Isn't He Lovely????

Sometimes I just need somethin' ridiculously beautiful to look at!!!!!!  :-)

Just My Luck

The verdict is in.  I am NOT the winner of the $640 MILLION Mega Millions jackpot!  :-(  Winning tkts were purchased in MD, KS and IL.  Oh well, I'll win it next week!!!  

And The Winner Is...

I'm claiming victory tonight!  I WILL be the winner of tonight's Mega Millions $640 Million Dollars Jackpot drawing!!!!  And, you know what?  That's just fine by me!!!!  Winning the money won't change me into a totally different person.  It'll simply make me MORE of the person I ALREADY AM!!!!!  Oooooh!  I can't wait!!  My bank account wallet person has been in dire need of EXPANSION for quite some time now!  Haaaa!!!

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Here's The Real Skinny!

Lloyd Boston circa '94 or '95

Jussie Smollett

This past weekend I checked out L.A.'s Outfest Fusion Film Festival.  That's Outfest's film festival for people-of-color (i.e. folks who aren't white!).  I have to admit, I really enjoyed the group of short films I saw on Friday.  The standout for me that evening, though, was the short film, COUPLES THERAPY.  It was written by and starred, MIKE ROSE.  Boy oh boy was that 10 of the most enjoyable minutes I've ever spent watching a film.  Mike truly has a knack for comedy.  His writing is sharp & funny.  And his acting performance was SENSATIONAL!!!  Turns out he won Best Short & Best Actor last fall in NBC's Short Cuts Film Festival with the same piece.  And rightfully so!!!  I can't wait 'til he posts the film online so I can send it to everybody! --- I returned Saturday night for the closing, feature-length film and gala!  The closing film was Patrik-Ian Polk's, THE SKINNY.  Although I did indeed chuckle from time to time throughout the film, overall it didn't possess the wit, charm or phenomenal performances of Mike Rose's short film.  Would I see it again, though?  Yes, I would.  And the reason is because I related to several of the situations depicted in the film.  And whenever there's a real, personal connection to any piece of creative work, I never mind making a repeat visit to it.  Truth be told...what bone-chillingly moved me about The Skinny was one of the lead characters---"Magnus,"---portrayed by terrific, young actor, JUSSIE SMOLLETT.  I'm tellin' you, from the very moment he appeared on the screen to the time the credits rolled, I was mesmerized by how much the character reminded me of fashion guru, LLOYD BOSTON.  Their similarities left my mind spinning and transported me back to my days in NYC.  It was 1996 when I first met Lloyd.  He was 26 yrs old, handsome, charismatic, incredibly articulate and laying the groundwork to become a bona fide mover & shaker.  The "Magnus" character is probably supposed to be 23 yrs old, but he's in medical school and on his way to becoming a mover & shaker.  Every time the character spoke, I heard Lloyd's voice.  Every time he smiled, I saw Lloyd's teeth (before they got Hollywoodized).  When he dressed up in his stylish, lil' ensembles, I saw Lloyd's flair.  And when he confronted his lying, down-on-his-luck boyfriend about the boyfriend's cheating ways, I recall Lloyd's pain.  And I recall the reason for that pain...me.  Wow!  All I care to say about that is, "Wow!"  Interestingly enough, after the film ended, I scurried to the restroom and found myself at the back of a never-ending line.  While standing there, I heard someone behind me ask, "May I take your picture?"  I turned around to see what that was about.  It wound up being a guy standing directly behind me, asking to take a photo of tv host/author/fashion guru, LLOYD BOSTON.  Wow!  All I care to say about that is, "Wow!"

Little Brown Riding Hood

Since late February, this nation has been rocked by the shooting death in Florida of black, 17-yr-old, high school student, Trayvon Martin, at the hands of 28-yr-old, half Mexican/half white, George Zimmerman.  What has people in an uproar is the fact that Zimmerman hasn't been arrested for shooting a kid who was armed with only a bag of Skittles candy and a can or bottle of iced tea.  Zimmerman claims self defense, but, of course, with Trayvon dead and no eyewitnesses, it's his word against...well...against nobody's.  All hell has broken loose as a result of no arrest.  Even Al Sharpton has input his unnecessary usual, two cents.  What I know for sure is that if Trayvon wasn't black, he'd probably still be alive.  My gut instinct tells me that George Zimmerman saw the boy walking in the neighborhood and wasn't merely suspicious of a young boy he didn't know, walking in his neighborhood; but annoyed/bothered/upset by a young, unknown, BLACK boy walking in the neighborhood.  --- My heart goes out to Trayvon's family and friends.  And, believe it or not, it goes out to George Zimmerman as well.  Living his life every day with mind-altering fear and paranoia has GOT to be worse than death.  It simply HAS to be!!! --- ABC News has the detailed saga HERE.  

