LE ROYALE BAR (formally Luke and Leroy)

I would talk about the wrap party for The Wire but the true star of the evening was the hospitality and generosity of the bar LE ROYALE. Bar owner named Terry was very friendly and welcoming to any guest that approached him. His best bartender that night was a man named Gardner (or Gartner). He was truly proficient at mixing drinks and he had a vast knowledge of what drinks to make and combine. He and the owner were extremely classy and a pleasure to be around.
I admit that I left early but I had to do some stuff the next day so I snapped a few pics of some of the beautiful people that were there that night and bid a fond farewell to the club/bar.
Also, my friend and fellow actor Steven A. Robinson was there. He is a class act, too.
Until the next gathering... Peace!!!!
Nate

The P.A.C.T. Video

This is the video I filmed in under one day using just one actor and a camera that had no tri-pod. It is a story based on an actual group of health care workers that focus on the mentally ill. I originally shot this for a contest but after a heck of a lot of waiting and wasting of energy I decided to post it here. This story follows a character named Francis "KUJI" Franklin who after hearing terrible news about one of his clients/patients goes for a long contemplative walk in the park (FYI - KUJI is short for Kujichagulia which is a day during Kwanzaa). Kuji is one of the few diverse characters in this story of how people from all facets of life can unite and work together to benefit society's often ignored and disenfranchised elements. The P.A.C.T.(People for Active Community Treatment) which I gave an alternate name of The P.A.R.C.(People for Active Reinstatement in the Community), are the rescuers of those that are about to give up hope and the givers of new beginnings.

BLACK NJ HOLIDAY MIXER

So I went to this mixer feeling sort disgruntled because several of the last mixers I went to were very disappointing. However, it is the holiday season and my sister had already bought the tickets.
At first it was rather quiet but after a while the dj went old school and everybody (except me) hit the floor and danced the night away. The youngest girl there that night was a grad student and she was one of the highlights of the night. She knew every song word for word and sang while dancing (she is the girl in the white sweater). My sister who was wear a purple glitter top kept her company on the dance floor and paid for it the next morning with sore toes and cramps in her feet (LOL).
Anyway, the mixer was a surprising success in my opinion even if I didn't network as much as I normally do.
Have a great holiday season. PEACE.
N8

p.s. leave some comments if you like the pics ;)

I AM THE LANTERN

A relative of mine saw my Myspace and Blogger pages and noticed that I was the GREEN LANTERN in the super hero survey. She made note that I am African-American and should have the corresponding hero image so she sent me this image and it is so cool.
FYI Tomorrow the Myspace competition for Storyteller Challenge will begin. If you would like to cast a vote of 5 or higher ( I'm praying for 10s) so that we get a thumbs up rating and make it into the top 12 for the next round of competition please click my other blog link on the side or go to www.myspace.com/nathanzensapien

Once there click on the videos to view the short. All voting has to be done through your Myspace account so if you have one please vote and tell your friends to vote too.

Peace

Nate

The Great Unknown

This last Saturday I received very tragic information from three different sources. Two friends announced that they were going to die and a relative actually did die that morning. My uncle's future wife died in the bath early Saturday after a night of feeling chest and stomach pains. As the family grieved, I went to visit a very spiritual friend/associate of mine and he told me that he was dying from a terminal disease. I was in shock for a while until we talk and I saw how brave he was in the face of death. In grim confidence I went to my Mom's house only to hear that a long time family friend had announced that she wasn't going to live longer than a week. True to her words she passed Tuesday morning just one day after she threw a farewell dinner party.

This may seem very depressing but actually it isn't because I know that the other side has gained some very good and strong souls. They will be dearly missed here on Earth but only God knows what greater good they will be a part of in The Great Unknown.

Enjoy everyday of your life to the fullest!

Nate

Birthday wishes and Beowulf trailer #2

Happy Birthday, Panda!!! I know that your B-day is on the 23rd but I just wanted to make sure that I didn't forget. Let's face it, Panda, if you got free tix to a movie and could find a babysitter I know you would go to the movies more often.

I also wanted to post the second trailer for Beowulf up because it RoCkS!!!!! His rant at the end of the trailer sounds just like the stuff a lot of guys say to themselves right before the sh@t hits the fan! Pride is the Curse.

BEOWULF TrAiLeR #2

ALMOST ANNIVERSARY TIME!!!

For my loyal readers this is a given but for some of you new guys maybe you should look deeper into my blog. This may also explain why I have been wearing the same ring for about a year.

"Tibi [ipso] crede." because I am sure therein lies the higher power

Peace

Nathan

IRON, FIRE, AND ONE BADASS GANGSTER

The movie season is picking up and I ( as a loyal yet jaded viewer) am actually looking forward to several of the genres best this upcoming year (Be sure to click on the movie names below to see the trailers).

First, let's talk SCI-FI and Marvel. I generally think of comics as fantasy but with the release of IRON MAN I know that sci-fi is going to get a healthy shot in the arm! Robert Downey jr is playing a rather camp version of billionaire & inventor Tony Stark whose life is turned upside down when he is abducted by terrorists. For more info watch the trailer.

Next, let's talk FANTASY and an old legend come to life! BEOWULF!!!! This story seems to be true to the epic poem except for the part involving the alluring Angelina Jolie. Trust me I am not complaining, in fact, I might be drooling (even though I know she used a body double and in the real story Grendel's mom is a hag (lol)). That point aside this has that great classic story feel with all the modern accoutrement that we special effects junkies love.

Finally, let's get real with Denzel Washington in AMERICAN GANGSTER. He is playing Frank Lucas who was both the most powerful heroin kingpin in America and (later) government informant. I love the work that Denzel is doing with Scott Free Productions. They seem to be taking on a wide variety of subject matter. I also love the story of how these two powerhouses met. If I recall correctly it was at the dentist office so always be aware of your surroundings because you never know who you will meet and/or what might transpire.

A pic of me and Ari Myrtai

At the networking Ari caught me with my defenses down and convinced me to take a pic with him. It was cool. He also told me that he was heading to Cali soon so I just want to wish him lots of GOOD LUCK!!!! I am sure that he will find success and hopefully fortune out there seeing that he is very positive and outgoing dude.

Never give up, Ari!!! And don't hesitate to come back to NYC when you are ready.

Peace,

Nate

Bill Kalatsky's Dinner Event August 20th 2007

For a list of some of the guests (key holders) that attended the Networking Event go to www.actorsny.com

As for me I snapped a few pics of some of the new faces and passed out my headshot to those that accepted it, however, fellow actors only received cards. The event overall was a success and many friends showed up. Amazingly I didn't take their pics as much as strangers and new associates (sorry peeps). Some people like Ari Myrtaj, Sarah K. and the already successful Lauretta Vaughn will probably find even more success after this event.

Peace,

Nate

Doing Auditions

Now that I am not writing for a while I have decided to do some acting again. I recently auditioned for a role where my character dies at the feet of Robert Deniro and Al Pacino. 50 Cent is rumored to play a gangsta buddy of my doomed character. I prayin' that I get the part!!!! People please give me some good energy for this role!!

As for the other auditions... all seems well. I have one for today that is a commercial for a jewelry store. My fingers are crossed because I have bills to pay and that ain't no joke.

The tickets for Bill's networking is now $75.00 and I do believe that there are less than five left so stop procrastinating and get yours today. :)

Take it easy and give me those GOOD thoughts and prayers because I need it.

Peace.

Nate

The Dinner And A Friend

Well the Dinner/Networking is down to just 7 tickets left so if you are interested in going now is the time. The tickets are also more expensive now ( $68 ).

Also, my friend Lauretta Vaughn will be appearing on As The World Turns for about two weeks starting August 6-15. She is playing a bar owner on the outskirts of town. Yesterday she was just dynamic in her performance. I was very proud to be considered one of her friends.

So give Lauretta some good vibes and remember that life is like a boomerang... what you throw out there eventually will come back to you.

Peace,

Nate

Bill's Next Dinner Event!!!

Bill Kalatsky has just posted his next big Dinner Networking Event. If you are interested in going check out Actorsny.com for details. I already have my RSVP. Don't wait too late or the price will go up! It is currently $57 to attend.

Good Luck, people! I hope to see you there ;)

Nate

My Friend's Favorite Poem

This is a poem that my friend Alberto likes very much. It is a great reminder to enjoy this journey we call life.

Ithaca
When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,
pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon -- do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches your spirit and your body.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not set them up before you.

Pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many, when,
with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time;
stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensual perfumes of all kinds,
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
visit many Egyptian cities,
to learn and learn from scholars.

Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would have never set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already have understood what Ithacas mean.

Constantine P. Cavafy (1911)

It has been a few months...

Well, fellow blog readers I am finally back online in a good way. Promoting the second book has been challenging but rewarding ( at least due to experience. LOL ). What I mean to say is that sometimes things pop right into place and other times ya just have to work for it. Might I say there is no shame to working towards or for a project that you love. I only wish to work smarter and not harder this time around.
So lets talk acting...
First, as all true actors know networking is a must. I keep meeting people who got in years before me because they knew someone I didn't. I'm not griping! All i wish was that I had gained this information sooner than at this point but I digress everything happens at the moment it is suppose to and not a second earlier.
FYI There is a great book by Bill Kalatsky ( a casting agent/producer) that tells all on how to network your way in. If you are interested in the book just google his name or go to Actorsny.com to get the scoop on classes, his book, and upcoming events.
Next lets talk energy!!!
There are some people who clearly are enegry vampires. Everytime you meet them it is like the very life is being sucked out of you. So I suggest that you free yourself of such people. The only way they feel good is by dragging others down and that SUCKS!!! Surrounding yourself with good people and good energy maybe as simple as finding a new route to work or better yet avoiding the vampires and getting in with a new crowd. In any situation change is necessary to promote growth. Who knows? Maybe the most loving thing you can do is just (gently) giving old crap (people/places/etc.) the boot.
I think the point of this rant is that we should all look forward to change and if possible embrace it. This doesn't mean that you have to get rid of everything so much as only those things that would dare hold you down.

KEEP PEACE ON YOUR MIND AND LOVE IN YOUR HEART!

N8

BOY is now available online

www.OutskirtsPress.com/BOY

PICK UP A COPY TODAY!!! :D

N8

A Bit Too Quiet

It has been a while since I wrote/updated my blog. Well, what can I say? It has been a whirlwind of events this pass month or so and then everything seemed to halt. Of course, I know that this is usually a sign that something big is happening but this time I feel personally alittle anxious.

I was fortunate enough last month to secure a freelance agreement with IFM which means that more acting opportunities will surface over time. I know from experience that my look is mostly hot during the Fall when everyone's mind drifts toward football and sports. That is why I am curious as to what IFM will offer me during the Spring and Summer season? It is a professional curiousity, therefore, I don't feel that I am jinxing it by being so open about possible results.

Also, the book is in the printing phase which means that it will be published within a week or so. Truthfully, I really shouldn't be bitchin' but waiting can take so much out of you if your mind state isn't prepared. Right now, I am just being impatient ^_^

Oh well, I want everyone to take it easy and this week learn from mine and other people's efforts. Whether it means just being a little more patient and allowing more time for yourself or reviewing what you personally have accomplished. Take time out this week to learn and hopefully grow.

Peace
N8

This Is My New Book!!! XD

This is how the book cover will look like and frankly I am thrilled!!!! Everything seems to be moving at a great pace and if I am lucky this project may get done ahead of my own pessimistic timeline. LOL.

My publisher and editor this time were very effecient so I am so far impressed by the level of activity.

Hopefully, things will progress in this manner and I will have a copy of the book in my hands soon!!! HURRAY XD

Remember that being hopeful can only help when waiting for the results of your actions.

Nate

What A Great Dinner!!!

On Feb. 5th I attended a dinner event that hosted about 15 industry agents, managers, and producers. It was GREAT! I made many contacts and met a wide variety of actors. It was funny because I was one of the only actors there who had delved into the realm of writing. Sure there were others but I was the only one with his own book ;)

I learned a lot that night about approach and method of gaining attention. When I was too direct it seemed to turn off some of the producers but fortunately not all were as 'gun shy' as those few. Also, there is something admirable about being straight forward. Everyone there that night knew what the event was about and it was just a matter of schooze as to whom got to know the industry peeps the best. Plus, they were looking for specific types anyway.

Overall, I got to pass out a ton of my cards and I know for sure that there were several solid connections made that night. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures ( I didn't want to seem like a tourist amongst shark infested waters). If you are interested in attending the next dinner event it will be held at the end of Summer. Check out my other blog to see when and of course return to this blog for updates on my book BOY that is already at in the formatting stage at the publisher.

Remember to keep peace on your mind and love in your heart!!!

Nate

And The Title Is...

BOY

It should be available at the end of April.

The Book Is Done

For most of you who have been keeping up with me on Myspace already know that the book was completed last week around Thursday. I am still keeping the name of the book under wraps until it gets cleared by the publisher so that means that I won't reveal the name until February. This new book should be major boost in how books are viewed. Its a novelette but where it lacks pages it more than makes up for in content. Look for it online and on shelves in the US at the end of April or maybe early May.
Thanks for all your support and remember to stay positive in all that you do!

N8

And The Pace Quickens

I am glad to say that I have officially made it to Chapter 12 in my latest book. I am so tempted to spill the beans and reveal the title of the book and what it is all about but I know that would be counterproductive. Anticipation is almost as thrilling as receiving the object of the anticipation. I can''t stop thinking about these last few chapters. I have even started to write ahead so that as I reach the end of one section/chapter the middle or end of the other section/chapter is nearly complete.
Have you guessed the name of the book yet? If you have been reading my blogs then it should be apparent after this next clue. Are you ready... the title is gender specific in nature.
Okay, that is all that I can reveal right now.
Look for the book to hit US shelves in late April.

Peace and love to all my readers. Stay positive.
N8

The Second Season Of Networking

It has started again and this time I feel better prepared for what is around the corner. February will host a dinner event in NY that will bring together agents, managers, and producers with hopeful actors. If you are interested in attending this event just email me. My associate Edmar Flores is actually speaking that night so it should be interesting to see him cleaned up and talking to the crowd.
Be warned the price of this dinner is on the rise and I not sure if there is a limit to how many people can attend. As one of the attendees I actually would feel better with fewer people especially taking into account that currently there is a 7 to 1 ratio in favor of the actors already slated to show up. However, this business is all about competition and if you can't take the heat get out the freakin' kitchen! LOL!!! So the more the merrier and I will see you at the dinner.

N8

Only A Few More Chapters To Go

So close yet so far away is how I feel right now when I think about the completion of next book. This little novelette will be a quick but fun read for everyone. Its simplicity should attract a more generalized readership yet the strength of the story should get the attention of the more descriminating reader.

This year looks promising for most of my career matters. I plan on publishing two books this year. The first should be at the publisher by February and the other should be completed by November. I am working with a producer to make my tv script more exceptable to the studios. There is no real schedule for the completion of that project but I am rooting for sooner than later.

For everyone who have been following the progress of my projects I just want to thank you for your support and positive energy. It is a NEW YEAR and therefore time for NEW BEGINNINGS!!!! I want to wish all my readers the best in 2007. I HOPE ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE!

PEACE AND LOVE,

N8

Names To Take Note Of In 2007: Edmar Flores

To those of you who have been reading my blog Edmar's name should not be new to you. He is a good colleague and he is owner of his own production company called EFLO Productions. The thing that makes Edmar stand out from the crowd is his constant work ethic and modesty.

I'm not sure of all the projects that he is involved with in the upcoming year but do know that his work load is consistent and that people should take note. If you doubt me just check out his IMDB movie page.

ACTOR ALERT: ALBERTO CORRAL

Between my Blogger and Myspace blog I will until the end of the year be posting Actor Alerts or Names To Take Note Of In 2007. The first Actor Alert that I will post goes to my buddy and great fellow actor ALBERTO CORRAL. He is currently acting in Spain and has performed throughout Europe. I had the good fortune to meet him while he was training in NY. He speaks both English and Spanish fluently and has received training from New York Film Academy (NYFA). While in America, he was in several indie and student films as well as making an appearance on daytime television.

FYI He is also an accomplished animator and has a blog devoted to his animation career. Alberto is already a presence to recognize but in the upcoming year he may ( key word being 'may' ) go global with his acting career. I'm glad to have met Alberto and I hope that in the upcoming year that I will get the chance to work with him. If you are a producer or studio that would like to contact him just email me for the information or search the web for his blog. Good Luck and remember to keep Peace on your mind and Love in your heart.

Manga, Me, and More Projects

This is the second time in one month that I did extra work on a Japanese film. It was quite fun. This production was made for TV and was based on a Manga comic series called Boys Over (Then) Flowers. I am pleased to say that several more of my projects are being seen by producers and associates in the industry.

I should inform anyone going to the next networking event that I will not be attending. It is just too close to the holidays for me and I have other obligations so I apologize to those who were expecting me to show up.

I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON!!!! If you want to drop me a line don't hesitate I will be at my computer most of the time. LOL :)

Keep a peaceful state of mind and love in your heart.

Nate

LAST LOVE ( a tragic love story )

On the 7th I had to the opportunity to be an extra on the Japanese film LAST LOVE. It was an unique experience because I saw several Japanese stars that I recognized. The story is a tragedy about a man whose wife dies causing him much grief then he developes cancer and eventually dies himself.
I hadn't done extra work in a long time and to tell the truth ever since I started to write I haven't had the time to send out resumes for acting gigs. So when I got the phone call to come in I knew it was from one of my old headshots. Overall I was pleased with the job especially the ethnic food. It was catered to the Japanese cast and crew so we ate a lot of rice cakes, tea, and stuff I am not too sure what it was. It was also fun watching the cast and crew reacting to one another. I haven't seen such behavior and professionalism in a long time. Hence, I wish the best of luck for the film and I want to thank The Eastwood Agency and West Coast Extras for casting me.

COMMITTED (acting company) AT THE PLAYER'S THEATER

THE EVENING WAS A BLAST!!! The showcase featured my associate Todd Essary and The Committed Acting Company to which he belongs. The leader of the troop is Tom G. Waite, former actor and playwright turned teacher, whose charisma was as entertaining as the performances themselves. Most of the scenes focused on the dynamic of good and bad relationships. The amazing thing was that all the actors shone that night even though several were clear cut stars. The women of the troop were beautiful and captivating while the men had a magnetism and strength that only practice and determination can give.
A mix of relatives and friends showed up that night as well as a few surprises. Besides industry people some interesting acquaintances of mine walked in during the pre-show meet and greet. It was Daniel and Rachel from the September Networking. They are the founders of the fashion indie website. Also, imdb noted actress Natalie Caron showed up to the event... I hadn't seen her since Edmar's networking party last April.
Overall, the showcase was a success from the wine and cheese at the door to the closing statements from Tom G. Waite (seen in the black and white photo). BRAVO!!!

Sara Quinn

Just a quick note to tell everyone that my sister in spirit had her beautiful baby on Saturday. Congratulations, Panda!!!! We all love you dearly.

Nate

This thing is sort of accurate

I'm coasting online looking at stuff that can only be considered a waste of time when I see this q+a on which super hero you are? So I took the test and came up with this result... the funny thing is that I do wear a lot of rings and I am fond of one in particular!

