her life; sometimes causing pain, sometimes causing joy. Most of my memories of her are good ones but I choose to remember them all. Because we all are a collection of the good and not so good and the ways that we affect people and are remembered are our true legacy. Happy Birthday grandmother. May you rest in peace.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 8:49am PDT
This is wrong. Picking up a gun and shooting people is not the answer. Regardless of your political affiliation, this is wrong and should not be a path chosen. This is an assault on the democratic process. Luckily it seems that none of the injuries will be fatal. And I will say it again that it is too easy to legally obtain a firearm that can be used to commit these kinds of crimes.
Monday, June 12, 2017 at 11:06pm PDT
Mike Hodge shared The 5th Avenue Theatre's live video — with Laura Eachus and Calvin Hodge at Benaroya Hall.
Calvin Hodge's High School Musical "Bring It On" was nominated at "The 5th Avenue Awards 2017" for "Outstanding Overall Musical Production" so they got to perform a medley from the musical live at the awards. If you skip ahead to 2:28:08 you can see the Shorecrest High School performance (can't figure out how to jump to a time code in a Facebook video like you can in one from another provider). And now Calvin can say he's performed on the stage at Benaroya Hall too.
Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 12:02pm PDT
I'm in the queue for PAX West 2017 tickets. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed. (I got the tickets so my children are happy.)
Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 2:54pm PDT
I got 24 of 25 right. Great job! You really are among the greatest Blazing Saddles experts out there... or as Lili Von Shtupp would say, "Is it true what they say about the way you people are... gifted?"
Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 2:21pm PDT
Deadpool, Batman, Iron Man, and Wolverine; I did this multiple times as a test. It appears that after "Analyzing your data" (ie Collecting all of it to sell and market back to you) they then "Calculate your result" (by taking a value from a Random Number Generator). Also since I indicate male as gender on Facebook, I'm pretty sure they only selected from the "male" list. So if you don't like the hero you get, just keep trying RNG luck will be with you eventually.
Monday, May 29, 2017 at 2:24pm PDT
Mike Hodge at Evergreen Washelli Cemetary.
At a Memorial Day event with Laura.
Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 2:30pm PDT
Mike Hodge with Laura Eachus and Duncan Hodge at SIFF Cinema Uptown.
Seeing "City of Ghosts" at SIFF 2017.
Friday, May 26, 2017 at 8:33am PDT
Some days an animal will run out in front of you and you have to stop short. This morning that was an otter.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 11:35pm PDT
Friday, May 19, 2017 at 11:30am PDT
Listening to a little ELO this morning.
Sunday, May 14, 2017 at 11:00am PDT
Mike Hodge updated his status.
Happy Mother's Day! (and to anyone who does not celebrate this day, Happy Sunday!) My Mom, Gayle, has always been special to me. Now that I'm older, but probably not much wiser, I can see that she struggled a lot with who she was and with with her own relationship with her Mom. She's always been the best person she could be and always encouraged me in whatever I wanted to do. We weren't rich when I was growing up (in many ways we could actually be called poor - in money) but we always found ways to have fun and do stuff together. Thanks, Mom, for always being there for me.
Friday, May 12, 2017 at 12:09pm PDT
Listening to Cake today. This song (Sheep go to Heaven) always makes me think of Travis Scott and Jess Autumn Zelma Scott.
Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 4:19pm PDT
Went to see PJ Harvey on Friday night with Laura Eachus. It was a great show.
Friday, May 5, 2017 at 2:28pm PDT
Cinco de Mayo or Revenge of the Fifth?
Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 3:07pm PDT
Mike Hodge shared CNN's video.
While I don't think even a large crowd will change the minds of the obstinate. Demonstrations like this help energize people to more direct action and help sustain lawmakers who support change and even those on the fence wondering if there is support for this kind of action.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 4:43pm PDT
Okay, I'm doing this for real this time: 10 bands I've seen live, at least one is a lie. 1. The Juicy Fruits 2. Eddie and the Cruisers 3. Weird Sisters 4. The Stains 5. The Hong Kong Cavaliers 6. Sex Bob-omb 7. Stillwater 8. The Venus in Furs 9. Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem 10. Dingoes Ate My Baby
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 10:35pm PDT
The Concert Challenge: Here's a list of concerts I have attended. Is there one I'm lying about? That's for you to see if one of these bands doesn't fit. ;-) The B-52s Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Blue Man Group Bowling for Soup Brian Setzer Orchestra Cheap Trick Cibo Matto Cocteau Twins Concrete Blonde The Cramps Devo Eurythmics Faith No More The Go-Gos Guns & Roses Head East Howard Jones Jethro Tull Jonathan Coulton KISS Lisa Loeb Liz Phair Lucinda Williams Mazzy Star Metallica The Moody Blues Paul McCartney Pigface Pretenders REO Speedwagon The Reverend Horton Heat Sarah McLachlan Shonen Knife Simian Mobile Disco Skinny Puppy Supertramp Suzanne Vega Tori Amos Van Halen Yes
Friday, April 21, 2017 at 10:46am PDT
Mike Hodge went to March For Science - Seattle.
Monday, April 17, 2017 at 9:51pm PDT
An interesting opinion piece from Paul Krugman. Hundreds of thousands of lost jobs no one seems to be able to leverage into political gain.
Sunday, April 16, 2017 at 2:22pm PDT
Mike Hodge with Laura Eachus and Calvin Hodge at Washington State Convention Center.
Calvin Hodge (Deadpool in the unicorn pajamas) made it into the Cosplay Chess at Sakura-Con 2017.
