I'm Back!

Well, I’m back.  Yeah, I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything, but my Muse kind of abandoned me after I got Throat Cancer. It’s been a little over a year since I completed the Radiation and Chemo and things are looking a lot better.

My throat and mouth were totally fried from the Radiation and one of the consequences of that was my Taste Buds and Saliva glands stopped working.  You all know from some of my past ramblings that I love good food. Imagine my chagrin when suddenly I could no longer enjoy even the simplest things, like soup.

Besides not being able to swallow anything with any kind of texture, food tasted weird. Things I knew weren’t salted tasted so salty I would gag. This drove my wife nuts because she couldn’t fix anything I could eat.  My sense of smell went into overdrive and food smells made me nauseous.  Even Bacon! And don’t get me started on Garlic.  I loved to cook with fresh whole garlic and when I would try to make something for my wife and son I almost vomited.

I finally went on a liquid diet after I passed out in the bathroom when I tried to bathe and had to go to the hospital to get checked out. They told me I was under nourished and dehydrated.  They tried to get me to eat solid food and I told them to take a look at my mouth and throat so they could see the scar tissue. My tongue and mouth were brown from the dead, burnt skin and my throat was swollen almost shut.  I WAS able to swallow some liquids as long as they were bland, so they put me on Liquid Diet of Ensure.  My stomach had shrunk so much I couldn't drink very much at a time and that limited me to three 8 oz. cans a day.  This went on for about six months and as I would feel a little better, I’d get adventurous and try some other liquid foods. OH Hell No!  Big mistake! Food began to taste even stranger than before. I can no longer stand the taste of Ice Cream or (gasp!) Chocolate in any form, Sugar tasted bitter and yogurt was sheer torture.

When I began this sojourn back to health I weighed approximately 465 pounds, with my average being in the neighborhood of 450.  Funny thing happened, I began to lose weight!  My clothes no longer fit me and hung on me like sacks.  Even my underwear was falling down when I managed to walk the short distance to the bathroom.  I’ve had to get new clothes to fit me so I could look at least halfway presentable. I still can’t walk very far or stand for very long but at least my clothes didn’t hang on me anymore.  I went from a 65” waist to a 54”! Hey, I was looking good again!  Even the wife said I was getting my SEXY back!

Long story short, since I began, I have lost over 200 pounds and my waist size is still shrinking as is my once humungous backside.  It’s almost flat again!  My taste buds are working again so my semi-liquid diet has flavor again.  I mostly eat Grits and Eggs for breakfast and cottage cheese for dinner. Every now and then I eat soups that I use a stick blender on in order to be able to swallow them to get other proteins to keep me alive.  My Battle Cry has been “I WANT A CHEESEBURGER, DAMMIT!” but that will come when my saliva glands start working again.

I want to thank all my friends and Family for all the support they’ve given me throughout my ordeal, because without them I would have been depressed and probably suicidal.  They convinced me that I was stronger than anything that was thrown at me and that the world still needs me. I Love You All!

Stay tuned and I will try to update you with the things going on in my renewed life!  Who knows, maybe I'll post some pictures next time out...

Greetings out there in Blogger Land!

If you remember my last posting, I had been diagnosed as having Throat Cancer and had vowed to beat it. Well, I did. The cancer is gone!  I went through seven weeks of Radiation Treatments and Chemotherapy, lost all the hair on my face and some on the back of my head and had a Burn on my neck for a while.

My sense of taste is shot and I can't eat very much right now because everything I try to eat tastes like Battery Acid, even things that are sweet! I miss my Sugar!  As a result of not being able to eat, I have lost over 80 pounds. I'm  down from 450 to 370. It's a struggle mainly because my mouth and tongue are still burned from the radiation, but are slowly healing.

The Biggest and Best news is I HAVE BEATEN CANCER!  Yes, the Cancer is GONE! I still have some follow up visits, but I am fully confident that I will come through with flying colors.  I want to thank all of my Friends and Family out there who sent Good Vibes, Prayers and Words of Support and Encouragement while I went through this.  I don't know what would have happened without you, so once again, Thank you all!

Been a long time...

Hey boys and girls!  Sorry for being gone for so long, but my life has taken a few twists and turns since September. Had a long Natural High from Comic-Con, meeting old friends and making new ones, sharing Pictures on here, On Facebook and on the Highlander Site.

Then I went through a bout  of  depression. Nothing really serious, just didn't feel like doing anything. Things started getting better in January when I managed to put some cash aside to try to buy a Membership to Comic-Con. THEN I got the email about Returning Press Registration after I had registered for a Badge.  Thanks to the nice person in charge of Press Registry, we got  it straightened out.  Next step is getting my Press Creds approved.  I'm now a Legitimate Reporter complete with a Press ID and Certificate of Accreditation as a Freelance Photographer/Reporter! YAY!

