Warm and Fuzzy

Visiting my old blog today and reminiscing has got me feeling warm and fuzzy. It's reminded me of how much I enjoyed blogging. Thankfully I never deleted it. :) Anyway, I have a new blog. Stop by!
hehateseverything

Considering

blogging again.

The End

I'll make this brief. I won't be updating my blog any longer but I will be around to visit everyone from time to time.

Travels

Anticipation as my day of air travel began



After a long day on 2 flights that included a toddler kicking the back of my seat for 3 hours, burnt pizza purchased at JFK airport, a missed opportunity to snag a pic with a contestant from Top Chef that caught the same flights as me, a near missed flight because of a gate change that I was unaware of until the last minute and a brief hostile exchange with a Richmond airport employee that wasn't too pleased that I wasn't in the mood to be friendly. however, considering she stood in my face and started talking to me to get my attention when she saw me engaged in conversation on the phone, I didn't feel so bad about telling her I was busy and she was being rude.


This vacation is gonna be GREAT!

Kick A Man When He's Down

A clip lampooning Mi.ch.ael Vi.ck and his dog fighting scandal.

The Verdict

I watched BET's SOB and We Got To Do Better last night. Did you?

Neither show was great. Both hosts were terrible especially Charlie Murphy. It was painful watching his segments. He looked uncomfortable. And DL wanted to laugh at his own jokes. Hell I think he did laugh at his jokes a few times. It was rather obnoxious considering his punchlines weren't even funny. Can someone explain the DL pop-up window during the middle of segments? That was rather dumb and more than a bit jarring. The shows lacked crisp, clean from segment to segment. Better editing would make the shows pop, in my opinion.


I can't say that I was disappointed because I didn't expect much from either show. However, BET needs to step it up. If that's the best they have to offer, its not gonna cut it.

TV, TV, TV, TV

Because of certain aspirations I now have, I watch exorbitant amounts of tv trying to get handle on what's good or what's bad, why certain shows make it on-air, why certain shows fail to catch on and I'm always dissecting a good show to get understanding of what makes it so good. As a result, I've been test driving loads of shows. Its tiring trying to keep up with all of the shows. Thank goodness I can download a few of them.

1. I watched Glenn Close's new tv show Damages last night and I don't know how I feel about it just yet. I'm still trying to process everything, the characters; tone; acting; plot. There was something intriguing about the show that drew me in, yet there was something that turned me off. I'm trying to figure out what's throwing me off. Anyone see it?

2. I've watched 2 episodes of ABC Family's show Greek and I don't get why this show was made. I certainly don't understand what ABC-F found interesting about the concept. An intelligent, likable nerd entering his first year of college wants to learn how to have fun so he pledges a fraternity.

3. Rock of Love is a boring carbon copy of FoL. It fails in all the areas FoL succeeded.

4. I might become a weekly Lifetime viewer after watching the first episode of Side Order of Life. ;-)

5. I love Lili Taylor but the first ep of State of Mind didn't make me want to tune in again. Her acting was on point but the storyline was muddled.

6. HBO should do us all a favor and pull the plug on John from Cincinnati. It's one of the worst shows I have ever seen. Oddly enough, it's so bad that I watch every week to see how much worse its gotten.

7. Conceptually, I think Age of Love is a fun idea. I don't know why but it doesn't hold my attention.

8. Flight of the Concords cracks me up.

9. I don't know why I watched the entire The Starer Wife miniseries. It stared with a little promise then it fizzled.

10. Ma.ki.ng the B.a.nd 4 has been quite entertaining.

11. Top Chef still has me hooked but a lot of the chefs look unsure of themselves.

12. My fav newest show is Burn Notice. The writing is smart and funny, and the performances are strong.

13. Did anyone watch The Next Food Network Star? Jag was something else.

14. I'm glad they finally replaced that son on the Dead Zone. The original actor was bland.

15. The 4400 is losing steam. The show has hit a comfortable plateau. They need to mix it up.

16. The game show Without Prejudice on GSN has piqued my interest.

Scattered

1. Guess whose headed back to VA and Merlin? I'll only be in Merlin/DC for a day. Hopefully, nothing too crazy happens. Last year's baggage lost; CVS Praise and Worship experience; and near missed Amtrak train was quite enough.

2. I am not always a man of great patience though I do try sometimes. If there's one thing that really ticks me off, it's people not following through on simple things you've asked and they've agreed to do. I phoned a former friend/collaborator a month ago to propose we sign an agreement outlining a mutual deal between us in the event we sell our tv show idea we created 3 years ago. My simple request: check your email and read the agreement I had drafted then call me so we discuss anything that's not to your liking. He has yet to read the agreement. Everytime I call him and am successful getting him on the line I am fed excuses for his not being able to check his email. Mind you, I originally asked if he wanted me to forward a hard copy of the doc via snail mail but he opted for email.

