Monday, April 28, 2008

Gifts, Karaoke, and Movies: The Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

I went to the comic book store, then to Hastings on my side of town. I bought my (step)father the Lonesome Dove miniseries on DVD. Hey, he likes Westerns. I write (step) father like this because I only use this term to differentiate from when I am talking about my birth father. My (step)father has never treated me differently because we were not blood relative, and I love him for that. After that, I went home and chilled out.

Saturday:

I chilled out most of the day until about 5:45 PM. I saw Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins. Martin Lawrence playd a successful talk show host who returns home after several years for his parents' 50th wedding anniversary. James Earl Jones played his father, Michael Clarke Duncan played his brother, and Mike Epps played his cousin. Mike Epps is foolish. I enjoyed it. After that, I sang a little karaoke at Jordan's. It was cool.

Sunday:

I chilled out until about 6:35. I went to Burger King and then back to the Bartlett 10 ($2.50 discount movies) and watched Step Up 2: The Streets. The acting wasn't the greatest, but the dance moves were awesome!! After that, I called it a night and watched the end of the Dallas-New Orleans basketball game.

My weekend was realtively low-key. I should rehearse and then record my part in the animated feature David:Valley of Shadows this weekend. My first cartoon!! Hopefully, I can start getting some more voiceover work. Be easy, readers!!!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

RIP Soul Singer Al Wilson

Soul singer Al Wilson, who topped the U.S. pop singles chart in 1974 with "Show and Tell" died on Monday, local media reported.

Wilson succumbed to kidney failure in a hospital in Fontana, a city about 50 miles east of Los Angeles, said the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. He was 68.

The Mississippi native issued his first single "The Snake," in 1968. "Show and Tell" spent one week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hit 100 singles chart in January 1974. The romantic ballad was written and produced by prolific songwriter Jerry Fuller, and first recorded by Johnny Mathis.

Monday, April 21, 2008

DVDs, films, and NBA: The Weekend Wrap-up

Friday:

I went to this store on Germantown Parkway called Hastings. This store is awesome!! They have new and used CDs, DVDs, keyboards, funny t-shirts, blank CDs and DVDs (for recording), magazines, books, and a special comic book and graphic novel section. They also have anime and other DVDs for purchase and rent. I love this place!!! If I had a son today, his name would be Malik Hastings Seaberry. That's how much I love this place!!! They had a little sale on, where you could buy one used DVD and get another one (equal or lesser value) for a penny. I found an old cartoon from the 80s on DVD named Blackstar. It was kind of a prototype for He-Man. I got the entire series for $9.99, then I also got Body Rock, an 80s breakdance movie starring Lorenzo Lamas, for a penny. I have a soft spot for cheesy dance movies. I also bought a used CD single. It was the maxi-single for "Baby", a song from Brandy's first album. I bought it because the last track is the "I Wanna Be Down" remix. Brandy had this remix with all these great female emcees on it: Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Yo-Yo. I left very pleased with my acquisitions.

Saturday:

I chilled out, watched the Cavs beat the Pacers, then I left during the Suns-Spurs game to go see Forgetting Sarah Marshall. It was produced by Judd Apatow and was about a guy who is dumped by his actress girlfriend and goes to Hawaii to get over her. Of course, his ex-girlfriend is also in Hawaii at the same time. It wasn't as funny as "Knocked Up" or "Superbad", but it had its moments. After that, I went to Sonic, then Hastings again. I bought "Superman:Doomsday" on DVD for only $7.99. I then got "TMNT", the latest Ninja Turtles movie, for a penny. Hastings rules!!

Sunday:

I chilled out, watched some more NBA basketball (the Magic beat the Raptors), and then I went out later in the evening. I also played a little "Rock Band". I was the singer, but once everybody started playing on Medium, I was a liability because I couldn't hit the notes precisely enough. I bowed out. Oh, I almost forgot: I did go to GameStop on Germantown Parkway. They have a buy 2 used Dvds, get 2 free sale. I found a used copy of the Chris Benoit DVD. Benoit was a WWE wrestler who murdered himself and his family. That was bad, but he was a good wrestler and I really wanted to have his DVD. I am not endorsing genocide!!! I also got "Undercover Brother" on DVD, and got "Matchstick Men" and "The Cooler" for free. GameStop is going to stop selling used DVDs. I had to take advantage, of course.