It's Stuffy In Here

Today I've been assailed by one heck of a stuffy nose! Well, it feels stuffy, but it's running, too.  What the heck?????  I'm gonna hop into a verrrrrry hot shower in a minute and try to sweat it out.  I don't usually get sick, so I'm hopin' this bug passes with a quickness!  A couple weeks ago when my nose ran it was running blood!  So, I've gotta admit that I'm relieved it's running mucus now instead of blood!  I know, gross!  But it is what it is!!!  As with every aspect of life I don't care for, this, too, shall pass!!!!!!! Hallelujah!!!!

The Midnight Train To DWTS

Last night GLADYS KNIGHT danced up a storm on the Dancing With The Stars Season 14 debut!  I was sooooo thoroughly entertained I couldn't contain myself! At 67 yrs old, the woman moved like a woman 30 yrs younger!  Bravo to GLADYS! I'm lookin' forward to what she does in weeks to come!!!!

The Rest Of The Story

I'm now reading a book copyrighted in 1997 and lovin' it as if it was printed YESTERDAY!!!  Robert McKee's STORY.  I'm in the midst of writing yet another screenplay and want to read what Mr. McKee has to say about story structure.  I've wanted to attend one of his writing seminars but they're just waaaaaaay too expensive for my wallet, so, this book will have to do.  Heck, the book itself is $40.00.  But, I've borrowed it, so my wallet still feels safe from harm!  Haaa! While I'm reading, I'll also be writing my film's character breakdowns.  I've already jotted down a few thoughts, but it's time to flesh 'em out even more. --- Whenever I embark upon a new, writing assignment I enter it with trepidation.  And the reason for that is because it's always such hard work.  However, the wise man knows that there's nothing worth having that he doesn't have to work for!!!  So it was written, so let it be done!  

Dinner Time

For the most part, I eat pretty darn healthily here at home.  My staples:  sardines, oatmeal, raw broccoli & carrots, brown rice, boiled egg whites (sometimes a yolk or two), nuts (raw almonds, raw walnuts, roasted peanuts, salted sunflower seeds), white kidney beans, whole grain bread, whole grain, dry cereal, skim milk, orange juice, room temperature tap water, olive oil (on almost everything), etc.  I rarely buy meat unless I'm out at a restaurant.  However, in just a few, I'm gonna head over to Ralphs Grocery Store and buy some meat so I make a pot of chili to last me the rest of the week.  I plan to simply take some of my staples and mix 'em with ground turkey and call it a day.  Mmmm, just talkin' about it is makin' my mouth water!!!!!! 

THIS Way To BLISS ---->

Today's church sermon was what it always is:  INSPIRATIONAL!  Pastor Touré Roberts truly speaks to my soul.  And the messages he passes on almost ALWAYS seem to be directed DIRECTLY at ME!  When I walked out of church thirty-five minutes ago, I realized something I've known for quite some time:  I can't move UPWARD and ONWARD if I continue living as I'm living.  No, I'm not drinking too much or smoking or taking pills, etc.  What I've been doing, though, is wasting my time with activities that only bring me immediate gratification and NO long-lasting joy or prosperity!  Out with the old and in the with new is the order of the day.  A new ATTITUDE, that is!  And a new way of doing things!  Part of that "new"way is simply to abandon the OLD ways!  I have sworn off Facebook & alcohol for Lent.  As of this very moment, I've added a few more activities to the list.  Yes, it's a little late in the Lent game, but I'm gonna stick to my guns nonetheless.  Better late than never!

Happy 80th Birthday, Miss Juanita!

If my beloved mother, MISS JUANITA, was still alive on this planet, she'd be 80 yrs old today!!!  80 yrs YOUNG, I mean!!!  Wherever she is, whatever she's doing, I hope & pray she knows how much we love & miss her!!!!  Because of her, St. Patrick's Day is ALWAYS the HAPPIEST day in March!!!!

Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head

The two greatest loves of my life are FOOD and RAIN.  I love 'em both beyond measure.  I'm going to have to walk to the train stop in the rain, but, dangit, I don't mind, 'cause I love, love, love the rain sooooooo much! Of course, what I love most about it is lying in my bed, listening to it tap against my window.  However, if I have to be out in it, that's okay, too.  I know tons of folks complain about it as if it's an inconvenience.  Hmph!  They don't KNOW inconvenience the way they would if there was NO rain!!  So, off I go in a bit to walk in God's liquid sunshine!

He's Got "The Look"

Honestly, some criminals just look unusually...uh..."interesting"...before they even commit a crime.  Don't they?????????????  :/

T.G.I.F.

I'm headin' out to the grocery store in a bit.  I might do some laundry.  I might not.  I WILL, though, go buy a Mega Millions Lottery tkt!!!  Tonight's jackpot is $200 MILLION!  After taxes and the such, I'll take $100 MILLION.  No problem!  Haaa!!!

Sweetness!!!!!

I'm ALIVE and WELL!  And it feels sooooooooooooooo SWEET!!!

Friends, Glorious Friends

I've known and loved my dear friend, MADELINE, for damn near 30 years!!!  I met her back in 1985 while we both were interns at Good Morning America in NYC.  Our friendship is still as strong and enduring today as it ever was.  What I always have to pinch myself about, though, is that her two sons are practically adults now!  And that my godson, Jordan, is as tall as I am!  Wow!  I remember as if it was yesterday when both he and his older brother, Alexander, were born.  Father Time truly waits for NOBODY.  But boy oh boy has he and Mother Nature been kinder than kind to MADELINE!!! 

The Distance Between Two Points

I want to finally buy a house and fill it with furnishings I truly like and people I deeply love.  The ONLY way to accomplish my goal is to set a plan into motion and simply do the work!  Getting from Point A (where I am now with nothing) to Point B (owning my own, terrific house) is simply a straight line and deliberate, focused action away!  Period. 

Show Time!

In a couple of hours I'm gonna check out the film, QUADROPHENIA.  I've heard of it but have never seen it.  I have a voice-over audition tomorrow, so I probably should stay home tonight and rehearse.  But, what the heck, I'll rehearse tomorrow morning until I have to record at 1 PM.  I'll be just fine.  I hope this film is entertaining.  I'm going because it'll my first time in this new theater here in North Hollywood.  And...because it's FREE!!!!  Haaa!

Piece Of Advice:

Okay, okay, I hear you!!!!!  My new screenplay will never see the light of day if I don't!!!!

Back To The Basics

At 48 yrs of age exercise is MANDATORY!!!  I walked my butt off this, past weekend, but now it's time to go back to the basics:  jumping jacks and push-ups!  So, off I go!!!!  Decline push-ups work best for me.  I lift my feet onto the kitchen counter!  I also use push-up bars.  Enough dilly dallying.  Away I go!!!

Heavenly Little Sister

Today is the 46th birthday of my loving, kind, forthright, tell-it-like-it-is, little sister, CARLA!!!  Better known as, NAY, to family!!!!  She  really impressed me most when she stepped up and took care of our elderly father without any regard to her own, day-to-day life.  Something that MOST children simply WON'T do.  Me included, I'm sure.  I hope and pray today is a GLORIOUS day for her because her existence on this planet has benefited MANY!!!!!!!  God bless you, NAY!!!  And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes You Just Have To Be Selfish

When I was blessed to awaken this morning, I told myself that today would be MY day.  I wouldn't spend one second concerned about what I could do to help others realize THEIR goals; not unless I encountered them while I was realizing MINE!  So, I cleaned the house while listening to some of my favorite, old and new songs.  Then, I set out to do some grocery and toiletry shopping!  To make sure I wasn't bothered by anyone else's unimportant pressing need(s), I left my cell phone home!  And, lo & behold, the sun still rose and set!  And I accomplished everything I wanted to get done!  Usually, I'm off helping someone do whatever he/she needs done, then, when all is said and done, the day has slipped by me and NONE of the things I wanted to get done get done!  Not today,  José!!  --- I've got eggs boiling on the stove.  Brown rice in the rice cooker.  And, when both foods are done, I'm gonna sit down and eat like a man who hasn't eaten since he devoured a McDonald's ice cream cone three and half hours ago!!!!  Yum!!

Around The World In A Day

Whew!  I just returned home from what many in L.A. would consider one helluva long walk!!!!  Noooooo, my journey wasn't as scenic as the picture above, but I'm thankful I'm in good enough health to have walked it without feeling any pain!!!  I walked from my apartment to Target, which, according to Mapquest, is 2.35 miles.  From Target, I walked past my apartment to Trader Joe's.  Mapquest says that's 3.50 miles.  From Trader Joe's back home is 1.69 miles.  So, in total, I just walked 7.54 miles!!!!  How about that????  If I keep this up whenever I go shopping, I'll be lean & mean for many more years to come!!!  Who needs a car????  Haaa! 

