Boo!!!!!!!!!

To one and all!!!!!!!

Heartless Man

DWIGHT BENNETT

This despicably heartless man, DWIGHT BENNETT, 57, was just recently arrested on his ranch in Susanville, CA.  His crime?  Starving more than 50 horses!  Many of them starved to death; however, some two dozen or so survived.  When Bennett was arrested, authorities discovered the remains of 28 horses and three dogs on his property!  Can you believe that???  How could anyone be so cruel????  Luckily, volunteers from The Grace Foundation swooped in and saved the remaining horses. --- Honestly, I will never understand how some people can be so heartless.  Never! --- Read about the story HERE.

Follow Your Heart

True artists create what they create because they want to.  Not only because someone is paying them to create.  Or because they want praise.  If you truly love singing, you sing whether or not you're paid one, red cent!  Well, I say all this to say that JAMES CURRAN, a fan of the comic book series, The Adventures Of Tintin, used his graphic art skills to create an opening credits sequence for Steven Spielberg's new movie, Tintin, based upon the comic books.  His motivation for his creation was the simple fact that he loves the books and wanted to pay homage.  Well, I don't know HOW it happened, but somehow this gentleman's creation was seen by Steven Spielberg.  Apparently Steven liked what he saw so much he invited the guy to the UK Premiere of the film.  THEN...he offered the dude a job on his next film!  Wow!  How's that for simply doing what he loves???  I wish the fella well and fully intend to use his story as inspiration for doing what I love:  TALKING!  The fella's story is HERE!  His terrific, graphic creation is below:

Common Sense

 It's NOT rocket science, y'all.  I mean...CAM Jr.

Ring A Ding Ding

I haven't called a particular relative in ages!  And I mean, ages!  I mean, I've told her I'd call her numerous times, but never got around to actually doing it! Well, after I type this post, I'm gonna CALL!  Yes, indeedy!  I'm FINALLY gonna be a man of my word and make the call.  --- The reason I haven't called is because I've always been afraid she'd ask to borrow money.  And I feel really uncomfortable when I'm asked for money.  By ANYBODY!  Well, I'm putting aside my wariness and making the call.  'Cause, truth be told, I am well-acquainted with the word, "No."  :)

P.S.  Yes, I STILL own a Razr cell phone.  And I'm keepin' it until it no longer works!  F@#! keepin' up with the Joneses.  I never liked those folks in the first place!  Haaa! 

Soul Stirrer

Jabari Hasani Gibson

Last night, I had a great conversation with my boy, JABARI HASANI GIBSON.  He told me that he read our children's book to a young lady who has his interest of late. She, in turn, told one of her coworkers about the book.  Whatever she told that coworker about the book truly touched something in the coworker, because the woman cried.  Do you hear me?  The woman CRIED!  I hope and pray that means that others will have an emotional attachment to the book, too.  I'm tellin' you, that news made my night.  It's gonna be really interesting to see how this book resonates with the masses.  If nothing else, I'm just glad it gave me an opportunity to compel Jabari to flex his creative muscles more frequently.  Muscles that he hasn't been workin' out as often as he probably should.  He's supremely talented.  His illustrations for the book blow me away!  The dude might look like a stereotypical rapper or somethin', but he's sooooo much more than that!  Sooooo much more!

Disgusting!

Several years ago I was ambushed by my very FIRST cold sore.  It appeared in what I've come to understand is the usual spot:  the corner of the mouth.

I didn't know what it was.  I just knew I felt a tingling/stinging sensation outside the left side of my mouth.  When the blisters started forming I thought I had accidentally cut myself shaving.  Truth be told, I didn't know precisely what I had experienced for another year or so.

Anyway, I'm well aware what's what now.  It turns out that cold sores are technically Herpes Simplex Virus 1.  No, it isn't necessarily from sexual contact (I don't think), but it recurs two to three times yearly.  I've read up on them and some studies estimate that upwards of 80% of the population is infected with the virus.  What in the world???  I never dealt with anything of the sort back in NYC.  It wasn't until I moved  here to Cali that my body started to "fall apart" so-to-speak!

Anyway, I had my teeth cleaned two weeks ago, and trauma to the lips can kick up an outbreak.  I'm assuming that's what sparked my current outbreak.  The blisters have already crusted over (gross!) so, within the next three or four days, I'll be healed.  The interim is ugly, though.  Just ugly.  This time around, the scab is downright heinous!

I know this, too, shall pass.

And, boy, oh boy, will I be happy when it does!

Disgusting!   

Lawd Have Mercy

I just sent an e-mail to someone when I thought I was sending it to someone ELSE!  And it's NOT a message I would want the WRONG recipient to read!  Geez!  I MUST be verrrrrry careful before sending e-mails!  We ALL must!!!  I tried to make a joke of it to the unintended recipient.  I hope she laughs it off!  And BELIEVES my explanation!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I've gotta learn how to undo accidental sends!