Now comes the down side. I had what I thought was a case of Tonsilitis, no biggie, I've had flare ups before.  Then it became inflamed and infected, or so I thought.  Had the Doctor give me some antibiotics to knock out the infection.  It didn't work.  Now my biggest fear may be coming true. I might have Throat Cancer.

Yeah, the Big Casino.  Best case scenario, a little Radiation, some Chemo and Bye-Bye Cancer.  Worst case, they have to go in and cut out a few things I'm really fond of. My Tongue, my Larynx and a few other things I use a lot.  Really Worst case, They can't do anything and I prepare to shuffle off this mortal coil, leaving behind all the people I know and love, Friends, Family, Relatives...

But, in the mean time, I plan on maintaining a POSITIVE Attitude.  I WILL BEAT THIS!!!!!

I'm not what you'd call a Religious Person, but any Good Karma you could send my way would be helpful.  Prayers, Good Vibes, Well Wishes, Burn Some Incense, Bang a Gong or Stare at your Belly Button for an Hour, Whatever works for you.

I have an Appointment with a Throat Guy on the 3rd of April, so I'll keep you in the Loop!

The Greatest Show on Earth!!!

I’m not talking about the Circus, I’m talking about the upcoming elections for next November.  You’d think it was a circus with all these self serving clowns vying for high offices in our joke of a Government.  Seriously, what has happened to this country?

This country used to stand for something.  The Government used to listen to us, The People.  Don’t get me wrong, I’d STILL fight for, and if needed, die for it, but I’m disappointed with what is going on in Washington and the rest of this once great nation.

Greed, corruption, Religious Zealots trying to take over, rampant stupidity in the guise of Political Correctness,   and Carpetbaggers twisting the political process to fit some agenda to alienate the Middle Class and Poor of this country.

We are in a recession, teetering extremely close to a Depression almost as bad the the one in the 30’s with one major difference that I can see.  Back then our Government did a lot to help people. Jobs were created by things like the WPA, the NRA, the TVA and many more so we could hold our heads up and put food on our tables.  What do we have now? Carpetbaggers.

Carpetbaggers.  I like that word.  It is a perfect description of what we are being offered as possible leaders and representatives to run this country. Wikipedia offers this tidbit about what a Carpetbagger is;

In United States history, "carpetbaggers" was a pejorative term Southerners gave to Northerners (also referred to as Yankees) who moved to the South during the Reconstruction era, between 1865 and 1877.

The term referred to the observation that these newcomers tended to carry "carpet bags," a common form of luggage at the time (sturdy and made from repurposed carpet). It was used as a derogatory term, suggesting opportunism and exploitation by the outsiders. Together with Republicans they are said to have politically manipulated and controlled former Confederate states for varying periods for their own financial and power gains. In sum, carpetbaggers were seen as insidious Northern outsiders with questionable objectives meddling in local politics, buying up plantations at fire-sale prices and taking advantage of Southerners. Carpetbagger is not to be confused with copperhead, which is a term given to a person from the North who sympathized with the Southern claim of right to Secession.

The term carpetbaggers was also used to describe the Republican political appointees who came South, arriving with their travel carpet bags. Southerners considered them ready to loot and plunder the defeated South.^[1]

In modern usage in the U.S., the term is sometimes used derisively to refer to a politician who runs for public office in an area where he or she does not have deep community ties, or has lived only for a short time. In the United Kingdom, the term was adopted to refer informally to those who join a mutual organization, such as a building society, in order to force it to demutualize, that is, to convert into a joint stock company, solely for personal financial gain.

Solely for Financial Gain.  That says a lot about the Teabaggers and Republicans, doesn’t it?  They couldn’t care less about the Middle Class and Poor. A lot of people out there put the blame on the President’s shoulders. Poor guy is trying to clean up a mess left by his predecessor and his cronies and is being blocked at every turn by greedy little weasels who see themselves as Kingmakers.  They don’t want a strong Leader, they want a puppet they can control for their own end.  Big Money Corporations, the Uber-Rich and yes, Foreign interests are trying to buy power in this country.  They want brainless idiots to be President.

I personally think it’s time to take our country back from these carpetbaggers and let them know who is supposed to be running this country.  If you agree with me, leave a comment and let me know.

The BEST Web-Series You're NOT Watching!

“We are The Hunted - survivors of vampire attacks who have banded together to protect ourselves from becoming cattle.