Happy Hump Day

Those humps!  Those humps!  Those humps!

By A Nose

Since January of this year, I've been experiencing nosebleeds.  And, honestly, they just pop up out of nowhere!  Prior to January, I couldn't for the life of me tell you when I last had a nosebleed.  I'm sure I must have had one in my past, but it's been sooo long ago that I don't recall.  Anyway, I'm 100% convinced that the cause of these darn inconveniences are the low dosage aspirin I take every day to keep my blood thin so it doesn't clot in my arteries.  I'm tellin' you, since the blood is so thin, getting it to clot in my nose is a chore.  In fact, each time I've had recent nosebleeds, I spat the clot up.  It never formed in my nose. --- Last night's nosebleed was the absolute worst of the three or four I've had this year.  The absolute WORST!  It began at 12:30 AM or so, but I didn't get it under control 'til well after 5 AM.  Ordinarily, physicians instruct you to go to an emergency room if the bleeding doesn't stop within 20 minutes.  I have no health insurance, so I diagnosed it myself.  Okay, that's not entirely true.  I did place a call to a doctor at the clinic I go to and she corroborated my belief that my low dosage aspirin are probably the cause of my woe!  My next doctor's appointment is on the 21st, so, until then, I'm going NOWHERE near the aspirin.  --- Just in case anyone out in internet land should suffer from a nosebleed anytime soon, THIS is how you stop it!

Read It And Weep

This past weekend I finished the book, MR. CSI, by writer/producer, Anthony E.  Zuiker.  He's the creator/executive producer of the CSI tv franchise.  Anyway, he details beautifully in the book how the absence of his father affected him in ways he never thought.  The book also chronicles his rise in Hollywood.  For me, the takeaway was simply to keep pushing onward; regardless what common sense and a multitude of others might tell me to do!  Before I finished the book, though, I read on the internet that he's divorcing his wife.  And the proceedings haven't been too terribly nice.  I just hope & pray that when the dust around the divorce settles, there'll be NO need for a CSI to tie up The Zuiker's loose ends!  Feel me???  :)

Facebook Fact

Yep!!!!

That's What I Believe

I pay ZERO mind to sh*t-for-brains people who give their "expert" opinions on what qualifies as great art.  'Cause I know the real deal.

Twist(er) And Shout

Over the past couple days, some areas of the northeast, midwest and south have taken a pounding by tornadoes.  I packed up and moved away from Indiana 24 yrs ago.  I haven't really thought much about tornadoes since.  Well, not until I watch news programs and read headlines on the internet!  I'm thankful my family back in Indianapolis is fine, but my heart goes out to all those whose families aren't.  The devastation left in the wake of a tornado should ONLY be designed by set designers in a film or tv show.  Not in real life!  Yes, here in Los Angeles I have earthquakes and wild fires to fret about.  And I don't like those, either.  But seeing what has become of many families' homes is heartbreaking.  It affirms for me yet again that I should NEVER become too terribly attached to an inanimate object.  'Cause a gust of wind can take it away in an instant!!!  God bless all survivors.  And those who didn't. --- More information about the tornadoes HERE.

Low Roller

One of my neighbors confided in me last night that he has an addiction.  A gambling addiction.  Less than a week ago, he gambled away almost $2000.  Where did he get the money?  His credit card.  Cash advance.  And you know how much interest is assessed to cash advances.  Well, rent is due later today and he's short.  Noooo, I didn't give him any money.  I gave financial assistance to bail another friend out of a jam yesterday.  It was only $10.00, but that's ten bucks that friend didn't have!  Well, back to my gambling neighbor.  I asked him how I could help him kick his gambling habit.  I figured it's best to assist him with the root of the problem instead of just the problem.  He says he wants to get closer to God.  That's fine and good, but I say he has to first take responsibility for his actions.  That God gives him free will and he's got to choose the will NOT to gamble.  For all intents and purposes he's taking care of his mother as she grows old, so, when he screws up, he's not just screwing up HIS life, he's screwing up HERS, too!  My first step towards helping him change his life is accompanying him to church this upcoming Sunday.  Hey, it's a start.  While there, I'll certainly hold myself accountable for changing MY life, too!!!!