Your results:
You are Green Lantern

Green Lantern 95% Spider-Man 70% Superman 65% Iron Man 65% The Flash 55% Hulk 55% Supergirl 45% Wonder Woman 40% Batman 40% Robin 40% Catwoman 30%

Hot-headed. You have strong will power and a good imagination.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test

My Next Book Update

I still don't want to reveal the name of my next book but I will say that I have made it up to chapter 7. This book will be different from the last in that it will be a novelette (short novel). I like the fact that it is based on real people and deals with real experiences although those experiences seem beyond ordinary as told from the perspective of one of the characters. I won't say too much more except that to understand my next book it maybe necessary to read the final screenplay of The Zen Cookbook. That's it! My lips are sealed ^_^
So pick up the first book and go to Amazon.com to read the story synopsis and reviews.
Take it easy,
Nate

Let's See If Todd Essary Can Shine

Super cool event will be held at the Player's Theater in NYC on the 27th. My friend Todd Essary will be showcasing that night so if you want to see a great and so far free performance just show up before 8 p.m.

I will definitely be there with my camera to snap a few pics for the blog.

GOOD LUCK, TODD!!!!

Myspace on Blogger?

Recently, to generate more attention to my writing I created a Myspace site. It feels weird @@ Ya see I am a big fan of Blogger but all the generation Y and Zers(?) are partying crackin' open kegs over at Myspace. So like the savvy whore... I mean businessman that I am I put links from one site to the other on my blogs. I don't know if this is a cheap ploy but for some reason it took me several weeks to do this and I feel a little dirty. Out damn spot!!!
Anywho... Welcome all you Myspacers to Blogger your teacher's/parent's/old dude's site. LET THE CLASS BEGIN!

For A Brief Moment

Several times in my life I have been a witness to things I cannot explain. I can only say that trusting in the Unknown can bear amazing fruit. So I guess this is just a reminder to have faith and to save that faith for things Divine. I always like to remind myself ( and others) that it is good to believe in your fellow man but it is best to have faith in that which does not falter or fail in times of need. Whether that Divinity is found in yourself as that very wonderful spark of life or in something greater than yourself for a brief moment take a chance and do more than just believe... have faith.

New York Art

Before I went into the event on Saturday I got the chance to bum it around New York's Chinatown. Right on the edge of Chinatown was a huge Italian festival... San Genera or something to that effect. To all my Italian friends please forgive me for not knowing which festival this was or how to spell it :)
Anyway, I was way too early for the event that was scheduled for 6pm but actually started at 8pm so I sat and looked at the people passing by me on the steps of a building that was under renovation. In reality, I avoided eye contact with everyone which lead me to discover the coolest little bit of graffiti. It was two bees (one black and the other white) with their stingers touching... Now this was ART and it was totally defacing someone else's property.Typical. All good art can't find its way into a museum so it ends up on the street for free. I'm not complaining, in fact, I enjoyed it so much that I took a pic of it and smiled. The smell of urine was strong with this one but the aesthetic was well worth it. I remember the news doing a story about these little tags a few years ago. Man, I love finding little treasures like this in NY! I hope you enjoy it too.

N8

SunflowerChildren.org and Gawad Kalinga Charity Event

I went to a charity event for the SunflowerChildren and Gawad Kalinga on Saturday. The head of SunflowerChildren showed a video of her work around the world. A girl named Jovy was having a birthday and in a charitable act painted several pictures that were auctioned that night. I have to thank Jovy's father, Bert. He was a true warm-hearted patriarch which made the event encompassing and a true social event. I owe you a drink, Big Guy!
If you would like to give to either one of these organization just click the link above or do a search on Google or Yahoo and you will find them.

Something strange and interesting happened on September 22, 2006 at about 11:15 in the A.M.

