Father and Son Chats

I finally received my Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera (Target had them in stock, and on sale! Go Target!)  I really am enjoying it, and I am even “digging” the Raspberry color. Matt and I had a chat in the car while waiting for his Mom to join us for lunch.  We were talking about his iPhone which has  lived a good, but HARD life. And we chatted about it… on the zi8.

The season is over, and the girls and the boys teams both placed 3rd in the state-wide tournaments.  While the boys would have liked to have had a repeat of the Championship from last year, they know they played hard, and had a great season.

As usual, I put the slideshow together for them.  I have had a few requests to make the slideshow available for others to watch, so here it is.

 

 Flash Video: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (326)

Wilson HS boys Water Polo team demonstrated this weekend that they had the power and determination to go all the way, winning the Pennsylvania HS State Championship Tournament in water polo.

You can go watch the final Match recorded as we streamed it, live, via uStream.  If you want to watch that match (or many of the others from the Tournament) go to http://uStream.tv/cvpolo

I realized, as I was going through the site here, that I had failed to actually post last year’s CVHS commercial that we put together when CV Boys won that same title, defeating none other than Wilson HS for the honor of being the 2008 Champions.  That was the same year that we put together the “Wilson… is Going Down!” video before the dual match at CV.

So,

 

 CV Boys win 2008 PA Water Polo Title: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (191)

Today is the first day of the two day PA State Tournament, and Cumberland Valley is defending their title.

To help motivate the team I did this week’s water polo commercial.  I had asked Matt if he wanted to do it, but he said he wanted to be surprised with it–so this one is mine.

 

 Flash Video: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (143)

 

 Podcast Video: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (143)

This commercial was Matthew’s first attempt at a real video commercial for Water Polo, blending music, and action, and so forth.  This was “all his” including music selection, and editing the music down to the appropriate length, and so forth.  Enjoy

If you like this work, or any of the other graphics work you see on this page, email Matt and let him know.  You can reach him at his “new” graphics company email

matt@spreadhdgfx.com

(nb:  we have two versions here.  The first is an h.264 mpeg codec version, and the other is a flash video.  I would really appreciate feedback from you on which ones played for you (or both, or neither…)

 

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 Flash Video: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (82)

This evening is the biggest “head to head” match of the season for Cumberland Valley Water Polo.  Wilson HS Bulldogs come into CV’s House seeking revenge for their defeat in the State Championship last year.

This “commercial” sets the tone for that match-up. (Oh, and it’s Senior Recognition Day too.)

I have uploaded three versions.  The first is a Flash (.flv) version.  The second is an MPEG2 file (mpg) and the last  is a Quicktime file (.mov)

 

 Flash Video: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (146)

 

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 Online Video: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (148)

Matthew has finished a few new computer desktop wallpaper graphics.  So far, still sticking with the Football theme but he is working under contract for some “non-football” graphics.  This round contains Royster, Tebo, and Wisniewski. (Two are Penn State players…)

Check out his latest on the Matthew’s Wallpapers page (Tab is above, or click on the link)

If you like what you see, and would like to commission a work for yourself, feel free to contact him!

Matthew and Dad are driving again, and this time talk about their favorite music apps for the iPhone.

Matthew really enjoys Pandora Radio, and the serendipitous event it brings of finding new music.  Dad loves the way Shazam helps him “Name That Tune” and even purchase it. And Matthew enjoys finding radio stations from around the country using AOL Radio.

Key to our choices?  They are all FREE.*

Have a listen.  Another “From the Kitchen Table” production

*Free on the iPhone.  If you get these apps through other cellphone models you may have to pay a monthly fee.

 

 Music Monday Apps [5:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (300)

Matthew and Dad were driving up, and Dad decided to test out that new iPhone app, the AudioBoo application.

Matthew chooses the Facebook app as one everyone high school and college student should have, but then he pulls another out of his hat–the Weather Channel app!  It’s not only useful to plan your day, but also… well, listen to how he uses it in school!

Dad chose the AccuFuel app.  It is quite useful to track fuel consumption rates  by car.  Record how many gallons of gas you purchase, and how many miles you have driven and let it do the rest.

 

 Our iPhone Apps [2:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (264)

Let’s get the bottom line “up front”–Matt wants to create custom wall-papers for you to help get to camp, or could you just donate two dollars?

Matthew has enjoyed swimming and water polo this season.  If you have viewed any of the water polo videos here, you can see how much fun they have had on their way to winning the State HS Championship.

The team is planning a trip as a team to Pepperdine University this summer to attend what is perhaps the premiere water polo training camp. They hope to continue their growth as Polo players and perhaps win not just a second State Championship for the Boys team, but to regain the title for the Girls team.

That said, we are asking for your help.  This camp is not cheap.  They estimate that it will cost $1200 to send a player to camp.  We are hoping you can help send Matt.

Matthew wants to work to earn his money to get to camp.  As you can see from this website, he is quite talented with the graphic arts, and would like to do “Custom Desktop Wall-Papers” for you.  For $50, he will use up to three (large) photos that you send him, and work with you to create your own special wallpaper.  Imagine having your own wallpaper on your computer, making whatever statement you wish!

You can view many of his wallpapers by clicking on the page-tab above, “Desktop Wallpapers by Matthew”

If you don’t want, or need, a “Custom Desktop Wall-Paper” you can still help.  Just donate $2, $5, $10, or really any amount, to help out.  If 600 people each donated just $2 each, he is on his way!

How do you do this?  Well, if you want a wallpaper created, email Matt at matt@fathersonchats.com and tell him what you want.  He will write you back within 24-48 hours (pending swim-meet events) and make the arrangements.  Once the wallpaper is completed to your satisfaction, then use the “donate” button you see off to the left to make your contribution.

If you just want to simply make a small donation, again, use that  “donation” tab off to the left side.    Just click on it, and fill out the amount you wish to donate, along with the other payment information.

Using PayPal makes it really that simple!

Thanks for all your support!

Steve and Matthew, The Father Son Chats.