Uber, Staying Connected, Listen, Love and Angels as Allah's Babies

I know it's a crazy title for an entry.  The Uber ride I had the other night was one of the most real connections I have had with another human being.  Working with the public and taking on all kinds of frenetic energy, for a living, can numb you to a heart and soul opening conversation.  Of course my guard was up, especially when the subject of religion came up.  I broke the rule of never talking about religion when alcohol is involved, be it at a social gathering, bar, or on your Uber ride home.  As soon as I requested my ride, confirmed it, and all that; Uber sent me the picture of my driver with the model and make of his car. Mohammed will be picking me up in a grey, Honda Odyssey.  I had a few IPA's in me already, and I was feeling nice.  I thought to myself, "Mohammed. Cool! I'll ask him about his faith in Islam."  Yes, I was kind of stereotyping.  But seriously....How many Mohammeds do you know that are Mormon or Jehova's Witness?  Anyone? Anyone?  Exactly!  There are probably a few out there, but none that I know in this lifetime.  Mohammed arrives and he opens the van door, for me to get in.  These new, fancy vans with the automatic, sliding doors are like spaceships!  They are so confusing.  I was about to jump in the front seat like I always do with my Uber or Lyft driver, but homeboy was like, "No. No."  He actually didn't say that, but when I went to get into the passenger's seat, he opened the van door for me.  Okay!  I get it.  Once I gave him the address to my destination, I immediately asked him where he was from.  He had a pretty thick accent, which (to be honest), I find accents from the Middle East to be really cool.  I just sense like a real love for conversation when there is a slight struggle to find the right word.  Mohammed told me that he was from Egypt, which I had a feeling after listening to him speak.  I've known a few Egyptians in my time, and he sounded a lot like this bus boy I worked with back in New York City.  Ayman was his name.  He used to always say to me "Baba! No. That is big Haram! Big Haram!"  I would always share stories about my vices and nights out on the town.  I never felt like I was being judged, but reprimanded in a way that came from genuine concern.  As I told this story to Mohammed, he nodded his head in agreement about doing things that are "Haram", which means sin in Arabic.  I asked him if he was Muslim, and he said that he was.  He began to share with me the reason for his faith.  It was this really cool, history lesson, and yet an open heart revelation.  There was talk of Noah, Abraham, Ismael, Jesus, Mohammed.  Talks of prophets, and Jesus as a prophet.  God being all powerful and the only one, hence the prayer "Allahu Akbar", which translates into "God is Great."  The whole idea of an all powerful God, that created us for the sole reason of worshiping him is the kind of shit that makes me roll my eyes and reaffirm why this concept is not possible.  The all powerful creator of the universe having human emotions like jealousy and envy?  Doesn't make sense.  Anyways, I wasn't there to try to change his way of thinking or deter him from his faith, but I did say "If God is that powerful, then he doesn't need us to worship him."  He took a moment.  He then agreed with me.  Mohammed's faith in Islam, gave him a purpose in life.  He talked of peace, and that it is a religion of peace.  I haven't read the Quran.  Many of my Christian friends like to take the excerpts from the Quran that order the followers of Islam to commit acts of violence in the name of Allah, therefore justifying what the world wants us to believe- That Muslims are dangerous and secretly trying to undermine American freedom, liberty, and justice for all.  Shit! The Old Testament in the Bible is filled with stories of the Hebrews following orders from God, plundering towns, even killing women and children.  Mohammed, had a child, like care and love when talking about his faith.  When I told him that my name is "Angel" and that the Arabic word is Malaik, he began to talk about Angels in the Islamic faith.  He described them like babies.  A baby cannot support itself, walk, feed itself, bathe, change its clothes.  A baby needs nurturing and constant care.  Yet, Angels are supposed to guide and watch over humans, but Allah instructs and nurtures Angels so that they can guide, an independent, proud, and stubborn human.  There was a beauty to that description.  In a nutshell, we are to learn from children, because they are peaceful and innocent.  So, at the root of Mohammed's faith, was that we need to be peaceful.  I'll take it!  Stay connected, and listen to others my friends.  Alaikum Salam!

Core Value Number Three: Stay Connected

I'm cheating here.  I wrote this as a Facebook status.  I need to blog more than post on Facebook.  That's for sure!  Let's get away from our phones for a minute and talk to people.

A very strange day for me, but it was capped off by a wonderful experience. I was walking around my old stomping grounds, on my way to Target. I was taking in the beauty of all the architecture, watching people, saying hi. I walked past the site of the Trader Joe's on Santa Monica and Poinsettia; the store I used to shop at. It's a huge ditch in the ground now. After leaving Target, I went to the Starbucks below it at the West Hollywood Gateway. I'm noticing all the pretty girls, thinking "I really miss it here!" And, I got sad thinking that I currently cannot swing rent in the area. I saved a table by putting my bag there. When I got my coffee, a man was sitting at the table. I said to him "Are you okay with sharing?" He said, "Yeah!" He was in his 50's, possibly homeless. He began to tell me about his current health issues and his battle with drug addiction. He had been sober for 8 months. I shared with him my tendency to drink too much at times and the history of alcohol abuse in my family. He asked me to pray for him, because they found a mass in his lungs. I told him I would for sure. He looked at me and said "Yeah! I believe it. You seem like a man of your word. What's your name?" "Angel", I replied. He had this glow to his face when I told him my name. "I'll see you around man," I said to him. He looked at me and said "I'm here every day." It's good to leave your phone at home from time to time. I love connecting with people like this, and wish it would happen more often. I feel so isolated in my suburbia palace. I'm not trying to sound ungrateful, but I'm meant to be where the people are. I'm a city boy! I did pray for the man. Today was a great day!

Catholicism, Pornographic Sounds, and an awkward moment with Mom

This was going to be a post on Facebook, but it would have been way too long. People get sick of reading a bunch of rants.  Which is one of my specialties, but today...I just want to share something to make you giggle a bit.

My Mom is a very, devout, Catholic; not unusual for a Latino household.  My Mom surrounds herself in Catholicism.  It's on the radio.  It's on the television.  It's all over the house.  My old bedroom has been turned into a shrine for the Virgin Mary and La Virgen De Guadalupe.  So much, that I feel kinda guilty looking at "questionable" materials online when I'm in the room....But that passes quickly.

The other day, I was at the house, having some lunch in the kitchen.  The television in the kitchen is always on one of the Catholic networks.  She usually watches the programming while she washes dishes or prepares dinner.  There is a counter with stools, where you can eat.  The screen is facing here, while she's at the sink.  I realized that the television volume was quite loud when I heard very, heavy, intense, breathing.  Then there was moaning.  I caught a glimpse of what was playing.  All I know at there were  nuns, a priest, and one of the priests or some other guy was in agony and suffering.  Hey! That's not original to Catholicism....I realize that the last sentence can be taken the wrong way and used to make many jokes....but I can't go there when priests and nuns are involved.  Even though some priests have done some foul shit.  I just can't.  Moving on!

