Unique things:
- Met Rick James twice and talked to him on the phone three times (I was Director of Guest Services at a nightclub) and later portrayed him one E! Network’s “Infamous”. Coincidence?
- Acted along side of Robert Earl Jones, father of James Earl Jones, in an off-Broadway play, “Blind Eyes Seeking Survival”. He was 92 then! Two weeks later I met James Earl Jones coming out of the cleaners!
- Had a character drawn of me by Matt Groening, creator of “The Simpsons”. I worked the VIP area at the House Of Blues, and he drew a character of me on the disposable table cover. I knew this because he was looking back and forth at me and then covered up the drawing when I came closer to take a peek, which I only saw part of. Too bad the busboy had no idea and simply did his job by throwing away the paper and replacing it with a new one!
- Kelsey Grammer came up to me on the set of “15 Minutes” and said hello and the such. I hope it wasn’t because I was trying to hide my laughter from his squeaky shoes – on carpet!
- On the same “15 Minutes” film, Avery Brooks and I playfully jarred back and forth about how he thought he kicked me when jumping over the bar in a scene. Cool fellow. He insisted that he kicked me while jumping over a counter…he never did.
- Brian O’Neal of the band, The Busboys, and a friend of his took me to dinner for my birthday. I guess you could say I was honored and embarrassed at the same time, since he walked through the door playing happy birthday for me on the harmonica.
- Found out my family heritage after trying to get a scholarship as an undergrad. My mother was in my dorm room and I had her call a way distant member of the family. Funny thing…my mother’s response after she hung up the phone, “I’ll be damned…I’m a half-breed!” Quite hilarious.
- Speaking of education, I have a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, and a Master’s degree in Sport Management, with honors. Not bad for a guy who had to make up credits in summer school three months after his friends and peers graduated high school. I graduated high school with a…drum roll, please – 1.29 GPA. Note: we all have it in us to do anything we damn well set our minds to – know that! Though I never attended NYU for undergrad, nor Columbia University for grad school, I am very pleased to have been accepted to these great places. The reason for not going? $$$$$$$
- I was offered a career with one of our more secret government institutions, but declined. Don’t ask…maybe then I will tell you which one – in person, that is!
- Oh yeah, same situation with a protective services agency…let’s just say bodyguard. I was going to do it, but then I figured, “Shouldn’t this be the other way around?” Plus, if I was late – and they made that very clear – late once, I would without question lose my job. I couldn’t risk that. I was younger and hadn’t quite figured out the early or on-time thing just yet. I’m good with it now though!
- I was a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) certified motorcycle instructor…I prefer you call me coach, though. Hey, Bob on Seinfeld was called Maestro. I’m not asking for much, you know!
- On the way home from Super Bowl XLII (Giants & Patriots) I had a connection flight in San Diego on the way back home to San Francisco. As we were waiting for the others to board, I made a quick stop to the bathroom. Keep in mind that I was sitting in the extended emergency exit seat. On my way back I noticed some white-haired guy in my seat, with the flight attendant standing near. To my surprise, it was non other than basketball legend Bill Walton. He went on about how long his legs were – duh – and how he needed the seat. He, his wife, and the flight attendant offered me drinks and we pretty much chatted all the way to San Francisco. The funny thing…he thought I was one of the players in the Super Bowl! What a compliment.
Things I am avid for:
- Guitars, mainly electric.
- Mountain bikes – since I like going fast, a hard tail is the way to go.
- Motorcycles – every ride is brand new and thought provoking. Hear the breeze and smell the elements!
- Football – I don’t have the big arm, but I am damn accurate! And believe it or not, in regard to catching, it’s rare that I drop the ball.
- Photography – nothing better than capturing things with a real camera.
- R/C cars