So. Did everyone vote?
Yeah. I'm terrible.
I already make the excuse too often... ...what can I say? I write nearly all day, everyday...sometimes the old blog suffers from months of neglect. Not the longest I've gone, but certainly a qualifier for neglect.
On Saturday, 01/17/09 I'll be heading out to finish Wid Winner and the Slipstream. It has been an epic journey of self awareness, growth, reassurance that I'm interested in quality over quantity and two road trips across the country to capture a magic that can't be "make-believed" in any studio setting......
I'm in the midst of much introspection and prayer for many things - A project that I'm trying to get off the ground; a potential little league team that I'd be coaching; a new job that I'd love to perform that doesn't involve sitting at a computer all day; a motorcycle to sell; debt to work out of - ultimately surrendering completely to God's will and just enjoying the wild ride.
We went to Missouri for Christmas, and regardless of the work that I had to take with me, the trip was worthwhile. New Year's Eve with my family and the LSU Tigers was my idea of a perfect evening...Praying for a few more moments like that in the near and distant future as well.
I'm excited for 2009. Very excited.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Monday, November 3, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
The State of Thunder
So. It's almost time to vote...and it's not a big secret as to who I'll be casting my ballot for in the 2008 Presidential Election. I could campaign, but really...I mean...REALLY...who is undecided at this point? Post election, check back so that I might sound off appropriately, but in the meantime, there's universality to consider - and I'll make it as brief as possible.
Am I surprised at the state of the United States? Economical woes, ailing markets, uncertainty and dropping gas prices with the OPEC desire to cut production just in time for the holiday season? Nope. Honestly, is anyone surprised? Even when in need, greed reigns supreme. You think it's all the good eatin' that has made us a nation of gluttons? "Oh, but James, it's not everyone." No. You're right. Only 66%. The vast majority. 2/3 of the U.S. population. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Allow me to share.
As Americans, we're seemingly obsessed with an American Dream that is just that: A dream. Our desire to have everything bigger and better, while enjoying it faster...and faster, has made us a nation dominated by inconsiderate, selfish, how-can-I-make-the-most-money-for-doing-the-least- amount-of-work, where's-the-next-party, individuals. Our unwillingness to change during a time of crisis is no longer embarrassing, it's completely frustrating.
Don't mistake me for being unpatriotic. I do believe in the potential of the land, and the hope that this nation provides. However, the fine line between "right" and "privilege" seems to be fading rapidly, and for every inch offered, multiple miles are taken.
Our Jobs - A Privilege Confused to be Right.
The ability to make money is seen as a right, and thus abused due to a growing apathy amongst the employed. In recent times, have you walked into a restaurant, a retail establishment or any business offering customer service and been really impressed with the overall operation? Or, among the few outstanding employees, do you find yourself consistently dealing with people who don't even want to be in your presence? Good service is no longer expected, and it is definitely no longer demanded by employers. Perhaps the apathy has fallen from the top down, or perhaps it has grown from the bottom up...we can probably agree that it's a little bit of both -that's generally the way things work.
Everyday activities such as going to the gym are a constant reminder of how inconsiderate and lazy our society has become. Equipment is abused, disregarded...people will load weight plates on a bar, grease up the bench or equipment chair with their sweat and when they're done, they'll just leave it for the next person to deal with. Sorry to say it, and I do mean that I am sorry to say it: This lack of care, this inconsideration, is a large part of what is wrong with the United States of America. The mess at the gym is the same mess we're leaving for our children and grandchildren... ...environmentally, financially, socially...spiritually.
When I hear Depression Era citizens talk about the past as "a better time," I can't empathize... and I certainly can't disagree. What happened to doing a job to the best of our ability, regardless of our walk in life? As much as I love technology, it seems to have left an emptiness in so many who are now devoid of authentic social interaction. (And seriously, don't get me started on identity theft. Even the criminals from those "better times" had more personality, and were willing to work harder to achieve a goal.) If you scratch the social surface to get down to the soul of the matter, the spiritual neglect of our age is incredibly frightening - it is what I believe to be the root of America's problem...its illness.
My hope for America is simple: Quality over quantity. Let's take the time to do things right, and in everything we do, let's do it to the best of our ability. Let's redefine the line between appropriate and inappropriate social and professional behavior, and begin to once again expect more from ourselves, and the best of ourselves.
Am I surprised at the state of the United States? Economical woes, ailing markets, uncertainty and dropping gas prices with the OPEC desire to cut production just in time for the holiday season? Nope. Honestly, is anyone surprised? Even when in need, greed reigns supreme. You think it's all the good eatin' that has made us a nation of gluttons? "Oh, but James, it's not everyone." No. You're right. Only 66%. The vast majority. 2/3 of the U.S. population. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Allow me to share.
As Americans, we're seemingly obsessed with an American Dream that is just that: A dream. Our desire to have everything bigger and better, while enjoying it faster...and faster, has made us a nation dominated by inconsiderate, selfish, how-can-I-make-the-most-money-for-doing-the-least- amount-of-work, where's-the-next-party, individuals. Our unwillingness to change during a time of crisis is no longer embarrassing, it's completely frustrating.
Don't mistake me for being unpatriotic. I do believe in the potential of the land, and the hope that this nation provides. However, the fine line between "right" and "privilege" seems to be fading rapidly, and for every inch offered, multiple miles are taken.
Our Jobs - A Privilege Confused to be Right.
The ability to make money is seen as a right, and thus abused due to a growing apathy amongst the employed. In recent times, have you walked into a restaurant, a retail establishment or any business offering customer service and been really impressed with the overall operation? Or, among the few outstanding employees, do you find yourself consistently dealing with people who don't even want to be in your presence? Good service is no longer expected, and it is definitely no longer demanded by employers. Perhaps the apathy has fallen from the top down, or perhaps it has grown from the bottom up...we can probably agree that it's a little bit of both -that's generally the way things work.
