thePROJECT

thePROJECT-Behind the Scenes from Rob Oakley on Vimeo.

This is the official and final version of the behind-the-scenes video for the Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston and The Project. Watch as Steve Hebert explains in great detail our nine month journey to completing more than just an Eagle Project, but a short documentary of the lives of humble individuals and their incredible stories and experiences. For the benefit of potential volunteers, contributors and even clients in search for answers, please pass this video to others on along with our project website.

http://stephen-hebert.blogspot.com/

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston video teaser from Steve Hebert on Vimeo.


"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

Stained Glass Without a Sun

I am Stained with colours 

I am Strained of Impurities 

I am etched of poetry 

I am drawn with delicacy 

I am here where you can see

I am drawn so you can understand

My story

My life 

My past, present, and future. . .

But today my stained colours are dim

My impurities back again

My poetry slacked 

And drawn without tact 

For who am I?

To think I could shine brighter then any of you...

I am here where you cannot see 

I am drawn but you cannot understand

My story

My life

My gifts, strengths, and dreams...

I am stained glass without a sun

To shine through me

To shine for me

To shine for you

So we can see...

The beautiful colours that are not made by me...

But for us

So we can see...

Our story

Our life

Our hopes and dreams...

Behold the curtains are drawn

And we hide so ever shamefully 

Take our stained glass, 

Take our colours,

Take...

Our story

Our life

Our past, present, and future...

Our hopes and dreams...

And share it with the world

For stained glass without a sun

Cannot shine on it's own.

Draw up the curtains

And let the sun in.

Glow bright, straight, and true

for our colours are beautiful indeed.

But I need a sun, as do we all

For stained glass without a sun is dim indeed...

Open up your curtains

Let the sun shine through

So our life, our story, our savior...

Can come into.

Our hearts

Our minds

Our souls

For evermore...

Amen.

Matthew 5:14-16

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

Logos Kinon

So I’ve been following around the blog-sphere and started to notice something that some blogs have that mine doesn’t.

A theme...

I thought I had a theme... In fact, it would appear that the theme of this blog is fairly obvious but I don’t think I’ve ever come out and admitted that [I] even knew what it was...

The name has always been “Renaissance Man.”

Why?

Well that is something I aspire to be. . .

It’s a life long pursuit, yes, but what pursuit in life isn’t?

I honestly had no clue what I wanted to be when I grew up because I couldn’t make up my mind... I was also scared that whatever I chose to become wouldn’t make me happy, I’d change my mind but it would be too late... I had to be certain! But I just couldn’t choose to do any one thing, because I knew that any one thing couldn’t make me happy.

I use to tell people, then, that I wanted to be a jack of all trades but master of none.

I soon realized that employers and businesses don’t like to hear this sort of thing: they rely upon individuals with very specific skills and character traits.

Well, there’s nothing really wrong with wanting to know how to do all sorts of different things or to desire many different abilities; however, it’s still important to find what you’re really good at and stick with it--also know as “finding your niche.”

“What am I good at?” was the next question...

Photography and graphic art are two things I’ve always loved and enjoyed...

I love taking pictures and I love manipulating them to make something out of this world!

I love talking about it, can’t stop thinking about it, and I love teaching others about it all the time.

It didn’t stop there, though, and that’s when life started to get really interesting.

Still images are amazing things and like they say, “A picture speaks a thousand words”

I then thought to myself, “I enjoy speaking words of encouragement especially through my writing and my photographs... But if a picture speaks a thousand words, then how many words are spoken in moving pictures or film?”

The standard film rate in American cinema is 24 frames per second.

And a feature length film is said to be an average of 90 to 120 minutes in length

1000 words times 24 fames times 60 seconds times 120 minutes equals 172,800,000 words!

Of course, I’m not just talking about the dialog, and yes, one cannot take in a single frame of film as they can a single photograph; however, the possibilities of communicating ideas and the amount of skill that goes into this extensively collaborative business is incredible!

So incredible... That I’m sure it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life...

You take film and you get both a collaborative effort extensively involved in both art and science.

Am I capable of being the best at every little aspect of film making? Of course not. But working in film still gives me the chance to use what gifts I do have and mix and match them with the gifts others have. I’m not so bright when it comes to music, but I can still use what little knowledge I have to work with someone who has dedicated his or her life to musical theory. I may not be that great of a craftsmen, but who knows? I may get to work with some of the greatest craftsmen this world has ever known. And to think, it can all happen on the set of a film.

