The Great 50!
Jan 16, 2012I welcome 2012! It's a milestone year for me: 50. That's right: A half century. What I plan on doing for my birthday weekend is what I'm calling the “Gr8 50”. My home town of Philadelphia has the largest city park in the world. It's quite tranquil and picturesque around its two river drives, which is an eight mile loop. Two of my passions are inline skating and mountain biking, and I can be found there during the spring and summer months. Thus, I'll be skating, biking, and walking the loop in succession for a total of twenty-four miles. Now that’s how you bring in 50! Of course I'll be asking friends and others to join me however I don't expect them to do all three. They can do any one or any combination thereof. And that night, I'll have the mother of all parties. I haven't decided on a place yet but that'll work I’ll work that out. Why do this; for the health of it; for the camaraderie of it all? Yes. Plus, I wanna show folks that fifty doesn't put you in rocking chair nor make you stagnant, but rather it places upon you the immediate responsibility of honoring your past, understanding your present, and preparing yourself and others for the future. You are a patriarch. (Ya gotta stay fit to do all that.) So, if anyone wants to join me, shoot me an e-mail and I'll keep you posted on the happenings. “Happy birthday to me”!
Africans on Black Americans
Dec 22, 2011
Wife Lupus Update
Dec 22, 2011
My students NYC trip
Dec 22, 2011
I haven't done a blog in a while. Been kinda busy with work and life so I'll try to catch you up starting with the most recent happenings. As some of you may already know, I teach film and video production at two of the charter schools in Philadelphia. It's for an after-school program. We took a group of them to New York to see the play "Stomp". Excellent show! I recommend it highly. From as a filmmaker, I can only imagine the countless hours and numerous rehearsals it took. It lasted about two hours, and get this, none of the actors said a word! That's right. It was all rhythm and innuendo that lead you.
Teaching Video Production
Oct 13, 2011
This week, I started a part-time job teaching video production at a charter school to a group of 5th to 8th graders. I plan on turning them into little reporters. Fortunately it won't keep me from working on other projects.
The many stories and plays that I've written over the years are begging to come onto the screen and I will get to them. Not to worry though, documentary filmmaking is still #1 on my list!
HD Camera
Oct 12, 2011
I have GOT to get me that HD video camera with a 35mm lense and adapter. I know my DPs feel me. Great shots!
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Aug 07, 2011
Last week I went to Washington, DC to celebrate the centennial anniversary of my beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The cliché, “indescribable,” is accurate. My “wow” moment occurred when I walked onto Howard University's campus and looked up at the building where the founders started it all. I've seen old pictures of them sitting in front of it, but to actually see the spot... Damn.
Thousands and thousands of us reminisced, laughed, networked, sang, chanted, and enjoyed mightily. Outside of the convention center, which is where the meetings and vendors were, passers-by looked at us wondering, “Who are these guys,” and “what's going on?” Yes, we answered politely. And speaking of politely, the entire weekend went without incident. At least, I didn't here of anything. What I found odd was that I saw no police presence except for traffic cops. I can't imagine a city knowing that thousands of black men will be visiting their town and they not have cops around. But this being the nation's capital, I'm sure under-covers were everywhere.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime event that I'll carry with me forever. More than likely, I'll turn this into a mini-movie for my chapter. I love the frat and what its given me. Long live thee Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
...and the award goes to...
Jul 05, 2011
I recently shot my first fiction film, which is entitled “Did She Just Cut One?” It's a short-comedy about a woman who brings her new boyfriend to her apartment for dinner. While cuddled up on the sofa watching a movie, she passes gas and neither knows how to handle this embarrassing moment. The stars are four up and coming actors: Brittney Ringgold as Shawnda, Jarrett Janako Barnett as Dante, Martina Holly as Octavia, and Todd Anthony as Jo-Jo. I recently started editing and creating music for the film. It's a lot of work but thyraputic for me, anyway.
This was my directorial debut, and shot in standard definition at a 16:9 aspect ratio. (I gotta get that 35mm adapter and lense!) The actors, grips, consultants, and everyone on the set felt relaxed and had fun. Was I nervous? No. Was it stressful? Yes. But it kept me focused, and the combination of those two gave me a rush. Can't explain it any better than that. The arts: My life. My career. The passion is there, and anyone who's as passionate about their career as I am about mine, well, “God bless you!”
In an unrelated matter, my documentary film “Teachers: What They Have To Say” was entered in the Philadelphia International Film Festival earlier this year. I went to the awards ceremony with my wife, and although it didn't win for best picture in it's category, it was recognized with an honorable mention award. For that, I'm pleased and encouraged.
Fathers Day
Jun 23, 2011
Fathers Day. Although I'm not one and not close to mine, I did celebrate it. The barbque at my cousin's house was festive and filled with food, drink, family and friends. And the fat cigar closed the deal. “Ahhh.” Anyway, I reflected on the men who made a difference in my life; not only in my childhood, but my adult life as well. My high school teacher, Mr. Gordon, my tennis coach, Mr. Sandler, my boy scout troop leader, Mr Willis... Good men, mentors who went above and beyond to see to it that goodness was instilled in me.
Fathers day is more than just for biologicals. It's for any man who serves in that capacity. Many have done so and I salute you all. “Thank you.” You truly are treasures.
Hatred for athletes
Jun 10, 2011
The Dallas Mavericks are up 3 games to 2 over the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA finals. Many expected to see the Heat win in 6, particularly with the dominant play of their three-headed monster. Before the series started, I wanted the Mavs to win. They're an aging team with players on their last leg and next year isn't an option. Miami, on the other hand, is young and has many chances to win a title. But I find myself changing who I cheer for because of the personal attacks on Lebron James.
I don't have a problem with people routing against him in the sporting sense, but the spirit from which the attacks come are wrong. And of course, jealousy tops the list. “He's no Michael Jordan” is often said. Ok. So, what? But the fact that he's even mentioned in the same vein as Michael tells me that folks know he's a great player. 27, 10, and 5 during the regular season? I'll take that every time. He's not good in the clutch,” is also chanted. Even if that were the case, it doesn't warrant such attacks, nor does it warrant comments coming from a place of envy. Just like Allen Iverson 10 years ago, or Charles Barkley 20 years ago, or Wilt Chamberlin 50 years ago, Lebron reminds people of what they can never have: youth, wealth, high self esteem, and a world class talent. Thus, they believe tearing him down will make them feel better about themselves. (That's one of the reasons why reality shows (train wrecks) are so popular. People can watch and say “I'm glad it's you and not me.”) I'd like to see Lebron win to shut up the haters. Those folks need to get a backbone, get a life, and focus on making a contribution to society. "Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt
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