That was pretty much it, no acting, not a lot of traveling around. I will be recording on "David: Valley of Shadows" soon. Be easy, readers!!!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

New Videos that I like

I came across these, and I liked them, so I'm sharing. The first video is by Playaz Circle, a group affiliated with rapper Ludacris. Joining them on this song is Phonte of the group Little Brother. Although primarily a rapper, Phonte sings the hook.

Playaz Circle featuring Phonte-Paper Chasin'/We Workin':





Next is the new video from veteran rap group Wu-Tang Clan. On this single, they are joined by soul singer Erykah Badu

Wu Tang Clan featuring Erykah Badu: Heart Gently Weeps:



I liked them, and maybe some of my readers will,too.

Be easy, readers!!!

Monday, April 14, 2008

A Recap of the Last Few Days.....

Wednesday:

I went to a cast and crew premiere of a local film that I was in called Curbside Confessions. The film was directed by Arnold Edwards II. The film starred a lot of loca actors: Hardy McNeece, Michael McClendon, Aaron Jones, Wasabi Jones, Dayna Hinkel, Patrick Cox, Ty Tarver, Forrest Pruett, Jon Sparks, Amy Weatherford, Bevan Bell, Trent Dee, and so many others. Please forgive me if your name was just not mentioned. I played a drug addict named Tyrone Broomfield. I was pleased with the film, and people seemed to like my role. For more info on the film, go to www.myspace.com/curbsideconfessions . We ate at Boscos later. I had a good time. That was the hardest I ever had to work on a film. I was tied up, beat up, and I had to deal with some emotional material. I feared that people would not accept me in a serious role. I was pleasantly surprised.

Friday:

I chilled out and watched TV. Yay!!!

Saturday:

I got a haircut at about 6:30 in the morning (Shoutout to Jabo's on Germantown Parkway), I went to the bank and deposited my check for appearing in The Open Road (money is good), and I chilled out for a while. Later, I went to Comics and Collectibles. I ran into my fellow wrestling fan Jeff, and we went to Cici's Pizza, where I left my Memphis Tigers hat (bad move on my part), and then to his house to watch some wrestling. Yes, I still like wrestling. Leave me alone!!! Jeff knows where to get that good independent wrestling, not that WWE or TNA stuff. I have definitely got to invest in the indie DVDs.

Later, I went to Jordan's Catfish and More for some karaoke. It was a packed house, so I sang two songs. Eh, it beats being at home all night.

Sunday:

I pretty much lounged around until the evening. I finally finished watching all the special features on the About a Boy DVD. It's a pretty good film about a thirtysomething slacker (Hugh Grant) who meets a little kid. They form a friendship and help each other grow up. Rachel Weisz (The Mummy) and Toni Colette (In Her Shoes) is also in the film. Rod Pitts got it for me for Christmas. At first, I was sceptical, but once I really paid attention to it, I enjoyed it.
Later in the evening, I ate some Mexican food at My Favorite Place Restaurant. After that, I saw Smart People at the Cordova Cinema. Dennis Quaid plays a self-absorbed, arrogant college professor that nobody likes. Through a series of events, he is reunited with a former student (Sarah Jessica Parker) and his adopted brother (Thomas Haden Church). These two characters help him to grow and work on his relationship with his son and daughter. Ellen Page played his daughter. Her character was basically a Young Republican version of Juno, but I liked it. Okay, I have a bit of a crush on Ellen Page. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the film.

I don't know if I'll get a role before I do my voiceover work for David: Valley of Shadows. Oh, well, at least I have gotten paid once this year, and David will be my second paycheck. That's two more checks for acting than I got last year. The artistic hustle continues. Be easy, readers!!!!

