I know this is a weird question, though I placed it here in that Ratatouille Section because she’s a dedicated fan,…but has anyone seen Mitch? I checked her last post and it was back in mid-Jan. She usually comes in everyday or every other day.
Just wondering since nobody to my knowledge seemed to notice.
Mitch, if you’re gone, when are you coming back? 
I think she has just become really, really busy with school and life. I noticed she has been gone for a while. I know she hasn’t forgoten about us. But i do miss her.
(Should this be in a separate section in another forum besides the Ratatouille forum?)
I think she’s just busy with real life, and stuff… Her posts have been tapering off for a while now, though. It sucks when she doesn’t post as much 'cause she posts quite in-depth discussions in the Ratatouille threads, and every where else, really. I just hope she comes back soon. If she has indeed left for good, then she will be very much missed.
Awwwww, I don’t think Mitch abandoned us. She commented on our blog 1 week ago, and her love for Pixar is as strong as ever. I’m sure she’ll return when real life eases off. 
~~=oP
That, and she’s still around on DeviantArt.
Oh gosh…
Heh heh… Hello there, everyone.
Alright, well, first of all, I can explain; however, the explanation may take time. In the end, though, I can explain. (snigger)
Le Long Version: For those of you with extreme loquacious disorder, a fear of scarily long words, and journal entries that wrap around the world eight times, please refrain from clicking on the link below:
Eheheh. Simply read my latest journal entry entitled “Garlic Seasons Mushroom Soup” for an entire run-down of what I’ve been up to for the past couple of months.
Le Petite Version: For those of you who can’t spare those lengthy, precious minutes, here below is, for your reading pleasure, the “short” version of my monthly adventures of 2008.
Bon appetite!
Well, I suppose that I should start off with… Ratatouille. “Ah, blast. Not again!” you utter. “She’s always talking about something Ratatouille-related, dang-nabbit.” Ah yes, but you don’t know the half of its role within the events of these past two months! Yes, Monsieurs and Mademoiselles, it is true that some things are better left explained! Heheh. Feel free to indulge in the course of events explained and listed below…
I was extremely hesitant to enter into the new year, for reasons rather inexplicable. For some odd reason, the very fact that I would depart from “Mr. Annual de la Ratatouille” (a phrase that makes no sense whatsoever), or, in other words, the year that I first saw my love interest of a production, was unbearable. The very last thing that I wanted to do was experience another year that resembled that of almost every year before 2007 – pain and suffering… on various levels. My jump to unknown conclusions, however, proved to be unfruitful in that this year has, so far, been most pleasant, with the exception of the occasional tragedy.
Tragedy, you say? Yes, well, during the beginning of January, one of my neighbors’ cats, Clyde, was hit by an SUV. The most depressing thing about this is that I’ve (metaphorically) lost a brother. I always acted like he drove up the freaking wall but, of course, one never realizes how much he or she loves something until that thing ceases to exist.
Silly and ridiculous as it may sound, I suffered a severe emotional breakdown after that event, and it wasn’t just because of the incident in question – I was number ten on the “How Introverted are you, Mitch?” game, and still am to some degree. Public relations are something that I have a tough time with, particularly with my peers; only with my peers, actually…
Anyway, the weight of school, trying to find a passage between the mountain of peer interaction, and dealing with one of my favorite fuzzballs getting hit, I finally, after ten years, cracked. I think that the trash cans in my backyard might have permanent shoe indentations in them… embarrassed look
After that catastrophic catastrophe, something else had to be settled. My mom came up to me one day and mentioned, for the one-thousandth time, that my sister and I had to let go of that one last childish act of ours. This is when it came to determination, folks. I guess you could say that I am like Peter Pan in the fair respect that I don’t wish to grow up… at all. Henceforth, I have struggled to hold on to what childish games I have executed since my childhood, in a vain attempt to… never… reach the age of adulthood. Yes, I was an idiot. I have since cleaned up my act. I still goof around occasional, of course, but I don’t go overboard. (And by “overboard”, I mean that the worst my sister and I did at our age was to throw water bottles at each other.) Previous idiot alert. Heh.