Everyday activities such as going to the gym are a constant reminder of how inconsiderate and lazy our society has become. Equipment is abused, disregarded...people will load weight plates on a bar, grease up the bench or equipment chair with their sweat and when they're done, they'll just leave it for the next person to deal with. Sorry to say it, and I do mean that I am sorry to say it: This lack of care, this inconsideration, is a large part of what is wrong with the United States of America. The mess at the gym is the same mess we're leaving for our children and grandchildren... ...environmentally, financially, socially...spiritually.
When I hear Depression Era citizens talk about the past as "a better time," I can't empathize... and I certainly can't disagree. What happened to doing a job to the best of our ability, regardless of our walk in life? As much as I love technology, it seems to have left an emptiness in so many who are now devoid of authentic social interaction. (And seriously, don't get me started on identity theft. Even the criminals from those "better times" had more personality, and were willing to work harder to achieve a goal.) If you scratch the social surface to get down to the soul of the matter, the spiritual neglect of our age is incredibly frightening - it is what I believe to be the root of America's problem...its illness.
My hope for America is simple: Quality over quantity. Let's take the time to do things right, and in everything we do, let's do it to the best of our ability. Let's redefine the line between appropriate and inappropriate social and professional behavior, and begin to once again expect more from ourselves, and the best of ourselves.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
I Got Nothin...
Really, I just felt like writing. After my last post about the political incorrectness in my birthtown that made me laugh so hard, I thought it better to offer no viral effect for this post. If you noticed the comments from that post...random people searching for Obama and finding me...educating me on why West Plains, Missouri, is named what it is. Honestly, I never knew.
I have no idea what I hope to write about this evening, and the only jokes I have swimming in my head are inappropriate. Semi-blue stand-up material that will never be used. Or politically charged finger pointing. Just not in the mood for either.
So. I thought I'd post a song I wrote a few months ago...I've got music, but I haven't married the two yet. It doesn't have a title.
I've got dreams bigger than the whole of me,
From leather gloves to movie screens
The card that moves me shows a decade times three
Yet that ain't me...it just ain't me.
I'm still stuck somewhere closer to 23...
You know, when I felt like I was 18,
When my dreams were bigger than the whole of me.
Sometimes I imagine that I can't see,
And it might be a better me, honestly
No colors to bleed, or lies to lead
Away from the dreams that are bigger than the whole of me.
Come on, let's sing for the boy who can't see
How to wake from the dreams that are bigger than he
So quiet, please be, to understand completely
You must surrender to a perfect someone...someone else's timing.
I have no idea what I hope to write about this evening, and the only jokes I have swimming in my head are inappropriate. Semi-blue stand-up material that will never be used. Or politically charged finger pointing. Just not in the mood for either.
So. I thought I'd post a song I wrote a few months ago...I've got music, but I haven't married the two yet. It doesn't have a title.
I've got dreams bigger than the whole of me,
From leather gloves to movie screens
The card that moves me shows a decade times three
Yet that ain't me...it just ain't me.
I'm still stuck somewhere closer to 23...
You know, when I felt like I was 18,
When my dreams were bigger than the whole of me.
Sometimes I imagine that I can't see,
And it might be a better me, honestly
No colors to bleed, or lies to lead
Away from the dreams that are bigger than the whole of me.
Come on, let's sing for the boy who can't see
How to wake from the dreams that are bigger than he
So quiet, please be, to understand completely
You must surrender to a perfect someone...someone else's timing.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The WP - It's in Missouri, Yo.
All Muslims on the run,
You know I've got a gun,
The Zizzers are #1!
West Plains, here I come,
Right back where I started from.
We'll stop Obama cold,
We'll vote for someone Old,
Rollin' down Preacher Roe! (blvd.)
West Plains, here I come,
Right back where I started from.
Oh West Plaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnssssssssssssss.
Here I COOOOMME!
Could I be ANY prouder to be from this small American town?
You know I've got a gun,
The Zizzers are #1!
West Plains, here I come,
Right back where I started from.
We'll stop Obama cold,
We'll vote for someone Old,
Rollin' down Preacher Roe! (blvd.)
West Plains, here I come,
Right back where I started from.
Oh West Plaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnssssssssssssss.
Here I COOOOMME!
Could I be ANY prouder to be from this small American town?
It's always nice to know that you can go home to experience world-class bigotry.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
If You're Coming From facebook...
...scroll on down for the information, or just save yourself some time and click on my name.
James Sheldon
However, this entry is about the stock market. Thus the red...for the color of the market these days. You know, I've waited a long time to be able to afford some stock, and hot diggity, I'm buyin' some on Friday. I'm confident the market isn't going to crash, but if it does, it's not like I won't have spent more on an overpriced dinner in NYC before.
What am I buying? Well. Let's just say it's iconoclast in American culture. That the next 5 years should let me know how wise my investment is, and the following 10 should afford the plastic surgery that I've longed desired. (Yep. Butt implants.) And there is another company that should benefit from the future of alternative and renewable energy that is selling cheap, so I think I'll begin to slightly diversify.
Anyone else investing in the downtrodden market? It's got kind of a fun, Grapes of Wrathy feel, doesn't it? (C'mon, what am I supposed to do, be depressed like the economy? I did the depression thing in college. For me, it's the best of times even IN the worst of times...yes, I know that's from A Tale of Two Cities. Hot diggity. And one more time - hot... ...diggity. No doubt.)
James Sheldon
However, this entry is about the stock market. Thus the red...for the color of the market these days. You know, I've waited a long time to be able to afford some stock, and hot diggity, I'm buyin' some on Friday. I'm confident the market isn't going to crash, but if it does, it's not like I won't have spent more on an overpriced dinner in NYC before.
What am I buying? Well. Let's just say it's iconoclast in American culture. That the next 5 years should let me know how wise my investment is, and the following 10 should afford the plastic surgery that I've longed desired. (Yep. Butt implants.) And there is another company that should benefit from the future of alternative and renewable energy that is selling cheap, so I think I'll begin to slightly diversify.
Anyone else investing in the downtrodden market? It's got kind of a fun, Grapes of Wrathy feel, doesn't it? (C'mon, what am I supposed to do, be depressed like the economy? I did the depression thing in college. For me, it's the best of times even IN the worst of times...yes, I know that's from A Tale of Two Cities. Hot diggity. And one more time - hot... ...diggity. No doubt.)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
A Helpful Manipulation
Have you ever wanted to manipulate me?