Anyhow, the moaning and heavy breathing continues.  It was getting really weird. I think my Mom felt the awkwardness, so she walks away from the television and comes over to chat with me.  I don't know who the hell the editor of this film was, but he had to be Catholic.  This scene dragged on, with no dialogue whatsoever!  Just moaning, breathing, the sounds of suffering amplified to express closeness to God, and the occasional sound of a dripping, wet, cloth, that was used to pour over the guy's head.  Wait a minute!  That didn't come out right! Doh!  That didn't either /:(

I know Catholics like to dwell on the suffering of Christ and all, but this was ridiculous.  I couldn't even look my Mom in the eye.  I was so close to saying "What the hell are you watching?"  But, I was on my way out the door anyways.  So, I just said goodbye.  As always, my Mom always blesses me with the sign of the cross before I leave the house.  Awkward....

Being The Candle In A Dark Room

While working, I heard the song "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" play over the loudspeaker.  I've heard it many times on various occasions.  When you work in restaurants, retail, or any environment that plays "ambient" music; you end up hearing the same songs.  Sadly, great songs get tuned out and leave you with the same feeling that you get when eating a rice cake! 

In fact, this particular song has made its way into many movie soundtracks, commercials for radio and television, and movie trailers.  You listen to it and know that it's a classic Motown jam, but I've been kind of over it.  Somehow it seeps its way into your life when you don't expect it, much like Earth Wind and Fire's "September" and "Celebrate".  What wedding or party have you been to that did "NOT" play those songs?  Again, great musicians and artists, but somehow those songs have been forced upon us in ways that makes you want to hit "next" on your Pandora station every time they come on.  No one listens to the radio anymore, so I can't say "change the dial" or "change the station".   Gotta stay up to date with you all! What's a revolutionary to do :)

Honestly, I didn't even know who sang "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", until very recently.  I always thought that it was Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson, maybe Sam Cooke.  I read somewhere that Ashford and Simpson had originally performed the song.  It turns out, they wrote it, along with other hits for Mr. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell (born Thomasina Montgomery). There it is! The mystery singers. Except most people, besides me, already knew who the duet behind this classic song was.  

I was back at the grind last week, and the song comes on again.  I've probably heard it over 100 times in almost, four years I've been working at this particular establishment.  I found myself singing along, kinda shuffling a bit to it- you can't really get down and boogie in front of customers. They'll give you that awkward laugh like "Hahaha! Funny guy working at my neighborhood grocery store.  It's okay. It fits with the vibe of the place", then run out of there as fast as they can to get away from you.  Believe me, people often ask me if certain co-workers of mine have taken their meds, and I kindly reply, "No, we need him that way."  The look on these folks' face is priceless...

Going on a rant again...Sorry!  Being The Candle In A Dark Room...What does all of this have to do with the title?  On this particular day that I did my shufflin' and singin', I was thinking about a girl.  Yup!  And, she happens to live very far away.  So the lyrics to the song really struck a chord with me.  I began to really appreciate it.  Yes. It's corny! It's a cliche song for the situation! Yeah, yeah, yeah....Don't matter! I came home and added the "Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: Complete Duets" to one of my Spotify lists.  I love how these music sites like Pandora and Spotify give you Biographies on the artists that you play.  I was reading Ms. Terrell's bio.  I was saddened and shocked to learn that she died at the very young age of 24!  Brain cancer took her life.  The bio also mentioned that her passing had a drastic effect on Marvin Gaye, which contributed to the emotional force behind his hit "What's Going On".  24 years young!  In her short life, she had a great singing career: Hit records, touring with the likes of James Brown.  

I started to wonder about our time and place on this planet. What should our contribution should be as individuals? It's amazing how such creative, greatness is showcased to the world, then gone in the blink of an eye. We're not all meant to be hit recording singers or award winning actors.  We may want to achieve that, but it may not happen.  Music, movies, art, and literature, brighten our lives and enrich our souls.  That's how it's supposed to be.  Forget all the commercialism and accolades.  Think about when the last time a piece of art affected you in a way that made you want to shout "I Love You" from the mountain top, or be remind you of the memories of a loved one, or a laugh shared with great friends and family.  Something inside of you shined.  Right?  

Turn on the news or social media and you will get bombarded with war, violence, police brutality, celebrity suicides, religious debates, etc.  None of that makes me want to sing and shuffle, that's for fucken sure!  It's easy to get caught up in the arguing/posting, about who is right and why, and you're an idiot, liberal, Nazi, Racist, Dickhead, I un-friend you, I'm blocking you, I'm taking a break from social media, Your Mama's twerking with cats....Shit!  This is too much.  A la Verga with it all!

But no...Not with it all.  That corny, little moment I had, singing and danc...Shufflin- not dancing- to a song that I had heard over and over again, could have been a moment that someone caught me and laughed for a minute.  Perhaps they'll be in traffic, someone cuts them off, they get crazy, and the song comes on, and they remember that silly dude at the grocery store, bagging groceries, singing along, and shufflin' like a fool.  And then all is okay, and traffic is not so bad.  Did it happen?  Maybe.... 

The media that we are exposed to on a daily basis wants us to believe that we are in dark times and that things are going to get worse.  We don't know that for sure, so why buy into it?  Since I was a kid, my Mom has told me that she refuses to watch the news, because it's too depressing.  It's all bad news!  

It's easy to dwell on the negative. But that's not going to do me or anyone else any good.  If I come into work all pissy and snap at a customer, just because my life sucks....I could lose my job. That would put me in a real bind! No bueno my friends.  Everyone is going through different degrees of hardship, so I'm not expecting someone who lost their child or loved one, to just turn around and start dancing to make other people smile.  That's not what I'm saying. What I'm trying to get at, is that whatever time we have, long or short (we don't know), we have to know deep down that it will all pass.  Hopefully someone will shine for a person that is going though a traumatic time. And, somehow in their own, quiet way, will help them get through the day. All we have is each moment.  Smile at someone.  Go out of your way for someone at work who is having a rough time.  Offer someone a ride or buy them a cup of coffee.  We don't have to try to change the world all at once.  Be the candle for someone. Then let them be the candle for someone, and so on.  I know this may sound a little cliche and corny, but so was my moment with "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", and I'm okay with that.  Tammi and Marvin were my candles.  It's all good when your intentions are good! La Paz...

El Comandante...Out!

Social Media, Celebrity Deaths, and Learning words like "Solipsism"

Not the most captivating title....I know.  Pues, ni modo- which translates into "So be it" or "Fuck it"!  I prefer the latter.  I can't speak for everybody.  However, in light of Robin Williams' death, it donned on me that I receive a majority of my news from Facebook.  Be it friends' reactions, shared links, or what have you; I'm always finding things out on the world's, largest, chisme (gossip) platform!

