Why I Endorse Josh Ross

“A big endorsement deal would be awesome.”~ Matt Emmons

First off, I’ve realized that its been five years since I’ve known LISAFAYECHARDONNAY from YouTube. Wow, how time flies. Happy five years.

But I’ve been thinking about this for a while. But this is the first time (and only time) that I am going to bring this up in the public forum.

I’ve been doing a lot of talking with regards to the local band, BLACK HEART SAINTS. They truly are one of these kinds of bands that you don’t want to miss. You don’t want to come towards the end of your life and be full of regret knowing that you could have seen them play live in concert or listened to one of their songs.

However I do that with a lot of bands that I strongly believe in. So what’s the difference and why now?

The past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to watch lead singer Josh Ross perform in a couple of his solo acoustic sets around town. I never really knew that he could play guitar. I kind of thought it would make sense to know that he did, but during BLACK HEART SAINTS shows, he’s performing as the singer, not the guitar player.

I have heard plenty of fans of BLACK HEART SAINTS simply say that they are a fan, because of two reasons: They rock. And because Josh is hot. (Physical attraction speaking.)

But all of that sexual tension from females set aside. I choose to take back the layers one by one and figure out just what it is that is making this band tick. I am eager to search out what it is that Josh is doing or not doing that is making their audiences go absolutely bat shit crazy.

So I asked around. I asked female friends and I asked male friends. And as you can expect, the female friends were more willing to discuss the matter than the male friends were. And none of the answers that I received sufficed.

I had known about the acoustic sets but had firmly believed that I could ever attend them. Working all night and into the day, I didn’t think that I would have the strength to even bother considering it. Until recently…..

I think I pretty much shocked Josh when I went for the first time. Although he was very thankful and appreciative.

Then it all happened. He was doing his own thing with his guitar and he opened his mouth. Clear as day, this man’s vocal talents were like I had never heard before. His range, his vibrato, his breath, and his control.

I never heard him strain. I never heard him stretch. All I could do was sit there and applaud at the end of every stinking song that he chose to play. Coupled with whoopin’ it up…… a lot!!

Now that I have had a chance to speak to him personally, it is clear that Josh Ross has his eye on the prize. And its been fixed there for a long, long time. I took it upon myself to give him a list of questions as an interview. I will be publishing the Q&A on the Review page very soon.

Josh has kept his focus purely on his music and craft. So far, nothing has stood in his way for him to come closer to reaching his dreams in the music industry.

He as a musician has always been so appreciative of his fans. He talks to as many as he can after his set. He’s willing to stand there for several minutes just taking photographs or give an autograph or listen to you talk about your grandmother’s surgery.

Back to his voice however, after this evening’s set, I found myself just wanting more and more. I didn’t want him to stop singing.

No matter what he is singing, this man has the courage and the pure talent to take a song and truly make it his own. And then turn it all into gold. It is amazing to watch him sitting there, with nothing but a microphone and a guitar and turn it all into audible miracles.

Josh Ross deserves that shot to make his career explode to bright lights and Hollywood smiles. World tours and platinum selling albums.

There’s only so much a person can do. And I as a person, can do so little. I just hope that Josh Ross crosses paths with someone that’s from the big time and gives him one chance.

Sex appeal? Well of course. But its just the outside coating to a definite gem that has yet to be discovered yet.

Leonard Nimoy Dies At Age 83

“I think it’s my adventure, my trip, my journey, and I guess my attitude is, let the chips fall where they may.”~ Leonard Nimoy

Today will be living in infamy for millions and millions of people of this generation. They will remember this day.

Leonard Nimoy, the actor best known for the popular Star Trek series character “Mr. Spock” has passed away today in Bel Air, California at the age of 83.

The Internet was buzzing about his health concerns over the past several days as he was experiencing chest pains. Today the world lost him.

I cannot say personally that I grew up watching the TV series, but since it has been in syndicated re-runs for like, forever… so to speak — I have seen numerous episodes. To which I had taken a liking to Mr. Spock’s character. The simple idea of a being who has no emotions/feelings was fascinating to my boyhood mind. However my elder brother was a super fan of the TV series. He would remember a lot more of it than I would. And I can just imagine how he felt when he heard the news. I sent him a text message, but he already knew.

