First things, first: No more mai tais! After a week of drinking them night after night, I'm sick of them!
I spent six days (Nov. 22-27) in Honolulu, staying at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki (across from Waikiki Beach). Broken down are some things to try/avoid if you ever head down there:
Travel: Wherever you're flying from, it's a long trip to Hawaii. From San Francisco or L.A., the two closest and most usual layover cities, it's five hours. From Chicago or Minneapolis, add another four-to-four-and-a-half. Thus, bring stuff to do, wear comfortable clothes and stay hydrated.
On the way home, we saved almost an hour (flying eastward is always faster), but we flew throughout the night (left Hawaii about 9:30 p.m., got to Central Time at 10:30 a.m.).
Transportation: Around most hotels by the beach, there are enough shopping and dining places within walking distance. For places a little further away, there is a free trolley and a decent bus system. For anywhere else, you will need to rent a car. This includes places like Hanauma Bay and the North Shore.
Weather: Hawaii has 80-degree weather year-round, and it never gets cold at night. Even with a ocean breeze now and then, it's still pretty mild. So you definitely don't need a jacket or sweater (unless you're one of those people who get cold all the time), and you don't need pants other than for fashion purposes.
It also rains a lot in Hawaii (leading to many days with overcast skies), but usually the rain is just a very light drizzle and never lasts that long, so there's no need for an umbrella.
Food: Besides American food (all the fast food restaurants are there, including Jack in the Box, and some other recognizable places like Outback Steakhouse), there's quite a selection of Chinese and Japanese restaurants. A lot of the Chinese restaurants serve dim sum to some degree along with being a normal restaurant, while a lot of the Japanese restaurants have sushi and sashimi. I even found a Korean BBQ (you grill your own food at your table).
As for native Hawaiian cuisine, you will often find that within American restaurants. For example, at Tikis, they had some Hawaiian appetizers and one entree that included several native items (i.e. pork wrapped in leaves, pulled pork, mashed sweet potatoes, etc.). I did not get a chance to attend a luau, where one might find more of this type of food. One main reason is they are usually for large groups of people, and another is they cost a lot ($60-120 per person).
The pineapple is very fresh, obviously. If you want to bring some home with you, you will have to buy it at the airport, where it's pre-inspected and boxed for your convience (a box of three sells for $22, which is quite pricey).
Most restaurants are casual enough that you can wear shorts and sandals.
Bar scene: Some of the bars off the beach are nice, but in going to those, I realized that I can find most of the same places back home. Thus, when I went out, I mostly went to open bars (as in, not enclosed) near the beach; the ones at the Sheraton and Outrigger Hotels were nice (the former had a huge patio and seemed like you were at a pool party, while the latter was more tiki-style).
Beware: like everything in Hawaii, prices are steep! A draft domestic beer (i.e. Miller Lite) is $4, and a tiny mai tai will be in the neighborhood of $7.
Otherwise, it's easy to pre-bar because there is a convenience store literally every block (sometimes 3-4!) called ABC, which sells alcohol until 11 p.m.
Other things to do: Obviously, there are plenty of beach activities. Surf lessons, including the board, are $35/hr; boogie boards rent for $5/hr; some boats pull up to the beach and will take you with them for a fee (some as low as $25/hr).
Diamond Head, an extinct volcano, is worth a climb. You don't need hiking boots, as normal athletic shoes will do. And for those out of shape: it's not that difficult to climb.
North Shore is about 20-30 min. away from Waikiki, and has some tough waves. You can wade in to a couple of feet and feel the very strong undertow. Word of warning, it's best not to swim there, even if you're an excellent swimmer.
Hanauma Bay is about the best place to snorkel. It's located about 30 min. away from Waikiki, and it costs $5/person to enter. You can rent snorkel gear for a nominal fee if you don't have any. In just a small area (maybe about 1,000 yards wide and 400 yards deep), you can see tons of fish, coral, eels and sea turtles. Definitely bring an underwater camera if you go here.
Pearl Harbor is a must. It's located near Aloha Stadium, about 30-40 min. away from Waikiki (Hawaii has some pretty bad traffic!!!). Check out the 15 min. movies, then ride the boat over to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.
If you want to work out, you can always run on the sidewalk along the beach. Or, there are several 24-hour fitness facilities in Honolulu. They cost $20 for a one-time use; my hotel gave its guests 50% off to use the facility one block away.
Last bits of advice: Bring lots of money, because everything is expensive; add plenty of time for travel, as traffic can be horrendous; enjoy watching people walk around (off the beach) with their surfboard; cell signal (at least for Verizon) is outstanding everywhere; there are a few Internet cafes if you need them, and most hotels charge their guests around $10/day for access; downtown is worth a look, but spend 95% of your time near the beach.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
The Vermonster at Ben & Jerry's
Tonight a group of us (six in all: four women, two men) went to Ben & Jerry's to tackle the Vermonster. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, this is a bucket of 20 scoops of ice cream (all your choice), four bananas, three cookies, one brownie, nuts, Reese's pieces, nuts, hot fudge, whipped cream and a giant waffle cone.
We each chose three flavors and then let the employee pick two. It then took another 10 minutes to finish making the Vermonster, as he had to chop the cookies, brownie and bananas.
We took a lot of before and after pictures (one of which, by the way, will be put up on the wall at the store). We dug right in, only to realize that we had a deep layer of bananas and cookies before getting to the ice cream. Each time someone discovered some ice cream, we would all attack it.
In the end, it took us about 30 minutes to polish it off. At first we were worried that most of the ice cream would melt, and then we would have to pass it around like a boot at the Essen Haus, but fortunately this didn't happen. We also got to keep the bucket; we will share it like a traveling trophy, such as the Stanley Cup.
