Up & Away

XKCD Lampoon

2010-09-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

If you're familiar with XKCD, you know that many times the humor is over the head of the average reader (myself included). But I still read it; it just takes me a bit longer.

Day 11 - License to Thrill

2009-10-12T23:19:00.000-07:00

I love the Thrillionaires. For those of you who aren't aware of who the Thrillionaires are, first of all, welcome to 2009. We've missed you. The Thrillionaires are a group actors who perform improvised plays and musicals. In case you were cryogenically frozen before improvised was defined, it means "to make crap up on the spot" [Oxford English Dictionary] We perform every Saturday at 8pm at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo, UT

I performed this evening (Saturday). For the first half we did a paranormal play. I played a British fop who owned a library mansion. It was a blast. Second half was a Clue-type musical. In that one I was a blind man who had a seeing-eye crow named Poe. (I know, I know, it should have been a raven)

There is nothing quite like performing live improv. It's a special fleeting moment shared between the audience and the performer. [Cue the music] It is coming into creation right then and there, providing a tear for every laugh. And just like that, *poof*, it's gone. Only to live on in the minds of those who were present. Memories that will be forever cherished and remebered, bringing a chuckle. Improv is a gift.

Wow, the funniest part of all that is that it's true.

Follow the Thrillionaires on Twitter
and on Facebook

Day 10 - Who Picks Our Destiny?

2009-10-12T23:07:00.000-07:00

New bucket list item:

35. Own the Patent to Candy Corn
36. Prove/ disprove String Theory
37. Voice a Pixar cartoon

Wow Pixar. Wow.

Day 9 - Standing Up for Something

2009-10-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

"For Halloween I'm going to dress up as a character from Lost; guess which one?"
"HURLEY!" a girl shrieks.
"Hurley? No, Sayid. You big jerk!"
Audience laughs

This evening was my debut on the stand up comedy scene. Granted, I only did 6 minutes, but I caught the bug. The audience seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. I found what worked and what didn't.

Note to self: No Jewish Zombie Holocaust jokes...

Day 8 - Life is Booty-ful

2009-10-08T01:38:00.000-07:00

2pm-- Lunch with Will Rubio at a Chinese buffet. We love Mongolian bbq. Afterward, Will had an audition at our agency. I did not have an audition, so, naturally I went...
along with him so I could say "hi" to my agent. (Must stay fresh in their minds) Got there and chatted with Johnna. She's a great lady who lived in my neighborhood when I was 14. She works at the front desk. We caught up. She had just gotten back from a Caribbean Cruise. Jealous.

After a while, the person who was running the audition came out of the audition room.
That dude looks like my friend Jared, I thought. Turns out it was my friend Jared.
He'll for sure let me crash this audition. I was sure.
It was for a Latin role. I can't pull off Latin. Black? Maybe. But not Latin. He asked what I thought of the link he posted on my Facebook wall.
I had no idea what he was talking about.
He told me to check it. When I got home I did. This is what I saw.

Day 7 - The Importance of Being Accurate

2009-10-06T23:09:00.000-07:00

Did this today:

Day 6 - Cheesy TV

2009-10-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

Doritos is holding a contest called Crash the Superbowl. The challenge is to make a commercial featuring Doritos Brand Tortilla Chips. The winner gets their ad aired during the Superbowl XLIV and $25,000 (That's about $250 after tax and fees!)

Since it would be a great step towards becoming famous, I'm gonna make one.

This afternoon I had a meeting with a hilarious improv friend and one of the most creative directors I know. It went splendidly. We have 2 concepts that we'll let marinate this week, then we'll choose and shoot the best one. Since it is a contest I can't divulge many details. BUT, the one thing I can say is that since the ad has to appeal to mass America, there will be nut-busting antics a la America's Funniest Videos (AFV, to the fans). Now if we could only get Bob Saget to narrate it...

BONUS VIDEO:

Day 5 - Matt the Fat Frat Cat with the Hair Hat

2009-10-05T01:20:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my last post, at the end of this month I will be playing a part in a vampire film. My character is a frat boy who, with his frat brother, aids the main character in the slaughter of vampires.

A Hairy Situation
A couple months ago the director asked me to grow my hair out until we shoot. "Not a big deal", I thought. But I didn't realize that, not only does my hair grow at the speed of a snail (that is fast for hair), but it reatains heat like a tinfoil turban. I've been burning up like Snoop Dogg at a Phish concert.

Cut. Print it.
As luck (And the turning of the seasons) would have it, the weather is cooling down. But I just know that, come time for the movie, they'll just chop my mop clean off my top. After all, I look much frat-ier with shorter hair.

Not that I'm complaining. I get to forcefully stab stakes into Edward... er... other vampires who aren't Edward Cullen. (We can't all have our druthers)

Note: As far as what I did today to advance toward my goal, I wrote this post. So there.

Day 4 - Zombie Spiders

2009-10-05T01:03:00.000-07:00

Today I saw 2 inspirational productions: Zombieland and Charlotte's Web. There were quite a few similarities. Both dealt with death, both had great directors and both featured a glutenous rat named Templeton (Except for Zombieland).

Watching these really got me excited to shoot a vampire comedy at the end of October. (More details to follow, and no, it's not Twilight 3)

Day 3 - Farming Ideas

2009-10-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

So today I wasn't ultra productive- Unless you define "being productive" as spraying a 500 lb pig with a hose so he could wallow in the mud. In that case, I was very productive.
I went to Wheeler farm and walked around brainstorming ideas for some jokes for stand up comedy. Yes, I've decided to try my hand at stand up. I can't garauntee it will be funny, but I can garauntee that I'll do it.
In fact, my first attempt will be made Thursday, October 8th at 9:30 pm at ComedySportz. It's part of the Keep it Clean Comedy Tour. Since I have to keep it clean I guess I can't use the pig joke I wrote.

