It’s almost that time again folks. Next week, the GOP establishment will invade Tampa, Florida for a week-long extravaganza of tea drinking and liberal bashing. Then a week later, the Democrats will have their own love-fest in North Carolina where they will bash the conservative agenda.
Big Whoop-Dee-Do! Every four years we hear the same rhetoric by the same people.
We’ve also heard stupid gaffes made by members of both parties. From the Joe Biden (D) “Put you back in chains” comment to the doozy that Senate candidate Todd Akin (R) made about “legitimate rape”. And THESE are the people we have to choose from in order to determine who is best suited to run our country?
Folks, we are in serious trouble.
No, I’m not telling you who to vote for. That’s completely up to you. What I am asking though is for you to do your homework and to PLEASE, PLEASE not follow blindly along based on a party affiliation. I know for many of you, that’s probably hard to do. You listen all day long to whatever is spouted by your favorite political commentators. It gets ingrained in your head and then you go into that voting booth and blindly press the “D” or “R” lever.
But here’s a thought: how about instead of just exercising your right to vote this year, you do some research first? First, find the list of candidates that will be on the ballot in your area and then actually find out what they stand for. For one week turn off Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Ed Schultz and Media Matters and compile a list of the issues that matter most to you and then find out where each of the candidates stands on the issue. You have two months; I know you can do it.
In the end, you probably will wind up just voting along party lines, but at the very least this exercise will leave no doubt that you voted for the right candidate and not just who Glenn Beck or Rachel Maddow told you to.
And here’s something else to think about. Want to know just how badly these guys want your vote? By the time November 6th rolls around, these two parties will have spent close to ONE BILLION dollars (most of it in TV and radio advertisements) just to elect a president that half of the country is going to HATE. Think about that for a minute. Then think about what else one billion dollars can actually do.
I have to admit, back in “the day” I kind of looked forward to the first day of school. Sure, it was the end of summer, but it was also the time for a fresh start and new beginnings. A chance to see many of the people I hadn’t seen in a long, long time (hey, two months is a lifetime to a kid).
But this coming school year is extra special. For this year marks the first year that I was officially out of K-12 program and began “college life”. Looking back on it now and thinking about the feelings I had at that point in my life is surreal to say the least.
I’m sure some of my fellow classmates will probably tell you that at this point they already had their post high school lives planned out to the finest detail. Everything from which college they were going to attend to what fraternity or sorority they would pledge.
But me? Well, I hadn’t even had given a thought about it. I was more concerned about when my grandmother was going to make her famous sausage casserole for dinner again.
Yes sir, frequent readers of this blog are already well aware of my procrastination and laziness post high-school. In fact, I didn’t take my SAT tests until the very last-minute, and even then just waddled my way through them. I sure as hell wasn’t going to stress myself about studying. I think that the only thing that I was even the slightest bit concerned about was making sure that I registered with Selective Service before I turned eighteen (does anyone else remember that)? Somehow though, I wound up getting accepted into Penn State.
Looking back now, I really lament not taking it more seriously. I spent the first two months at Penn State Allentown and quickly decided to drop out to become a working musician. The extra money I received from Pell Grants and student loans I used for personal things and not for tuition or books. Heck, I figured I had six months from the time I left school to start paying it back, and by then I’d be RICH; or so I thought.
Over the next several years, I was in an out of bands (and becoming a transient college student) before finally coming to the realization that I had made a mistake and needed to enter the work force. Having now started to find “my place” (and with a steady paycheck), I was eventually able to obtain a post high school degree thirteen years after I had graduated and, in 2005 FINALLY paid off the last of my student loans. Better late than never.
Which leads me to this: next week my little girl will start seventh grade and once again I am left to ask the question, “Where does the time go?”. I know it won’t be long before she’ll be faced with the same uncertainty and stress about what lies ahead for the next phase of her life that most high school graduates face. The feeling of needing to find her place.
I think one day I’ll have to sit her down and tell her my story and why its important for her to forge her own path and take her education seriously. Maybe we’ll discuss it at dinner one night over Nan’s sausage casserole. I think I have the recipe for it somewhere…
“Very classy”. It’s one of the few lines she speaks in the movie “Can’t Buy Me Love”, but those two words are what best describes actress Ami Dolenz.