Recommendations: First, the Vermonster costs about $36 with tax. Thus, the cost per person goes way down with more people (we each spent $6).
Second, do this on an empty stomach. Although ice cream may not be the best/healthiest of meals, it still fills you up. Each scoop was 250 calories x 20 = 5,000 + all the other toppings = 6,000 calories total. For our group, we each devoured 1,000 calories (and who knows how much fat!).
Third, don't add fruity flavors to the Vermonter. We had one scoop of strawberry-kiwi, one of mango and one of apple, and they all tarnished the chocolaty flavor of the Vermonster. You'll get enough fruit from the bananas!
We each chose three flavors and then let the employee pick two. It then took another 10 minutes to finish making the Vermonster, as he had to chop the cookies, brownie and bananas.
We took a lot of before and after pictures (one of which, by the way, will be put up on the wall at the store). We dug right in, only to realize that we had a deep layer of bananas and cookies before getting to the ice cream. Each time someone discovered some ice cream, we would all attack it.
In the end, it took us about 30 minutes to polish it off. At first we were worried that most of the ice cream would melt, and then we would have to pass it around like a boot at the Essen Haus, but fortunately this didn't happen. We also got to keep the bucket; we will share it like a traveling trophy, such as the Stanley Cup.
Recommendations: First, the Vermonster costs about $36 with tax. Thus, the cost per person goes way down with more people (we each spent $6).
Second, do this on an empty stomach. Although ice cream may not be the best/healthiest of meals, it still fills you up. Each scoop was 250 calories x 20 = 5,000 + all the other toppings = 6,000 calories total. For our group, we each devoured 1,000 calories (and who knows how much fat!).
Third, don't add fruity flavors to the Vermonter. We had one scoop of strawberry-kiwi, one of mango and one of apple, and they all tarnished the chocolaty flavor of the Vermonster. You'll get enough fruit from the bananas!
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Wisconsin vs. Michigan--Right After the Game
For the first time since 1994, the Badgers finally defeated Michigan! As many UW fans have suffered since, especially with so many close losses (the last four have been decided by a total of just 18 points), this was extra sweet. Following is an excerpt of what it was like on the field and in the locker room after the game.
My boss, another co-worker and I were on the UW side of the field, about the 20 yard line. We watched the final few minutes from there. I was told, should we win, to grab QB John Stocco and have him answer a few questions from the TV media right there on the field, since it was a late game and deadlines were coming up.
Let me tell ya, those last few minutes were unbelievable. First Wisconsin forces Michigan to punt. We recover and proceed to march all the way down to the four-yard line. After two incomplete passes (holy cow, they passed?!), Stocco ran a draw play for a touchdown to put the Badgers ahead, 23-20.
Boy, I was excited yet so nervous. Like other times in the past, I was worried the Wolverines would pull some amazing comeback with only 24 seconds left and break so many hearts like they have before. (Let me add an aside here and say that game was one of the loudest I've ever heard at Camp Randall, probably second-best overall. I could barely hear the people standing next to me because it was so loud!) So what happens? Chad Henne throws a 24-yard completion to Jason Avant, and things looked really scary, but three plays later (the last of which Henne fell as time expired), UW had won. Yes, we had finally won!
So the coworker and I stormed the field with the team (yes, we were worried about fans rushing, but fortunately they did not), and somehow I had to find Stocco in the mob of players. I saw a No. 7 rightaway, but it was DeAndre Levy. Eventually, I did find Stocco, and I felt bad for pulling him away from the celebration. I took him to about the 30-yard line on the visitors' side, and suddenly about 10 or more cameras surrounded him and fired off one question after another. After about 20-30 sec., I pulled him away and we went to the locker room. God, it felt great to be on the field, soaking it in. I barely heard the marching band play "Varsity."
Inside the locker room seemed like we had just won a national championship. There was so much hugging (I hugged and did the manly half handshake, half hug thing to just about everyone staff member), and I was half-hoping that some champagne would be sprayed about (obviously I knew that would never happen). Coach Alvarez's postgame speech was full of elation and emotion. Everyone could tell how happy he was to beat Michigan. I felt privileged to be in there. (I won't go into other details as to protect the sancticty of the locker room.)
It's hard to imagine another regular-season game that will be so full of celebration. Thankfully, I was a part of it, and I will always cherish the memories.
My boss, another co-worker and I were on the UW side of the field, about the 20 yard line. We watched the final few minutes from there. I was told, should we win, to grab QB John Stocco and have him answer a few questions from the TV media right there on the field, since it was a late game and deadlines were coming up.
Let me tell ya, those last few minutes were unbelievable. First Wisconsin forces Michigan to punt. We recover and proceed to march all the way down to the four-yard line. After two incomplete passes (holy cow, they passed?!), Stocco ran a draw play for a touchdown to put the Badgers ahead, 23-20.
Boy, I was excited yet so nervous. Like other times in the past, I was worried the Wolverines would pull some amazing comeback with only 24 seconds left and break so many hearts like they have before. (Let me add an aside here and say that game was one of the loudest I've ever heard at Camp Randall, probably second-best overall. I could barely hear the people standing next to me because it was so loud!) So what happens? Chad Henne throws a 24-yard completion to Jason Avant, and things looked really scary, but three plays later (the last of which Henne fell as time expired), UW had won. Yes, we had finally won!