Day 2 - Web Out of Site

2009-10-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

Bad news: It's the end of Watermelon season.
Good news: I talked to my friend Steve about getting my Web Site made. I already have the URL. Ready for this? It's... drum roll please...

MattMattson.Me

I know what you're thinking. What is dot em ee? You see, it's a web extension, much like dot com or dot net, except it's dot em ee. So, I used to own mattmattson.com, but then I accidentally let it lapse, and then some random company that buys up lapsed domain names just, well, bought it up.

They charge buttloads of $$$ to buy it back so I" went with www.mattmattson.me.

N-E-Way

I think it will grow on you. What do you think?

Day 1 - Head Rearing

2009-09-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day that it really felt like winter is rearing its frozen head. So, I think, it's appropriate that I should post my first entry today. Why? Because I'm rearing my head into stardom... sort of... OK, that was not such a great comparison, but gimme a break, it's cold outside.

I did, however, do something productive today... I signed up for IMDB Pro and posted my resume and a photo! Hooray! As they say, "Every journey begins with IMDB" (source?).

Without further ado, here's the link.

My Mug:

AND WE'RE OFF!

CHANGES ARE A-COMIN'!

2009-09-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

OUT WITH THE OLD
This blog will take on a new life. It will no longer be a hodge-podge of hogwash! No longer just random posts without direction! Things are changing! Exclamations!

THE NEW CONCEPT
This blog will be the place where I will chronicle my struggle to become a famous actor/ comedian. Plain and simple.

THE RULES
I can't promise daily novels (Who would want such a thing?), but I can promise that every day will be accounted for. (Since there will, no doubt, be days when I won't have access to a computer and days where I'm too lazy).

YOUR ROLE
Although shadow lurkers are welcome here, I feel motivated by feedback. So if you would post a comment every now and then (Whether you love it or hate it). Otherwise, sit back and enjoy the carnage!

The Goblin Who Never Was

2009-08-25T00:34:00.001-07:00

R.I.P. Grimber...

P.S. If you're not yet, you should follow me on Twitter
AND
Become a fan of me on Facebook

The Life and Times of Cosette Newman

2009-07-28T18:40:00.001-07:00

Randy Newman's Impression of Cosette in France.

Casual Friday

2009-03-10T21:56:00.001-07:00

Sofa Honey

2009-02-20T16:26:00.001-08:00

THIS is brilliant:

"Bee Man"

2008-11-25T20:48:00.000-08:00

Be Heard

2008-11-01T02:31:00.000-07:00

If you haven't yet, be sure to don't vote.

Snow Place Like Home

2008-10-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

________________

Lay your peepers on this.

(Warning: If your peepers gets frozen to it pour warm water over them and tug gently)

What Say You?

2008-10-16T03:20:00.000-07:00

A little background:
I used to wear gas permeable contacts. ( Though I've now joined the 21st Century and have soft contacts) These hard contacts were not disposable. I took great care of them most of the time. To give you an idea of how important they were to me- I had each pair for an average of 5+ years. To lose one would be just short of a tragedy. There were a few times when I did lose a contact for good. Though, more often than not, when I did lose one, I would find it. The process was always the same:

Lose the contact
Frantically search for the contact
Search more for the contact in places where it couldn't possibly have gone
Humble myself
Offer a sincerely humble prayer
Find the contact (Within two minutes of saying the prayer)
Offer an intense prayer of thanks

One of these times I found the contact almost down the sink. It was halfway through the slit in the plastic drain piece (Though the slit in the drain piece had enough space to allow at least 3 contacts simultaneously)

These instances led me to believe that God had indeed intervened in my life. He inspired me where to look.

This was such a blessing for me. He blessed me. Yet, I thought, there are so many instances where God chooses not to intervene. What is the difference between me and those people who don't experience divine intervention? Why me? Initially, it was fairly simple for me to dismiss. After all, I have never been to a third world country and seen how wretched the actual suffering is. Nor can I imagine the full scope of suffering. I could easily justify an answer while sitting in a comfortable home with food available.

I had heard people ask: Why does God allow suffering? I usually gave answers that had no real logic or reason, but I would glaze over it and change the subject.

As I started to think about divine intervention, It made this question a bit more personal. I will pose the same question which troubled me:

Why would God intervene in the case of finding my contacts but does not intervene in the case of, for example, a child who dies of starvation?

I look forward to hearing what you think on this question.

iNK-redible Animation!

2008-09-23T00:45:00.000-07:00

Comic Con 2008

2008-08-11T13:27:00.001-07:00

A group of misfits

Editor of Rottentomatoes.com
Watch at :30 and then later at 1:21

Bender & Me

Leia and me. (I'm using the force to make her massage me)

I am apparently holding a syringe, which would make me The Syringer.

At a heavenly Mexican Restaurant called Panchp's (It was actually called Pancho's, but my Navigation had it listed as "Panchp's" which is why we went there)
Que quieres mi amor?

I was just pretending to be scared to save Wolverine's face, which is why he owes me.

"We'll save you Zelda!"

If I have my way I'm never gonna leave Lemon Grove Avenue...

M&M

2008-07-04T00:03:00.001-07:00

After 5 years of being together, Meghan & I took a big step in our relationship.
On 6.7.08, we I eloped to Las Vegas, NV! It was at the Little White Wedding Chapel and it was so perfect.