The 1987 coming of age movie that showcased nerdy Ronald Miller (Patrick Dempsey) buying the affections of Cindy Mancini (Amanda Peterson) also contained a number of firsts for the daughter of famous “Monkee” Micky Dolenz. Not only was it Ami’s first feature film role, but it was also where she met co-star Darcy DeMoss (Patty) for the first time as well. The two instantly connected and have been best friends ever since.
Following the breakout success of “Can’t Buy Me Love”, Ami would go on to appear as Melissa McKee on the daytime soap “General Hospital” and star in such films as “She’s Out of Control”, “Miracle Beach”‘, “Witchboard 2: The Devil’s Doorway” and Pumpinkhead II: Blood Wings” to name just a few.
What you may not know about Ami is that, in addition to being an amazing actress, she also has a passion for art and writing. She is currently working on a children’s book,“Harold and Agatha and the Mysterious Jewel”, in which she will both write and illustrate.
I had the opportunity to speak with the beautiful and multi-talented artist from her home in Vancouver and discuss “Can’t Buy Me Love” and the bond she shares with Darcy DeMoss. Ami also talks about her passion for art and storytelling as well as her own “metal” connection.
If there’s one thing I learned about from our conversation, it’s this: When it comes to cool, Ami Dolenz is in a class by herself.
goJimmygo (gJg): I wanted to talk to you about the 25 year anniversary of “Can’t Buy Me Love”.
Ami Dolenz (AD): It’s so weird and hard to believe that its been that long.
Ami Dolenz & Darcy DeMoss “Can’t Buy Me Love”
gJg: I spoke with Darcy DeMoss (Patty) a few months ago and she said the exact same thing.
AD: You interviewed one of my BEST friends. Darcy and I have known each other for such a long time. It was one of those things where we just instantly connected; we keep in touch a lot. I love what she’s doing with the animals. I’ve been to Shambala quite a few times. That whole movement is so amazing; it means a lot to me.
gJg: How did you become involved with “Can’t Buy Me Love?”
AD: I was just starting out as an actress at the time, and initially auditioned for the role of Cindy but ended up getting the role of Fran; which was great. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to get my chops going; memorize lines and hit my mark. Amanda (Peterson) did such a great job as Cindy. I met so many amazing people while working on that movie.
It was so much fun just to be there with everyone and be a part of that experience. It’s a point in my life that I don’t ever want to forget.
gJg: What do you remember most about your experience making the movie?
AD: When we made the movie, it was around the time of my 18th birthday and it was the first time I was on a location without my Mom along. It was also where I met Darcy for the first time. She bought me a cake to celebrate my birthday. We’ve been best friends ever since!
Ami Dolenz & Darcy DeMoss – Best Friends For Life!
gJg: Do you have any favorite scenes?
AD: I really love Darcy’s scene where she’s in the car with Patrick. Of course, I’m also pretty fond of the party scene too (because, I’m in it). <laughs>
gJg: You went on to appear in “General Hospital” and then the movie “She’s Out of Control” with Tony Danza. What was it like working with Tony?
AD: Tony was a fabulous person to work with. He’s also a great tap dancer and showed me some of his moves. It was funny because our paths seemed to keep crossing. I first met him when I was on “Star Search”; we were both in a comedy sketch together. Then a few years later, I met him again for “She’s Out Of Control” .<laughs>
gJg: What attracted you to the horror genre for films like “Pumpkinhead” and “Witchboard”?
AD: Believe it or not, I’m actually a scary movie fanatic. I love horror. In fact, the original “Alien” is my all-time favorite comfort movie. I can watch it over and over.
gJg: Your father is hugely into music. Did he encourage you to try to get you into music while you were growing up?
AD: He did in a way, when I was younger. I used to play his drums. I also have a tape of me as a child signing “Blue Suede Shoes” with him. But acting was something I really wanted to do.
Ami Dolenz, Micky Dolenz & Darcy DeMoss
gJg: What was it like growing up with The Monkees?
AD: I remember we had a beautiful house in the Hollywood Hills that people would always come and visit. One of my best friends growing up was actually Alice Cooper. I even remember one of my first days in school; my teacher asked me who my best friend was and I said, “Alice Cooper”…<laughs>
gJg: Do you have your own “rock star” moment?
