Chris Ullrich dot net - Page 6 of 93 -

The Family Way

Posted on April 5, 2017

It’s been awhile. Yes, I know, you’ve missed me. I get it. I’ve missed you too. We used to have a pretty good relationship. And then I went and messed it up by not being around for, what, almost a year? Sorry about that.

It doesn’t really seem like its been that long. But time flies. Oh yes it does. In case you’ve forgotten what’s happened recently, here’s a bit of a refresher. I left LA/California and now live in Austin, TX. I’m a father. It’s a boy. He’s three. I’m semi-retired and stay home with him, which basically makes me a stay-at-home dad.

I love my life. I do, however, sometimes miss work. It was fun (mostly) and I’ll probably do it again one of these days. But I can’t complain, my kid is awesome and I get to watch him grow up every day. I’m very fortunate to be able to do that.

Also, I still do a podcast called The Flickcast with Joe Dilworth, my awesome co-host. And I take photographs, make things from wood and occasionally write. That pretty much catches us up.

Well, there is one other (pretty big) thing that’s happened since we last got together. As some of you may know, I’m adopted. Both of my adoptive parents are no longer alive and I miss them every day. I especially miss them when I want to ask parenting questions, but pretty much the rest of the time too.

I realize I’m far from perfect, but I think they did a pretty good job with me considering how much of a pain I was growing up. Spoiled only child and all that. Yes, I was quite the troublemaker. But in the end, I think I turned out okay. I only hope I can do the job half as well as they did. I’ll keep working on it.

But that’s not the big news. This big news is I’ve found my biological mother. Well, actually, H found her. H is good with stuff like that. But found she is and contact we have had. Quite a bit, actually. She’s great and we’ve discussed all sorts of things.

I’ve been to see her twice so far and plan on going again soon. I’m looking forward to it. But wait, as Steve Jobs used to say, there’s one more thing (at least). I’ve also got a brother and sister. And a niece. I know, right? A whole new family I never knew about.

I’ve spent time with my new Bro and Sis too. They’re terrific people and I look forward to getting to know them more. Actually, my sister, her husband and their daughter (the niece I mentioned) just visited us. And yes, a good time was had by all.

Just when I think life can’t get any better . . .

‘Star Wars’ ‘Suicide Squad’ Trailer

Posted on June 20, 2016

princess-leia-star-wars-1

As I’m a huge fan of Star Wars (of course) and also looking forward to Suicide Squad, this mashup trailer by The Usual Suspect amused me quite a bit.

Enjoy.

The History of Cinema in 100 Shots

Posted on April 18, 2016

The-Searchers-End-Shot

This video, put together by Editor Jacob T. Swinney, is very impressive. It chronicles the history of cinema, starting with the 1915 film Birth of a Nation, by highlighting iconic shots from 100 films of the past 100 years.

Very impressive indeed. Enjoy this bit of history.

(h/t to the a.v. club)

The Awesome ‘Daredevil’ Season 2 Stairway Fight

Posted on March 21, 2016

Daredevil-Season-2-1

By now you’ve likely seen the entire second season of Daredevil on Netflix. If so, pretty great, right? If not, what are you waiting for?

Either way, this fight scene from Episode 3 of Season 2 is, if not the best, at the very least one of the top two or three fight scenes ever done in a TV show or a movie.

Kudos to all involved.

Moving. No, Not That Kind

Posted on March 21, 2016

Hello all. You may notice some changes around here. You’re very perceptive. I’ve relocated this website to new hosting.

Nothing against Media Temple or anything, I’ve just decided to make a change. So, from now on this site will be running on servers powered by Mac Highway.

I like the fact that Mac Highway is all Macs and also gets all of its energy from wind power. That’s pretty cool.

Anyway, things might be a bit bumpy until everything is done, so bear with me. Thanks.

The ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Supercut Trailer Is Pretty Great

Posted on October 27, 2015

forece-awakens-han-solo-cu

I love Star Wars. You love Star Wars. Pretty much everyone loves Star Wars. And, what’s even better, we live in a world where we can expect more Star Wars movies and will get the first of the new ones this December. Yes, I have tickets. Would you expect otherwise?

No, of course not. Attendance is mandatory.