I don't know if that makes me less educated, a simpleton, a follower of the masses, etc.  It just is what it is! We are no longer in the era where we walk out to the end of the driveway in our bathrobe and boxers to pick up the daily newspaper, go inside our home, and read the paper over coffee.  Many of us are working two to three jobs or pursuing creative endeavors, while working 8-12 hours at a job to support ourselves.  It is what it is!  So what's the easiest thing to do when we first wake up?  Grab our phones or tablets and check our Facebook and Instagram profiles to see how many likes we got from our posts!

I don't do that though.  I ain't that needy for validation....Psssshhhhhh! Right! We all are to some degree.  Can't blame us for being this way.  I mean, we are all closed up in our own digital worlds.  We would rather be on the phone while shopping for groceries or ordering food than interacting with the person that is directly in front of us, trying to take our order or ringing up our groceries.  Don't let me get started on the people that criticize you for getting the order wrong or who are giving you specific directions on how to bag their food, while they are on their mo'f'n phones! Putos!  Sorry....Got a little carried away there...

I'm going a bit off topic here.  Since social media has exploded over the last six years, many popular, iconic, artists, athletes, political figures, religious leaders, and personalities, have passed away.  When this happens, you will often see posts with a "RIP" message.  They dominate the conversation, or "trend", as it is called in the social media sphere.

Very rarely do people know the deceased celebrity. Regardless, the outpouring occurs, because the work of the individual has affected each person in some way.   What's wrong with this?  Nothing!  Is it a vain attempt to garner attention for more likes, retweets, shares...I don't know what the hell else...Pokes?  Not that one....

Maybe it is.  If so....Who the fuck cares?  Whatever this little soapbox, channel, feed, or platform that social media has created for each individual, belongs to that person.  We can choose to interact or ignore any person's avatar-esque galaxy.

I caught glimpses of many posts that "We" (meaning everyone on Facebook who posted about Robin Williams' death) were only posting about it to fuel our egos and to gain likes.  Or, that it was some competition or popularity contest to gain more traffic to our pages.  I saw another post from a friend that quoted Bible verses condemning suicide, that ended with a "May God have mercy on your soul."  This! Coming from a fellow actor?  My favorite was a response to a friend's post that stated something, along the lines of "Actors have it tough...Please be kind to actors."  The first response was "I didn't know such a 'Solipsistic' response was possible."  Ouch!  I had to look up that word, because, if I see the letters "s", "o", and "p" so close together; I start thinking about Sopes! Sopes de carne asada or Sopa de res....Going off track again, but if you have not had a sope, you need to!

Think about it.  Isn't social media about advocating solipsism?  It's all about "me"! I did this. I'm doing that. I'm dating so and so. I'm here. I'm eating this. I'm drunk. I'm sad. I'm horny. I'm high. I'm angry, I'm, I'm, I'm, I'm, I'm....

I wanted to chime in on all these posts and replies that I found completely asinine, but I realized that: 1. I don't want to feed the trolls 2. Everyone has a right to say whatever the fuck they want 3. The most important one...It just is What it Motherfucking Is!

RIP Robin Williams. Only you knew your pain.  Godspeed on this next journey...I still remember wanting to buy the Mork suit for Halloween, but I was only 4.  They didn't make any in my size.  I know you are getting many hugs in the next life and chillin' with your homie Richard Pryor :-)

Digging Deep for an Actor's Values

It's safe to say, that a large majority of the actors hustling to book "the big gig" or "commercial that will change your career, life, and bank account", spend most of their time hustling at another job to make ends meet.  It's also safe to say that a majority of those, "said jobs", don't really stimulate actors' minds.  Restaurants, retail, coffee shops, temp work, catering, marketing promotions (only if you are smoking hot for this last one), etc.  The list goes on.  Basically, you're at the mercy of many numb skulls, who think they are way too entitled, and who somehow can conjure up the courage to berate you or humiliate you publicly, because deep in the back of their puny, puto-head, minds, they know, (unless you are a sociopath) that you can't do an f'n thing about it.  You will lose your job if you talk back or dare to threaten them.  This happens in the temping world too. Instead of a bone headed customer, you have a bone headed manager, that thinks they are way smarter than you.  They will hang over your head that you can be replaced with a phone call, and bye bye $10 an hour job with no health insurance, which includes an hour to hour and a half commute each way...every day.  Yay! I want to be an actor!  Right?  Of course you do!

Lately, my mind has been burning with the same question: "Why do you put yourself through this?" It's been pretty stressful lately.  Jobs and opportunities seem to be few and far between.  Auditions happen at any God-given hour with less notice and time to prepare.  Yeah. Hate that shit!  I've turned down two auditions recently.  I also could not go to one, because I was scheduled to work at the hour they were holding the auditions.  I thought going in early would be cool, but they needed groups to cast a family. The casting director wasn't seeing the groups in my category until later in the evening. I was upset, but what could I do?  It sucks big huevos! Don't get me wrong, I'll give up a shift from time to time to go to an audition, but this can't happen more than a few times a month.  Casting directors aren't going to pay the expensive ass smart phone plan that I need to have to be able to confirm an audition at any given time from anywhere in the world.  They ain't paying my gas that my trusty, old, bucket eats up, so that I can commute to auditions and to the good, ol', J.O.B. 

I think about why we put ourselves through the torture, and try to figure out if there is some formula or cosmic pull in our genes that gravitates us actors to this deep desire to bare our souls for others to watch and be affected emotionally, and be in awe of our talent, and bathe us in rose petals and applause.  Hooray!!!! This pull that brings us to one of life's ultimate paradoxes: You're damned if  you do, and you're damned if you don't!  Why? Why? Why?  I read somewhere online, that for actors it's like breathing air; A NECESSITY (say this with a Shakespearean flair).  Whether or not we are on an actual, film, television, or commercial, set, or a doing theater, shorts, and independent projects for food and credit only; there is something about the craft that we love so much that we are willing to tread through that uphill mudslide, just to get a taste of that sweet water of creativity.  Not gonna lie, the allure of making enough money to make a living so that all you can do is work on your career, be in classes, and produce projects is a big incentive.  What actor doesn't want that?  However, when you get that point, there will be other obstacles to deal with on a whole different level, that will make you wish you were at the level up above you. Once you go up the ladder, the grass is probably always going to be greener.  