Here's the proof:

No Words...

2008-05-27T23:18:00.001-07:00

Long Story Short

2008-05-22T22:41:00.000-07:00

Went to Mason Jennings last night. Got inspired. Recorded me playing one of his songs. Posted it:

Bikram Yoga

2008-05-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

Bikram is a type of yoga developed by Bikram Choudhury. It is...

"ideally practiced in a room heated to 105°F (40.5°C) with a humidity of 40%. Classes are guided by specific dialogue including 26 postures and two breathing exercises. Classes last approximately 90-minutes. People of all levels, ages and body types practice and start together as this is a beginning yoga class." {wikipedia}

It is sometimes referred to as "hot yoga". This, however, is a gross understatement. It is not just "hot." Allow me to paint a picture. Imagine with me...
it's mid-August in Death Valley, NV. It's high noon and you're in a tin shed without windows. There you sit on a pancake skillet. You're wearing a wool sweater under a black pleather parka and chaps. Right between your butt cheeks lies a single habañero pepper that just recently got microwaved. In the pepper is a burnt Hot Tamale- When I practice Bikram, I'm that Hot Tamale.
In Bikram yoga, the class lasts about 90 minutes. There are a series of 26 postures. Here is a chart illustrating these postures:

(Click to Enlarge)

Note: During posture 17 I twirl my face towel around to create a "cool" wind. I call this the "Helicopter Pose."

I have to say this though, even thought Bikram yoga literally feels like hell, it's surprisingly therapeutic. It's like cleaning the toilet- It sucks while you're doing it, but afterwards it feels great.

You should try it. And you know what they say, if you can't take the heat... lay on your side 'til class finishes.

Dinner with Ben Folds

2008-04-29T23:32:00.000-07:00

A couple months back, Meghan found out that one of our favorite artists was going to be playing a show... The one and only Ben Folds!
The show she found was going to be in Bozeman, MT (which is actually near BFE, MT) So we made a nice relaxing trip out of it.

April 22, 2008 - Earth Day

Before the concert we ate dinner at a place called Montana Ale Works. It was a hip place that served burgers and shtuff like that. Long story short, THEY SAT US DOWN NEXT TO BEN FOLDS. He was eating there with his band. We toasted a "Happy Earth Day" with them and chatted about the drive to Salt Lake (Which they, ironically enough, were going to be making that evening) Afterwards, we took a pic. We posed so that I could Photoshop an Earth floating by our hands, but Ben suggested something else, so that's the one I did. Here it is:

The concert was a blast and he played some new songs that will be on his new album due in September!

IF: Primitive

2008-04-19T00:16:00.001-07:00

Primitive made me think of primate, so I made this guy. Your comments are appreciated.

...

5 Things That Make Eveything Okay

2008-04-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

1. Deep breaths
2. Rainy days
3. A good cry
4. Meghan
5. Beatles' songs

What are some of the things make your life great?

5 Things That Make Me Sad

2008-03-19T22:45:00.000-07:00

As a farewell to winter, I give you 5 things that make me sad:

1. Bums who run full boar and ram their heads into dumpsters for a beer.

2. The kid who accidentally poops his pants in class.

3. Mothers smoking with their (unbuckled) kids in the car.

4. Dick Clark's "Rockin' Eve"

5. I can't grow a legit mustache.

What are some of yours?

...

Celebrate St. Patty's with The Thrillionaires!

2008-03-12T02:13:00.001-07:00

Come and Be Entertained!

(click poster to enlarge)

Orlando is such a talented guy. I've improvised with him before and he is so positive AND creative. And if that weren't enough, his British accent is to die for! If I were gay, well... nevermind. Let's just leave it at - Orlando Seale is top notch.

If you don't come, then you'll hear about it through the grapevine and it will make you think, "Wow, I really should have taken Matt's Thrillionaires blog post seriously. That's crumby. Really crumby."

So, make sure to put it on your calendar!
(Or you'll make Saint Patrick cry)

...

Where in The World...

2008-03-07T11:12:00.000-08:00

On February 16th a long-time dream of mine came true:

I MET ROCKAPELLA!

If you don't know who they are, shame on you. Ok, shame is a harsh judgment for something like this. Here is a list of jingles you may have heard:

Coca Cola
Folgers
Lagoon

and perhaps their biggest hit:

Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego

Remember this awesome lady?!

Anyway, In high school I was in a quartet called 4 Cryin' Out Loud (We sounded wretched, but felt like we were on top of the world) and Rockapella has set the standard for our a cappella singing.

To sum it up - Rockapella were my heroes. So when I got to get my picture with them I had to throw it in Photoshop and make it look the way it felt to be in their company.

Here's the original:

And without further ado, I give you...

ROCKAPELLA & Me

I"'m a big nerd - There, I said it!

WOW that feels good.

And to tie this whole story together, I should tell you that in July, I'm going to Comic-Con in Sunny San Diego! Oh yeah, that's right! Nerd-Fest '08

I make sure to look for Carmen There *wink wink nudge* [ZING!]

...

Hilltop Gas Stop (video)

2008-03-03T20:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a video sketch some friends and I made for a YouTube contest called Sketchies II. The concept comes from the genius mind of writer/ director Marty Patch. I love Marty. Also in it is the adorable Jake Ben Suazo (We perform in the Thrillionaires together)

Oh, and here's the link. (just in case you want to rate it!)

...

Muscle Man, Lincoln & "Tappy"

2008-02-27T05:36:00.000-08:00

Muscle man isn't finished yet.