Seeing as you love Star Wars, I’m sure you’ve watched the new trailer a hundred times already, right? But have you watched the Supercut trailer? The one where all the available footage from the move that’s in the wild has been cut together to make one big, well, super trailer? Maybe not.

So, in the interest of helping you get all the Star Wars you can (at least until December 18th), here it is below. I’ve also included the un-Supercut version (aka the “official” trailer) as well.

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ Behind-the-Scenes

Posted on May 30, 2015

mad-max-fury-road-4

Gotta say it, the new Mad Max movie is pretty great. It’s got a lot of things going for it. One of the most impressive is the fact that almost all of the stunts were done live and were not CG.

Sure, CG was used for wire removal and other safety-related reasons, to enhance shots and other tricks, but when you see those cars flip or guys attack Max and Furiosa by swinging down on poles, that’s all live and in-camera.

If you want to know more about how they did it, this video shows you. It’s been around the Interwebs for several days, but just in case, here it is for those of you who haven’t watched it or just want to watch it again because it’s so cool. Kudos to director George Miller and his stunt team for making this one of the best action movies in recent memory.

And if you’re interested in what role CG did play in the film, there’s an excellent article over at FX Guide that shows you everything you want to know.

Go East Young(ish) Man

Posted on March 12, 2015

AustinSkyline

You know the old saying “Be careful what you wish for?” Well, I’m experiencing a bit of that now.

Fortunately, what I wished for in this case is pretty cool, so the fact it’s going to come true isn’t really a bad thing. Actually, it’s a really good thing.

I could go on like this for a bit longer, being all cryptic and such, but many of you will start to wonder “What the hell is he talking about?” or even begin to wander off and look for shiny objects. So, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer: I am leaving the Los Angeles/Orange County Metroplex and moving to Austin.

Yes, that’s right, the one in Texas. H got a great work opportunity, and I can do what I do from almost anywhere with an Internet connection, so we’re packing up our crap in a giant truck and heading East. Well, in truth, movers will be packing our crap in a giant truck.

I don’t rent a U-Haul and move myself anymore. Those days are in the past, along with my healthy back.

And what about Max, you may wonder? How does he feel about the pending change of address? Well, he doesn’t really get a vote. But if he did, I’m sure he’d agree this is a great opportunity for the family and be all for it.

But like I said, he doesn’t get a vote. He’s just a baby, after all. That would be silly.

As for me, I’m excited about this new adventure and the possibilities it brings. I’m also excited about potentialy having a bit more space. Don’t get me wrong, I like our current house. It’s just a bit close to the neighbors for my taste.

So, we will be looking for a new place in Austin with a bit more land around it. Who knows, we may even end up in the country? Could happen. But don’t tell H, I’m not sure she would go for it.

Being born and raised in California, I will miss a lot of things about “The Golden State.” But the truth is, there’s also a lot of things I won’t miss. I also know Austin and Texas aren’t perfect either and will likley have their fair share of annoyances.

But that’s okay. I like a challenge and I’m ready for it. And no, I won’t be buying cowboy boots or a ten gallon hat.

Well, maybe a hat.

iPhone vs. DSLR

Posted on February 18, 2015

iPhone-vs-DSLR-inforgraphic-crop

I love photography. In fact, I’ve been taking pictures since I was given my first camera (an Olympus OM 1) in the sixth grade. Yes, that long.

Over the years I had a succession of film cameras but made the switch to digital about ten years ago. Since then I’ve pretty much had Nikon DSLRs and, on occassion, Canon point and shoots. I’ve captures thousands of images with those cameras . . . and some of them are even pretty good. Well, a few at least.

Then, the iPhone came along. It was a phone, a way to send text messages, a web browsing device and, amazingly enough, a pretty good camera.

And over the years the iPhone cameras have gotten better and better. Now, they’re really good.

Of course, people still use a DSLR. I do, especially when shooting Max. He moves pretty fast and the quick focus of a DSLR and Nikon lenses (especially the amazing 50mm 1.4) comes in handy. But most of the time, I find myself using the iPhone 6 to take photos.

I’m not alone. People are using the iPhone a lot more every day to take photos. But how do the DSLR and the iPhone compare? This handy infographic (made by the fine folks at Twenty 20) answers that question and more. Check it out below.

iPhone-vs-DSLR-infographic