Sunday, April 16, 2017 at 1:25pm PDT
Mike Hodge with Laura Eachus and Calvin Hodge at Washington State Convention Center.
Calvin Hodge (Deadpool in unicorn pajamas) with a friend at Sakura-Con 2017.
Friday, March 17, 2017 at 8:08pm PDT
Mike Hodge in Seattle, Washington.
Happy St. Patrick's Day. Here's the Corned beef and Cabbage meal I made. Apparently Laura likes it. Hope your day went well.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 9:21am PDT
Happy Birthday, Albert Einstein! "All things are relative, All relatives are things, Don't let your relatives take all your things." Also Pi Day so have 22/7 of a good day.
Monday, March 13, 2017 at 4:04pm PDT
"I think that throwing 24 million Americans off of health insurance, raising premiums for older low income Americans, while giving $285 billion in tax breaks to the top 2% is a disgusting and immoral proposal," Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, told reporters. "Thousands of Americans will die if this legislation is passed and we have to do everything that we can to see that is defeated."
Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 4:25pm PST
Mike Hodge shared The Other 98%'s photo.
In many ways I see Healthcare for all as an issue of having a health, able-bodied, and ready to learn citizenry that will benefit the country. In many ways this is a national security imperative.
Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 1:23pm PST
I think we'll have to let "the fecal matter come in contact with the rotary oscillator" under the AHCA before a single-payer system has a chance to pass.
Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 12:12pm PST
Trump distracts the public with outrageous statements while doing some business behind closed doors. Don't let these things go unnoticed.
Monday, February 27, 2017 at 3:36pm PST
While I was a youth advisor at the First Unitarian Church of OKC, Mark was always a strong ally for the youth and the programs sponsored by the church for them. While Mark finds a way to move forward with his new circumstances, being his ally now is easy for me.
Monday, February 20, 2017 at 12:06pm PST
Mike Hodge updated his status.
Happy Presidents' Day -- originally Washington's Birthday. Washington embodies the paradox of the creation of America that continues to this day. He fought for liberty and freedom while being a slave holder. But he also had a provision in his will to free his slaves after he and Martha died (Martha freed the slaves before her death about a year after George's death). So do we celebrate him for his place in the founding of the United States or do we revile him for holding others as property? Many of our Presidents had striking contradictions. Nixon was a paranoid anti-communist but also started the Environmental Protection Agency. Kennedy was a womanizer but also started the Peace Corps and inspired the nation to go to the moon. Roosevelt helped guide the country through World War II but also imprisoned over 100,000 Japanese-Americans with no due process. All of this is not some "hey, let's give the new President a chance" message. But I guess it's a reminder that the history of the Presidency is filled with people who have done both good and bad. And if there is a time when the current occupant does something worth supporting, then let's remember that only then is this also worthy of our support. It is still incumbent upon us all to hold the President to account and vocally oppose those things that violate the public trust. But then again, that's always been one of the responsibilities of the electorate.
Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 8:42pm PST
Mike Hodge with Laura Eachus in Seattle, Washington.
Dinner tonight is BBQ Black-Eyed Pea-Collard Rolls from the Veganomicon.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 10:48am PST
Someone at work came by and gave me a pink frosting covered dough-nut (for Valentine's Day). This, of course, made me think of Terry Jones' children's book "The Beast with a Thousand Teeth." And who else but Terry Jones could get Helen Mirren to read your book for the internet.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 8:58am PST
Happy Lupercalia (the Roman festival of the wolf that predates Valentines day for the Ides of February [13-15]) where young men would run around wearing nothing but a freshly sacrificed goat skin smacking people with the pelt of a freshly sacrificed dog. To be hit by the pelt was seen as an aid in fertility so young women would position themselves to get whacked by the pelt. And now you just have to give someone chocolate and flowers; but, I guess that's progress for you.
Sunday, February 12, 2017 at 11:51am PST
Happy Birthday Charles Darwin; born on this day in 1809.
Monday, February 6, 2017 at 10:40am PST
Mike Hodge in Seattle, Washington.
Snow welcomed me on my way to work this morning.
Sunday, February 5, 2017 at 10:11pm PST
Mike Hodge shared ATTN:'s video.
Not all Republicans are bad (even this one [Arnold Schwarzenegger] his problems). But its good to hear him talk about the Environment and Business in a realistic way.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 5:10pm PST
My thought on Gorsuch? Filibuster anyone who isn't "mainstream." Want to know who's mainstream; Merrick Garland, that's who!
Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 12:13pm PST
Mike Hodge went to Film date and location for Celadierion Scene 13.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 9:11am PST
Listening to Die Antwoord today. Moderately inappropriate, but what isn't these days. I like it -- when I'm in the mood.
Friday, January 20, 2017 at 12:52pm PST
Wrong thinking is punishable. Right thinking will be as quickly rewarded. You will find it an effective combination.
Friday, January 20, 2017 at 8:31am PST
It's good that the US has to ability to have a peaceful transfer of the administration to a different political party. That said, this is on my mind today.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 4:56pm PST
Mike Hodge shared Spectrum Fantastic Art Live's photo.
My Mom decorated in books. I've decorated in books. And my kids... well, they'll probably decorate in video games, memes, (and books). OK, Calvin is likely to have some MtG card art on his walls too.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 8:44am PST
Mike Hodge shared Laura Eachus's post.
So I took a lot of pictures at the MLK Day march. But I didn't take any of Laura or me. Luckily Laura got a selfie of us that can be used against us after circles and arrows have been drawn on with a paragraph on the back explaining what this was.
Monday, January 16, 2017 at 5:11pm PST
Mike Hodge added a new photo to the album: 2017 MLK Day March — in Seattle, Washington.
