OSCAR OOPS and Some Other Stuff :P

Two things:

1) If the kid is younger than 10 years old it just might be a BAD IDEA letting the child hold your and several other people's metaphorical symbolic award of a lifetime's worth of sweat, tears, and labor.

2) There is an Oscar Hospital.

Need I say more?

N8

p.s. If you want a ticket click the above title or this link. THE YARD

WHY DOES DISNEY SCARE ME?

Because they have made waaaaaay TOO many child stars that completely freaked out as they sorta became adults. BTW - Here comes a terribly "baddest" grammar moment.  YEAH, dem kids is RICH but dey crazy... Excuse me, I meant to say CRAZAY!!! Rich as Sh!t and Crazay as F*ck ta boot!!


God Bless, America!

Only place on Earth where you can get away with this behavior and call it a living. If I had known crazay made you both FAMOUS and RICH I would so have cashed in on my own insanity years & years & years ago!!!

You think I'm lying? Do you actually think I'm LYIN' to ya'???

Enjoy :)
N8

THESE SONGS ARE FIRE!!!

These are some of my favorite songs on the radio right now. CAREFUL!!!! Kanye actually has an EPILEPSY WARNING in front of his video!!! So if you start seizing out... YOU WERE WARNED!!! (LOL).

N8

SURE THING by MIGUEL


ALL OF THE LIGHTS by KANYE WEST


LOVING YOU NO MORE by DIDDY


ANGELS by DIDDY

WALK IT LIKE YOU OWN IT!!!!!!

Jennifer Berg of the Page Awards mass mailed this email a few nights ago. Even though she is trying to get more people to enter her contest this email was truly INSPIRING and worth posting on my blog. So take her advice and "WALK IT LIKE YOU OWN IT!"

God Bless and Good Luck to all who are in a position to face this type of challenge... I will see you soon enough (lol ;) ) 

N8

Dear Nathan,

In honor of this weekend's Oscar ceremony, I'd like to share with you one of my favorite experiences here in L.A....

I was new in town. I had moved to Los Angeles from the Midwest just a few months earlier and was working as an assistant at a production company. The hours were long and the pay was abysmal. No matter what you want to achieve in Hollywood – whether you want to become a writer, producer or actor – there's one constant: you've gotta pay your dues. But the important thing was that I was learning a lot and making some very good friends.

One of those friends was working as an assistant for Gil Cates, the producer of the Academy Awards show. And though, like me, she put in very long hours for very little pay, her job afforded her one huge, wonderful perk: she got four tickets to the ceremony. And she gave two of them to me. I could hardly believe it...

I was going to the Academy Awards!!

I had never attended an event like this before, and on my tiny paycheck, I knew I was going to have to be very resourceful. (Girls, you'll understand this...) I found a long black dress on sale at Ross for $15, and a pair of strappy sandals for $10. As a substitute for the jewelry I didn't have, I wrapped a long, glittery scarf around my neck (very Isadora Duncan), then found a pair of rhinestone earrings at a little thrift store.

On the morning of the event, I splurged on a trip to the salon, and the hair stylist gave me a gorgeous up-do. On my way out of the mall, as I passed a cosmetics counter, I spotted a make-up artistdoing demos. She told me that if I purchased just $15 worth of product, she'd do my make-up for me. Are you kidding? A total klutz with a make-up brush, I lept at the opportunity. And when she found out where I was going that night, she went all out.

Have you ever watched one of those reality shows like "How Do I Look?" Well, it was like that. When he showed up on my doorstep, my date was clearly impressed. And, wow, there's nothing like a man in a tux!

Driving towards the theater was a long, slow snarl of traffic. Our little Toyota crawled forward amidst a sea of Lincolns, Lexuses and limos -- just a hint of things to come...

Finally, our feet hit the red carpet. It was breathtaking! All the movie stars being interviewed by TV commentators. The paparazzi flashing pictures. And the screaming fans! When they caught sight of an actor they loved, the roar from the crowd was deafening. It's everything you see on TV, but you're actually there.

One thing I didn't expect... The red carpet was extremely long. It seemed to stretch on forever. Just for fun, I decided to walk it like I owned it. My date was shy, and probably a bit embarrassed, but heck, how many times in life do you have an opportunity likethat? As we made our way toward the theater, some of the paparazzi would peer at me for a split second, brows furrowed, "Is she somebody?" The quick conclusion "No!" and their eyes roved on.

