Travis Simpkins' Drawing Board

The Quiet Desperation Sitcom Illustration Series

2012-03-07T00:06:00.001-05:00

From late November, 2011 to late January, 2012, I created a series of illustrations for the web sitcom (formerly of MyTV), Quiet Desperation. As the show is constantly evolving and including new cast members, I'm sure more additions will be made to this series. But for now, here are the completed works...

Quiet Desperation #3, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Quiet Desperation #4, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Quiet Desperation #5, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Quiet Desperation #6, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Quiet Desperation #7, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Quiet Desperation #8, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Michael J. Epstein and Sophia Cacciola: Art and Music (Songs that Inspired the Illustrations)

2012-03-06T00:42:00.008-05:00

Michael J. Epstein and Sophia Cacciola, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library- "Civil Engineering"

DNFMOMD- "Episode One: Arrival"

Holy Ghost

The Motion Sick- "30 Lives"

Grace Kelly

Don't Stop Believing (cover)

Michael J. Epstein, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Sophia Cacciola, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

visit: http://michaeljepstein.com/

A Snowy, Musical and Artistic Evening with David Massengill

2012-03-05T00:42:00.014-05:00

David Massengill, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

On Thursday, March 1st, Janet and I ventured out in the snow and ice to see Folk musician, songwriter, artist and storyteller, David Massengill perform. After the show we three hung out and discussed many topics of note... my art, David's art and music, and little stories about aliens, spaceships and Jesus in an Asylum... and he gave me some helpful tips on playing the mountain dulcimer.

David Massengill and Travis Simpkins

for info on David Massengill, dates, etc. visit :http://www.davidmassengill.com/

David Massengill- Riders on an Orphan Train

David's classic 1992 album, Coming Up For Air with his own cover art

David Massengill- My Name Joe

Joan Baez covering David's original song, Fairfax County

David Massengill, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Man in the Attic (1953): A Classic "Jack the Ripper" Film

2012-03-04T00:32:00.002-05:00

There has never really been a Hollywood film about Jack the Ripper that has just stuck with the facts of the case, stayed within the perimeter of what is known. Such is the nature of movies, I suppose. This film, Man in the Attic (1953), is certainly flawed in that respect, but if taken on it's own merit, is quite enjoyable... even by today's standards.

Jack Palance plays a shady pathologist seeking lodgings in the home of a couple who have decided to rent out some of their space due to hard economic times.

At first his weird habits are viewed as nothing more than being mildly quirky and eccentric, and he is quite welcome.

He has the habit of staying out until the wee hours of the morning, but he attests that it is essential to his work, and early suspicions are dismissed. However, a string of gruesome murders has been terrifying the White chapel district, with the murderer, Jack the Ripper, preying on low-life women, whores and malcontents.

The lady of the house has her lovely young niece, who is an actress in a sexy dance stage-revue, stay with them. Palance's lodger is smitten with her and while courting her, confides in her regarding his love/hate relationship with his mother, who used men, drove his father to suicide, and ended up a prostitute.

More murders take place, and the lady of the house begins to suspect Palance of being the Ripper after he burns his surgical bag and some clothing covered in blood. Scotland Yard is closing in, thanks in part to the detective who has eyes for the pretty actress as well. The walls seem to be closing in on Palance...

Will his true identity be discovered, or, as many in the film think, will the Ripper never be caught?

Man in the Attic- movie trailer

Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet (1965): Classic B Movies

2012-03-03T00:42:00.000-05:00

The set-up of Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet (1965) begins simple enough... The year is 2020. The moon has been colonized and now, for the first time, humans are prepared to explore Venus, because the planet is "so much like our own."

A space shuttle carrying two human astronauts and a robot named "John" lands on the surface of Venus and almost immediately loses radio contact.

Fearing the worst, a recovery team comprised of three more astronauts is launched and sets out to find them. Upon landing, they find themselves in a hostile environment. There is water and the planet can sustain life, but the existing lifeforms are those of prehistoric creatures and plants that attack the men right off the bat.

No humanoid life seems present, save for the distant ringing of a female voice and the far off glow of lights, the source of which is not immediately apparent. The men set out in their lunar car to find their friends, but come under attack by a pterodactyl over a body of water, and are forced to submerge their car.

Under water, they discover remnants of a past civilization of intelligent life. The rescue mission continues and that vague human female voice persists, forcing themselves to ask the question- "Are there still other people on this planet?"

Brief clip of Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet

It is obvious in watching this film that it was originally intended for an over seas market, and some American voices were poorly overdubbed later for marketing here. The special effects are hokey, but I like that kind of thing.

Currently Accepting Portrait Commissions...

2012-03-02T00:36:00.003-05:00

If you are interested in commissioning me to do a portrait, send me a message with a general idea of what you'd like to have done (with a reference photo attached*) at email: travisliam@aol.com

I will be able to estimate a price based on the info and photo provided

(simple, single subjects are very affordable, starting as low as $50, prices increase relative to quantity and complexity).

* it is integral that the photos be clear, with decent lighting (no bright flash)

Sarah Lee Guthrie, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Tony Norris, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Quiet Desperation #8, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Shawn Fogel, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Susan, Louis and Mario, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Dan Burke, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

The Outlaw (1943): Risque Classic Cinema

2012-03-01T00:42:00.003-05:00

Shot in 1941, The Outlaw wasn't allowed to be shown in theaters until 1943. Even then, it was pulled shortly after it's release, banned, and was not given a decent chance with audiences until after WWII in 1946. What was the problem? The hangup? The reason to be bashful?... quite simply... Breasts! Howard Hughes' fascination with Jane Russell's boobs, and his dedication to capture them perfectly on film, drove the censors crazy. It may seem trivial now, but in the early 1940s, such things were very taboo. The Outlaw is often cited as an example in discussions on the dangers of censorship, and, if for no other reason than that, it has earned a well deserved place in film history.

Doc Holliday has come to Lincoln, NM is search of his stolen horse. It is soon learned that the thief is none other than Billy the Kid. In a showing of mutual respect, the two become friends (but argue over the ownership of the horse throughout the film). When Billy is shot and wounded by Pat Garrett, Doc takes Billy to his ranch to recuperate. Doc's beautiful girlfriend, Rio, played by Jane Russell, provides medical care for the wounded Billy despite her hatred for him.

While Doc is away, the nurse/patient relationship quickly becomes a love affair.

Upon hearing of the betrayal, Doc is not pleased. The rest of the film carries the characters through a psychological maelstrom as they try to elude Pat Garrett and try to come to terms of trust amongst each other...

The Outlaw- movie trailer

New Portrait Illustration: Tom Rush (Folk Musician)

2012-02-29T00:08:00.001-05:00

Tom Rush, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

I first saw 1960s Folk icon Tom Rush perform about twelve years ago. It wasn't until a few years ago, however, that I actually met him on several occasions and we conversed. Aside from being an amazing musician and songwriter, he's also a hell of a nice guy, with a comedic wit, and a lot of patience.