Don't answer that.
But please...do it.
No doubt, many of you are familiar with IMDB or the professional subscription version, IMDB PRO. The latter is what I use for vast amounts of pertinent information - Business news, development news, learning the fact that Beverly Hills Chihuahua reigned supreme at the Box Office this weekend, as well as on Monday and Tuesday...seriously, folks, I can kind of understand why anyone might vote for either presidential candidate, but really...? 30-plus million over three days for that steaming pile left by CG-FX Chihuahua's? I digress.
I need you all to manipulate me via IMDB by taking your little cursor hand, rubbing my name below and giving it a click.
James Sheldon
Oh wow. That felt nice. Thank you. I had a little kink in my spine, but now I'm slouching over the computer much straighter. I'll be adding some new pictures in the near future, but for the time being I can't get the old one down without paying more.
So. Why do this?
There is a scale system within the professional version of the site that is known as the StarMeter. The star meter is based on page hits. For example, as you can see below, Paul Newman passed away recently, so last week he was #1 on the StarMeter. Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johannson were also way up there because they got hitched, and the news broke. Making sense?
I once peaked at 35,xxx. Considering the millions of people in the database, that's almost satisfying as an "undiscovered." So, why manipulate it? I'm about to start submitting for agency and management meetings, because I've recently parted ways with my representation, and I'm on the hunt for some new people. Those people will undoubtedly look to see where I'm floating on the StarMeter - dumbest, most illogical thing ever, but such is the business. We all understand this because Beverly Hills Chihuahua was #1 at the Box Office.
And I won't hate you for sending the link to friends, or checking it out daily for the next month or so...even multiple times daily. To repay you, I promise that anything you ever see me in, I won't suck. If you didn't see my tour de force in LARVA, it can be rented at Blockbuster. Though most of my scenes were cut before we shot them, I still open the sucker and die while making out in the backseat of a car. Cool, huh?
Don't answer that.
But please...do it.
No doubt, many of you are familiar with IMDB or the professional subscription version, IMDB PRO. The latter is what I use for vast amounts of pertinent information - Business news, development news, learning the fact that Beverly Hills Chihuahua reigned supreme at the Box Office this weekend, as well as on Monday and Tuesday...seriously, folks, I can kind of understand why anyone might vote for either presidential candidate, but really...? 30-plus million over three days for that steaming pile left by CG-FX Chihuahua's? I digress.
I need you all to manipulate me via IMDB by taking your little cursor hand, rubbing my name below and giving it a click.
James Sheldon
Oh wow. That felt nice. Thank you. I had a little kink in my spine, but now I'm slouching over the computer much straighter. I'll be adding some new pictures in the near future, but for the time being I can't get the old one down without paying more.
So. Why do this?
There is a scale system within the professional version of the site that is known as the StarMeter. The star meter is based on page hits. For example, as you can see below, Paul Newman passed away recently, so last week he was #1 on the StarMeter. Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johannson were also way up there because they got hitched, and the news broke. Making sense?
I once peaked at 35,xxx. Considering the millions of people in the database, that's almost satisfying as an "undiscovered." So, why manipulate it? I'm about to start submitting for agency and management meetings, because I've recently parted ways with my representation, and I'm on the hunt for some new people. Those people will undoubtedly look to see where I'm floating on the StarMeter - dumbest, most illogical thing ever, but such is the business. We all understand this because Beverly Hills Chihuahua was #1 at the Box Office.
And I won't hate you for sending the link to friends, or checking it out daily for the next month or so...even multiple times daily. To repay you, I promise that anything you ever see me in, I won't suck. If you didn't see my tour de force in LARVA, it can be rented at Blockbuster. Though most of my scenes were cut before we shot them, I still open the sucker and die while making out in the backseat of a car. Cool, huh?
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Newman's Own
I felt it was necessary to offer a few thoughts on the passing of Paul Newman...
I remember saying to Kristi a few weeks ago, "Baby, Paul Newman is probably going to die soon." When it came down to brass tacks, this guy put his money where his mouth was.
I remember saying to Kristi a few weeks ago, "Baby, Paul Newman is probably going to die soon." When it came down to brass tacks, this guy put his money where his mouth was.
How many realize that this guy took out a full page ad after feeling he performed poorly in a film...apologizing to audience members, and basically promising the best was yet to come.
Maybe it'll help to explain that my two computers are named Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid.
Maybe it'll help to explain that a career like Paul Newman's is why people like me happily continue to struggle and fight.
So. Here's to you, Butch, Luke, Hud, Fast Eddie - it has been, and will always be a pleasure to view your work, and continue to enjoy your legacy.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Jury Ransom
Truly, why don't they just call it what it is...? A civic duty?
Kristi has been stuck on a trial for nearly two weeks. They were to deliberate last Friday, which was bumped to Monday and has been extended until Tuesday. (Tomorrow) They were then informed by the judge that depending on what they decide, they may have to be retained. Seriously, it's gonna go two weeks. And what will this jury of "peers" be awarding? Millions. Fortunately, they pay $15/day for service in Los Angeles, so that'll definitely make up for what she's lost at work...heck, I'm a little concerned that it might bump us into the next tax bracket.
Here's where I usually complain about being a two income family paying two-times in rent what most people pay for a mortgage, etc. But you know, it's a small price to pay for livin' in the good ole U.S.A. So long as the LSU Tigers keep winning, and Tony LaRussa's contract comes closer to an end, I'm a pretty satisfied fella.
Kristi has been stuck on a trial for nearly two weeks. They were to deliberate last Friday, which was bumped to Monday and has been extended until Tuesday. (Tomorrow) They were then informed by the judge that depending on what they decide, they may have to be retained. Seriously, it's gonna go two weeks. And what will this jury of "peers" be awarding? Millions. Fortunately, they pay $15/day for service in Los Angeles, so that'll definitely make up for what she's lost at work...heck, I'm a little concerned that it might bump us into the next tax bracket.