Now I knew beforehand that it would be a chore to get him to read and sign in a timely manner. I figured it would take a few weeks. But now that's it's been a month or more I am seething more and more as the days go by. The inconvenience to me is I'm stuck in limbo because I refuse to set up a single meeting regarding this project until he and I come to terms. A few years ago, he attempted to renegotiate the terms between us (to his benefit) in the 11th hour when presented with an opportunity to sell a different tv idea we had created. We had a verbal agreement that he didn't want to honor.

I'm not a vindictive man but it's times like these that I fantasize about sticking it to people that deliberately hold me down.

3. How cool. A DVD for the show hits the market next month.



Mick.ey D's will be doing a happy meal toy tie-in. My character will be one of the featured toys.

4. I am supposed to be dieting, I know, buuuuuut Costco has me hooked on their Berry Sundae sold at the concession stand. It's frozen vanilla yogurt with strawberries on top.

Health

I saw Sicko last week. It made me sad. Anyone else seen it?

The Prince

Some of you may recall that my godson moved 2hours away from LA last summer. The little Prince was gracious enough to honor us Los Angelinos with a visit this week. :) He and his cousins attempted to build a go-kart yesterday. Unfortunately, they couldn't find any wheels from old toys, bikes or trikes to attach to the kart. We all, the adults, got a kick out of watching them tirelessly try to put their kart together. They painted the thing to resemble a bumble bee. Hilarious! Without wheels, the kart is now being referred to as the bumble bee sled.

The new computer has a built in camera. :) I snapped a pic of the Prince to share since he hasn't made an appearance on the blog in awhile.

We Did It

I bought a mac computer and Venus won Wimbledon. I'm glad I finally found a deal I was comfortable with. I was wearing out my mac user friends with nonstop questions about systems every day. I was determined to buy a mac sooner rather than later. I woke up one day and said "I think my voice-over auditions will sound much better, increasing my chances for getting hired, if I record on a mac system." Once that notion got stuck in my head, I couldn't rest until I bought a mac system. That's when Mac mania kicked in. Day and night, for just over a week and a half, I searched eba.y and cra.igs.list for a fair deal on a used model. The frenzy ended last night. After exchanging emails with a CL seller for a few days we finally settled on a price and I became the proud owner of a used macbook. It's gonna take a long while for me to get comfortable using this thing. Especially, since I am not making a clean break from a PC. The mac is for auditions, as I mentioned earlier; the PC will still be my primary computer.

I'm also glad that Wimbledon is nearly over. I'm pooped. I have been waking up at 3 or 4 in the morning to watch live tennis matches. It's taxing but my emotional investment was rewarded this morning when my fav women's tennis player won her 4th Wimbledon Grand Slam.

Anyone go see Transformers? I saw it yesterday. I was thoroughly entertained. I loved the effects and the voice-over work for the transformer characters.

more talking

Happy 4th! Hope everyone had a blast today.

If you didn't know I am a tennis junkie. It's been quiet around here cause I've been busy watching tennis at crazy hours and searching like a madman for a fairly priced used MAC computer. Many Craig.sl.ist sellers are not responsive to inquiries and eb.ay's deals don't seem like real deals once the auctions near completion. I am determined to find the right unit at the right price. I almost snagged a 60GB macbook yesterday from a CL seller but wasn't completely comfortable with the terms of the deal. The guy was selling the computer for 850 new in the box. He couldn't return to the computer to the store for a complete refund because he lost his receipt, so he said. I tried talking him down from 850 to 700 but he wouldn't budge. I figured 850 was a large liability to take on without any means of recourse in the event the computer was damaged once I turned it on. Apple sells the same notebook with a larger hard drive for 150-200 more dollars plus tax. I just found another deal for used macbook for 950. I am waiting to hear back from that seller. His computer has add'l software that I'll need, i.e. office, and it's still under warranty for another year. I've also got my eye on a few used iMACs but I think I would really be much happier with a notebook. We'll see what happens.

more peeves

1. don't wait until the cashier has given you your total before you start filling out your check. Furthermore, don't wait until the total has been given before you go searching through your purse for your checkbook.

2. don't talk to me when I am at the gym working out. I came to the gym to, guess? Yep, that's right TOOOOO WOOOOORKOOOOOUT you morons. Moreover, if you see my mp3 player dangling around my neck and ear buds in my ears, 10 times out of 10 I am listening to music, therefore, you shouldn't be talking to me 'cause I can't hear you and don't want to speak to you.

I've been inspired to make new t-shirts after my 3 disruptive episodes at the gym this past weekend. "I'm busy! Don't talk to me" and "Please don't speak, I am not friendly."


