Who do you let get close to you?
Jul 20, 2010
As many of you know, during this spring and summer I co-host a radio show on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The Umar Johnson radio talk-show is on WNWR, 1540 AM in Philadelphia, and can be streamed at www.wnwr.com. Two weeks ago we did a show on John Potash, author of the book “The FBI War on Tupac Shakur and Black Leaders”. The things that stuck out the most to me were Tupac's friendships and the people that he let in his life. According to the book, government agencies infiltrated his circles and reported back. That reminded me of the friendships that I developed over the years. The overwhelming majority of them were very good. Plus, I never kept people around who didn't benefit me in some way.
Those who infiltrated Tupac's circles didn't have his best interest in hand. We must all be careful with whom we let get close to us. The more success we achieve, the more notoriety we gain, and the more money we have will always make us a lightening rod. Folks will be attracted to us for the right and wrong reasons. But it's up to us to have the knowledge of self, the understanding of others, and the ability to couple the two an formulate an opinion about them before we let them get close to us. Never let the “unknown” in your circle, never put too much trust in a person early in a relationship. Friendship and trust take time. As for government plants, pray. They're that good and you can't beat them. But God can.
The trip
Jul 20, 2010
Life is not a destination. It's a journey. Live for the journey, but keep an eye on the many destinations along the way.
...aaaand breath.
Jul 08, 2010
I've been away for a while. No blog entries in a month. I had to take inventory of my life and make adjustments that would enable me to progress in my business and personal lives. I converted the business from a sole-proprietorship to an LLC. The corporate model is easy to handle, and it separates personal and business entities. Paperwork, monies, etc. never cross paths. It was a wise decision.
As for my personal life, my wife is recovering nicely from her February hip replacement surgery. She now walks the house without a walker or a cane. Unfortunately, she'll need a shoulder replaced in 6 to 8 months. That means both hips and shoulders will have been done within the last two years. Plus, she has eye and dental issues stemming from long term steroid use due to her Lupus. She's a trooper and I admire her for seeing it through. More people should have her strength. It would be a better world.
With me, I'm still laid off. Its been 16 months and counting and I can remember it like it was an hour ago. It still stings. My unemployment ran out a few weeks ago, but fortunately my wife collects social security and we can live off of that for a short period of time. The US senate is on vacation and will not be back for another week. That's when they'll vote on weather or not they'll add another stimulus package for long term unemployed workers. Don't get it twisted: I'm still looking for a 9 to 5. I'm up to over 155 applications and counting. But all of this down time has allowed me to increase my business. I've produced 6 documentary films, a reality TV show that's posted to Youtube under the name “On The Real”, I joined a local chapter of Toastmasters International, I co-host a local radio talk-show (The Umar Abdullah-Johnson Show, every Wednesday at 6:00 PM on 1540 AM, WNWR, Philadelphia, stream wnwr.com,) and have been hired to edit movie. I believe I've used my down-time wisely, and though I'm not where I want to be, I'm far from where I was. Looking forward to the day I won'y have to seek a 9 to 5.
Currently I'm working on a film that deals with the personal effect that teaching has on educators. Do they become depressed? Do they take their work home? Do they drink alcohol at the end of the day? Underpaid, over worked, under appreciated employees, is what they are. They get to tell their stories in their words. Teachers need to see this film so they won't feel alone, and students need to see it so they'll know what they put educators through. As for my film on the oratorical skill of African-Americans, I still don't have the resources to produce it so it will remain on hold until it can be done properly. It means too much and can't be done half-assed.
So that's it for now. Look forward to getting more great work and consistent blogs from me. And feel free to drop me a line if you wanna chat.
Proverbs 4:3
Jun 14, 2010
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding.
Mission Statement
Jun 13, 2010
Our mission is to use the creative arts as a way to simultaneously enlighten, inspire, and entertain those seeking wisdom and wanting to gain a better understanding of existence. By bringing to the forefront subjects or elements of subjects that are seldom discussed or considered taboo, we aim to ensure that those who view, hear, or participate in our products will become better people and will share what they've learned with others, which will perpetuate positivity.