Maggie Thrett as “Ruth Bonaventure” in Star Trek’s ‘Mudd’s Women’ (1966)

Star Trek would spawn other televisions series and programs. Not to mention the ongoing lists of films. And they are still being made today. However deep down, no matter who you are, how old you are, or what generation of Star Trek you grew up in or with… everyone knows that Leonard Nimoy is, was, and always will be Mr. Spock.

My first real memory of watching the original Star Trek series was my parents purchasing a VHS tape of the Star Trek episode “Mudd’s Women.” At the time this had happened, I was already in advanced stages of recognizing and discovering what a “female” was.

The character of Ruth Bonaventure played by Maggie Thrett. Being that it was a VHS tape, I could rewind certain parts in which she appeared and fast forwarded through the parts of the episode in which she did not appear.

Ahh, the coming of age and pubescence.

It was the only episode of the original series that I bothered paying attention to.

Hello, puberty!

I remember watching “Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan” on what was then “The Movie Channel” which was pretty much just that at the time. They didn’t fool around with breaks or coming attractions. When one film ended, another began.

I will always remember those awkward moments of William Shatner as Captain Kirk in that film, the nasty ear worm, and the death of Mr. Spock due to radiation poisoning. I wondered how it could have killed a Vulcan? A human being, yeah sure.. but a Vulcan? Oh well.

Spock says, “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” And then Captain Kirk finishes with, “or the one.”

And of course Khan Noonien Singh, played by famed actor Ricardo Montalbán. Khan’s famous and infamous moment of dramatic dialogue when he says, “He tasks me. He tasks me, and I shall have him. I’ll chase him round the Moons of Nibia and round the Antares Maelstrom and round Perdition’s flames before I give him up!”(Did you know that the line was loosely based and loosely quoted from the book Moby Dick ? And a worthy footnote: actress Kirstie Alley was in this film as well, I believe another Vulcan? Someone will have to research that for me. But she’s in it.)

So other than “Mudd’s Women” and Star Trek II… I honestly didn’t know too much about Nimoy’s acting career with the exception of the aforementioned and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), but he was notoriously famous for his role as Mr. Spock.

Often times I get tripped up and call him Dr. Spock. Others do too. But it is Mister, not Doctor.

I have seen a TON of emotions in outpouring mode this day! From just about everyone I know on social media and others around me in my generation and the elder generation. Everyone has had a response. Most of them shocked and saddened and frustrated and overall surprised. Many in denial and not wanting to accept the fact that Leonard Nimoy is gone. I’ve personally not seen such a reaction from a collective whole over a celebrity death … since Robin Williams.

People that I would have never thought would have an opinion over Mr. Spock or Star Trek in general showing the most emotional responses.

So we salute this man who obviously has had some kind of impact on all of our lives. Most of us shall say to his memory the famous Spock line of “Live long and prosper.” as we mourn.

Farewell, Leonard Nimoy. Rest thee in peace.

Robin Williams Dead At 63

“I’m sorry, if you were right, I’d agree with you.”~Robin Williams

At this point in time, I honestly do not have anything that would be considered to be epic or profound or even uplifting.

Upon hearing the news, I immediately went into denial mode. So many celebrities have been “reported” to have been dead when it was all just a hoax.

It being Robin Williams, and it NOT being a hoax? I am not going to lie to you, it tore my shit up from the floor up.

I haven’t been this lost, confused, shocked, and sad since the death announcement of Michael Jackson. And to be honest, knowing that Jackson’s death has already been several years ago is just mind blowing to me.

This was not a celebrity death that I ever thought I would see. Robin Williams in my own eyes was the ultimate king of comedy and had been for all of my life. From the re-runs of Mork & Mindy to the plethora of feature films that he made, spanning a career of various in-depth characters. And he was seemingly flawless every time he stepped in front of that camera.

Now I know that there are plenty of people flooding social media websites and other networks right now with articles announcing the death.