And one of the Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church banner holders.
Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 12:00pm PST
Mike Hodge added a new photo to the album: Long Exposure in the Daytime Test — in Seattle, Washington.
Looking North from 143rd and Aurora in Seattle. I caught a bus passing by. (This was a Canon T3i at 50mm with ISO 100, F/32, and 2 second exposure with 5 extra stops of ND filters)
Friday, January 13, 2017 at 11:49am PST
Mike Hodge shared 103.5 The Arrow's photo.
Mother, do you think they'll drop the bomb? Mother, do you think they'll like this song? Mother, do you think they'll try to break my balls? Ooh, aah, mother, should I build the wall? Mother, should I run for president? Mother, should I trust the government? Mother, will they put me in the firing line? Ooh, aah, is it just a waste of time?
Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 1:42pm PST
Thank you all for the birthday wishes. I've orbited the Sun for 52 times and look forward to continuing this wibbly-wobbly spiral as our solar system orbits the giant black hole at the center of our galaxy. So far I've traversed 0.293 of an arc second of that orbit (it will take until April 1, 2018 for that to be a whole 1/3 of an arc second). I'd say that I wouldn't be unreasonable to expect 2/3 of an arc second before I shuffle off this mortal coil (but I'm still hoping to go for a full arc second - or more). So everyone have a great 2017, whether its through joy or struggle, and lets keep things in perspective as we hurtle through time and space in the only way we are physically able to perceive.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 12:24pm PST
I like to think of myself as a music lover. My mom, Gayle Odaniel-goad, started me off with a pretty good collection of LPs. But when I chose to branch out and start buying my own albums, what did I start with. It was a 1975 K-Tel collection called "Music Express." I bought it for the Elton John song "Philadelphia Freedom" but I got 19 other "hits," some of which I still like today (like The Doobie Brother's "Long Train Runnin'"). Here's the whole track listing: 1. Love Will Keep Us Together - The Captain And Tennille 2. Swearin' To God - Frankie Valli 3. Get Down Tonight - K.C. & The Sunshine Band 4. Philadelphia Freedom - The Elton John Band 5. Cat's In The Cradle - Harry Chapin 6. Mandy - Barry Manilow 7. I'm Not In Love - 10cc 8. Poetry Man - Phoebe Snow 9. Chevy Van - Sammy Johns 10. Run Joey Run - David Geddes 11. Rocky - Austin Roberts 12. Jackie Blue - The Ozark Mountain Daredevils 13. The Rockford Files - Mike Post 14. Sky High - Jigsaw 15. Brazil - The Ritchie Family 16. Get Dancin' - Disco Tex & The Sex-O-Lettes 17. Long Train Runnin' - The Doobie Brothers 18. My Eyes Adored You - Frankie Valli 19. Dynomite - Tony Camillo's Bazuka 20. Black Superman (Muhammad Ali) - Johnny Wakelin & The Kinshasa Band
Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 11:39am PST
Mike Hodge was feeling sad.
It's sad when people leave but good that we can remember them and share the good they brought to us. Fare well Ms. Fisher, David Bowie, Richard Adams, George Michael, Prince, and the host of others that continue to fill our lives with song, dance, literature, movies and being good examples of humanity even after they are gone.
Monday, December 26, 2016 at 10:39am PST
Someone just used my old Yahoo account name (and password presumably) to try and hack my Steam account from a Russian IP address. Steam notified me of the attempt. This probably came up because I rarely use Steam (just for the boys and such) and all of my previous logins were from a US IP address. So the fallout from the Yahoo security breach is real and remember to change those old passwords because you never know who has them now. And kudos to Steam for having a good security system.
Sunday, December 25, 2016 at 2:49pm PST
Calvin got some cool metal spin-down d20s from Great Britain. These are heavy solid dice. This goes well with the Planechase Anthology MtG set.
Friday, December 23, 2016 at 1:51pm PST
Mike Hodge shared CollegeHumor's video.
Keep Saturn in Saturnalia (and enjoy Christmas or any other Winter Solstice type holiday in any way that works for you and your family).
Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 9:03am PST
Have a happy Winter Solstice. The shortest amount of daylight for the year. Don't lose hope. Tomorrow's daylight will be about 4 seconds longer. As the JCL used to say, "Felix Saturnalia."
Monday, December 19, 2016 at 11:40am PST
Beastie Boys helping me get through the day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBShN8qT4lk&list=PLskG1fUI54m70yNKd0sZ3vnaDanxVpPYm https://www.youtube.com
Monday, December 5, 2016 at 10:16pm PST
I grew up in Oklahoma in the 1970s. So I've seen more than my fair share of Hee Haw. I'm not a big fan of country music but I did like the stories from Minnie Pearl (and the rest of it too).
Monday, December 5, 2016 at 4:44pm PST
ROCK LOBSTER! and other B-52s all day long.
Monday, December 5, 2016 at 1:22pm PST
Loser Trump's plans to take healthcare from millions of working Americans will also give the rich more money. This is what the headline should be. Should also replace the picture of Loser Trump with one of a family in a healthcare setting.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 9:58pm PST
An interesting article on reality and how our perceptions of it are probably not what is actually real. Very intriguing; fits right in with Philip K. Dick stories and the new Westworld series.
Friday, November 25, 2016 at 2:49pm PST
If you care about the integrity of the election process, recounting these states should be on your list of good things to do. But if a recount is demanded then it has to be paid for (the state won't do it for free). So consider donating to help make sure this election wasn't manipulated. (Or if it was then at least it was done well enough to survive a recount.)