Tom Rush- Child's Song

Tom Rush- No Regrets

Tom Rush- Remember Song

For more info, visit his website: http://tomrush.com/

Tom Rush, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Atom Age Vampire (1960): Classic B Movies

2012-02-28T00:16:00.000-05:00

Despite the misleading title and bad overdubbing, Atom Age Vampire (1960) still has some enjoyable qualities... mainly the honest campy aspects of the production, and the beautiful visage of Susanne Loret, the leading lady. Originally an Italian film, released in 1960, most viewers only know this overdubbed American version, released in 1963.

Susanne Loret plays an exotic dancer. Her boyfriend disapproves of her "so called profession" and breaks up with her. Distraught, she loses control and crashes her car on the way home from the club. She survives, but her once beautiful face is now riddled with incurable scars.

She is on the verge of suicide, when she is told of a doctor who has a new secret experimental procedure to reverse scarring.

She meets the doctor and consents to the treatment, but no one knows she is there as she was instructed not to inform anyone.

She is seemingly cured and beautiful again at first. But it becomes immediately apparent that she will require repeated treatments or else her face will return to it's hideous past appearance.

Meanwhile the doctor's assistant is falling in love with him.

And the doctor is falling in love with his patient.

After a while, the treatment serum is depleted and the doctor must obtain hormones from a living female host in order to keep the object of his infatuation lovely. In a strange twist, the doctor turns into a hideous beast at night. He scours around killing unsuspecting female victims in order to extract the elements he needs...

exotic dancers and hookers on the waterfront are his main targets...

and when it becomes apparent his love is unrequited, he turns on her...

Can this beast be stopped? Will the now lovely, restored maiden return to her previously scarred countenance?

Atom Age Vampire- movie trailer

Joe Buck: Profiles from the Illustrations

2012-02-27T00:25:00.000-05:00

Joe Buck, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Joe Buck (his real name is Jim Finkley) is a jack of all trades in the music industry. I first met him at a show in 2009, and found him to be a fairly easy going, cool guy, and very interesting to talk to.
He started out playing in various bands in the 1990's and moved on to become the bass player in the band of Hank Williams III. He worked on the production and engineering of Hank 3's album "Straight to Hell." Also with Hank, Joe Buck is a member of the metal band, Assjack. As a songwriter and solo act, he goes by the moniker, Joe Buck Yourself and travels all over the U.S. and abroad pounding out his own unique brand of punk/metal music. Every performance he gives is intense, well crafted, driving, pure and true...

Joe Buck- Demon in My Head

Joe Buck Yourself- Evil Motherf*%*er from Tennessee

Joe Buck Yourself- My Country Tis of Thee

Hank 3- Straight to Hell

Hank 3- Pills I Took

Assjack- Tennessee Driver

read more on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joe-Buck-Yourself-/323946857004

listen to music here: http://www.myspace.com/joebuckyourselfmotherfucker

Hank Williams III and Joe Buck, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

The Woman in Green (1945): Classic Sherlock Holmes

2012-02-26T00:25:00.000-05:00

As the film is in black and white, we have to assume that the woman's attire is in fact green. What is more immediately apparent is that The Woman in Green (1945) is another fine installment in the classic Sherlock Holmes series.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are called upon to assist Scotland Yard in investigating a slew of gory murders in London, all the victims female, all of them having their right forefinger cut off post-mortem.

Curiosity arises when Holmes spots a nobleman out on the town with a beatiful young lady.

The next day, that same gentleman is implicated in the murders, but is then murdered himself.

Digging further, Holmes discovers that these murders are being committed for the sole purpose of blackmailing innocent rich men, who have fallen under the hypnotic spell of this beautiful woman and her boss.

To solve the crime, Sherlock Holmes puts himself in harms way and allows himself to be hypnotized

and perhaps... become the next victim.

Will help arrive before it is too late?

The Woman in Green- movie trailer

Please Murder Me (1956): Classic Film Noir

2012-02-25T00:12:00.002-05:00

Endowed not only with a memorable title, Please Murder Me (1956) also delivers a semi-unique storyline that doesn't leave much need for guessing, but is entertaining throughout.

Raymond Burr plays a lawyer with some difficult news to break to his old War buddy.

He has fallen in love with his friend's wife (played by Angela Lansbury), and needs to request that they divorce, so he might marry her instead.

The friend returns home and is shot and killed by his wife, though she claims it is self defense. Burr as both lawyer and dutiful boyfriend, defends her in the trial.

She is acquitted of all charges.

Further developments occur along the way, bringing Burr to the realization that she did indeed murder her husband/his friend. He also discovers the evidence of a third lover involved, and the motive of money for the widow. Most hurtful is the fact that she never really loved him, but rather, just needed his expertise in law to get her off the hook for the crime. He plots to even the score.

Wrapped in guilt, Burr decides that the only way to get truly even with his former flame, and to make square with his dead friend, is to force her to murder him as well, allowing for a new trial...

modern promo clip for Please Murder Me

Ken Reid: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

2012-02-24T00:42:00.012-05:00

Ken Reid, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

On Quiet Desperation, Ken Reid plays "Bailey", a former member of the fake Irish accent hardcore band, Hogan's Hooligans. They were known for their inventive song titles. When he's not reminiscing about his old days with the band, Bailey is out collecting baseball cards with profane inscriptions written on them... so that such obscenities don't fall into the hands of children.

Quiet D episode 5- Bailey and Hogan's Hooligans

Quiet D episode 18- The Baseball Card Show

In real life, Ken Reid is amongst those at the forefront of Boston comedy. He found his love for stand-up while living in the U.K. and brought it back to Boston with him. He performs regularly doing his well received one man shows and has a weekly hosting gig at The Comedy Studio in Cambridge, MA.

For more info and a schedule of shows, read more on his website: http://www.ikenreid.com/

Ken Reid- stand-up comedy

Ken Reid- Valuable Facebook time

Ken Reid's Cusack Attack (one man show)

Ken Reid on the Steve Katsos Show

Quiet Desperation #8, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

The Amazing Transparent Man (1960): Classic B Movies

2012-02-23T00:05:00.000-05:00

Made during the Atomic Age, Cold War, Spy era of the late 50s/early 60s, The Amazing Transparent Man (1960) plays off of the paranoia of the time.

Scientist Peter Ulof is the unwilling participant in the plan of the mad Major Krenner. Krenner is holding Ulof's daughter hostage while Ulof perfects a machine that renders life forms invisible through atomic radiation. Krenner plans to create a whole invisible army and sell the transparent mercenaries to the highest bidder.

The only problem is... they need more radium to complete the plan in it's entirety. So, Major Krenner manages to break a safecracker, Joey Faust, out of prison with the help of a beautiful female accomplice.

The hope is that making Faust invisible, he will be able to steal deposits of radium from various vaults.

Faust has other plans, though. This new invisible state gives him the idea that robbing banks without being seen will be a much more lucrative venture. But despite being invisible, he somehow manages to have an altercation at every attempt.

Faust sets to double cross Krenner along with his new lovely partner. Their scheme is not inconspicuous enough, though, and Krenner senses there is something amiss.

