May, 2012

Interview with Actor James Mapes

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine is always excited to present to its readers actors with multiple talents. There are many celebrities that fans have been surprised by in discovering the many abilities they have. One such actor is James Mapes.

James you first appeared in the 1973 movie ‘Shamus’. What first interested you in this career, and what training did you undertake before starting out in it ?

JM- I wanted to be an actor since I was a child but that was not very practical.  I entered college as a math major and chemistry minor.  It was a disaster.  Six years later I graduated from California State University Northridge with my Master in Theater.  My first season was with the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival making $15.00 a week and sleeping under the stage.  My next acting gig was a year at The New Orleans Repertory Theater where I got my Equity card.  Then, off to New York doing commercials, soaps stage and getting a foot in the door for film.  Oh yes, and developing my one man hypnosis show which I finally presented on Broadway a little over six years ago. (more…)

TAEM News Release: Our Brittish Web Partner announces their newest event!

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

P R E S S  R E L E A S E  (I M M E D I A T E)

“VOGONESQUE II: RETURN OF THE VOGONS”

(42 OPEN MIC NIGHT CELEBRATES SECOND DOUGLAS ADAMS EVENING)

Vogonesque II (PDF)

“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy states that a sequel is an event (or follow-up) which is staged in the wake of a terribly successful first episode: It ALSO states that the sequel really OUGHT to happen AFTER the first event, as doing it the other way around only makes you look like a clever dick, and everyone will only get awfully confused…..”

A year ago, the Genre-Specific Open mic night 42 paid homage to one of its founding inspirations, in hosting an evening called “VOGONESQUE”, in tribute to Douglas Adams and “THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY”.  The organisers of 42 took the name of their evenings from Adams celebrated answer to Life, the Universe and Everything, and their open mic night has recently celebrated its first birthday.   The first Vogonesque was such a warmly appreciated success that the organisers decided to make it an annual event, as their contribution to Towel Day, the international celebration of Adams life and surreal sci-fi masterpieces. (Held on the 25th of May.) (more…)

Joseph J. O’Donnell’s My Virginia (intro)

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

As one goes through the day-to-day existence where they reside, people lose sight of what is around them. This is true of myself after living in Virginia for the past sixteen years. Of course I had visited all the tourist sites such as Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Annapolis, Baltimore Harbor, the museums in the Washington, DC area, and such. But I missed all the little things until I slowed down and took in everything around me.

In the past we introduced McMahon’s Irish Pub & Restaurant (see the Feb. 13th issue of TAEM) in Warrenton, Virginia, and we recently explored the Air & Space Museum in Northern Virginia (but this is for another story). I also stumbled upon a railroad that never was built while hiking along a back trail near Centreville, Virginia. Apparently bridge abutments were built across Cub Run Creek, however the American Civil War prevented that from ever happening. There is also a myriad of amazing flowering fields hidden by young tree growth in the carpeting woods nearby, and the Antiquer’s Mall in Madison. (more…)

Joseph J. O’Donnell’s- My Virginia- Aldie Mill

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

In this first segment of My Virginia, we have taken a side trip to the Aldie Mill Historic Park, in historic Aldie, Virginia. There we met Tracy J. Gillespie, the Historic Site Supervisor, who pointed out the way around the grounds to us. She also provided us with a lot of useful literature to guide us in our tour. My 92-year old father-in-law, Hugo Cardel, accompanied me and my photographer (Joe Jr.) around the site complex.

There we met Capt. John Moore, the director of the mill, who explained the history of the site and the significant part it played in ‘The Battle of Aldie’ during the Civil War. The mill is actually operational and is fed water to turn the dual mill water wheels from a damn about three-quarters of a mile away. The captain was dressed in a re-enactors costume of the day as was Miss Collette Carmouche, who was the tour guide on the third floor of the mill. Mike Devine (the miller) was also in period dress, and explained the way the mill work with an excellent working demonstration. (more…)

TAEM interview with actor Michael Adam Hamilton

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine is excited to present actor Michael Adam Hamilton to all of our readers. Michael is not only a well-rounded actor, but has had much experience in the other facets of motion pictures. His work can also be found in the web series ‘Pink Slip’ which we feature in our magazine monthly.

Michael, our magazine is closely followed by many college students who are studying acting. Please tell us why you chose to take up this career and who was your greatest inspiration for doing so.

MAH- Honestly, this career initially found me. My sisters were all doing a show at Biddiford City Theatre. My mother picked me up from football and didn’t have time to “run me home”.  So, I ended up in the lobby of this amazing community theater, bored. There I was, still sweaty and dirty from practice, waiting on my sisters when the director, Michael Hjort, came rushing out to speak with people signing others in.  “Great!” he blurted out. “Are you here for one of the French resistance fighters?” “No”.  I plainly uttered. Long story short, I ended of doing the show “A Little Princess” and falling in love with all of it. Acting was actually a side bonus that I developed skill and interest in.  What really drew me in and what I still love is the feeling of community, of getting together with a bunch of people you otherwise would never know to create this common thing.  I had a natural talent for singing, which had been nurtured by chorus and a musical family (all three of my sisters were at one point in Musica De Filia, the girl singers of Maine). The singing initially was what gave me opportunity.  I bounced from one musical to another at City Theater. I was blessed enough to not even understand the stress of the audition process until around three years later.  I didn’t understand, “I may not be cast.”  I was just there to have fun. I learned from some great directors and actors in this community. In particular one person I owe thanks to is Michael Donavon, who cast me in many shows and gave me great opportunities. He also handed me my first disappointment, which turned out to be a great joy. We were doing Grease and I of course wanted to be good ol’ Danny Zuko. Who doesn’t want to be Danny? Well I think at the time I was 15, maybe 16 and Michael told me I wasn’t ready, I didn’t “have the guy yet”. They ended up using a guy named Tim who I think was 25. But Michael asked me to be Sonny. Here I am thinking I know the show from the Trevolta movie. Sonny is a short, fat, funny man, that’s not me! I’m not sure what I said to Donavon, but he somehow got what I was thinking. But, he challenged me: “This is your role, be it! Be my Sonny!” It ended up being one of the most memorable and fun characters/shows I ever did. And I was Sonny! I found all the quarks, the things that made him tick and I believe this is really when I became an actor.  The best thing about this lesson was what it taught me about acting: Do not judge! Understand.  (more…)

TAEM Press Notice- Virginia Writer’s Club News Letter

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

 

NEXT MEETING

 

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Hosted by the Hampton Roads Chapter VWC

10:30 AM – 12:00 Noon Board Business Meeting

12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM Lunch*

1:30 – 3:00 PM Afternoon Program with

Booker T. Mattison (Open to the Public)

 

Click here to view the Newsletter (PDF)

‘He Drinks Blood’- a poem by guest author Polly Robinson

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

You will know him by his powers,

His inhuman speed,

His sinister silence,

The way he can fly at the flick of an eyelid;

By his ability to conceal himself in the shadows,

His talon-like claws,

Very sharp;

Made for tearing flesh. (more…)

‘Sedusa (part 1)’ by guest author Paul DeThroe

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Guest Author Paul DeThroe

I’ve sailed the seven seas nearly all my life.  Fourteen of my twenty-four years, to be exact.  I was never one to believe in mumbo-jumbo myths about sea monsters, mermaids, sirens or old hags.  The seas are vehement enough without all that.  A man could lose his life any day he sets foot on a ship.  Just too many dangers to add other worries that can only hurt you when you’re asleep.  I prefer my dreams to be about women.

I am a pirate.  I captain my own ship and have a crew of ten sailors who would cut anyone’s throat, if they threatened me.  A loyal bunch, they are.  But loyalty comes with a price.  They would even cut my throat, if the rewards proved worth more than what I pay for their loyalty.  I remain keenly aware of that fact and keep a close eye on everyone aboard my vessel, because that was exactly how I became captain at such an early age.

