Kung Fu in Orlando

Kevin and video classmates entered this short film for Henderson High School during a film contest a few months ago in Orlando Florida. The video, although singled out for it's unique and clever film making was disqualified for "violence". Yes that's Evan Reinhardt & Ben Askinas in the starring roles. Kevin is responsible for the filming, camera work and editing. This film was scripted, filmed & edited in under 4 hours!




This film was about 44 seconds too long and did not "advertise" the hosting hotel enough for the "judges". If you ask me dedicated readers the "judges" should have over looked this and instead considered the unique quality of the expert film making and awesome take on all those cool Kung Fu movies we all grew up on.

Kevin's Grad Party

Below is a short video of a pre-party walk through I conducted just prior to guests appearing to celebrate with us. To view a short slideshow click here. Be warned that I failed to get pictures later in the night when most of their friends appeared and hung out until the wee hours of the night, but it's probably better off that way. I would like to thank everyone who stopped by to congratulate Kevin and wish me good luck.

Kevin Graduates High School

Dedicated readers, last night as first reported on facebook Kevin graduated from High School. It was a long time coming and his college days are on the horizon. I was a little nervous but very proud of Kevin as he stood with his class and received his diploma. With Bill Jr finishing up college and Kevin heading there it is no more high school for me as a parent. Where does the time go?

Kevin receives his high school diploma!

Kevin Graduates!

I have a mixed bag of emotiona attacking me dedicated readers.

Kevin Shocks Me!

This evening as Kevin and I sat watching TV he looked at me and said, “Do you realize that this is my last school night?” “What?” I respond and Kevin reports, “Yep this is my last school night". After tonight I’m done with high school.” Wow I think to myself. Saddened I find myself doing a chore for the wife and finding a cold brew. Am I really this old? Where has all the time gone? Kevin Mann is done high school and heading off to college. Just like Kevin my life is heading off into directions unknown.  [pictured left] Kevin many years ago sleeping with his “Misty”.

Bound By Blood & Love

Ok I admit it dedicated readers. As Kevin approaches high school graduation and prepares to head off to college and Bill Jr gets closer to completing college I am often left wondering "where the heck did all that time go". I truly LOVED my days as a young parent raising my two boys. Things often look anti-climatic these days. However I realize that it is what is it and I look toward the future with pride in both my boys and hope for the future.

Today while I was working in my stream the song, "Go On" by Jack Johnson came on my I-pod and images of my boys started passing through my mind. I took a few minutes to try and recreate the moment for all of you, my dedicated readers. I hope you enjoy this and if you have young ones, hug them extra hard and try to remember the moment because it will not come again.

Wegman's Policy Leads Me To The Hop Devil

Dedicated readers a few weeks ago Kevin came to me with big news. Kevin informed me that while he was shopping at Wegmans he noticed that they were now "selling beer and that the choices were endless". I was rather excited by this because I enjoy a pint from time to time and I have what my wife calls "expensive taste" for the brews. I checked Wegmans out and just like Kevin said the choices were endless. There are a couple of things to be aware of dedicated readers when it comes to picking up some brew at Wegmans.

1. You can not purchase more then a 12 pack at any time. If you want to buy more they ask you to make one purchase, go to your car and then come back for more. Hey but be patient. As Pennsylvania residents this is a huge step for us brew lovers so be patient.

2. Don't get excited like me when they card you. For a minute on my first purchase I was having wonderful flashbacks of my youth but that is a story for another day. Wegmans cards everybody, no matter how old you may appear.

Anyway onto the important stuff. Because you can buy small portions you can actually try out different brews without investing in an entire case. I tried several styles over the past few weeks and I must say I have finally found a competitor to my beloved Samuel Adams. I was shocked at how much I enjoyed the Victory Brewing Company's "Hop Devil Ale". This is one mean brew dedicated readers. With a unique mix of whole flower American hops backed up by rich, German malts this is one brew that will give Samuel Adams a run for the money in the Mann Family fridge.

Unfortunately for Mrs. Mann this new brew is actually slightly more expensive then Samuel Adams.

If you like your brew dedicated reader, check out Wegmans and don't be scared of the "Hop Devil".

Kevin & Me (sneak peak)

Ok I know I am going a little crazy here. However Kevin getting ready to go off to college is really doing strange things to me. As a coping mechanism I have been working on a important and provoking film presentation which I will premier at Kevin's graduation party. Anyway here is a short version including exclusive clips of Kevin & I through the years. This is a sneak peek of the masterpiece I am working on. To give you, my dedicated readers some idea of how BIG the final film is going to be, this short is about 7 minutes long while the graduation film is just under 60 minutes.




Technical Note: You will not find this video on my YouTube channel. This sneak peak is available only here, for you, my dedicated readers. Also some of the pictures need to be re-edited but hey I wanted to share it with all of you even in this rough cut.

What Was & What Is To Come

With Kevin’s prom this weekend and his high school graduation only weeks away and college looming my thoughts recently have been filled with the years past and what is yet to come. I’m not really ready to be a “empty nester” but I don’t see what I can do about it. Here is a short video I made up using some pictures of Kevin. I am working on a master film project for Kevin’s graduation party. In the meantime here is a short version of what I am working on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I used the music of Luka Bloom who is one of my favorites.

Kevin's Senior Prom

Tonight was Kevin's senior prom and of course he attended with his beautiful girlfriend, Ashley. As I took pictures of these two amazing people I was so proud and I was left wondering "was I ever as cool and handsome as Kevin"? The answer is of course "no". However as a parent and as one who loves his boys so much I would never want it any other way. I was actually very excited as I took pictures and met many of Kevin's classmates before their prom.

Kevin, Ashley and just some of their friends getting ready to head off to their senior prom.

Look how happy I am dedicated readers. Look how proud I am. Thats me, Kevin, Ashley, Kathy and Ashley's mom before the prom.

Special Pre-Prom 2009 Slideshow

You can click on the slideshow itself to make it larger. Enjoy dedicated readers. How great would it to be to be this young & beautiful again, if only for a single day!

Video Highlights Made Easy

Dedicated readers there are now select William Mann Journal videos available on the right side of this fine journal. New videos will always be posted here but for now I have a recently filmed music video as well as some selected Kevin Mann highlights from this past football season.

You can always visit the William Mann Journal YouTube Channel as well.

I hope to film a new episode very soon.