Like sharks in a feeding frenzy, vampires are drawn by the scent of those who have been bitten (unless masked by garlic pills), and continue to drain us until we turn and become one of them, unable to exist without a constant supply of fresh human blood.

Our only defense is to stick together. Several groups have been formed such as the VA (Vampires Anonymous) which meets on a regular basis to help members cope with various issues including blood addiction.

Be warned: it is virtually impossible to distinguish vampires from the rest of us. The tell-tale fangs and glowing red eyes are present only when they are feeding, enraged, or captured in flash photography. They have spread throughout our society, from law enforcement and political figures, to executive producers responsible for the nonstop flood of vampire-related entertainment pouring out of Hollywood.

And, like cockroaches, they have developed an immunity to practically everything over the years: crosses, sunlight, and holy water have no effect, and a stake in the heart just pisses them off. The only way they can be killed is to remove their head from their body.

Thus, many of us have become skilled swordsmen (and women) and call ourselves Slayers.  But even though some of us have acquired a hint of their invulnerability, strength, and speed, we have not acquired their powers (many of which are still unknown to us), we are not immortal, and we can be killed in the same way.

Our only other defense is through this website and internet series, in which we hope to prove the existence of vampires so that others may join our cause.”

Have I got your attention now? 

“The Hunted” is the first internet series based on user content, which means episodes can be shot by virtually anyone anywhere! In addition, regular contests feature cash prizes and are judged by Hollywood professionals.

There are a lot of Major Celebrities attached to this Great Series, among them Anthony DeLongis, F. Braun McAsh, Andrew Helm (who worked behind the scenes on Highlander: The Series) and Roberta Brown, (who worked on “Queen of Swords”), all working with my friend and and fellow Sword Aficionado, Robert Chapin, who has starred in "Ring of Steel" as well as giving Sword demos at various conventions with Anthony DeLongis. To find out what you’ve been missing out on, go here;

http://www.thehunted.tv

You’ll find Character Profiles of the “Slayers” and “Vampires” and learn their histories. There is a Forum you can join to talk about your favorite Episodes and Characters, learn how to shoot an episode, find out about the Contests and read about the upcoming Episodes that are still in Production.  “The Hunted” is also slated to become a Major Motion Picture! To find out more about this , go here;


http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thehunted/the-hunted-feature-film


 They even have collectibles you can buy to show your support and become a producer!  You’ll find links to Vampire Sites, Sword Training, Weapons and much more!

Want to see some pictures?  They have loads of Pics here;

http://www.facebook.com/thehuntedtv?sk=photos

Want a preview?  They got your previews right here;

http://www.youtube.com/user/thehuntedtv?blend=7&ob=5

In fact they have a whole shopping list of Goodies you can watch, so come join the fun and become a part of…


                         

It Snot Funny... A "Dog Days of Summer" Rant

I hate this time of year.  The final days of Summer and the beginnings of Fall when my sinuses go haywire. I don't have any allergies, but for some strange reason, they go into overdrive and produce more mucus than normal making sleep nearly impossible.

Why, you may ask?  I suffer from what used to be called "Post Nasal Drip".  They used to have commercials about it back in the '60s and the medicine to help alleviate the symptoms.  Basically what happens is when you lay down to sleep, your sinuses suddenly decide to drain, right down your throat.  Normally this isn't a problem since it is usually  thin and just goes down your esophagus and you swallow it.  Yeah, disgusting isn't it, but harmless for the most part.

Now comes the fun part.  The usually thin mucus is thicker, yet still fluid enough to flow kind of like molasses, and therein lies the problem.  When you lie back to begin the entry into dreamland something happens.  Why, I don't know.  What I do know is that about 10 to 15 minutes after you lay back and just before sleep takes you, a glob of thick gooey snot is released from your sinuses, flows down your throat and clogs your windpipe. This is usually not a big problem, a little cough and a quick swallow and back to dreamland.  It's an automatic thing and nothing to worry about, but, when you are exhaling and it drops just as you begin the inhale, it clogs things and and you wake up in a panic unable to inhale or cough enough to dislodge that glob of snot that's clogging the works for a few seconds.  If you're lucky, you can hang off the side of the bed while gasping for breath and get it to dislodge so you can take that deep breath you need.  If not, well you might shuffle off this mortal coil and it looks like sleep apnea did you in.