I am a fearless man.  I am afraid of no man, no beast, and no situation.  I am a fighter and a thief.  I’ve killed more men than I care to count and I have stolen enough treasure to become a myth of my own.  Captain Deathblade, they call me, because of my extensive combination of skill and technique as a swordsman.  My real name is Percival Nightingale.  I prefer Captain Deathblade.

So what would motivate a man who has achieved as much as I to continue to sail dangerous seas into even more treacherous ports?  (more…)

‘The Lost Soul’ by guest author Jackie Summers

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Guest Poet Jackie Summers

My Grandfather said he witnessed Saint Peter walking on water, as he was preparing to sit down for supper. Then he died where he sat, of a major heart attack.

Another time he had police searching the woods for a decapitated body he said he seen propped in a sitting position under a tree, the man’s head in his lap! They never did find the body.

I never met my Grandfather. The day he died sitting down for supper, my father was only a boy of twelve. But the story was told to me by my Aunt Lena. She had come to stay with us during a family wedding. I don’t remember the discussion that preceded the conversation I had with her, that made me blurt out, I see ghosts!

But I have seen ghosts, and more than once!

Aunt Lena calmly told me I should see a doctor. I explained to her I wasn’t crazy, she said; “neither was your Grandfather.” (more…)

‘Maniacs (part 2)’ by guest author David Rhodes

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
Guest Author David Rhodes

Guest Author David Rhodes

I climbed into my car, disturbed by what I had seen on the TV. I just could not fathom Ritchie doing something like this. I had known the man too long. I was confused and frightened, but I would soon learn that this was only the beginning of the confusion, the fright.

I came to a red light, and looked across the street; there was the gas station, with police cars marked and unmarked parked aside the front curbs, some in whatever space could be found in the small parking lot. A few bystanders remained, still watching the activity beyond the yellow tape. The light turned green, and I turned through the intersection, parking several houses down from the already packed station. I hoped that the people whose house I had decided to park in front of were understanding, and not one of these families who would decide that towing the car away would be a good lesson for me.

I walked up the street and soon found myself standing at the yellow police tape with those who had stayed. Mike, the station’s owner, was standing near the glass doors of the entrance, surrounded by police drilling him with questions. He looked nervous, edgy, and kept shifting his gaze to the audience on the other side of the tape. Therefore, with Mike occupied, I had to look elsewhere for answers. (more…)

TAEM Press Release- Web Partner wins Prestigious Award

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Arnold Garcia aka Arnold G & Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar to Receive the 2012 International Noble Awards April 22, 2012 at Celebrity Center.

Hollywood, CA — Saturday, April 21, 2012 Diversity News Publications and A&G Entertainment Productions announced that Arnold Garcia (recording artist, songwriter, dancer, performer and music producer) aka Arnold G from A&G Entertainment Productions and Esteban Escobar (journalist, reporter, editor, columnist, writer, producer, director, publicist, radio personality and philanthropist) aka Steven Escobar to receive the 2012 International Noble Awards.

Arnold G and Steven Escobar will receive their awards at The 2012 Kundirana Concert & International Noble Awards Event benefiting World Medical Mission, a non profit organization to be held on Sunday, April 22, 2012 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at The Celebrity Center located at 5930 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028.

“WOW getting a Humanitarian Award is something that I still cannot believe it because the is so huge. I really want to thank Ms. Lou Baron from Celestial Productions Board of Directors and Management for this recognition and I guarantee that World Medical Missions will be my next charity to raise funds and awareness.” Said Steven Escobar. (more…)

TAEM interview with journalist Mridu Khullar Relph

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine has covered many subjects, and personalities, in the field of writing. From interviews with such authors as Raymond Benson (six James Bond novels) to every aspect of writing. This included screenplays, novels, short stories, poetry , and plays that the many college students who follow our publication can refer to. There is another segment of the writing field that is most important to human communication, and that is journalism.
We are therefore very excited to introduce an award winning journalist, Mridu Khullar Relph, to all our student readers.
Mridu, you have lived in Asia, Africa, and North America and your reporting is highly regarded. Tell us about your early beginnings and what caused you to taking up journalism as a career.