Meanwhile, the invisibility formula isn't quite working according to intent (he becomes visible sporadically) and Orlof seriously questions the moral implications involved in his research...

The Amazing Transparent Man- movie trailer

Frank O'Neill: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

2012-02-22T00:33:00.000-05:00

Frank O'Neill, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

On Quiet Desperation, Frank O'Neill plays a diligent Boston Music historian, gladly using other's misfortunes to document their failure on his blog: "The Cold Talons of Failure." He follows Robby and his circle around, hoping to catch a glimpse or just sense that things are about to take a turn for the worse. Basking in schadenfreude, he has a smile on his face the whole time.

Quiet D episode 10- "Fall"

Episode 21- "Worried All the Time"

In real life, Frank O'Neill is a gifted actor. Any of the episodes in which he appears is testament to his great humor and comedic timing.

Episode 19- "The WBCN Rumble"

Quiet Desperation #3, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Arlo Guthrie: Art and Music (Songs that Inspired the Illustrations)

2012-02-21T00:28:00.000-05:00

Arlo Guthrie, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Darkest Hour

Motorcycle Song

Coming Into Los Angeles

City of New Orleans

When a Soldier Makes It Home

Alice's Restaurant

Arlo Guthrie, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Jennifer Coolidge: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

2012-02-20T00:28:00.000-05:00

Jennifer Coolidge, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

On Quiet Desperation, Jennifer Coolidge hired Rob Potylo and his band to sing Happy Birthday to her father at the conclusion of her performance at the Wilbur Theater in Boston. She was unable to pay the band, and they had to work for food, because Jennifer had spent the money on a new $600 fur hat.

Quiet D- singing Happy Birthday to Jennifer Coolidge's Dad

In real life, Jennifer Coolidge has been a popular and successful Hollywood actress for over a decade. She is known for her role in Legally Blonde (2001), as well as her most famous role as Stifler's sexy "MILF" Mom in American Pie (1999).

Read more on wikipedia here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Coolidge

and IMDB here: imdb Jennifer Coolidge

Jennifer Coolidge in American Pie (1999)

Jennifer on The Joey Show

Jennifer Coolidge interview

Jennifer Coolidge in Legally Blonde (2001)

Bend and Snap

Quiet Desperation #8, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Belle de Jour (1967): Risque Classic Cinema

2012-02-19T00:42:00.007-05:00

Catherine Deneuve, the lovely actress in the title role, reflected on her time in Belle de Jour (1967) in a not so positive way. In retrospect, she felt she was used, overexposed and exploited in the film. She did not intend that statement as literal (there is no full, graphic nudity in the film), but rather was making a figurative assessment of the psychological involvement in the story. The film came out at the height of the French New Wave movement, and reflects the intellectual implications and symbolism of the genre...

Deneuve plays Severine, the newlywed bride of a busy husband.

Her droll existence leaves much to be desired, and she seeks distractions... both in dreams and reality...

Curiosity leads her to a brothel where she finds employment (but only from 2 until 5 in the afternoon, for she must be home before her husband returns from work).

The Madame of the house christens her Belle de Jour (Beauty of the Day), and her introduction to her new occupation has her nervous and remorseful.

She must cater to the sexual needs and fetishes of whomever pays for her services.

After a while she gains a certain satisfaction and sense of freedom from the daily sex, and begins to relax.

Everything seems fine until a customer, an unbalanced criminal, becomes obsessed with her.

Despite his controlling ways, she has a certain modicum of attraction to him as well. However, this can only lead to disaster if he persists and her husband should find out...

Belle de Jour- movie trailer

Wonder Boys (2000): Films for Winter

2012-02-18T00:42:00.006-05:00

With it's depictions of snow, sleet, rain and brisk air, Wonder Boys (2000) perfectly captures winter in Pittsburgh. Adapted from the great Michael Chabon novel of the same name, the film boasts a wonderful cast and a tight soundtrack, led by the incomparable Bob Dylan.

Michael Douglas plays Grady Tripp, a novelist and college professor who has reached an impasse. His wife left him, his mistress is pregnant and he has been unable to finish writing his new novel for the past seven years.

A Word fest event brings his flamboyant publisher (played brilliantly by Robert Downey Jr.) and other literati to the University for the weekend.

One of Grady's students, James Leer (Toby Maguire), is fascinated by old Hollywood deaths and suicides. Grady's troubles are multiplied when, at the Chancellor's house party, he points out a valuable jacket worn by Marilyn Monroe on her wedding day to his student. James Leer consequently steals the jacket and some of the future events of the film hinge on this act.

Meanwhile Grady has more problems... a dead dog in his trunk (watch the film) and his young tenant, played by Katie Holmes, has a crush on him.

And his novel is still unfinished...

Can all these interesting characters resolve the assorted problems in their lives and find a way to make everything work out for good or ill?

Wonder Boys- movie trailer

Bob Dylan's original song for Wonder Boys- "Things Have Changed"

New Illustration: Tony Norris (Cowboy Musician, Poet and Storyteller)

2012-02-17T00:31:00.000-05:00

Tony Norris, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

I've known Tony Norris for about 25 years or so. We met in the late 1980s, when he and my father, and a bunch of other musicians would play folk songs at campouts, gigs and parties in and around Flagstaff, Arizona. Tony always had a gift for storytelling, making the old west come alive, and bringing others around to new ways of looking at things. Plus he's a damn funny guy with one of the liveliest personalities I've ever known, and a great sense of humor. He's a good friend and I'm glad to know him. He still performs regularly. Check out his website for more info: http://www.tonynorris.com/

Tony Norris- Rock Salt and Nails

Tony Norris- Old Lee

Tony Norris and his grandson- Froggy Went A Courtin'

Tony Norris, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome (1947): Classic Boris Karloff (Films from Comic Strips)

2012-02-16T00:07:00.000-05:00

The Dick Tracy comic strip comes to life again in Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome (1947), a well made adaptation composite of the original cartoon characters. Those who knew Boris Karloff in real life swore he was the dullest man you'd ever meet, but you'd never know it from the bizarre characters for which he is known. Here Karloff delivers, as usual, a better than average performance.

Karloff plays Gruesome, a criminal recently released from prison, in need of a new project.

While meeting with a prospective employer, he opens a vile containing a mysterious substance that renders him stiff and lifeless for a short time.

Gruesome and the other criminals utilize this formula, in nerve gas form, to paralyze the people inside a bank while they make off with $100,000.

Tess Truehart, Dick Tracy's girlfriend, is inside the bank at the time, but is spared the effect of the gas because she is inside a telephone booth. She manages to call Tracy and inform him of the goings on.

The search is on for Gruesome and his smarmy group, and the clock is ticking.

A break comes when one of the gang members is injured and placed in the hospital.

Dick Tracy gets an idea... Can he catch Gruesome?

clip from Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome

Hank Williams III (Hank 3): Profiles from the Illustrations

2012-02-15T00:20:00.000-05:00

Hank Williams III, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

When your father is a famous musician, it is a tough act to follow. But add to that... your grandfather is the most influential and respected icon of an entire genre of music. The combined pressure must be immense. But surprisingly, and admirably, Hank 3 seems unfazed by it. In his words, he's "just doing his own thing, just makin' music."

