In Remembrance

Last week, the first person to play "Lionel" on the TV show, The Jeffersons, passed:

http://www.star-tv.com/starnews/index_423.asp

Also, "Soul Brother No. 1" James Brown died:

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/celebrity/la-na-brown25dec25,1,3250692.story?gcid=repm-msn-la-ent-Entertainment-rssrm-James_Brown&ctrack=1&cset=true

Finally, former president Gerald Ford has passed from this earthly plane:

http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=newsone&storyID=2006-12-27T222417Z_01_N26411374_RTRUKOC_0_US-FORD.xml&WTmodLoc=EntNewsFilm_R1_newsone-1


These are just several of the many deaths of public figures in 2006. It appears the Grim Reaper has not taken off for the holidays.

Ho, ho, ho and All That: The Christmas Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

I went to a company Christmas dinner. Good food, good conversation. Surprisingly, I enjoyed myself.

Saturday:

Left the house early to get to Wal-Mart and get a new tire. Next, I went to my comic book store, Comics and Collectibles, to get my weekly stash. Shout out to Ron, Donnie, and Sean of C and C. I also saw the movie We Are Marshall. It was a very touching story about the rebuilding of the Marshall football team after the entire team died in a plane crash. Matthew McConaughey did a pretty good job as the new coach. Matthew Fox (Lost) was solid as an assistant coach who was the only survivor of the previous team. He gave up his seat to go on a recruiting trip. Anthony Mackie (She Hate Me, Half Nelson) shines as an upperclassmen who did not make the trip due to injury and pushes for the football program to be reinstated. Marshall actually got me in the Christmas spirit.

Sunday:

I exchanged gifts with "Angry" Nick Jones at Borders. Shout out to Nick for the Tupac's Greatest Hits CD, Tupac Live at the House of Blues DVD, and the new Dogg Pound CD, Cali is Active. Next, I exchanged presents with Denna Greer (What Goes Around). Shout out to Denna for the Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Anthology DVD set. It came with a "Hulkamania" t-shirt and a bandana. Yes, I still watch wrestling!!! Get over it!!! After that, I chilled at home, watched my DVD, and watched my brother play WWE Raw vs. Smackdown 2007. I can't seem to push the buttons fast enough and I am out of practice. It was cool to watch my brother play the game. Yep, me and big bro were bonding. It was a modern-day Norman Rockwell painting.

Monday:
Big Bro and I rolled out to Oakland, TN and celebrated Christmas over my Aunt Mary's new house. I gave my mom her present and my stepfather's present. She told me that she did not bring my presents because they would not fit in there with the kids' stuff (BOOO!), but she told me to get it on her birthday, December 31. I was a little bummed, but it was cool. I gave my cousin Anwar his present, and I chilled with the family. I talked wrestling with my little cousins, trying to stress that not every "injury" is real. Some are, mind you, but not all. And, as usual, me and my cousins debated: Topics included real hip-hop vs. gangsta rap garbage (my words), ghostwriting in hip-hop (having someone write your raps used to be considered taboo, but not anymore), and the merits of Hustle and Flow. My family is always very opinionated. After much food and conversation, Big Bro and I retreated back to "The Dova" (Cordova), where I watched Monday Night Raw and called it a day.

Man, I really need a week of doing nothing, but I am back at work today. I am grateful for the money, but I am fatigued. Oh, well, that's life, I suppose. Be easy, readers!!

Recap of the Last Few Days

I went to Jordan's Wednesday night, and I found myself in another karaoke contest. I normally don't like competing in these, because my competitive nature takes enough bruises in acting. I sang "I Don't Wanna Be" by Gavin Degraw, and then "Jack and Diane" by John Cougar Mellencamp. Of course, I lost. It's a big popularity contest. I wish people would vote on merit. I know at least three girls that should have placed. Most people don't care. I don't like losing, and I like contests to be fair.

I think that I have overdosed on the holiay season. We had a Christmas party at work, and there was like a vegetable plate, and 10 dessert dishes. It was crazy. Of course, I went overboard. I think last night's stomach crunches were out of guilt more than anything. And tonight, we have a company dinner. I agreed to go, it is free food, but I really don't like to be around my coworkers that damn much!!! They cool, but I need some non-work time. And I have to track down everybody that I bought gifts for. It could be worse, though. At least I am done. The malls and stores are crazy this time of year.

Let us try to remember the true spirit of the season. I will not impose my religious beliefs on anyone in this blog, but here's a hint: The real meaning of Christmas ain't got nothing to do with Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, or Tickle Me Elmo. Be easy, readers. And happy ChrismaHannuKwanzaakah to you and yours.