Thursday, November 24, 2016 at 11:46am PST
My contribution to the Thanksgiving meal - Brown Sugar-Glazed Yams with Marshmallows. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Sunday, November 20, 2016 at 1:01pm PST
I've been hearing from some Pro-Electoral College posters that if we got rid of the Electoral College then only California, New York, Texas and Florida would count. I think this is wrong as every vote would count. As the system is now if you vote for a candidate that didn't win in your state then your vote doesn't count. You have been disenfranchised. 33 million people voted in these four states (CA, NY, TX, FL) . Clinton got 18 million votes and Trump got 15 million. That Clinton is winning the aggregate popular vote is validated by the four state totals. The 15 million people who voted for Trump in those four states would have a direct impact on the election, like every other person who voted. As the system is now, the 5.5 million Trump voters in California and New York are disenfranchised as their electoral college votes all go to Clinton. And the 9 million Clinton voters in Texas and Florida are disenfranchised as all of those states electoral college votes to to Trump. With a direct election with one person - one vote, no one (who votes) is ignored; every vote counts whether you win or lose.
Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 3:44pm PST
1,439,123 -- That's one million, four hundred thirty-nine thousand and one hundred and twenty-three US citizens. There are now 12 states with populations smaller than the vote difference between Clinton and Trump. And the number isn't final. There's probably not much that can be done about this now. But all citizens, regardless of party, should see this as a travesty and an blow to the validity of our electoral process. When the process is seen as invalid then you erode the legitimacy of the office itself. The link has one option (since a Constitutional amendment is unlikely) to fix this. And this is totally legal under our current Constitution.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 5:04pm PST
This is something we should all be supporting before the new year -- End the Electoral College now; support a direct vote for the President -- one person, one vote!
Monday, November 14, 2016 at 1:27pm PST
It's time to end this last vestige of Pro-Slavery left in the Constitution. The Electoral College was designed to protect the power of the slave states. By counting slaves (at 3/5 of a person) southern states (most notably Virginia) were able to gather a far greater amount of control than their legal voting population would allow.
Sunday, November 13, 2016 at 9:51am PST
Mike Hodge shared Timolin Burke's post.
Oh, get rid of the voting rights act, they said. It's not needed any more, they said. This will be the big story of this election season. Voter suppression Trumps us all.
Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 11:41am PST
For some reason this song (Heaven - Talking Heads) has been my recurring earworm. It started sometime Tuesday night. Don't know what this means.
Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 8:49am PST
Some aggressive music this morning to calm my frustrated mind while reality comes into focus. Kein Mehrheit Für Die Mitleid
Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 9:56am PST
Cory Booker, Secretary Julián Castro, Tulsi Gabbard, Tammy Duckworth, Kirsten Gillibrand, and maybe even Pramila Jayapal. “We are not here to curse the darkness, but to light a candle that can guide us through the darkness to a safe and sure future. For the world is changing. The old era is ending. The old ways will not do." - John F. Kennedy
Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 9:42am PST
My morning mantra is: We lost an election, the world didn't end. I'm putting off anything more constructive than that for now. But only for now.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 11:55pm PST
American Brexit - That's what this looks like to me. Hopefully we haven't elected our own Gaius Germanicus. But then again, he only lasted four years too.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 1:57pm PST
Be a hero - just for one day! Go vote! And the shame, was on the other side Oh, we can beat them, forever and ever Then we could be heroes, just for one day.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 10:03am PST
Mike Hodge updated his status.
When I voted I thought about a catchy phrase to put up on Facebook. I VETOED THE CHEETO! And then I thought, "Hey, Cheetos aren't good for you or anything but do they really deserve the association with the current Republican candidate?" At least Cheetos are honest. They come out of the bag and in every way say, "I'm not good for you but you will enjoy that blast of salty cheese (at least half of which stays of your fingers) and the satisfying crunch (that gets gummed up and stuck in your molars and you try and dislodge it with your tongue). Cheetos don't pretend to cover all of your nutritional needs. They don't imply that "only they" can make you healthy, and possibly even "great." So let's lay off of the Cheetos and focus on defeating the human STD, semi-sentient septic tank, garbage fire that the Republicans have been duped into putting forward as their candidate. I voted for Clinton. I'm proud to have voted for Clinton. If you don't like Clinton then fill out your ballot your own way. Go Vote!
Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 2:12pm PDT
Calvin and his friends shooting a music video for his video production class.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 10:24pm PDT
Mike Hodge shared his post — with Antonio Dileo and 17 others.
So on the Weekend of October 7-9, 2016 - I got together with a great bunch of people and made a short film in 48 hours. Friday Night we got the genre "Mad Scientist" and a character with profession, line of dialog and prop that had to be used in the film. By midnight Friday we had a script. By 10pm on Saturday it was all shot and copied to several hard drives (you don't want to lose your data). All day Sunday I edited the film and added a few special effects and some music. By 7:27pm on Sunday we had turned our finished film in. The deadline was 7:30pm. And now you all get to see it.
Monday, October 10, 2016 at 9:40am PDT
Mike Hodge shared Seattle 48 Hour Film Project's photo — with Antonio Dileo and 12 others.
I made a short film this weekend with a wonderful group of people. We all worked hard, had fun, ate food, and got bloody. But we turned it in on time. Many thanks to Laura Eachus for making sure I got to the drop-off with three minutes to spare. I'll post the film later this week.
Friday, October 7, 2016 at 6:19pm PDT
Mike Hodge at Seattle Film Institute.
Waiting for the 48 hour horror film project to begin. Go team "RewiredGeek - First Blood."
