Here's a still of me hiding behind Alan Alda's shoulder. I think this was the first day I shot and was surprised because I didn't know he was part of the film. Needless to say, it was a good shock because he's someone I've always admired in entertainment.
The woman at my table is Jamie, who I recently found out teaches Hapkido at my YMCA. The little kid's name is Ian. He was a ton of fun, always trying to gross us out before and after takes. I didn't know it at the time but he was actually a credited actor in the film, with a few lines.
Going to cover some of my favorite musical performers/bands for this edition.
RUSH has been together for what seems like forever. And when I say "been together," it's just that - the same three talented musicians playing together since July 1974. They are the kind of band that are referenced as influences for other great musicians through the years. This is from what is probably my favorite album of theirs, the live "Show of Hands." The song, "Mission," is probably my favorite RUSH song of all time. It's about what it takes to be successful star and the toll it can take.
I don't think Paul Simon needs any type of introduction. Starting with Simon & Garfunkel, he has always stood out as one of the great American songwriters of the day. Love this single, "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes," from his much-lauded "Graceland" album for its smooth, soulful sound.
Another great songwriter and performer I've been a long-time fan of is Sting. From his earliest days with The Police through his jazz period to today, he continues to put out superb music. This song, "Why Should I Cry For You?" is from his under-rated "Soul Cages" album.
Sorry no post Thursday... time ran short on me and posting my tweets that I thought were funny has come to feel a little self-indulgent. I may toss some tweets in on Funny Friday and re-theme Thursday to something else.
This first Funny Friday clip seemed to be following me this week. I think the link was tweeted or re-tweeted to me at least half a dozen times. In any case, it is worth watching. Andy Sandford is a comic from Atlanta (currently in New York) who is part of a hilarious stand-up group called the Beards of Comedy. I've always found Andy entertaining... except for that one time he was pissing next to me at the urinals.
Ted Travelstead is an comedian and author who always brings an unique view to things. Sometimes absurd, sometimes outrageous, always hilarious. Check out this video he wrote, co-directed and starred in about two referees "having problems."
Peter Serafinowicz and Robert Popper are a hilarious comedy duo who created the show "Look Around You" (well worth looking for and watching.) In this found footage video, they follow an old codger through a British street market. Oddly, the video is called "Markets of Britain."
I love the silliness of ImprovEverywhere. While it's not true improv, it still captures the fun that improv strives for in its performances. Usually by using volunteers, they create a unique public "mission" meant to surprise and delight the unknowing. Here's a simple one:
It looks like Budweiser took a page from ImprovEverywhere's book when they created this ad. It's self-explanatory. I think the look on the face of the guy sitting on the ice at the end tells it all.
And speaking of improv, here's a fun video titled "Lines From A Play," featuring Andy and Sarah from Automatic Improv's main cast. Andy taught my Level 1 improv workshop (which I got a ton out of) and Sarah acts as the dean of Relapse University, the collection of workshops and classes offered at Relapse Theater in Atlanta. Both are great performers, as evident by this scene.
I picked a theme after seeing the first video here - the theme is hope.
Daniel Lloyd, also known as Taihg, was a busker (street performer) in Canterbury, England. He was found drowned in Reed Pond in Canterbury January 23, 2012, under suspicious circumstances. He was well liked and admired by the community. The video that follows is an original inspirational song of his called "Guiding Stars" that speaks of what anyone can do when they try hard enough. The song is available on iTunes with proceeds benefiting his daughter.
"If you want to be an angel, you already are..." - 'Guiding Stars,' Taihg
Mumford & Sons' "After the Storm" shows the hope a person holds after life-altering turbulent times. It's melancholy but it's moving and forward-thinking.
Matisyahu is a Jewish singer/rapper who sings about peace, both for the world and in Israel. "One Day" has a great sound and a great message.
I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest.
Don't normally do this but a theme arose this week. Welcome to the world of funny sheep!
What makes actual sheep funny? They are not smart...
I imagine these sheep thinking, "Where are all these cars coming from... and why do they look exactly the same?!"
And credit to YouTube user LankyDrummer for thinking of this Python quote:
"Follow. But. Follow only if ye be men of valour, for the entrance to this cave is guarded by a creature so foul, so cruel that no man yet has fought with it and lived. Bones of full fifty men lie strewn about its lair. So, brave knights, if you do doubt your courage or your strength, come no further, for death awaits you all with nasty, big, pointy teeth!"
And what makes animated sheep funny? They are smarter than humans... A favorite character from Aardman Studios.
