So this event at the Academy and Father's Day got me thinking, reminiscing, and feeling pretty nostalgic.
I spoke with a lot of my family as this day is rather emotional for us, and I was compelled to speak my mind.
So I write this article encompassing my experience at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and their tribute to "Television's Greatest Dads," my personal tribute to my late father, and a tribute to all the greatest Dads out there. Just because you're not dramatized on television doesn't mean you're not someone's #1
Father's Day Tribute
As I stand amongst the Television moguls of our time everyone scrambling for the best seats I am overwhelmed with emotion. It is a surreal experience as the stars are outside posing for paparazzi.
Such an arbitrary day to celebrate something so complex and beautiful. Hallmark can sensationalize it 1000 times and most likely the toughest of us will still think about crying. It's not their wishy-washy campaign slogans, or B-Movie marathons, but it's the unspoken relationship that surrounds being a parent.
As a kid you quickly learned that this was the day/weekend Dad got "to do whatever he wanted." You also whined that he and Mom always got 2 birthdays, and why there wasn't a "Son's Day" or "Daughter's Day."
"Because you weren't pregnant for 50 months in your life that's why." my mother usually said.
My Dad just smiled when my Mom said this and when we asked what he did for those 50 months, he said.
"I carried your mother."
As a child, you don't realize the magnitude or meaning of that kind of response until you are older.
As the stars file in I am wondering what this event is going to be like. We just saw some great clips of all kinds of T.V. shows, and here are the real-life Dads:
Dick Van Dyke ("The Dick Van Dyke Show"), Stephen Collins ("7th Heaven"), Jon Cryer ("Two and a Half Men"), Patrick Duffy ("Dallas" & "Step by Step"), Michael Gross ("Family Ties"), Bill Paxton ("Big Love"), Dick Van Patten ("8 Is Enough"), Reggie Vel Johnson ("Family Matters"), and Bryan Cranston ("Malcolm in The Middle" & "Breaking Bad)
Ralph Waite ("The Waltons"), Terry Crews ("Everybody Hates Chris"), and Tom Bosley ("Happy Days") were not able to attend but their "family" came and paid tribute.
It was enthralling to watch a panel of tenured actors interact harmoniously together. The speaker led each actor through questions concerning their Fathers and the experiences they had on and off-set.
Questions ranged from "Do you remember when your Dad taught you about the birds & bees" to "What was one attribute you admired in your father." to "When was the first moment you remember that sparked your acting career."
Here are some responses that I anxiously scribbled unto a notepad while they answered.
Dick Van Dyke asked who taught him about the "Birds & Bees"
"The Sear's & Roebuck Monthly Ad"
The Speaker/Questionnaire: "They don't have anything like that in the Sears Ad"
D.V.D. "Back in that day they did!"
D.V.D. "No but in all honesty it was probably my wife that taught me most that I know, I was a late learner."
Bryan Cranston (sitting in between Dick Van Dyke & Dick Van Patten): "How ironic I am asked this question sitting between a couple of Dicks!"
The entire panel's performing flair and co-existence with the camera was a spectacle to watch. I realized that the Casting Directors did not necessary cast an Actor for the Father role, but rather cast the Character for their television series.
I think of the parallel to reality. How perfect a cast member is your own father for your family? You can't even see anyone else ever playing that role.
The dialogue continues on to more serious topics of what was something your father taught you?
Patrick Duffy, again entertained the audience by telling an anecdote.
"He taught me how to drink an incredible amount of alcohol."
*AUDIENCE LAUGHTER*
"In all seriousness. he taught me to never wear your best pair of shoes on a Friday night."
*AUDIENCE LAUGHTER AGAIN*
Bill Paxton was more empathetic and truly hit a chord with me.
"I measure everyone I meet to my Father."
Elaborating...
"He taught me the importance of humanity and human communication. He took the time to talk to everyone. Not just because he was a lifetime salesman, but because that's who he was."
As the years pass, regrettable I remember less and less about my father....and I hate it. But moments like these let me dig into the vault and vividly recall moments like this about my Dad.
I think about his life, and how he "under-achieved" in most people's eyes. One thing that stuck with me, is when he approached me in one of his "lectures."
This time it was about the good and evil of money, and my overly competitive nature. He told me that there was nothing wrong with either. He went over the common misconception "Money is the root of all evil," and explained the "The LOVE of money is the root of all evil." He told me that someday, he knew I would be rich and successful because that's who I was, but "never lose sight of who you are and where you come from."
He read me this Proverb, re-written and paraphrased in many different religions:
"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold"
"Without, your name, without your word. You are nothing. That is why I've been so hard on you about bending the truth and not being honest. Do you understand?"
I remember that line more than any other: "Do you understand me?"
It always finished any "talk" with Dad. No matter how mad you were, how confused, how impatience, how much you wanted to be at the movies with the friends...."Do you understand?" was coming...
"Can I borrow the car?"
"Only if you wear your seat belt, no horsing around while driving, fill it up with gas, and promise to be home before 1:00 Am...Do you understand?"
All I heard was seat belt, horse, gas...."Do you understand?"
I don't think there was a more genuine person than my Father. My friends used to joke around that he was secretly plotting some genius plan.
He was that kind of person. Because he never said anything unless it was worth saying, and it made an impression with people.
If there was another thing I did remember about my father was that he was extremely wise and deliberate...almost too deliberate.
As Dick Van Dyke was asked what he remembered most about his father he alluded to the Great Depression.
"In 1929 I was 4 years old, the stock markets crashed....and I lost everything!!"
*AUDIENCE LAUGHTER*
"No but when people perpetually ask me where my charisma and theatrical talent comes from I always credit my parents."
"For 10 or more years they pretended that the world was swell and cheery, when it wasn't."
"They had the most positive outlook on life and my father was the anchor of that optimism."
That was the epitome of my father as well, infinitely patient and steadfast. Unfortunately the amount of stress and internal turmoil it takes to keep a happy face on for your family wears on you.
So everyone reading this if you have a father or are a father...sign up for regular physicals!!! Make sure you're at a healthy blood pressure, heart rate, and have covered all genetic disorders!!
The first words that I could muster after the news broke was to my friends who I was with.
"Call your father and tell them how you feel. Call them right now."
And don't let it be just Father's or Mother's Day when you let your parents know how much you care, or even your loved ones. Everyday
The one thing that I try to emulate in my father is his attitude on life.
A good friend of his came up to me after the funeral and said:
"You may not know this now, and it may not even seem like he did...but your father lived life in the moment. He lived each second for the next second, and spent a 1000 lifetimes in that moment. Each moment you spent with David, you were the most important person in his life right then, in that moment. That is a gift, that is something most people can't do."
So when my friend calls up and asks to celebrate on his promotion and I find myself stressed for this exam, or that grade, or this internship, or that scholarship. I just take a moment and breathe. Then smile. Because that's what Dad would have done. I smile and spend a couple more hours studying then go out with my friends.
Because that test is just one day, just one morning, only 2 hours of my life. A friendship lasts a lifetime. A good conversation can last a lifetime. That grade sticks for only 4 years until you have a job.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” (Mark Twain)
I can sit here and selfishly be angry about how my father was taken way before his time. or I can remember the impact he made on myself and others around him. It is hard not to be angry, but I try. Like my parents always say "Aim for excellence, not perfection."
Someone once said
"A true testament to a man's life is how many people attend his funeral."
My father would have been overwhelmed with joy and gratitude at his funeral. Another family friend at home, recently came up to me, overwhelmed with joy, grief, and empathy. She said:
"Your father would be so proud. I don't know what to say. To see Seth every break as much as we do.... I saw Jonathan here last week, Nathan the week before, and now you. You are him, you are all his legacy."
It is sometimes hard to imagine that people can miss my father as much as we do. I would like to thank everyone in my life that has helped me through this time. Everyone at home in Colorado, family in Iowa, Ohio, & Michigan, and friends in Michigan.
