Saturday, January 22, 2011

Introduced by original Saturday Night Live cast member Garret Morris


What a thrill to be introduced by one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live, Garret Morris !
I know a lot of people of the new generation don't remember him from SNL in the 70's, but he is such a talent that I don't think ever really got the credit he deserved.  I had a chance to talk with him before the show, at 73, he still exudes a passion for life, and show business.  It was great to see  him up on that stage doing his thing.  He has had a wild run in life, fame with SNL, drugs, and being shot, and he is still living with passion.  I have been doing a lot of writing, and needed to get down to the Downtown Comedy Club, and put it out there.  It's the only true test of new material.  A comedy club, with no one in the audience that I know.  A comedy club in downtown LA, that borders skid row, probably the audience is made up of a very liberal crowd, and a crowd that is not that prone to loving the police, and here I go being introduced as LA's Comedy Cop, a real cop. But it went great.  I introduced the new stuff, the way you have to do it, opening up with tried and true stuff, and then slipping the new material in the middle, and finish with strong well rehearsed material.  I recorded the session with my flip video, so I could go over the reaction of the crowd to the material.  I am looking at filming a new DVD in the next year, so the time to write and hone the material is now.  Ofcourse crazy thoughts go through your mind as you drive to the venue by yourself.  You start thinking what am I doing, I have a day job that pays great, why am I going to this place of strangers who don't know me, and bear my soul.  It was a great set, and to squirm through the crowd at the back of audience, and comedians, meeting that blank stare of non recognition on your way to the stage, that feeling of confidence, and feeling this is where I want to be overtakes you.  After the set, to be met with applause and approval, and shaking of hands, and smiles of the people I passed by as a stranger not 15 minutes earlier, I have to say, was a tremendous high.  

Saturday, January 15, 2011

The Book, What if ?, and Why not ?

I'm currently reading the book, "what if? and Why not? by Jen Groover.  For those looking to expand your life, grow, and maybe even take a leap of faith in a new venture. this book is for you.  For sure if you thinking of being an entrepreneur, this is kind of a how to, but not just the physical legal requirements, but more importantly the psychology.  According to my kindle, I'm just 20% into the book, but, it was time for a post, and the book, so far, inspired me to action.  I'll quoted from Jen's book, "Just about every idea that ever turned an industry upside down or  minted a generation of new millionaires was considered crazy by the majority.  That is, until it became a huge success.  Then it's value was suddenly obvious to all the naysayers!  The moral of the story is that when you tell people-and this includes other entrepreneurs and business people, who are as susceptible to innovation aversion as anybody else-about your vision and they snap, "can't be done," don't lose faith. In fact having someone tell you that your concept is bonkers can be reason to dance, sing, and plan for your initial public stock offering.  The real currency in business in not money but original thinking".  I'm not done yet, but the book has fascinating stories, real life situations that are very inspiring. A story about the original Beatles manager, arranging auditions for the fab four, and the reaction was, no, guitar groups are a thing of the past.  We know the band signed with another producer, and the rest is history.  O.K.  I'm off to work my police job on the night shift.  And tomorrow I will continue to plot my journey to full time comedian.  And I will finish this book, while I think "What if? and why not?

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Lombardi Rules

One of the inspiring events of our trip to New York City was seeing the show "Lombardi".  I have been thinking about the show, and the man, and yesterday I received my "Success" magazine.  One of the featured articles was about Vince Lombardi, titled, Greatness beyond the grid Iron.  The article featured many of the Lombardi Rules.  Lombardi Rule: Act with purpose, I'm not better nor less than the next man. But I always knew what my acts would mean. I was lucky, and i found a singleness of purpose early on."  I think I will start this year, incorporating a few of the rules myself.  Lombardi Rule: Chase perfection. "if you settle for nothing less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your life."  Lombardi Rule: Don't just work harder than the next guy. Work harder than everybody else.  Lombardi believed that a persons character is made up of small, everyday decisions to do the right thing, as well as larger prevailing traits, such as respect, humility and responsibility. "Character is just another word for having a perfectly disciplined and educated will."  He brought five NFL championships to Green Bay in nine seasons.  While other coaches knew more about the x's and y's of the game, no one knew his player's psychology better than Lombardi.  He developed people, not players. 

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Here we go 2011

Central Park New York
Well here we go 2011, first day.  I really had a great December, spending time with family and friends.  The trip to New York, was just what I needed.  It was great to get away and get inspired, and New York can really do that for you, or allow you to do it for yourself.  I took the time, to look back on the previous year, and really soak up the memories, and be in a state of gratitude for everything that was either accomplished or at least tried.  It was great to enjoy New York with Alba and our friends Ray and Linda Lam, who got married on this trip 
!  Alba and I were honored that they wanted to get married on this trip with us, and allow us to enjoy and be a part of this special day in their lives.  New York City is not for everyone, but I know many people who tell me they really want to go, and they will someday, the road to someday, leads to nowhere.  I say do it, you can budget and make it happen.  You will be glad you did.  I also did a great amount of reading, and studying the greats of comedy.  Lets get started, I will continue to do the podcast, and blog on a regular basis.  I have some hefty goals as far as writing, rehearsing, and performing, while still doing my best to stay employed in my cop job.  I hope everyone had a great New Years !