Interview with Hank 3

Shelton Hank Williams III has carried on the musical legacy of his family in great fashion and with ferocious intensity and originality. He has payed homage to his past and paved the way for new experimental music that is all is own. In style, voice, attitude and appearance, Hank 3 more closely resembles his grandfather, the legendary Hank Williams, than he does his father, Hank Jr.

Comparison of Hank Sr. and Hank III playing "Ramblin' Man"

Set to turn 40 this year, Hank 3 has been through the ups and downs of the music business and has come out on the other side with a fresh outlook, never afraid to say whats on his mind or try new things.

Hank Williams III- "Pills I Took"

He had a turbulent relationship with his first label, Curb Records, who insisted on trying to tame him and soften his image with a series of albums that, despite being respectable efforts, did not reflect Hank's vision for where his music should be headed. Things have changed.

Hank 3- "Dick in Dixie"

He has since taken the helm on producing and engineering his own stuff, giving the listener a much more personal, unfiltered view as to who and what Hank Williams III really is.

Hank Williams III- "Country Heroes"

Never one to be pinned down, stereotyped, pidgin-holed, restricted or in any way hindered, Hank's voice can be heard across numerous genres of modern music... including Country, Rock & Roll, Punk, Heavy Metal, and Industrial and Experimental Noise music. He often performs two part shows: Country and Heavy Metal. The ballsy, rebel spirit of his grandfather is with him and (if you listen closely) can be heard in every note.

Hank 3 and Assjack- "Judgement of the Dead"

Assjack

Hank 3- "Cattle Calling"

For more info, visit: http://www.hank3.com/

Hank Williams III and Joe Buck, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

The Death Kiss (1932): Classic Bela Lugosi

2012-02-14T00:30:00.002-05:00

A detective story with a twist (most of the sleuthing is not done by a detective), The Death Kiss (1932) is entertaining, has some great moments, and delivers a semi-surprising ending.

A famous actor is shooting the final scene in a film, in which he kisses a woman who has betrayed him.

After the kiss, he walks toward camera and is supposed to walk into a hail of blank bullets. Someone, however, fires real ammunition and the actor is killed.

The leading lady (who happens to be the actor's ex wife) is the natural suspect.

Her boyfriend (a detective story writer) has other ideas, though, and vows to solve the case himself, and prove her innocence.

As the details unfold, it is learned that more than one person may have wanted the actor dead, and the list of suspects grows. The writer boyfriend works both in conjunction and at odds with the authorities in digging up clues, investigating, and interviewing.

The movie studio boss (played by Bela Lugosi) is a character that hangs heavily over the storyline.

Can the boyfriend prove that the actress didn't do it, or is she doomed to pay the penalty for a crime of passion?

The Death Kiss- full feature film

Casey Desmond: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

2012-02-13T00:31:00.001-05:00

Casey Desmond, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

On Quiet Desperation, Casey Desmond plays a version of herself in the role of one of Rob's closest friends and confidantes. It is obvious a mutual respect exists between the two. Casey's one gripe regarding their friendship is that she wishes Rob would make her the focus of the conversation more often, instead of discussing his tattoos and music all the time.

Quiet D: Act Two- Episode 3- "Chilly Allston"

Singing Happy Birthday w/ Jennifer Coolidge

Casey Desmond and Rob Potylo working on music

In real life, Casey Desmond is a talented and successful musician, songwriter and recording artist. Her dance rhythms and soaring vocals are quite impressive. She performs all over. She has been featured on numerous shows, including NBC's "The Voice."

Check out her website for more info, dates, etc. : http://caseydesmond.com/

Casey Desmond- Talking to God

Casey Desmond- Tilt Me Back

Casey Desmond- Born This Way (Lady Gaga)

Casey Desmond- Right beside Myself (live)

Quiet Desperation #7, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Lady of Burlesque (1943): Risque Classic Cinema

2012-02-12T00:14:00.000-05:00

Although more than tame (and perhaps somewhat prudish) by today's standards, Lady of Burlesque (1943) was shocking to some viewers upon it's release. For them, the sexy, scarce outfits, dancing, splits and cartwheels, along with the backstage Burlesque banter proved to be too much. Based on stripper, Gypsy Rose Lee's novel The G-String Murders, the film is enjoyable and interesting when considered in the context of the 1940s.

Barbara Stanwyck plays a smart-ass dancer, Dixie Daisy, at a popular Burlesque Hall.

On stage, the girls run through catchy numbers, designed to capture the fancy of the masculine audience.

The dancers spend their time between performances gossiping backstage and messing around with the male comedians that accompany them in the stage act.

Rivalries and jealousy arise with the arrival of the Princess, a stunningly beautiful Burlesque performer, who is a tad arrogant.

All the fun and games comes to a screeching halt, however, when one of the girls is murdered in her dressing room, strangled with her own G-string. Havoc and suspicions are let loose with the ensuing police investigation.

Adding further turmoil to the already tense atmosphere, the Princess is murdered as well...

Dixie Daisy and the group know that one amongst them is the murderer. It's up to them to catch the maniac before he or she strikes again...

Lady of Burlesque- movie trailer

Snow Creature (1954): Classic B Movies

2012-02-11T00:15:00.001-05:00

During the Sci-Fi movie heydays of the 1950s, many films were produced using the same formula, harking back to the old monster movie/King Kong story lines. Snow Creature (1954) is one such film, from the father/son team of W. Lee and Myles Wilder.

The story begins in the Himalayas, where a botanist and his photographer companion are on an expedition led by Sherpa guides. The wife of one of the Sherpas is kidnapped by a Yeti.

When the scientists refuse to believe such tales, the Sherpas form a mutiny and force the scientists to accompany them on a search to kill the Yeti and rescue the woman.

The Yeti's cave is located and he is captured, but his Yeti family is killed in a rock collapse during the

melee.

Regaining control of the vigilante group, the scientists save the Yeti on the presumption that it is worth more alive.

The creature is placed in a big refrigerator (that looks like a telephone booth) and transported to Los Angeles, CA. There is a delay in immigration, however, because they cannot determine if the Yeti is man or beast. During the delay, the creature escapes and goes on a rampage among the women in the City, using the cool city storm drains as a hideout.

The natural climax occurs...

A short scene from Snow Creature

Overall, the story is enjoyable. Not entirely original... Much of it was taken from King Kong, but at least they borrowed from the best. The creature is wisely kept in deep shadow for most of the movie, keeping glimpses of the ridiculous costume to a minimum. Snow Creature in a good example of the genre, restrained but attention-grabbing.

Raj Sivaraman: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

2012-02-10T00:12:00.000-05:00

Raj Sivaraman, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

On Quiet Desperation, Raj Sivaraman plays a stand-up comedian who often finds himself on the receiving end of Tom Dustin's relentless, ill-willed heckling. He also had an ill-fated partnership with Tetra, who got rid of him as soon as she started to gain notoriety.