A great friend told me at his wake. And I will never forget.
"A broken heart stills beats. It may hurt like hell, and it will and I don't know how long it lasts. But I broken heart still beats."
A broken heart still beats.
I can never replace that hole in my heart. It will forever remain unfulfilled.
BUT I have learned that you can build around that hole. And through the help, guidance, empathy, graciousness, and friendship of all the important people in my life I have started to reinforce and rebuild that broken heart.
Please if you have a story about my father let me know. I would die to hear it. 18 years wasn't enough time to get to know him, help me fill in those blanks.
So in closing, I would like everyone to take some time and appreciate something they take for granted everyday. Identify it and embrace that moment. Whether it's the friendly smile of the Postman each day, or the cool breeze in the pollution-less mountains, the ecstasy of youth, or the unconditional love of a parent. Take that time and live in that moment, be that feeling and know that life is fleeting, those moments are too far and in-between. Just wait in 60 seconds MSNBC, CNN, and Fox will be telling you how awful the world is and how we are quickly slipping into cataclysmic demise....in 60 seconds will you be listening to them or will you be living you life?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The End of Boys Night Out...
So now more time stamps, I think I was confusing people....more of a cinematic thing so I'll abandon my creative side:
Continued from:
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 8:50 pm - 9:30 pm
Juan is down to Earth, funny, and genuine. Same with Nik...fate took me to the right place. Juan grabs his shift meal and to my astonishment asks us if we want anything. He got the appetizer combo plate, his usual and seems begging to share. We both decline but that doesn't stop him from whipping both of us up a plate with a sample of everything...doesn't stop us from wolfing it down either....
Juan is an old school bartender only 30 something,but he's still got the essences of the ones that you see in 1940s movies. extremely philosophical and good-natured. We all jaw about the Southwest and Broncos (Juan grew up in New Mexico for the most part). Talk about small towns and how his gas station is closed on Sundays so if you need to fill up you're walking 60 miles to the next one. I talk about how sometimes its necessary to snowshoe to school...Nik doesn't add much in about that but Juan playfully throws a Slumdog smart-ass comment in...we all laugh.
Terry shows up, another member of their Fiddler's Entourage...Terry is.....well LOUD. But the type of loud that you like to have around...Johnny "Drama" loud.
The place is clearing out quicker than cockroaches running away from the light. Apparently this os the "chill" spot from 4 pm- 9pm. The night rolls around and L.A. clubs fill up....
The guys seem to have a regular routine, a ritualized bonding consisting of drinking back at Juan's. I'm packing up to go and Juan quizzically asks me where I'm going.
"Home"
"No you're not, you're rolling with us, to 'The Towers'"
The towers he's referring to are La Brea Towers. Built to house all the WWII soldiers coming back from the war and dumping into the cities. We learned about it in Rural Sociology, it was known as the U.S. 'Great Urban Migration.' Anyway we head into the apartment and as you know by previous descriptions Terry cannot shut up...He's like Austin Powers after cyro-freeze.
We all stopped by 7-Eleven before and grab beer. I get Bud Light and they won't stop ripping on me...
"Hey guys you about ready to roll to the frat party"
"Who wants to play beer pong?"
"Hold on let me get some Busch Light"
I give it right back to them...
"You sure you don't want to wait 45 minutes to drink that wine, let the Tannens settle."
"You guys should come out with me tomorrow night, oh wait it's game night with all the other 30 somethings, don't you need to get a colonoscopy when you hit 3-0...no that's 40.....or are you there too?"
The conversation moves quickly as all these guys are accustomed to each others quips and tricks...I try to settle into their groove of friendship and do so fairly easily, until we start to talk about passed jobs.
Juan just had a pair of REALLY expensive Alligator skin shoes redone for 45 bucks. He's psyched because they're the only thing he wants to wear from his stint as a sales associate at Abercrombie and Fitch up in Beverly Hills.
His boss gave them to him along with a "Purple Suit." We're all talking about how snooty and pretentious Beverly Hills is...and the entire fake nature of that section of L.A. culture. They're asking why a stand-up, honest, heart-on-your sleeve kid like me wants to get into it.
"I want to be that guy that breaks the mold."
We continue to roast rich people and I stick my foot in my mouth.
"Like your boss, promising you all this cool shit and free stuff and what does he give you? A suit that you can only wear to a 70s party with a fluffy purple hat."
Followed by HYSTERICAL LAUGHTER....
5 minutes go by and they can';t catch their breath long enough to tell m what's so funny.
So this naive mountain kid didn't know "Purple Suit" refers to the tag and price. I guess its a $10,000 or up suit....Juan was bitching he's never going to use it because he doesn't wear outfits like that...and I thought it was velvet purple, made for a good story and great laugh.
We move up to the roof so they could give me the L.A. experience.
It's amazing....I did this before I saw the Hangover thank you very much.
But it was like that scene in the movie where they start on the roof...just no Roofilin.
Conversation ranged from politics (Talking to Terry is like talking to Ari Emmanuel's brother), to movies, to L.A. attractions (they all talk about how tourists see more of L.A. than them), to fashion (I guess there's an "Alley" in the "Fashion District" downtown that hawks all the newest designs and stuff for ridiculously cheap. All the stuff made for runways and shows, that either don't get a line or were specific to that show.
All in all it was a good night. I went home with my buzz wearing off and a great feeling that this town is all manicures and plastic surgery.
Continued from:
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 8:50 pm - 9:30 pm
Juan is down to Earth, funny, and genuine. Same with Nik...fate took me to the right place. Juan grabs his shift meal and to my astonishment asks us if we want anything. He got the appetizer combo plate, his usual and seems begging to share. We both decline but that doesn't stop him from whipping both of us up a plate with a sample of everything...doesn't stop us from wolfing it down either....
Juan is an old school bartender only 30 something,but he's still got the essences of the ones that you see in 1940s movies. extremely philosophical and good-natured. We all jaw about the Southwest and Broncos (Juan grew up in New Mexico for the most part). Talk about small towns and how his gas station is closed on Sundays so if you need to fill up you're walking 60 miles to the next one. I talk about how sometimes its necessary to snowshoe to school...Nik doesn't add much in about that but Juan playfully throws a Slumdog smart-ass comment in...we all laugh.
Terry shows up, another member of their Fiddler's Entourage...Terry is.....well LOUD. But the type of loud that you like to have around...Johnny "Drama" loud.
The place is clearing out quicker than cockroaches running away from the light. Apparently this os the "chill" spot from 4 pm- 9pm. The night rolls around and L.A. clubs fill up....
The guys seem to have a regular routine, a ritualized bonding consisting of drinking back at Juan's. I'm packing up to go and Juan quizzically asks me where I'm going.
"Home"
"No you're not, you're rolling with us, to 'The Towers'"
The towers he's referring to are La Brea Towers. Built to house all the WWII soldiers coming back from the war and dumping into the cities. We learned about it in Rural Sociology, it was known as the U.S. 'Great Urban Migration.' Anyway we head into the apartment and as you know by previous descriptions Terry cannot shut up...He's like Austin Powers after cyro-freeze.
We all stopped by 7-Eleven before and grab beer. I get Bud Light and they won't stop ripping on me...
"Hey guys you about ready to roll to the frat party"
"Who wants to play beer pong?"
"Hold on let me get some Busch Light"
I give it right back to them...
"You sure you don't want to wait 45 minutes to drink that wine, let the Tannens settle."
"You guys should come out with me tomorrow night, oh wait it's game night with all the other 30 somethings, don't you need to get a colonoscopy when you hit 3-0...no that's 40.....or are you there too?"
The conversation moves quickly as all these guys are accustomed to each others quips and tricks...I try to settle into their groove of friendship and do so fairly easily, until we start to talk about passed jobs.