AD: I once did an episode of “The Adventures of Superboy” where I actually got to play a rock star who needed to be protected. My hair was wild and I got to “perform” on a huge stage. I particularly remember the scene with my limousine pulling out and everyone pounding on the car. That was a fun gig!
gJg: What are you working on right now?
AD: I’ve been taking art classes here in Vancouver. I do charcoal and some ink projects. I’m also self publishing my own children’s book, “Harold and Agatha and The Mysterious Jewel”. It’s very exciting but a lot of work. I’m going to be doing the illustrations myself as well.
As far as acting goes, I have a few things going right now, but I can’t really talk about them…yet. <laughs>
Loverboy, the Canadian rock band whose songs “Working For The Weekend,” “Hot Girls in Love” and “Queen of The Broken Hearts” have become staples of classic rock radio, have released Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival, a new album of re-recorded hits and new songs.
The band is on a massive nationwide tour supporting fellow veteran rockers Journey, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.
I had the chance to speak with guitarist Paul Dean about Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival as well as his current guitar setup and the origins of some of Loverboy’s biggest hits.
GUITAR WORLD: What made you decide to re-record and put together Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival?
The album started off with “Heartbreaker,” a song outline sent to us by acclaimed producer and good friend Bob Rock. Bob and I go all the way back to 1980, when he was the engineer on our first self-titled album. The first time I heard the song, it was instant for me; I could hear Mike Reno singing the bejeezus out of it….
Have you ever stopped to consider the importance of Friday? I’m not talking about “the day that comes after Thursday and before Saturday” Friday… No, I mean FRIDAY!!
When you think about it, there’s absolutely no day of the week that’s greater than Friday. Not only does it mean the start of the weekend but just think of all the really important events that always happen on Fridays: Getting your paycheck, checking out new movies that premiere, high school football games. It doesn’t even matter if it happens to be raining out – it’s STILL Friday, and that’s cause for celebration!
For me, tonight (coincidentally, also a Friday) begins a nine-day break from the rigors of work that will also coincide with an excursion to Ocean City, Maryland. See? I told you Fridays were awesome!
But, while Fridays as an adult are pretty cool, they don’t even compare to the Fridays I experienced while growing up. So, in celebration of the final day of the work week, here are the three things I loved the most about Fridays growing up:
3. School’s Out: Ah yes, absolutely nothing compared to being a teenager and Friday rolling around. For, in addition to a two-day reprieve from all of the pressures and drama that go along with being a teen, Fridays typically meant no homework and even more importantly, a chance to stay up late and sleep in on Saturday!
2. The Mall: If it was Friday night, you know a non-essential trip to the Palmer Park Mall was in order. The mall was THE place to be seen; especially on Friday.
My neighbor’s mother would always chauffeur the kids around in this big blue station wagon with the sounds of Survivor’s “Vital Signs”; Night Ranger’s “Midnight Madness” or The Hooters “Nervous Night” albums blaring through the Kenwood stereo. Ah, life was good.
You can read more of one of my favorite Friday memories here.
And the number one thing I loved most about Friday growing up:
1. The Incredible Hulk: The television show that starred Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. I would literally be sitting in class ignoring the teacher while daydreaming of that night’s episode. “Will David Banner cure himself of the Hulk tonight?” I’d ask myself; already knowing that the answer was “No”.
In fact, I was so naive that for the longest time I even believed that Bill Bixby and The Hulk were one and the same. I actually believed Bixby really changed into the Hulk; “hiding” his true muscular physique until necessary. I even remember seeing Lou Ferrigno’s name appear in the opening credits and think: “Who the hell is this guy? I’ve never seen him in any episode.”
Although my siblings seemed to be more interested in watching the Dukes of Hazard on Friday nights (and who could blame them, Daisy Duke was pretty hot) when 8pm rolled around at the Wood household, I laid claim to the 19″ television. At least for the next sixty minutes.
There you have it, the three things I loved most about Friday! Here’s hoping your Friday is just as great! And feel free to comment with your own favorite Friday childhood memories!