Thanks for the Cartoons, Joe

RIP Joseph Barbera. He and William Hanna (that's Hanna Barbera, slowpokes) contributed to much of my childhood entertainment with characters like Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Quickdraw McGraw, Grape Ape, and countless others. You will be missed, sir.

http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=245442&GT1=7703

Parties, Victory, and Sellouts:The Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

I got off work, got a haircut, went to the comic book store, bought some gifts, and then I watched Happy Feet. Yeah, I said Happy Feet. Leave me alone!!! The penguins make me smile.
Next, I went to a party at my girl Tamara's house. I got to see her beautiful daughter Lex (who's started walking), her boyfriend Rafael, and I got to see my boy Milton, who I hadn't seen in years!!!! Our conversations covered AIDS, alcohol, sweating, Pokemon, hip-hop, strip clubs, and other various topics. It was cool, but I had to break out by midnight so I would be ready for work on Saturday.

Saturday:

I got off work and I attended the Lil' Film Fest 4. The theme was "Politically Incorrect Holidays". It was tamer than I thought it would be. There were a lot of good shorts: Adam Remsen's Rationalization Day (featuring me!!!), My friend Don's "George and Martha" short, and other interesting shorts like "Adopt a Freak Day". In the end, just like on Highlander, there can be only one, and John "Sparky" Sparks' short, "Happy Artistic Freedom Day" (featuring me!!!!)took both the Jury Award (chosen by a committee), and the Audience Award. Sparky gave the cash prize for the audience award back. Sparky's a noble, valiant guy, so I wasn't shocked at that. Shout out to Naseera Lewis (What Goes Around), Deneka and DeAara Lewis (Tricks), Alisa Nave (Curbside Confessions), my good buddy Damarico Fowler (www.newnegro.blogspot.com, www.blacksupervillain.blogspot.com), and local filmmkaer Lynda Ingram for coming out. I appreciated everyone's presence and/or votes. I also apoligize if my competitive nature came out. Some people were like, "It's about having fun and making movies". That's all well and good, but I'm competitive and I like to win. Also, to those who said that they would break my record set at this year's Indie Memphis with 8 film appearances (Brett Magdovitz, I'm talking to you), I only have this to say: I have a film appearance in 2007's Indie Memphis, and it's STILL 2006. It's good to be the King...King Indie, that is.

Later, I showed up at my coworker Tracey Parker's tree-trimming party. It was cool, we discussed movie, I think I got into "extreme comic-book geek" mode when we discussed Batman, but, hey, I've got to be me.

Later, I went to Jordan's for more karaoke fun. I sang "Smooth", by Carlos Santana featuring Rob Thomas. I also assisted Jamie by doing the male rap on Salt 'N Pepa's "Shoop". Shout out to Jamie, and our birthday people like Judd and Niki. I love my karaoke friends, although I do wish that they would take it easy on the bottled spirits.

Sunday:

I went to Jordan's for a little karaoke. I sang "On Broadway" by the Drifters. I probably shouldn't have, though. I raced from Jordan's to downtown (Thank you, expressway) to make a the 3:00 performance of "They Sing Christmas Up in Harlem" at the Hattiloo Theatre, the new African-American repertory theatre in town. (www.hattilootheatre.org) Do you Hattiloo? Tell your friends. Okay, end of plug. I got there at 3:01, but it was sold out. I'll try again on Saturday. Disappointed, I went further downtown to the Muvico Theatre. There, I viewed Will Smith's film The Pursuit of Happyness. This is a VERY inspiring film about a man who was reduced to nothing and became a success at Dean Witter as a stockbroker. It made me feel better about my situation. Hey, at least I have a full-time job and no kids!!! I will have to get that one on DVD.

Later, I went over my friend Shomari's house for some wrestling pay-per-view fun, then back to Jordan's for another number. I sang Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody", and I assisted some nursing student on Beyonce's song "Crazy in Love". I did Jay-Z's ad-libs and raps. I do what I can. I didn't even get a "Thanks" or a "'Preciate it, buddy", though. Some people, I tell you!!!

I want to apologize to one of my readers who thought I said that there would be no more films shooting until September. I believe that I said that I hadn't got paid since September, back when I was an extra on My Blueberry Nights. At any rate, I hope that situation is clarified. Be easy, readers.

PS: Titans watch: Sunday's win over Jacksonville made it five in a row. And the free coffee from Exxon (I opted for hot chocolate instead) was sweeter than usual.