A Living Doll

RACHEL CROW

I've been fascinated by singers since as far back as I can remember.  A part of me has ALWAYS lived vicariously through folks who sing like angels.  Watching X Factor USA I have fallen in love with a fourteen-yr-old singer whose personality is as SPECTACULAR as her singing:  RACHEL CROW.  She is as cute as a button with her wild, curly hair and cherubic cheeks!  And her demeanor and sense of humor are soooooooo refreshing for a teen.  I mean, it appears her parents and grandparents have sure raised her well.  And her voice.  Well, up to this point, I have loved each & every one of her performances.  Her somber rendition of Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way" really moved me.  I wish her the best as the singing competition progresses.  She's certainly an exciting vocalist and appears to be a genuinely sweet & well-adjusted, young girl.  God bless her.

A True, ACTION Hero

Last night, I watched several, behind-the-scenes videos that author/tv host, Lloyd Boston, makes for himself when he appears on various, tv shows.  And, yes, although I feel extremely happy for him, I watched the final video, thinking, he is doing EXACTLY what I believe I was born to do professionally:  be HIMSELF as a tv host.  The difference between us is HIS work ethic!  I stumbled across a quote from motivational speaker, Tony Robbins, last night penetrates the core of my being.  It's a more accurate version of what Oprah usually says:  "When you know better, you do better."  I've often said that Oprah should amend that quote to:  "When you know better, you have the knowledge to do better, but actually doing better is solely up to you."  

Tony's quote is:  "You see, in life, lots of people know what to do, but few people actually do what they know.  Knowing is not enough!  You must take action!"

Lloyd Boston ALWAYS takes action!  From the day I first met him 'til now, he's been a guy who makes things happen.  He identifies what he wants, then he takes action to get it.  Charles Andrew Montgomery Jr (alias "Cam") usually just talks.  The only action I ALWAYS take is separating my lips and allowing intelligent-sounding words to exit my mouth.

I realize I STILL have breath in my body for a reason.  I don't know HOW I'm gonna turn this professional life of mine around, but I know I MUST!  Wait a minute.  I DO know how!  ACTION!  I've GOT to do something TODAY that I DIDN'T do yesterday!  That's the ONLY way!

What Must Be Done

"You see, in life, lots of people know what to do, but few people actually do what they know.  Knowing is not enough!  You must take action."

Tony Robbins

Tony, okay.  I agree wholeheartedly.  NOW, I know precisely where I'm clicking.

The Last Of His Kind

I'm currently reading the "memoir" of the late Lew Wasserman, Hollywood big shot who reigned over MCA/Universal for more than 30 years.  Interestingly enough, I have worked in the home of his daughter, Lynne, and was there earlier this year in fact.  Several months afterwards, Lew's wife, Edie, died.  She was 95 years old or so.  Anyway, this book is reallllly interesting.  It truly speaks to what a man can accomplish professionally if he possesses singular focus, an indefatigable work ethic and aligns himself with a successful mentor.  I love reading these kinds of books about Hollywood.  I can tell the takeaway from the book SHOULD be that I have to find some kind of way to infuse some singular focus into my soon-to-be-48-yr-old self!!!!  God bless Lew & Edie.

The Luck Of The Irish

I rent a two bedroom, one bathroom apartment.  I don't own a car.  My bank account laughs at me!  But I'm here.  And I'm healthy.  And I'm in my right mind.  What I'm NOT is Irish.  But I sure as heck agree with some of their thoughts!!!!  Yes, indeedy! :)

You've Got A Friend

FRIENDS are like BOOBS.  Some are REAL and FAR TOO MANY are FAKE!!

Unoccupied Lives

Nearly a month ago, New York's Wall Street was seized by protesters who call themselves, "Occupy Wall Street."  What they seek is economic justice for all!  In other words, they don't think 1% of this nation's population should have ALL the money and federal perks they have while the other 99% live hand to mouth.  The movement is now poppin' up in other states, too.  I agree that SOMETHING has to give in regard to how money and laws are made in this country.  Only time will tell how these protests affect our society at large.  I hope for the best.  Below is my most favorite image taken from the protests.  I think her sign is BRILLIANT!  It refers to a song by rapper, Jay-Z.  The sign is simply BRILLIANT!

Mr. Smooth

X Factor USA contestant, CHRIS RENE, is truly one of my faves in this contest!  I mean, the dude is just SOOOOOOOOO DAMN SMOOOOOOTH!!!!

That's What He Said

I'm tellin' you, the Dalai Lama sure has expressed some sentiments over the years that truly resonate with me.  I've gotta hold them close to my heart and ACT on them!  Period!