So the coworker and I stormed the field with the team (yes, we were worried about fans rushing, but fortunately they did not), and somehow I had to find Stocco in the mob of players. I saw a No. 7 rightaway, but it was DeAndre Levy. Eventually, I did find Stocco, and I felt bad for pulling him away from the celebration. I took him to about the 30-yard line on the visitors' side, and suddenly about 10 or more cameras surrounded him and fired off one question after another. After about 20-30 sec., I pulled him away and we went to the locker room. God, it felt great to be on the field, soaking it in. I barely heard the marching band play "Varsity."
Inside the locker room seemed like we had just won a national championship. There was so much hugging (I hugged and did the manly half handshake, half hug thing to just about everyone staff member), and I was half-hoping that some champagne would be sprayed about (obviously I knew that would never happen). Coach Alvarez's postgame speech was full of elation and emotion. Everyone could tell how happy he was to beat Michigan. I felt privileged to be in there. (I won't go into other details as to protect the sancticty of the locker room.)
It's hard to imagine another regular-season game that will be so full of celebration. Thankfully, I was a part of it, and I will always cherish the memories.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Door Peninsula and Stone's Throw Wineries
Both of these wineries are located in Door County.
Stone's Throw is located about dead center in Door County, at 3382 County Road E (where it intersects with Cty Rd A) in Egg Harbor. http://www.stonesthrowwinery.com/
There is no tour, but there is a small dining area to enjoy some wine and food. The tasting costs $2 for "5 or 6" or "6 or 7" wines, depending on your server. It was packed when we went, so we had long waits between samples. The wines were so-so. I did not taste any that jumped out at me other than a really expensive Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, all of the wines are fairly expensive (5% discount for buying 6, 10% for buying 12). The whites are much better than the reds at this place.
My recommendation is if you're bored, go here, but otherwise just avoid it.
The other winery we went to was Door Peninsula, 5806 Highway 42 in Sturgeon Bay. http://www.dcwine.com/
This place was fabulous. Converted from an old school house, the winery is large and modern with a historic feel. The wine sampling is FREE, and they have dozens of wine from which to try. You will mostly find sweet wines, such as mango, peach, apple, cherry, etc. They are very delicious and inexpensive ($6.99 each). (The reds are not too bad either.)
The tour was nice; it cost $2 and lasted about 15 min. A tour begins every 45 min. There also is a restaurant and wine bar, and you can play host to your own wine and cheese party there.
The store itself has a large selection of gift baskets, tools, food and more. You get a 10% discount for buying six bottles, 15% for buying 12 (the best deal of any wineries I've heard of). If you're ever up in Door County, make sure to stop by this place.
P.S. There were two other wineries in Door County, but we didn't have a chance to visit. One was closed on Sunday when we drove past.
Stone's Throw is located about dead center in Door County, at 3382 County Road E (where it intersects with Cty Rd A) in Egg Harbor. http://www.stonesthrowwinery.com/
There is no tour, but there is a small dining area to enjoy some wine and food. The tasting costs $2 for "5 or 6" or "6 or 7" wines, depending on your server. It was packed when we went, so we had long waits between samples. The wines were so-so. I did not taste any that jumped out at me other than a really expensive Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, all of the wines are fairly expensive (5% discount for buying 6, 10% for buying 12). The whites are much better than the reds at this place.
My recommendation is if you're bored, go here, but otherwise just avoid it.
The other winery we went to was Door Peninsula, 5806 Highway 42 in Sturgeon Bay. http://www.dcwine.com/
This place was fabulous. Converted from an old school house, the winery is large and modern with a historic feel. The wine sampling is FREE, and they have dozens of wine from which to try. You will mostly find sweet wines, such as mango, peach, apple, cherry, etc. They are very delicious and inexpensive ($6.99 each). (The reds are not too bad either.)
The tour was nice; it cost $2 and lasted about 15 min. A tour begins every 45 min. There also is a restaurant and wine bar, and you can play host to your own wine and cheese party there.
The store itself has a large selection of gift baskets, tools, food and more. You get a 10% discount for buying six bottles, 15% for buying 12 (the best deal of any wineries I've heard of). If you're ever up in Door County, make sure to stop by this place.
P.S. There were two other wineries in Door County, but we didn't have a chance to visit. One was closed on Sunday when we drove past.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Wollersheim Winery
Wollersheim is a popular local winery, located in Prairie du Sac. It's only a 40-minute drive from downtown Madison, depending on Hwy. 12 traffic. (Take Hwy. 12, exit on Hwy. 188, follow for a couple of miles until you see Wollersheim, which will be on your right.)
The winery is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. year-round, and it has daily tours at 10:15, 11:15, 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, 3:15 and 4:15. Each tour is $3.50 and lasts about 45 minutes (it includes free wine tasting at the end).
We had about a dozen other people with us on the tour, mostly people in their mid-20s. After watching a 15-minute video on the history of the winery, we walked to the field and checked out a cave (from the outside) and the vines (not up close, however). Then we went to the distillery, watched another video, went downstairs to where they keep the barrels of wine for aging, then drank.
You can drink at a faster rate when there are less people in the tour with you (sometimes there are 25+). In August, they didn't have as many wines available, so we only sampled around eight or so. Apparently in February, patrons can sample a lot more (the tour guide says you would be drinking about 2/3 of a bottle, which I doubt).
It was nice to sample the varieties; it helped in the purchase process. Buying the wine here is slightly cheaper than in the liquor stores, plus if you buy six or more bottles, you get a discount.
Besides shopping and the tour, Wollersheim is a nice place to hang out and enjoy some wine. There's plenty of seating in the area, although no music or anything is played.
For more info, check out www.wollersheim.com.