3. don't ask for ridiculous favors through instant messenger. the least you could do is call but NO you can't have any of my frequent flyer miles. it's not a life or death situation. you're trying to go visit your new out of town bed buddy.

talking

my peeves

1. people who spit their gum on to the ground instead of finding a trash receptacle. at least 3 times this past week I've stepped in abandoned gum as I was getting in or out of my car.
2. people with questionable taste in talent that actually try to engage in me in conversation about why I don't like a particular actor/singer. Seriously, I've been around performers all my life either performing or watching. I see, hear and note things you don't. STOP!
3. talk radio hosts who are prone to laughing attacks while in-studio alone talking to their listeners.
4. america's acceptance and obsession with mobster related entertainment. hearing people heap praise on The Sopranos for being one of the greatest shows in television history is puzzling. Considering the show has a criminal back drop and features criminal behaviors including murder you might think america would have as negative opinion of it as it does for rap music. Some of you may be thinking that's a bit of stretch their Shawn but I see it all the same. Either we, americans, take issue with 'entertainment' that promotes and glorifies criminal behavior or we don't.
5. people who place for sale ads on craigslist but don't return your email. shoot...you're playing with my emotions. i see a good deal and i'm ready to pounce.
6. Isaiah Wa.sh.ington and K.obe Brya.nt. We get it! Shut up already. One of you wants in; the other wants out; you both were lied on and unfairly characterized; yada, yada, yada. We understand you're trying to defend yourselves but it's not coming off very well. Please, for your sakes, SHUT UP!
7. Tyler Perry's feeble defense of House of Payne. That dude can't be serious. The show is terrible. The acting is bad, the writing is bad, the make-up is bad (note: the greying out of the 'grandfather's hair. that's a mess) and the cast is bad.
8. people who kill a story you're trying to share with them by interrupting you with several questions about insignificant details.

First Impressions

I told that fool I wasn't interested. But he persisted, "come out and support me." I relented. I agreed to attend his rehearsal despite my reservations. When I arrived, I was told I needed to be on my best behavior. Excuse me? What am I 12? "For what?" I questioned. I don't know these people, don't want to know these people and don't plan to get to know any of these people. "Shawn!" he said with a beady-eyed look. I stared him down. "Shawn!" the other visiting friend said with a sarcastic scowl. I stared her down. I was neither swayed to consider a change in behavior or amused with the tag team rebuke they were applying.

Anyhoo, after an hour or so delay the AI Tour rehearsal was 'bout ready to begin. That's when a wayward hand made it's way towards my face, invading my personal space. I was sitting, fiddling with my mp3 player while she was standing. I ignored the hand at first. Perhaps this person doesn't realize i'm busy doing something, hence my eyes trained on my player and fingers busy using the buttons to scroll through my song list. It seems a second effort was made by the extendee to make the hand more visible to me. I turned to face the culprit. "Hi! I'm ___" she said. I met her hand with my own and shook. "Shawn," I said with a half-hearted, fake grin. "As I was walking away I realized I came over here and spoke but didn't introduce myself to everyone." I can't recall if I responded or not. I was guessing at that point she wasn't getting the hint "I don't really care." Naturally, the tag team chastising resumed once ____ walked away. "Be nice!" one said. "That was ugly" the other chimed in.

Since I didn't watch the show, it was interesting having my first look at the finalists. I was hard pressed to believe some of these "singers" were 10 of the 12 best the country had to offer. Yikes! A few thoughts I had from watching rehearsal: 1) The chubby, curly haired dude is really out of place. 2) Whomever decided S (the most despised contestant) should help sing Proud Mary needs to be beaten with a bat. Y'all needed to see this boy gyrating and bouncing across the stage. 3) B is a star. He was barely going through the motions, just feeling his way through his portion of the act but you could see it on him. He had that extra something the others didn't.

The highlight of the day, was listening to my friend (that was also visiting the rehearsal) share her experience of walking into Puffy's rehearsal room unaware that she was in the wrong place. She said she walked past right past the bodyguards and took a spot standing against a wall. She saw a female dancers rehearsing their butts off and thought "Oh, they're gonna have dancers on the tour. How nice!" She then noticed that she was drawing hostile glances from a few women that were also in the room. She didn't think much of it until she saw Puffy walking menacingly towards the dancers and yelling "Run it again! Run it again! Her eyes bugged out 'cause she realized she was in the wrong rehearsal hall. She politely excused herself from the rehearsal and wondered why the nation of islam bodyguards didn't stop her when she first entered. For the rest of the day, all I heard this fool saying was "run it again...run it again. Shawn you shoulda seen the look on his face." She even recorded herself

I really thought she was joking about Puffy until I saw him with my own eyes. Lord, if this fool didn't drive off in a 5-car motorcade people. Riding in the backseat of a bentley with mortician curtains drawn on the rear windows.