However, just as it was with the death of Whitney Houston, I CHOOSE to wait for a full investigation to be concluded on just exactly what had happened. I am aware of the statement given relating to Williams suffering depression. But yet I remain firm in the choice to wait and see. And it does bother me every time there is a “celebrity” death that people right away know what happened. Why can’t we all just stop, take a deep breath, and just wait for the professionals and experts to do their job??

Still on the other side of this coin, I suspect that what they are saying about this matter is probably going to be the truth. I say let’s wait and see.

Williams caught my attention in “Patch Adams” as well as other films such as “Dead Poets Society” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” of course. The poem that he reads in “Patch Adams” has since then had a remarkable bolt on my life both private and public.

I sincerely send my best wishes to his wife and children and the rest of his family. For those of you who were waiting on the next installment from my SIX MINUTE CENTURY adventure that came to an end this morning… I sincerely apologize.

But this death announcement has put me in no state to write about my most recent journey as you the reader, are deserving of. Please be patient.

God bless Robin Williams and his family at this time. I am totally shattered. We will always love Robin Williams and will miss him greatly.

 

Haters Gonna Hate

“Truth will always be truth, regardless of lack of understanding, disbelief or ignorance.”~ W. Clement Stone

For those of you who know me personally know that yesterday was my birthday.

It was a good day, by the evening time… it had turned into a wonderful day because I heard from the people that I was hoping that I would hear from in the evening. How I love them!

And the others who continue to fall short, did so again for another year. To absolutely no surprise.

But it was a good birthday.

I had been pumped up about for weeks. My mind was positive. And I kept thinking good thoughts.

So yes, I did have a good birthday.

Today though, I moved on. It was another day. And then somewhere in between 4:00 and 5:00 PM, my local time… my cell phone began to ring.

I had the shock of my life as I took several minutes in doubt, trying to establish who I was speaking with. Once I realized it wasn’t a joke… it wasn’t a prank… and this was real– I LOST IT!!

Being called by a big time celebrity for your birthday from out of nowhere IS a big deal. Dear GOD IN HEAVEN!! Wake up people!!!!!

It took me a while to calm down afterwards. My head spinning. My brain re-playing the conversation over and over and over again in my head. Stunned, shocked, and crazily in a daze.

A neighbor and I think we have it narrowed down to who was responsible for it happening.  It is a good theory. But one likely to never know the light of day.

I spoke to a few people online about it. They were of mutual admiration of this person.  Some supportive, the others hateful and a doubting Thomas.

HATERS ARE GOING TO HATE.

And it doesn’t matter who it was that called, I made sure that I knew who I was talking with… or potentially talking with. I actually wasted my personal time trying to figure it all out before I realized that it was all true. 

If you don’t believe in miracles, then this story isn’t going to work for you. Nor will you believe it or anything else that I might tell you. If you do not believe that anything is possible then the same situation applies. You’ll never believe in anything is possible and will always be doubtful. And that could be because of greed, jealousy, or hatred. Whatever that may be.

I warned that 2014 was going to be different.  You obviously did not pay attention to me when I said that it would be different. And in this month of January, everything has been proven to be true. If you don’t believe.. you don’t have to. I mean, nobody is forcing you to do anything you do not want to do.

But I’m not going to care any more. So here’s to you!!

It happened. And since it was on my cell phone. I have the number from which they called. It could be a disposable phone. But I know what it was at least when they my number.

Gimme wings to fly.

Haters will hate.

And in addition, “never love but masturbate.” Which doesn’t make any other sense but rhyme. OR DOES IT?

One More Facebook Hoax

“Global Warming: It is a hoax. It is bad science. It is high-jacking public policy. It is the greatest scam in history.”~ John Coleman

Here we go again.

Most recently, the hoax has come up on Facebook that Céline Dion is dead. Or was killed in some kind of automobile accident or something like that.

I find this hoax to be particularly funny.

She was just on American television today. She’s NOT dead!!!

And if you know someone who has posted on their profile that she is dead? Then their profile has been compromised.

It promises a gruesome and gory video of the so-called accident and swears up and down that only people who are 18 years old and up should click on the link. But when you do….. there’s nothing. Instead, what you have done is allowed this “bug” or whatever to access your personal information without you knowing about it.

So a couple of things:

1- You’re an idiot to think that.