Juan just had a pair of REALLY expensive Alligator skin shoes redone for 45 bucks. He's psyched because they're the only thing he wants to wear from his stint as a sales associate at Abercrombie and Fitch up in Beverly Hills.
His boss gave them to him along with a "Purple Suit." We're all talking about how snooty and pretentious Beverly Hills is...and the entire fake nature of that section of L.A. culture. They're asking why a stand-up, honest, heart-on-your sleeve kid like me wants to get into it.
"I want to be that guy that breaks the mold."
We continue to roast rich people and I stick my foot in my mouth.
"Like your boss, promising you all this cool shit and free stuff and what does he give you? A suit that you can only wear to a 70s party with a fluffy purple hat."
Followed by HYSTERICAL LAUGHTER....
5 minutes go by and they can';t catch their breath long enough to tell m what's so funny.
So this naive mountain kid didn't know "Purple Suit" refers to the tag and price. I guess its a $10,000 or up suit....Juan was bitching he's never going to use it because he doesn't wear outfits like that...and I thought it was velvet purple, made for a good story and great laugh.
We move up to the roof so they could give me the L.A. experience.
It's amazing....I did this before I saw the Hangover thank you very much.
But it was like that scene in the movie where they start on the roof...just no Roofilin.
Conversation ranged from politics (Talking to Terry is like talking to Ari Emmanuel's brother), to movies, to L.A. attractions (they all talk about how tourists see more of L.A. than them), to fashion (I guess there's an "Alley" in the "Fashion District" downtown that hawks all the newest designs and stuff for ridiculously cheap. All the stuff made for runways and shows, that either don't get a line or were specific to that show.
All in all it was a good night. I went home with my buzz wearing off and a great feeling that this town is all manicures and plastic surgery.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The Weekend
For those of you confused. The story follows like a flashback, something creative I tried, visually in my head it flows better. But just follow the TIMESTAMPs and you shouldn't be too confused. Recap:
Coffee Shop
Dinner
Garrett/Game
Coffee Shop
Wandering
Fiddler's....
I WILL finish this epic boys night out...just pre-occupied...here's the weekend...
THE WEEKEND
Santa Monica Friday night...I want to live there when I work in L.A...if you've been to L.A. and not Santa Monica then there's a problem with you!
Caught a mesmerizing Sunset on the beach (disposable camera'd that up, need a digital)
Walked on Ocean and met Erin Hickey at his place, it was a fun night, Erin's friends are good people and they treated the "Young Gun" with class. Everyone we were hanging out with were like 28-33!Haha , I blended and mingled like the social chameleon I am. Kevin, Andrew, and Kim..Erin's settled into his niche and groove flawlessly in L.A., we all seem to do that...
Saturday.
After a morning walking around Santa Monica with Erin & Kirby we head into L.A., Westfield Mall for The Hangover with Leslie Petrie ....HILARIOUS
Zach G: "Blood Brothers..."Ed Helms: "Please make him stop..."
I don't even know if they gave Zach G. lines the whole movie..outrageously funny.
After Erin and I walked around my neighborhood and found nirvana in the form of a frozen yogurt shop called "Yogurtland" Basically envision any type of topping and yogurt and you serve yourself and mix it how you want...best part...wait for it....
30 cents an ounce...yes 30 cents..in L.A.!!!
I packed my stomach full of deliciously frosted fruitgasms for only $3.50!!! We stopped off at the Bistro to say hi to Juan (he is real I didn't make him up).
Griffin Park maybe tomorrow with Erin...we both have never been and it is suppose to beautiful again. Today we could see the entire city. We were in Santa Monica and had a crystal clear view of the Hollywood sign...in Marina Del Ray....thatdoesn't happen...EVER!
About to pass out..need to do laundry...need to find a laundry mat filled with Entertainment executive and/or cute girls....
Never going to happen :(
I'll settle for the one on the corner with "interesting" people.
Coffee Shop
Dinner
Garrett/Game
Coffee Shop
Wandering
Fiddler's....
I WILL finish this epic boys night out...just pre-occupied...here's the weekend...
THE WEEKEND
Santa Monica Friday night...I want to live there when I work in L.A...if you've been to L.A. and not Santa Monica then there's a problem with you!
Caught a mesmerizing Sunset on the beach (disposable camera'd that up, need a digital)
Walked on Ocean and met Erin Hickey at his place, it was a fun night, Erin's friends are good people and they treated the "Young Gun" with class. Everyone we were hanging out with were like 28-33!Haha , I blended and mingled like the social chameleon I am. Kevin, Andrew, and Kim..Erin's settled into his niche and groove flawlessly in L.A., we all seem to do that...
Saturday.
After a morning walking around Santa Monica with Erin & Kirby we head into L.A., Westfield Mall for The Hangover with Leslie Petrie ....HILARIOUS
Zach G: "Blood Brothers..."Ed Helms: "Please make him stop..."
I don't even know if they gave Zach G. lines the whole movie..outrageously funny.
After Erin and I walked around my neighborhood and found nirvana in the form of a frozen yogurt shop called "Yogurtland" Basically envision any type of topping and yogurt and you serve yourself and mix it how you want...best part...wait for it....
30 cents an ounce...yes 30 cents..in L.A.!!!
I packed my stomach full of deliciously frosted fruitgasms for only $3.50!!! We stopped off at the Bistro to say hi to Juan (he is real I didn't make him up).
Griffin Park maybe tomorrow with Erin...we both have never been and it is suppose to beautiful again. Today we could see the entire city. We were in Santa Monica and had a crystal clear view of the Hollywood sign...in Marina Del Ray....thatdoesn't happen...EVER!
About to pass out..need to do laundry...need to find a laundry mat filled with Entertainment executive and/or cute girls....
Never going to happen :(
I'll settle for the one on the corner with "interesting" people.
Friday, June 5, 2009
L.A. Camraderie Part #2
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 8:01 AM-5:00 pm
The Mud Spot Coffee Shop
Early start again, lots of work to do and the internet is flaking out at my place. Luckily there's a rock solid coffee spot that is "Steak Sauce" (see How I Met Your Mother).
Who says nice people in L.A. don't exist. I walk by this coffee shop everyday. Tuesday I had lunch there and used the internet. Walking by Wednesday the attendant, Tory, is taking a break. I passed by and he asked me if I was stopping for coffee today.
"I'm more of a tea kind of guy." (Still haven't gotten into the coffee thing...ick)
"Well you want a iced tea on the house?"
Umm...HELL YEAH! Anyway we made a quick minute of conversation and boom they have a repeat customer. So that's why I chose the Mud Spot as my work locale for Thursday.
I swear I see everyone come in there, with some sort of manuscript, are there really that many great creative minds in L.A. or are most of these REALLY BAD? I think if they stop letting Uwe Boll make movies and let some of these people we'd be in better shape.
Funny side-note. I told Tenaya about my "Pay It Forward" experience. I said there really just might be genuine people here. She said
"That or he was hitting on you. Did he seem a little gay."
(I think...oh shoot)
Hitting on me or not I spend the day doing Econ 340 work, Cover Letters, Resumes, fielding phone calls....2 denials, 1 phone interview, tracking packages, etc. Packed a lunch so I'm solid until dinner.....
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 7:45 pm
Back in the coffee shop after a break. Closes at 8:00 pm!! Starbucks & Coffee Bean want my left kidney and an indentured servant contract just to use the internet....what am I going to do? I need to find somewhere to work! Like 1000 lectures and practice problems to do before the mid-term. The Libraries close at 6:00 pm. I'm spoiled at M.S.U. with all night academic services
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 5:30 pm
Fixing dinner, hating on the internet for pulling a Terminator and deciding on its own to rebel and reset its configurations.
Go upstairs to help Garrett, Tenaya's Dad, with the internet. He reminds me A LOT of Bill Gilbert. Though Bill you need to have a 'tick Brooklyn acc't' Born and raised in NYC until 1970 he's got the stereotypical New York Ole Tomer gig down pat.