So what is the solution?  Corny as this may sound: Love and Joy for the work and the moment you are in.  I spend most of my time at my J.O.B., and the commute is a pain in the Nalgas. But, it pays my bills and I have health insurance.  Very important!  What I'm bringing up with the whole "Love and Joy" is that it's crucial for actors, and artists in general, to have core values about their craft.  It helps us map out where we go in our lives and our growth as artists.  I work for a very popular, "national chain of neighborhood, grocery stores".  They are abundant in Los Angeles.  Everybody says that they "LOOOOOVVVVEEE" shopping at their local location.  The company is hugely successful.  One thing that they emphasize to the crew is for us to know the company's "Core Values" and their "Mission Statement".  Here I am, working for a very successful, company, that keeps growing in locations and sales every year.  This company is always referenced in the top finance and business magazines, praising their business model.  It hit me like a sack of potatoes, the ones I just stocked on the shelf, that if I want to emulate this kind of growth and financial success in my acting career; I should probably consider declaring some core values.  The company I work for has 7.  That seems like a good number, since my birthday falls on a multiple of 7, and if you multiply 7 by the number in the order of the calendar year that my birth month falls in, you get the day of my birth.  Anyways, I'll start with a couple for now: 1.Create for the Love and Joy of the work 2. Live in the present.  I know that I mentioned emulating a company with financial success, and yadda, yadda, yadda.  That's not my ultimate end, but it would be nice to only live off creating work for the love and joy of it.  Happy hustling homies!

Remembering Philip Seymour Hoffman

Philip Seymour Hoffman (July 23, 1967 - February 2, 2014)

In 2004, I was introduced to someone that worked for the Labyrinth Theater Company and brought me in to do some volunteer work for them. It started with doing simple things like office mailings and gradually grew into set building and helping out at some of the VIP, company events. Philip was the Artistic Director at the time. My experience with the LAB was amazing. It was was one of the highlights of my artistic career. I made some lasting friendships with fellow volunteers, Master Class Alumni, and a number of the company members.

I met Philip on a few occasions, serving food and drinks at premiere parties or their famous fundraiser- “Celebrity Charades”. However, there was one particular incident that bonded us.

I was on book for the actors during the previews of “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” by Stephen Adly Guirgis , in 2005.

The show was premiering at the Public Theater in New York, where the company had its residence. There were a handful of film and theater stars in attendance. I realized that I was in the big time here. No pressure at all! My task was easy: Follow the script, and feed the actor their line when they called for it. I was given a copy of the script and a flashlight. Once the show began, it was all business. “Follow the lines and don't fuck up,” I said to myself.

The show was great. Everything was running smoothly. I was so mesmerized by the performances of Sam Rockwell, John Ortiz, Eric Bogosian, Liza Colon Zayas, Callie Thorne, Yul Vazquez, and the entire ensemble. Great freaking' cast! Philip was watching. I could hear him laugh throughout many of the play's funny moments.

As amazing as the show was, I was dedicated to my task- following the book in case an actor needed a line. Sure, I was a little scared that someone would slip up. After all, the show was still in previews. Should someone need a line, I was there to deliver it. Thinking that such a moment could occur put me in a slight, state of panic, because suddenly, all eyes (or ears for that matter) would be on an unknown, volunteer who had never done this before. Truth!

The show was going smoothly. It was well into the final act, and I was comforted in seeing that there were only about 15 pages to go before the end of the play. No one needed a line. I don't want to give away the story, but there is a wonderful scene between Judas, played by Sam Rockwell, and Jesus, played by John Ortiz. It was one of those moments in the theater, where you couldn't take your eyes off the stage. Two amazing actors living the beautifully written words on the page. My attention was distracted by a flicker from my flashlight. “Oh no! Dear God No!”, I screamed in my mind. My light kept flickering, becoming dimmer, and dimmer, and dimmer, until....OUT!

No problem. I'm resourceful. I went into MacGyver mode. Where in a dark theater can you find a light source on the fly? Why, on those lights near the aisle that help guide you or the ushers to the row you are sitting in, when you come back from the lobby or the bathroom. Of course! So I'm scrambling on the ground, ass in the air, looking like a fool. I had the script up against the dim light that barely illuminated the letter of the row I was sitting in. Sure enough, as I'm trying to find my place on the page with the dimmest of lights, Sam Rockwell calls “LINE!”

SHIT! NOOOOOOO! I broke out into a crazy sweat. Sam calls for his line again. I couldn't see a thing. I'm smacking the flashlight. I don't recall how long the silence was for, but I was propelled to throw out some improvised lines, hoping that they would help trigger the correct lines. Eventually the stage manager called out the correct lines from the booth and the play proceeded with no further problems.

I did not want to look at anyone once the lights came up, let alone run into Philip. The stage manager came up to me afterward and asked what happened. I explained about the flashlight, and she was really nice about whole thing.

Months later, at the Celebrity Charades event, where Philip's team won again, I walked up to him and introduced myself. He was so generous. I'll never forget what he said when I told him that I've been volunteering for some time and how I loved it. He said “Yeah man! I've seen you around. Thanks so much for your help. Angel. Right?” “Uh, yeah,” I replied. Mind you, I had a few tequila shots in me, so I decided to tell him about the flashlight incident during the preview of “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot”. He just laughed it off, put his arm on my shoulder and said “Really, thanks for all of your work.'' That was last time I had any contact with him.

A year later I moved to L.A. The only way I kept up with the company news, members, and my friends was via the emails and social media.

I replayed that whole experience once the news of his passing was relayed to me. I thought about how my friends who knew him well and worked closely with him must have felt; the pain they were going through. I thought about the family he left behind. I thought about how so many people would begin to judge, without understanding or knowing the pain and disease of addiction.

Philip inspired so many actors by being so bold in creating memorable characters on stage and film. I don't want to go on listing every role, but I think it's safe to say that every character he created was amazing. My cousin and I recently had a conversation about his work. Our favorite Philip Seymour Hoffman character that he portrayed: All of them!

Gone to soon. May you inspire more souls on your new journey.   

The Muses are yelling at me!

Wow!  I have been AWOL for too long.  Why is it that we are conditioned to look back and reflect on our lives around Creemas (Christmas)?  I have been contemplating, forever, bringing back my blog.  What kept me away for so long?  You may be asking? I have this little problem where I have a great vision.  I want to implement that vision, and I hit the ground running; without implementing a proper strategy.  One idea gets fulfilled.  I start to work on it, not knowing the level of commitment involved, life happens, and then that idea goes by the wayside.  I hate when I do this, but apparently it's a very typical characteristic of my Astrological sign.  So, in the time that I have been away from relaying news to you as EL COMANDANTE (think of me saying that like the Wizard in "El Mago De Oz", Wizard of Oz for my Gringo followers), I produced a play with a dear friend.  It was a collection of one acts that spoke to my heart, dealing with the September 11th attacks.  Around the same time, that we were in rehearsals for the play, my girlfriend of 12 years (at the time, will touch on this later) was involved in a bad car accident that put her on bed rest for a month.  My Uncle, who was more of a big brother to me (being an only child), was killed, and my life went into a big spiraling Caca storm since.  So, I am now single, a bit lost, hopeful, but hurt.  This is my outlet: Ramblings of an artist who wants to keep it real for anyone out there that feels the same.  Peace my Brothers and Sisters!

