Nuts and Bolts in a MicroChip World: Just my opinion

Art is not a thing, it is a way.

mvallas — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:00:06 -0700

I think we need to be cautious not to confuse craft with art.

Elbert Hubard said, "Art is a way, not a thing."

mvallas — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:32:45 -0700

So, can we discuss art without having a clear definition of what it is? Certainly, I’m doing it now. Think of all the opinions you've heard and consider how many other diverse views there must be - then try to fashion one that works for you. This is the fun part. Try to create a definition that supports your idea that film or moving images should be considered art as much as a painting or a piece of pottery.

"I don't know anything about art but I know what I like," he said pulling our his checkbook.

mvallas — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:30:25 -0700

More questions - Is performance a form of art or does art need to be a painting or a sculpture or what? Literature, Dance, Music certainly, photography probably, ceramics, or fashion (can a dress be seen as art and it’s designer an artist?) You may answer, “Who cares? But what fun is there in that? It leaves nothing to think or talk about. Like a road trip, the fun is in the trip itself, not the destination and so it is with any discussion about art, philosophy, film, baseball, politics and even religion.

Reality shows and the American psyche

mvallas — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:01:54 -0700

Thomas Hood, a 19th century English poet said, “There are three things the public will always clamor for, sooner or later: and they are, novelty, novelty and novelty.”

Are these overseas subsidy deals really that good?

mvallas — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:37:11 -0700

I used to play poker with an older gentleman who told me, "All money is a pleasure but found money, now that's a joy!" Subsidies and grants are like that - they're found money and as much as you may appreciate money that you've worked hard for, nothing brings a smile to your face and a lift to your spirit like that roll of bills you spot on the sidewalk.

Television - More channels deliver less quality but who cares?

mvallas — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:17:12 -0700

Who doesn't have a television set somewhere in their house or on their phone or in their computer? Why don't they give us better stuff to watch? Or are they just giving us what we want?

All bloggers are writers but not all writers are bloggers - I was told.

mvallas — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:36:16 -0700

I'm cranky after talking to a friend and hearing about his interaction with a big unnamed company. Not able to resist the urge to gripe and moan I wrote this little snarly about my favorite whipping boys, the big corporations. I should be able to get on with more imnportant things but like the scorpion in the fable, it's my nature, I can't help it.

Where's the fun in that?

mvallas — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:19:53 -0700

Do we have as much fun making films now as we used to? I really don't think so although we do make a better, slicker more polished product, without doubt. As animation revenues have risen so has the serious aspect of what we do and how it is accepted. Perhaps the hijinks and pranks of passed days aren't appropriate any longer with so much money on the line for the studios, but it sure was a fun ride while it lasted.

Top Ten Animated Prime Time Series

mvallas — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:21:21 -0700

Cable television has opened the door to many an animated hit that wouldn't have made it onto broadcast television in the past. Take a look at my top ten picks for Prime Time Animated shows.

Old and a little grainy but still viable and watchable

mvallas — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:54:31 -0700

Ranking classic animation series is like making a list of your ten favorite things to eat - the outcome may depend on what time of day you make the list.