Little Birdies

2008-02-19T20:09:00.000-08:00

This is one of the cutest things in the world, so I had to blog about it. It may seem strange, but I love when Meghan flips me off. No matter what her intent, it is just adorable! Aren't they?!

Enjoy!

El Numero Uno

Crossbirds

The "Big'un"

Every 23 Years or 3000 Miles...

2008-02-19T19:14:00.000-08:00

For years I have been saying this and I have finally have the proof!:
During his time travels, Marty McFly made a pit stop in 2008 to get an oil change.

Taken on February 5th, 2008

I didn't actually see him, but I assume that he was inside paying.

Mika in Salt Lake City

2008-02-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

On the 8th of this month, Meghan and I went to Mika in concert at In The Venue in Salt Lake. Mika's the guy who sings, among other catchy pop songs, that one that goes

"I could be brown
I could be blue
I could be violet sky
I could be hurtful
I could be purple
I could be anything you like"

We arrived when the line had already wrapped around the building and spanned to the next city block. Yet, by some miracle we got an amazing parking spot right in front of the venue! Our time in the car was the best part of the night. We just sat in the warm car looking at people in line and passersby. Based on what they looked like, we would just make up voices and things that they would say. We were cracking up! After a while, we saw my friends Peter and Danny. When we got in, Megs and I went up on the balcony.

Since Mika's instruments were snowed in somewhere in Wyoming, he could only put on an acoustic show. Because of this, we got $10 per ticket refund. Nice!

Between the hanging chandeliers and ornate velvet-upholstered thrones and the drummer with her "superfly afro," the show was stupendous.

I only fear that Mika might have let down many "gaggles" of "voluptuous" girls. There was a strong demand for him to play "Big Girls"

"You take your girl
And multiply her by four
Now a whole lot of woman
Needs a whole lot more..."

The crowd was Ear-splittingly LOUD. No doubt Mika felt releived by our reaction to his humble acoustic set. I believe he will return.

Loverly Matt, loverly.

2008-02-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

Recently, Meghan and I were shopping at Target. As we approached the peanut butter area (I really like PB), I noticed two older women perusing the jams and jellies. Entertaining myself, I imagined that these ladies were, in fact, British ladies selecting which jams would be choice to enhance Tea Time. I giggled inside at the thought.

After selected my Skippy SuperChunk (sans Trans Fats) , Meghan and I started to look at the look at the jellies too. Politely, the ladies moved slightly to the side, allowing room for us as well. Since the whole rest of the isle was devoid of people, I said "This is quite the hot spot, eh?!" The younger of the ladies (40s) said "Yes it is."

Now when she said this, in my mind, it even sounded slightly English. "Did I detect an accent?" I asked. To my surprise, she said "yes. WE'RE FROM ENGLAND" [Note: they did not actually yell this, the capitals are intended to give it emphasis representing the surprise I felt]

Then I just got all stupid. I said things like "So you crossed the pond to get some jams and jellies?" and "I really think you sound great" and "Boy, I'm almost, like, starstruck here" Stupid things like that.

As we chatted we found out the mom, er, mum, was visiting from England and the daughter has lived in Utah for 17 years (Yet still maintains a delightfully thick accent!)

Very nice ladies.

I do, however, think they were slightly creeped out by my intense interest in their accents. I couldn't help but think this as I noticed them s l o w l y b a c k i n g a w a y from me as I was talking to them.

I need to expand my horizons so I'm not such a wanker.

Pound 646

2008-01-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

My friends and I entered a 24 Hour Film Competition. The theme had to be compassion, we had to use a band aid and it had to include the phrase "could you please..." Here it is:

Oh, and we won Audience Choice and First Place. It was a blast to make. Thanks to Garrett Batty, Matt Gerow and Jacob Ben Suazo.

A Lesson in History

2008-01-18T10:33:00.000-08:00

HERE IS ONE OF THE GREATEST THINGS I'VE EVER SEEN:

Ben Quinn's Fairy Boy

2008-01-09T22:51:00.000-08:00

Original Pic

08 Away!

2008-01-07T16:28:00.000-08:00

This year is gonna be a good one. I'm writing and illustrating a children's book. I'm really excited about it.

What, me political?

2007-12-20T13:03:00.000-08:00

I've never really found myself interested in politics before. In the past, my point of view has always been that all politicians were just sneaky and self-serving, with an amiable facade.
Yet, in the past few months as I've "made my way" around the blogoshpere, YouTube and just about everywhere else, I've noticed a fervent support for this geriatric looking man named Ron Paul.

So, for the first time in my life, I looked into something political for myself.

Since I was initially weary about "going all out" and dedicating a large chunk of my time to this curiosity, I dipped my toe in that lazy man's paradise, YouTube. As I watched videos for and against Ron Paul, I found that this man speaks with such clear reasoning and honesty that it bore investigation. The more I've searched and learned about him and his vision, the more I've noticed that he has a genuine wisdom to the way he discusses pertinent issues. Ron Paul seems to make the concept of partisanism irrelevant.
This is not to prematurely say that I am "throwing my hat into Ron Paul's ring", but that our great country is in need of strong, moral leadership, and I intend to find the best candidate to fill that role. Ron Paul, for now, is my #1 candidate simply because he is the only candidate whom I've studied. That is also to say that by no means am I discounting Ron Paul.
Because of this clip, which you're about to see and others like it, that I am going to involve myself in the study of all of the 2008 Presidential candidates.

If you would watch the following video with a preconceived notions, don't bother, for it will be a waste of your time. Otherwise, enjoy this 7 minute 45 second clip.