The winery is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. year-round, and it has daily tours at 10:15, 11:15, 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, 3:15 and 4:15. Each tour is $3.50 and lasts about 45 minutes (it includes free wine tasting at the end).
We had about a dozen other people with us on the tour, mostly people in their mid-20s. After watching a 15-minute video on the history of the winery, we walked to the field and checked out a cave (from the outside) and the vines (not up close, however). Then we went to the distillery, watched another video, went downstairs to where they keep the barrels of wine for aging, then drank.
You can drink at a faster rate when there are less people in the tour with you (sometimes there are 25+). In August, they didn't have as many wines available, so we only sampled around eight or so. Apparently in February, patrons can sample a lot more (the tour guide says you would be drinking about 2/3 of a bottle, which I doubt).
It was nice to sample the varieties; it helped in the purchase process. Buying the wine here is slightly cheaper than in the liquor stores, plus if you buy six or more bottles, you get a discount.
Besides shopping and the tour, Wollersheim is a nice place to hang out and enjoy some wine. There's plenty of seating in the area, although no music or anything is played.
For more info, check out www.wollersheim.com.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Black River Falls Canoe-Camping Trip
Black River Falls is a nice place to canoe/kayak/tube and camp. To get there, take I-90/94W, and follow I-94 to Black River Falls. Exit 116 to Hwy 54, then turn left onto 54. Follow 54 past County Rd. X, and eventually turn left onto Nelson Rd. Follow Nelson Rd to the bridge, at which point you should park and unload. The drive from Madison is just under 2.5 hours.
The unloading spot is in heavy use; many companies that rent canoes/tubes will meet you here. To unload, go down to the river (for some reason, there is no ramp built to get to the beach, thus it can be a little tricky to get to the river, especially if it's muddy). Before you get in, you should have all the cars drive to wherever you plan on exiting the river (at the end or at the midway point). Then one person will drive everyone else back to the entry point and leave that car there for later pick-up. (Yes, this is somewhat a pain to do, but there is no other way around this. It will take about 45 min. to do the car shuffling.)
The scenery is beautiful. A good place to stop along the way is where the waterfalls are. They are on the right side of the river, about an hour from the entry point if you paddle slowly. (There is a big house up high as a marker. You can't see the waterfalls from the river, although you can hear it. Just look for where a stream empties into the river.)
The water was low this summer due to lack of rain, so at several points we had to get out of the canoe and push. There is still enough water at some points to do some fishing.
Along the river there are plenty of beaches where you can pull over and rest/eat/camp. If you are going to camp, a good place is just beyond the second set of power lines you will encounter and find a beach near there (it's close to the first boat take-out). Stay right in the two forks in the river en route.
Here's what to bring on the canoe-camping trip:
-Plenty of water! You do NOT want to drink the river water. Plan at least a gallon per person per day.
-Sunscreen and a hat
-Gloves (they can be fingerless) for paddling (after a while, your hands will ache/blister from paddling)
-Lifejackets
-Seat cushion/chair back (sitting on a canoe for hours will really hurt your butt! a cushion with a back rest, similar to those seen at sporting events, is a nice bonus)
-Bailer (in case you get water in your canoe; just cut an empty milk jug in half)
-Aqua socks or waterproof sandles (i.e. Teva)
-Bug spray and citranella candles
-Flashlight, lantern and matches/lighter
-Tent, sleeping bag (the smaller, the better) and mattress pad (sand is not that comfortable). Note that it is somewhat difficult to raise a tent in sand because the stakes won't hold. You may want to bring some twine to tie down your tent to a rock or log
-Trowel (a small spade/shovel) and toilet paper
-Hand sanitizer
-Food and beverages (cans are better because you can crush them to save room in your bag)
-A cooler to store the food and beverages
-Garbage bags/waterproof bags (to collect your garbage, and in which to put your stuff in case of rain/canoe tipover)
-Toilettries (i.e. Ibuprofen, toothbrush, etc.)
-Other things you may need but aren't necessary: plates/napkins, cooking utensils, small grill or propane cooker (if you want hot food; best to just cook over a small fire), towels, saw, hammer, Swiss army knife, foldable chairs, GPS, pillow, camera (there is some beautiful scenery), spare paddles, first-aid kit, football/Frisbee
You don't need a cell phone because the reception is weak, but if you must, use a waterproof canister for storage (I used one for my GPS).
Another note: This is a popular place to canoe-camp. Check around to see if some tour groups (i.e. Rutabaga in Madison) are going so that you can avoid them (or if you have no one else to go with).
The unloading spot is in heavy use; many companies that rent canoes/tubes will meet you here. To unload, go down to the river (for some reason, there is no ramp built to get to the beach, thus it can be a little tricky to get to the river, especially if it's muddy). Before you get in, you should have all the cars drive to wherever you plan on exiting the river (at the end or at the midway point). Then one person will drive everyone else back to the entry point and leave that car there for later pick-up. (Yes, this is somewhat a pain to do, but there is no other way around this. It will take about 45 min. to do the car shuffling.)
The scenery is beautiful. A good place to stop along the way is where the waterfalls are. They are on the right side of the river, about an hour from the entry point if you paddle slowly. (There is a big house up high as a marker. You can't see the waterfalls from the river, although you can hear it. Just look for where a stream empties into the river.)
The water was low this summer due to lack of rain, so at several points we had to get out of the canoe and push. There is still enough water at some points to do some fishing.
Along the river there are plenty of beaches where you can pull over and rest/eat/camp. If you are going to camp, a good place is just beyond the second set of power lines you will encounter and find a beach near there (it's close to the first boat take-out). Stay right in the two forks in the river en route.