Some People

say the darnedest things. It seems nary a week goes by without me getting blindsided by a personal attack of some sort. I really hate to call this latest incident a personal attack. It makes it sound bigger than it really was in magnitude and significance in my life. It was less of an attack and more a pot shot seemingly aimed at me.

Yesterday, I had a brief IM conversation with an acquaintance that I converse with once every 7 months. The conversation was initiated by him and began with him asking how I have been and him sharing about the great many things he's been doing of late. So he segues back to my emotional well-being and the following exchange occurs:

Him: last time i spoke with you, u werent happy about a few things
Me: I am still not happy about a few things. But trying to enjoy the journey as much as possible
Him: it really is a good journey. it could be so much worse.
Me: speak for yourself. everything is relative
Him: i am speaking for myself. besides, a grateful heart would know that the journey could be worse

Come again? Did he just imply what I think he implied? Did he go there with the church-speak too? Oh hell no! I contemplated going there with him but I took the advice of another to leave well enough alone.

Charge By Pound

These fools Rob & Big are insane. They'll do just about anything. Last night I wasn't ready for what you'll see in the clip. I was on the floor.

Updated with youtube link. Dailymotion is acting a fool today and I am not happy about it. Let's hope this link works.

Triumphant Return

Yea, I have made a triumphant return to the GYM. Thank god. My gut was getting out of control. You know you have a weight problem when your underwear starts digging into your skin. Yep. That's what happened to me. That's when I finally hit rock bottom and had to have an intervention with myself. "Enough is enough. Have you no shame? Are you gonna let these delicious treats be the death of you? What happened to that vow you made to never get fat? Huh? Huh? Huh?" I smacked myself around a bit and demanded that action be taken. Demanded that I call for help. "You can't do it alone. You've tried it your way Shawn. Let the professionals help you." So, I called for help and fortunately ended up with a decent rate of 29.99/mo with no initiation fee.

Man, I had no idea how poor my conditioning had become. It's been 3 weeks and I am still worn out every day I leave the gym. And let's not talk about how much flexibility I've lost.

I can't workout without having music (of my choice) playing in my ears to hold my attention. I was forced to step further into the new millennium with the purchase of an mp3 player. I never thought that would happen. After a very intense 2-day online search I finally found something to my liking. A 2GB Sa.ndi.isk S.an.sa player. Now, if I can only convince myself to finally buy a digital camera.

Can you believe I am 18lbs overweight? Or, over the weight I think I should be? It's crazy. I have a lot of work to do. Thus far, I've only lost 1 lb. One friggin' pound. How's that for motivation to keep going to the gym? I seriously thought I would have lost 2 lbs after week one. Not 1 lb after 2+ weeks. Hmmph! I see this weight loss battle is going to be an all out war.

Feeling Like

I wanna smash in some heads just like this

Well, I'll Be..

1. They rescheduled last week's canceled audition for this past Tuesday evening and I'll be doggone, I didn't get the part. I just knew I had it in the bag. I am not gon' lie either, I am miffed. As much as I love doing my voice over work on the animated show I feel long overdue for an "on-camera" role. Sigh!

2. I had a 2-minute standoff in the parking lot at Best Buy over the weekend. I tried pulling into a parking stall only to discover a wayward cart in my way. I immediately backed out of the space with the intent to back up enough to pull into another stall. Guess what happened? The idiot driver behind me wouldn't cooperate. What a fucking moron. As I am trying to back up about 2 parking stall lengths this fool of a driver pulls up behind me and sits idle. I motion with my hand for him to back up. That doesn't work. I motioned with my hand for him to back up then point towards myself then to a stall to our right, what does he do? Turns on his left blinker. I repeat my motion "back up-towards me-to car rightside stall" he doesn't move. We're at am impasse. He wants the stall on the left side a car length head of where I am but can't get around me. I want the car stall directly next to him. Again, I repeat the motioning. What does he do finally? He pulls into the stall where I wanted to park. Fucking dick!

3. I watched Shrek 2 yesterday to prepare for the new Shrek movie and it was much more I remember. When I saw it at the theaters I was not moved. I left feeling extremely disappointed. Perhaps, my expectations were a bit too high at the time.

I also attempted to watch a movie called The Fountain. 50 minutes in, I had to turn that crap off. The story was going nowhere fast. It was painful to watch.

Has anyone seen Stomp the Yard? I watched that vid over the weekend and felt a bit cheated. Visually, they engaged the audience with the dancing and camera tricks but it seems the story could have had a few more complexities. I was left wanting. Now I am left wondering when the next great black film will hit screens? Maybe my memory is just too short but the last few black films I have seen have been watered down, paint by the numbers fluff. I am open to suggestions. If you've seen a great black film recently with a good storyline and good acting let me know.

4. Pet peeve: when people look for an opportunity to offer you an unsolicited negative opinion.

HMD