Friday, October 7, 2016 at 9:06am PDT
This morning is all about Celtic Punk with Dropkick Murphys. Maybe later there will be Pogues, Black 47, and Flogging Molly.
Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 3:50pm PDT
Mike Hodge with Calvin Hodge.
Calvin is showing Laura's Dad how to solve a Rubik's Cube.
Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 3:45pm PDT
Mike Hodge added 2 new photos — with Laura Eachus and Calvin Hodge.
Laura's Birthday is today. And we celebrated. She's now 2F years old ( in Hex ).
Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 8:31am PDT
Happy Autumnal Equinox (First Day of Fall).
Monday, September 19, 2016 at 11:56am PDT
Aarrgh! It be "Talk Like A Pirate Day." And if ye landlubbers say "Ahoy" at a Krispy Kreme you'll either get a boon of booty in a free doughnut or blank stares that'll make you want to walk the plank (depends if they're a "participating" location). So go get your greasy sugar bomb and dip it in yer grog. Ahoy!
Sunday, September 4, 2016 at 1:45pm PDT
Calvin playing the Rick and Morty VR game at PAX 2016
Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 6:09pm PDT
A sea of arms at the PC free play area at PAX 2016.
Friday, September 2, 2016 at 9:25pm PDT
The Video Game Pianist at PAX 2016 (Classical Piano versions of video game music - very well done).
Friday, September 2, 2016 at 4:46pm PDT
At PAX 2016 with the kids (Cal is off at the MtG building).
Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 2:12pm PDT
On my tour through Classic Rock I've been listening to all of The Who's albums from "My Generation" to "Endless Wire." Here are 39 songs on a YouTube playlist that I made by tagging songs as they played.
Monday, August 29, 2016 at 1:00pm PDT
I've watched a lot of his films. I've laughed a lot. Luckily I can watch them again and again. I really liked his take on Willy Wonka. Good Day, Sir! I said, "GOOD DAY, SIR!"
Friday, August 26, 2016 at 10:10am PDT
Yesterday's music was all about Queen. This playlist is my selection of Queen from across their career. It's 50 videos but these are from the albums I listened to growing up through college. Most groups get one or two songs to stand the test of time and even many of Queen's great songs get overlooked. So here's 50 from Queen. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 10:20am PDT
SHOCKING BLUE! - Listening to this interesting band from the sixties and seventies.
Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 9:36pm PDT
Mike Hodge shared Guitar and Cube's post — with Budi Mulyo and 6 others.
Here's a film (Guitar and Cube) I shot in 2015 as a test of using a GoPro modified with a kit from Back-bone and using an old 6-66mm zoom from a Super8mm camera. I had a small team working with me and wouldn't have been able to complete it without them.
Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 6:46pm PDT
Mike Hodge with Laura Eachus at Everett United Church of Christ.
Went to a costume wedding with Laura Eachus as a Star Trek couple.
Friday, August 19, 2016 at 3:54pm PDT
Listening to the "punk poet laureate" Patti Smith.
Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 1:07pm PDT
This is a great talk about costume and conventions and such. It brought back memories of being 12 and making a papier-mâché Gibson Les Paul sunburst guitar because I was going to be Ace Frehley from the band KISS for Halloween. I've been a silver-skinned space alien and a leather armored Roman soldier and now I help Calvin put together Finn the Human or Ash Ketchum costumes (where I, of course, go as Professor Oak).
Monday, August 15, 2016 at 9:52pm PDT
#fav7films Blade Runner A Scanner Darkly Wizards Children of Men Brazil Memento Spirited Away
Friday, August 12, 2016 at 11:47am PDT
Mike Hodge added a new photo to the album: Perseids 2016 Cle Elum Lake.
Went to Cle Elum Lake to watch the Perseids Meteor Shower. Enjoyed staring at a very dark sky for the first time in several years. Saw the band of the Milky Way span the sky and recognized a few constellations - and there were meteors. A great night and a difficult day at work the next day. I took some pictures but Calvin took a lot more than I did. Laura and I mainly enjoyed the show and being together.
Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 10:13am PDT
Andy Deane - Look what I found in my CD collection. Does 2004 count as a throwback for Thursday?
Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 6:32pm PDT
A Facebook friend wanted an argument for why he should vote for Clinton that didn't rely on fear or anatomy. So I wrote this. Clinton Is she qualified to be president? Yes, she is a natural born US citizen over the age of 35 that has lived in the US for at least the last 14 years. Does she have the experience to be President? Yes. She served the State of New York for two terms as a US Senator and served as Secretary of State of the US for four years. That’s 12 years of high level Federal experience dealing with both domestic and foreign affairs. It also shows that she knows how to win elections (having won two statewide elections in one of the most populace states, New York). She has also worked throughout her career on children’s and women’s issues and issues concerning legal access for the poor. Should she be President? Yes, In this time where there are great strides being made on social issues like marriage equality and access to health care, there are also many areas of economic equality that are moving very slowly and sometimes backwards. Clinton is now on the right side of many of the issues facing America. Her positions will at the very least prevent an erosion of these issues and set the groundwork for progress in areas of campaign finance reform, Wall Street reform, improvements to the ACA, LGBT rights, women’s rights, and immigration policy. Will she be able to get everything done that is on the agenda, probably not. Neither did Obama. But there’s a lot that can be done including nominating better justices to the US Supreme Court. Of course exactly how effective any President can be depends on the make-up of Congress. So it is also important to elect progressive candidates in as many offices as possible. Is Clinton a liar? As a national level politician she says things that are factually true, were once true, are mostly true, have a grain of truth, and that we wish were true. Her mix of these hold up well against others running at the national level. The most often cited measure in this political cycle is Politifact. She fairs very well on this scale. Accept it or not. Is Clinton controlled by Wall Street? I would say no more than Obama. Is Clinton a war-monger? Again, probably no more than Obama. Should you vote for Clinton? I am, and not as the lesser of two evils. I don’t see Clinton as evil. I see her as someone who has dedicated her life to helping others while still maintaining an ambition that has led her to be a serious candidate for the nation’s highest office. But that’s me. You should look at all of this and see what your own heart and mind says.