We sit and fiddle with that Linksys router until we both want to shoot it. He invites me to watch the Lakers with him, and we kill the first half (I'm ripping on Lebron and Garrett happens to be a huge fan).
Uniquely knowledgeable in NBA basketball....loves players like Rasheed, Barkley, Artest and Martin. He's an actor at heart so he loves the antics of these "Bad Boys."
It's getting later and the Lakers are pulling away and since my Nuggets lost to them I find myself dangerously bitter in a yellow and purple town.
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 10:25 pm
Quietly tip-toeing into Juan's apartment.
"Shhh.... the girl's has work in the morning, keep it down."
Terry boisterously loud
"Oh man I didn't know you got the "Gators" re-done!"
Juan rolls his eyes, keeping Terry quiet is futile.
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 8:00 pm - 8:45 pm
Walking around my neighborhood, Miracle Mile, just checking things out and enjoying the end to this awesome day. I walk where ever my feet take me and when I come to an intersection I pick a direction and go that way (keeping track of where I am).
I usually decide by which street looks more like it’d have an “open late” Cyber Café.
Walking by this subtly fancy, yet earthly little joint called “Fiddler’s Bistro.”
1/3 is set up like an old school RV Diner, 1/3 set-up like a normal restaurant, and 1/3 like a hotel bar. All of it is precociously decorated however….
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 6:45 pm
Walking back to the Mud Spot and giving never-ending grief to Red Wings fans Megan, Josh, and Jackie in particular. My two favorite teams...THE AVS and whoever plays the Red Wings. They are such sore losers it is almost too easy....of course they always revert back to the Yankeeism "How many championships do you have," "I reply how many sell-outs are on your team?"
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 8:45 pm
The Bistro's aura is that of a chill, relaxed pace with quality tepidly simmering over the edge. I almost leave right away when I ask the bartender what is on tap
"Nothing"
Hmm....Specials...
He laughs in a good-hearted way....there's pretzels, peanuts, and bar munchies on the bar though so I deiced to tough it out, always wanted to go to one of those places with decent on infested looking bar food....
$4.00 for a Bud Light, what I'm sure is their cheapest, no internet connection, damn.
Whatever the game is on still (though Orlando is now embarrassing itself) Kobe took over Quarter #3. I've had a long day and a beer hits the spot.
Juan, the bartender, and I start shooting the shit. About Colorado (ID from there) and other things. He does the typical bartender things. "Where you from, why're here."
And I give him the typical L.A. answers....MidWest...Entertainment...lol...
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 11:45 pm
Talking about the massive expanse of L.A. and Juan, lived here for close to 13 years mentions how he's been to downtown maybe like 3-5 times. I talk about how I sometimes get turned around and it takes me 10 minutes to get my bearings.
Juan mentions
"If you EVER get lost in this city, especially at night. Just find somewhere you can go to the roof. You can see everything (Sunset, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Downtown, Century City, etc."
Terry says,
"That or GPS, just ask Nik, he can probably import one for dirt cheap. Doesn't one of your brothers own an Electronic Store?
Nik
"Pakistanees and Arab people stereotypically own those stores. I'm Indian Smart-A88! I could fix your TV though. Hello this is Nikhail from Direct TV how may I assist you."
(He works as a manager at Direct TV)
Laughter.....
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 8:50 pm - 9:30 pm
My beer is finished and I'm packing up to go home. Great conversation and environment, thinking I'll stop by again.
Nikhail, a regular 28-33 something Direct TV technician pooped in smartly dressed for his regular couple drinks after work.
Juan seems to know him well and they immediately pick up a conversation. The restaurant is emptying out as the place closes at 10:00 pm. Juan & "Nik" start talking poker, casinos, and Lakers.
Apparently Nik just one $500 sitting down the night before after work. He came from India (Mumbai) about 12 years ago so he still has a thick accent, yet more importantly his eyes and excitement Richter scales every time he talks about the casino, people, and interaction.
Imagine what it must feel like for Nik to have all these guilty pleasures available to him in L.A. Movie theaters, casinos, bars, beaches, fitness gyms, etc; after spending much of his youth in a place that puts you in bed with nasty people even if you just want to go into a bar and watch a game.
Juan is down to Earth, funny, and genuine. Same with Nik...fate took me to the right place. Juan grabs his shift meal and to my astonishment asks us if we want anything. He got the appetizer combo plate, his usual and seems begging to share. We both decline but that doesn't stop him from whipping both of us up a plate with a sample of everything...doesn't stop us from wolfing it down either....
(TO BE CONTINUED)
The Mud Spot Coffee Shop
Early start again, lots of work to do and the internet is flaking out at my place. Luckily there's a rock solid coffee spot that is "Steak Sauce" (see How I Met Your Mother).
Who says nice people in L.A. don't exist. I walk by this coffee shop everyday. Tuesday I had lunch there and used the internet. Walking by Wednesday the attendant, Tory, is taking a break. I passed by and he asked me if I was stopping for coffee today.
"I'm more of a tea kind of guy." (Still haven't gotten into the coffee thing...ick)
"Well you want a iced tea on the house?"
Umm...HELL YEAH! Anyway we made a quick minute of conversation and boom they have a repeat customer. So that's why I chose the Mud Spot as my work locale for Thursday.
I swear I see everyone come in there, with some sort of manuscript, are there really that many great creative minds in L.A. or are most of these REALLY BAD? I think if they stop letting Uwe Boll make movies and let some of these people we'd be in better shape.
Funny side-note. I told Tenaya about my "Pay It Forward" experience. I said there really just might be genuine people here. She said
"That or he was hitting on you. Did he seem a little gay."
(I think...oh shoot)
Hitting on me or not I spend the day doing Econ 340 work, Cover Letters, Resumes, fielding phone calls....2 denials, 1 phone interview, tracking packages, etc. Packed a lunch so I'm solid until dinner.....
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 7:45 pm
Back in the coffee shop after a break. Closes at 8:00 pm!! Starbucks & Coffee Bean want my left kidney and an indentured servant contract just to use the internet....what am I going to do? I need to find somewhere to work! Like 1000 lectures and practice problems to do before the mid-term. The Libraries close at 6:00 pm. I'm spoiled at M.S.U. with all night academic services
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 5:30 pm
Fixing dinner, hating on the internet for pulling a Terminator and deciding on its own to rebel and reset its configurations.
Go upstairs to help Garrett, Tenaya's Dad, with the internet. He reminds me A LOT of Bill Gilbert. Though Bill you need to have a 'tick Brooklyn acc't' Born and raised in NYC until 1970 he's got the stereotypical New York Ole Tomer gig down pat.
We sit and fiddle with that Linksys router until we both want to shoot it. He invites me to watch the Lakers with him, and we kill the first half (I'm ripping on Lebron and Garrett happens to be a huge fan).
Uniquely knowledgeable in NBA basketball....loves players like Rasheed, Barkley, Artest and Martin. He's an actor at heart so he loves the antics of these "Bad Boys."
It's getting later and the Lakers are pulling away and since my Nuggets lost to them I find myself dangerously bitter in a yellow and purple town.
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 10:25 pm
Quietly tip-toeing into Juan's apartment.
"Shhh.... the girl's has work in the morning, keep it down."
Terry boisterously loud
"Oh man I didn't know you got the "Gators" re-done!"
Juan rolls his eyes, keeping Terry quiet is futile.
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 8:00 pm - 8:45 pm
Walking around my neighborhood, Miracle Mile, just checking things out and enjoying the end to this awesome day. I walk where ever my feet take me and when I come to an intersection I pick a direction and go that way (keeping track of where I am).
I usually decide by which street looks more like it’d have an “open late” Cyber Café.
Walking by this subtly fancy, yet earthly little joint called “Fiddler’s Bistro.”