My mom also stated that, if my sister and I were to ever act, respect, and trust each other like proper siblings, we should establish that now. So, one night, my sister and I came to terms and now trust each other even more than we used to. Thank goodness for moms…
After that the circumstances improved by a considerable amount. Now, I would prefer that you read my journal entry for the rest of the run-down, but my writing senses are tingling, soooo…
Two Hundred Bottles of Beer on the Wall… - First of all, I had the privilege to attend an event that celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, which is a college campus situation in Ontario, Canada. My grandfather helped to start/launch the university, so it only made sense that my mom, who is his daughter, attend the event. My dad drove my mom to the place and I, “needing” something to do on Tuesday night (January 29th), went along for the ride as well.
Oddly enough, I had a wonderful time! Besides listening to a short speech by Jeffrey Katenberg, I also shook hands with Dr. Robert Turner, the president of Sheridan College, and was privileged to converse with several veteraned students and animators in the business, include an well-trained artist whom had worked on everything from Who Framed Roger Rabbit to every Disney production after The Rescuers Down Under (or, was it Beauty and the Beast?). He was a most informative, kind, and resourceful gentleman, and he provided me with many helpful hints and tips that I certainly needed at that time. Heh. I am whole-heartedly convinced that that was God working through him to tell me everything that I had to hear at that particular time. Amazing… I shall refrain from disclosing the name of the gentleman in question, for privacy reasons, but he did sign/autograph and draw a picture of Roger Rabbit in my sketchbook. Pretty cool!
If you would like to know more about the Sheridan university, which has grown immensely over the past forty years, please feel free to access the official website for it via this link: Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
One Hundred Bottles of Beer on the Wall… - Secondly, I experienced a tender moment that I shall never forget for as long as I live…
Some of you may know of the Santa Barbara Film Festival that ended its long run last Sunday (February 3rd). You may also know that Mr. Brad the Bird himself attended the event once or twice, including on the day of February 2nd, a Saturday. Well, my mother and I didn’t know anything about this film festival until we sat down to have our usual coffee and hot chocolate in our favorite coffee stop on Thursday, January 31st, three days before the event itself ended. I was just about to sit my patootie down in my usual chair by one of the billion windows around the shop… when I saw a suspicious-looking newspaper on the newspaper stand beside zhe main entrance, er, door. Who should be on the front cover but Brad Bird? Well, naturally, I nearly had a heart-attack and snatched up the darn paper before shoving it into my mom’s face. (Just kidding about the heart-attack thing. My eyes did get pretty big, though. snigger) It turned out that there was entire article on the famed director and his involvement in both The Incredibles and Ratatouille and, low and behold, the fact that he would be paying a visit to the Santa Barbara Film Festival…
A couple of days later, on February 2nd, my mom and I were on our way to Santa Barbara, a location that I hadn’t been to in forever, mind you. Not to mention, the day started off quite nicely for it being a Saturday. The traffic was excellent (as in no traffic, if you can imagine that), a wonderful visitation to my mom’s favorite “Santa Barbarian” bistro… where we stuffed ourselves on sandwiches and the best brownies this side of the western pecos, before rounding it off with a couple of delicious cups of Cold Stone Creamery ice cream. Not a bad start at all, if I do say so myself.
After that, we went to purchase our tickets. Things seemed rather bleak at first when it came to our attention that we might not get a discount on that 4-pack ticket set after all, but the tables were soon turned when we split the tickets four was between my mom, a couple of our ladies, and myself. One of the ladies, in turn, mentioned that she had a daughter who wanted to work for Pixar Animation Studios, of all places, and that she was attending the event partly so as she could take notes for her daughter. We exchanged emails and websites and will, hopefully, keep in contact for a long time to come. The second lady was a composer for one (or more) of the film festival shorts, the latter of which had aired previously to our attendance. My mom gave her my dad’s card, as well, so perhaps she’ll keep in contact with us, too. Pretty interesting.
Ah, but then came zhe moment! We all filed into the Lobero theater, which was where Brad Bird would be interviewed, and my mom, one of the ladies whom we had become acquainted with, and I acquired three celebrity seats near the stadium. Hoards upon hoards of excited film fanatics crowded into the theater after us like ants in an anthill, each individual desiring to grab hold of the best seat in the house. Eventually, after much indecision and the occasional shift of a seat, everyone was comfortably settled in their prized position.
Before the “Conversation With…” presentation, featuring Brad Bird, the producer/director of “The Pixar Story”, Leslie Iwerks, the grand-daughter of Ub Iwerks, came up onto the stage to commentate on her newest production, a documentary which expanded upon the history of Pixar Animation Studios and the entities who had spurred its beginnings and eventually successes. Ms. Iwerks’ film, The Pixar Story, was then aired on the theater screen upon the stage for all eyes to see – I must say that it was a most intriguing, informative, and in-depth feature that is most note-worthy. Leslie Iwerks stated that the production itself should debut on DVD sometime this summer, so keep an eye out for it!