Here's what to bring on the canoe-camping trip:
-Plenty of water! You do NOT want to drink the river water. Plan at least a gallon per person per day.
-Sunscreen and a hat
-Gloves (they can be fingerless) for paddling (after a while, your hands will ache/blister from paddling)
-Lifejackets
-Seat cushion/chair back (sitting on a canoe for hours will really hurt your butt! a cushion with a back rest, similar to those seen at sporting events, is a nice bonus)
-Bailer (in case you get water in your canoe; just cut an empty milk jug in half)
-Aqua socks or waterproof sandles (i.e. Teva)
-Bug spray and citranella candles
-Flashlight, lantern and matches/lighter
-Tent, sleeping bag (the smaller, the better) and mattress pad (sand is not that comfortable). Note that it is somewhat difficult to raise a tent in sand because the stakes won't hold. You may want to bring some twine to tie down your tent to a rock or log
-Trowel (a small spade/shovel) and toilet paper
-Hand sanitizer
-Food and beverages (cans are better because you can crush them to save room in your bag)
-A cooler to store the food and beverages
-Garbage bags/waterproof bags (to collect your garbage, and in which to put your stuff in case of rain/canoe tipover)
-Toilettries (i.e. Ibuprofen, toothbrush, etc.)
-Other things you may need but aren't necessary: plates/napkins, cooking utensils, small grill or propane cooker (if you want hot food; best to just cook over a small fire), towels, saw, hammer, Swiss army knife, foldable chairs, GPS, pillow, camera (there is some beautiful scenery), spare paddles, first-aid kit, football/Frisbee
You don't need a cell phone because the reception is weak, but if you must, use a waterproof canister for storage (I used one for my GPS).
Another note: This is a popular place to canoe-camp. Check around to see if some tour groups (i.e. Rutabaga in Madison) are going so that you can avoid them (or if you have no one else to go with).
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Being an Extra in "The Last Kiss" (2005)
How I spent my day on Tuesday, June 28, 2005:
3:30 a.m. - Wake up. Holy crap, it's early.
5 a.m. - Drive to Memorial Union parking lot, where the "drivers" of the movie are told to park (although it ends up that we don't actually drive--only park--on the first day).
5:20 a.m. - Arrive at Room 165 of Bascom Hall along with another driver whom I befriended named Eric. The room starts to fill with about 150 extras.
5:35 a.m. - Our extra coordinator, Meg, arrives. She tells us that we have forms to fill out, but they're not there yet, so she tells us to eat (there are doughnuts, bagels, fruit, juice and coffee).
We later form color groups of about 12 for this reason. When shooting, a color group (i.e. red) would be called to the foreground, while another (i.e. green) would be in the back. Then in another scene, they would switch so as to not use the same people over and over again. (I was in the brown group). Good idea in theory, but we never used the color groups the entire day.
6 a.m. - We meet Kwame, the "second second," which I believe means he's the assistant director's assistant (third in charge).
Later we finally get the forms to fill out. Then the wardrobe people come in to tell us if what we're wearing is acceptable, or if we have to change into the other clothes we were supposed to bring. These two ladies are mean! Basically, everyone wearing white has to change, including me. My white polo turned into my blue Wisconsin T-shirt. With some exaggeration (and add a European accent), they were saying things like, "Oh, how could you be so stupid in wearing that?" "That is totally unacceptable." "Don't you have anything else to wear?" In addition, no tank tops were allowed, even though we were originally told to bring summer clothes (it turned out this movie was supposed to be set in the fall).
6:30 a.m. I decide to eat. Then I read for a while. As a precursor to the entire day, it's a lot of hurry up and wait. and wait. and wait.
8 a.m. - About a quarter of the extras, including me, are chosen (at random) to begin filming. It was cool to step foot outside Bascom and see the camera, the crew, etc. Kwame assigns the extras to do different things (i.e. walk, stand by the tree, etc.). I'm with some people who will exit the building.
8:45 a.m. - We finally do a rehearsal, which lasts five seconds. I didn't even get to step out.
9 a.m. - Noonish - I'm happy to explain the filming in greater detail orally. Anyway, here's an abbreviated version. We do three takes. I don't here the reset call after the first, and they already start the second take, so I decide to walk into the building instead of exit. Then they do the third take. Then the crew gets the remaining extras who weren't originally selected. They are all behind me just inside Bascom. We stand around for 20 min., the production assistants (PAs) give some instruction to a few extras, then later decide a whole different situation. So all the 100 or so people behind me get moved to the outside. I go back to my original task of exiting the building, except this time, the guy I walk out with (Bill) and I go toward the lake because an actresss (Blythe Danner; she was the mom in "Meet the Parents") was in our way. The third-to-last take, the second in charge taps my shoulder. I freak, thinking I had accidently ruined the shot. Instead, he wanted me and Bill to walk in the background of Blythe. Sweet!! So the next take, we did. In the third take, however, they didn't want anyone leaving the building, and I fear that was the take they will use for the film. (The scene, by the way, is Blythe walking up to Bascom and asking a student where a certain professor is.)
As an aside, they had a stand-in for Blythe that looked just like her. When I was inside Bascom, the stand-in would walk out of my visual range (beyond a pillar), then Blythe would come in, which would cause me to do a double-take, especially before I realized the stand-in was in fact a stand-in.
Later, they do another scene wear Blythe waits outside for her professor friend, who turns out to be Harold Ramis. I am asked to talk to a girl (Tessa) near the Lincoln statue. (I think there may be a chance my head will be in the background of the scene!) We're supposed to pantomine when we talk because they are recording live audio (as opposed to dub-in audio), but it's just too damn hard and fake to pantomine a conversation, so Tessa and I whisper instead.