For me, sleeping in a semi upright position helps and that means lots of pillows to keep me raised.  Now comes the next bit of fun.  This time of year the humidity at night is higher than normal and the sweat just lays there on you.  The fan in my room helps a little, but waking up wet and clammy and sticky is not  pleasant even under the best of circumstances, but couple that with choking on your own snot makes for a long line of sleepless night and you wander through your days like a Zombie, barely aware of your surroundings, yearning for that deep, restful sleep that eludes you.  You get cranky and snap at your loved ones and can't think clearly.  Even simple routine things become difficult, like reading a book or trying to watch a movie without your vision going wonky and suddenly falling asleep and snapping awake with a snort wondering what happened, or giving in for a power nap to  revive your self then feeling like you're climbing out of a deep pit before you can fully function. Such is Life during the Dog Days of Summer.

I can't wait for November when things finally begin to cool down!

A Q&A with Adrian Paul

During this year's Comic-Con I was offered an Opportunity to interview Adrian Paul, but due to scheduling conflicts, (I kept missing the emails...). He was gracious enough to consent to an Email Q&A.

  Dave Davis-If the money was right and the rights were there, would you consider reprising
Duncan MacLeod in any kind of an independent film production?

 Adrian Paul-I would always consider it...Macleod was a great character.

DD-Have you ever visited the Forum? 

AP-Once or twice in the past. Don’t like reading about myself that much.

DD-If you had complete creative control over Highlander. how would you have ended
Duncan's story? 

AP-I think with any myth you can’t end it. You have to always wonder if he is out 
there ready to come back at any time. That is what always makes great Legends. 
I think he would have had to leave, with or without a woman in his life, 
living some where, some place that he always held  special.

DD-There is Lots of Curiosity about your Latest Project. Can you share anything? 

AP-I am about to start a film as  Producer and actor in the Motion picture At 
2,15. Currently we have commitments from Nick Nolte, Melanie Griffith and 
Angela Molina. We also have Antonio Banderas’s company doing the music and 
negotiating with other high level talent. My company Filmblips, www.filmblips.com>  is also working on two other films, one is  called FIVE which we are in the middle of shooting a promotional video for.

DD-Who were your Heroes when you were growing up? 

AP-Spartacus, My dad.

DD-And your fans would like to know who your Martial Arts Idol is? 

AP-Bruce Lee, when I was growing up. But soccer players were where my true idols were.

DD-What kind of workout routine do you do and, are you keeping your sword skills
sharp? 

AP-I still study Shaolin martial arts and we do various weapons. One of which is the tai chi sword. However I have been slack in praticing of late.

DD-Who was your favorite Swordmaster? 

AP-Bob Anderson

DD-What are your thoughts on Peter Wingfield going back to Medical School and
 will you miss working with him? 

AP-I think it is fantastic for him. I know he will be very happy.

DD-What would it take for you and Stan Kirsch to do a film together? 

AP-Our paths have changed so much since Highlander and therefore very doubtful that we would work together again as actors, but you never know. I always had fun with Stan.

DD-Is there another Light Comedy in the works? 

AP- No, except for Basile’s Legacy.

DD-Has becoming a father changed the way he views roles now?? (Anything he won't
do, or now will consider?) 

AP-There are a few roles that would consider not doing. But being a father hasn’t affected my considerations of the roles I play. Yet. LOL

DD-Do you have any directing projects in the works? 

AP-The film Basile’s Legacy. information is on my film site www.filmblips.com

DD-How did Duncan hide his katana in a small leather jacket like in various
episodes but it just magically folds out? 

AP-Like Jim Byrnes said. The sword came from the same place the music did.

DD-Would you consider working with Donnie Yen again? 

AP-Of course.

DD-Which do you prefer? Producing and directing, or acting?  

AP-They are all different. Acting actually is probably the easiest LOL

DD-I heard that you may be interested in doing a Remake of “Don Juan”.  Are you
getting any closer to working on it? 

AP-No never heard that one

DD-I understand that you will be filming the Chilean mine rescue "Miracle
Underground" with Nia Peeples, a reunion of sorts with a Highlander Alum, and
that you are scheduled to appear in "Deauville" a movie that will be heavily
character driven instead of action based, and featuring several beautiful
 actresses. What's it about, is it set in a French resort?

AP-I am not sure if Deauville is ever going to happen since it was supposed to work two years ago. I haven’t heard anymore about the project in that time. Projects are tricky. Many appear and only a few actually  make it all the way to completion.

DD- You have been a leading man and the star, and you’ve played supporting roles.
What are the different demands on you as an actor? Do you think playing both
 kind of roles assist you in directing?

 AP-Supporting roles are easier because you just go in and do your job. Having the leading role means you have to concentrate on a lot more things. Demands from production companies/producers are greater too. Of course they would be, you are the face of the film.  There are so many more things you have I think about as a director and these are but one of them. Having done both I think it will help in the directing jobs I will do.