Quiet D- The Comedy Studio and heckling

The WBCN Rumble and "Tetra"

In real life, Raj Sivaraman is a stand-up comedian, writer and actor based in Boston. Rooftop Comedy states, Raj Sivaraman is a "writer/comedian who likes to make people laugh and possibly teach them a lesson or two. He is a co-founder of the sketch über-group Lightning Hawx. He has performed in festivals all over the country for standup and sketch comedy, and was one of the main writers of Boston News Net."

Read more here on his Rooftop Comedy profile: http://www.rooftopcomedy.com/comics/RajSivaraman

Raj performing stand-up at The Comedy Studio

Interviewed by Steve Katsos

Raj Sivaraman's Holiday Address

Quiet Desperation #8, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

The Shadow Strikes (1937): Classic Films from Pulp Magazines

2012-02-09T00:14:00.000-05:00

Those cheap dime store novels and pulp magazines sure had some great, entertaining yarns... the stories are kitschy and memorable. The film versions of those stories can be hit or miss. The Shadow Strikes (1937) comes from the higher end of the spectrum and is well made and still enjoyable 75 years later.

Lamont Granston is operating as his alter-ego "The Shadow" breaking up a late night burglary in a lawyer's office.

He succeeds in thwarting the crooks, but the police arrival gums up the works. Granston is forced to pretend to be the lawyer whose office was being robbed, so as not to give away or have to explain why he was there. While being questioned, the phone rings. Granston answers it as the lawyer, and must make a strange late night call to a client. He goes, so not to arouse suspicion. The client who summoned him feels his life is in danger, and wants to re-write his will. He needs the lawyer's assistance. In the process of doing so, the client is shot and killed. Granston is now stuck in the middle. He cannot reveal his true identity, and feels impelled to solve the crime. He combs through the list of suspects, including the dead man's family.

His half-wit nephew...

And his pompous nephew...

Even the Mafia is suspected...

Can the Shadow solve the case?

The Shadow Strikes- teaser trailer

New Illustration: Hank Williams III and Joe Buck

2012-02-08T00:08:00.000-05:00

Hank Williams III and Joe Buck, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Although not necessarily the first two faces that come to mind when one thinks of Country music, Shelton Hank Williams III (Hank 3) and his bass player, Joe Buck, have truly earned themselves a place in the history of the genre, if for no other reason than the much needed kick in the ass that they delivered to it. It is both a tradition and a passion for them, with Hank being the son of Hank Williams Jr. and the grandson of the legendary Country icon, Hank Williams.

Hank 3- It Must've Been Those Pills I Took

Empowered by multi-influences, both men do not conform to the norm, nor can they be pidgeon-holed. They both have side projects in other areas, namely Metal and Punk music. Hank 3 has a Metal band, Assjack, as well as other projects. Joe Buck has the pretty much solo Metal/Punk band, Joe Buck Yourself.

Joe Buck Yourself- Evil Motherf*#@er from Tennessee

Assjack- Tennessee Driver

For more info on Hank Williams III, visit: http://www.hank3.com/

For more info on Joe Buck, visit: joebuckyourself.com

Hank Williams III, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Joe Buck, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Deer Tick: Art and Music (Songs that Inspired the Illustrations)

2012-02-07T00:42:00.004-05:00

John McCauley, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Art Isn't Real

Main Street

Baltimore Blues No. 1

Houston, TX

Miss K.

Deer Tick, 2010. By Travis Simpkins

John McCauley of Deer Tick, 2010. By Travis Simpkins

Aaron the King Wizard: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

2012-02-06T00:25:00.000-05:00

Aaron the King Wizard, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

On Quiet Desperation, Aaron the King Wizard has been moving up the ladder in terms of employment. He started out as a janitor at the jam space, then was hired as Robby's bodyguard, and now in an entrepreneurial turn, he has started his own record label... simply called, "The Label."

Aaron as the janitor at New Alliance

Aaron as Robby's bodyguard

Aaron starts "The Label"

In real life, Aaron the King Wizard is a comedian and actor who has been working alongside Rob Potylo pretty much from the beginning. In early webisodes, Aaron and Robby did a great series where it's just the two of them playing and reacting to vintage video games. Another standout video, is Aaron doing very awkward stand-up comedy at a church to an unreceptive audience.

See all of Aaron's videos on youtube here: aaron the king wizard on youtube

Aaron the King Wizard doing comedy at a Church

Tecmo Bowl

Aaron the King Wizard- "Let me Put the Tip In" music video

The Legend of Zelda

Quiet Desperation #6, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962): Classic B Movies

2012-02-05T00:33:00.001-05:00

The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962) has been slammed and lampooned a lot over the years, but one aspects of the film that is usually respected is the fact that it has creative, original ideas behind it. Plus, it's an enjoyable story and still fun to watch.

The story centers on a doctor, who has been experimenting in transplanting limbs and animating dead tissue. His father (also a doctor) disapproves of his methods, but can't argue when his son uses that knowledge to bring a dead patient back to life.

The doctor is called away on urgent business to his country house, and he brings his lovely fiancee with him. Rushing to get there, the doctor crashes the car and his fiancee is decapitated. He grabs her head and runs it up to his laboratory inside his country house. He and his assistant rig up an apparatus that will keep the head alive.

After a while, she awakens, but it is immediately apparent that a new body must be found.

The fiancee is bitter and angry that the doctor would be so unethical as to leave her a body-less freak. She asks repeatedly to die, but her voice falls on deaf ears. Her only communication is with a mutated freak (who is an assemblage of failed experiments) that resides behind a locked door nearby.

Meanwhile, the doctor is out in search of a new sexy body for his fiancee. He goes to a dance hall and watches a girl disrobe.

Liking what he sees, he converses with her and plans to kill her for her body. They are interrupted and he is forced to abandon the plan.

Still in need of a body, he finds an artist's model with a body that really turns him on.

He lures her back to his lab, drugs her and plans the removal of her head.

The fiancee is not happy about this, so he tries to shut her up.

Can she persuade the horrible freak in the closet to put a stop to this madness?

The Brain That Wouldn't Die- movie trailer

The Gold Rush (1925): Classic Charlie Chaplin (Films for Winter)

2012-02-04T00:42:00.008-05:00

Of all the films that take place during Winter, perhaps none are as memorable or charming as The Gold Rush (1925), written, directed, scored and starring Charlie Chaplin. The film is a "classic" is every sense of the word.

Chaplin appears as his signature "Tramp" character. The film is packed with unforgettable moments.

Out to prospect gold in the Klondike, he traverses many obstacles, both environmental and personal.

His cabin is refuge for some unsavory characters.

Hunger is a problem, and in one scene he is forced to eat his shoe.

In characteristic Chaplin style, he yearns for the unobtainable woman.

In a charming fantasy sequence he delivers the legendary "roll dance".

Calamity is around every turn.