12:30 p.m. - People are thirsty as hell, and it's starting to get warm (not nearly as warm as the 93-degree day we had on Monday, luckily). We're wondering when we're going to have lunch. Finally, some of the PAs bring us some water.
12:50ish - 3:30 p.m. - We film one more scene on Bascom. This is where Blythe and Harold walk down Bascom, kiss and depart (more like, she departs him). I think this might be "the last kiss," but I'm not sure. Long story short, many people are sent walking up and down Bascom Hill, while others get to sit on the lawn. Eric, a girl named Kelly and I are instructed to walk across the hill (yay!) on the path starting from the Education building. (This becomes quite amusing to see this scene from the profile view, because it was quite consistent from take to take. It completely reminded me of the movie, "Groundhog's Day.") They do multiple takes of every angle: up the hill, down the hill, angled down the hill, sideways, etc. It becomes inconsistent for us, because based on the camera angle, sometimes the three of us are walking behind Blythe, and the other times we're behing Harold. I also believe I have a chance at being in this scene, depending what angle they take.
This was the last filming scene for Blythe and Harold, so they got a round of applause.
3:45 p.m. - It's finally lunch time. Apparently, the filming went a few hours longer than expected. We all walk to the Great Hall of the Memorial Union. We have some lasagne, salad and breadsticks. I sit down to eat just before 4 p.m. That is the point when I hear that we will start again at 4:25! All the extras are sweaty, tired and starving, and the last thing we want to hear is that we have to film again so soon.
Meg says that those who drove, inline-skated or biked this morning should use that same means of transportation to the Overture Center. For the drivers, a PA was supposed to tell us where to park. When the other drivers and I get there (we all are parked illegally near the Overture), it's about a 10-15 min. wait until someone knows where we're actually supposed to go ... it turns out it's State Street! There are fake meters there, which I was confused about until I leaned on one and it moved. I end up parking behind the black Toyota Prius that is used in the film, so look for my silver Toyota Camry in the movie.
The other extras are sent to the Overture Center to sit and wait.
5 p.m. - Zach Braff ("Scrubs") and Rachel Bilson ("OC") begin filming their scene at the top of State St., across from Vic's Popcorn. They use some extras but surprisingly--and to our disappointment--none of the drivers whose cars are right there. So all of us sit for the next 3.5 hours watching the same scene over and over and over again.
Random people who are in the area keep stopping by, and the hired security and the police did a piss-poor effort of keeping them out of the scene. I really wished I could have been an extra in this part.
7:30 p.m. - I sneak over to the State Bar & Grill to pee and slam a beer. I've had a bad headache all day due to dehydration, so what's a beer, eh?
At this point, they send home the extras that have been sitting for three hours at the Overture Center. Some come by to watch the scene.
8 p.m. - We re-arrange the order of the cars to make it look like a different point in the day. Zach and Rachel are done; now it's time for an establishing shot with a camera on a crane.
8:30 p.m. - It's a wrap! The remaining two dozen or so of us head to the Overture Center to get our time cards filled out. When we arrive, there are still extras who were excused earlier that are still in line. Ugh. It takes me about 25 min. to get through. I am a shell of my former self.
Throughout the day (esp. in the later parts), we extras talked a lot about not returning for a second day of shooting. Why? Well, the novelty has worn off, it's a pain to get up so early, and it's a long, long day. (Day 1 was 15 hours!)
I take my tax receipt for my day's work (15 hours x $8.33/hr = $125) and go home, where I immediately take some Ibuprofen.
9:45 p.m. - I finally decide I've had enough, the experience was one I'll never forget, but that I will not partake in day two.
10:15 p.m. - I crash and sleep continuously for the next nine hours.
Other thoughts - I enjoyed talking to the many people I met (Eric, Tessa, Emily, Bill, Angela, etc.). Today, Wednesday, I regret not saying hi to the director, Peter Townsend (the bad guy from "Ghost"). I would have said "Hey, you were hilarious in the 'Godfather of Green Bay'!" I think that would have impressed him, since only a few hundred or so people have seen it (it's an indie).
The day was not efficient. Time is money, and the time the crew wasted thinking, pondering, giving no direction, etc., meant more money paid to the crew (who get overtime) and extras. Those 100+ extras in the Overture Center could have been excused hours earlier. Plus, they should have used the drivers in the State St. scenes so they could have excused more extras (since we had to stay through the end to get our cars).
Anyway, I can't wait to see the film, which is supposed to be done by September to qualify for Sundance. Beyond that, I think the film won't be released until early 2006.
3:30 a.m. - Wake up. Holy crap, it's early.
5 a.m. - Drive to Memorial Union parking lot, where the "drivers" of the movie are told to park (although it ends up that we don't actually drive--only park--on the first day).
5:20 a.m. - Arrive at Room 165 of Bascom Hall along with another driver whom I befriended named Eric. The room starts to fill with about 150 extras.
5:35 a.m. - Our extra coordinator, Meg, arrives. She tells us that we have forms to fill out, but they're not there yet, so she tells us to eat (there are doughnuts, bagels, fruit, juice and coffee).
We later form color groups of about 12 for this reason. When shooting, a color group (i.e. red) would be called to the foreground, while another (i.e. green) would be in the back. Then in another scene, they would switch so as to not use the same people over and over again. (I was in the brown group). Good idea in theory, but we never used the color groups the entire day.
6 a.m. - We meet Kwame, the "second second," which I believe means he's the assistant director's assistant (third in charge).