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Open Letter to My City (Memphis)

Well, the University of Memphis Tigers were unsuccessful in the National Championship game. We can blame several factors: being outhustled most of the game, missed freethrows at the end, and failure to foul the Kansas player that made the three -point play that sent the game into overtime. Whatever the reason, we came up short. I was saddened and hurt by these events. I know, "But it's just a game, Markus!" Not to me. Memphis is my alma mater, the place where my mom, uncle Ray, aunt Mary, cousin Eugenia, and my cousin Narilyn gradauted from. I remember my mom's graduation from then-Memphis State. I remember competing in Mid-South Spelling Bees for three years straight from 6th-8th grade at good ol' Memphis State. I remember when the Tigers had a song on the radio back in the 80s. Yeah, the NCAA shut that down quick. I remember the 1985 Final Four...and our crushing defeat. I remember the 1992 Elite Eight team losing to Cincinatti, who had also beaten us three times previously in the season. I remember Larry Finch being fired, I remember Tic Price and his scandal, and I remember John Calipari coming to town. I also remember the 2002 NIT championship, the missed free throws in '05, and the '06 and '07 losses to UCLA and Ohio State. I remember every bad moment, but I remember the good times, too. I remember Penny Hardaway deciding to come to Memphis. I remember the excitement over getting DaJuan Wagner. I remember seeing Michael Wilson jump out the gym. Justin Wimmer taking what seemed like 10 charges a game, Lorenzen Wright dunking on people with reckless abandon, and this season, seeing CDR and Derrick Rose hold shooting clinics for unsuspecting opponents. I remember the hope and the promise of this season. The sadness of losing to UT (stinkin' Vols). I also remember the resolve and heart that the Tigers showed following that loss. I remember us beating Texas-Arlington, barely beating Mississippi State, destroying Michigan State, and handling Texas. I loved it last Saturday when we sent the great UCLA back home. I choose to focus on these times.

I loved the cameraderie that this greatly racially divided, crime-stricken city also showed. A Caucasian fellow saw me in my Tiger Blue on Sunday outside the Young Avenue Deli. He smiled and showed me a big photo of Chris Douglas-Roberts (CDR) in the paper. For a little while, my city seemed to come together, regardless of race, creed, or social standing. We all loved the Tigers, so we found a common ground. I also loved the way that people were out in full force yesterday when the Tigers came home. I love the attitude of most people who are saying that the Tigers are "Still #1" in our hearts. The only sad part is why does a sporting event have tobe the catalyst for that type of unity to overtake my city? Also, how long will it be before the class and racial divisions become visible again? Why is there so much crime and poverty and apathy over my city? Why is our school system a mess? Why are our elected officials constantly embroiled in scandal? What will it take for us to permanently come together. Memphians, let's continue this feeling of "togetherness". Let us not lose sight of the fact that we are all Memphians and that we all want our city to improve. Let's transfer all that positive energy and brotherhood into other areas that need to be addressed and make our city as great as it can be. Go Tigers, and Go Memphis!!!

Monday, April 07, 2008

RIP Charlton Heston

Heston Left Cinematic, Political Mark

April 6, 2008, 5:47 PM EST
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Nancy Reagan was heartbroken over Charlton Heston's death. President Bush hailed him as a "strong advocate for liberty," while John McCain called Heston a devotee for civil and constitutional rights.
Even Michael Moore, who mocked Heston in his gun-control documentary "Bowling for Columbine," posted the actor's picture on his Web site to mark his passing.

Heston, who died Saturday night at 84, was a towering figure both in his politics and on screen, where his characters had the ear of God (Moses in "The Ten Commandments"), survived apocalyptic plagues ("The Omega Man") and endured one of Hollywood's most-grueling action sequences (the chariot race in "Ben-Hur," which earned him the best-actor Academy Award).
Better known in recent years as a fierce gun-rights advocate who headed the National Rifle Association, Heston played legendary leaders and ordinary men hurled into heroic struggles.
"In taking on epic and commanding roles, he showed himself to be one of our nation's most gifted actors, and his legacy will forever be a part of our cinema," Republican presidential candidate McCain said in a statement that also noted Heston's involvement in the civil-rights movement and his stand against gun control.

Heston's jutting jaw, regal bearing and booming voice served him well as Marc Antony in "Julius Caesar" and "Antony and Cleopatra," Michelangelo in "The Agony and the Ecstasy," John the Baptist in "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and an astronaut on a topsy-turvy world where simians rule in "Planet of the Apes."
"Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life," Heston's family said in a statement. "We knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather with an infectious sense of humor. He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity."

The actor died at his home in Beverly Hills with his wife, Lydia, at his side, family spokesman Bill Powers said. He declined to comment on the cause of death or provide further details Sunday.
One of the biggest box-office draws of the 1950s, '60s and '70s, Heston's work dwindled largely to small parts and narration and other voice roles from the 1980s on, including an uncredited cameo as an ape in Tim Burton's 2001 remake of "Planet of the Apes."
Shirley Jones, who co-starred with Heston in one of his last leading roles in the 1999 drama "Gideon," said his talent as an actor sometimes is forgotten because of the epic characters he played.
"To me, he was the consummate leading man. He was tall, he was handsome, he was sensitive, he was gruff when he had to be. He was a great cowboy, he was perfect for those historical roles," Jones said. "He could do everything, and there aren't many actors around today who could."

In 2002, near the end of his five years as president of the NRA, Heston disclosed he had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease.
The disclosure was soon followed by an unflattering appearance in Moore's 2003 best documentary winner "Bowling for Columbine," which took America to task for its gun laws.
Moore used a clip of Heston holding aloft a rifle at an NRA rally and proclaiming "from my cold, dead hands." The director flustered the actor in an interview later in the film by pressing him on his gun-control stance. Heston eventually walked out on Moore.
Moore's Web site, http://www.michaelmoore.com, on Sunday featured a photo of Heston, the date of his birth and death and a note from the actor's family requesting that donations be made to the Motion Picture and Television Fund in lieu of flowers.
There was no other reaction on the site from Moore about Heston's death. Moore did not immediately respond to e-mail and phone requests seeking comment.
Jones, who worked with Heston on "Gideon" near the beginning of his tenure as NRA president, said she discussed gun control with him and came to respect his stand, even though she disagreed with it. She said he told her his family grew up poor in the country and "had to go out and kill a deer if we wanted meat."
"He was a caring, sweet gentleman who believed in his country," Jones said. "He believed the Constitution said it's OK, we have to defend ourselves."
Like fellow conservative Ronald Reagan, Heston served as president of the Screen Actors Guild. Former first lady Nancy Reagan said in a statement that she was heartbroken to hear of his death.
"He was one of Ronnie's and my dearest friends," she said. "I will never forget Chuck as a hero on the big screen in the roles he played, but more importantly I considered him a hero in life for the many times that he stepped up to support Ronnie in whatever he was doing."
Bush — who in 2003 presented Heston the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor — called Heston a "man of character and integrity, with a big heart."
Decades before his NRA leadership, Heston was a strong advocate for civil rights in the 1960s, joining marches and offering financial assistance.
Civil-rights leaders in Los Angeles held a moment of silence in Heston's memory Sunday after an unrelated news conference.
Heston had contributed and raised thousands of dollars in Hollywood for Martin Luther King Jr.'s movement, said Earl Ofari Hutchinson, president of the Los Angeles Urban Policy Round Table.
"We certainly disagree with his position as NRA head and also his firm, firm, unwavering support of the unlimited right to bear arms," Hutchinson said. But, he added, "Charlton Heston was a complex individual. He lived a long time, and certainly, there were many phases. The phases we prefer to remember were certainly his contributions to Dr. King and civil rights."
Fans remember Heston for some of the most epic moments on film: Parting the Red Sea as Moses in "The Ten Commandments," cursing his self-destructive species as he stumbles on the remnants of the Statue of Liberty in "Planet of the Apes," tearing hell-bent through the chariot race in "Ben-Hur."
"Ben-Hur" earned 11 Oscars, the most ever until 1997's "Titanic" and 2003's "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" tied it.
Born Charles Carter in a Chicago suburb on Oct. 4, 1923, Heston grew up in the Michigan wilderness, where his father operated a lumber mill.
Heston took up acting after serving in the Army during World War II. He took his professional name from his mother's maiden name, Charlton, and the last name of his stepfather, Chester Heston, whom she married after his parents' divorce.
After his movie debut in two independent films by a college classmate, Heston was put under contract by producer Hal B. Wallis ("Casablanca"). Cecil B. DeMille cast him as the circus manager in "The Greatest Show on Earth" and then as Moses in "The Ten Commandments."
He followed with Orson Welles' "Touch of Evil," William Wyler's "The Big Country" and the sea saga "The Wreck of the Mary Deare" before "Ben-Hur" elevated Heston to the top of Hollywood's A-list.
His later films included "Earthquake," "El Cid," "The Three Musketeers," "Midway" and "Soylent Green."
In recent years, Heston drew as much publicity for his crusades as for his performances. In addition to his NRA work, he campaigned for Republican presidential and congressional candidates and against affirmative action.
He resigned from Actors Equity, claiming the union's refusal to allow a white actor to play a Eurasian role in "Miss Saigon" was "obscenely racist." He attacked CNN's telecasts from Baghdad as "sowing doubts" about the allied effort in the 1990-91 Gulf War.
Heston also feuded with liberal Edward Asner, one of his successors as Screen Actors Guild president. In a statement Sunday, Asner said Heston "was a worthy opponent and certainly helped create work for a lot of actors."
When Heston stepped down as NRA president, he told members his time in office was "quite a ride. ... I loved every minute of it."
Heston and his wife had a daughter, Holly Ann, and a son, Fraser Clarke, who played the infant Moses in "The Ten Commandments."
In the 1990s, Heston's son directed his father in several TV and big-screen films, including "Treasure Island" and "Alaska."
The Hestons celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1994 at a party with Hollywood and political friends. They had been married 64 years when he died.

Grizzlies, Tigers, and Films (Oh My!!): The Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

I had won two tickets to a Memphis Grizzlies game a few weeks ago in a drawing. I could not find anyone to go with me, so I decided to exchange my two $55 tickets with a "scalper" (they are legal in Memphis) for a $69 dollar ticket. Remember, I had two free tickets. I didn't lose any money, and I got a better seat. Plaza level is freaking awesome!! I chitchatted with a family next to me, and had a good ol' time. The Grizzlies were destroyed by the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors have an outside chance of making the playoffs. The Grizzlies don't have a snowball's chance in Hades of making the playoffs. I left after the 3rd quarter to beat traffic. Hey, a free game and it only cost me $3 in parking (I did a little walking). I even resisted the urge to eat the high-priced concession food. After that, I called it a night.

Saturday:

I worked for about four hours (BOOO!), then I met up with John Fuess to film scenes for his next project. My scenes were with Monica Summerfield (Eat, Moon Landing) and Annie Gaia (Eat). Annie is also in a First Tennessee commercial airing in the Memphis area. I'm proud of her. We finished in a relatively quick amount of time, 2 hours or so. I am playing the "headphone guy" in the office. I always have my headphones on, and am singing and dancing to myself. I have a little "solo", it's funny.

After that, I picked up my good buddy Bryan Newcomb, and we went to the Barnes and Noble bookstore on the UofM campus. Bryan worked/watched the Tigers game, while I was merely a spectator of one of the most glorious days in Memphis Tiger history. We beat UCLA decisively and are playing in the National Championship!!!!!!! I never thought I would see this day. This is a good day for Memphis. Go Tigers!!! I hope we win tonight.

After that, I went to a birthday celebration for actor/filmmaker Bevan Bell. He and his wife Christine live in San Francsico now. It was good to see Bevan and Christine, as well as some Memphis friends of mine that I hadn't seen in a while: Brad, Anthony and his wife, and Joe Smith (Elvis, Curbside Confessions). We celebrated at Dish, in the Cooper-Young area of Memphis. I hung out until about 10.

My final event was a dance party at the Vault on Highland. Shout out to Lauren, April Steele (is for real), Sean and Brian George, The Chris Haley, Curt Franklin, Nathan (The bar-ar-tender), Doyle and Scoop, and everybody else who came out.

Sunday:

I woke up with a sore back, but I recovered nicely. I met up with local filmmaker Arnold
Edwards for lunch at Cafe Ole and to receive a t-shirt and some other goodies for being in his film, Curbside Confessions. It was good to see Arnold and his girlfriend Dayna (Fayette-Ware!! What!!!). Dayna grew up in Oakland (near where I lived), and we attended the same high school. Good ol' Fayette-Ware Comprehensive High School. Okay, I hate that place, but I was trying to do the whole nostalgia thing. Glen Ring (Rommel's Crossroad) was also there, as was his girlfriend, my buddies Sing and Ryan, and Donald, another actor in the area. We hung out, chewed the fat, made lots of inappropriate jokes, and had a good time.

After that, I went to the comic book store, then I went home, chilled, napped, and went to a 9:35 showing of 27 Dresses at the Bartlett 10. Yes, I saw a chick flick. A chick flick with a very cute chick (Grey's Anatomy's Katherine Heigl). I may need to learn h0w to write these. The ladies seem to love them. I would love to have some of that Lifetime money.

I almost forgot: I recevied a phone call on Saturday informing me that I have been cast in the animated film David: Valley of Shadows. It is a small voiceover role, but it is paying, thank you God!!!! Markus could use some more pennies right now.

After work, I look forward to watching the Tigers (hopefully) whoop the Kansas Jayhawks. Be easy, readers....and GO TIGERS GO!!!!!

Friday, April 04, 2008

RIP Frosty Freeze, Breakdance Pioneer



Breakdance pioneer dies in NYC

By ULA ILNYTZKY, Associated Press Writer 2 hours, 46 minutes ago
NEW YORK - Wayne "Frosty Freeze" Frost, a hip-hop pioneer whose acrobatic performance with the legendary Rock Steady Crew in the 1983 movie "Flashdance" helped set off a worldwide breakdancing craze, has died. He was 44.
Frost died Thursday at Mount Sinai Medical Center after a long illness, said Jorge "Fabel" Pabon, a senior vice president of the crew where Frost and other so-called b-boys (for beat or break boys) made their name performing complicated and daring dance routines.
"He was one of most charismatic b-boys that ever lived," said Benson Lee, director of the new documentary film "Planet B-Boy."
Breakdancing emerged from the Bronx and Harlem in the early 1970s, part of the hip-hop culture that also included graffiti, MCing or rapping, and disc jockeys scratching and mixing vinyl records on turntables.
During extended pauses, or breaks, in the music, b-boys would mimic James Brown's showmanship and footwork and Bruce Lee's martial arts, adding their own signature moves.
Frost was known for his energetic style, intricate choreography and fearless moves including back flips and head spins. One was even dubbed the "Suicide."
Frost got his start in 1978 with the Bronx-based Rock City Crew. In 1981, he became part of the Rock Steady Crew, joining such acclaimed breakdancers as Ken Swift and Lil Crazy Legs.
Frost toured the world with the Rock Steady Crew and other hip-hop artists, including Fab 5 Freddy, Futura 2000 and Kool Lady Blue.
Frost's appearance with Rock Steady Crew in "Flashdance" spread the breakdance phenomenon globally, said Joseph Schloss, a visiting scholar in the music department at New York University. "He was one of the first B-boys that most people ever saw," Schloss said.
Graffiti artist and close friend Zulu King Slone, who knew Frost for 15 years, said he was "like a walking hip-hop culture encyclopedia."
As a member of the Rock Steady Crew, Frost also appeared in several movies on hip-hop culture, including "Wild Style," "Beat Street" and "Style Wars." He also appeared on the cover of the Village Voice in 1981.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete.
___
Associated Press writer Tania Fuentez contributed to this report.