When a group of friends decides to go camping in the deep woods, it’s a decision they’ll forever regret.
There’s no better way to describe the story of “PELT”, a Richard Swindell horror film that pays homage to classic slasher films of the 80’s generation.
PELT re-lives the horrific events that took place in Caveland, Kentucky during the summer of 1991. The film is a guilty pleasure; complete with all the blood, promiscuity, recreational drug use and humor that had audiences flocking to theaters when hockey-masked malcontents were all the rage.
I had the chance to speak with Travis Goodman and Matthew Robinson; two of the stars of “PELT”, and get their thoughts on the making of the movie as what the future holds.
Travis Goodman as “Mark”
gJg: What’s the best way to describe “PELT” ?
TG: It’s the stereotypical 80’s slasher flick! That’s the part that was so fun about it. For me, it was like a throw back to my childhood.
gJg: What did you like most about your role as Mark?
TG: When I first started reading the script, I immediately found a lot of things that connected me with the character; his playfulness was something that was very ME. Mark’s kind of the glue that holds everyone together. He was the one constant between everyone else in the group, and I think that’s something that’s also very characteristic of myself; he really cared for his friends.
gJg: What was it like working on a horror film with a cast of relative new comers?
TG: I felt really fortunate to be a part of this project. It was low-budget, so I knew that the entire cast and crew were really doing it for the love of making a great movie. When you get people together in that kind of scenario, it always works out for the best. Everyone got along right off the bat.
Travis Goodman
gJg: The campfire scene with you, Ashley (Watkins) and Matthew was one of my favorites.
TG: You know, that was one of my favorite scenes to film. It was the time that I felt the most comfortable on set. A lot of my own personality really started to show through with Mark.
gJg: What’s your favorite horror film of all time?
TG: That’s a tough category for me. My friend and I always used to watch movies like “Night of the Demons” and “Axe”. I think if I had to choose one, I’d say “Scream” because I really like what it did for the genre.
gJg: What’s next for you?
TG: I’m continuing to audition. Also, my girlfriend and I are working on two different features right now.
We’re hoping those will start going through by the end of the year. I’m looking forward to that.
Matthew Robinson as “Mike”
Matthew Robinson
goJimmygo (gJg): Matthew, what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “PELT”?
Matthew Robinson (MR): It’s a guilty pleasure. It’s also a film that’s better to watch when you’re with friends!
gJg: If you had to describe the story of “PELT”, what’s would you say it’s about?
MR: It’s a story about a group of friends who have a bright idea and decide to go exploring and reap any consequences for it later. Unfortunately for us, there was no later… <laughs>
gJg: What did you like most about your role as Mike?
MR: I liked the fact that my character was the comic relief. I was the one who got to make everyone laugh and keep everything fresh and fun.
gJg: For me, one of the funniest scenes in the entire movie was the part where everything was falling apart and then you discover the porn magazine.
MR: You know, my friends still use that on me! I’ll call them up and they’ll answer the phone and say, “Porn? Gimme that!” <laughs>
gJg: In most of the movie you’re wearing pajamas with little ducks on them. What’s the story behind that?
MR: That actually wasn’t written in the original script. On the drive up to location, Brian Gork (Producer) mentioned about me wearing the duck pajamas in one of the scenes. Everyone was laughing and I said, “Let’s do it!” That was how it first got into the script.
Then later, Brian thought it would be even funnier if I wore the ducky pajamas the entire time I was running!” I was down for it, and so that’s how the ducky pajamas came about. <laughs>
Travis Goodman & Matthew Robinson in “Pelt”
gJg: What did you like the most about this being your first feature film?
MR: I really liked the unity. Everyone in the cast got along so well together. For me, this being my first film, it made me feel comfortable.
gJg: Do you have any hobbies outside of acting?
MR: Recently, I’ve gotten into directing and I’ve done a few videos for up and coming artists, so we’ll see where that takes me.
gJg: Any film projects coming up?
MR: I’m working on an action short film and am also directing a few short films of my own as well. I’ve also just completed production on another feature. It’s a comedy called “The King of Hearts”.
gJg: What has the reception been like for Pelt?
It’s been great. I remember when the movie first hit Netflix, it was kind of a shock to me. People started coming up and recognizing me. But it’s all been good. As an actor and artist that’s the best.