1/3 is set up like an old school RV Diner, 1/3 set-up like a normal restaurant, and 1/3 like a hotel bar. All of it is precociously decorated however….
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 6:45 pm
Walking back to the Mud Spot and giving never-ending grief to Red Wings fans Megan, Josh, and Jackie in particular. My two favorite teams...THE AVS and whoever plays the Red Wings. They are such sore losers it is almost too easy....of course they always revert back to the Yankeeism "How many championships do you have," "I reply how many sell-outs are on your team?"
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 8:45 pm
The Bistro's aura is that of a chill, relaxed pace with quality tepidly simmering over the edge. I almost leave right away when I ask the bartender what is on tap
"Nothing"
Hmm....Specials...
He laughs in a good-hearted way....there's pretzels, peanuts, and bar munchies on the bar though so I deiced to tough it out, always wanted to go to one of those places with decent on infested looking bar food....
$4.00 for a Bud Light, what I'm sure is their cheapest, no internet connection, damn.
Whatever the game is on still (though Orlando is now embarrassing itself) Kobe took over Quarter #3. I've had a long day and a beer hits the spot.
Juan, the bartender, and I start shooting the shit. About Colorado (ID from there) and other things. He does the typical bartender things. "Where you from, why're here."
And I give him the typical L.A. answers....MidWest...Entertainment...lol...
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 11:45 pm
Talking about the massive expanse of L.A. and Juan, lived here for close to 13 years mentions how he's been to downtown maybe like 3-5 times. I talk about how I sometimes get turned around and it takes me 10 minutes to get my bearings.
Juan mentions
"If you EVER get lost in this city, especially at night. Just find somewhere you can go to the roof. You can see everything (Sunset, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Downtown, Century City, etc."
Terry says,
"That or GPS, just ask Nik, he can probably import one for dirt cheap. Doesn't one of your brothers own an Electronic Store?
Nik
"Pakistanees and Arab people stereotypically own those stores. I'm Indian Smart-A88! I could fix your TV though. Hello this is Nikhail from Direct TV how may I assist you."
(He works as a manager at Direct TV)
Laughter.....
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 8:50 pm - 9:30 pm
My beer is finished and I'm packing up to go home. Great conversation and environment, thinking I'll stop by again.
Nikhail, a regular 28-33 something Direct TV technician pooped in smartly dressed for his regular couple drinks after work.
Juan seems to know him well and they immediately pick up a conversation. The restaurant is emptying out as the place closes at 10:00 pm. Juan & "Nik" start talking poker, casinos, and Lakers.
Apparently Nik just one $500 sitting down the night before after work. He came from India (Mumbai) about 12 years ago so he still has a thick accent, yet more importantly his eyes and excitement Richter scales every time he talks about the casino, people, and interaction.
Imagine what it must feel like for Nik to have all these guilty pleasures available to him in L.A. Movie theaters, casinos, bars, beaches, fitness gyms, etc; after spending much of his youth in a place that puts you in bed with nasty people even if you just want to go into a bar and watch a game.
Juan is down to Earth, funny, and genuine. Same with Nik...fate took me to the right place. Juan grabs his shift meal and to my astonishment asks us if we want anything. He got the appetizer combo plate, his usual and seems begging to share. We both decline but that doesn't stop him from whipping both of us up a plate with a sample of everything...doesn't stop us from wolfing it down either....
(TO BE CONTINUED)
West Hollywood Part #2 Postponed...Hot Off the Press
West Hollywood Story Part #2 Delayed.
This Just In!!!!:
As awesome, enthralling, and crazy as the following story is…I DID NOT MAKE THIS UP. If you come out to L.A. this summer or probably even in the future, you WILL meet Juan, Nik, and Terry. SWEAR on it.
The following is a TRUE account of L.A. camaraderie and the general Bad-Assery of the U.S.A.
Story Begins
TIME STAMP: 06/05/09 12:05 am
Terry postulates:
“Imagine what we’d all be like without weed”
Nik
“Or wine”
Juan
“Or women”
*Laughter*
TIME STAMP: 06/05/09 1:25 am
Sounds as I’m going to bed with windows open, birds outside, the omnipresent sound of water leaking from some house, (in the drought-draught State that prides itself on “regulated lawn water usage”) cars whooshing by in an almost melodic nature, and of course little f’ing Chiwuawas barking at car and every noise or sound like they’re crack children.
Don’t forget the ever constant buzz of Helicopters:
LAPD related, paparazzi on the move, news stations ready to dramatize the next police incidence, photographers there to catch the gruesome horror show (“Smile next to the severed head...on 3…2..”) 24-7 traffic control, and the no-brainer a Hans Gruber’s chopper dashing for the villain escape while the hero confronts him on the roof….
TIME STAMP: 06/05/09 1:32 pm
I think back to what Juan said earlier in the night when we were 18 stories up La Brea Towers experiencing the L.A. late night:
“There’d be a helluva a lot more of these things prowling about, and murder in Downtown L.A. in general, especially among the gangs if it weren’t for weed.”
Flashback 14 hours earlier
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 8:01 am
The Mud Spot Coffee Shop
Make my way to the…(TO BE CONTINUED)
This Just In!!!!:
As awesome, enthralling, and crazy as the following story is…I DID NOT MAKE THIS UP. If you come out to L.A. this summer or probably even in the future, you WILL meet Juan, Nik, and Terry. SWEAR on it.
The following is a TRUE account of L.A. camaraderie and the general Bad-Assery of the U.S.A.
Story Begins
TIME STAMP: 06/05/09 12:05 am
Terry postulates:
“Imagine what we’d all be like without weed”
Nik
“Or wine”
Juan
“Or women”
*Laughter*
TIME STAMP: 06/05/09 1:25 am
Sounds as I’m going to bed with windows open, birds outside, the omnipresent sound of water leaking from some house, (in the drought-draught State that prides itself on “regulated lawn water usage”) cars whooshing by in an almost melodic nature, and of course little f’ing Chiwuawas barking at car and every noise or sound like they’re crack children.
Don’t forget the ever constant buzz of Helicopters:
LAPD related, paparazzi on the move, news stations ready to dramatize the next police incidence, photographers there to catch the gruesome horror show (“Smile next to the severed head...on 3…2..”) 24-7 traffic control, and the no-brainer a Hans Gruber’s chopper dashing for the villain escape while the hero confronts him on the roof….
TIME STAMP: 06/05/09 1:32 pm
I think back to what Juan said earlier in the night when we were 18 stories up La Brea Towers experiencing the L.A. late night:
“There’d be a helluva a lot more of these things prowling about, and murder in Downtown L.A. in general, especially among the gangs if it weren’t for weed.”
Flashback 14 hours earlier
TIME STAMP 06/04/09 8:01 am
The Mud Spot Coffee Shop
Make my way to the…(TO BE CONTINUED)
Thursday, June 4, 2009
West Hollywood, Coffee Shop and the Bumpy Road Part #1....
...To Success
So I think if you can make it L.A./NYC you can make it in Baghdad while bombs are dropping....
A Spartan alumni helping me through LinkedIn sent me this:
'Not a problem. I talked to a friend down there who said: Some how, some way get an interview with one of the big agencies, wow them in the interview then work your a** off! Work is life, life is work for at least the first few years maybe longer. I interviewing someone a couple of years back that did it for about a year and the business kicked his butt!'
So I have been in that process...for hmmmm......2 years????
Got a call back from ICM in L.A. today...no go....even with the brilliant "Coffee Cup Caper."
Sorry Kevin but I'm killing your statistics here, I don't think you took into account the Entertainment business...any other industry and I'd be hired as CEO by now...lol.