2- If someone tells you that its on your profile, you’ve been compromised. Take the necessary steps to recover your personal information.

3- Don’t be shy to WARN others that YOU can see the post because most likely, if someone’s profile is compromised, then that person doesn’t have any idea that its there….. unless you say something.

http://www.contactmusic.com/article/celine-dion-hoax-singer-isn-t-dead-after-facebook-app-claims_3926096

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.

My Future Fifth Ex-Wife

I usually give in to the requests of others when I know that people have been reading this blog and they tell me, “You should blog about that.” 

It was suggested that I write about this.

It’s humiliating to think of and yet today it is so funny!!

A few years ago, I got exceptionally lucky that I would find myself within the company of two Hollywood actors, Sandra Bullock and Matthew McConaughey.

I had something fierce for Sandra Bullock and decided that she would be my future wife. Because the other four women before her either got married or did something to turn me away.

But there she was.

The two of them were minding their own business and I went up to them and started to speak. The conversation was held mostly with Matthew. Sandra didn’t say a whole lot. Something that I hadn’t noticed until much later after this experience happened.

Anyways, when I saw that the conversation was about to come to an end, I kinda went into fan shock.

I had a notebook with me. At the time I was attempting to write a screenplay. And I looked over and I asked if I could have an autograph.

Yet this would pose as a big problem as I was not specific. My intention was for Sandra’s autograph. Not Matthew. But I did not make myself clear. Matthew McConaughey was more than happy to oblige. And when I saw that I had made the mistake by not being specific enough, the following words came falling out of my mouth:

NO! NO! NOT YOURS!! I MEANT HER, I WANT HER AUTOGRAPH!!!

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. As I think about it now in 2012.

At the time I kind of thought that Matthew may have been an actor or he may have been famous or whatever. I had seen him in the film EdTV, but that’s all I knew of his acting career. And I wasn’t even 100% sure that it was him. But I surely knew Sandra and all of her acting roles. Hell, I had nearly all of them on video and DVD.

They both kind of looked at me in disbelief coupled with annoyance.

Matthew handed over the notebook to Sandra. She had noticed there was nothing to write with. I hadn’t given them anything to write an autograph. And I sat there fumbling around trying to find my pen. I would later realize that I had lost it along the way just shortly before I decided to go over to see them.

Matthew had one, which I thought was to my favor. Sandra scribbled something and then gave back the notebook.

As Matthew attempted to return the book to me, I had realized that what I had  said and done was very rude. And I was grasping at straws to redeem myself from the stupid behavior that I had exhibited.

I asked for Matthew’s autograph.

This plan to redeem myself had failed miserably that it could have gone down in history as the worst attempt at a comeback ever.

After numerous times of being asked if I was sure, I insisted that I was.

So then he signed the following message on another page:

“Thanks for being a giant asshole.  MM.” 

Yeah, I totally deserved that one.

By the time I had looked up from reading what both of them had written, they were gone. Looking back at it now, I can’t say that I blame them.

Any fantasies or dreams of having Sandra Bullock being the future Mrs. Dambreaker ….. were gone. I had blown it big time!!

But I learned that I should always watch what I say around people. Even if I am star struck by them. After all, Hollywood celebrities are people too. They have feelings and emotions.

I would later run into other famous people and such, but I had learned what NOT to say and what NOT to do. 

I still follow Sandra’s career. I am more aware of Matthew’s acting career as well now. And I do like them both. But I’m forever haunted by my own slip-of-the-tongue so many years ago that no matter how far or fast that I run, its always going to be there. I can’t undo the past. But I can surely live and learn from it.

“Hi Mom!”

'Hi Mom! I'm going to Disneyland!'

“People love coming on television, even if they have to show their miseries.”~ Victoria Abril

I stayed up kind of late last night, and I’m not sure as to why. But it would turn out to be a good idea.

 

Due to the fact that the NFL Playoffs were on so late and some dumb American Idol special, it caused the late local news to be VERY late news.

 

Before a commercial break right before the sports segment, I heard the words “sled hockey”, and I turned and looked but missed whatever they were previewing. So I sat there waiting for the news to come back on so that the sports would be shown.