Singer-songwriter Jack Dolgen has just released his sophomore album, “Wandering Times” on his own Not One Thing Records. The album is the follow-up to his hugely successful Maricopa album; songs from which were featured on such shows as “How I Met Your Mother”, “16 and Pregnant”, “One Tree Hill”, and “Royal Pains”.
Produced by Mike Geier (B.O.B., Cee-Lo Green), Chuck Brody (Ra Ra Riot, Ted Leo) and Jack Dolgen himself,“Wandering Times” is an eleven song opus that’s filled with organic pop, catchy choruses and melodies that are highly addictive.
In addition to releasing the much-anticipated follow-up album, Jack continues to involve himself in a variety of interesting projects, including co-writing and producing comedy songs with Rachel Bloom (Robot Chicken, Allen Gregory); and composing music for film and TV, such as the theme song for season two of NTSF:SD:SUV:: (Adult Swim)
I had the opportunity to speak with Jack and get the insight about the new album. In “Wandering Times”, Jack takes the listener on a journey of thought and self-reflection. And in the end, we discover that sometimes you need to wander in order to find home.
goJimmygo (gJg): What’s the inspiration behind “Wandering Times”?
Jack Dolgen (JD): I decided to quit music a few years ago. Even though I was living in New York and had already made an album (Maricopa), I felt that everything was sort of crumbling around me. So, I put all of my instruments away, moved to LA and closed the door.
I quit and then the TV and film placements began coming in for my first record. Opportunities to record for TV shows kind of drew me back into recording and it was all going so well, I realized that I can’t really get away from music. I started recording songs in chunks, just to test the water and see if I could handle it. Eventually, I was back in completely.
gJg: What’s your songwriting process like?
JD: It’s different every time. Sometimes I’ll just be out walking or driving and a melody will come to me and I’ll record it on my phone. Other times, I just pick up the instrument and see what happens. All of the songs started out on just acoustic guitar or piano and then build from there. I try and take a stay out of the way approach to the early part of the songwriting process, when an idea comes from wherever it comes from. Then after that stage is over, I jump in and work, rework, tweak and refine.
Baby I’m Afraid Tonight: This song is about vulnerability and honesty in a relationship. The idea that it’s not the times when we’re perfect for each other that bring us closer together; it’s the times when we’re vulnerable.
In the song, I’m singing to a lover but in a sense, I’m also signing to myself. It’s a hard thing to be vulnerable.In a lot of my songs, I strive to learn from them.
Jack Dolgen
gJg: What’s next for you?
JD: I’ve already begun writing songs for a third album. I’m always writing and working with different songwriters. I have a theme for NTSF:SD:SUV, the second season of which airs this week.
I’m also finishing up an album with Rachel Bloom. It’s her first full-length release. In addition to being an incredible musical talent, she’s also a tremendous comedic talent as well. We’ve worked on quite a few comedy songs and videos together. She’s phenomenal.
For More information on Jack Dolgen check out the links below:
Another Sunday morning and here I sit writing a blog when I should be making an itemized order for all the things I really should accomplish today. Sadly, my laziness has always taken precedence over laborious things. And I say “sadly” only because that’s the way my situation may appear to you, the reader. Quite honestly, it’s not really sad to me.
I put in at least 54 hours of work at my regular job each week. On occasion, the hours may go higher with being on-call but, for the sake of this discussion, I’ll just use the average amount of hours.
With putting in so many hours at my nine-to-five (well actually my six-to-four) job, I tend to procrastinate on a lot of my duties at home when the weekend finally arrives. The thing is, work never ends whether it’s at the office or on the home front. But, like most things, I take it in stride.
For instance: yesterday I did the minimal amount of work to get by. I watched four episodes of the show Supernatural I received from NetFlix, made myself dinner and fed the animals. Oh, and I did manage to get dressed, go to the gym for ninety minutes and take a shower. So there were some good things that were accomplished. But as far as household chores go, well let’s just say it started to get dark before I could do any of them.
So, as I sit here typing this entry, here are the following things I’d like to get accomplished today:
Mowing the lawn: It’s becoming a jungle out there. The prerequisite to mowing the lawn includes weed whacking and the clean up of the “things” my dogs leave behind when they go outside. Total Est Time: 2 hours.