I now like to think of the renaissance man and the filmmaker as synonymous--one and the same...

I now realize that, overall, this has been something I’ve been wanting to achieve since I was learning more about art in high school.

I was home schooled in fact which could be of no surprise considering that many other renaissance souls out there were home schooled also.  But now, at twenty years of age, I am encouraged to share that I am attending University seeking a degree in mass communications with emphasis in film production, cinematography, digital editing, and motion design.

As for my writing... I shouldn’t desire to limit my scope in the film industry only. So while I may not always speak of filmmaking or whatever I may be working on at the time, I should like to discuss things beyond that.

I try not to seem like an activist of sorts. I tend to remain neutral on most controversial issues. Instead, I would seek to share what little wisdom I have found through life and scriptures not to point out the wrong in life, but to expound on how we all can live better.

Whether I’m doing it here on my blog or hopefully someday in film, I shall strive to be of what encouragement I can  while seeking advancement in both art, science, and the word of God.

Of course, what little life I have left in this fascinating universe will be dedicated to He who as made me. All glory be to God and God alone. Amen.

So what is the theme of my blog?

Well,

If the Pen is Mightier then the sword...

If the word of God is sharper than any two edged sword...


If a Picture Speaks a Thousand Words...

If Film Is Thousands of Moving Pictures

Then the theme of my blog is this:

"Ho Logos Kinon"--The Moving Word

Finally, for anyone who is interested in art or science or both; for anyone in search of encouragement; for anyone interested in film production, photography, or graphic design; for anyone interested in sharing some deep thoughts in this sea of information, I hope you find yourself welcome here.

To any renaissance man (or women) out there,

God speed,

~Rob Oakley  (An aspiring Renaissance Man)



"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

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Review of Actors from the London Stage Performance of Romeo & Juliet

     

by 

Robert Oakley 

     Thirty-five years of performance delight while touring over 15 universities  all the way  from  Notre Dame to our very own HBU Huskies, this “truly unique” program guarantees to deliver a show sure to entice the imagination and give a surreal perspective of the Shakespearian era.

     Actors from the London Stage come to Houston Baptist University with Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet--a most famous romance between “star-crossed” lovers never meant to be.

     Granted the stage was small being the limited but infamous Mabee Theatre, one should expect this minute space to widen as the characters develop one scene to the next while transporting the audience into a tale set in Italy long ago.

     Actors of the London Stage rapture themselves not from Notre Dame nor London but the land of Shakespeare itself. A stage richly designed with high walls, narrow streets, lush meadows, and exquisite skies; the characters with elegant costumes and shimmering blades of combat; the drama, action, and romance--all were there but in the imaginations of a captive audience. For Shakespeare, all that is needed are actors, a stage, and a whiteness to the magic.

     English director Peter Brook used the term, “Empty Space” when referring to the theatre. This empty space for Thursday night’s performance was little Mabee theatre and was quickly filled with participants of many walks of life longing to connect through a classic presentation of a truly romantic but tragic tale.

     As the lights dimmed, the audience prepared themselves. Walking upon the stage five modern thespians appeared on the thrust not in beautifully designed wardrobes of Shakespeare's time but all in blue hoodies and black cargo-pants. And not upon a well dressed stage but merely a single row of chairs on either side. If this was disconcerting and uncomfortable for some, the actors presented a most creative illusion which would veil the critical eye as the players introduced themselves as not only one but many characters disguising between themselves with colored scarves of green, red, and white.

     For starters, Geoffrey Lumb and Jennifer Higham introduced themselves as Romeo and Juliet  followed with a bo. Proceeding after was Martin Parr who introduced himself not as Friar Lawrence as his tall masculine stature would suggest at first but as “Lady Capulet,” which assured the audience that tonight would indeed be a delightful evening and hold true to Shakespearian  tradition. Among the other players were Liz Crowther and Marshall Griffin--all experienced and talented performers. After these quick and humorous introductions, the play officially began.

     The audience was truly engaged as they laughed to not only crafty dialog but convincing body language as the troupe of players used every part of their being to convey their characters. Starting off with a friendly soccer game--a fascinating ploy to suggest how the initial argument  between  the families of Capulet and Montague began--a quarrel soon started and swords were drawn setting the mood, imbruing the imagination and making the mundane of props magnificent. It is this way all throughout the play: from the beginning of the first act to the tragic end of the second.