Here's where I usually complain about being a two income family paying two-times in rent what most people pay for a mortgage, etc. But you know, it's a small price to pay for livin' in the good ole U.S.A. So long as the LSU Tigers keep winning, and Tony LaRussa's contract comes closer to an end, I'm a pretty satisfied fella.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
September 2nd, And a Few Thoughts
Welcome to the obstacle course...
Any tennis fans? I really like Rafa Nadal. Great sportsman, great athlete, I dig the way people dig him, but his left arm is so much bigger than his right, it honestly bothers me a bit.
I think Roger Federer is one of the few players that doesn't annoy me with a grunt...or even worse...the "ehhhhhhhhh..." that people so frequently use these days. Thanks, Monica Seles. Thanks for breaking the tennis sound barrier.
My Grandmother, whom I adore, called me the other night and it seemed she wanted to chat politics. (My Grandfather was a staunch Democrat, and me, a member of the Young Republicans Club - we would have great political arguments. I never knew what he was laughing about until I entered adulthood. That being said, I usually vote a nice mix of parties - and claim independence from party registry.) So, Grandmother is really diggin' on Barack Obama. I can't disagree with her vibe. Mentioning that, and the fact that I've given a few bucks to the "no special interest $$" campaign that the Obama camp has pledged allegiance to, she asked me for an address so that she might donate as well. Make no mistake people - there are those of us who are willing to believe that even without ALL of the answers, there's more influence in hope and the power of positive thinking than there is in continued war against terror. Quite frankly, another year of a regime similar to Dubya's is terrorizing!
Just finished a screenplay. At this point, it's tentatively titled, "Dead To Me" . It was fun and very challenging to write, and hopefully fun and less challenging to read. I consider it my Neo-Spaghetti Western. 120 pages, juiced with 186 scenes. Delicious.
My St. Louis Cardinals (yes, I own them) have fallen apart. I don't even want to check tonight's score. The door has been open over the past few weeks, and they've just stood outside like a confused teenager hoping to ask a girl out...doin' nothin'. This should do it for LaRussa in the city of St. Louis. Maybe we can go get Bobby Valentine from Japan.
Here's something I bet you didn't know. I tried out for MLB this summer. MLB as in Major League Baseball. The only mistake I felt I made in the tryout was listing my actual age on my information card. I bet a lot of you peeps didn't even know I liked baseball that much, eh? Well. It's true. I was the 2nd oldest of the 250+ players that showed to the open try-out. My day consisted of running and throwing. I smoked the kid I ran against, but didn't run my best. And my throws from outfield to home lacked the velocity I hoped for. To say the least, I was disappointed in my overall performance, but thought I still might be asked to scrimmage - I wasn't. I out performed the vast majority of the outfielders there, but couldn't remember one detail from my days of competitive athleticism. Will I go back? You bet Jurassic. Why? What's the point of setting fitness goals if you don't use your potential? If you're only interested in the way you look, you might as well simplify life and get a job as a mannequin. And how old will I be next time around? 24. ... ...24.
Dru and Chloe started another year of school, and with their advancement, we've advanced their punishments. To be honest, these two kids are so outstanding they're rarely punished. And now, Kristi and I have to nitpick to find anything to punish in the first place; however, I never like finding things in the carpet, day-old grits for example, as I'm lying down for a little rest. We also have issues with some house rules - so...new punishment? Push-ups. The most beautiful thing about it, they reluctantly love it. They'll act truly bummed when I say, "Give me 10 push-ups," but you can tell they love the physical challenge...and the Boy/Girl vs. Gravity.
Any tennis fans? I really like Rafa Nadal. Great sportsman, great athlete, I dig the way people dig him, but his left arm is so much bigger than his right, it honestly bothers me a bit.
I think Roger Federer is one of the few players that doesn't annoy me with a grunt...or even worse...the "ehhhhhhhhh..." that people so frequently use these days. Thanks, Monica Seles. Thanks for breaking the tennis sound barrier.
My Grandmother, whom I adore, called me the other night and it seemed she wanted to chat politics. (My Grandfather was a staunch Democrat, and me, a member of the Young Republicans Club - we would have great political arguments. I never knew what he was laughing about until I entered adulthood. That being said, I usually vote a nice mix of parties - and claim independence from party registry.) So, Grandmother is really diggin' on Barack Obama. I can't disagree with her vibe. Mentioning that, and the fact that I've given a few bucks to the "no special interest $$" campaign that the Obama camp has pledged allegiance to, she asked me for an address so that she might donate as well. Make no mistake people - there are those of us who are willing to believe that even without ALL of the answers, there's more influence in hope and the power of positive thinking than there is in continued war against terror. Quite frankly, another year of a regime similar to Dubya's is terrorizing!
Just finished a screenplay. At this point, it's tentatively titled, "Dead To Me" . It was fun and very challenging to write, and hopefully fun and less challenging to read. I consider it my Neo-Spaghetti Western. 120 pages, juiced with 186 scenes. Delicious.
My St. Louis Cardinals (yes, I own them) have fallen apart. I don't even want to check tonight's score. The door has been open over the past few weeks, and they've just stood outside like a confused teenager hoping to ask a girl out...doin' nothin'. This should do it for LaRussa in the city of St. Louis. Maybe we can go get Bobby Valentine from Japan.
Here's something I bet you didn't know. I tried out for MLB this summer. MLB as in Major League Baseball. The only mistake I felt I made in the tryout was listing my actual age on my information card. I bet a lot of you peeps didn't even know I liked baseball that much, eh? Well. It's true. I was the 2nd oldest of the 250+ players that showed to the open try-out. My day consisted of running and throwing. I smoked the kid I ran against, but didn't run my best. And my throws from outfield to home lacked the velocity I hoped for. To say the least, I was disappointed in my overall performance, but thought I still might be asked to scrimmage - I wasn't. I out performed the vast majority of the outfielders there, but couldn't remember one detail from my days of competitive athleticism. Will I go back? You bet Jurassic. Why? What's the point of setting fitness goals if you don't use your potential? If you're only interested in the way you look, you might as well simplify life and get a job as a mannequin. And how old will I be next time around? 24. ... ...24.