Director of Recruiting and Internships said, and I paraphrase/quote "I love your Resume, Cover Letter, and Enthusiasm, but honestly there's like 35 college and law school graduates ahead of you. Your personality and tenacity bumped you up some spots but I don't know what to say. I'm definitely tired right now, tired of people asking, tired of please, tired of this hiring freeze. I have 50 great prospects and I can't hire any one of them. I'll definitely keep your Resume on file, I won't throw it out, but I can't open up a position for you right now."
Ouch....
That was literally 5 minutes ago...so the conversation is fresh, plus I wanted to remember so that I can ask guru Kevin Donlin what to do in those situations...
I asked what to do to bump me up the list (though I kind of knew in my head), he didn't give me much, just said that he's tired of people asking....he was polite....just seemed exasperated.
What I need to do if somehow offer these H.R. people something that they need and I have...other than ME! So I'll brainstorm that and get back to you....if anyone has any ideas LET ME KNOW!!!
Still tracking a package to arrive at CAA (didn't see LeBron yesterday probably still pouting in Cleveland) and that conversation will probably go the same way....keeping my head up though. This time I'll be prepared for the onslaught of H.R. self-pity and exhaustion, running through my head ways to improve their mood and make me look like a champ....
I have a phone "interview" with Tenaya's friend that works in P.R. at Abrams. He was on-set at a Production Meeting when I talked to him and told me to call back at 5:30 pm....so fingers crossed.
Meanwhile I'm pumping out like 4-5 internship apps every 2 hours, going through Leslie's emails (thank you!!) and then all these sites I have found in my never-ending search to get my foot in the door....
Enough business...West Hollywood....
So I think if you can make it L.A./NYC you can make it in Baghdad while bombs are dropping....
A Spartan alumni helping me through LinkedIn sent me this:
'Not a problem. I talked to a friend down there who said: Some how, some way get an interview with one of the big agencies, wow them in the interview then work your a** off! Work is life, life is work for at least the first few years maybe longer. I interviewing someone a couple of years back that did it for about a year and the business kicked his butt!'
So I have been in that process...for hmmmm......2 years????
Got a call back from ICM in L.A. today...no go....even with the brilliant "Coffee Cup Caper."
Sorry Kevin but I'm killing your statistics here, I don't think you took into account the Entertainment business...any other industry and I'd be hired as CEO by now...lol.
Director of Recruiting and Internships said, and I paraphrase/quote "I love your Resume, Cover Letter, and Enthusiasm, but honestly there's like 35 college and law school graduates ahead of you. Your personality and tenacity bumped you up some spots but I don't know what to say. I'm definitely tired right now, tired of people asking, tired of please, tired of this hiring freeze. I have 50 great prospects and I can't hire any one of them. I'll definitely keep your Resume on file, I won't throw it out, but I can't open up a position for you right now."
Ouch....
That was literally 5 minutes ago...so the conversation is fresh, plus I wanted to remember so that I can ask guru Kevin Donlin what to do in those situations...
I asked what to do to bump me up the list (though I kind of knew in my head), he didn't give me much, just said that he's tired of people asking....he was polite....just seemed exasperated.
What I need to do if somehow offer these H.R. people something that they need and I have...other than ME! So I'll brainstorm that and get back to you....if anyone has any ideas LET ME KNOW!!!
Still tracking a package to arrive at CAA (didn't see LeBron yesterday probably still pouting in Cleveland) and that conversation will probably go the same way....keeping my head up though. This time I'll be prepared for the onslaught of H.R. self-pity and exhaustion, running through my head ways to improve their mood and make me look like a champ....
I have a phone "interview" with Tenaya's friend that works in P.R. at Abrams. He was on-set at a Production Meeting when I talked to him and told me to call back at 5:30 pm....so fingers crossed.
Meanwhile I'm pumping out like 4-5 internship apps every 2 hours, going through Leslie's emails (thank you!!) and then all these sites I have found in my never-ending search to get my foot in the door....
Enough business...West Hollywood....
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Subways, Music, & Mayhem Part #2
Quick Reference...the Bold highlights to links...just in case you missed a reference or want to check something out...
So from Aubry and the bus I hit up L.A.'s subway ti make it up to Hollywood....
I sat next to an older gentlemen that had Mr. Burns beat. He was amazing to listen to as well. Working the same job for the city's power for 60 YEARS!! He dates back the new "Gold Line" to 6 years ago because that's when he got throat CANCER, neat it and went back to work.
He loved talking about the old L.A. before all the cars and people. When the "stars were just people and not magazines."
He talked about how Union Pacific used to run the electric street cars, or the PE. Those buses/light rails got you all the way down to Riverside!! Now I need to spend a fortune in AmTrak or cabs to see my sister. He talked about how reliable and efficient they were, and then guess what.....?
In comes GM and Standard Oil. My brother Nate had told me about this and we learned about it in monopoly sections when studying business. But I didn't realize until I researched it (on wiki but I think this one is reliable and there's lots of sources).
When gas was cheap and cars were pumped out like the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie, these things started to be phased out. "We'll never have more cars than people!" they thought. Now the average L.A. citizen owns 2.5 cars I think...unreal.
So these companies bought out all the tracks, the property, the patents, etc. Dismantled and boom super-highways that are congested 24-7 come in! Now billions of dollars of tax-payer money are going back into the Public Transportation project...and WE'RE paying for it, not Standard Oil, not GM, not Ford.....and we wonder why they're going out of business??? And why should we help them??? So when a better idea than electric cars comes along (say hydrogen) they can squash that too so they can turn a quick buck that lasts them....ummmm..15 years before they file for bankruptcy and a bailout again????? Don't want to soap-box here but it's up to each one of us to hold companies like this responsible...the consumer...multi-tasking learning EC 340 right now ;)
Anyway enough ranting...funny note. As I was getting off the Subway up to Hollywood and Highland...a homeless family of Performers got unto the Subway. 3 kids and their "Dad" Macaranas, Guitars, Tambourines and everything.
Told everyone they just needed dinner, even announced what Homeless Shelter they were at and showed a picture of their baby sister. They then busted into a Reggae/Sublime?Jack Johnson version of the Beatles "I Want to Hold Your Hand," August Rush style.
I threw in a buck, it was good and I'm a sucker. They could have definitely been a band of Robin Williams little "Wizards," but it was unique and in like NO SPACE crammed between 10o people.
As soon as I got unto Hollywood Blvd the circus began. Superman and Mr. Incredible were there taking pictures for money. Haha
And of course....it would be wouldn't be Hollywood unless there was an aspiring Hip Hop artist handing out "free" demos. He must have seen that I've spent some time in the "D' lol not really. Anyway he started his hustle. We talked for a little bit and thanks to Suburban Euphoria, I have a little knowledge of how much studio time costs and that his costs are sunk....he's not expecting anything but to circulate his tracks, money is just a bonus they try to get off tourists.
We talked Hip/Hop for a bit...I needed some help though, wish the Okemos crew had been there (Ian, Brad, Jordan, Doby, G-Peck). Anyway he wanted $10 initially and then gave it to me for free, when I ragged on his hook and it being too similar to anything by Big Tymers.
His name is Marvilus (warning to little cousins and older family...this is Rap, can't guarantee he watchs his language like my parents taught me ;) ) He's not bad....not spectacular but potential. I dig it. He "says" he's working stuff out right now with Interscope Records. Right now he's on his own label "R.A.P. Star Records" (original). I think he needs some creativity in his Entoruage.
Alex we can totally sell demos for $5.00 MINIMUM. Let me know as soon as those tracks are ripped, and you can make up some of that debt in recording time. Make sure you're properly copyrighted and all. After seeing and hearing (and mostly watching Dream Girls) I'm freaked of slime balls stealing original ideas. Next week we don't want top hear Daughtry with your stuff...
As I crossed the street I noticed that there were barricades EVERYWHERE sidewalks shut off....turns out....the Chinese Theatre was premiering "The Hangover"
I also Jack Sparrow crossing angrily yelling at Spiderman for taking over his "photo turf." Haha he had his sword out and was still in character...