Later we finally get the forms to fill out. Then the wardrobe people come in to tell us if what we're wearing is acceptable, or if we have to change into the other clothes we were supposed to bring. These two ladies are mean! Basically, everyone wearing white has to change, including me. My white polo turned into my blue Wisconsin T-shirt. With some exaggeration (and add a European accent), they were saying things like, "Oh, how could you be so stupid in wearing that?" "That is totally unacceptable." "Don't you have anything else to wear?" In addition, no tank tops were allowed, even though we were originally told to bring summer clothes (it turned out this movie was supposed to be set in the fall).
6:30 a.m. I decide to eat. Then I read for a while. As a precursor to the entire day, it's a lot of hurry up and wait. and wait. and wait.
8 a.m. - About a quarter of the extras, including me, are chosen (at random) to begin filming. It was cool to step foot outside Bascom and see the camera, the crew, etc. Kwame assigns the extras to do different things (i.e. walk, stand by the tree, etc.). I'm with some people who will exit the building.
8:45 a.m. - We finally do a rehearsal, which lasts five seconds. I didn't even get to step out.
9 a.m. - Noonish - I'm happy to explain the filming in greater detail orally. Anyway, here's an abbreviated version. We do three takes. I don't here the reset call after the first, and they already start the second take, so I decide to walk into the building instead of exit. Then they do the third take. Then the crew gets the remaining extras who weren't originally selected. They are all behind me just inside Bascom. We stand around for 20 min., the production assistants (PAs) give some instruction to a few extras, then later decide a whole different situation. So all the 100 or so people behind me get moved to the outside. I go back to my original task of exiting the building, except this time, the guy I walk out with (Bill) and I go toward the lake because an actresss (Blythe Danner; she was the mom in "Meet the Parents") was in our way. The third-to-last take, the second in charge taps my shoulder. I freak, thinking I had accidently ruined the shot. Instead, he wanted me and Bill to walk in the background of Blythe. Sweet!! So the next take, we did. In the third take, however, they didn't want anyone leaving the building, and I fear that was the take they will use for the film. (The scene, by the way, is Blythe walking up to Bascom and asking a student where a certain professor is.)
As an aside, they had a stand-in for Blythe that looked just like her. When I was inside Bascom, the stand-in would walk out of my visual range (beyond a pillar), then Blythe would come in, which would cause me to do a double-take, especially before I realized the stand-in was in fact a stand-in.
Later, they do another scene wear Blythe waits outside for her professor friend, who turns out to be Harold Ramis. I am asked to talk to a girl (Tessa) near the Lincoln statue. (I think there may be a chance my head will be in the background of the scene!) We're supposed to pantomine when we talk because they are recording live audio (as opposed to dub-in audio), but it's just too damn hard and fake to pantomine a conversation, so Tessa and I whisper instead.
12:30 p.m. - People are thirsty as hell, and it's starting to get warm (not nearly as warm as the 93-degree day we had on Monday, luckily). We're wondering when we're going to have lunch. Finally, some of the PAs bring us some water.
12:50ish - 3:30 p.m. - We film one more scene on Bascom. This is where Blythe and Harold walk down Bascom, kiss and depart (more like, she departs him). I think this might be "the last kiss," but I'm not sure. Long story short, many people are sent walking up and down Bascom Hill, while others get to sit on the lawn. Eric, a girl named Kelly and I are instructed to walk across the hill (yay!) on the path starting from the Education building. (This becomes quite amusing to see this scene from the profile view, because it was quite consistent from take to take. It completely reminded me of the movie, "Groundhog's Day.") They do multiple takes of every angle: up the hill, down the hill, angled down the hill, sideways, etc. It becomes inconsistent for us, because based on the camera angle, sometimes the three of us are walking behind Blythe, and the other times we're behing Harold. I also believe I have a chance at being in this scene, depending what angle they take.
This was the last filming scene for Blythe and Harold, so they got a round of applause.
3:45 p.m. - It's finally lunch time. Apparently, the filming went a few hours longer than expected. We all walk to the Great Hall of the Memorial Union. We have some lasagne, salad and breadsticks. I sit down to eat just before 4 p.m. That is the point when I hear that we will start again at 4:25! All the extras are sweaty, tired and starving, and the last thing we want to hear is that we have to film again so soon.
Meg says that those who drove, inline-skated or biked this morning should use that same means of transportation to the Overture Center. For the drivers, a PA was supposed to tell us where to park. When the other drivers and I get there (we all are parked illegally near the Overture), it's about a 10-15 min. wait until someone knows where we're actually supposed to go ... it turns out it's State Street! There are fake meters there, which I was confused about until I leaned on one and it moved. I end up parking behind the black Toyota Prius that is used in the film, so look for my silver Toyota Camry in the movie.
The other extras are sent to the Overture Center to sit and wait.
5 p.m. - Zach Braff ("Scrubs") and Rachel Bilson ("OC") begin filming their scene at the top of State St., across from Vic's Popcorn. They use some extras but surprisingly--and to our disappointment--none of the drivers whose cars are right there. So all of us sit for the next 3.5 hours watching the same scene over and over and over again.
Random people who are in the area keep stopping by, and the hired security and the police did a piss-poor effort of keeping them out of the scene. I really wished I could have been an extra in this part.
7:30 p.m. - I sneak over to the State Bar & Grill to pee and slam a beer. I've had a bad headache all day due to dehydration, so what's a beer, eh?
At this point, they send home the extras that have been sitting for three hours at the Overture Center. Some come by to watch the scene.
8 p.m. - We re-arrange the order of the cars to make it look like a different point in the day. Zach and Rachel are done; now it's time for an establishing shot with a camera on a crane.