And then… ahhh, I still… Heheh. I still remember it like it was yesterday! Mr. Brad Bird walked onto the stage… followed by a man who was to interview him, the latter of whose name I neglect to recall. I obtained many valuable notes on the subjects of animation, film-making, and production on The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and even 1906, all of which Brad Bird was interrogated on and which I wrote down in my sketchbook for quick scanning/re-reading later on. (Yes, I brought my sketchbook. Of course I wouldn’t leave without it! 
)
Near the end of the interview, Brad Bird departed from his seat to tumultuous applause… but not before answering a few questions from various individuals in the audience. Upon heading towards the exit, a collage of people flew down to the edge of the stadium so as to get that last piece of the pie before it was devoured completely.
Well, not wanting to miss out on all the action, not to mention… here was my chance to meet the director of Ratatouille, the one guy whom had assisted in changing my life with a seemingly simple production. Sooo… I tenderly walked down to the stadium, sketchbook tightly clutched to my chest, and approached the edge of the podium… along with ten billion other interested students and admirers, who ended up interrogating Mr. Bird with those last hoard of questions, obtaining an autograph or two, and engaging in quick, albeit informative, conversation with le widely acclaimed director. Finally, that inevitable point in time came when Mr. Bird stated that he had to catch his plane before it left…
Alright, well, I wasn’t extremely disappointed – not in the least. I was just pleased to have seen Brad Bird in person. I was happy as it was. Besides, it wasn’t the first time that I’d been deprived of meeting someone that I’d wanted to shake hands with for centuries. It was all fine to me either way. Still… I still wanted to catch his eye somehow… Just to tell him how much Ratatouille meant to me with a simple glance or… even a wave of the hand. So, on his way out the theater door, I looked at him… and did the “fingers-to-forehead-and-off-again-in-a-fond-farewell” gesture of mine… Now, I would have been happy with just a simple glance or something, if anything at all. But then… he looked at me… just looked at me… and smiled. Never… for as long as I live out the rest of my life… will I ever forget that smile. Never. He came up to me and said that I “looked like an artist”, or something along those lines, and signed my sketchbook. My mom, who was standing right beside me, even asked him if he remembered my dad… and he said that he did! (He and my dad worked on The Fox and the Hound together, way back in the good ol’ days.) I also mentioned that I was (or, should I say, am) determined to work at Pixar Animation Studios, and he said that they could always use more animators at the studio. (Ha-ha! I took that seriously, Mr. Bird.) And then, after so many months of waiting, I was finally able to tell him, in just a few short words, how much Ratatouille changed my life. Just a few short words… He said that he was glad that it did, dressed up his signature in my sketchbook with a ccouple of extra words, stood up to leave, and smiled at us one last time… before departing from the theater…
I swear… I could have cried that night, and I almost did. I don’t know why, yet I do know why, I still smile just as much as I did that one, beautiful, magnificent, and deliciously tasteful night. I have never met somehow who shares with me so much passion for what he loves to do… as Brad Bird. Heheh. My mom later said that I tried to look pitiful before Mr. Bird left the cinema. I swear that I looked nothing of the sort. Hopefully, maybe, but never pitiful.
As for Ratatouille, it has become my coffee in the morning, my tea in the evening, and my wine in the afternoon. I simply cannot describe in complete detail how much that film means to me. I love it with all my heart and soul. Call me crazy all you want, but… God was behind this one. There is no other reason why it should have come out at the time of my life that it did.
One of these days, I will describe to you all why I love Ratatouille so much – perhaps even tonight, if possible (especially seeing as I was watching the thing just a couple of minutes ago). I already told my mom and sister why I adore it so, even though the latter still doesn’t quite understand the whole romantic relationship.
But, yes, I will never forget that one night – that one, tender, delicious, Ratatouille-scented night. To this day, I still love that evening and always will. Brad Bird could have just given me a simple glance, but he smiled at me… and signed my sketchbook. I shall never regret going to Santa Barbara that evening… (Thank you for taking me, mom!)