I couldn't help but smile to myself. The moment was delicious.

The lobby is where it really hit me... Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Nicole Kidman and Glenn Close. Brushing past Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Johnny Depp. Exchanging a smile withTom Hanks. Since moving to L.A., I had seen a few stars walk through the office where I worked, and had occasionally spotted a celebrity at a restaurant or in a store, but this was overwhelming! Turn any direction and you'd see fifteen famous faces. I don't usually consider myself "star-struck," but on that night I was.

Since there was absolutely no threat our names would be called to take the stage, we were seated up in the balcony. It was perfect! We had front row seats, with a bird's-eye view, looking down on all the glitter and the glam. The ceremony was long – as they always are. And as always, there were some incredibly inspiring moments, along with some moments that made me cringe. But no doubt about it, I would count that event as one of the most memorable nights of my life.

These days, I'm happy to watch the show on TV every year, gathered together with a group of good friends. In our private little party, we dish about the fashion, comment on the commentators, cheer for our favorite movies, and throw popcorn at the screen when we're unhappy with the results.

My wish for you...?


That you will one day have the chance to be there in person – hopefully, as a nominee! – making that long walk down the red carpet. And if so, take my advice... Walk it like you own it!

LIMITLESS - NO ONE MAN SHOULD HAVE ALL THAT POWER!

I MUST SEE THIS FILM!!! If you ever wanted to know what a writer's nasty whet dream looks like WATCH THIS TRAILER! And meth is not really a good look on anybody. Of course, the little pill isn't meth... Come on and get real... This guy still has all his teeth (lol).

THE ACTING CENTER L.A.

Having a typical Twitter moment I started following a bunch of interesting people just to see what they were thinking. In the process others began to follow me... Somewhere along the way I made contact with THE ACTING CENTER in LA. Now, I live in Jersey however if I were an actor in this area I would definitely check them out. WHY? Because on their home page they said something that appealed to my former life as an actor. Developing your own technique!!! Knowing different acting styles/techniques will always help you but adhering to one style (which I always hear actors unfortunately boasting about) only creates clones; boring, boring, "my acting coach says..." CLONES! So if any of you out there are taking classes at this center and have a Youtube or Vimeo audition/demo real post a link and I will check you out. If it is good I will even put it on my blog.
BTW - The only reason this pic is on my site is because this female is total eyeball candy and that is waaaaaay cooler than having some logo posted.
N8

Hey Little Sista...

The Lyrics to "White Wedding"


Hey little sister what have you done?
Hey little sister who's the only one?
Hey little sister who's your superman?

Hey little sister who's the one you want?
Hey little sister shot gun!

It's a nice day to start again.
It's a nice day for a white wedding.
It's a nice day to start again.

Hey little sister who is it you're with?
Hey little sister what's your vice and wish?
Hey little sister shot gun (oh yeah)
Hey little sister who's your superman?
Hey little sister shot gun!

It's a nice day to start again (come on)
It's a nice day for a white wedding
It's a nice day to start again.

(Pick it up)

Take me back home

Hey little sister what have you done?
Hey little sister who's the only one?
I've been away for so long (so long)
I've been away for so long (so long)
I let you go for so long

It's a nice day to start again (come on)
It's a nice day for a white wedding
It's a nice day to start again.

There is nothin' fair in this world
There is nothin' safe in this world
And there's nothin' sure in this world
And there's nothin' pure in this world
Look for something left in this world
Start again

Come on
It's a nice day for a white wedding
It's a nice day to start again.
It's a nice day to start again.
It's a nice day to start again 

G.S.F.F. ADVERTISING FOR THE YARD & SAPIEN FILMS

HERE ARE SOME FUN POSTERS AND FLYERS I MADE FOR THE G.S.F.F. 2011 FESTIVAL PROMOTING THE YARD.
ENJOY :)

F.Y.I. - I will be making an announcement about THE V2VIFF in a few days.

N8

Have you ever noticed that no matter where you blow smoke that it always rises up?
Be the smoke, people.

Weird observation I made while smoking a Punch Uppercut. NICE. Yeah, I know it's basic physics.