The Gold Rush- movie trailer

After more than 85 years, this beloved film is still known and appreciated worldwide. And another 85 years years from now, it is sure to still be a perennial classic.

Troy Schoeller: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

2012-02-03T00:12:00.002-05:00

Troy, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

On Quiet Desperation, Troy has tried his hand at both comedy and music, in both instances creating a hardcore version of the respective art forms. He started a comedy troupe called "Brutal," and a band called "Razors in the Night." He was last seen threatening Robby with a knife during a confrontation at a jam space meeting.

Quiet D Episode 3

Episode 6- The "Brutal" comedy troupe

Episode 21- The fight with Robby

The WBCN Rumble

In real life, Troy Schoeller is the frontman for the band, Razors in the Night. They play all over and have a huge following. Check out their website for more info: http://razorsinthenight.com/

Razors in the Night

Robby and Troy work on Music

Quiet Desperation #6, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Kingdom of the Spiders (1977): A Classic B Movie with Personal Nostalgia

2012-02-02T00:19:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid, staying with my grandfather in Camp Verde, AZ, I remember him putting on Kingdom of the Spiders (1977). "Watch closely," he said, then paused the scene. "Look, there's our house." Sure enough, the gas station scenes were shot in (what was in 1977) an empty lot across the street from my grandfather's house, and it can be clearly seen in several shots. It is for that reason alone, regardless of how much film critics trash the film, that it will always hold a dear place in my movie watching heart.
The film begins with the quiet Arizona desert town getting ready to host a big festival. Everyone seems cheerful at the prospect except a farmer whose prize cow has taken sick and died. He calls a veterinarian (William Shatner) who in turn enlists a specialist from the University of Arizona and together they determine that the animal died of massive amounts of spider venom. This is proven when they discover numerous large spider hills on the farm.

Their theory is that the over-use of insecticides has killed off all of the spider's natural prey, and the tarantulas (who are usually docile and solitary) have adapted, banded together, and resorted to going after bigger targets as a group: animals and humans.

During the process of this research, Shatner and his female scientific companion are showing that they find each other arousing. And even make time for dates, despite the spider epidemic.

Meanwhile, the town mayor is so jazzed up about the festival, he refuses to cancel it in fear of the spider plague. He engages the use of more insecticides, but the spiders are now so abundant they are even inside the crop dusting plane.

The plan backfires and the insecticides just drive the spiders out of their dens and into the surrounding area. So, the spiders run amok across the Verde Valley, and easily start engulfing the small town of Camp Verde.

Shatner and his team are forced to hole themselves up in a ranch house (a la Hitchcock) to protect themselves and if they can, survive.

Kingdom of the Spiders- movie trailer

Dug McCormack: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

2012-02-01T00:07:00.001-05:00

Dug McCormack, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

On Quiet Desperation, Dug McCormack plays the warehouse manager at Vista Soaps. He oversees Rob, Bigg Nez (before he was caught smoking weed behind the dumpster), Shaun Bedgood and other musicians and artists seeking day jobs. His major cause of frustration is dealing with Dave Tree's tendency to yell at subordinates, and the subsequent lectures involved.

Quiet-D episode 20- "The Warehouse"

Episode 22- "NERO"

In real life, Dug McCormack is a talented musician and visual artist. He plays regularly around Boston with his band, Hookerclops. An accomplished illustrator, his designs can be seen on multiple show posters, album covers and paintings. He also did the illustrations used in the original Quiet Desperation opening credits on MyTV.

visit the band site here: http://hookerclops.com/

Dug's art in the Quiet-D intro

Hookerclops

Quiet Desperation #4, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

In Search of Julien Hudson: Exhibition at Worcester Art Museum

2012-01-31T00:42:00.010-05:00

Portrait of a Man (called a self portrait), 1839. By Julien Hudson

Mysteries pertaining to Art, antiques and history have always been a personal source of intrigue, so this kind of exhibit really appeals to me.

In Search of Julien Hudson: Free Artist of Color in Pre Civil War New Orleans, curated by William Keyes Rudolph, is an amazing exhibition on view now at the Worcester Art Museum. It traces the inspiration, development and influence in the all too short life and career of this nearly forgotten artist. Little is known about Julien Hudson's life (1811 - 1844), and even less is known about his mysterious death at age 33. This show tries to shed some light on the subject. Only six of Hudson's works are known to exist and those, along with paintings and sculpture by his teachers, contemporaries and followers are featured. The exhibition runs through March 11, 2012.

Visit the Worcester Art Museum website here: http://www.worcesterart.org/

Creole Boy with a Moth, 1835. By Julien Hudson

Portrait of a Young Girl with a Rose, 1834. By Julien Hudson

Portrait of a Lady. By Julien Hudson

Portrait of a Free Man of Color, 1835. By Julien Hudson

Jean Michel Fortier III, 1839. By Julien Hudson

Read a nice article in the Boston Globe here

New Illustration: Quiet Desperation #8 (Jennifer Coolidge, Rob Potylo...)

2012-01-30T00:42:00.002-05:00

Quiet Desperation #8, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Eight new portraits comprise this illustration, #8, in the Quiet Desperation series. Featured are Rob Potylo, Ken Reid, Chris Goodwin, Ryan Starble, Greg Stewart, Raj Sivaraman, Jenny Zigrino... and Jennifer Coolidge, who made an appearance in some recently posted footage from the old MyTV show.

visit the Quiet Desperation website here: http://www.quietd.com/

Jennifer Coolidge, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Rob Potylo, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Chris Goodwin, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Jenny Zigrino, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Raj Sivaraman, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Dressed to Kill (1946): Classic Sherlock Holmes

2012-01-29T00:27:00.000-05:00

Part of the iconic Sherlock Holmes series, Dressed to Kill (1946) has Basil Rathbone starring as the great detective.

Oddly enough, this story focuses on those twinkly little trinkets.... music boxes. A prisoner has been constructing music boxes for sale at auction. Unbeknownst to the auctioneers or those bidding, the boxes contain a desirous secret.

Three boxes are sold to separate people, and the criminals who were supposed to purchase the items were late for the sale. They must track down the purchasers and retrieve the boxes to receive their prize. One such box was bought by a friend of Dr. Watson.

He found himself pummeled in the night and one of his prized music boxes boxes taken. The thieves stole the wrong box, however, and must return to get the correct one... this time with a lovely temptress in tow.

The man is killed, and the box stolen. Sherlock Holmes must determine what is so important about these boxes that one would kill for them.

It turns out the prisoner who made the boxes knew the whereabouts of engraving plates taken from the treasury. With these plates, one could print as much money as they desire. The music played by the three separate boxes contains a code, that when assembled, gives the location of the plates. Holmes uses his keen ear to decipher the discrepancies in the tune to break the code.

He is getting close... too close, and is abducted.

The thieves attempt to put him out of commission.

How will the mystery unfold?

Dressed to Kill- movie trailer

The Phantom Creeps (1939): Classic Bela Lugosi

2012-01-28T00:23:00.000-05:00

Universal Studios made The Phantom Creeps (1939) as a twelve part serial. It gained a slightly wider audience ten years later when it was redistributed as an uncut film. It has a little bit of everything in it... Sci-Fi, espionage, chases, adventure, explosions, bad acting. The works.