PPS: Record watch: If you ever loved hip-hop, kinda like it, or still breakdance on occasion, pick up the CD "Hip-Hop is Dead" by Nas. It's good music, and I give it the Seaberry Seal of Approval.

Slow Week....

I apologize, loyal blog readers, but this has been a bit of a down week. I do have a few random items and more plugging to do, however:

1:Ricky Martin has an Unplugged CD. I find it hard to believe that there were hordes of people saying "Gee, 'Livin' La Vida Loca' and 'She Bangs' would sound really cool with some acoustic guitar". But then again, I could be wrong. I'm seldom wrong, but I'm not perfect...yet.

2:Is there an unwritten rule that there has to be at least one It's a Wonderful Life ripoff every year? Last night, The OC did it. I love The OC, and it was enjoyable, but there's got to be better and more unique spins on Christmas, people!!! Besides, nobody (and I mean NOBODY) is ever touching James Stewart's spin on that character. Although, Conan O'Brien's skit last night where the police gun Jimmy Stewart's character down was kinda funny...in a wrong way.

3:Read the gratuitous plug below this and Be Easy, Readers!!!

Plug Time!!!

Live From Memphis™ is announcing the 4th and final round of Li’l Film Fest for 2006. The festival is Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 2pm at the Memphis Digital Arts Co-operative (1000 S. Cooper Memphis, TN 38104).

LFM thanks the Memphis & Shelby County Film & Television Commission for their support of the Li’l Film Fest: Beginning this quarter, they have generously agreed to provide the awards for the festival, including a new “Jury Award” (in addition to the “Audience Choice Award”). That’s right, we now have 2 awards to give away!!

The following is a list of accepted films and filmmakers:

"Happy Artistic Freedom Day" Jon W. Sparks (I'm in this one!!!)
"Hot Wheels Night" C. Scott McCoy
"Help a Heathen Day" Patrick Niedzwiedz
"My Little Gingerbread" Alice McLallen & Will Hendricks
"Rationalization Day" Adam Remsen (this one, too!!)
"Adopt a Freak Day" Byerly, Scalita, & Craig
"Kung Fu Baby vs. Santa Clause" Nick Ross
"George and Martha" Donald Meyers
"25 Feet From Love” Razor Teeth
“Conversion Tactics” Christopher Reyes

The event is free and open to the public; Live From Memphis and the MeDiA Co-op will be accepting donations. Support Local Filmmakers! For More information about the LI’L FILM FEST please visit: http://www.livefrommemphis.com/filmfest or give us a call: 523-9763.

The theme for the fourth Li’l Film Fest is “politically incorrect holidays,” meaning that each film submission must somehow relate to that topic. The winners will each be awarded a $200 cash prize and will also be guaranteed a spot in the next Indie Memphis Film Festival. Additionally, the li'l films must not exceed 5 minutes in length.

Countdown to Markus Seaberry's next film premiere: One Day, Baby!!!

Parties, Politics, and Karaoke: The Weekend Wrap-Up

Saturday:

I got off work, went to a few stores, picked up Rod from a wedding reception that he was filming at the Holiday Inn on Mt. Moriah. I ran Ms. Dorothy, a former coworker of mine. After we left the Holiday Inn, we shot a scene for Don't Vote for Arthur Henry, a mock political documentary. I played Leon Carruthers, a guy who was in the same political party. Rod had me shave my goatee, so I only had a mustache. I think I looked totally different. I also lowered my voice. Rod really pushed me to give a good performance, and I appreciate him for it. After that, we bought some liquor for Laura Hocking and Chris McCoy's party. They are engaged filmmakers who have a company called Oddly Buoyant Productions. We chilled there for a minute. Shout out to Chris, Laura, Jeff Pope (Eat), Amy Lavere (recording artist/actress), and Jon "Sparky" Sparks and his lovely wife. We chilled for a minute. After that, I went to Jordan's for karaoke. I performed a few songs, and broke out.

Sunday:

I worked for a few hours at the day job, then I went to Jordan's and did several songs in the afternoon: I sang "Imagine" by John Lennon (Friday was the anniversary of his death), "Superman" by Five for Fighting, "Why Georgia" by John Mayer, "Me, Myself and I" by De La Soul, and "Hard Knock Life" by Jay-Z. Next, I went to Border's. I had a coupon for 25% off a DVD, and I got some cheesy Japanese Power-Ranger type movie called Super Inframan. Hey, I stay young at heart. I went to my boy Shomar's house, but there was a power outage, so no wrestling pay-per-view. Me and my people chilled out and watched football, but then I started getting slammed for my views again. My views on Hulk Hogan (he's great!!), and my views on horror films. I say I like films with happy endings. They argued that Hostel was a happy ending because the main guy got revenge. I say, but he lost two fingers and was tortured in the process!!! I also got clowned for being the only dude who would admit to watching The Notebook. I don't give a damn, that's a good movie!!! Rachel McAdams is a damn good actress. I began to get hungry, so I broke out. I went back to Jordan's again. I sang "Sexy Back" by Justin Timberlake, "In the Still of the Night" by Boyz II Men, "Rumors" by Timex Social Club, "Copacabana" by Barry Manilow, and "Say You, Say Me" by Lionel Richie. I kinda got people in an old school mood. People were singing Janis Joplin, the Bee Gees, Temptations, and other "old-school" hits. Good nights.

Plug Time!!!!

Live From Memphis™ is announcing the 4th and final round of Li’l Film Fest for 2006. The festival is Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 2pm at the Memphis Digital Arts Co-operative (1000 S. Cooper Memphis, TN 38104).

LFM thanks the Memphis & Shelby County Film & Television Commission for their support of the Li’l Film Fest: Beginning this quarter, they have generously agreed to provide the awards for the festival, including a new “Jury Award” (in addition to the “Audience Choice Award”). That’s right, we now have 2 awards to give away!!

The following is a list of accepted films and filmmakers:

"Happy Artistic Freedom Day" Jon W. Sparks (I'm in this one!!!)
"Hot Wheels Night" C. Scott McCoy
"Help a Heathen Day" Patrick Niedzwiedz
"My Little Gingerbread" Alice McLallen & Will Hendricks
"Rationalization Day" Adam Remsen (this one, too!!)
"Adopt a Freak Day" Byerly, Scalita, & Craig
"Kung Fu Baby vs. Santa Clause" Nick Ross
"George and Martha" Donald Meyers
"25 Feet From Love” Razor Teeth
“Conversion Tactics” Christopher Reyes

The event is free and open to the public; Live From Memphis and the MeDiA Co-op will be accepting donations. Support Local Filmmakers! For More information about the LI’L FILM FEST please visit: http://www.livefrommemphis.com/filmfest or give us a call: 523-9763.

The theme for the fourth Li’l Film Fest is “politically incorrect holidays,” meaning that each film submission must somehow relate to that topic. The winners will each be awarded a $200 cash prize and will also be guaranteed a spot in the next Indie Memphis Film Festival. Additionally, the li'l films must not exceed 5 minutes in length.

Countdown: Days Until Markus Seaberry's next premiere: 6 Days!!!!

Be Easy, Readers!!!

Random Items: 12/9/2006

1: Jordan's had virtually no one in the karaoke bar section Thursday night, so they closed it down. I came in after work, spoke to Joe Smith (Arrogant Dead People) and Terry, and ate Nancy's food that she had prepared because she said she didn't want it. After that, I went over to Flashback's and did karaoke with RickyMac. It was good to see him and his wife again. My buddy Judd was there, as was Mindy. Also, the cook from Jordan's was there. My first song was "Change Clothes" by Jay-Z. The pro-country and western crowd didn't seem to appreciate it, too damn bad!!! My next song was "Unwell" by Matchbox 20, I received a few claps. The next song actually got some people on the floor, "Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits. Yes, I took it way back!!! I ended with "I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. I like that song, it has simple lyrics and and a nice message. That's the new theme song!!! After that, I called it a night.

2: I saw Jet Li's Fearless yesterday. It was a good film, and a nice bit of history about the guy who founded the Jingwu Sports Federation. It's supposed to be his last martial arts epic. He might want to reconsider. That was a darn good movie. Then again, he might not be able to top that one. I enjoyed it. It was definitely worth my $2.50 at the Bartlett 10 theater. Yes, I fool with the second-run theater!! I can't see everything when it comes out first-run!!

3: I need people to stop hating on things because they're "independent". Yesterday, I'm in the comic book store and I was doing my normal trashing of actor Taye Diggs because he's very limited (VERY, VERY limited), and they guys start talking about, "Well, what have YOU done?" I replied that I had several characters that they had seen. Instead of a response of "Oh, I'd like to see your work", I heard responses like "It's not you, but I like my films to have some budget". Okay, what the hell does budgets mean?! Sure, it looks flashy, but that doesn't make you a better writer or mean that you don't have capable actors. I have been in several films that I feel are just as good or better than that Hollywood crap. Bigger doesn't always mean better, people! End of rant.
4: Be easy, readers!!! And don't kill nobody over video games or Barbie dolls or anything else while holiday shopping, it's not that serious, people!!!