     The London Stage Actors delivered their performance in a most simplistic but complex way and yet they deserve so much credit, let not one forget the genius behind the writing but none other then William Shakespeare himself. Without him, the story, and the compelling characters, the play would be nothing. A standing ovation to the London Stage Actors as they presented a classic holding true to tradition yet adding a modern twist that made it enjoyable for all.


"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

Review of Actors from the London Stage Up Coming Performance of Romeo & Juliet

Mabee Theatre, March 11th, 2010

By

Robert Oakley

35 years of performance delight while touring over 15 universities  all the way  from  Notre Dame to our very own HBU Huskies, this “truly unique” program guarantees to deliver a show sure to entice the imagination and a surreal perspective of the Shakespearian era.

Actors from the London Stage come to Houston Baptist University with Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet--a most famous romance between lovers never meant to be.

For tonight’s review I will take several questions into consideration. Although I’ve not seen anything from the London Stage before nor have I seen Romeo and Juliet, I expect nothing more then a superb performance (It is Shakespeare after all). Granted the stage will be small being the limited but infamous Mabee Theatre, I expect the minute space to widen as the characters develop one scene to the next and transport the audience into a tale set in Italy long before any of us were born.

How well do the London players portray their interpretation of a classic?

•     Verbally
•     Physically
•     Emotionally

  
Setting and Mood: How well does the structure of the stage portray the Shakespearian Atmosphere?

•     Lighting
•     Set-props
•     Devices

  
Was he audience engaged  into the performance and in what ways?

•     Laughing, crying, etc. . .

•     Will the actors dare to break the fourth wall and ask the audience questions? 

Story and Character Development being of the most important question I shall consider.
As I experience visual story telling more, the more I realize what that experience is for--to escape and at the same time experience reality. Though different this reality may be, it's an experience through different shoes allowing an opportunity visually answer the question "What if?"

And with that, I will have to just wait and see how it goes... So tonight, seven o'clock sharp we'll know for sure as I fully intend to report on tonight's festivities.


"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

Lyrics to Green Grass Of Tunnel :

Down from my ceiling
Drips great noise
It drips on my head through a hole in the roof

Behind these two hills here
There's a pool

And when I'm swimming in
Through a tunnel
I shut my eyes

Inside the cabin I make sounds
In through the tubes I send this noise

Behind these two hills here
Fall asleep
And when I float in green grass of tunnel
It flows back

Down from my ceiling
Drips great noise

It drips on my head through a hole in the roof

Behind these two hills here
There's a pool
And when I'm swimming in
Through a tunnel....
I shut my eyes.

I shut my eyes 

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

KACH 3rd Annual Talent Show--Preview

Spring Break Has Arrived!

Other than the congestion I have I feel great! And I am looking very much forward to doing absolutely nothing this week. . .

Yeah. . . Right. . .

Some of those who know me should realize what a lie this is cause I cannot stand to be idle—unless I’m sick or am pinned down by a beast twice the weight of me and 10 times the strength—so I’m going to try and keep myself busy.

So what do I’ve got in mind you may ask. Bungee jumping? Skydiving? Motor racing?

No, I’ve got something much more exciting and, not to mention, manly in mind:

I’m going to build a vegetable garden. . .

So! For the next week, I will plan, design, and build with my very own hands and, hopefully, with the hands of my lovely siblings a beautifully designed and made garden of delicious vege and herbs. It is my hope that it won’t be so much of a bunch of digging and shoveling of dirt and putting plants in the ground but fulfilling a purpose—helping life grow and grow well.
Pictures and hopefully some video to come!

Stay tuned

~Renaissance-Man

The Phantom Chef!

The Importance of Being Earnest!

Play Review for:“The Mystery of Irma Vep”

Playwright Charles Lublam

Director Craig Miller

---What do Vampires, Mummies, Werewolves, and Psychotic Maids all have in common? Halloween of course, and what better way to experience Halloween night than enjoying the classic horror stories passed down from generation to generation and what better way to do it than on the theatrical stage? The one and only Texas Repertory Theatre brings to the stage playwright Charles Lublam's exciting, intriguing, and hilarious play "The Mystery of Irma Vep" which grants a horrific night to a scale much more impacting and interactive than any other.

---The setting illuminates and becomes alive transporting the theatre and those within into the home of Lord Edgar Hillcrest or Mandacrest as the other characters tend to call it. It is a vintage home with a set of French doors at the back, a small table and chair, and a fireplace with a mantle over which is a portrait of a woman who is later identified as Lady Irma herself. Near the fire place is a set of chairs and other furniture is about the house including a nice sofa center stage. All about the home and the walls are indications of travel: relics and trinkets of African, Asian, and Egyptian origin. There is also a bookcase full of binders, books, and other small objects of foreign lands stage left. The attention to detail—the stagecraft, the lights, and the sounds—is very delicate and well approached making it that much more believable. The most worthy of note, as far as the lights are concerned, is perhaps the realistic moon which is very simply a light cast in shadow just above the set. Although the theatre itself is small, the illusion of infinite space is achieved as the carefully set lights and the set itself becomes a window into another world.

---Edger, a fragile man yet hunter and explorer of sorts, has lost his love, the woman his entire world seems to revolve, Lady Irma. He now lives with his maid Jane Twisden, servant Nicodemus Underwood, and new mistress, Lady Enid, who all try so hard to rid Edgar of his ghastly past. Although Jane seems all too interested in her cleaning, she strangely walks about making comments of evil and the devils work constantly blaming any type of horrific event on either it or some curse while Nicodemus panders about perversely trying to woo Jane. And Enid, a retired actress still tied to her flaring youth, tries desperately to rid the late Hillcrest from poor Edgar's memories. Although there are mainly these four characters, there are others still including an undead Egyptian, a wolf-man, and even a vampire all revealed as the course of the play continues.

---The conflict, the drama, the initial incident becomes apparent as the truth of Edgar's past reveals little by little a deep and dark secret of something concerning the supernatural. On the case of this great mystery is Lady Enid herself along with her curiosity of Mandacrest's real nature. However, her curiosity may be the end of her entirely. Will she survive the ever so increasing dangerous attempts on her life by terrible creatures that emerge in the night? Will Irma's true identity and even true whereabouts be revealed? Will Edger finally be redeemed of his past?

---As for the Actors performance, it is quite amazing to realize that the entire action of the play is created not by a full cast of six for each character but each character is, in fact, created on stage by only two actors, male actors as a matter of fact: Timothy Evers and Rob De Los Reyes. They are quite impressive and very entertaining gentlemen and quite obviously very energetic; however, one wouldn't blame them for being extremely exhausted after the show. It is also impressive to note that the both of them played rather convincing women as Evers took on the role of Jane as well as Nicodemus while De Los Reyes played Lady Enid and Edgar. Both, of course later would individually play other roles such as the monsters for example. It simply wouldn't be right to comment on the individual actors performance for this writer believes they both very equally shared the glamor of the stage with shear passion and quite simply fun. That is something to note, however, that as long as one can tell that even the actor is enjoying him or herself, one should be satisfied with such a fact to realize that the actors are performing with their heats and not just for the income.

---To conclude, this is a wonderful, hilarious, and must see play perfect for Halloween night and perfect for all ages. Although it is no longer playing at the Texas Repertory Theatre, they may plan on premiering it once again for October 2009. One should definitely make plans on seeing it then for it is simply too enjoyable to miss. Of course, to make the wait even shorter and to get an inside look of what the Texas Rep is like, anyone could walk in to see their many other wonderful shows throughout the year. This Christmas the Texas Rep is playing "A Christmas Story" which this writer most certainly intends on going to see and, of course, enjoy. The Mystery of Irma Vep is an overall experience to "die for."

Stripping the Willow

Rob's Super Remix Paradise

Hello blog Fans!

Just like to thank you all for your support! I mean, you're part of the reason I'm here; without you, this would be simply life stuck in a box...

Anyway, I promised to give out one of my prised resources of music, Video Game Remixes, and other things...

First of all (and if you like game music) Try Mp3realm and search for any of your favorite game music...

Not a video game fanatic like me? Well try these and see if you like them

Zelda (or the legend of Zelda)

Mega Man X


[Final Fantasy]

(My most favorite video game and music for that matter)

(Keep in mind, there are like over 10 (ten) Final Fantasy adventures)

The best music would have to be Episodes II, III, VIII , and X

As mentioned in a post, Breath of Fire has some really good selections...

But most of it you'll just have to browse over and pick and choose (I mean, some of it I can't bare to listen to) but on occasion you're bound to find something you like...

Earth Bound is a good game to search as well.

And as one more fact, many of these games are from the old SNES (Super Nentindo) and playstation systems.

Finally, some links to some sites FULL of game music

Supertuxremix

BLiNd

and there is one more but let me find it...

I can't remember the site...

Well that's it for now!

Keep voting and never hesitate to give me your input!

Peace be with you!

~The Renaissance Man