Bela Lugosi plays Dr. Zorka, a mad scientist whose revolutionary inventions have piqued the interest of both the government and spies.

One notable creation is an indestructible robot, capable of inflicting catastrophic damage at his whim.

His colleague tries to persuade him to turn his secrets over, but Zorka refuses, planning to utilize them for his own purposes. He goes into hiding, then on the run as the authorities set to raid his laboratory. A pretty reporter gains interest in the case and goes as a stowaway upon an airplane that carries Zorka's wife amongst others.

Zorka fakes his own death in a car crash, and the same day his wife is killed in a plane crash.

This is the last straw, and Dr. Zorka begins to lose it, going on a rampage bent on world domination. Utilizing his various inventions in his plan, he puts on a de-visualizing belt that renders him invisible and better able to get into mischief.

The race is on to stop Zorka before it is too late. Car chases and plane pursuits abound (one shot using footage from the Hindenburg disaster). Time is running out...

The Phantom Creeps- movie trailer

Joe Madaus: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

2012-01-27T00:42:00.005-05:00

Joe Madaus, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

On Quiet Desperation, Joe Madaus played the character of Lucky, a former member of the fake Irish accent punk band- The Bus Stop Brawlers. According to Chippah, Lucky was a master guitar finger-picker. Later on, hopeful for a career in comedy, he became an intern at The Comedy Studio. Though owner, Rick Jenkins, claimed he only gave him the job so that Lucky would be preoccupied with menial tasks, and no longer have time to perform.

Lucky and the Bus Stop Brawlers

The beginning of Lucky's comedy career

The end of Lucky's comedy career. Internship at The Comedy Studio

In real life, as co-creator of Quiet Desperation, Joe Madaus played an integral part in the development of the show through his great cinematography, editing and direction. He is also an accomplished stand-up comedian, and runs his own production studio- Madhaus Productions.

Check out some cool links here: http://thephoenix.com/boston/arts/79116-dance-monkey-joe-madaus/ and here: http://www.myspace.com/joemadaus

Joe Madaus- stand-up comedy

More of Joe's film/editing work

Haunted: Dead or Alive

Niki Luparelli interview- shot by Joe Madaus

Quiet Desperation #6, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Gammera the Invincible (1966): Classic B Movies

2012-01-26T00:25:00.000-05:00

Riding on the success of Godzilla from a decade earlier, Gammera the Invincible (1966) isn't too bad if you're into the whole "guy in a rubber suit" monster thing. I happen like such things for their campiness, so for what it is, I got what I expected to see in this film.
A Soviet jet is flying in U.S. air space over the arctic and U.S. forces are in hot pursuit.

After several warnings, the U.S. jets shoot down the Soviet one. Unfortunately, it was carrying a bomb and it explodes on impact.

The force generated is enough to wake up Gammera, a giant prehistoric turtle that has been imprisoned in the ice for millions of years.

Gammera is pretty pissed off after being awakened from his long nap, and goes on a rampage. For some reason, Tokyo is his intended destination.

Natives in the area where Gammera originated somehow have knowledge of this creature that is supposed to have been hidden for millions of years, and they hand over a stone tablet that contains secret ancient information.

While passing the surrounding islands, a turtle-obsessed boy encounters the monster. At first Gammera is hostile, but winds up saving the boy instead. This act, in the boys mind, makes them best friends. He spends the rest of his time in the movie trying to reconnect with his "buddy."

Meanwhile, the scientists and authorities are in a panic as to how to contain the situation and stop the monster from continuing his path of destruction. Their first plan, to freeze him and then blow him up with dynamite, backfires. It turns out Gammera can retreat into his shell and convert himself into a sort of flying saucer.

Their second plan... Plan Z, has to work or all is lost...

Gammera the Invincible- movie trailer

Speak Easily (1932): Classic Buster Keaton (Obscure Films)

2012-01-25T00:30:00.001-05:00

Buster Keaton never really made a smooth transition from silent films to talkies. Silent pictures captured him in his true element and finest form. Talkies... were tougher for him. His voice was awkward and lackadaisical. His comedy style was better suited to physical comedy, he never perfected verbal timing and delivery. Still, there is always that certain feeling when you see his name that you know the film will somehow be worthwhile, even if it is a talkie.

In Speak Easily (1932), Buster plays a book-smart College professor, completely naive to real life and common sense.

In an effort to get him to live life to it's fullest, a fellow faculty member convinces Buster that he has inherited $750,000. Eager to splurge his new-found wealth, Buster heads off to explore the world. At a train station, he meets a pretty young girl who is part of a traveling dance troupe. He is immediately smitten.

The shows manager, played by Jimmy Durante, convinces Buster to tag along, and in the process convinces him to finance the show with his mythical money.

Naive Buster goes along with everything that comes at him, experiencing a plethora of life events within a short time, including spending time with the sexy ladies in the dance group. When one says she worked at a Speakeasy, he corrects her grammar saying it is , "Speak Easily", hence the title.

He ends up getting drunk, a new feeling for him.

And then waking up with a woman, not quite knowing what had happened the night before.

With all this promised money comes debt, and when the collectors come calling, what is Buster to do?

scene from Speak Easily

New Illustration: Quiet Desperation #7 (Rob Potylo and Casey Desmond)

2012-01-24T00:29:00.000-05:00

Quiet Desperation #7, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

This new illustration, #7 in the Quiet D series, attempts to sum up and depict the friendship of Rob Potylo and Casey Desmond both on the show and in real life. I chose the bright red background for obvious reasons. And there is a thinly-veiled Renaissance art reference hidden in it...

Quiet Desperation (Act Two)- Episode Three

Roadsteamer Shitcom Episode Nine

Casey Desmond and Rob Potylo working on music

visit http://www.quietd.com/ for more on Quiet Desperation

Casey Desmond, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Rob Potylo, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Casey, Rob and Alf, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Rob Potylo, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Sean Sullivan: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

2012-01-23T00:30:00.000-05:00

Sean Sullivan, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

In his role as Chippah, the Noiseboard troll, Sean Sullivan has one of the most memorable characters on Quiet Desperation. Chippah, the former front man of The Bus Stop Brawlers, hates all music that is not fake Irish accent punk rock, but he especially hates Rob Potylo's music. He spends every spare moment online, bashing Rob, even more so now after being banned from the message board for too many complaints. Chippah blames Rob, but he has continued his work... starting a new message board- "The New Super Duper Noiseboard."

Quiet D episode 4- "The Noiseboard"

Chippah's reaction to being banned from the message board

Quiet D Act 2- Episode 3. More thoughts from Chippah

In real life, Sean Sullivan is one of the top stand-up comedians in Boston. He is a damn good, versatile actor as well. His website, http://comedy.sean-sullivan.com/, states "Sean Sullivan has secured his place in the Boston comedy scene by pursuing new and innovative ways of entertaining audiences. With his quick wit and strong improvisational talents, audiences never exactly know what they are about to get when he takes the stage."