N8 :)

LOTS OF BROKEN TVs

There have always been a lot of apocalyptic videos with hot scantily clad females in the past but have you noticed the use of desert environments, tons of fire, and all the broken TVs lately? Wait a sec... THESE ARE SOME OF THE HOTTEST VIDEOS OUT THERE RIGHT NOW!!! (Note to self: Burn stuff in desert with beautiful women next to broken televisions in background... become super successful MILLIONAIRE ARTIST!!! WOOHOOO!!!)

BTW - I got the broken tv but I'm gonna need someone to give me a Hell of alotta gasoline and a ticket to Nevada - ASAP!

;)
N8

p.s. Yeah, I know that there were a ton of earlier videos that had all these same elements but that was close to 20 years ago! Hello RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, ICE CUBE and... I had better stop before I date myself. Oops, too fricken late!

Enjoy these GREAT VIDEOS to some of THE HOTTEST SONGS on the charts.

X-Men: First Class - Official Trailer... PEACE WAS NEVER AN OPTION... NIIIICCCE!

SO LOVIN' THIS TRAILER!!!

"Listen to me very carefully, my friend. Killing will not bring you peace."

"Peace was never an option."

SWEET!!!!
N8

G.S.F.F. is showing THE YARD @ SYNAXIS - AT THE SHORE

THE YARD got into The Garden State Film Festival and is showing THE SYNAXIS.

Hit the link below to find out the time and how to get tickets!

Let me clear my throat for a second to just say... WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

THANK YOU ;) FROM YOUR HUMBLE AND EXCITED FILMMAKER!

N8


http://www.gsff.org/synaxis-at-the-shore.php


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuU9R8vyAJ0


http://www.synaxisattheshore.com/site/

STEVE WORKIN' ON THE NEXT SONG FOR OUR NEXT FILM

STEVE HARD AT WORK! I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR THE FINAL VERSION.

BAD-TO-THE-MFN-BONE!!

N8

Some Really Important Links To SAPIEN FILMS & The V2VIFF

Here are some important links to keeping SAPIEN FILMS moving forward and to put some much needed  fuel on the PASSIONATE FIRE that is at the heart of my film company!

Your help is invaluable. Your support is priceless.

Thanks,
N8


http://www.gsff.org


http://www.indiegogo.com/SAPIEN-FILMS-FILM-FANS


http://www.visiontovictoryfestival.blogspot.com/


http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vision-to-Victory-International-Film-Festival/174765959208671


http://www.artistswanted.org/portfolio.php?preview=true&artist=nathan099

http://www.v2viff.com

Nathan Waire - Artists Wanted 2010

Nathan Waire - Artists Wanted 2010
CLICK THE LINK ABOVE TO VOTE :)
N8

INTUITIVE JERSEY SHORE - " I See Tooow'd-Up People."

Even if you don't believe in ESP this "ish" is still soooo HILARIOUS!
Every time ya' thing The East Coast is gonna class it up... BAM!!!
Jersey in da' HOUSE!!!!
LMAO!
N8

GRACE IN DUALITY

Sometimes an inner conflict can herald a greater period of growth or even a change in the perception and understanding that you may have of yourself.
I have never been a fan of pain and suffering (who the HELL is?!?) but I have learned that the burdens we place on ourselves and toil with everyday are sometimes heavier than the physical afflictions that our bodies may suffer.
BTW - Prayer, meditation, counselling (individual & group), art mediums from mixed media to Crayolas, musical development from song to composition, any dance expression/movement, the written word from poetry to prose, good ol' fashion exercise, and all other forms of release that may help you connect to your "focused" center and/or your "higher"self should be displayed whenever it is needed to maintain a healthy and strong mind. Arguably I would dare say in the esoteric sense that these are the things that form and constitute a healthy and strong soul.

Try to take care of yourself the right way.
Try to let some of those burdens go.
N8

TRUSTART.ORG

Something really interesting crossed my desk in the form of email. It was an article from NYFA about an original concept for sustaining artistic endeavors and the art savvy communities that host them. The group is called TRUSTART and they do exactly that!!! ( click here  or the title above to read the NYFA article ) They have embraced the idea of shareholders in the creation of ART! You have to read it to see how it really works!!! As most of you know I LOVE new concepts and seeing creative energy being put to positive and globally mind-expanding use so below are some excerpts from an article written by NYFA artist, producer, and contributer Tracy Candido about Jose Serrano-McClain who is one of the founders of TRUSTART.ORG

ENJOY!