Sweeping and mopping of entire downstairs: We’ve got new wood floors and the dust bunnies have been partying hard lately and not using protection. Total Est Time: 90 minutes.
Cleaning the upstairs bathroom:I tend to put this one-off as long as possible too as the smell of Tilex mildew remover is horrendous. Total Est. Time: 1 hour
Cleaning the fish tank: I love my saltwater fish tank but can not stand the algae that accumulates in it. It looks more like a bog in there then a relaxing escape for anyone checking it out. Total Est Time: 1 hour.
Giving the dogs a bath: Maybe this one I can give to my daughter. She loves to torture the dogs with water. Not so much in a menacing way, she just loves being the one to give them a bath. Total Est Time: 30 minutes.
All totaled, there are six hours out of the day that are already gone. Even more importantly, I also need to go to continue working on my book, go to the gym, ride my motorcycle and practice my guitar. Oooh, and let’s not forget lunch. I’ve GOT to have lunch. I’m a firm believer that you simply can’t do anything on an empty stomach.
So it’s going to be a very busy Sunday for me that’s for sure. But this is the price I pay for owning a home and wanting to take pride in it. I’ve been doing it for years with great success. I’m more than up for the challenge.
Uh-oh, someone just challenged me to a game of Words With Friends…. First things first.
The actor, known for his bad guy roles is excited to discuss his latest film project, “Get The Gringo”; the action thriller starring Mel Gibson which was recently released on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Gibson plays a convict, “Driver” sent to a Mexican prison for stealing money from a crime boss. While adjusting to life inside of the town-like confines and plotting his escape, he befriends a young boy with a rare blood type and fondness for cigarettes. It’s up to the “Gringo” to save the boy’s life and break out of prison.
Tom plays the role of “American Hitman”, one of many nefarious villains out to acquire the money stolen by the Gringo.
Schanley himself is no stranger to the entertainment medium. His accomplishments include credits on stage (“Getting Out”, “The Wager”, “Julius Caesar”), on television (“Dexter”, “Criminal Minds”) and in film (“A Better Life”, “Courage Under Fire”, “Conspiracy Theory”). In addition to his acting, Tom’s written several screenplays and also donates his time to various causes to help those less fortunate.
It doesn’t get much cooler than that.
Tom continues to exercise his theater chops; and will appear in an upcoming version of “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof” at the Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, California September 13-23, 2012
I had the opportunity to speak with Tom and get hit thoughts on “Get The Gringo” as well as some of his other acting roles, writing and charitable works.
gJg: How would you describe the story of “Get The Gringo”?
TS: Mel Gibson plays a bad guy who steals money from another bad guy and winds up getting his money taken by corrupt police and thrown into a Mexican prison. The story then follows his quest to try and get the money back. In the interim, he falls in love in the most unlikely of places as he tries to get back what he had lost.
I like to say that it’s Mel Gibson going back to his old “Lethal Weapon” self.
gJg: How did this role come about for you?
TS: I liked the script and wanted to be a part of it. I’ve also known Mel for quite some time; we both shared the same agent for about 20 years.
Initially, I was called in for the lawyer role; Peter Stormare’s character but the producers said that they really liked me for the role of the hit man.
I’ve always loved playing the bad guy so I said: “Hell, yeah!” <laughs>
gJg: What’s it like working with Mel Gibson?
TS: Mel’s always been a great guy to me. I worked with him before in the movie, “Conspiracy Theory”. He has a great sense of humor and is just a great guy to be around. It was a nice shoot down in Mexico.
Even though Mel wasn’t directing, it was a light set and we were all just having fun knowing that we were making a great movie.
gJg: When did the acting bug first hit you?
TS: It was around the time when I was sixteen. I was just a kid in high school performing in the local community theater. I grew up outside of Boston in a little conservative town called Manchester. It was New England and “the norm” there was pretty much finishing high-school, going off to college and then finding a job.
I remember I was driving home from the theater one night with a friend of mine and we were talking about what we were going to do once school was finished. I told her that I wasn’t sure about what I wanted to do and then she asked the question: “Well, how about acting?”