Dru and Chloe started another year of school, and with their advancement, we've advanced their punishments. To be honest, these two kids are so outstanding they're rarely punished. And now, Kristi and I have to nitpick to find anything to punish in the first place; however, I never like finding things in the carpet, day-old grits for example, as I'm lying down for a little rest. We also have issues with some house rules - so...new punishment? Push-ups. The most beautiful thing about it, they reluctantly love it. They'll act truly bummed when I say, "Give me 10 push-ups," but you can tell they love the physical challenge...and the Boy/Girl vs. Gravity.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Summer Adventure
I'm happy to report that I've had no time to put the fingers to the keys in regards to blogging this summer. Busy summer, full of family and friend activities, as well as travel and a slice of relaxation for the sake of sanity. Stories, insights, mishaps and complaints to come... ...but right now I have Olympic Fever, so who's with me?
Quickly, I'll admit that I was tempted to blog about the Brett Favre madness that has come to a end. It's nice to see him in uniform...that's all I'll say.
Quickly, I'll admit that I was tempted to blog about the Brett Favre madness that has come to a end. It's nice to see him in uniform...that's all I'll say.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Hoppin'
I'll be all over during the summer, and thought a little update would be appropriate.
That being said, I'm gonna pause and share a little somethin' - somethin' that I read earlier today:
I woke up this morning to watch Empire of the Sun for the first time. Being a HUGE Spielberg fan (please don't bring up the latest Indy installment, I'm still in mourning...) as well as a MONSTER Christian Bale fan, I can't believe I hadn't seen this film before today. Regardless, I caught it on HDNet, bumped from its life in 35mm to HiDef, and it was absolutely gorgeous for a film that is 21 years old. Knowing it was Christian Bale's first leading role I was reading up a bit on America's favorite British superhero. (He's Batman, if you were unaware.) I was informed by the age-old eye to word combination that Mr. Bale was in deep financial duress a few short years ago - even amidst a film career that had blossomed for over a decade. Why bring this up? The last few months have been a wonderful financial struggle...which I pray is coming to an end. Regardless, reading of the struggles of a contemporary that I truly admire, the light at the end of the tunnel seemed more apparent.
SO.
The next few months...I'll be picking up where I left off last year in San Francisco at the Major League Baseball FanFest. Due to the popularity of the game, and the growing popularity of MLB's RBI Initiative (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities), KPMG, the corporate sponsor, has been booking me right and left to work my hosting mojo - I love them for it. I'll even get to team up with good ole Nicholas Coleman in NYC for the 2008 All-Star Break and MLB FanFest.
If you find me somewhere in transit, I'm always game to connect.
I'll be in Atlanta on Wednesday 11 - Friday 13 of this week. NYC July 10-18, and Phoenix at some point in August for a couple of days. There are dates out here, and stuff may be added after they get a dose of my 2008 awesomeness. In between all these dates, I'll be finishing up Wid Winner and the Slipstream, which I'm more excited about now than when the project began. Got some re-writes from Alex "Sascha" Gaynor this morning, and I got a little excited while reading them. I still owe some video evidence of this project, don't I? As my mom used to say, "Hold your horses."
That being said, I'm gonna pause and share a little somethin' - somethin' that I read earlier today:
I woke up this morning to watch Empire of the Sun for the first time. Being a HUGE Spielberg fan (please don't bring up the latest Indy installment, I'm still in mourning...) as well as a MONSTER Christian Bale fan, I can't believe I hadn't seen this film before today. Regardless, I caught it on HDNet, bumped from its life in 35mm to HiDef, and it was absolutely gorgeous for a film that is 21 years old. Knowing it was Christian Bale's first leading role I was reading up a bit on America's favorite British superhero. (He's Batman, if you were unaware.) I was informed by the age-old eye to word combination that Mr. Bale was in deep financial duress a few short years ago - even amidst a film career that had blossomed for over a decade. Why bring this up? The last few months have been a wonderful financial struggle...which I pray is coming to an end. Regardless, reading of the struggles of a contemporary that I truly admire, the light at the end of the tunnel seemed more apparent.
SO.
The next few months...I'll be picking up where I left off last year in San Francisco at the Major League Baseball FanFest. Due to the popularity of the game, and the growing popularity of MLB's RBI Initiative (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities), KPMG, the corporate sponsor, has been booking me right and left to work my hosting mojo - I love them for it. I'll even get to team up with good ole Nicholas Coleman in NYC for the 2008 All-Star Break and MLB FanFest.
If you find me somewhere in transit, I'm always game to connect.
I'll be in Atlanta on Wednesday 11 - Friday 13 of this week. NYC July 10-18, and Phoenix at some point in August for a couple of days. There are dates out here, and stuff may be added after they get a dose of my 2008 awesomeness. In between all these dates, I'll be finishing up Wid Winner and the Slipstream, which I'm more excited about now than when the project began. Got some re-writes from Alex "Sascha" Gaynor this morning, and I got a little excited while reading them. I still owe some video evidence of this project, don't I? As my mom used to say, "Hold your horses."
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Couldn't Have Been More Wrong...
The whole American Idol thing...forget I said anything...apparently, America noticed what I noticed about a left hand holding right hand gesturing eye closing knee bending teen...no offense to him, he's got a great voice.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Harry Callahan, Party of One
I got tired of having no picture associated with my blog, so I thought a beastly .44 would suffice. It does make me think of Inspector Harry Callahan...aka...Dirty Harry for those of you unfamiliar...if you don't know who Dirty Harry is, seriously, climb out from underneath your rock, step away from the computer or at least use it to do a little research.
So'z. I'm off to the gym, where my training regimen has been more intense as of late. I've got a goal set for June 14th, and from there I'll set another for August 1st. Bottom line, I'm shooting for optimal health by fall. BUT, before I head off to the gym, I thought I'd ramble about American Idol.