N8

TRUSTART Article (Excerpts) Written By Tracy Candido

Public art is for the people. Whether object-based, performative, or interactive, public artworks are created to enhance the landscape of a public space by giving communities something out of the ordinary to reflect on, consider, and engage with.Trust Art, founded by Seth Aylmer and Jose Serrano-McClain, is an organization and philanthropic initiative that is not only invested in public art, the artists that create it, and the communities that share it, but also in finding ways to sustain the lifeline of public art projects. Trust Art has developed a three-year cycle that involves "shareholders," community members that invest money, time, and other resources into public projects in exchange for "shares," which are redeemed upon the project's auction at the end of the three-year cycle. Currently Trust Art is producing and supporting the growth of 10 public art projects in New York City and around the world, all of which are invested in by "shareholders," community members, and a network of artists. I recently sat down with Seth and Jose of Trust Art to discuss the history of the organization and their current pursuits.

JOSE SERRANO-MCCLAIN BIO by TRACY CANDIDO
Jose Serrano-McClain worked as an economic analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for five years, where he realized he would rather be thinking about the economics of the creative spirit. In 2006, Jose resigned from the Fed to become an “art entrepreneur.” He cofounded Fame Theory, LLC, an art collective turned media company that operates famegame.com. In 2009, he cofounded Trust Art, an initiative dedicated to working with public artists to raise funds and create community around their visions through innovative means. In 2010, Jose joined the Queens Museum of Art part-time to create a new public art program called Corona Studio.


BIO FOR TRACY CANDIDO
Tracy Candido is a Brooklyn-based artist and cultural producer exploring social practices and engaging the public in group activities. She has exhibited public works in and around New York City and has curated interdisciplinary exhibitions and public programming for institutions in New York around the country. She is a founding editor of 127 Prince, an online journal about socially engaged art. Tracy holds a Master's Degree from New York University in Visual Culture Theory and is currently a Program Associate in Programs and Awards at NYFA.

Fish Query

I am about to hit you with an anecdote about a fish dinner so do not read further if you don't like fish, nameless characters, or hidden messages with enigmatic answers. ;)

One day a man was offered a fish dinner but he was told that of the 3 pieces of fish on the plate that he could only eat two. He looked at the plate and automatically saw a piece that was extremely appealing. The person offering the food also noticed the gleam in his eye when he looked at that particular cut of fish. Of the other two cuts although one was shaped like the piece he liked and the other was thicker than both pieces combined they just were not what he really wanted. Being very hungry and needing to make a decision he told the person offering the food that he would take the two pieces that were not his first choice. He immediately ate them both and afterwards the person who initially offered the food asked the man "Why? Why did you eat the two pieces that were not your first choice?"


The man hesitated then smiled and copiously replied, "If I had taken the most appealing piece I would have had to pair it up with one of the two less appealing cuts of fish. So instead of inflating or even ruining my expectations of how good or bad the mismatched pieces would be together I chose to see the best in the two lesser pieces that I had originally no desire to eat. For in Truth, they were together the best choice. Their worth was obvious to me; their values were easily known."

What choice would you make?

N8

p.s. I should so copyright this story (LOL).

STARGAZER

The MP4 version and the YouTube version. The Youtube is clearer :)

Photos From Steve Yank and Bruce Bertrand's STARGAZER

Two of the V2VIFF Judges have several of their own long term projects. One is a video segment called STARGAZER. There are some amazing photos below.

N8

GAMERA And Some Powerful Turtle Magic

As a child, I had a great affinity for Godzilla BUT I was absolutely nuts for GAMERA. It is odd that America never really got into the the idea of a giant monster turtle. A giant monster lizard is a whole different matter. Maybe it's that Jurassic Park residual T-Rex/Raptor "turtles don't scare us" mentality? Or maybe it is just the fact that Godzilla was introduced to the West way before Gamera?