Los Cuates de Sinaloa "Negro y Azul (The Ballad of Heisenberg)" 09/23/13

I'm back Pendejos!!!!!

Why the long break?  Like you all missed me!  No one even knows who the hell I am?  I talk shit about acting, dickwads that want to be actors, and occasionally, write about some credible, talented people.  

In a nutshell, I've had a lot of stuff happen, both bad and good, that kept me locked in fear from sharing anything with you!  I decided, on this early April 11th, to start anew.  Evolve. Cambiar.....de Sexo! Ay!  That's a Spanish joke.  Won't work in Ingles!  Trust me.  

As you can see, I changed the name of the Blog from "El Comandante" to "El Comandante de La Brea & Melrose".  Why?  If you care to ask?  

Just talking about acting shit only reaches those of us that are pursing a career in Hollywood. Meh!

I love my neighborhood, and Lord knows how many drinks I've slammed down at the establishments between La Brea and Fairfax- on Melrose.  That's not including the places in Larchmont Village, and all the new spots opening in the area.

I'm not a restaurant critic, but I want to offer some insight on where a fellow neighbor, from whatever field of work, can easily kick his or her boots up, order a Sarsaparilla, and enjoy the night without all that Hollywood Bullshit!  

I am evolving.  Into what?  Who the hell knows?  A stupid ass fool posted this on FB, but it makes sense, cuz we all striving to connect with one another on some level. 

" I flip out to easily!  I'm not perfect, but I expect people to approach life with respect and common sense.  I'm guilty of disconnecting, falling victim to playing with my phone when I'm alone at a bar, coffee, shop, restaurant, etc.  However, I love the nights when you just want to be left alone, yet you end up having a great conversation with a fellow artist.  That makes the other shit I deal with on a regular basis all worth it.  Conversation!  Good night my friends!"- Wise Latino Actor ;)

Doin' It and Doin' It!

"WHERE THE FLIPPITY FLAP have you been?" You're probably asking.  Probably not, but I'd like to think that you missed me.  As the title says, I'm Doin' It!  It takes a lot of time, energy, stamina, endurance, exercise, caffeine, and other shit to keep you up so you can Do It!


I can't believe that my last post was in February!  To my two, faithful, followers:  I apologize.  I really missed writing and ranting.  However, I have been productive.  


1. Hosted a reading of play that the company I am partnered in (Working Artists Lab)is producing this fall.  We did a reading of one of the plays.  It's a 9/11 themed one act about....Well, you'll have to come check it out when it's up.  There's a second play ("Midnight Mass") which we will also be showcasing in conjunction with "Los Embrujados: The Haunted Ones".  Both plays were written by my friend, and esteemed playwright/actor/Labyrinth Theater Company member- Mel Nieves.


2. Plugged away at the script for a short film that I have been developing for over a year.  My friend and writing mentor (who shall remain nameless cuz she's famous) loved my adaptation of her short play.  She gave me a few notes, and I finished it this morning at 3 AM. Now it's time to get some money. Anyone want to support?  


3. Putting together a fundraiser, which Veev Acai Berry Spirit, kindly donated some product for us to serve.  Muchas Gracias and Obrigado!  It's going to happen at my friend's gallery (Gallery 9)in May.  The event is to help raise money for Working Artists Lab's production of the plays I mentioned and for a yet to be mentioned cause that Gallery 9 supports.  Check out their massive efforts to build a Peace Center in Sierra Leone. This is just one of many wonderful things that Lisa Schultz (founder) and Heidi Huber-Kalin (Right Hand Wonder Woman) are doing!  If you want information on the event, message me on this blog with your email or send it to angel@workingartistslab.com.


4. Started auditioning again!  Thank the Heavens!  I was starting to think that I was 86d from this town, much like I have been from a few bars....that was a while back though.  In the meantime, I was inspired by Greenlight Coach Jessica Sitomer's "Get It Done" call to arms and started a video blog. It's a character that I'm developing for a future web series.  The feedback I'm getting is great.  I even got removed from a Facebook page, because some of the viewers of that page may find it offensive.  No hard feelings though.  The gal who runs the page is a classy pro.  She's doing her thing.  I'm doing mine.  If I ruffle some feathers, well then I'm doing something right.  At least I think so.  Check out the videos:

If you want to see what other things Rahman has to say, subscribe to the channel.  A new video will be up every week.


As you can clearly see; I'm Doin' It!  Gettin' It Done!  Gotta take charge of my career.  If  you were thinking that "Doin' It" was in reference to something else....well then great minds think alike!  Cuz LL Cool J does the same thing.  At least that's what he says in his song.  Peace out!

El Oscar and other things....

It's good to be back on the blogging horse.  I wish that I could be an awesome blogger/actor/writer/producer/badass boyfriend....


But I have to sacrifice a few of those.  I won't say which.  I will say that producing is a MOFO!  When it's all said and done, it's just done.  It's like a fling or brand  new relationship.  Hot, heavy, crazy emotions, and then "Bye Bye".


Because today is such a crazy day for important Hollywood, types, Ahem!  I have to make this short so I can get my makeup, wardrobe, and pick out the right wig.


I'll just say that "The Artist" was a cute film.  Sure, the acting was good.  But, how is it that people get wowed by an art form that was done 80 years ago?  Does this mean that we are ready to start watching hand drawn Popeye cartoons again, as opposed to computer animated stuff?  Actually....that would be pretty chingon!


You all know my pick by now.  I think the message was clear, and here is a link as to why I feel this was the most powerful performance/film of the season.


I love a longshot!  Go Demian!  Thank you Chris for making such a wonderful film!  Salud!

Cause I'm Proud to Be An American Is the Worst Pinche Song Ever...next to Macarena!

Here it is....What is America!?  Send your thoughts.

Keeping The Ball Rolling

I've been working on an adapting a wonderful, short play (that deals with a very poignant topic) into a short film, for well over a year.  It's a wonderful piece that my very talented friend and I couldn't pass up to produce for ourselves.  It's an opportunity to create our own work, as you have to do in this very competitive industry.  How hard can adapting a five page play into a short film be?  Should take about five minutes.  Right?  Sheeeiiiiiittttt!

There's a little thing called RESISTANCE that gets in the way.  It tells you to take your time.  It tells you that adapting a five page play into a film where the two characters have to experience a full arc, without talking to much on screen, and giving the audience an understanding into their history, and that their choices have to be justified (all in a screenplay under 10 pages so that you can create a proper budget), while trying to meet a deadline of creating a complete film in time for next year's festival cirucuit.....should only take an hour.  So, chill out.  Do it later.  Have a glass of wine, or six.  F'n little BITCH this RESISTANCE is.  Damn!  I sounded like Gollum there.

