You Better Lose Yourself

"This opportunity comes once in a lifetime" -- Eminem

Answering Your Mail

On Oct 17th Lauren O writes in:

"Phil, what gives? you never write in your blog. i'm subscribed to it in google reader, y'know. i demand content!"

Phil Responds: You are right Lauren. I'll try to respond more often. I oft come up with ideas for a blog but I lose it in the shuffle of life. Thanks for reminding me not to front like the great pumpkin



I just got back from the studio. Totally dog tired Today's band rushed down here from Montreal, Canada. A fun little group called One Night Band, here are some pictures from the production, the video is below.

I'm So Silly!

I picked out my clothes for the event so specially. I groomed and tried to look nice. I went around and tried to be as engaging and charming as I could be. People were nice and smiled at me. I had a pleasent time. At the end of the event, a freind says." The label on the back of your shirt is on the outside. You do realize you have been wearing your shirt inside out all night. Rim shot! Ah well only human!

Rhyming Word Association Game

I was doing a little writing this morning and this silly thing is what came out.

That furry pink pelt.
Goji berries and spelt.
Watching ice cream melt.
Buying a brand new belt.
Thinking about how I felt.
Playing the cards I'm dealt.



Translation: Oh God! I have to eat healthier things! One too many vanilla shakes have made my belt buckle pop, but i'm not bummed because this is how I yam rolling at this moment in time. The only thing constant in this universe is change. As go I.

Behind the Scenes with the Trachtenburg Family

The past couple of days I had been working with h the Trachtenburg Family on the new Rachel project! I don't want to spill any the beans of the coolness that is going down but I guarentee it will be fun for every girl and boy! The stalwart crew is headed up by Franklin who built the set and the guys have been top notch. The behind the scenes antics is like a show within itself! I'm not going to give away the cool guests and what happens on the show but I will show a couple of shots of the set and behind the scenes fun! I cant wait to see it when it's completed!

I Don't Know A Thing About Love

Photo: Reflection of myself in my Mothers headstone

What a difference a year makes. Today I went to visit my Mother's grave. Last time I visited her I was a hot mess. This time around a combo of therapy, spirituality, Tai Chi and meditation has really led me to a better existance. So although I was still sad and missed her, I wasn't a basket case crying more out of self pity than actual sorrow. There has been a shift in my attitude. I really like myself better. Every day I try to remind myself put the focus on others and away from me. By being constantly mindfull of others I can better "do the right thing". Today I had a real example that I have begun to grow up. When I returned from the graveyard I was sitting at a bus stop and I saw an old ex-girlfreind of mine walk by. My initial instinct was to jump up and say "Hi!" But a lightning fast diagnostic evaluation of the situation reminded me during the span of our relationship I'd done this girl so wrong on so many levels. Saying "Hi!" Forcing an unwelcome, awkward confrontation would be a totally self serving, egotistical move on my part. Once that initial thought passed, I thought what would be best for her? So I prayed for her. I wished her health, happiness, love and a knowledge of self. Making this decision filled me with satisfaction and peace. As Major Garland Briggs said in Twin Peaks: "A job well done is it's own reward." True that. When I got home I picked up a book this ex in question gave me and she inscribed on the title page part of a poem that said "I Don't Know A Thing About Love" Perhaps I'm finally learning a thing about that. If I can paraphrase Depeche Mode for a sec here: If I surrender heart and soul, Sacrifice to a higher goal I'll be moved by a higher love.

Me and My Tai Chi

Photo: A Yin and Yang on the Dojo Door with double dragons that I like.

I've been studying Tai Chi since March 2008. I have this teacher Roldan that is cool and funny and makes it fun to learn. He also acts and sings and does many things in addition to his keeping up his martial arts skills. I just wanted to shout out the Dojo website: Nisei Goju and Roldan's Blog

Here's a clip of Grand Master Roldan. Normally I'd ask "Hey! Wheres the Furious Five?" but after seeing this clip I dare not.