Friday, August 5, 2016 at 11:35am PDT
I've read a lot of science fiction, but obviously not all science fiction.
Monday, August 1, 2016 at 2:40pm PDT
Here's a film ( The Nature of Things ) I produced, directed and edited for the Seattle 48 Hour Film Project for July 2016. It didn't win any awards but we had fun making it and people seemed to laugh at the right places during the screening.
Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 8:54am PDT
Sometimes my ear worms come straight from classic Broadway musicals. It's not like it's annoying or anything but kind of curious.
Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 4:02pm PDT
Hillary Clinton is now the nominee of the Democratic Party. I supported Bernie Sanders in the primary season but never disliked Clinton. I will now heartily support her and do everything I can to see her elected. I do not see her as the lesser of two evils. I don't see Clinton as evil. She's not perfect but she has the experience and a lifetime commitment to women, children and workers. While I will continue to advocate for progressive causes and to help move the Democratic party in a progressive direction, I am with her. #Imwithher
Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 12:13pm PDT
I want to say a short "Thank You" to everyone with which I have had pointed and raucous discussions about the issues facing our nation. Thank you for not blocking me for having a different opinion, for having a sense of humor that can get a little snarky, and for being willing to go back and forth a bit. I know I'm not going to make anyone "see the light" and "change their ways" and it's not about that.You have your views and I have mine and we can talk about what we share and where we disagree. And hopefully have a little fun doing it. But apparently one of my (former) friends felt this video was just too much; and so I was blocked.
Monday, July 25, 2016 at 9:47pm PDT
Mike Hodge with Laura Eachus and 6 others at SIFF Cinema Uptown.
A picture of many from the 48 Hour Film Project team RewiredGeek. Our film "The Nature of Things" was pretty well received. Thanks to such a great team..
Monday, July 25, 2016 at 8:40am PDT
I'm not defending Debbie Wasserman Schultz and am glad she is resigning from the DNC but the rhetoric around the email leaks seems overblown. Here's a link to an article examining what has been found (excerpts above link). "So far, journalists digging into the emails have not uncovered any smoking guns." and "The emails seem to confirm Bernie supporters’ general impression that many DNC officials liked Hillary Clinton more than Sanders. What the emails don’t seem to prove, at least so far, is that they used DNC resources to help Clinton or hurt Sanders." and finally "According to security firms who spoke to the Washington Post, that was the work of hackers associated with the Russian government, raising the possibility that a foreign government is trying to manipulate the US election."
Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 4:07pm PDT
Mike Hodge shared Seattle 48 Hour Film Project's photo.
Krk Nordenstrom caught Laura Eachus and I having pizza at Sizzle Pie in Capitol Hill, Seattle after turning in the team RewiredGeek entry for the 2016 Seattle 48 Hour Film Project. Amid the punk music, hipsters and millennials, Laura and I had the Don Caballero pizza (sausage, pepperoni, onions and green peppers) with a gluten-free crust and non-dairy Daiya Cheese. We also had a large salad with mandarin oranges, nuts, and a strawberry vinaigrette. A great way to cap off an exhausting weekend having crazy fun with a film making crew.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 4:00pm PDT
Mike Hodge shared Seattle 48 Hour Film Project's photo.
Here's the picture when Laura Eachus and I turned in the 48 hour film project entry (on time). Team RewiredGeek got Holiday Film and we turned in a little gem called "The Nature of Things." -- A boyfriend is put to the test when he participates in his girlfriend's family's 'Nature Day' celebration.
Sunday, July 17, 2016 at 7:23pm PDT
This weekend I made a short film in 48 hours. It was super fun and I worked with a great team.
Friday, July 15, 2016 at 1:29am PDT
I've done a lot of driving around the US. Unfortunately if you added in the rest of the world the only other place I could add to it would be Mexico and really only a bit of that. I'd like to do more international traveling but I never seem to have the money when I have the time.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 4:26pm PDT
For no reason at all I started thinking about "Digable Planets."
Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 8:35am PDT
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders just endorsed Hillary Clinton. There was no beating around the bush, he used the E word and is currently making a compelling case that this is the candidate Americans should support in the upcoming election in November.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 8:23am PDT
Mike Hodge updated his cover photo.
So this weekend I will be heading up a team to create a short film. What kind of film? What's it about? These I don't know yet. Starting Friday at about 7pm I'll draw a genre out of a hat and will have 48 hours to write, shoot, edit and deliver a short film. It's a fun but intense time.
Friday, July 8, 2016 at 8:53am PDT
Mike Hodge shared George Takei's photo.
I can find no better words this morning than those of Dr. King. Even in despair, violence should not be the answer.
Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 10:43am PDT
With the events in Baton Rouge and Minnesota combined with other events that just keep happening, I have a proposal. Disarm the police except for special units for extreme situations.
Sunday, June 26, 2016 at 4:33pm PDT
Mike Hodge added a new photo to the album: Seattle Pride Parade 2016.
And the body-positive naked bicycle people as we were leaving (the kids really didn't want to miss this).
Sunday, June 26, 2016 at 12:15pm PDT
The Governor of Washington State, Jay Inslee, at Seattle Pride Parade 2016.