It maybe very hard for some of you to accept but I have always felt that there was a power greater than myself influencing my life. THREE TIMES in my life I have had a butterfly land on my finger. The first two times I was in a meditative state literally calling out to get a response. This third time was different.
I was sitting in my backyard drinking a beer and smoking a cigar. As the smoke from the cigar blew to my left I noticed a Monarch butterfly hesitating/fluttering around in it. I thought nothing of it because at the time I was preoccupied with thoughts of the future. Oddly, the butterfly followed the trail of smoke and landed on my right leg just below my knee and very close to where my cigar hand was resting. So I froze because I thought that insects were afraid of smoke. Then it hit me that this was one of those moments so I opened my left hand that was resting on my left thigh and it happened. The butterfly flew over and landed on my left hand. I was shocked because the other times that this had happened I was really calling out to the Spirit world for a sign and this time it just happened. I took my eyes off of it and thought maybe I should say a prayer and it flew up and into the smoke that was in front of my face. I quickly said 'thank you, God!' and it immediately flew in a straight line over the back of the neighbor's house and pass the trees.
HONESTLY, you do not have to believe this story BUT it did happen on September 22, 2006 at about 11:15 in the A.M.
This incident encouraged me to attend a charity event that I was not going to attend. The event was for Sunflowerchildren.org and Gawad Kalinga. I took a few photos and I will post those pics next week. Until then keep faith and love in your hearts.
ALWAYS BELIEVE

Nate

Mike Bales and the All Avenues NY Networking

I recently went to a networking to meet a classmate of mine from high school, Michael Bales. The gathering was sponsored by All Avenues NY and Mike seemed to be one of the stars of the event. He knew everybody and was very laid back and cool. I was shocked at the number of Asian women who seemed to be infatuated with the guy. I jokingly wrote to a friend that he seemed to be the creamy center of an Asian lemon cookie :D If you are reading this, Mike, I'm just kidding.
Some of the cool people I met ranged from doctors to real estate to producers. Sean, the Asian guy lounging on the couch, was so very chill. He is studying neurology and just like Mike is going for a PHD in his particular field. He invited us after the networking to hear some bands play at a local bar. The girls at the event were wonderful. Yuka and Yvonne were very nice and made the evening much more fun than just working the crowd. I admit that I drank a little too much and the drive home reminded me of my college days... Dangerous! DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE, PEOPLE!!!!
Anyway, take it easy and much love to everyone I made a connection with at this networking.
N8

What's In A Name?

"MY EYES ARE OPEN."
About seven years ago I heard this phrase and I had an epiphany. My life needed change and the one factor that tied me to the past was my name. I was never pleased with my family name because my dad after the divorce completely rejected me and my mother. In fact, his entire side of the family cut communication and all ties to us. So what is in a name? Everything!!!
I was watching Fight Club for about the sixteenth time when I realize that change is an internal process that may take a second or sometimes many years to occur. For me it was in that one second that I didn't want to be the same anymore. Sapien just means wise. The correct use of the word in English is sapient which means wisdom. After my epiphany I went on the computer and began looking up names especially those dealing with comics. There was this strange bust of a character who had already been introduced into the comic Hellboy but no one had seen. His name was Abe Sapien. The toy manufacturer had a picture of a man with zebra-like stripes on his face and a speed dial type of device on his chest. I said to myself this looks neither like an Abe nor a Sapien. Then bingo! Nathan Abe? No. Nathan Abraham? No. Nathan Sapien? Ah-ha!!! So for several years I was just Nathan Sapien then the other part of the name came to me. A friend of mine got engaged and in a lot of the correspondence I kept telling her everything was Zen. Jokingly I said maybe I should add this to my name and she told me it was more of an aspiration than a name. I LOVED IT. There was a certain exotic and spiritual quality to it. In my mind there seem to also be a challenge of whether I could live up to the standards created by the name.
Anyway, that is how I got the name Nathan Zen-Sapien. Oddly enough when I checked the website for the picture of Abe Sapien the manufacture had made a mistake and posted the wrong pic. Apparently, Abe Sapien is a mer-man or half fish/half man creature. If I had known this I probably would not have pick Sapien as my pen and stage name. Nothing against fish people but lets face it the zebra/robot dude was just a little bit cooler.
Keep a peaceful state of mind and make sure that your eyes are open.
N8

All Your Base Are Belong To Us

Words, words, words...
Sometimes even if you have the best of ideas there is the very large possibility that no one will understand or care if you have not presented them in the right way. No real deep quandaries here but food for thought to anyone writing, or acting or both. This is also relevant to all people in business because the masses, peers, and bosses all judge you based on what you put forth or those things that you have that they deem is of value. The most amazing thing is that the average performer ( or person for that matter ) doesn't realize that the key component of showbiz is business and success in business is the end product which is usually presented as some kind of show. Put up or shut up takes on new dimensions when viewed in this light.
Like I said earlier no real deep quandaries just food for thought :)

Semantics Or A Matter Of Truth

This initially was going to be another video post but I feared becoming one of those blogs that do nothing but post the video crap that other people place up on the web. So I decided to give an update on the progress so far. Besides contacting a ton of people that I don't know about the book and my other scripts I had an epiphany. Apparently, there is a difference between advertising and publicity. You can advertise your butt off but it means nothing if people aren't interested enough to even read the flyer or pamphlet or whatever piece of crap that you wasted your hard earned money on. On the other hand, all you need is one strategic or famous or connected person to start talking about what you've done and BINGO you got some good publicity!!! Now some may say this is just a matter of semantics and colloquial interpretation but let's face it there is some truth to the statement. The real question is HOW does a person get publicity? Maybe I should add luck to my previous equation for success although I believe (and Oprah agrees) that there is no such thing as luck just a lot of ingenuity and timing.

Yamakasi And The ART Of The Human Body In Motion

First let me say that I have always loved seeing the human body in motion. There is something about the natural (some would say divine) design of form and function that makes me enjoy watching athletics and dance.
In some facets of my art I try to show the effect of force and energy on objects especially those thing derived from the natural world around us. However, there is something to be said about the mind as a factor. The video that I am showing is more than athletics. This guy has trained himself to do that which the average person can't. He used his natural talent and mind in such a way that the inertia that would cause great injury to average person is negated by simple physics.
It is scary to watch and I recommend that NO ONE SHOULD TRY THIS STUNT!!!!!!! EVER!!!!!!! *******Life is too precious to try a stunt like this because one miscalculation or change in the external factors and YOU ARE DEAD! *******

DRIVEN And My Equation For Success

I have been communicating with a wide variety of people from around the world and here in the U.S. lately. I really think that I have made enough (although enough is never enough) celebrity, industry, reviewer contacts that the future books and promo should go smoothly. There are extraneous factors like locations and contracts to consider but I feel with the right production team all these components will be resolved.

Experience + Drive + Resources (usually equals)= Success

Hopefully, this formula will work for me in the future and if it doesn't I will just have to rethink the process or enforce some other plan of action.

Jimmy Lee Phelan - Cinematography

I have been sort of out of the loop so I have to congratulate my buddy, Jimmy Lee Phelan. On 05/06 he got his MFA in Film from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. I met Jimmy (or Lee as he prefers to be called) on a commercial shoot. He had a lot of great ideas and after I saw his early reel I knew he had the talent to back up those concepts with action (click on the link above to see what I mean).
Lee if you read this I just want to say more power to you and thanks for showing me your willingness to work with all types of people. You have a bright future ahead of you.

Party Season Is Around The Corner

The buzz is in the air. So far I have had over four different requests to attend five different networking parties.
It is funny how people turn an event that only lasts for a few hours into a seasonal extravaganza! I guess that everybody likes to see each other and talk about the events that occurred since the last party. These upcoming gatherings should be really interesting seeing that several people actually had a pretty successful year. One of the parties involves a musician friend of mine that I haven't seen in 15 years. He has been playing in the NY area and I didn't know about it so clearly he is invited to any event I go to and hopefully vice-versa will be the case at his events.
Most of this stuff doesn't start until September so its all good in my mind. A lot of people have done what they promised and I feel that it is my turn to step to the plate. I admit that this Summer was unusual and sometimes stressful but overall I really didn't work the way I wanted to. I don't have any real hard feelings about this because you often can't control the circumstances that come your way in life. All I can do is live and learn.
As usual, I'd like to thank all my friends who helped me through the bad stuff and for all the love and support that was shared with my family.

TAKE CARE and KEEP A PEACEFUL STATE OF MIND :)

N8