From The Tortoise and The Hare to First Nations totem poles, turtles have had legendary status in the myths of many cultures. The ancient Spiritual symbolism of the turtles can range from protection, to representing order, creation, endurance, strength, stability, longevity, fertility,and a gentle innocence. They can also represent good fortune, and can bring forth happiness and good omens.

As a totem animal it is argued that when the turtle enters your life it brings with it the closure of one period and/or the beginning of another. Turtles are also a reminder to go and grow at you own pace. Sometimes we rush through our daily experiences and often miss those special things or "gifts" that life offers only when we are still. 

Seriously besides Gamera who is a giant, Japanese, flying, fire-breathing, fantasy monster most turtles are portrayed as less than potent. However the symbolic lineage of the turtle goes far deeper than we can in modern terms accept. Just like all things in nature the turtle may have a connection to the psyche of most humans. Whether it is just to slow down and enjoy the pace or just to acknowledge the protective qualities that we take for granted there is a deeper meaning to the turtle's presence. I just hope that projectile flame isn't directly involved.  ;)

N8 

A face only a fan boy or a monster momma turtle could LOVE.

 Historical proof that giant monsters once ruled the Earth.

 Turtle soup? I don't think so!

 What in the world is he doing to that Octopus??? I think it's time to send the kids to bed.

 How cool a kid do you have to be to have this in your personal collection?

DOV "S-S" SIMENS' View On The Congressional Reform Act of 2011

About 8 to 10 years ago I took a weekend intensive class with a axiomatic figure in the start and revamping of many celebrity careers. He is the reason I started to write. A few days ago I received a letter from Dov and I guess it is a reflections of his primary concerns. I, personally, am not into politics just the motivation behind some of the legislative maneuvers I seen which don't seem to be focused "We The People" just lining the wallets of those that have the most clout.

Below is the letter that Dov sent me. Do with it what you feel is most appropriate.

N8

The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified!  Why?  Simple!  The people demanded it.  That was in 1971...before computers, before e-mail, before cell phones, etc.

Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.

I'm asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message.  This is one idea that really should be passed around.

Congressional Reform Act of 2011


1. Term Limits.

  12 years only, one of the possible options below..


  A. Two Six-year Senate terms

  B. Six Two-year House terms

  C. One Six-year Senate term and three Two-Year House terms


2.  No Tenure / No Pension. 

A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.  

3.  Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.

All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately.  All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. 

4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise.  Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

7. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

8. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.  


The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen.  Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work. 

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S. ) to receive the message.  Maybe it is time. 

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!! If you agree with the above, pass it on.  If not, just delete

You are one of my 20+.  Please keep it going.

Phone. Photo. Fiction. Fun!

As usual I took a camera phone photo that I either didn't like or I knew would scare the crap out of potential career colleagues and associates so I blasted it with something halfway moody/serious but mostly pix elated fun. That's sort of how Life approaches you, right? If you take it too seriously it will pass you by and you'll miss all the joy. However, if you don't take it seriously enough some of it's best lessons will be lost on you and your full physical, mental, and even Spiritual growth may not occur.
So whether you need to focus more or take a chill pill always remember to or at least try to smile.
Ouch!
Ya' see that didn't hurt much. Now stop smilin' because you are totally creepin' out all the people around you who have never seen you smile before. ;)

N8

Neither an Angel nor a burdening beast of the field

THE DARK LADY

THE DARK LADY

by

Nathan Zen-Sapien

The Dark Lady tightens her grip.

I feel an ecstasy that few men live to tell.

Her embrace engulfs me
Subtle fingers ripple over me.
I am comforted by the employ.
Trumpet sounds and the grass changes color.
Yellow moon replaces yellow sun.
And in this euphoric transition surrounding me
I notice.
The Dark Lady has come and gone.

And There Is No Blemish In You

And There Is No Blemish In You

by Nathan Zen-Sapien

In a field of chrysanthemums and daisies

A perfect beam of light struck my eye

Your petalled beauty enfolded me

Changing my soul forever.

Rainbowed in a chakra of lillies

Covered in a morning mist.

I looked for error.

And found none.

What could be fairer?

Nothing under our sun.

For you are the light in my eyes,

You are the fragrant breath in my lungs.

You are honor, passion, perfection...

And there is no blemish in you.