All season I've liked David Cook. In truth, he's probably the first performer that I've enjoyed on the show. Last night during the American Idol finale, he was up against the smooth voiced teen, David Archuleta - you know, the kid who ALWAYS holds the mic in his left hand while gesturing with his right and tossing in occasional knee bends and closed eye vocal riffs? Yeah...him. Well, he was clearly the "favorite" last night, however lacking in diversity and texture he may be...he's 17. Anyway, I feel like I witnessed the first American Idol that was "thrown."
Now, really do I believe that David Cook threw the game? Highly unlikely, but it would just go to prove how smart I think he is. What's one thing all Idol winners have in common? A crap first album produced by an arbitrary label that comes with your Idol winning contract. Look at the biggest successes in Idol history. Though a couple ladies have gone on to success, Clarkson and Underwood, no Idol winning dude has done anything worth writing home about. And Kelly Clarkson was already frustrated with the label after record #2...
Looking at Idol success, so far Daughtry has set the bar for the gents. Didn't he finish 4th or something? Maybe 5th? All this is to say that David Cook not winning the competition would be the winningest move for his career as a musical artist. Thrown? Hmmmm...depends on your perspective. At least he'll be able to sign with a label of choice and maybe write some music instead of singing stuff from a can.
So'z. I'm off to the gym, where my training regimen has been more intense as of late. I've got a goal set for June 14th, and from there I'll set another for August 1st. Bottom line, I'm shooting for optimal health by fall. BUT, before I head off to the gym, I thought I'd ramble about American Idol.
All season I've liked David Cook. In truth, he's probably the first performer that I've enjoyed on the show. Last night during the American Idol finale, he was up against the smooth voiced teen, David Archuleta - you know, the kid who ALWAYS holds the mic in his left hand while gesturing with his right and tossing in occasional knee bends and closed eye vocal riffs? Yeah...him. Well, he was clearly the "favorite" last night, however lacking in diversity and texture he may be...he's 17. Anyway, I feel like I witnessed the first American Idol that was "thrown."
Now, really do I believe that David Cook threw the game? Highly unlikely, but it would just go to prove how smart I think he is. What's one thing all Idol winners have in common? A crap first album produced by an arbitrary label that comes with your Idol winning contract. Look at the biggest successes in Idol history. Though a couple ladies have gone on to success, Clarkson and Underwood, no Idol winning dude has done anything worth writing home about. And Kelly Clarkson was already frustrated with the label after record #2...
Looking at Idol success, so far Daughtry has set the bar for the gents. Didn't he finish 4th or something? Maybe 5th? All this is to say that David Cook not winning the competition would be the winningest move for his career as a musical artist. Thrown? Hmmmm...depends on your perspective. At least he'll be able to sign with a label of choice and maybe write some music instead of singing stuff from a can.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Word Play
I haven't had fun with a post in a while...and I'm writing about the financial world at present, so a little break is necessary.
I love when people say words wrong. Growing up in Missouri and with family from bayou country in Louisiana, I thought it was reserved to a few textured U.S. regions. After traveling the United States, including all four corners, as well as the Southwest's Four Corners Region, I've discovered that it is everyone. So, here's a short list, and please, feel free to suggest any I've forgotten.
All time favorites:
1. Probly. (Probably) We're probly gonna go to the store in awhile. As in...it's possible, but not proble?
2. Egspecially. Exspecially. (Especially) Am I the only one who's noticed that people actually say egspecially? Egspecially if you're probly going to the store later.
3. Bob Wire. (Barbed-wire) As if it's your neighbor's name. We put up some 48 inch posts with Bob Wire on the back 40...it probly took us all day. Now, I love Bob, but when him puttin' up wire, well, he egspecially sucks.
4. Excape. (Escape) Yep, this goes hand in hand with egspecially.
5. Supposably. (Supposedly) This is probly my all-time favorite...
6. Expresso. (Espresso) Egspecially a favorite when I go to a small coffee shop and it's spelled wrong in vibrant colors on the arbitrary chalk-board.
7. Libel. (Liable) I'm libel to probly do that there if we can get bob wire, which will supposably help on the back 40.
8. Libary. (Library) Really? Lie-berry? Maybe that's the reason you've never been able to find it in town or on campus..."Is that it? Dang...that's the library...I need the libary...stupid r's."
9. Zuology. (Zoology) Maybe I'm nitpicking, but if it were Zu-ology, it would probly need another o - egspecially if you're supposably talking about the scientific discipline.
10. Realitor. (Realtor) Really. It's Realty. Not to be confused with reality.
Well. That's all the fun I'm allowed for today. Now I must go to the DMV - someone supposably stold my license plates off my motorcylce. I went to the cops and said I thought it was probly Bob Wire, but he must of excaped while I was having an expresso down at the libary while waiting on my Realitor to call me about some property with a back 40. I'm libel to kill that Bob Wire if I ever see him again, egspecially if I find out he's really a Zuologist.
I love when people say words wrong. Growing up in Missouri and with family from bayou country in Louisiana, I thought it was reserved to a few textured U.S. regions. After traveling the United States, including all four corners, as well as the Southwest's Four Corners Region, I've discovered that it is everyone. So, here's a short list, and please, feel free to suggest any I've forgotten.
All time favorites:
1. Probly. (Probably) We're probly gonna go to the store in awhile. As in...it's possible, but not proble?
2. Egspecially. Exspecially. (Especially) Am I the only one who's noticed that people actually say egspecially? Egspecially if you're probly going to the store later.
3. Bob Wire. (Barbed-wire) As if it's your neighbor's name. We put up some 48 inch posts with Bob Wire on the back 40...it probly took us all day. Now, I love Bob, but when him puttin' up wire, well, he egspecially sucks.
4. Excape. (Escape) Yep, this goes hand in hand with egspecially.
5. Supposably. (Supposedly) This is probly my all-time favorite...
6. Expresso. (Espresso) Egspecially a favorite when I go to a small coffee shop and it's spelled wrong in vibrant colors on the arbitrary chalk-board.
7. Libel. (Liable) I'm libel to probly do that there if we can get bob wire, which will supposably help on the back 40.
8. Libary. (Library) Really? Lie-berry? Maybe that's the reason you've never been able to find it in town or on campus..."Is that it? Dang...that's the library...I need the libary...stupid r's."
9. Zuology. (Zoology) Maybe I'm nitpicking, but if it were Zu-ology, it would probly need another o - egspecially if you're supposably talking about the scientific discipline.
10. Realitor. (Realtor) Really. It's Realty. Not to be confused with reality.
Well. That's all the fun I'm allowed for today. Now I must go to the DMV - someone supposably stold my license plates off my motorcylce. I went to the cops and said I thought it was probly Bob Wire, but he must of excaped while I was having an expresso down at the libary while waiting on my Realitor to call me about some property with a back 40. I'm libel to kill that Bob Wire if I ever see him again, egspecially if I find out he's really a Zuologist.
Friday, May 9, 2008
ETC
ETC. It fits perfectly into every list that has no end in sight...
...but today, ETC carries far more weight than a summation for additional parts contributing to a whole - these letters represent a name...
Emmett Travis Coleman. Emmett finished up his work on earth today, after giving a diagnosis of cancer one heck of a wrestling match.
"Dad" to one of my best life-long friends, Nick Coleman, and friend to an impressive mix of individuals, including myself, not only was he a believer in dreams, but a believer in the people who dreamed them. I can attest to his generosity first-hand. There simply wasn't an instance in which I visited the man while with his son that we weren't treated like royalty...or perhaps like the celebrities that we hope one day to be. Regardless of the fact that Emmett knew very little about the business aspect of "the arts," he was always interested in learning more and rejoicing in the small successes that Nick and I tried to present. He served as a benefactor while we struggled to make a film in our home state of Missouri, offering us the finances for a place to live so we could use our time to work hard and not get paid for it. And when frustrations would mount, he'd call us away from it - 2 hours down the road, for a round of 18, the shuffle of some cards, steaks and baked potatoes.
His personal story is a gem, and I'm sure Nick will get around to penning it someday. His time served in the military was rooted in a desire for American citizens who "had bigger dreams" than he did - and serving in Special Forces, he brought home the heroic goods...including a back injury that I first noticed in 2004...Nick telling me, "I have no idea what it's from, but he's had it for as long as I can remember." It was grenade shrapnel...from Vietnam. They finally cut it out a couple years ago.
I found it incredibly strange that last night I struggled to find feeling in anything I did. Work. Play. I missed out on a best friend's birthday party for a reason that continually eluded me. I would doze off, only to pop up, not the least bit tired, and when Kristi and I finally went to bed, I just stood in the dark bedroom, confused about my options - go to sleep, or stay awake. Ultimately I knew that something just didn't feel "right." Today I struggled to find direction, and dozed off after lunch, staring...then I woke up this afternoon, feeling different, and Nick called. When I saw his name on the phone, I knew it wasn't good news. I tried to rebuke the feeling by answering the phone like a dork...something I'm so good at...but my will was crushed by the Supreme, and not only am I OK with that, I welcome it. Doesn't mean I like it...but I openly surrender to it.
And I thank God for letting me know ETC.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Blue.
I'm rollin' in my favorite color scheme because today is my birthday.
I'm not real big on birthdays, but I am thrilled that I was able to finish up my work day before 3:00 p.m.
Truth be told, an aunt of a dear friend offered a new perspective on birthdays that I hadn't really thought of before...as a "more often than I prefer" skeptic, you wouldn't think of a Birthday as the holiday of holidays. Yet, being an individual of great faith, it is the anniversary of the first official day that God blessed me with life. And I must say - thinking of it in that way is just grande.
It has been a good day. After midnight I got a little more writing done on a screenplay that's nearing completion. I slept well. I got a little paid writing done this morning. Kristi brought me an Inn 'N Out Double-Double, fries and lemonade for lunch. As I finished up my work Chloe got home from school - I could hear her rocking guitar hero, then she came into the room in the spirit of flea, playing in only her cotton briefs...seriously...guitar around the shoulders and cotton undies. I was a little confused, but hey, there are few bass players that you would hope your daughter would aspire to - Flea is one of them. John Paul Jones is the other. (He's also a trumpeteer, that Flea) *New Paragraph.
Dru got home and is lying in his bedroom floor with a chair on his face.
It has just been a good day!
I'm not real big on birthdays, but I am thrilled that I was able to finish up my work day before 3:00 p.m.
Truth be told, an aunt of a dear friend offered a new perspective on birthdays that I hadn't really thought of before...as a "more often than I prefer" skeptic, you wouldn't think of a Birthday as the holiday of holidays. Yet, being an individual of great faith, it is the anniversary of the first official day that God blessed me with life. And I must say - thinking of it in that way is just grande.
It has been a good day. After midnight I got a little more writing done on a screenplay that's nearing completion. I slept well. I got a little paid writing done this morning. Kristi brought me an Inn 'N Out Double-Double, fries and lemonade for lunch. As I finished up my work Chloe got home from school - I could hear her rocking guitar hero, then she came into the room in the spirit of flea, playing in only her cotton briefs...seriously...guitar around the shoulders and cotton undies. I was a little confused, but hey, there are few bass players that you would hope your daughter would aspire to - Flea is one of them. John Paul Jones is the other. (He's also a trumpeteer, that Flea) *New Paragraph.
Dru got home and is lying in his bedroom floor with a chair on his face.
It has just been a good day!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
31.
Seriously. It's right around the corner. This Wednesday. 30 didn't seem so bad...but 31? That's really the ability to say, "Hey, I'm in my 30's."
My present this year...getting rid of more "stuff." However, I think I may be investing in these beauties...
I've wanted them for quite some time, and I just noticed they went on sale. I've honestly never seen a baseball shoe that looked so fast. To those of you who have never run in a race, whether down the court, track, field or first base line, certain shoes are faster than others.
The closer a shoe is to being like your bare feet with exceptional traction, the faster it is. Thus the reason you see sprinters in what amount to stiff slippers with spikes at the front of the foot. This baseball shoe is the most similar to that style that I've ever seen, and well...I just gotta have it. And don't argue with me. I'm 31.