Brad Bird, if you’re reading this, thank you so much for doing what you did to make me smile, laugh, and clap but once more time in my life. My sincerely compliments to you for sharing your knowledge of both animation and film-making with everyone who attended the event that night, and for doing the voice of Edna Mode… even though it was not a requirement. Thank you, sir.
Voila’! There you have it. Actually, I think that the little run-down of my adventures in the months of January and February (above) is just as extensive as that of my latest journal entry. Oh well… (snigger)
In any case, I hope that all of you aspiring artists fulfill your hopes and dreams of obtaining a position at Pixar Animation Studios in the future, and to meet Brad Bird as well. The dude is such a nice guy, and he’s pretty hilarious too, as many of you probably know.
By the way, thank you so much, guys. I figured that my absence would raise some up some questions, but I never thought that a thread would be made on the subject. I am deeply touched. Please also know that when I leave Pixar Planet at odd moments I never do it intentionally (unless I have a good reason to) or for good – certainly never for good. This place is my alternate home, you guys are my second family, and this website (and what it represents) is so very dear to my heart. I shall never abandon this stronghold…
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you! Upon leaving the cinema, we were handed out collector’s editions of the official, Ratatouille soundtracks. Unless people are selling these on Ebay, you can’t get them anywhere else, folks, as far as I know. The only difference between the original and exclusive versions is that the CD itself hosts that shot of Remy as he overlooks a gentle sunrise over Paris, and there is an inscription on the “top” of it which mentions that Ratatouille was nominated for Best Music (Score). I’ll take a picture of it to show you guys soon.
On a last, light note:
“Now, imagine every great taste in the world being combined! Eh-eh… Infinite combinations. Tastes that no one has tried yet! Discoveries to be made!!!” - Remy
That’s how I feel about art now…
– Mitch
Aww, Mitch, that is humongous! Congrats, you must have felt elated with joy!
You should post up a picture of his autograph. That’s HUGE.
Sheila and Ashley
Colette Linguini - Ha-ha. Well, thank you very much, dude. I appreciate it.
I’m still pondering whether or not I should post up the page on which Brad Bird signed his name for me. It is rather personal, and I’d rather not display it publicly, but if you guys really want to see it then I’d be more than happy to oblige. (His hand-writing is very sketchy and artistic. You can tell, just by looking at it, that it was written by the hand of an animator.)
I will post up a picture of that exclusive Ratatouille soundtrack/CD, however. It’s pretty cool and I’d love to show it to you all.
– Mitch
Oh, I am so happy for you, Mitch! Your story made me cry. The work of God is a marvelous thing.
Oh, wow Mitch! That must’ve been an amazing experience! I’m so pleased that you managed to meet the man that, essentially, changed your life! And that he actually picked you out from the crowd…You’re so lucky!
Wow, Mitch! What an experience! Meeting your idol must be the best feeling EVER!
Thank you very much, everyone! I did, indeed, have a most enjoyable time and dearly wish that I could relive the experience. I think the one thing that took me aback the most was watching Mr. Bird glance at me and do a kind of mid-stop as he was walking out the door. Golly… <img src=“{SMILIES_PATH}/love2.gif” alt=“:loves:” title="In
Love" />
As promised, here is a photograph of the exclusive Ratatouille CD I mentioned earlier:
Due to the fact that I snapped this particular shot with my lousy camera phone, the quality of the image is not the best, but at least it’s better than nothing (I hope).
The inscription on the top of the CD reads as such:
[i]"Pour Votre Consideration
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
‘Le Festin’
Music and Lyrics by Michael Giacchino
Performed by Camille
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Michael Giacchino"[/i]
Note: All words in the quotation above were originally printed all in caps on the CD in question.
– Mitch
That must mean they are SHOUTING. xD
(just joking around… 
)
That is a good picture (on the CD, I mean). The picture of the CD is okay, too.
Hey Mitch! Glad to see you back again. We sure missed you.
gives Mitch the biggest hug EVAH
First of all, to say I’m glad to have you back, would be an understatement. If you would have left for reals, then this place would have never been the same without you… So, welcome back.
I’m sorry about your neighbour’s cat. Sometimes losing a pet or animal that is close to you hurts just as much as losing a person, since animals don’t judge you and only care about who are on the inside. They see you for you. Have you read this? It made me feel better after my cat died…
It’s good to know that The Pixar Story will be on DVD soon! If you recommend it then I’m sure it will be very interesting.