White Merlot

I have to admit that the previous post was cathartic but dangerous to confess. Far too many people do not understand the nature of, or balance between the physical and spiritual.
Right now I am drinking White Merlot. In a minute or two I will be posting two poems that I wrote between the ages of 17 and 20 something.
The only reason why I am posting these poems is because they are sorta different and leaving them in my art log (sketch book) from high school isn't doing me any good.

N8

A Reason, A Season, A Lifetime

A friend of mine who is more worldly than me once told me that people enter our lives either for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. He was correct but the extent that he was correct at that moment surpassed my understanding of the phrase.

For the pass 10 years I have lived with what modern science has not been able to explain. It is called psychosomatic pain. Since October 2001 I have felt excruciating pain in my chest and a fluttering pain in my abdomen. For the first year of this pain, from October 2001 to October 2002 exactly, everyday it felt like I was having multiple heart attacks that were triggered by things as simple as a slight bump or irregular sound. It was horrible and I would wish it upon no one. I fasted and fasted. By October 2002 the intensity of the pain had went away. However, the mind is an incredible learner. Once trained to believe something it will hold onto that pattern for years so up until very recently I had about 13 to 17 points of "odd" sensations like residual pain in my torso. Medical science does not understand nor knows how to categorize this type of psychological defect. I have had counselors tell me that it was linked to anxiety. I have also read (in more esoteric text) that this type of pain is due to emotional "tears" or "rips" in the emotional body and mind state. Whatever it is was it was awful! Stranger than this was the small things that antagonized the pain like laughter and even crying which I effectively stopped doing altogether. My laughter didn't hurt but the laughter of others sometimes did. Hearing someone cry had the same effect but something changed for the first time in over a decade I cried. I just felt it was time. So I cried and cried and slowly the pain began to fade. 

On top of that I came into contact with a person who was an advisor, oil peddler, children's book fanatic, and glitter-junkie. She helped a lot. Our every phone conversations alleviated and mended the last few "rips" in my emotional shell. Furthermore, the oils seemed to have the same result. No more pain. By the time I had ordered my own supply of oils the pain was 99% gone and all the things in my life that were broken began to be fixed. The clogged bath tub that Drano for months could not fix began to flow again. The tree that I named Mkodi that sprouted the very hour that my brother died has for the pass 2 years has been dormant. I refused to throw it out so I kept watering it and watching if it would grow again. It did. Little sprigs of green and brown are finally emerging. I took note of one of the books she recommended (insisted) that I read called The Little Prince. In the book, The Prince takes care of a very vain rose and every night he puts a cover over it to protect it. So I covered my Mkodi with a self-made container. I can't claim that Mkodi feels anything except the warmth of sun rays and the quench of water sinking in potted Earth but I am sure as far as plants go it is glad to be growing again and I am happy because of that, too.

I am currently creating the final mask for a brief but potentially spectacular inaugural performance at the V2V festival this year and glitter is everywhere. Oddly enough I am no longer in good report or communication with this advisor. Every time we spoke everything I said to her was completely wrong to the point where it seemed contradictory for contradictory's sake. However, I have finally learned graciously the deeper meaning of my friend's initial statement about the way people come into our lives. 

A reason (the briefest period). 

A season (usually to complete a task). 

A lifetime (self-explanatory).

It is just odd that sometimes people enter and exit your life for a simple reason yet end up irrevocably changing it for a lifetime.                                                           

Mkodi In It's New Container                

                                                                                                                               

My Glittered-up Rug

Their Guidance Is All Around Us Even If We Don't Completely Understand.

ADDENDUM:
In March of 2011 I went into the hospital to get a few x-rays of my back. Turns out that my back is fine, however, the doctors discovered clots in my lungs and left leg. I will live and the treatments are working so maybe all that "emotional pain" had a physical source. It never hurts to be spiritual but I just wish that this had been diagnosed earlier.
N8

BIGGIE - N8 - ABSOLUTELY NO COMPARISON!!!

An associate of mine texted me saying that he had seen me in the city. I replied explaining that I was no where near the city. He laughingly texted over the pic. In my naivete I admitted that that guy sure did look like me and I ask what advertisement was that photo for? He exclaimed that it was BIGGIE SMALLS and that photo was taken at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum!
DUH!
There is like J-Lo and Miley Cyrus on both sides of the guy. Then he texted me another picture. All I have to say is I think I need to lose a few pounds (LMAO-4-REAL)!!!