Resistance is one aspect.  There's also the millions of ideas that keep popping up in my head.  I must have at least three to four projects that I am currently developing.  Am I crazy?  Am I transferring one addiction to another?  I know that I can only get one thing done at a time.  Right now, my priorities are the short film and a 9/11 play that a talented playwright, friend wrote.  Let's not forget that there are things like relationships, work, pets, and...Did  I mention work?  Thirty five hours a week baby!  I gotta have health insurance and pay the bills.

So, when all is said and done; the film is complete, the play has ended its run, and I'm still hustling to get more Film and T.V. credits, what happens?  Do I just keep spewing out ideas and try to make them happen?  The Documentary?  The next play to get Working Artists Lab Actors working? The countless web projects I have in my mind?  Some ideas may fall by the wayside.  Naturally, inspiration for another will overtake the development of another project.  I really wish I could just create for a living.  I know the hustle won't stop, but at least I know that I'm helping create something that will make my friends, collaborators, and myself relevant. Got just keep it going!

I have been away! So sorry!

Producing is a Puta!  However,  I decided, a long ass time ago- before I was a member of an "upstart" theater company in Los Angeles- that I would put up a play that dealt with 9/11!  I was going to be the gran Chingon to put this baby together.

Well....a lot of booze, some sobriety, more booze, more sobriety, allergies, and headaches later....I'm finally dipping my toe into putting up the right play.  That play is "By The Dawn's Early Light" by my talented friend, Mel Nieves.  

We're starting with a reading.  It's going to be great to be back on stage.  Mainly, I'm excited to present the opportunity for people to give to a 9/11 relief charity.  Working on the details now, but I promise to give more up to date information...at least every other day.

Thank you for checking in with me!  El Comandante is out!

Annie Freeman: Versatile, Theater Actress who lives in L.A., loves being on stage, and is damn proud of it!

El Comandante likes to raise his fist in the air to those actors that are committed to their art and who do things their way- REVOLUTIONARY STYLE!  Annie Freeman is one of those actors.  She's always prepared, professional, talented, ego-less, and very generous with her fellow actors.  She gives you so much to work with. She is a GAMER!  Not like the gamer in my one of my earlier entries.  Hehehe!


She is my first "Spotlight on an Actor" type of story, interview, thing....


Our conversation went, something like this:

EC: When did you start training as an actor?  

AF: I started my training in elementary school.  I was cast in a production of the "Wizard of Oz" when I was seven years old.  I was one of the munchkins (laughs).  I remember waiting in the wings and watching everyone in the show, studying their performances.  I learned the lines to the whole show.  My mom was a house cleaner.  She would take me along to various jobs, and I would perform the whole show while she cleaned houses.

EC: Imagination.  Crucial part of an actor's training.

AF: Definitely.

EC: Can you recall, when you were "bit by the acting bug", and decided that this was what you wanted to do professionally?

AF: When I was cast in the "Wizard of Oz". Then, instead of growing out of a childhood hobby,  it grew into a career. I have studied many forms of acting disciplines, dance, musical theater, classics.  I went to a performing arts school in Junior High and High School.  Around High School, I realized that I preferred straight drama as opposed to musical theater.  

EC: Where else have you trained?

AF: I went through the theater program at USC.  During my junior year, I spent a semester at BADA in London.

EC: L.A. is the film capital of the world.  For many actors, theater is a waiting room for to stay sharp while their number gets called for a film or television role.  How do you respond to this?

AF: I think it's unfortunate that theater is "just a stepping stone" for film and television work.  I love working in both mediums, but you don't get the same spontaneity from film work.  There's a lot of stop and start.  It's a different discipline, very visual, and it relies on editing.  I love it too, it's just a different art form.  With theater, you have a connection with the audience.  You have to be on your game all the time.  At the Archway Theater, where I have worked on two productions directed and produced by my business partner, Steven Sabel, we have had the privilege of working with some talented actors who love working in theater and are dedicated to it.

EC: You've done quite a lot of Shakespeare?  Where are some of the notable venues and companies that you have worked in?

I have played Ophelia twice, in London and at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum.  I played Rosalind in "As  You Like It" at the Redlands Shakespeare Festival.  Recently I was Lady M at the Archway's inaugural production of "Macbeth: Shakespeare's Natural Born Killers". 

EC: You created a physicality for Lady Macbeth that I haven't seen in your previous work.  How do you prepare for a role?  What was different about your preparation for Lady Macbeth?

AF: I approach every role differently. Sometimes from the outside in, and sometimes from the inside out. I have had the privilege of studying various techniques, from physical acting methods such as LaBan and Viewpoints, to text training with scansion and determining operative words. As I learn more about the character through reading and re-reading the text, I discover what approach I want to use with them. Steven, the director, and I really worked on finding the center of energy for Lady Macbeth.  She references in the play that she wants to have the will, strength, and drive of a man to fulfill her desires.  Steven and I collaborated on where in the body this drive would be centered and worked from there.  Working with classical text is extremely helpful, because there is so much in the words that you can work off of. Once you understand the text, it's much easier to figure out what direction you want to go with the character.

EC: You're a certified  Yoga teacher.   You apply Yoga to your prep work and to your process.  How is Yoga helpful in achieving the ultimate goal for an actor of "being completely in the moment"?

AF: Yoga helps connect your body to your breath.  Through deep breathing, fluid movement, and held poses, an actor can develop a deeper level of body awareness.  This can help an actor connect his voice with his movements on stage.  In turn, the actor will be less distracted by tension, allowing the actor to get out of their head and live out each scene in the moment.

EC: Lee Strassberg pointed out in his book "A Dream of Passion" that Yoga and meditation are great tools for relaxing the body, but they do not help address the issues of tension that an actor deals with- tension that stems from emotional blocks or trauma.  Obviously you disagree with this point.  Why?

AF:  I don't necessarily disagree with it. Take for example the role of Ophelia.  I feel that the character was purposely underwritten.  Her predicament was such that she couldn't express her thoughts, vocally, due to fear.  I believe that she carried a lot of tension in her throat.  To develop the character, I had to identify what causes tension in my throat, that would make it difficult for me to speak.  Yoga is mainly about creating space in the body, and with certain characters, you want to be able to have that space and liberation in the body part(s) where their motivating energy is focused. However, due to the emotional situations of some characters, I believe it is more important to tap into where they are restrained, where there isn't that "space". Yoga teaches you how to access those parts of the body, but I believe you must dig deep into the character's emotional core to be able to actually create that tension.

EC: You are currently performing in "The Trojan Women" at the Archway Theater, under the direction of Steven Sabel.  What character are you playing?  How did you approach this character?

AF: I'm playing Andromache.  Unlike Lady M, I developed Andromache from the inside out.  Andromache is dealing with a lot of internal pain due to the war, having witnessed the terrible slaughter of her husband. I use visualization, imagination, and some substitution to relive the pain that she is going through. 

EC: Is there a contemporary spin on "The Trojan Woman" like there was with "Macbeth"?

AF: No. Steven and I felt that it was important to keep the original Greek setting.  Aside from the Getty Villa, there aren't many places in Los Angeles where you can see Greek tragedies in their original context.

EC: Why do you feel this play is relevant today?

AF: It deals with the loss of loved ones due to a war.  That really hits close to home now with troops being pulled out of Iraq.  It's amazing the reaction we are getting from the audience.  I've had people come up to me after the show, not expecting to be so affected by the play.  

EC: Do you have plans to pursue bigger film and television roles?

AF(laughing):  Yes!  I have an agent, and he sends me out.  For now, I'm really enjoying being on the stage.

EC: Do you have dream role?  What is it?

AF: Hedda Gabler.

EC:  Ooohh!  I could definitely see that.

AF: Yeah.  It's a role I would really love to tackle.

Annie Freeman 

Annie has been training in the practice of yoga for more than eight years, and has been instructing students for four years. She completed her 200-hour instructor training in 2009, and has since been teaching a wide variety of styles and levels, including Yoga for Kids, Mommy & Me Yoga, Pre-Natal Yoga, Yoga for Seniors, and Hatha and Vinyasa Flow Yoga for all levels of practitioners. Annie has taught at various studios and fitness centers throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, including Triad Yoga, Sports Club LA, Avalon Senior Center, and the USC Lyon Center. Annie developed the original yoga classes for the NYSP Trojan Kids Camp in 2008, and has taught other workshops for kids at Triad Yoga and YogaWorks. Annie has served on the management teams at YogaWorks in Westwood and Triad Yoga in Irvine.

As a graduate of the theatre schools at the University of Southern California and the Orange County High School of the Arts, Annie has extensive training in theatre arts. She has also studied classical acting at the British American Drama Academy and Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. Annie’s stage credits include a variety of classical and contemporary roles, including world premieres of original productions. For the past five years, she has also been teaching acting classes for children through after-school and summer programs.

"The Trojan Woman" runs for two more weekends, Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 26-29, and February 2-4. The show will close on Saturday night, February 4th.  Curtain is 8pm for the Thursday-Saturday shows and 2pm on Sundays.

The Archway Theater is located at 305 South Hewitt  Los Angeles, CA 90013, in the heart of the Arts District.

For tickets and information, go to http://www.archwayla.com/ or call (213)237-9933.

Horale! Demian Bichir and Berenice Bejo receive Oscar Nominations! There is hope.

El Comandante is so happy!  Any Latino artist should be proud.  Two Latinos have been nominated in major acting categories for Los Oscars.  I hoped and prayed that this would happen.  I wasn't as active about promoting Berenice's performance, because (my bad) I though she was French.  It wasn't until recently, when I watched my screener of "The Artist" that I discovered she born in Argentina!  Home of the father of Latino Revolutionaries:  Ernesto "Che" Guevara!  Congratulations Berenice!  Besos!


As for Demian: You did it compa!  The Academy voters watched a movie about an undocumented, Mexican,  gardener, and decided that you deserve a shot to win the ultimate award in Hollywood.  Who would have guessed that a film like "A Better Life", under the wonderful direction of Chris Weitz, had a shot at receiving the recognition that it deserves?  It was released in the middle of the summer, well before Academy caliber films are released.  I believe the passion and hard work of many Latino actors, artists, and pro-Latino organizations contributed to the film receiving the recognition that it did, so late in the game.  We utilized the power of social media to get the word out and to encourage everyone to support "A Better Life".  


Perhaps the Academy voters realized that Carlos Galindo's story is also the story of their gardeners, housekeepers, and nannies.  I hope that "A Better Life" will continue to change hearts and that the message will encourage lawmakers to reform immigration laws, so that innocent people who want to make an honest living can stay in America and not be treated as murderers, rapists, human and drug traffickers. 


Of course an Oscar win for Demian would be monumental.  Hollywood may start greenlighting more projects that feature great roles for Latino actors.  Leading roles, even!  Simon ese! However, and I know Chris Weitz would agree, the ability of the film's message to change hearts is what is most important.  Right on homie!


Also see:


Horale!  Demian Bichir is two steps from an Oscar Nod for "A Better Life".

It's All Good Spike. It's All Good.

You either love Spike Lee's work, or you hate it.  In fact, you either love him or you hate him.  Period. The way he portrays himself in the media rubs many people the wrong way.  Spike comes off as abrasive and arrogant.  He has even been accused of reverse discrimination. Whatever that means?


He definitely approaches Hollywood the way Hall of Fame, NBA Center, Bill Russell approached Basketball- with a serious chip on his shoulder.  These two men have a lot in common.  Both are very outspoken, champion Civil Rights for African-Americans, have or had a bitter relationship with the media, and played or worked for organizations that were dominated by white Americans (Russell for the Boston Celtics, Lee for "Hollywood"). They also share another, important trait:  They were both pioneers in their respective fields.  


Bill Russell is considered the first, African-American, NBA Superstar.  He holds the most championship rings of any NBA player.  A dominant defensive force, he still manged to score 14,522 career points.  Bad ass!


Spike Lee is a revolutionary filmmaker.  His debut indie "She's Gotta Have It" helped light the fire for the independent film movement of the late 80s and early 90s, along with Stephen  Soderbergh, Jim Jarmusch, and others.  Sadly, his name is not mentioned in Wikipedia's entry about Independent Film.  No wonder he's so pissed off.  More on that later. 


Spike, in my humble opinion, is the first, African-American, Filmmaker to really deal with modern day issues of African-Americans such as: racial tension, drug abuse, unemployment, tensions between light skin and dark skin African-Americans, interracial relationships, infidelity, religion, poverty, and police corruption.  In a nutshell, Black people were not always the one dimensional, thugs, pushers, servants, slaves, or threatening antagonist that Hollywood portrayed them to be.  


His characters were normal: students, businessmen, musicians, ministers, radio djs, and sex phone operator.  They ate together at the dinner table like many Americans.  He showed them making love, going out on dates, having arguments, all in a way that defied any Hollywood stereotype. Sure, there was a thug thrown into the mix, like Delroy Lindo's character in the wonderful "Clockers".  But that portrayal was so well rounded.  You feared him, yet envied  his power.  


I think it's fair to say that Spike is always in combat mode.  He definitely stirs the pot, like every great artist.  Yeah, his ego was out of control with the making of "Malcom X".  Big studio project.  Big clusterf*#k of a production.  There was some whispers about Spike saying something about kids skipping school to go see this movie on opening day.  He raised a stink when he requested the media to send Black journalists for press junkets.  When he made "Do The Right Thing", he claimed that only white journalists pressed him about whether Lee's character "Mookie" acted irresponsibly by inciting the riot that burned down Sal's Pizza (Sal being an Italian-Amarican played by Danny Aiello).  Like I said, the guy likes to stir the pot.  So it should have been a no brainer that he would take on the task of directing a bio-pic of one of the most controversial figures in Civil Rights history.  He took some big hits for this one.  It took the generous donations of prominent African-American figures like Oprah Winfrey, Bill Cosby, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Janet Jackson, and Prince, to name a few, to save the movie from being taken over by the bond company.  The budget swelled to over 33 million.  


According to Box Office Mojo, the total, domestic take for "Malcolm X" was $48,169,910.  It grossed more than the production budget, Denzel Washington was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Malcolm X, and it was well received by many critics.  Yet, I remember all the media focusing so much on the negative attention that this movie was receiving, i.e. the budget issues, Malcolm X's "pre Mecca" views about whites, the fact that it opened third its first weekend.   Spike took some hits.  He always does.


It seems like anything he does, the media will always be waiting for Spike to say or do something that makes them "uneasy", so they can pounce on him.  It's like the tattle tale kid that can only get his revenge on the bully by ratting him out for something lame.  The people I know that have issues with Spike happen to be white.  Is it because his movies have strong, black, characters, that are empowered?  Is it because the white characters in his movies are often portrayed as racists?  Shit!  Hollywood has portrayed minorities in a negative light throughout its existence.  What's wrong with holding a mirror to Hollywood and giving the town a taste of its own medicine?  


I can't recall an example of an outspoken, white, filmmaker, on par with Spike Lee, that has received as much negative attention as he has.  I honestly don't think there is one.  And if there is, I'm sure Hollywood would create enough spin for that person to make us forget all of his or her breakdowns, outbursts, and other run ins.  


Spike has never had a public run in with the law, been through rehab, received a DUI, or any of that nonsense that many celebrities do. So what's his crime?  Being an outspoken, African-American, filmmaker?  So what if he talks smack to NBA players that play against his beloved Knicks?  Jack does the same thing at Lakers games.  I don't think he gets in their grill, a la Reggie Miller, but Jack certainly talks some smack.  Everybody loves Jack.  It's amazing how some public figures can get away with outrageous behavior, while others cannot.  Not to say that cheering for your team is outrageous.  


This brings me to a report about a profanity laced outburst he had at Sundance.  After a screening of his latest film "Red Hook Summer", a Q & A was held where Chris Rock asked what he would have done differently had the movie been financed with studio money.  Spike financed the film with his own money.  According to the article, Chris Rock asked the question in a joking manner.  Spike didn't find it funny, which led him to go off on the tirade.  How bad it was, who knows?  Only those that were there actually know.  I do, however, think that this story will reinforce any negative pre-conceptions people may have about Spike Lee. I don't think it's fair.  But, fair is never part of the equation in the spin game.


Many years after retiring from basketball, Bill Russell reconciled with the media and the city of Boston.  He's become an ambassador of the game.  He played tough, stood up for the rights of Africa-Americans (at at time when it wasn't popular to do so), and didn't give a shit what fans or the media thought of him.  He played to win.  


Although his films have never been considered huge, commercial, blockbusters, Spike Lee has won over many critics and received multiple awards for his contributions to the arts. "Do The Right Thing" and "Malcolm X" have been selected for preservation in the National Film Registry, by the Library of Congress, as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."  Will he one day get the love the way Bill Russell now gets it?  Who knows?  I don't think Spike will ever stop swinging.  
  
It's all good Spike.  It's all good.   Spike would probably say, "You're mother(expletive) right, it's all good."  Keep fighting man!


State your piece.  Love Spike, or hate Spike.  If so, why?

Stop Acting!

I obsess about acting sometimes.  Actually, I do it quite often.  It tends to happen when I'm not working on a play or shooting something, which happens more often than not throughout an actor's career.


I replay performances by brilliant actors in my mind, marveling over their mastery of the craft.  Thoughts like, "Wow!  How did they get to that place?", or "What tools did they use to create the physicality of their character?" run rampantly through my mind.  Sometimes, marveling too much can bring you down and make you second guess your own talent.  It's these times when I'll take note of a simple, amazing performance by a modern day master.


If you have the time, take a moment to watch James Earl Jones in this episode of "Frasier".  His scene doesn't occur until the middle of the clip.  It's worth the wait.  We're so used to immediate results these days, that the thought of sitting through some great comedic acting for three minutes is nerve racking to some.  Just chill.  Enjoy the work.

I know what you are thinking.  We're talking about James Earl Jones here, the man with the most commanding voice in show business.  He's Mufasa, Darth Vader, and "This is CNN".  He could read the ingredients to the label of processed food, and we would all be captivated.  Only he could turn the words "Xantham Gum" and "Dextrose" into an awe inspiring performance.  But, slow your roll for a minute.  We all got our own thing.  Maybe not the most commanding voice.  Maybe we can't cry on cue.  Some of us are not at that level, yet.  However, we all have something to say.  You may not think it's interesting, but it's no one else's process.  The fact that it's uniquely yours, makes it interesting.  Feel me? 


What struck me the most about Mr. Jones performance is how you could tell that, as the character, he believed every line he spoke.  Despite the fact that his character is blind, you could actually witness him visualizing his memories.  You believe the history he shared with his wife, and the history he shared, listening to Dr. Frasier Crane's radio show.  This is where I had my "Duh! That's how you do it!" moment.  The lines create the history of the character.  They are a map, as one of my brilliant acting teachers Richard Seyd would say.  You just have to trust your craft, which is the scariest thing in the world.  


We're all scared of sucking.  But, when you take that leap and have that genuine connection with the material; that's when the audience and your fellow actors are with you.  In turn, you inspire someone else.  Now, if we can all get a shot to put our mugs on t.v. or the big screen to give people the chance to "marvel at our mastery".  

Holiday Theme Blog Entries

Thursday, January 19, 2011- 14:38


I find it interesting that my entries revolving around holidays or memorials do not attract as many readers.  


Could it be, as the ever so wise Jefe from "Three Amigos" fame, asks, that my faithful readers think that I am doing some run of the mill celebration or remembrance on those days?


Could it be, that the entries suck?  My readers quickly spread the word and tell people to stay away.


Could it be, that people don't care about anything with a theme?  Maybe I should take a Kardashian, sensationalistic approach to my entries and use titles like:  "Hookers and free booze!"  "Find the right stud!"  "Cougars are everywhere and ready to fuck on a whisper!"


That would require me to throw my standards out the window.  I'm not complaining at all.  It's just very interesting.  Perhaps, I need work on my titles.  Then again, I didn't utilize every Social Media avenue to promote those entries.  


Maybe people don't give a shit about my personal reflections.  Hey!  I can't be "on" all the time.  


One thing that is for sure, I am maturing a bit.  I'm finding things to write about that I am excited to share.  It's not like I didn't want to write about those other topics, but there is certainly a level of sensationalism in my earlier topics.  I like witnessing my growth.  


I'm going to keep on going on, stirring the pot and continuing to keep the conversation going.


Horale!