Karaoke Chronicles:12/7/2006

I arrived at Jordan's for about two hours of karaoke goodness. I performed "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Cartlon with this young guy who is the bust boy at Jordan's. Oddly enough, everybody calls him "Bust Boy". It was a joke, but I do love that song. After that, Forrest Pruett (Almost Made) gave me $5 for a "jukebox" song. I performed "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain. Forrest and I also performed Linkin Park's "In the End". I also joined the karaoke jockey (KJ) Tony on "Grills" by Nelly. I performed Nelly's part and the chorus, Tony did the other raps. I also want to give a shout out to Misty and her son, Jonathan. I don't know any other 10 year old kid singing "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynrd Skynrd, "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" by Credence Clearwater Revival, or "Simple Kind of Man". He also sang Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive" with Misty. That little dude rocks!!!

I enjoyed myself as usual at Jordan's. It is a great outlet for an actor like myself who is a "ham" and likes to perform.

Karaoke, Wrestling, and Restaurants: The Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:
I got off work, napped, and went to Jordan's. I sang "Superman" by Five for Fighting. That was a request by Tony, a KJ at Jordan's who goes by that name. I also sang "Rock With You" by Michael Jackson. I finished with a so-so rendition of Usher's "Nice and Slow". I was a little flat, but at least I tried. I can't sing the same song every time, I'm not Chubby Checker. You know, the guy with two hits: "Do The Twist" and "Let's Twist Again". I then called it a night.

Saturday:

I got off work, me and my coworker Marvin ate at the Outback Steakhouse in Midtown. After that, I dropped him off at a friends's house. I then went to Target and bought a gift for Terra Hollis' birthday celebration. She likes this wrestler named Chris Masters (she thinks he's cute), and I found his figure. I also bought my homegirl Denna Greer her gift, a special edition of Grease. Don't worry, I told her I was buying her that so she wouldn't buy it. I then went to Smokey Bones for the celebration. Shout out to Shomari, "Angry" Nick, Courtney, Bridgett, Paul "P-Dub" West, Denna, Layla, Wanda, and her boyfriend. I also ran into my friend and fellow blogger (on Myspace) Tamara. She was there with her baby girl Lex (I think it's short for Alexis) and her buddy Jonathan. After eating, I ducked out on the movie portion (Turistas) to go to a holiday party at Jordan's. I performed two songs because it was very crowded. I performed "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye (it was okay), and I performed "Gold Digger" by Kanye West. Shout out to Gaston and Candace for singing Jamie Foxx's part on that song. I also had to assist Sharon and Alena (my friends) on The Pussycat Dolls' "Don't cha". I did Busta Rhymes' closing rap. Forrest and Dr. Jeff were trying it, and, well, they weren't doing a very good job. I decided to save the day. I normally try to keep it country (when in Rome and all that), but I am "countried" out. My dog's left, my wife's left, they've foreclosed my home, and my horse had died. That, and someone butchering Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing" forced me to get a little "urban". Here's a tip, karaoke stars: Knowing the chorus does not mean you know the song, knowing the bridge does not mean you know the song, at least know the melody so you can fake it. After that, I went home.

Sunday:

I went to a wrestling show at the New Daisy Theatre. It was put on by MidSouth AllStar Wrestling (www.midsouthallstarwrestling.com) . They are a small promotion in town, but these guys work hard. I ran into some guys that I had seen at previous shows and we chatted about wrestling. Raven, who is a star on TNA wrestling that comes on Spike TV, wrestled a hardcore match. He broke one of those long light bulbs over a guys' back, he and his opponenet used a cheese grater, and they actually broke the ring. It was crazy!!!! I then received a text message from Shomari informing me that he was ordering the ECW wrestling pay-per-view. I left the New Daisy show around six and rolled out to Shomari's house. After that, I went to Jordan's and sang one song before they closed. I sang Prince's "Little Red Corvette". I kinda knew the words, but I made it through. Like I said, I don't like singing the same song every time. Same is lame. Ask Hugh Hefner. I kid, I kid, I joke!!!

I apologize to those of you who are used to my usual exploits in the Memphis indie film game. The film community is pretty much breaking until September. Many of my current readers may not know this, but I started my blog way before I got deep into the acting game. I hope I don't bore people with my non-acting adventures, but I like writing in my blog. It's a helluva lot cheaper than therapy. Be easy, readers.

PS Go Titans!!!! Our third consecutive victory, and over the playoff-bound Indianapolis Colts, no less. Tennessee is in the building!!!!