 

Of course, with the NFL Playoffs and then the news of the death of Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, these were some of the more highlighted stories of the broadcast. And I kept yelling at the television, “C’mon already!”. I was just far too anxious to see what I would see.

 

And then, they brought it to a “local setting”. And that’s when I would see our Paralympic Event being broadcast on television from the Cedar Park Center.

 

Keep in mind, nobody interviewed me while I was participating, but there was about a half of a second of video footage of me lazily skating across the ice. But they did interview a teammate and our new team leader. Both of which didn’t get a lot of face time either.

 

And that was my moment of glory for 2012, appearing on television in less than a blink of an eye.

 

This doesn’t happen to me a lot, but this is also not the first time that I’ve been on television. The moment that I saw myself last night made me think about the other times that I had been on television before when I was much younger.

 

Many times I’ve been in the background of some video footage as I was last night. But then when I was only eight years old, I did two commercials. It was for a fundraising event to build a wheelchair accessible swimming pool on the grounds of Camp Aldersgate in Arkansas. A summer camp designed for handicapped youth. Something I went to for six days each and every summer until I was nine years old.

 

The first commercial, I stood in the background with another girl who also had Spina Bifida, just like me. And the gentleman who was in charge of this project spoke. I didn’t say anything, neither did the girl.

 

But the second commercial, I actually had lines to speak. They attempted to make it sound like I was having a conversation with the girl about the difficulties of going to this camp and having to go completely out of the way on a rented school bus to get to the nearest public swimming pool. Other children that had disabilities more severe than my own, struggled with what seemed like to them, life and death, just to get on board the bus.

 

I remember when they had asked my parents if I would do it. My father would ask me if I could say words like “therapeutic” and “donation”.

 

It was kind of difficult because we had to say our lines and be done in 28 seconds. Not one second more, not one second less. Take after take after take before we finally got it right.

 

I did those two commercials. My family & I caught them on television four times at home. But it was always the commercial that I had the “conversation” with the other girl. Only once did my family catch the FIRST commercial with the gentleman who spoke that was in charge.

 

I became quite popular in the neighborhood, in school, and anywhere I went. People would recognize me from television. Even my own school principal and the school office staff would make a big deal out of it whenever they would see me. The principal insisting that I give an autograph. Other people wanted my autograph as well. Including the older neighborhood kids. They were kinda proud to say to their friends that they knew the kid in the commercial.

 

Then my family went to watch my older brother play high school basketball, and I had a crowd of people surrounding me wherever I went. It was fun, but at the same time really scary and creepy.

 

Shortly after that, I would be there for the groundbreaking ceremony. Myself and my co-star standing there with shovels as dignitaries and local politicians on hand to help in our needs to stabilize our balance on the uneven terrain.

 

The mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas stood behind me and helped as I kept digging as best I could with a shovel. I can still hear in my head his commands of “PUSH!” and “GRUNT HARDER!”, as he whispered to me that the grunting would help me dig deeper into the ground. The media was there and I ended up on the front page of the newspaper.

 

Who was I to argue with the mayor? I was always told to respect those who were my elders and those who were in positions of power. So when he said to grunt, I grunted!!!

 

It would happen again at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Front page news with photograph included.

 

The swimming pool was built some time later and I was the first person in it. They placed me in a wheelchair and I had scores of parents, politicians, private donators, and members of the local media, as well as the governor of Arkansas at the time, Bill Clinton, in attendance.

 

A few speeches were made, and there I was cutting this ribbon along side a volunteer who had been a camp counselor ever since I can remember when I would go to the camp during the summer.

 

The ramp was built in the shallow end of the swimming pool. But as you went further and further down the ramp, the surface of the pool water would rise. First your feet, then up to your knees, then to your waist. But by the time it got past your waist, your body freely and instinctively just floated away from the wheelchair and then VOILA!!– You were swimming.

 

Being a child, it was a creepy feeling. But then again, the way it worked was a complete and total success. It was the first of its kind I understand today. Probably the first wheelchair accessible swimming pool ever built.

 

That was probably thirteen out of my fifteen minutes of fame spent. Not bad for an eight year old boy, huh??

