Director Joe Menendez Is a CrackBerry Addict
As a longtime veteran of sitcom scriptwriting and telenovela directing, Joe Menendez knows a thing or two about technology (computers, cameras), so it's no surprise that he was pretty much at one with his BlackBerry while directing his new film, the all-Spanish-language 'Ladron Que Roba a Ladron," which means, literally, "Thief Who Steals from Thief." That's right, it's a new-Spangled heist movie that stars some of the Latin entertainment world's biggest stars. Menendez took a break from his BlackBerry-ing to tell us precisely how much he loves his little smart phone, as well his preferences for those odd other gadgets he uses on and off the set.
What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set?
My BlackBerry comes with me on all my shoots, and I'm always checking email between shots. Always. Never during a shot or rehearsal I'd NEVER do that but during down-time . . I just have to.
What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?
The BlackBerry 8700. I love that I've dropped it literally dozens of times and aside from some unsightly dings and scratches, it still works great. Once, it fell and bounced down my driveway all the way to the bottom. Still worked. But, I hate that I can't take photos with it. I still love it though.
Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?
Jojo Henrickson (my writer on "Ladron"). Gotta love JoJo.
Where do you go (site or service) pretty much every time you get online?
Dare I say: PerezHilton! Miami Herald.com/Florida Sun Sentinel.com to read about my beloved Dolphins.
What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop?
Nothing really annoys me about my BlackBerry. People ask me if it bothers me being so "in touch" with everyone at all times. I answer: I'd hate not to be.
Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop could do that it doesn't do now?
Warn me where the crappy traffic is before I get to it. I'd love for my phone to ring and me answer and it say: "Hey Dummy, you're not taking the 405, are ya?! Idiot, take the canyon at this time!"
What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?
I want to get one of those remotes that controls everything in your house. The television to the lights to the AC. I want to make my life at home even more convenient than it is now.
You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?
A satellite phone, maybe two of them, with lots of batteries, to call for help . . . you know, after I've swam and hung out for a while, of course.
What's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?
It'd have to be an artist. It's a toss up between John Williams and James Newton Howard.
BlackBerry, Sidekick, or Treo?
Dude, BlackBerry, for sure.
Now that it's cheaper, are you getting an iPhone-if so, why?
Maybe the 3rd or 4th generation of it. Maybe. And just so I can have all in one: Ipod, Internet, phone . . . But I don't know, I'm not a big fan of getting or doing something when its trendy to get it or do it.
What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?
A couple of hours. SOCOM Navy Seals II. My wife (and producer) Roni, keeps wondering when I'm going to finally outgrow the PlayStation. I keep telling her I'm hanging on to it for our 19-month-old to play with one day. I don't think she's buying that.
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