N8

p.s. If you can't smile and laugh at yourself others definitely will!!! ;)

I need that suit!!!

Biggie has Miley & J-Lo in his pic and I got "Larry, Moe, and Curly" in mine...

ABSOLUTELY NO COMPARISON!!!

( STILL ROTFLMAO!!!)

second BEST

This poem is not my B.E.S.T. work but it is progress. The B.E.S.T is yet to come and I and you the reader deserve it!

The second B.E.S.T.

by Nathan Zen-Sapien

I am the "B.E.S.T." and getting Better Every Single Time.

Everything I set my mind to eventually gets done.

Those who follow me are never truly disappointed

Yet always unanimously surprised.

Spiritually and mentally I am the artist/maverick, 

The creative intellect instead of the intellectually creative.

By tarot standards I am the innocent jester and fool. 

A very intimidating man.

I am taller than average.

And bigger than most. 

I am for the most part smarter and physically larger than the societal norms that we live by.

Yet, for all these qualities I have always been the second choice;

The back-up plan.

People from business partners to friends to potential mates

Recognize that it is better to have me than not,

However, I have yet to be the first choice even amongst a limited selection.

They even (thankfully) admit I am not their first choice 

Which is honestly good because honesty (honestly) is Good!!!

I can respect that.

But the real issue is do I respect myself?

I do.

And because I do 

I can no longer physically, mentally, and/or Spiritually accept being second to the B.E.S.T. in their and my own eyes.

It is a lie.

It is without redemption.

And it makes getting Better Every Single Time damn near impossible.

Being B.E.S.T. in every situation means being intolerant of other's false perceptions of you.

Don't accept it.

In fact, change it!

So every time you face the falsehoods that others' heap you;

you will know exactly what to do.

And trust me it will get Better Every Single Time.

JERSEY PRETTY or How To Create The "TRIANGLE of DOOM"

OK. I am sitting at a table read this previous Sunday afternoon and several pages into the script one of the primary female characters is described in terms that only a man securely married to his wife of 10 years would ever utter... Jersey pretty. Quote, "... modestly stylish, Jersey pretty, (she) dashes into the room..." Now, I am not originally from NJ but upon reading this phrase (of which I was actually narrating ) I could not help but to chuckle.

There was a distinctive Femi-Naziish moan.

I looked up to see every guy in the room giggling to himself as the women recoiled uncomfortably in their chairs. I continued to narrate without incident until our first break.

OK. 3 hours later and 117 pages completed we finished the reading to a mild self-congratulatory applause. That is when it happened. "What did you mean 'Jersey pretty'?!?" one of the female readers exclaimed. My writer friend who shall remain anonymous for obvious safety reasons explained that, "She wasn't bad looking just ya' know sorta...". I sank in my seat. Fortunately, my writer friend has a lot going for him. It was basically his house! It was his script! The majority of the people present were members of his writing group! Hell, I'm the biggest dude in the room and I am sittin' on his left!!! But sitting on his right was his wife. Sitting directly across from me was one of my new actresses and associates. Sitting across from her was the only female and long time member of his writer's group. It was effectively the "TRIANGLE of DOOM" and the odds were stacked against us. We were outnumbered 3(ladies) to 8 (guys) which by gender standards might as well have been 3000 to 1.

Now, in reality, it wasn't that bad. Sure there was a ton of both giggling and explaining to which none of the women in the group were satisfied. However, in the end, the point both in context and out of context was clearly made... Jersey pretty although totally HILARIOUS just ain't that great. It is right up there with Chicago chic, New York nice, and Hollywood hot (which ain't so bad if you are into high tensile plastic (LMAO)). FYI - I do know a few Californian girls who are all natural and completely out-of-this-world!!! In fact, I know a few Jersey girls who if you called them "Jersey Pretty" could easily redefine that "giggle" factor into an "OMG" sensation. So be warned fellas it is best to stick to traditional, tried and true descriptions of our female counterparts or you may find yourself in a more vicious and metaphorically perilous "TRIANGLE of DOOM".  I know. I've been there before and I am still flinching... A little.

'Nuff' said.
N8