Monday, June 20, 2016 at 3:24pm PDT
Happy Summer Solstice! The longest day - Sunrise was at 5:11 AM, Sunset will be at 9:11PM so Seattle gets 16 hours of daylight. Woohoo! Yeah summer!
Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 8:33pm PDT
Mike Hodge with Laura Eachus at Bloodworks Northwest Seattle.
Giving a little bit to help replace supplies sent to Orlando.
Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 12:49pm PDT
Mike Hodge with Maxine Smith.
My grandmother, Maxine Smith, would be 94 today. She was born June 14, 1922. She passed away on July 8, 2012. She was 90. She lived through the Great Depression (in Oklahoma, no less), World War II, the post-war expansion, hippies, rock, color television, home computers, cell phones and the internet. In the end she learned Microsoft Word and wrote a 194 page book on her life. Happy Birthday, grandmother!
Sunday, June 12, 2016 at 10:31am PDT
I had a great day yesterday at SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival). I saw the movie All the Birds Have Flown South directed by Joshua H. Miller and Miles B. Miller. It was great and sad with an amazing performance by Joey Lauren Adams. Then it was off to hear Ted Hope, head of production at Amazon Studios (and the producer of many films I like) talk about why we make films and how we can make them better. And then off to a non-SIFF event seeing the docuemtary Just Eat It- A Food Waste Story with Laura Eachus.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 10:09pm PDT
Here's a guy who's not the best singer in the world. But who doesn't want to be doing something like this when they are 82. There's nothing wrong with him, nothing wrong with him, something's gotta give, something's gotta give...
Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 1:46pm PDT
PAX West tickets are on sale. The bad part is that if you're not already in the queue, then they will probably sell out before you can buy some. I was able to purchase some so I can breathe easier.
Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 5:52pm PDT
Just saw a documentary about a female Afghan rapper who struggles with her parents trying to sell her into marriage while she's rapping against the practice. Here's her video for "Brides for Sale."
Friday, June 3, 2016 at 3:28pm PDT
I found this very humorous (and vitally important). Thanks Christopher Dow for pointing this out - BTW - Tabs rule! Silicon Valley - Tabs vs. Spaces
Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 12:38pm PDT
Happy Towel Day - Don't Panic!
Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 5:45pm PDT
Sometimes I doodle during a meeting. Sometimes I just wonder who's looking back at me from the "A-Ha" dimension.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 2:44pm PDT
The genius filmmakers behind one of my favorite short films of all time (Pillow) have a feature film in the Seattle International Film Festival this year; "All the Birds Have Flown South." Make plans and see it while you can.
Sunday, May 15, 2016 at 4:09pm PDT
I paid $2.22 for gas today. What pop-culture reference went through my head?
Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 12:15pm PDT
Mike Hodge excited about space.
Happy Astronomy Day! My degree (a BS) is in Astronomy from the University of Oklahoma.
Friday, May 6, 2016 at 11:33am PDT
Mike Hodge with Tamara Hodge and 3 others at Kellogg Frank B Middle School.
Calvin is doing track this year. He has run the 200 meter, 100 meter hurtles, and today the 4x200 relay (the attached video).
Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 9:36am PDT
1400 - That the number of democratic pledged delegates that haven't been assigned yet. These delegates will be apportioned in primaries through June 14 (with the largest contests being Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California). If you look at pledged delegate totals only, then Clinton has 1452 and Sanders has 1199. There is a 253 pledged delegate gap between the candidates. If Sanders can win 59% of the outstanding pledged delegates then he will have a majority. Can he do it? Well he's not about to throw in the towel now. If unpledged delegates (so called superdelegates) are added then the totals go to a 701 delegate gap and Sanders would need 90% of the outstanding delegates to overcome the unpledged delegate gap. But I don't think this is the right way to look at the situation. If Sanders gets a majority of the pledged delegates, the unpledged will follow the will of the Democratic party electorate (so far they always have). But if Sanders can't get the votes to get a majority of the pledged delegates then there will be very few defections from the unpledged delegate ranks. Either way, in two months we'll know the answers. Then we can unify the party and sit back to watch the Republicans tear themselves apart.
Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 2:51pm PDT
Mike Hodge at Shoreline Community College.
Being serenaded by Wanz (Michael Wansley) while waiting for the credentials committee to submit it's report. This has to happen before the process can continue at the 32nd legislative district caucus in Washington state
Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 1:01pm PDT
Mike Hodge at Shoreline Community College.
At the 32nd Legislative District Caucus (in Washington State) as an Alternate Delegate for Sanders. The picture is of the Sanders side of the room (but the Clinton side has a lot of people too).
Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 10:30am PDT
Mike Hodge added 5 new photos — with Benito Vasquez and 5 others.
More on set photos for #LogCabin.
Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 12:56am PDT
There you go, "Fighting crime, trying to save the world. Here they come just in time, The Powerpuff Girls." They didn't have a movie camera so I'll do what I can with this one.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 1:09pm PDT
Apparently I'm a little bit nerdy (OK, 100% - a lot nerdy).
Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 2:05am PDT
Jill Abramson, former Executive Editor for the New York Times and an investigative journalist, has a few things to say about Ms. Clinton. While I still support Sanders (I'm an alternate delegate for Sanders as part of the Washington Caucus process), I really don't like the vitriol that is aimed at Clinton. Clinton and Sanders have worked together on many progressive issues. Once the party nominee is decided, they'll need to work together again (hopefully to get Sanders elected). A vigorous primary contest helps the eventual nominee but getting sucked into a playbook written by Conservative Republicans won't help the Democrats win the White House or retake any part of Congress.