Thoughts on Heaven & Hell

2007-12-19T15:45:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago as I was thinking about the meaning of all things, I had some ideas about Heaven and Hell. The idea was that Heaven & Hell aren't destinations, but mental states brought about by the direction in which you head. Heaven is brought about by doing things that are positive and will evolve you, and Hell is brought about by doing things that are negative and will devolve you. As to not dilute this idea, I won't attempt to elaborate on which actions I think will or won't propel you in one direction or the other.

With this idea, it would make sense that both Heaven and Hell can get more profound and intense. That is to say, the more progress you make, the more heavenly Heaven becomes and and more you digress, the more hellish Hell becomes. Though this is all a mouthful, I think that it feels true.

This also means that These these states are relative. For example, A "crack fiend" can experience Heaven by progressing relative to his situation. On the same line of logic, a charitable person can experience Hell by digressing relative to her situation.

So since they are relative, it is difficult to define Heaven and Hell in absolute terms. In order to do this, there must be a standard from which to judge. for Theists, this "bar" is set by God. For Atheists, this bar is set personally.

I could continue, but I won't post this if I don't do it at this sitting. So, though these thoughts are fragmented, I hope that they cause you to think about how you feel about them.
The End (or is it?)

Keep 'em Separated

2007-12-11T14:47:00.000-08:00

Since I've been posting a lot of videos of songs I'm writing, I'm partitioning those off so that the people who are interested can check out my songwriting processes. Here's the link: The Goodest Blog

Ain't No Way (Video)

2007-12-09T17:39:00.000-08:00

People Change (Video)

2007-11-30T02:40:00.000-08:00

Or is it 14...?

2007-11-28T03:43:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Davis, so that makes me "it". This means that I am going to share six little known facts about myself. So here they are:

1- Tell me about the rabbits, George. Ever since I was a child, I have never been able to remember what 8 + 6 equals. (is it 15?)
2- Cleanup on isle "As Is". Though I'm a very hygienic person, once every blue moon I won't have time to shower and without fail, sometime during that day I will make an unplanned stop at Deseret Industries. (If you see me there, I'll blame it on the old couches)
3- So many colors and shapes! Unless I force myself to read, I only look at books for the illustrations; I can't help it.
4- Show me that wince again. I used to have weak ankles. So badly in fact, that I used to have to crawl around my house in complete agony. (I think it was growing pains, although there was no Mike Seaver around to offer comfort)
5- Beatles songs make me sob.
6- Off the record. The night started with my "friends" and me breaking into an elementary school in the middle of the night to play Basketball, and ended with a rug-burned face and the knee of a dog-wielding cop planted firmly in my back.

I now tag Jeff B, KC B, Brett M, Ben Q, Hailey S, Steve Z

Henceforth, ye six shall blog six things about thyselves which is generally heretofore unknown.

For This I am Thankful...

2007-11-27T01:57:00.000-08:00

Though it's a smidgen late, I'm going to blog about the people and things for which I am grateful. So, here I go:

Meghan- For her infinite patience and understanding of who I am and who I can become.
Mama- For her sweet sentiment and nurture. Also, I love when she gets all goofy.
Daddio- For his sense of humor and his example of progression.
Jared- For his quiet example and comforting nostalgia. Also, his family is a perfect example of what a family should be.
Dustin- For his charity and example of work ethic.
Lehi- For his sharp intelligence and confidence.
Erik- For being a tried & true friend, in every sense of the word.
My friends- For not getting offended that I didn't put their actual name on this list.
My education- I may only be getting my Associates this year, but It feels like a doctorate:)
My iMac- It's an amazing tool that helps me organize and create.
My body- So, I haven't kept it prime, but it gets me around.
My car- Since I got it, I've felt a little more legit.

And,

The Creator- I'm thankful for this whole thing called life- for it's complexity and simple beauty. Also, that, because of the grand scheme of things, a crumby guy like me can have all the hope in the world.

I know this was a bit sentimental, but I wanted to say it.

Return to Vegas

2007-11-21T15:04:00.000-08:00

I just returned from Las Vegas. I was there with my Dad, Mom and my brother Dustin.

This is my beautiful mother.

When I was a kid, my family and I attended the dedication of the Las Vegas Temple. It was fun seeing it again.

(I set the camera on a random car)

This is the house I lived in from the ages 7-10. I remember how my brother Dustin and I once decided to run away, so we took a loaf of bread and climbed out the window. We made it as far as... the corner of the yard.

We also went to Hoover Dam:

Tact Schmact

2007-11-14T13:11:00.000-08:00

Tact is overrated. That is why I'm resolving to put such a silly thing behind me. I've realized that since I really do care about the friends and family members in my life, I have license to ask anything I want about their personal situation. Even better- not only will I ask them, but I'll ask their significant others probing inquiries. When I do, however, question their significant others, I won't waste time getting to know what they do, or things they like, of where they're from. All those pesky details are secondary for my need to know.

I'll only ask them about things that are expected in our society like "Why aren't you guys married yet?" or, "Are you ever going to have kids?", or one that will really help them like "Why didn't you serve a mission?" And of course, "Why didn't you get married in the temple?" I'll make sure to do it without regard to their privacy (Even if it is a touchy subject, because I won't be considerate enough to take that into account).

In doing so with everyone I know, I hope to hear juicy tidbits like "We're not able to have children, or "I have severe depression." Maybe a "We engaged in premarital sex." Because even though it's a sore subject for them, that's ok. It's not sore for me:) It won't waste time asking my friends how they're doing, or if they're happy, or what their dreams are. I want to dig in and satiate my need to know. It's no longer just between them and their Maker.