I wanted to stick around and see the cast come out but it wasn't worth it, I've passed that tourism phase. I had to try and make it to this theatre before 5:00 pm and get a quote and take pictures....FAIL
It was close, but I went to MIT, Music Institute, and got the card for the owner. I'll cal today to see how many bones that'll cost M.S.U. Theatre.
Anyway hopped the bus back home and stopped by UPS, Starbucks, and Coffee Bean for supplies for the "Coffee Cup Caper." By the way Kevin that's a VERY outdated picture of you on your homepage, haha.
Coffee Bean & tea Leaf, like L.A.'s Bigbys, tried to charge me 65 cents an empty, yes EMPTY cup = BOYCOTTED...you are now Cuba in my book Coffee Bean.
So today I have stops at Home Depot and Creative Arts Agency (CAA) maybe I get to see LeBron there, pouting some more (shout out to Ley for this article) while he "supports" Kobe. Or just goes to the Finals to fulfill his Narcissistic need to be on camera.
I've been telling people all year he wasn't going to win, I didn't know he was going to be such an ass about it. Anyone who calls him clASSly added 4 too many letters. (easy for people like me to judge, but not shaking hands...shows character no matter how competitive you are). That or he's been away from his Ma too long and she needs to slap him upside his head! Love ya Mom!!
Anyway I'll be working on the bathroom of my place for my 10 hour a week due for rent. Erin Hickey and I will be seeing The Hangover and maybe braving the ocean on the beach....Mike (my brother-in-law) is helping me track down a used Long Board to learn on for around 40-60 bucks....I'll be at the beach all weekend when that happens......
So from Aubry and the bus I hit up L.A.'s subway ti make it up to Hollywood....
I sat next to an older gentlemen that had Mr. Burns beat. He was amazing to listen to as well. Working the same job for the city's power for 60 YEARS!! He dates back the new "Gold Line" to 6 years ago because that's when he got throat CANCER, neat it and went back to work.
He loved talking about the old L.A. before all the cars and people. When the "stars were just people and not magazines."
He talked about how Union Pacific used to run the electric street cars, or the PE. Those buses/light rails got you all the way down to Riverside!! Now I need to spend a fortune in AmTrak or cabs to see my sister. He talked about how reliable and efficient they were, and then guess what.....?
In comes GM and Standard Oil. My brother Nate had told me about this and we learned about it in monopoly sections when studying business. But I didn't realize until I researched it (on wiki but I think this one is reliable and there's lots of sources).
When gas was cheap and cars were pumped out like the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie, these things started to be phased out. "We'll never have more cars than people!" they thought. Now the average L.A. citizen owns 2.5 cars I think...unreal.
So these companies bought out all the tracks, the property, the patents, etc. Dismantled and boom super-highways that are congested 24-7 come in! Now billions of dollars of tax-payer money are going back into the Public Transportation project...and WE'RE paying for it, not Standard Oil, not GM, not Ford.....and we wonder why they're going out of business??? And why should we help them??? So when a better idea than electric cars comes along (say hydrogen) they can squash that too so they can turn a quick buck that lasts them....ummmm..15 years before they file for bankruptcy and a bailout again????? Don't want to soap-box here but it's up to each one of us to hold companies like this responsible...the consumer...multi-tasking learning EC 340 right now ;)
Anyway enough ranting...funny note. As I was getting off the Subway up to Hollywood and Highland...a homeless family of Performers got unto the Subway. 3 kids and their "Dad" Macaranas, Guitars, Tambourines and everything.
Told everyone they just needed dinner, even announced what Homeless Shelter they were at and showed a picture of their baby sister. They then busted into a Reggae/Sublime?Jack Johnson version of the Beatles "I Want to Hold Your Hand," August Rush style.
I threw in a buck, it was good and I'm a sucker. They could have definitely been a band of Robin Williams little "Wizards," but it was unique and in like NO SPACE crammed between 10o people.
As soon as I got unto Hollywood Blvd the circus began. Superman and Mr. Incredible were there taking pictures for money. Haha
And of course....it would be wouldn't be Hollywood unless there was an aspiring Hip Hop artist handing out "free" demos. He must have seen that I've spent some time in the "D' lol not really. Anyway he started his hustle. We talked for a little bit and thanks to Suburban Euphoria, I have a little knowledge of how much studio time costs and that his costs are sunk....he's not expecting anything but to circulate his tracks, money is just a bonus they try to get off tourists.
We talked Hip/Hop for a bit...I needed some help though, wish the Okemos crew had been there (Ian, Brad, Jordan, Doby, G-Peck). Anyway he wanted $10 initially and then gave it to me for free, when I ragged on his hook and it being too similar to anything by Big Tymers.
His name is Marvilus (warning to little cousins and older family...this is Rap, can't guarantee he watchs his language like my parents taught me ;) ) He's not bad....not spectacular but potential. I dig it. He "says" he's working stuff out right now with Interscope Records. Right now he's on his own label "R.A.P. Star Records" (original). I think he needs some creativity in his Entoruage.
Alex we can totally sell demos for $5.00 MINIMUM. Let me know as soon as those tracks are ripped, and you can make up some of that debt in recording time. Make sure you're properly copyrighted and all. After seeing and hearing (and mostly watching Dream Girls) I'm freaked of slime balls stealing original ideas. Next week we don't want top hear Daughtry with your stuff...
As I crossed the street I noticed that there were barricades EVERYWHERE sidewalks shut off....turns out....the Chinese Theatre was premiering "The Hangover"
I also Jack Sparrow crossing angrily yelling at Spiderman for taking over his "photo turf." Haha he had his sword out and was still in character...
I wanted to stick around and see the cast come out but it wasn't worth it, I've passed that tourism phase. I had to try and make it to this theatre before 5:00 pm and get a quote and take pictures....FAIL
It was close, but I went to MIT, Music Institute, and got the card for the owner. I'll cal today to see how many bones that'll cost M.S.U. Theatre.
Anyway hopped the bus back home and stopped by UPS, Starbucks, and Coffee Bean for supplies for the "Coffee Cup Caper." By the way Kevin that's a VERY outdated picture of you on your homepage, haha.
Coffee Bean & tea Leaf, like L.A.'s Bigbys, tried to charge me 65 cents an empty, yes EMPTY cup = BOYCOTTED...you are now Cuba in my book Coffee Bean.
So today I have stops at Home Depot and Creative Arts Agency (CAA) maybe I get to see LeBron there, pouting some more (shout out to Ley for this article) while he "supports" Kobe. Or just goes to the Finals to fulfill his Narcissistic need to be on camera.
I've been telling people all year he wasn't going to win, I didn't know he was going to be such an ass about it. Anyone who calls him clASSly added 4 too many letters. (easy for people like me to judge, but not shaking hands...shows character no matter how competitive you are). That or he's been away from his Ma too long and she needs to slap him upside his head! Love ya Mom!!
Anyway I'll be working on the bathroom of my place for my 10 hour a week due for rent. Erin Hickey and I will be seeing The Hangover and maybe braving the ocean on the beach....Mike (my brother-in-law) is helping me track down a used Long Board to learn on for around 40-60 bucks....I'll be at the beach all weekend when that happens......
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Subways, Music, & Mayhem Part #1
WOW! What a day. Took off early and wrote the first blog on the bus...ah the bus...I think anyone with Writer's Block needs to hop on the Metro for a day and will have enough material for a LIFETIME! Same goes for the NYC Subways I'd assume.
So I took off today and delivered some Resumes and Cover Letters and had 2 positive phone calls...there's still a lot of work out there but the ambiguity of their time table is killing me!!
There's this sweet looking "Dance Night Club" opening up next to me. It's called Leonardo's...I might have to go in there dressed as a turtle based upon principle...maybe they'll let me in with my Ninja swords.
