Well. What a day.

The company I work for (for now) has just made 30ish staff members 'redundant' in our studio. They also let go staff in the other 2 studios we have, one of which had more than half it's entire staff axed.

Some of them were my friends. Most were not. Some of them had it coming, some others didn't and others who should have been let go - are still there. These people have families or have homes to pay off or loved ones to look after. Some had been with the company for nearly a decade. Hey, and some - were really good at their jobs.

With such a specific set of skill sets these people have - in such a small and shrinking (in Australia at least) industry and such a growing amount of lay-offs - what hope do they have of landing a job in the industry?

Most of us knew it was coming for months now - but never knowing when for sure or how many people would be laid off. The constant lying and cloak and dagger tactics of some of the higher-ups has left a lot to be desired.

How can you be loyal to a company when they aren't loyal to you?

They don't have your best interests at heart and god forbid if you try and have in interest in your own.

On the other hand, it is a business. And businesses must look out for their own best interests.

I'm annoyed and saddened.

And so close to Christmas...

Insert sad face smiley here.

Hullo!

Well, got a call last night from an old friend who scored some advanced screening tickets to go see the new Astro Boy movie today.

So I went... And it was very, VERY pretty to look at. The new style works well. The story was very kiddy and the pace seemed a little rushed - or maybe it felt like they were trying to cram a lot in. Either way it was enjoyable and fun - intended for kids, but still enough there for old fans and parents who'd have to get dragged along to go see it. Some things seemed very tacked on - like Kora and her parents, but meh - i can live with that.

I like the Robot Resistance, they were pretty funny - especially the 'transformation' part, they had a few good one-liners too. Oh - and, BUTT-GUNS FTW!!!11!!1!1!

EJ [link] Su's movie adaptation was pretty spot on too! He really nailed it I think. I picked this up before I saw the movie and managed to not entirely spoil the movie for myself ^__^

Now the voice acting - god damn it was atrocious in some parts. Not Astro though, he was good and all, and the emotive faces and aniamtion - WOW~!

But Nicolas -friggin'- Cage, how does this guy still get work? HE'S TERRIBLE IN EVERYTHING I'VE SEEN HIM IN!!! Donald Sutherland too, maybe he should've put a bit more effort into his role - reminded me of Krusty the Clown going in to record his lines in that Simpsons ep...

Anyways, it was an enjoyable film overall, maybe more so cause it was free - my wife did cry in a few spots, tho she can get like that in 'heart-string-pulling' scenes, even though I thought they were a bit laboured in this flick - but maybe thats cause she's emotional and pregnant...

Oh yeah, did I mention that? I'm gunna be a daddy!

Huzzah!

Hope everyone iz rockin'.

Peace out!

Hey all!

Well, this has been the first week back in the 'normal' world for me and my wife.

We had been in Sri Lanka for over a week (and Singapore either side for a few days), seeing her folks and having a general family get-together and awesome tour of the 'cultural triangle' and tea plantations.

IT WAS AWESOME!!!

Seriously - Sri Lanka was, at times - magical. We started off in Colombo and stayed at my in-law's house, which was just gorgeous, it had coconut trees in the back yard, monkeys, humming birds, squirrels, giant snails - the house even had an open top courtyard in the middle of the house with lush plants and a pond with wee little fishies in it ^__^ There was a massive party with the extended family with a butt-load of curry.

We then set off to the tea country and thinking I was going to die from the heat and humidity of Colombo - was pleasantly surprised to find the temperature dropping the higher we went up and seeing the misty mountains and lush vegetation and then finally the manicured tea plantations. I drank many coconuts. Yuuuuuuuuuum!

We stayed at a beautiful lodge up in the mountains and spent my birthday (next day) there on a simply stunning lazily rainy and misty morning before doing a very awesome tour of a tea factory (I love tea) then we set off to the interior of Sri Lanka - to Kandy and to visit more realtives there.

We then went to the ancient sites of Dambulla, Sigiriya and Polonnaruva. I've always romanticized (in my mind) ancient ruins and cities - and it was every bit magical, awe-inspiring and cool as I thought it would be. It really makes your imagination run wild thinking about what it would've been like there, at it's peak... Next stop: Central and South American ruins! Next time...

We also went on an elephant safari and got to see them enjoying their freedom in a huge wild life reserve - was pretty cool. My wife and I had an awesome time and we were sad when we ultimately had to return to the western world...

If anyone is interested and wants to see my ugly mug doing a (partial) tour of Sri Lanka with my wife, check out some fotos here:

[link]

Sigh... ^__^ It is truly a beautiful country with a rich culture and impressive history.

Totally going back there, after I go to touch base with my ancestral roots back in the old country, sometime soon, I hope.

Hope everyone is rockin'!

Howdy howdy howdy!

If u have the time, an iPhone, or both - and you like to shoot stuff while kicking it old skool, classic 2D arcade game art style... - *takes breath* - ...then check this out:

[link]

All the art in the game was done my good friend and work colleague, ~carefulconan

[link]

[link]

The art (and sheer amount of it) is very impressive and so is the game play, plus I heard from a little birdie that he even provided his vocal talents to the game, too. lol.

Heh.

So check it out, let him know what u think!

Hope everyone is doing well! Rock aaaawwwwn.

*metal guitar riff*

PS - Brutal Legend; anyone else excited? I SURE AM! O__o

Adios!

Wow, that went quick!

Since opening up this DA account I've gotten to know some truly fantastic and outstanding people, as well as artists!!! Hee hee. I've also had many great opportunities to show off my art, get recognition and have certain avenues open up for me.

For that I am truly thankful.

I want to give a shout out to all the Deviants who have given me compliments, honest advice and encouragement. This online community is really one of the best out there. It's with your support and kindness that I've achieved some of the things - well, I've achieved

I wonder what the next 2 years hold?

I hope pork buns.

Hope everyone is rockin'.

Peace out!