Now if I could only decide on a color... ...
Monday, April 14, 2008
Holy Holbrook...Thar's Wigwam's in Them Thar Hills
Have you seen the movie CARS?
So...what about Saturday? Saturday was THIS. Two fellas in the middle of the desert, talking about Tang, Freeze-dried Ice Cream and surrounded by petrified wood, erotic mannequins and horny ostriches. If you were excited about the prospects of a movie about a homemade time machine, it only gets better when you think about this guy:
(I'm all out of order, so bear with as I confuse the days and speak of them in retrograde fashion.)
I was working in the desert this week, and I kept thinking of Lightning McQueen, but more specifically of Doc Hudson (aka Paul Newman).
If you haven't checked out this animated gem, I highly recommend it. I've yet to see a Pixar flic that I didn't enjoy, and because of my sweet spot for motorheads, I really, really loved cars. In fact, the film was about three of my favorite things: Cars, the western American desert and getting off the beaten path.
It's crazy to see and experience the world that existed before Interstate 40 dominated eastern and western travel through the Wild West. Much of what once existed is now found in piles of rubble or as ruins of rock and grout. However, the small Arizona town of Holbrook offers one of the coolest Old Route 66 sites you'll ever see, and when you DO see it, you know immediately how those Pixar dudes scored their motivation to hammer out this, James Sheldon's favorite, Pixar effort. (Maybe if I keep writing Pixar, people will find my blog about Pixar as opposed to the official Pixar site! That would be Pixariffic!)
So, we picked up some montage stuff on Sunday at the Wigwam Motel, and got a little bit closer to becoming a full piece of fabric on Wid Winner and The Slipstream. After Alex (who I'm now calling Sascha) got what he wanted (and you can always tell that he got what he wanted, because he smiles real big and bats his irresistible lashes), we travelled back east toward the world's cultural epicenter, LA. Did I say epicenter? I meant blackhole...
On our way back, I know Sascha Gaynor was hoping for a few more slices of incomparability, and the "betchas" (I betcha) were swirling through the production vehicles as we approached the famous Ghost Town of Two Guns, Arizona. The stop here would become an epic journey across (we didn't know at the time that it was) an old, abandoned portion of Route 66, the historic Route 66 Bridge over Canyon Diablo, as well as include some stellar shots at the old Two Guns Zoo, where I got to do what all actors live for...throw rocks and get sunburned while being photographed...if that sounds sarcastic, let me reitterate...that, to me, is about as close to perfect as a day can get.
So...what about Saturday? Saturday was THIS. Two fellas in the middle of the desert, talking about Tang, Freeze-dried Ice Cream and surrounded by petrified wood, erotic mannequins and horny ostriches. If you were excited about the prospects of a movie about a homemade time machine, it only gets better when you think about this guy:
Don't ya just wanna take a sword and whack his head off?
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Munchkin's Got Some Wheels
Schools are a mess these days...or are they?
I hear stories on a daily basis from Dru (3rd Grade) and Chloe (2nd Grade) about so and so doing such and such...andallthesestoriesmakemom'sjawdrop.
Today Chloe tells a story about dudes on the playground that were offering $90 to drop a cuss word. My first thought: 90 bones? My second thought: Ah, children will lie to extremes for manipulative purpose. A second grader with 90 pieces of scratch...I ain't buyin' it. This however classifies as a tactic developed in the Renaissance Period, and I remember the strategy used on the playgrounds of West Plains, Missouri in the 80s...I had friends willing to drop the F bomb and score enough sodas to go around for the whole gang.
Then comes the story about how she put the smack down on some kid in a foot race, and he congratulated her by calling her a B**ch...I was a bit confused about my reaction to this story...Kristi told me the story...well, it was a Kristi and Chloe tag-team effort. Chloe seemed mildly entertained, but momma hen was less than happy. And me? I couldn't hide my grin. C'mon! Little girl drops the smack in a foot race against a dude? Pops couldn't boast any more pride. Getting called the "B" word is a small price to pay for such glory. Chlo seemed to shake that load off like Cee-Lo on Outkast's Aquemini, but she decided to drop a little salt in the wound of her defeated foe.
After telling teach, the principal apparently got wind of the situation, giving word back that she couldn't do anything about it, and the best thing to do would be to "tell your parents." There are a lot of reasons I'm sharing this...mostly to brag on my daughter...but mainly to accomplish something that I set out to do many moons ago: Disprove the theory of evolution. I've been tellin' you all that things don't change...regardless of the advances in iPodology!
I hear stories on a daily basis from Dru (3rd Grade) and Chloe (2nd Grade) about so and so doing such and such...andallthesestoriesmakemom'sjawdrop.
Today Chloe tells a story about dudes on the playground that were offering $90 to drop a cuss word. My first thought: 90 bones? My second thought: Ah, children will lie to extremes for manipulative purpose. A second grader with 90 pieces of scratch...I ain't buyin' it. This however classifies as a tactic developed in the Renaissance Period, and I remember the strategy used on the playgrounds of West Plains, Missouri in the 80s...I had friends willing to drop the F bomb and score enough sodas to go around for the whole gang.
Then comes the story about how she put the smack down on some kid in a foot race, and he congratulated her by calling her a B**ch...I was a bit confused about my reaction to this story...Kristi told me the story...well, it was a Kristi and Chloe tag-team effort. Chloe seemed mildly entertained, but momma hen was less than happy. And me? I couldn't hide my grin. C'mon! Little girl drops the smack in a foot race against a dude? Pops couldn't boast any more pride. Getting called the "B" word is a small price to pay for such glory. Chlo seemed to shake that load off like Cee-Lo on Outkast's Aquemini, but she decided to drop a little salt in the wound of her defeated foe.
After telling teach, the principal apparently got wind of the situation, giving word back that she couldn't do anything about it, and the best thing to do would be to "tell your parents." There are a lot of reasons I'm sharing this...mostly to brag on my daughter...but mainly to accomplish something that I set out to do many moons ago: Disprove the theory of evolution. I've been tellin' you all that things don't change...regardless of the advances in iPodology!
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