Updated CV
Jun 08, 2010
Claude W. Parker, President
Indelibly Etched Productions, LLC
P.O. Box 2742, Philadelphia, PA 19120
T. 215-498-4208, F. 801-457-1754
claude@claudeparker.com, www.claudeparker.com
Circum Vitae
2010
Company:
Converted my production company from a sole-proprietorship to an LLC; now known as:
Indelibly Etched Productions, LLC
Radio Talk-Show:
The Umar Abdullah-Johnson show: Co-host and producer every Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 8:15 PM, WNWR 1540 AM, www.wnwr.com, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Reality Television Show:
On The Real: This show is about the lives of three men who have been friends since childhood. Now in their early thirties, we see them discussing how life has righted and wronged them, justifiably and unjustifiably. (Three episodes, 9 minutes each: Produced, directed, filmed, edited, music, and interviewed by Claude W. Parker) Viewed at:
Episode 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVDQHtLmJXk
Episode 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpNiTim1CCI&feature=related
Episode 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X19ltdxeP-s&feature=related
Promotional Video:
Promotional video for the radio talk-show of nationally certified school psychologist, world renowned orator, and kinsman to Frederick Douglass, Umar Abdullah-Johnson. 1540 AM, station WNWR. Website stream, www.wnwr.com. (9 minutes: Produced, directed, filmed, edited, music, and interviewed by Claude W. Parker)
View video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl8_rRVQtb8
Films:
What Black Men Want In A Woman: This documentary film consists of interviews of four men discussing what it is that they look for in a woman, their selection process, sex, her children, her education, her looks, and a few other topics. (28 minutes, Produced, directed, filmed, edited, music, and interviewed by Claude W. Parker)
2009
Films:
Children and Public Speaking: This documentary film is an interview of Umar Abdullah-Johnson, who is a certified child psychologist and orator. He speaks on how and why children speak the way they do when speaking publicly. He also discusses the speaking styles of some of the great African-American orators of the past. Johnson is also a direct descendant of Frederick Douglass.
(30 minutes: Produced, directed, filmed, edited, music, and interviewed by Claude W. Parker)
What Christmas Was Like: This documentary film consists of interviews of adults over the age of forty, reminiscing about their past Christmases. (28 minutes: Produced, directed, filmed, edited, music, and interviewed by Claude W. Parker)
Dealing With An Autoimmune Disease--Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus: This documentary film consists of interviews of three women. One has Rheumatoid Arthritis, one has Lupus, and one has both. They talk about how the illnesses have affected their lives. (31 minutes: Produced, directed, filmed, edited, music, and interviewed by Claude W. Parker)
Do Professional Athletes Make Too Much Money: This documentary short-film is a compilation of interviews of six everyday people who are not professional athletes but whose varied opinions and wisdom are indicative of many Americans. (20 minutes: Produced, directed, filmed, edited, music, and interviewed by Claude W. Parker)
What Black Women Want In A Man: This documentary short- film consists of interviews of five women whose ages range from the 30's to 70. They talk about love, sex, and a host of other topics involving what they look for in a man. (14 minutes: Produced, directed, filmed, edited, music, and interviewed by Claude W. Parker)
2008
Plays:
Did She Just Cut One: Comedy: Written by Claude W. Parker: After dating a man for three weeks, she finally has him over for dinner but embarrasses herself by an accidental flatulence. (Four characters, approximately 10 minutes.)
2005
Song Lyrics:
Written by Claude W. Parker: “Totally Hers”
Plays:
A Slave Speaks: A one-act, one-man drama: Frustrated by what they’ve done with their lives, a slave (Jabari,) comes to life from the 1800s to speak to two African-American inmates in their cell, in the 21st century. (Approximately 1 hour.)
Interviewing The Devil: A one-act drama: Written by Claude W. Parker: Satan has consented to be interviewed by a man whom he hopes to change into a bad person but becomes frustrated by the man’s questions and poise. (Two characters, approximately 40 minutes.)
When Dogs Talk: A one-act comedy: Written by Claude W. Parker: Two male dogs discuss their daily happenings while their masters are frolicking in the bedroom. (Four characters, approximately 40 minutes.)
Helen: A one-man drama: Written by Claude W. Parker: A man stumbles across his words while asking his girlfriend to think about their future together, which includes marriage. (Approximately 2 minutes.)
Office Talk: Drama: Written by Claude W. Parker: A male boss and a female employee take a quick break together. Little does the employee know, her boss has more than just a break on his mind. (Two characters, approximately 10 minutes.)
Playwriting:
Studied at New Dramatists, New York, New York: A seven-week session. Instructors Brooke Berman, Jorge Ignacio Cortinas, and Lynn Nottage.
2003
Song Lyrics:
Written by Claude W. Parker:
"Christine"
2002
CD:
Contribution to: “Vibes and Verses: The Beats and Love Chronicles” spoken word compilation CD of various artists. Spoken word piece, “At The Labor Day Cookout,” written and performed by Claude W. Parker, CD produced by Dash.
CD:
Spoken word CD: “What Brothas Be Thinkin'”. All 12 tracks written and performed by Claude W. Parker, produced by Mental Food Productions.