Class Is In Session

Oprah's Lifeclass has begun.  I don't have cable, so I won't be able to watch it on the television.  Instead, I'll be checkin' out the webcast conversations she hosts on Facebook after the show.  Yesterday's webcast topic was "How is your ego getting in your way?"  She was joined by author, Eckhart Tolle.  This particular topic doesn't really resonate so much with me.  Should it?  Perhaps.  But it just doesn't.  I acknowledge where I am in my life in regard to the lack of professional success and moolah.  What I have decided to do is approach each day as if I'm not fearful of anything.  That success is mine simply for the asking/taking.  I'm gonna see how this week ends with me attacking each day with this mindset.  --- Tonight's lifeclass is about anger.  That subject I do possess.  And the anger is directed toward those who run Hollywood and make it abundantly clear whom they WILL and whom they WON'T allow through the gates!  I'm very interested in hearing what Oprah and tonight's guest, Iyanla Vanzant, have to say about this subject.  'Cause I'm not gonna move ahead in the crazy business called, show, until I can get a grasp on my anger and resentment.   

The Elaborate Exit of Chad Deity

Rylan Williams as "Chad Deity"

Last Friday, October 7th, I finally sat my butt in my Orchestra seat at Geffen Playhouse to see & hear the 2010 Pulitzer Prize nominee for Drama, The Elaborate Entrance Of Chad Deity in its closing weekend.  And, boy, oh boy, was I pleased!  In a nutshell:  I LOVED it!  Absolutely LOVED it!  The writing was worth the price of admission on its own.  As for the performances????  RIDICULOUS!!!  My man, RYLAN WILLIAMS, didn't go up as, "Chad Deity," on the evening I was there, although I wish he had.  However, those who did were SENSATIONAL!  DESMIN BORGES as, "Macedonia Guerra," blew the roof off the place with his immeasurably entertaining, non-stop narration!  The fact he memorized allllllllllll those lines knocked me out!  And TERRENCE ARCHIE as, "Chad Deity," was simply a hoot!  Just as his character was supposed to, the actor had charisma oozing from every pore!!!!!!  If this play ever comes anywhere near your town, don't walk to see it.  RUN!!!!

Forget Me Not

My younger brother (of only a year & some change) told me that he had a mildly disturbing incident recently.  He was getting dressed for work and was standing in front of the mirror, wanting to tie his tie.  The strange incident occurred when he realized he had a brain fart.  I mean, he couldn't for the life of him remember HOW to tie his tie.  Mind you, he has been tying his ties for well over 20 years!  Heck, damn near 30 years to be precise!  He told me that at that moment he was a little nervous.  He might have even said, scared.  His story made me think about how I've noticed over the past, several years that I don't speak as eloquently as I used to.  I mean, words just don't come to me like they used to.  And they don't fall from my lips as effortlessly, either.  I oftentimes joke that the reason is because I don't surround myself with people who challenge me intellectually; thus, my keen wit has suffered as a result.  I've also noticed that when I type, I oftentimes leave out words or misspell them.  How could this be?  I used to be a spelling pro!  These days, I have to thoroughly proofread everything I compose before sending it out.  I know we all should proofread anyway, but I find it especially necessary for me of late.  I don't know if it's just the aging process or what.  I'm hopin' & prayin' it's "or what."  I mean, as long as "or what" isn't detrimental to any of my other faculties.  :)  

Weekend Highlight

This weekend I loved my rental---Hyundai Santa Fe!!!  Yep, Hyundai is back in da house!!!  I sure wish I could afford to purchase one for myself AND for my sister, Cheryl!!!  Anyway, I have to return the sucka within the next twenty minutes!  Boo!  I wonder what next weekend's ride will be!!! --- Last night I met up with a dude I know from working out at the park.  He arranged for several of his male friends to meet at the bar he works at!  We had a blast.  It was nice to hang out with black guys who DIDN'T make fun of each other---NOR of others!  Just grown folks having grown folks conversations!  And talking to actor, JASON GEORGE, was particularly enlightening.  We could've talked about the crazy business called, show, all night!!!  SEAN LANDON is The Man for arranging the outing!!  I can't thank him enough!

Jason George

I'm Leaving On A Scale & Root Plane---Don't Know When I'll Back Again

I went to see a new dentist yesterday, compliments of Groupon.  For $35 I got x-rays and my teeth cleaned.  The hygienist, Eileen, was terrific.  She was so incredibly pleasant and very good at explaining what's what.  She told me that I really need a deep cleaning under my gums.  Scaling & Root Planing is the proper term.  The procedure would cost me $1040.00.  Ouch!  Tyshawn all but ordered me to get it done pronto.  He kept bringing up Steve Jobs's quotes to support his argument.  Honestly, I truly would like to just be able to plop down a thousand bucks on a whim, but I can't.  Of course, the wise man knows if something's very important to him, he MAKES the necessary sacrifices/arrangements to get it!  Enough said. --- The dentist, Dr. Cohen, was dang terrific, too.  This office is more expensive than my usual dentist's, but I sure like their friendliness and clear explanations for all procedures.  Where there's a will, there's a way.  So, I'll be back in that office sooner rather than later!