Gahhhh! I can’t believe you met Brad Bird! I would have been so nervous. I love how you gave him a salute. Heheh. It is appropriate, after all. Anyway, that is so cool. You really deserved it. Now, this might seem like a weird question but “eh”, is Brad tall or short in person? 'Cause when I’ve met or seen celebrities they are either a lot shorter or taller than they appear. Heh.
Ah, yes. I’ve seen a few of those Ratatouille “For Your Consideration” CDs on eBay, but I didn’t know where people were getting them from. That must be a sweet item to add to your collection. drools You camera phone is way better than mine… Heheh.
Glad to have you back and thanks for the update! <img src=“{SMILIES_PATH}/grinandwink.gif” alt=“;-D” title="Grin and
Wink" />
A113 - Thank you!
The Star Swordsman - Much obliged, dude.
rachel - blushes like an idiot
Gee whiz, rachel. I’m touched… <img src=“{SMILIES_PATH}/love2.gif” alt=“:loves:” title="In
Love" /> hugs rachel
Ah! The “Rainbow Bridge” page… I haven’t seen that in ages. (Heh. Back when I was uber-obsessed with rats, I browsed every single rat-related website that I could get my paws on, and I, unwittingly, discovered that “Rainbow Bridge” page.) Thanks for bringing back good memories. Heheh.
Ha-ha! Well, Mr. Bird is almost exactly as tall (or short) as I expected him to be (perhaps a little more on the short side than on the tall). It was hard to judge, since I was below him and he was above me… on stage, but I think that he was about as tall as my mom, who is about 5’4 or so, give or take. He’s taller than me, in any case, and I’m around 5’0-5’1. (I tend to “shrink” every now and then.) 
Really? Your camera phone must be pretty bad, because mine is from hell, man. No offense! (snigger)
Again, thank you very much rachel. I really hope that you guys have a chance to meet Brad Bird or… anyone from Pixar Animation Studios really. It’s such a great experience, plus… they’re awesome individuals to talk to.
– Mitch
You’re very welcome, Mitch. Thanks for the hug. 
Really? Brad Bird is only 5’1"?! Geez, I expected him to be at least… I don’t know… 5’7"? I find it really surprising that he is shorter than me. And I’m not exactly tall either- only 5’5.5" (that half an inch counts, you know!). Heh. Wow, that is very surprising. John Lasseter doesn’t seem that tall either. Good things come in small packages, I suppose.
Nah, it’s cool. My camera-phone is not even 1 megapixel… I took a few photos a while ago with it in the Ratatouille Toys thread so it’s not that bad. It is pretty old, though. I really want an iPhone (when they come down here) but that only has a 2 megapixel camera. I dream of the day when every phone comes with a 5 megapixel camera and I will be able to take better quality photos of Pixar stuff that I come across.
Yeeeeeeh. That’s one of my dreams - to visit Pixar and meet a Pixarian. Preferably Brad, John and/or Lou but I’ll take anyone, man. And I hope to meet a few people from this forum who I know will be Pixarians in the future, so I’m hoping it will all work out.
At least you can cross Brad Bird off your list, now. Who would you like to meet next?
rachel - You’re welcome! hugs again
Oh no no no, Brad Bird is probably around 5’4 or taller. I meant that I am 5’1, not Brad. Heheh. (Did I word it that badly? snigger)
Yeah, I wish that all phones would have a high-quality camera, as well. Every other feature on the things are top-notch except for the camera and video recorder. It kinda sucks…
By the way, what the heck is a megapixel, if I may ask? non-techie alert
Exactly. You just have to meet someone, dude. They must visit Australia every now and then, if there happens to be a Pixar-themed event taking place around your area. They traveled there when they were producing Finding Nemo, so who says they won’t do it again?
Brad Bird. (snigger) Seriously, he’s that cool. I still have yet to meet someone else with just as much passion for art as myself… (I’m sure that there are probably billions of other people out there who carry the same love; I just haven’t met 'em all yet.)
Other than Brad Bird, though, I wouldn’t mind having a chat with, oh, someone from Pixar that my mom and dad know. As far as artists go, I don’t really care whom I meet as long as he/she can draw and is an amiable person. I really wanted to meet Joe Ranft, as my dad said that he was one of the nicest guys ever, but unfortunately… (He was a Christian, though, thank goodness.)
But yeah. Who would you like to meet?
– Mitch
Mitch: A megapixel is one million pixels. Like, a square that’s 1,000 by 1,000 pixels is 1 mp.