8:30 p.m. - It's a wrap! The remaining two dozen or so of us head to the Overture Center to get our time cards filled out. When we arrive, there are still extras who were excused earlier that are still in line. Ugh. It takes me about 25 min. to get through. I am a shell of my former self.
Throughout the day (esp. in the later parts), we extras talked a lot about not returning for a second day of shooting. Why? Well, the novelty has worn off, it's a pain to get up so early, and it's a long, long day. (Day 1 was 15 hours!)
I take my tax receipt for my day's work (15 hours x $8.33/hr = $125) and go home, where I immediately take some Ibuprofen.
9:45 p.m. - I finally decide I've had enough, the experience was one I'll never forget, but that I will not partake in day two.
10:15 p.m. - I crash and sleep continuously for the next nine hours.
Other thoughts - I enjoyed talking to the many people I met (Eric, Tessa, Emily, Bill, Angela, etc.). Today, Wednesday, I regret not saying hi to the director, Peter Townsend (the bad guy from "Ghost"). I would have said "Hey, you were hilarious in the 'Godfather of Green Bay'!" I think that would have impressed him, since only a few hundred or so people have seen it (it's an indie).
The day was not efficient. Time is money, and the time the crew wasted thinking, pondering, giving no direction, etc., meant more money paid to the crew (who get overtime) and extras. Those 100+ extras in the Overture Center could have been excused hours earlier. Plus, they should have used the drivers in the State St. scenes so they could have excused more extras (since we had to stay through the end to get our cars).
Anyway, I can't wait to see the film, which is supposed to be done by September to qualify for Sundance. Beyond that, I think the film won't be released until early 2006.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park Review
Mt. Olympus Theme Park merged this year with Family Land, creating Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park in Wisconsin Dells (just north of Noah's Ark).
For a $32 all-day, all-access pass, you can do all the stuff at both areas. I used a buy one, get one free coupon. Most motels in the area have a deal with Mt. Olympus, so you can get tix for free or at a discount by staying there (i.e. the Luna Inn). Be sure to ask!
Mt. Olympus has a lot of go kart tracks. Basically, once you do one, you've done them all. As with any go karts, some are faster than others. There was no wait for Helios, which was a so-so course. The 30-minute wait was far too long for Poseidon, although the course was much better. Ride it if there's no line.
The rollercoasters are fun. None of them loop, so they're great for those who don't like those kind of rollercoasters [with the negative g-force]. The Pegasus ride was short but nice; the line wasn't too long at all. This was a great warm-up ride.
Cyclops was similar to Pegasus and it also had a short line. Zeus was a lot better and longer; in fact, we rode it twice because the line for Hades was ridiculous. Because of that, we waited in line at Atlantis, similar to Splashfalls at Noah's Ark. But that line didn't move at all; it was probably a 45 min. wait with just 30 people in line so we skipped it.
So back to Hades, the most publicized ride as it goes underground (twice). We waited about 30 min., and the ride did not disappoint. Going underground was definitely unique and fun. If the line is not too far into the sidewalk from the stair case, get in line! Otherwise, you're looking at a long wait.
The indoor waterpark at the park was tiny (well, relative to Kalahari's and Great Wolf's) and only worth using if you have kids or it's raining. We passed a purple and yellow water ride on route but decided to skip them.
Family Land has not changed in the past 10 years. It only takes two hours, depending on the lines, to get through all the waterslides.
The Blue Mag's body slides (Twister, Kamikaze, etc.) had severely disorganized lines. The kamikaze's line was the worst; we went on the other three and they were all somewhat similar.
The Double Up tube slides didn't have much lines, so you can ride them pretty quickly.
The water temp in the Tidal Wave pool was really cold, probably like 50 degrees!
For a $32 all-day, all-access pass, you can do all the stuff at both areas. I used a buy one, get one free coupon. Most motels in the area have a deal with Mt. Olympus, so you can get tix for free or at a discount by staying there (i.e. the Luna Inn). Be sure to ask!
Mt. Olympus has a lot of go kart tracks. Basically, once you do one, you've done them all. As with any go karts, some are faster than others. There was no wait for Helios, which was a so-so course. The 30-minute wait was far too long for Poseidon, although the course was much better. Ride it if there's no line.
The rollercoasters are fun. None of them loop, so they're great for those who don't like those kind of rollercoasters [with the negative g-force]. The Pegasus ride was short but nice; the line wasn't too long at all. This was a great warm-up ride.
Cyclops was similar to Pegasus and it also had a short line. Zeus was a lot better and longer; in fact, we rode it twice because the line for Hades was ridiculous. Because of that, we waited in line at Atlantis, similar to Splashfalls at Noah's Ark. But that line didn't move at all; it was probably a 45 min. wait with just 30 people in line so we skipped it.
So back to Hades, the most publicized ride as it goes underground (twice). We waited about 30 min., and the ride did not disappoint. Going underground was definitely unique and fun. If the line is not too far into the sidewalk from the stair case, get in line! Otherwise, you're looking at a long wait.
The indoor waterpark at the park was tiny (well, relative to Kalahari's and Great Wolf's) and only worth using if you have kids or it's raining. We passed a purple and yellow water ride on route but decided to skip them.
Family Land has not changed in the past 10 years. It only takes two hours, depending on the lines, to get through all the waterslides.
The Blue Mag's body slides (Twister, Kamikaze, etc.) had severely disorganized lines. The kamikaze's line was the worst; we went on the other three and they were all somewhat similar.
The Double Up tube slides didn't have much lines, so you can ride them pretty quickly.
The water temp in the Tidal Wave pool was really cold, probably like 50 degrees!
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