 

I’m tempted to call the television station that recorded the commercials to see if they still have it in their archives. I would love to get a copy of it. The station still exists as it was back then. But I’ve not tried it as of yet.

 

If they do have it and they send it to me, then perhaps I’ll upload it to YouTube or something.

 

But since that time, I’ve been in video footage that had been on the news at one point or another. Only one time that I can remember did I actually have an interview with the journalist who was covering a story, but I also remember they edited about 80% of what I had said. I guess for time limitations for the story. I don’t know.

 

They totally edited out the part where I turned and shouted, “HI MOM!!!” on camera. Sorry bastards..!

 

However, seeing myself on television last night was kinda cool. Nothing to write home about. But still … kinda cool. I was just at the right place at the right time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hollywood Still Sucks!

“Hollywood is a place where they’ll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul.”~
Marilyn Monroe

Well ‘happy birthday, meester pwesident’ to you too!!

I was going to write this post a few days ago when the anger was still fresh on my mind. But luckily for myself, the subject matter died out just as quickly as it came up and was rubbed thoroughly in my face like a person trying to potty train a new puppy.

A few days ago, the news was reporting that Courtney Stodden & Doug Hutchison had tied the knot. At first, it didn’t strike me for anything because I did not know who they were. I mean after all, where the heck was my wedding invitation? Did it get lost in the mail? No of course not! So why should I waste an ounce of energy on the news that these two people were joined in marriage? And then the reports were all buzzing about the enormous age difference between husband and wife. I didn’t know what to think about it at first. And then after a few thousands times of hearing about it, it began to become very annoying.

So I had to stop and think about it. Who the heck were these people and why is it being pushed in my face that the two of them got married, OUTSIDE of the fact that the groom is dangerously close to the age of being his wife’s grandfather.

Doug Hutchison has been on shows like “LOST”. Something I didn’t watch at all. But he’s also been in “The Green Mile”. That was something that I did see. So I had a sort of reference to who he was. Still haven’t heard of Courtney Stodden though. I’ve seen pictures of her in a bikini, sitting on a boat and that’s all I know of her.

Why is this news? Seriously, I don’t think anyone can come up with a decent response to that question. And who is it that gets to decide who is a celebrity and who is just an actor?

All I can think about is the backlash that this newlywed couple is going to have to answer for. We simply do not know the reasons as to why they decided to get married. Although we can speculate it and assume until the End of Days. Personally though, I could care less! Most Hollywood marriages end up in divorce in the first place, and in pretty short order I might add. So it will be a few years at the most and they’ll be split and nothing will have changed for the world.

I cannot stand Hollywood and their definitions of stardom and celebrity status. Who the heck comes up with this garbage?? Hardly anyone that “makes it” in Hollywood has any staying power any more.

So here’s a good question for debate: Why are certain people famous? People like Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, and Antoine Dodson? And what have they done in their personal careers to be able to stabilize their star status? 

I haven’t heard anything come out of Antoine Dodson in the past six months or more. He became famous because he was very emotional in front of a news crew camera in Huntsville, Alabama after his sister was a victim of a sexual assault. He gave it to the camera and he did it with passion. And then a family who lives on the east coast with a bit of musical talent and know-how with Auto Tune, took his news segment and made it into a hit song on i-Tunes.

And I will admit that the entire piece of music that was crafted is entirely catchy and almost enjoyable. But that’s what they did to his news interview.

BAM!! INSTANT CELEBRITY!!! But where is he now?

Hollywood has this rotten way of things to take people and turn them into whatever they want. Good people, bad people, heroes and villains. Hollywood, and the media that is. Sadly going hand in hand on this one.

So then why aren’t I popular? Why am I not making millions of dollars?? I’ve done great things in my life. I’ve been good, I’ve been bad too. Very, VERY bad!! Nobody is calling me for my life story. Nobody is asking me to show up at red carpet events. Why not me? Why not some of my friends? Why, why, why???

It is just the fact that Hollywood’s way of life sucks. It always has, and always will.

I remember when I was seven years old, I told my mother “When I grow up, I want to become famous and live in Hollywood and even change my name.” Now when I think about it… I do not think that I still have the same enthusiasm to “make it in Hollywood” as I did back then. My eternal soul is NOT for sale.