The best part of this whole plan is that I won't even know I'm being ignorant! Isn't that great? I'll continue to live my life in my oblivious little world- What a beautiful oblivion it will be.

After all, ignorance is bliss:)

Something Different

2007-11-12T00:30:00.000-08:00

A late night with Erik. It's like gibberish- It's better if you don't try to understand it. Turn up the volume as well.

2007-11-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

NEWS

I have a band called SweetHaven and we haven't played for years. But, just recently Gentry Lee (Lead guitar) and I have talked about recording a new album in January of next year. We're so pumped about it! It will be all the songs we used to play, but never recorded (along with a couple new ones).

Also, over the years I've had many requests for the lyrics and chords for a song we had on The R.M. soundtrack. So here they are:

Go Back (M. Mattson)
Why don't you go back?
I know you wouldn't hurt any more than when you left
Then you would not have to be alone anymore

You only for you, You say you're happy whoop-a-dee-doo
You know that's not true
You're playing the fool

Go back go
So you say it's whack so

Sleep- You get next to none
You're having a meltdown and jumping the gun.
You've heard of suggestions that hit like a ton?
Well I'll give you one:

Go back go
So you say it's whack so

If you don't go the end will be sad
If you won't then you'll lose all you
You've been running hard
You can't find your place
And the memories won't erase.

Ready, set...

Go back go
So you say it's whack so
Go back go
What threw you off track?
Go

Gym Rats

2007-11-07T20:52:00.000-08:00

Storyteller

Add to My Profile | More Videos

We just recently shot this up in Layton. The idea comes from the mind of Eric Nelson, the man behind Pirates of the Great Salt Lake. It was a blast to shoot. By the way, there is some bad words, so watch with caution.

Let me know what you think.

The Cruel Life of a Ghetto-Bot

2007-11-02T00:10:00.002-07:00

So, for Halloween I was a ghetto robot, more commonly know as robotius ghettosium, or Ghetto-Bot:
"How greatly awesome!", you might say. Or, "Matt, you must have caused a real 'to do' with your costume." While those comments are mostly true, here's the cruel reality:
"But Matt" you interject, "Surely being a Ghetto-Bot would only bring about adoration and power, so what part of that reality could possibly be cruel?"

I'll tell you - Those cursed ski boots.

As we all know, ski boots are an integral, nay, an absolutely necessary ingredient to becoming a GB, right?. But it's a double-edged sword that comes with a hefty price. Yes, wearing ski boots will make you walk like a robot. But read that last sentence again. I wrote the word "make" in italics to give it emphasis. Why? Because wearing ski boots will cause your walt to be robotic by squeezing all of the good feelings out of your feet, leaving only pain, robot pain.

Take a look at the picture again. What do you notice? I sure look at ease, don't I? Like there's not a care in the world? Call me the king of deception because I have deceived you. I was not at ease, I was in agony. The best way to describe it was it was as if my feet where being killed by metal boa-constrictors. It felt like I woke up and said, I need new shoes, but instead of going to a shoe store I went and got fitted for a tight pair of beartraps.

It's funny though, the relief I felt when I got home and released my feet from their bindings made It all worth it.

Jim

2007-10-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

A terrible thing happened last Wednesday night where I received the kind of news that I've always dreaded receiving.

We had just enjoyed our Halloween party at ComedySportz in Provo. Afterwards, a group of us went over to Jeff Blake's place to watch The Changeling. It was during this that I received the dreaded text...

It was from my mom. The text just said, "Call me ... emergency." My heart sank as I walked out into the chilled night air. My mind was racing with terror. "What is is Mom?", I asked. Her voice was panicked. "Uncle Jim shot himself."

Tears rushed my eyes. "What?! What happened?" Trying to comprehend what it all meant, I started walking over to Meghan's place, which was near. My mom told me that my dad and her were heading up to be with my aunt. They would call me with any news.

I startled Meghan as I woke her. I was crying as I told her the news. She just hugged me tightly. So many emotions flooded my mind. I wondered what it took for my uncle to do such a thing to himself and his family. I felt so intensely sad for my aunt and her three beautiful children. How can adults be expected to deal with such tragedies, let alone children? I called all of my brothers and made sure we all had someone to be with as we processed the events. They did.

The following days I would randomly just cry thinking about the whole thing. There were stories of what happened that wrenched my heart. How the daughter had left a note on her door that said "Please wake me up at 7am... Thanks Daddy" How the son, while serving his LDS mission , chose to stay out in the field. How the high school-aged son's friends came over and wandered around and cried with him.

The funeral is on Monday.

This whole thing has shaken up all my thoughts and perceptions. It's almost like starting from scratch - re-assessing what I believe and why I believe it. In truth, it's been and amazing and sobering thing.

What my uncle did hasn't changed what a good person he truly was inside. It has, however, made me realize how messed up anyone can get if they allow things in their lives to get our of control.

I'm MAgiC

2007-10-22T00:50:00.000-07:00

I'm back, and I have something that will be an instrumental part in my changing the world...

IF: The Blues

2007-10-04T01:36:00.000-07:00

An entry for Illustration Friday:

When I read "The Blues", I thought "The Blooz", and that sounded like a monster; but instead of drawing a sad and blue one, I drew a happy orange one. And what, I wondered, would make a monster so happy? Probably the same things that make any red-blooded human being happy - finding a quarter while wearing hippo slippers and slurping soda pop.
And just for good measure, I gave him ribbons for horns.