BODY of LIFE!!!!

GRETCHEN BLEILER - Olympic Snowboarder

BLAKE GRIFFIN - The L.A. Clippers (NBA)

ESPN is at it again.  Its 2011 THE BODY ISSUE is set to hit stands on Oct. 7th.  I always love this issue because all the athletes illustrate that although all of them are the bastions of health, even they have differing body types.  My two faves from this issue are Olympic snowboarder, GRETCHEN BLEILER and NBA player, BLAKE GRIFFIN.  Whoaaa!  What bodies!!!!!  See all the other bodies HERE!!!!

1955-2011

My first, home computer was an Apple back in the early '90s.  I used it until 2004 or 2005 or so.  I typed my first, three screenplays on it.  I typed my Will & Grace spec script on it.  I ventured into only God knows how many AOL chat rooms on it.  Suffice it to say that Apple has come a lonnnnnng way since I bought that computer.  Well, today, its former CEO, STEVE JOBS, who was at the helm of Apple during its meteoric rise in corporate America, has lost his battle with cancer.  I hope & pray that he was surrounded by family and friends who love him.  And that his passage from here to THERE was painless.  May his soul R.I.P.

Change Of Heart

When I first thought to post the photo above, my intention was to poke fun at the woman's obvious plastic surgery.  Then, as I read her story, I knew the REAL story was her phenomenal SPIRIT and how---at 85 yrs old---she STILL dares to take life by the horns and RIDE it like she's a child again!  That's LIVING, folks!  I want to have as much vigor and sense of adventure as SHE has!  And I'm 38 yrs her JUNIOR!!  What I know for sure is that as long as we have breath in our body we CAN live OUT LOUD!  The choice, though, is OURS!  --- I'm soooo happy that the much-too-elusive oddity called, MATURITY, stopped me from focusing on her exterior and compelled me to look at WHO she is instead of WHAT she looks like!  I say, congratulations, Duchess Maria del Rosario Cayetana Alfonsa Victoria Eugenia Francisca Fitz-James Stuart y de Silva!  May the NEXT 85 yrs of your life be as PHENOMENAL as the first!!!!!!!! --- Her story is HERE!

What's Important

As I sit here in my bedroom, I'm trying to figure out how to prioritize what needs to be done in order for me to live my best life.  I have identified what major goals I want to accomplish.  I have identified what I have to do to accomplish them.  Now, all I have to do is DO!  Interesting how DOING brings about ACCOMPLISHING!  Interesting, huh??  :)

My Pledge(s)

No more reading celebrity, gossip blogs!

No more browsing nudie blogs!

No more surfing YouTube for hours on end!

No more surfing the web aimlessly!

Until I sell at least ONE of my writing projects...
I'm quitting ALL these time-wasters NOW!

Let the record state:
CAM Jr is quitting each & every one of 'em...

Write On! Write On!

I have to give a hardy round of APPLAUSE to my friend, BRIAN DURKIN, for being crowned, GRAND PRIZE WINNER, by NEXTV Writing & Pitch Competition, for his tv pilot script, DEEP.  Brian and I met while working as cater-waiters several years ago.  He has always been a serious writer/actor.  More writer than actor since I've known him.  I'm happy for him.  And I feel inspired to keep writing my children's book series and whatever else I care to write!  He and I will NEVER realize our professional dreams if we simply don't keep producing material!  Continuing to do what we love doing is key!  His blog, TAKING THE LAST SHOT, is pretty indicative of what a terrific writer he is.  And how damn conscientious a U.S. citizen he is as well!  Congrats to him!  I hope & pray this victory leads to even GREATER victories!!!!  

His Lucky Life

Last Sunday, 60 Minutes correspondent, ANDY ROONEY, concluded his 33-yr stint on the show.  In his usual, curmudgeonly way he told his tv audience what was on his mind.  After watching the show's tribute to him, then listening to his final, weekly commentary, all I could think is, "Wow, you talk about a dream job."  And dream job is precisely what his role on 60 Minutes has been to him.  At 92 yrs old, Andy probably doesn't have another 33 yrs to complain.  But at least he knows what it's like to have worked on a consistent basis, earning a terrific living, doing what he loves.  Oh, Mr. Rooney, how I look forward to one day walking away from MY dream job.  I just have to procure/create it first.  Haa!  God bless you, sir!!!!!!  And may He continue to bless your LUCKY LIFE, too!!  :)

Always On My Mind

This sentiment is ALWAYS on my MIND!!!!!!  ALWAYS!!!  

T.G.I.M.

I'm ALIVE!!!!!  And I'm gonna work my damnedest to have a...