Plays:
A Friend Like Me: A drama/comedy: Written by Claude W. Parker: While sitting in the back yard one late night, two Desert Storm war veterans discuss their upbringing while their wives and children are in the house sleeping. (Two characters)
Acting:
Studied at the Bushfire Theater of Performing Arts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one 6-week session. Artistic Director: Al Simpkins
Book:
Contribution to: "Signifyin' Harlem: A Journal Of Literature", compilation of non-fiction authors. Book produced by Iman Books. Poem, "I Ain't Shit, And You Still Want Me," written by Claude W. Parker,
2001
Book:
Poetry: "What Brothas Be Thinkin'”, all written by Claude W. Parker. Produced by Indelibly Etched Productions.
Song Lyrics:
Written by Claude Parker:
“I'm His Wife”
“Just A Simple Though Of Her”,
“Loneliness And Success”,
“My Girlfriend's Friend”,
“She Might Be The One For Me”,
“Stop Pushing Me”,
“We Can Never Be”.
1998
Book:
The Second Power: Short stories-- a compilation of fictional letters, testaments, and conversations, from the African-American community. All written by Claude W. Parker, produced by Indelibly Etched Productions
1996
Book:
Listen To The Echo: Short stories-- a compilation of fictional letters, testaments, and conversations from the African-American community. Produced by Indelibly Etched Productions
Founded Indelibly Etched Productions,
Production company: My sole-proprietorship that supports and helps produce my work.
Wife recovering nicely from hip replacement
May 23, 2010
Wife came home from hip replacement surgery two weeks ago and is progressing nicely. She only spent a combined 14 days in the hospital and rehabilitation center, compared to 30 days for the hip replacement in December of 2009. I'm so proud of her. She's been through a lot. Please keep us in your prayers.
Our artistry is our gift and our curse
May 23, 2010
Last week, I was hospitalized for 3 days because of chest pains. The cardiologists did a battery of tests which revealed no abnormalities. Thus, they referred me to the gastrointerology team. They found that I had something called gastritis, which is inflamation of the stomach lining. In my case, it was caused by acid reflux, stress, and genetics. I already knew about my acid reflux, as I've been complaining about it for nearly a year. As for the stress, its there, and the genetics, I found out that it runs heavily on my father's side.
At this point, they want me to continue taking my medicines, and relax. My friends tell me all the time to relax and not to get upset. They mean well, but its easier said than done. I wish I could go inside and turn on my don't-worry-be-happy button and make everything “peachy-kean”, but life doesn't work that way. I acknowledge my need to focus on relaxing and I will take the necessary steps to do so. I'm an artist. We're passionate and demand much of ourselves. Oftentimes, we do so at the expense of our health and those close to us, which can be detrimental. But there is a uphoric up-side that is like a pshchological gold rush: A brain orgasm. An “ahh”. Our artistry is our gift and our curse, and its up to us not to let the gift curse us.
Men vs. Women
May 09, 2010
It's been two weeks since the release of my latest film “What Black Men Want In A Women”, and the comments and statistics are coming in. Thousands of hits from across the country with Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey leading the pack, and internationally, Canada leads by far with Japan and France following. But what stands out the most is the counter that tells me which pages get the most views. Since the film's release, it's in second place. Guess which one is in first: What Black Women Want In A Man.
That film was done over a year ago and folks are hustling to it again. I intentionally left it out of the advertising of What Black Men Want... but I did mention it in radio interviews. Even the trailer on Youtube is blowing up. Personally, I believe that men and women are more interested in hearing what women want than they are hearing what men want. Too many believe that men's desires are so simple that they all boil down to sex, money, and food, when in fact, the many-many variables that go into those three are seldom considered, which makes men complex. As for women, it's assumed that emotion plays a vital role in everything that they do. Although this increases their complexity, emotion isn't involved in all that they do. But they are more emotional than men.
I hope the hits increase on What Black Men Want..., particularly for the sake of women. Men aren't simple. They have unresolved issues dating back from their teenage years to their current inability deal with this technologically advanced society that is giving them a helpless feeling, which makes them question their worth/manhood (this includes all men.) Listen to men. They'll tell you exactly what's going on. Check out the film “What Black men Want In A Woman”. You'll get an insight into them and yourself.
Aptitude vs. Desire
Apr 23, 2010
Oftentimes we confuse aptitude with desire. How many of you have been in a situation where someone wants you to do something that you don't want to do? How many times has your name changed to, “Yousha”? “Yousha, do this." "Yousha, do that." Everyone telling you what you should do. Just because you have the ability to do something, doesn't mean that you're obligated to do it.
"What makes you happy," is your choice, just the same as, “how your gifts are used” is your choice. If you are a spiritual person and believe that God aids in your decision, I would concur. For He is the only perfect one and He will allow whatever He wants, to be done. Now, you can listen to others and take what they say into consideration, but don't let them determine your destiny. That's your job, with the guidance of God.
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