Also, this was really fun to do, because it was my FIRST time using the paintbrush features on PhotoShop. It opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me!

I'll never sleep again.

2007-09-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

Which is better?

Drama a la carte

2007-09-29T17:10:00.001-07:00

Some of you may doubt my ability to create a riveting scene. Here's an exclusive clip from the upcoming Singles Second Ward that will make you feel so sorry you ever doubted me.

IF: Juggle

2007-09-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

Here's my piece for Illustration Friday. This is what happens when bad boys juggle sharp utensils. Click on the picture and it will go big.

Oh, and please leave a comment about what you think about this one.

A Random Potpurri of Mish-Mash and What-Nots

2007-09-20T23:19:00.000-07:00

For this entry I just have a bunch of random thoughts and things that I want to blog about, so here they are:

My eyes are eye-booger making factories. If I don't get at least 8 hours of sleep one night, the whole next day the little tiny factory workers in my tear ducts say "too bad, we gots some eye-boogers to crank out - sleep or no sleep." All day long.

I just added "boogers" to my computer's dictionary so it doesn't have a red underline.

The most awkward thing to do is walk down a set of stairs that slants to the side as you descend.

Loud noises scare me. Let's say I'm sitting there, writing in my blog and all of a sudden a loud, unexpected noise goes off outside my apartment - I might burst into tears from the shock. Really.

My dad used to live in California as a child and him and his friends used to find these certain bees called "H" bees. They didn't sting, so they use to tie strings on them in a way which he described as "putting little diapers on them." Then they would fly them around like tiny bee-kites. I just remember how much I love that story.

When I go out to eat, I usually choose a more healthy choice such as water instead of soda, or a wrap instead of a burger, but when I'm with friends who are physically fit, I usually opt for the more fattening choice. I don't know if I'm trying to fill a role, balance things out, or what. It's weird.

My favorite weather is when it's sunny AND raining. It's so magical to me.

I'm comfortable with describing something as "magical."

Does that last period go outside or inside the parentheses?

For years, my family has had a cat we called "kitty". When I lived at home, I never helped feed or take care of kitty. (Just typing it puts a lump in my throat) Because of it, she never really sits by me and it feels like she avoids me, But just last Sunday, Meghan and I were up there celebrating my brothers birthday, and as I was sitting on the couch, kitty came up and sat on my lap. When I petted her on the head she pushed against my hand and really enjoyed it for quite a while. It was so great! It was almost as if she was saying, "It's ok that that you didn't take care of me back then, you were young and going through your own things - I forgive you." As silly as it sounds, it really choked me up.

This was so fun, I think I'll post a "random mish-mash" entry twice a month.

A t-shirt for my band

2007-09-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

Evolver

2007-09-10T23:55:00.000-07:00

Here's another piece for Pudding on the Rice. There's nothing like mixing images of nude men and rice pudding. YUM:q

Angelina Bush (G Rated)

2007-09-07T23:27:00.000-07:00

Some friends of mine and I are going to sell ourselves as a caricature drawing group for events. To establish some samples, we each chose three well-known personalities. Here are two of mine.

Throat Bubble

2007-09-06T02:09:00.000-07:00

My friend Jake Suazo really tried to empty a bubble out of his throat in this exact manner. No exaggeration.

Pudding my art out there

2007-08-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

I was commissioned by Pudding on the Rice to do these illustrations.

A Musical Project

2007-08-09T19:29:00.001-07:00

Here is band i'm in with Jake Suazo, and Erik Denton. It's called The One Everyone Likes. Look at the funny dog. Dogs don't dance and that's funny!

Some Robot Art

2007-06-28T00:44:00.000-07:00

I made this to submit to an online Photoshop contest. The rules were that I had to incoporate the cloud picture that I put in the background.

Here it is:
It wasn't my intention, but it made me think of a great film - The Iron Giant.
The robot I used was a big sculpture. I found all the pictures on the net. I took me 2 hours.

Oh, and I always love feedback.

Revenge is Unsweet

2007-06-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

In order to aid my songwriting processes, I went to the nearby supercenter to purchase a digital recorder. After picking the one that could record 150 hours of audio, I made my way through the hormonioius doldrums of hilarious* college-age flirters on a late night Wal-Mart run. As I neared the checkout, I passed a miny scuffle. This little 2 and a half foot tall boy hit his 3 foot sister. The blonde girl with welling eyes said "Dad, Cody hit me!" With little hesitation the man said "Well hit him back!" The girl paused for a moment as if to ask "really?" Daddy repeated his order. The boy quickly tried to flee the area, but as he attempted to scurry behind his dad's legs, daddy's huge man hand grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. and slowly pushed him to the ground. This made time for the little girl approach him, lift her hand high in the air, and force it down on her younger brother's back. SLAP! The sound was louder than I anticipated. I could not beleive what I had just seen. This guy just helped his daughter "get even". The boy sobbed on the floor.

Suddenly I lost the desire to buy my item. I put it down and wandered towards the exit. I drove my scooter home.

I hope those kids don't realize later in their lives what a negative thing their daddy had taught them and "get even" with him.

*Not hilarious

Mainly for Humans

2007-05-01T21:50:00.000-07:00

Last month I brought home a brand new fresh-out-the-box minty green scooter. It is a vision to behold! This is my sole means of transportation (through the summer at least) and since it's purchase I've been joyfully zipping around Utah Valley. Besides being a daily amusement park ride, it's also very practical. I know, I know - How? The thing is this - I work about fifteen blocks away from where I live. Plus it's springtime, plus it's ultra fuel efficient.