After stops at Kinko's, UPS, and Beverly Hills Agencies I decided to head out to Hollywood. There is a theater up there (Northwest) that my sister used for the Cal State Showcase.
The Michigan State Bachelor of Fine Arts class has ambitions to set-up a showcase in the Fall in L.A., this would be the perfect spot, affordable too from what I hear.
On the way to the Subway on the 720 Rapid bus..I met....you guessed it...some "eccentric" L.A. transients. They sparked a conversation with a fellow sitting next to me that looked semi-crazy. I guess they have a loco-radar. He had a French Horn case, harmonica hanging from his neck, small laptop size keyboard and a guitar case.
Turns out this guy "Aubrey" wasn't crazy at all, just.....weathered.
He had the look and feel of a musician that spent too long grinding...he smelled of heartache and brass cleaning oil. The streets can be mean to someone with one skill, and all he knew and wanted to do was...JAZZ.
His eyes were tired, his hands callused, his face worn, but you could still see that spark of love for his art in his eye, especially when he talked about playing, and how he utilized each instrument in a song, and yet his passion seemed haggard and suffering, his sparking fading and nearly extinguished.
It's tough to imagine Aubrey 35 years ago, slick kid probably from Mo-Town ready to tackle the world with dreams of playing with the Jackson 5, Supremes, and James Brown. He told us about how 15-20 years ago people loved to hear "Rhythm and Blues" he called it, the real Soul.....Jazz.
Now he can't find work because of how Rap and Hip Hop, and how the music business has changed.
My opinion is he's right in too many ways. Everyone in America wants a quick fix, an instant dose of what they crave. The quick hook, the catchy beat... they crush the slow smooth sounds of old school.
The same is true for Rock & Roll. When is the last time a popular Billboard topping song had a wicked guitar solo, some drum rock-out? The answer is not in awhile! No one wants to hear Jimi rip a solo, and Santana needs Rob Thomas or Chad Kroeger to sell a record??? Stairway to Heaven would flop today because "it's too slow." Makes me sad...that's why I'm grabbing your music and running with it Alex!!
(http://www.myspace.com/suburbaneuphoria)
So Pop in some Miles Davis, Louey Armstrong, Ray Charles, Coltrane, etc. and just listen....don't so it for me......do it for your buddy composing at 2 am and hoping to be the next Aubrey hair slicked fresh off a plane from Michigan...do it for the next generation and teach them to embrace music that means something, sends a message rather than just sells....do it for Aubrey and the way things used to be, when people stopped to hear someone's story on a bus instead of just calling them "that crazy guy with instruments."
To Be Continued in The Subway & on The Red Carpet.....
So I took off today and delivered some Resumes and Cover Letters and had 2 positive phone calls...there's still a lot of work out there but the ambiguity of their time table is killing me!!
There's this sweet looking "Dance Night Club" opening up next to me. It's called Leonardo's...I might have to go in there dressed as a turtle based upon principle...maybe they'll let me in with my Ninja swords.
After stops at Kinko's, UPS, and Beverly Hills Agencies I decided to head out to Hollywood. There is a theater up there (Northwest) that my sister used for the Cal State Showcase.
The Michigan State Bachelor of Fine Arts class has ambitions to set-up a showcase in the Fall in L.A., this would be the perfect spot, affordable too from what I hear.
On the way to the Subway on the 720 Rapid bus..I met....you guessed it...some "eccentric" L.A. transients. They sparked a conversation with a fellow sitting next to me that looked semi-crazy. I guess they have a loco-radar. He had a French Horn case, harmonica hanging from his neck, small laptop size keyboard and a guitar case.
Turns out this guy "Aubrey" wasn't crazy at all, just.....weathered.
He had the look and feel of a musician that spent too long grinding...he smelled of heartache and brass cleaning oil. The streets can be mean to someone with one skill, and all he knew and wanted to do was...JAZZ.
His eyes were tired, his hands callused, his face worn, but you could still see that spark of love for his art in his eye, especially when he talked about playing, and how he utilized each instrument in a song, and yet his passion seemed haggard and suffering, his sparking fading and nearly extinguished.
It's tough to imagine Aubrey 35 years ago, slick kid probably from Mo-Town ready to tackle the world with dreams of playing with the Jackson 5, Supremes, and James Brown. He told us about how 15-20 years ago people loved to hear "Rhythm and Blues" he called it, the real Soul.....Jazz.
Now he can't find work because of how Rap and Hip Hop, and how the music business has changed.
My opinion is he's right in too many ways. Everyone in America wants a quick fix, an instant dose of what they crave. The quick hook, the catchy beat... they crush the slow smooth sounds of old school.
The same is true for Rock & Roll. When is the last time a popular Billboard topping song had a wicked guitar solo, some drum rock-out? The answer is not in awhile! No one wants to hear Jimi rip a solo, and Santana needs Rob Thomas or Chad Kroeger to sell a record??? Stairway to Heaven would flop today because "it's too slow." Makes me sad...that's why I'm grabbing your music and running with it Alex!!
(http://www.myspace.com/suburbaneuphoria)
So Pop in some Miles Davis, Louey Armstrong, Ray Charles, Coltrane, etc. and just listen....don't so it for me......do it for your buddy composing at 2 am and hoping to be the next Aubrey hair slicked fresh off a plane from Michigan...do it for the next generation and teach them to embrace music that means something, sends a message rather than just sells....do it for Aubrey and the way things used to be, when people stopped to hear someone's story on a bus instead of just calling them "that crazy guy with instruments."
To Be Continued in The Subway & on The Red Carpet.....
Hustled & Flowing
So I was definitely hustled...gotta hand it to the guy. The small Agency I applied for has 2 agents, one assistant and a secretary. Because I don't like slinging mud I want use names, etc.
I was under the impression I was hired my 1 of the 2 agents to work directly with him...for free. Turns out the Assistant (who has access to their email) hired me...to work for him...for free.
The only reason I took the job for free was to LEARN from someone who KNEW what they were doing. Not for some slimeball assistant sick of doing grunt work (reality check everyone's gotta do it man). So instead he did less work and gave me all his and then some so that he could doubly impress his bosses, not mentiioning to them that I DID THE WORK. Only that he did.
So I bounced outta there. No I did not do it empahtically, I did it politely. And since that douche of an Assistant wouldn't let me talk to the Agent when they were in the office (they werre barely there) I told him I wasn't going to be back...
But I'm still rolling upbeat. I contacted a ton of the firms I HAD WANTED to work at. Turns out they all haven't filled their mail rooms yet? Could have fooled me, it's JUNE!!
So I'm Coffee Cup Capering the Crap outta of L.A....Cacophony style (thanks to Kevin Donlin). We'll see where that gets me..until then I'm going to beat that blacktop and see more of the City of Angels (and Demons..PUN intended).
I was under the impression I was hired my 1 of the 2 agents to work directly with him...for free. Turns out the Assistant (who has access to their email) hired me...to work for him...for free.
The only reason I took the job for free was to LEARN from someone who KNEW what they were doing. Not for some slimeball assistant sick of doing grunt work (reality check everyone's gotta do it man). So instead he did less work and gave me all his and then some so that he could doubly impress his bosses, not mentiioning to them that I DID THE WORK. Only that he did.
So I bounced outta there. No I did not do it empahtically, I did it politely. And since that douche of an Assistant wouldn't let me talk to the Agent when they were in the office (they werre barely there) I told him I wasn't going to be back...
But I'm still rolling upbeat. I contacted a ton of the firms I HAD WANTED to work at. Turns out they all haven't filled their mail rooms yet? Could have fooled me, it's JUNE!!
So I'm Coffee Cup Capering the Crap outta of L.A....Cacophony style (thanks to Kevin Donlin). We'll see where that gets me..until then I'm going to beat that blacktop and see more of the City of Angels (and Demons..PUN intended).
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