Monday, March 28, 2016 at 11:43am PDT
Don't let conservative Republican groups set the agenda between Clinton and Sanders. They've worked together for years on progressive issues. Regardless of who gets the Democratic party nomination, the Republican nominee will be a radically unacceptable option.
Sunday, March 27, 2016 at 2:52pm PDT
Mike Hodge at Washington State Convention Center.
Calvin and Jackson (Ash and Pikachu) chosen for Cosplay Chess Improv at Sakura Con 2016; second year for Calvin to be chosen.
Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 7:10pm PDT
Mike Hodge at Washington State Convention Center.
Ash (Calvin) and Pikachu (Jackson) at Sakura Con 2016.
Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 10:17am PDT
Mike Hodge at Broadview Thomson K8.
Caucusing in Washington State today. This is a small part of the crowd with hundreds more coming in. Lots of Sanders and Clinton supporters - but to me they're all winners.
Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 1:41pm PDT
This is an interesting experiment. Find 10 records that changed your life. Here are my 10 although if you ask me again in 10 years it might change. 1. Pink Floyd - Meddle (While I like most Pink Floyd, this was the album that got me into this super group.) 2. KISS - Alive (I devoted a couple of years in middle school to being a big fan of this band. And my first concert was KISS in 1977.) 3. Jethro Tull - Bursting Out (I lived in an age of live albums and this one I had to buy at least twice as I played one copy until it died) 4. Steppenwolf - Live (Inherited from my mother - along with Jimi Hendrix, Beatles and a lot of other good bands. Knowing the members of this band for a radio contest won me my copy of ‘Dark Side of the Moon.’) 5. Jesus Christ Superstar - Movie Soundtrack (I can still sing almost every song on this album from memory. I remember getting into heated discussions with friends that were fans of the Broadway version.) 6. Bethoven’s 3rd Symphony (This is still one of my favorite classical pieces. That and Bach organ music will always do it for me) 7. The Orb - The Orb’s Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld (One of the first ambient techno albums I purchased. Along with Orbital - similar name different band - helped shape my tastes in techno music.) 8. Skinny Puppy - Mind: The Perpetual Intercourse (This album with tracks like ‘God’s Gift (Maggot)’ and ‘Stairs & Flowers’ gave me a great appreciation for industrial noise music. With bands like Ministry and NiN following close behind.) 9. Concrete Blonde - Free (It’s hard to describe the impact a song like ‘God is a Bullet’ can have. It has energy and anger and opened the door to lots of other singer songwriters; most notably Liz Phair. Concrete Blonde was the only band I was able to see at CBGBs while in New York City.) 10. Yello - One Second (Another step in the techno direction that eventually led to bands like Fatboy Slim and Chemical Brothers. But much of that started with this band and this album - but also Hawaiian Pups and The Art of Noise.)
Sunday, March 20, 2016 at 4:59pm PDT
Watching the Bernie Sanders Seattle rally live stream (didn't want to fight the crowds) with Calvin Hodge. And you can watch too.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 3:29pm PDT
Cal had a hard match today. He wrestled up a weight at 178 lbs and this time his opponent had a weight advantage with muscle and skill. Calvin didn't give up and used good skill and tactics of his own. But in the end he didn't win. Luckily he has another meet on Thursday to get another chance.
Friday, March 11, 2016 at 12:25pm PST
I used the word "caveat" in a comment on a post. Does that make me an elitist or just a logophile? I mean if you come up with "le mot juste" in a situation without any effort, does that reflect that you've exposed yourself to a wide variety of language and experience and incorporated that into your personal lexicon? Or does the inherent privilege of access to literature and history and an unconscious bourgeoisie attitude, to maintain a status quo that excludes and alienates those who might wish discourse but are intimidated and possibly resentful of unknown words, intrude uninvited into my writing as a culturally elitist position I may not be paying attention to (most of the time)?
Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 10:24pm PST
Cal got to wrestle at his actual weight class tonight (167 lbs). And he got a win but he had to fight for it tonight.
Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 10:30am PST
For anyone who says they just can't vote for Hillary Clinton if Bernie Sanders doesn't get the nomination, here's a quote from an actual Republican (found as a comment on another friend's feed), "I'm not for Trump, since Carson is out of the race in backing Cruze. If Trump is nominated I'll cast my vote for him. This election is too important to let someone like Hillary or even worse Sanders into Office." Now, I'm not saying that you shouldn't support Sanders (I will be caucusing for him in Washington on March 26) but to defect from the election if he isn't successful really does play into the hands of the eventual Republican nominee. And while I don't agree with their final assessment, the contention that this election is too important hits the nail on the head. Get involved. Be active in your state's primary or caucus. And don't let apathy or non-participation hand the country to someone who could permanently damage the US.
Monday, February 29, 2016 at 11:52am PST
Mike Hodge shared ComicBook.com's post.
Happy Birthday, Kal-El!
Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 9:08pm PST
Mike Hodge shared Tamara Hodge's post.
Here's Calvin's first wrestling meet of the season. Because of gaps in the line-up Cal is wrestling up a weight class.
Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 7:44pm PST
While I will be supporting Sanders in the Washington State Caucuses, the idea that Hillary Clinton is barely above the Republicans is not consistent with the facts. She is liberal and had a more liberal voting record than Obama when they were both in the Senate. If she gets the delegates, she will make a fine candidate and a fine President and I will vote for her.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 1:00am PST
So I'm sitting in front of my computer after working out and my arms are kind of rubbery and I think to myself, "I haven't written in my blog for a month." And so I did.