A story:

This last Saturday I returned Children of Men to the McDonald's Redbox near my apartment and as I was driving away, I looked in the window of the restaurant to see about 8 college-aged Asian girls staring at me with smiles on their faces. I waved, they waved back. At first I thought "Wow, they are mesmerized by my charm" Then I thought better - "I'm a 300 lb man with hair like Shirley Temple wearing a tan corduroy jacket and a Jem-and-The-Holograms'-pink scarf who is maneuvering, with great agility I might add, through the maze of cars in the parking lot. They're probably looking at that."

It made me wonder, is that who I am? Am I this guy who just rides around smiling and waving to people he passes? In the bigger sense, am I nothing more than a jester to the majority of people who know me? Maybe. Probably. I mean, people who are best known for a certain attribute are best known as the person with that certain attribute. Who is Bill Gates? A smart rich guy. Who is Corky? A great actor who happens to also have down syndrome. Who is Bruce Boxleitner? I don't know... but I think he played Tron in Tron.

Anyway, though being a "funny guy" (there's got to be a better term) may be a part of what I am, that's not who I am. A few know who I truly am. As most, I'm sure, I don't feel comfortable sharing my "true" self with just anyone, though when I do interact with others I do (usually) give them a "best" version of me.

I've heard that what you do defines "who" you are. (Boy, I sure use a lot of quotation marks)(and parenthesis). I believe, that some things are just a part of you, regardless of intent. For example, I'm devastatingly handsome. (wasn't that funny how instead of a real example I gave a self indulgent one? By the way it's not a given because I've worked hard to look like this)

But really, we are human beings regardless of what we do. (Any other type beings reading this blog, just insert your species when I say "human") an ant is an ant. A bird is a bird. A horse is a horse. (Of course of course you saw it coming - who didn't?)

Since I'm on a "waxing-philosophical" roll, I'll pose another question - have those people, who are, say, killers or gymnasts, always been those types of people? Or do they have to take some one's life or do whatever gymnasts do before they gain the title? Am I an artist only as far as I produce art? Is wind wind only when it blows? I also wonder how a legacy plays into what a person is. Will Hitler, for instance, always be a killer? Will air that no longer blows always be considered wind? I guess perception comes into play here - but who is the perceiver whose perception matters? I myself would not consider air wind, but I think of Hitler as a mass murderer- at least he was. My intention is not to defend the atrocities of that evil man, but can man ever change? A bird who wears pants and a fake mustache is not a human [Martian] but is a bird doing human-like things. (Name one human who doesn't wear pants and a false 'stache - I didn't think so)

My head hurts, so I'll retire for the eve.

One final one: When I'm sleeping will I be a sleeper or just a person who sleeps? (Take that one to the mint and cash it.)

My Convergent Boundry

2007-04-26T01:37:00.000-07:00

As of late, i've felt an increasing restlesness. The desire to do something significant is pressing me futher towards a place i've never been.
I just took a basic geology class at UVSC and it has completely changed my point of view about the seeming insignificance of mankind. We (man) are just a speck on the massive continuum that is the age of Earth. I don't intend to sound falsely philisophical, but the truth is that with the short amount of time that we as individuals have on this complex rock there is no reason not to attempt to make an impression.
What type of impression is the greatest to make? What is true greatness? Is it the great thinkers who have contributed to society and to the progression of mankind? Is it the rearing of a family? Is it a combination of both?
This has been on my mind. How will I make a meaningful contribution to history? My thoughts on this question almost always land on making people happy. This is my favorite thing to do - to see the faces of people who enjoy what i'm giving them.

Well, great - now i'm tired.

I have to go to sleep, but this isn't over yet. I will dredge up the contents of my psyche and spill them all over this blog; so help me.

Jerryaki Ticken

2007-04-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hardcore Honesty

2007-03-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

-Emancipated slaves, addressed Gettysburg, rocked hard.

.::ReVeL::.

2007-03-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

Benny, This was an idea I had.

Project Uaxactun

2007-03-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine is involved in a humanitarian project in Guatemala. really cool.

IF: Wired

2007-03-12T23:14:00.000-07:00

[Robot voice] Go to sleep, go to sleep.

Rubik's Rex

2007-03-06T19:13:00.001-08:00

Survival of the fittest.

His Number's Almost Up

2007-02-16T02:26:00.000-08:00

"You're never too old to be what you might have been."
-George Eliot

The Exclaimer!

2007-02-16T00:12:00.000-08:00

Can you believe there is not a character in all of comic-bookdom named The Exclaimer!?! Neither could I. I thought it would be so funny if everything he ever said was a yell. Don't you agree! (no other punctuation would ever be used)

Blast

2007-02-15T23:11:00.000-08:00

This is Mort. He just remembered that he left a child in the oven.

Full of Wonder

2007-02-12T23:45:00.000-08:00

A version of Wonder Woman I drew. You likee?

IF: Crash

2007-02-12T17:39:00.000-08:00

I just thought of an image of The Man of Steel getting belted by some unknown person or thing.

Panda-monium

2007-02-03T13:49:00.000-08:00

Matt, tell me you can't see this!

What do you think?.
Also, please send me the color pallete.
Love,
Matt

UCHL Logo

2007-01-21T23:39:00.000-08:00

IF: Invention

2006-11-27T23:01:00.000-08:00

Invention

This is my first Submission to Illustration Friday. The inspiration word is "invention" I used Illustrator to make this pink hippo whose face clearly shows that he is cooking up some diabolical inventions.

Comments are welcome