Honestly, I had never really given much thought about it before. To me, acting was so much fun; how could it possibly be my “job”. But, it gave me something to think about and it wasn’t long before I said “Yeah, let’s try this on for size and see what happens!”
gJg: You’re also an accomplished writer!
TS: Yes, my writing partner Jon Lindstrom and I wrote a script a few years ago called “The Hard Easy” that was made into a feature film. It took quite a long time to write but we knew we had a good story. It was exciting.
At the time, my agent’s former assistant, Dan had left the agency to work for Joel Silver. So, I gave the script to him to read and critique. He wound up calling my agent and telling him that they wanted to buy it. Jon and I decided to hold on to it for a while and eventually sold the rights a few years later.
Now, I can add writer to my list of achievements. <laughs>
gJg: What do you find are the differences between filming a movie as opposed to doing series television?
TS: The time factor is really the big thing. A TV shoot is typically run on an eight-day shooting schedule. With feature film, you have the luxury of having more time to develop characters because they’re shot at a much slower pace.
gJg: Tell me a little about your charity work.
I work with the Los Angeles Mission. The homelessness problem is a very big concern for me. It’s hard to believe that in this country there are so many homeless people. I like supporting the mission because I know the money goes to the right places. I’m also involved with various other causes as well.
gJg: What are you currently working on now?
TS: Right now, I’m working on a play that’s a labor of love. I play Brick in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”. It’s one of those rare Tennessee Williams pieces that you don’t get to do a lot. It’s great fun!
Keep up with Tom Schanley by checking out his Facebook page
and following him @TwitasaurusRex on Twitter!
Let me set the record straight: Michael “Big Mike” Lynche’s journey is about to begin.
After wowing millions of fans with his comforting, yet husky and powerful voice and performing throughout the United States as part of the American Idol LIVE! Tour, the man who finished 4th on Season 9 of American Idol will release his self-titled debut album on August 14th. You can pre-order the album here.
Lynche, whom AI fans recall was famously “saved” by the judges during the competition, has created a sonically rich and lyrically inviting debut album. The first single of which, “Who’s Gonna Love You More” is #27 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Chart and still climbing!
With influences ranging from artists like: 2Pac, Notorious B.I.G., Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Bonnie Raitt and Jimi Hendrix, Lynche’s debut contains the perfect combination of R&B, Hip Hop and Jazz.
From “Crazy Gina” to “Unstoppable”, there’s an infectious sonic invasion that will satisfy every palette.
Mike’s heartfelt music has been virtually a lifetime in the making. A seed that was planted at an early age and nurtured by his mother, who shared her love of music with Mike and introduced him to a wide range of artistic sounds and styles.
Even though Mike was enamored with music and the arts throughout his school years, his focus eventually shifted to football. Michael’s work on the gridiron was rewarded when he earned an athletic scholarship to University of Central Florida.
It was following a break from school to take care of his ailing mother, when Mike bought a guitar and a remarkable thing happened.
“For the very first time in my life, I could play and sing at the same time,” Mike recalls. “More clicked for me musically. I was writing music to express what I was going through internally with my mom passing.”
Mike then gave music a second chance. Soon thereafter, a friend asked him to play at his wedding in New York. Though Michael was working at a mortgage company in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, at the time he agreed. Mike played particularly well and while he and his wife were standing on a street corner in Time’s Square, she suggested they move to New York in order to pursue his musical dreams.
A few years later, Mike auditioned for American Idol, which launched his recording career.
None of Michael’s remarkable journey would have been possible without the love of his wife and the second chances he has enjoyed throughout his life. Now, with the new album, Michael Lynche gets to live out his dreams, both as a family man and musically.
“I’ve wanted to say these things for a long time. I feel like I was able to express myself more than ever on this album. I was able to get the things I wanted to say out in song and in melody in a way that I’ve never been able to before.”
For more information on Michael Lynche check out the links below:
It’s almost that time again folks. Next week, the GOP establishment will invade Tampa, Florida for a week-long extravaganza of tea drinking and liberal bashing. Then a week later, the Democrats will have their own love-fest in North Carolina where they will bash the conservative agenda.
go.Jimmy.go 