MKR- Short story: I failed my first year in college, so I started freelancing to prove to myself that I wasn’t completely useless.
Longer story: I’ve had some incredible teachers in my life who may not have pushed me into writing, but gave me so much encouragement and praise that when I hit upon hard times, their voices rang in my head. In first or second grade, when I was growing up in London, a teacher liked my short story so much, she made it into the annual school play. Back in India, my English teacher would often read my essays and stories out loud in class as examples of good writing.
I grew up a voracious reader and actually did write some “novels” in my spare time at age twelve or thirteen. Thanks to the early encouragement I got, by the time I was in college, I knew I was a good writer. I just didn’t know at the time that making a career of it was an option.
So when I failed, I fell back on that encouragement and advice. By the time I graduated college, I was making a living with my work. (more…)

“THE BALLARD OF BONNIE AND HYDE” by Guest Author Glenn James

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
Author Glenn James

Guest Author Glenn James

(Following the mysterious disappearance of Doctor Jekyll, and the scandalous appearance of the murderer Hyde’s body in his cabinet, this note was found in Hyde’s pocket by Jekyll’s Servant Poole, and handed to the police.  It appears to be from a woman….)

I swear there is a whiff of sulphur about him, a cologne given to him by Lucifer, and when I smell that I know for certain he is back.  That faint, sickly chemical smell, nothing like anything normal I have ever encountered.  It catches at your throat and makes your head swim, pulls at something inside of you in a way that’s indecent, and you start to feel you are losing yourself to some strange vortex. It’s not normal.

Normal?  Normal I say. Don’t make me laugh.

Nothing is normal about you my dearest, oh, my Star of the Morning.

I just know when he has returned home, without a sound being made or a word being spoken.  He moves as quietly as a cat, and frightening as that can be, he thinks the first I know of it is when I feel his breath on my neck, and his stubble on my cheek.

But I know, I can tell, and like everything else about him, that sickly sweet concoction which he makes such a joke of dabbing behind his ears, sickens and pulls at me.  I could kill him with a stroke of his own razor, slashing till there’s nothing left to rise up like a beast and smite me down, but every time I get up the courage he fixes me with those eyes, that wicked, black-eyed gleam, of such mischief that God would call him a good companion.  And then I burn. (more…)

Travel Time with Roger Tweed: Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, and the Minnesota State Fair

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Travel Time with Roger Tweed

In August of 2010 I had the chance to visit Mount Rushmore for the first time.  I had always wanted to visit this national icon, and since I had just retired, I finally had the time to take the trip.  I flew into Minneapolis on the next to last Monday in August, picked up the Ford Focus that was part of my “fly and drive” package booked through Orbitz, and made my way to my friend Cam’s home in the St. Paul suburb of Mounds View.  Cam grew up in Minnesota and had not been to Mount Rushmore since he was a kid, so he was going to accompany me on my travels.

Earlier in the year I had read an online article about “weird travel destinations” that mentioned the “Darwin Ball of Twine,” the world’s largest ball of twine collected by one individual, located in Darwin, MN, west of the Twin Cities.  Darwin would be one of our stops on the way back from South Dakota.  Other stops during my visit were going to be the Minnesota State Capitol complex, and the Minnesota State Fair.

On Tuesday we headed from Mounds View through St. Peter, MN (the home of Gustavus Adolphos College) where we bought some snacks for the road.  Continuing to the west we finally met up with Interstate 90 which we would take all the way across South Dakota to Rapid City.  As we entered South Dakota (for only the second time in my life) we stopped at the Welcome Center.  In addition to giving us South Dakota highway maps, the man behind the counter told us that there was a Chevy Impala Show going on at the Convention Center in Spearfish.  We didn’t know where Spearfish was, but Cam’s family had owned a few Impala’s, so we filed that piece of information away.  (more…)