Sean Sullivan vs. An Old Guy Heckler

An Interview with Sean Sullivan

Another Acting Project

Quiet Desperation #6, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (1946): Classic Films from Comic Strips

2012-01-22T00:42:00.004-05:00

It is always interesting to see weird characters from comics (either books or strips) come to life in film. You never know how much the director's vision differed from that of the artist. It can be immensely successful, and vice versa. The old Dick Tracy comic strips are full of oddball types, some with strange physical anomalies, that can be hard for live actors to portray. Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (1946) is not only entertaining, but it manages to keep some of the humor and characterizations of the original cartoon.

Cueball, a recently released convict, gets hired to intercept a shipment of diamonds on an ocean liner. In the ensuing struggle, Cueball kills the man who was holding the precious stones.

Dick Tracy, homicide detective, and his partner, are called in to investigate.

Having raised the scale of the crime from theft to murder, the dealers who commissioned Cueball to steal the diamonds get nervous under questioning.

Cueball hides out in a local watering hole, The Dripping Dagger, that is sympathetic to criminals.

The conspirators were ripping him off in the first place, only paying him a fraction of their worth.

When Cueball finds this out, further murders take place... The diamond cutter who got cold feet...

The unscrupulous Antique dealer, who was to have paid the heavy sum for the stones...

the bar owner, who plans to steal the rocks and turn Cueball in...

and the sneaky secretary, who plans to negotiate a separate deal to sell the hot diamonds on her own...

Dick Tracy's girlfriend, Tess, is willingly set up to pose as the potential buyer of the stolen goods. She is kidnapped by Cueball in the process.

It's up to Dick Tracy to save her in time...

a scene from Dick Tracy vs. Cueball

Misery (1990): Films for Winter

2012-01-21T01:00:00.000-05:00

Based on the novel by Stephen King, Misery (1990) has a good claustrophobic Winter atmosphere. Director Rob Reiner gives the viewer the sense of being stuck indoors, but aware of the impassable roads and heavy snow drifts. Of course, for the protagonist, snow is the least of his worries.

Paul Sheldon is a novelist. Having just completed his book at a remote cabin in the dead of Winter, he prepares to return to the civilized world.

The harsh conditions from a major storm make driving treacherous, and it eventually throws Paul's car off the road into a ditch.

He is rescued, but is severely injured.

He awakens in the home of Annie Wilkes, a former nurse who claims to be his biggest fan. At first she cares for Paul with gentle hands and the utmost kindness.

This changes when she reads the manuscript of Paul's latest book. In it, he kills off Annie's favorite character. This proves too much and she begins to get crazier and more psychotic.

It becomes apparent that Paul is not going to be rescued. No one knows he survived the crash or his whereabouts. Annie Wilkes plans to keep him there for herself. The local sheriff is investigating, but the snow storm had covered Paul's car at first, and clues are hard to find. When the car is found, he is presumed dead.

Paul ventures out of his room while Annie is out and discovers a disturbing scrapbook detailing Annie's sick, murderous past.

Annie finds out Paul has been leaving his room and makes sure he won't do so again...

Annie Wilkes is never going to let him leave her side.

Drastic measures have to be taken if Paul is to escape and to ensure his survival... Does he have the strength to persevere?

Misery- movie trailer

Mora Precarious: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

2012-01-20T00:42:00.001-05:00

Mora Precarious, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

On Quiet Desperation, Mora Precarious is the resident drummer for a variety of bands. Whether smashing dishes (as cymbals) in Rob's kitchen, practicing at the jam space, unknowingly finding herself drafted into a Viking metal band, making amorous advances on Marnie Hall, or reluctantly going along to do role playing games in the woods, Mora is always open to new projects and adventures.

Mora plays drums in the kitchen- Quiet Desperation 16

North Shore NERO

Viking metal and romance

In real life, Mora Precarious (Jessica Townsend) is an omnipresent force in the Boston music scene. She plays drums for Ketman, Trabants, and World/Inferno Friendship Society among other projects.
Check out the Ketman site here: http://www.ketman.net/

and the World/Inferno Friendship Society here: http://www.worldinferno.com/

Ketman

Life in Cheat Mode

Quiet Desperation #6, 2012. By Travis Simpkins

Killers from Space (1954): Classic B Movies

2012-01-19T00:19:00.001-05:00

Killers from Space (1954) has been slammed repeatedly by critics for the past 57 years. They say it sucks. I couldn't disagree more. It has A-Bombs, Aliens, giant bugs and Peter Graves (the narrator from A&E's Biography series) in the lead role. What's not to like?

Graves plays a scientist who's plane crashes while investigating the radiation levels immediately following a bomb detonation.

He miraculously shows up at the base unscathed, except for a strange surgical scar on his chest that was not there before.

His odd behavior rouses the interest of the authorities and they give him a truth serum. Under the influence, he tells a bizarre tale... he died in the crash, but was healed by bug-eyed Aliens afterward to use him as an errand boy for their information needs.

Their planet's sun is dying and they plan to invade earth and wipe out humanity using an army of giant mutated insects as soldiers... Again, what's not to like?

Killers from Space- movie trailer

Chris Fleming: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

2012-01-18T00:04:00.000-05:00

Chris Fleming, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

On Quiet Desperation, Chris Fleming plays a sound engineer who "acts as a third base coach" in the recording of Robby's album. His hand signs and gyrating dance moves in the kitchen set the rhythm for the sessions. Sadly for Rob, Chris' help on the album was short-lived, as he accepted a job offer in Los Angeles to record Death Cab For Cutie's new album instead.

Chris Fleming's first appearance in Quiet-D episode 16

In Episode 18, Chris announces he's leaving for L.A.

In real life, Chris did indeed leave Boston for L.A., but it wasn't for a sound engineer job. He went off to further his career in stand-up comedy and acting, and is really shaking things up out there with his performance pieces. Read about Chris' journey here in this article: Some Funny Things Happened On the Way to LA

Chris Fleming- stand-up comedy

Quiet Desperation #3, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Breathing New Life Into Old Photos Through Portraiture

2012-01-17T00:42:00.008-05:00

Susan, Lou and Mario, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

People often inquire about commissioning me to do portraits from old photos. Only in rare instances are the pictures so bad that I can't work from them (usually a harsh flash, the picture is out of focus, or dim lighting are the culprits). In some portraits, working from photos is the only option... like if the subject is deceased, or old photos of children for example.

Such was the case last month, when I was commissioned to do a triple portrait of the client's aunt and two uncles as children, all of who had passed away some time ago.

I started with the easiest one: the little girl... Here is the reference photo:

The photo was clear enough, but her eyes are looking off-camera. I thought it would be more inviting if I redirected her gaze at the viewer.

Next up was the elder uncle. Here is the reference on the left:

Again, the photo is not bad, but the eyes are gazing off and they lack that certain spark of life. So I made those modifications:

The last one was the most problematic. I had to use a couple different photos and combine them together to form a composite:

Here's how it came out: