INTERVIEW — TAPE #68, SIDE #2
Q: Mark Russell Bell
M: Marilee (portion of KSCA radio broadcast)
D: Dennis Batista, philanthropist
M: . . . hits for twenty-five years. U2 did “A Sort of Homecoming” right before Jackson Browne. And “Carnival” from Natalie Merchant. I’m Marilee —
Q: I’m — did you hear that “Jackson Browne”? I’m driving down Hollywood and ‘wood’ I realize is another name that keeps coming up. I’m at Bronson right now: Bronson and Hollywood Boulevard. I thought I would stop by a bookstore to see if I could get a good copy of Siddhartha on the way home instead of that little small paperback that was so hard to read.
( . . . )
Q: Angelz Coffe Shop. Taco Bell.
( . . . )
Q: Kingsley Street I just passed by. I can’t believe it.
( . . . )
Q: This song is I’m listening to just had the word ‘angel’ in it.
I’m just a soul whose intentions are good. Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood.
Q: I can’t remember — see, I don’t know what song this is.
( . . . )
Q: The bookstore was closed. I’m passing Maltman. No bookstores open until eleven o’clock in Los Angeles. I guess.
( . . . )
Q: Now I’m passing Micheltorena where my brother used to live.
( . . . )
Q: So, anyway, and now I’m passing Parkman. I also stopped by the Bodhi Tree to see about getting Siddhartha there and that didn’t open either until eleven. And, of course, while I was sitting there — at first I thought my tape hadn’t worked on the other side because I couldn’t hear anything but then I realized it was just that I had the volume down low so I guess that’s good or bad, depending on what side of the gossip you’re on. But while I was sitting there in my car listening, I almost got a ticket. And I’d always heard that if you sat in your car, you didn’t have to pay money in the machine so he tapped on the machine very (“LIKE”) ‘you better put money in there right now.’ So I got out and I said — I told him some of the key bits of gossip and, like, he panicked. It’s like why do people panic when they hear about famous movie stars having gay sex? You know? I mean it’s interesting to think about.
M: FM 101.9 playing The Who: “However Much I Booze.” Elvis Costello: “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” And “I’m With Stupid.” The thing about Aimee Mann is she always comes up with great album titles. The last one was called Whatever and the latest one I’m With Stupid. You heard “Choice In The Matter.” I’m Marilee and you’re with the all-music hour on KSCA.
Q: Well some of those words crop up a lot too like ‘stupid’ and ‘whatever.’ And — I can’t remember. Oh my God, this song sounds right up my alley. I don’t know what song this is. And I’m not going to wait to find out because I’m almost home but it’s interesting.
( . . . )
(“O”)
Q: That’s right. I also passed a street with the word ‘rose’ in it. That’s another word that comes up a lot. “Roses.”
( . . . )
Q: So I’m home now and I turned on the radio. Might as well see what the song is. And I’m just quickly looking through the paper. I See William Wilson, art critic, has an art review on page F9 of the Calendar. I know that there are at least two neighbors that have ‘man’ in their name: Gantman and something else I can’t remember. And in Life & Style on the cover (“THERE’S”) an article about Lori Berenson. I wonder if she’s any relation to Marisa and Barry. (“BUT”) This one is being escorted by police during investigation of her activities; has only one appeal left on her treason conviction for aiding leftist rebels in Peru. “The Price of Passion” is the title of the article and it’s by Kevin Baxter, Times staff writer. And in bold print it says, “Thousands of young Americans have gone to Latin America to right what they see as injustices. Most come back but not Lori Berenson, who sits isolated—for life—in a Peruvian prison.” Prison has ‘son’ in it too. I bet people think I’m totally out of my mind finding these connections (“SSS”) but who’s to say, really? Let’s see if they reveal what song it was that I heard in my car now or if there’s yet another song to go.
( . . . )
M: . . . music hour at KSCA. That one for “The One I Love” from REM’s Document album. Indigo Girls: “Closer To Fine.” And a new album from Sting is called Mercury Falling and the new song you heard is “Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot.” And Dire Straits here “Twisting By The Pool” at FM 101.9 . . .
Q: Well I better get back to transcribing a little bit. This part is driving me nuts. Last night, I was almost throwing my tape recorder against the wall I was so upset. Well of course, Sting is a very “spiritual” person. I can’t wait to get some good gossip on him. I love that Synchronicity album.
( . . . )
Q: Well I guess I broke my expensive headphones. Luckily, I do have a back-up pair. (“BUT”) They’re very expensive so I wish I hadn’t done that. I’m just glad I didn’t break my tape recorder too. It’s not easy being ‘New Age Jesus.’ It’s like (“IT”) being in such a predicament you think that something miraculous will happen and it will be easy. Something will happen for you so you get your book published the easy way without having to write naughty letters to people. But I guess I have no choice.
( . . . )
Q: You know, I didn’t really throw it that hard last night. I think Mighael just broke it to try to teach me a lesson. But that isn’t fair. ‘What else is new?,’ He would probably say.
( . . . )
Q: So glancing at the newspaper very quickly — to look (at) what (or “TO LOOK WHAT”) names I could find, right below the article I noticed at the hair salon I see another article by Tracy Wilkinson with ‘son’ in the name. Of course, there are other names that have ‘son’ somewhere in it. (“LIKE”) Gladstone on page A3. And above that is an article by Eric Malnic and Tom Gorman. Anyway, I’m going to stop doing this because (“I”) this could go on forever. (“WHAT”) I have to do someday is sit down and do a list of people that I’ve known throughout my life, I guess, or like Ruth Webb agency clients with those words in their names. Like I remember at USC my next door neighbor was — her last name was Taubman. And I just keep remembering more and more and more. It’s like a never-ending abyss of these names. And I don’t have time to really go through the newspaper very well. (“BUT”) You know, the more you look, the more you see. So — oh my goodness, the obituaries, for example: Guy Madison, star of “Wild Bill Hickok” is the headline by Myrna Oliver, Times staff writer. There’s also Sanford Feldman, rock concert promoter, right below that. So it just goes on and on and on. Let’s see. Oh my goodness — and then on the next page, an article by Robert L. Jackson entitled “Sudden Appearance of Clinton Records Called Curious.” Well — (“THAT’S”) I won’t even bother reading that article but I can imagine. In Sports there’s a picture of Kris Johnson and I know Mark Johnson was a producer at Paramount. I did the press kit for “Jimmy Hollywood” even though I don’t — I think it was extensively revised by Barry Levinson, the director. You know, it’s his movie — he can do what (“HE WILL”) he likes. Let’s see what else. Anyway, well you get the picture. There’s just a never-ending — there are just so many ‘son’s and ‘king’s and ‘wood’s and ‘Michael’s and ‘Mark’s and ‘Bel’s. Oh my goodness, and like right now there’s a Talking Heads song. I can just imagine what the names must be in that band or who worked on that record or something. Okay, bye.
( . . . )
Q: I just overheard that that song by Talking Heads was a covered version by Bonnie Raitt and they said the name of her album (“N”) and it had ‘rose’ in it.
( . . . )
Q: So I’m on my way to the gym. I’m very late. It’s 2:34. Oh my goodness — (driving distraction) so I’m late because I wrote another letter to Sherry Lansing and I’ll read it to you.
Q: I’m — did you hear that “Jackson Browne”? I’m driving down Hollywood and ‘wood’ I realize is another name that keeps coming up. I’m at Bronson right now: Bronson and Hollywood Boulevard. I thought I would stop by a bookstore to see if I could get a good copy of Siddhartha on the way home instead of that little small paperback that was so hard to read.
( . . . )
Q: Angelz Coffe Shop. Taco Bell.
( . . . )
Q: Kingsley Street I just passed by. I can’t believe it.
( . . . )
Q: This song is I’m listening to just had the word ‘angel’ in it.
I’m just a soul whose intentions are good. Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood.
Q: I can’t remember — see, I don’t know what song this is.
( . . . )
Q: The bookstore was closed. I’m passing Maltman. No bookstores open until eleven o’clock in Los Angeles. I guess.
( . . . )
Q: Now I’m passing Micheltorena where my brother used to live.
( . . . )
Q: So, anyway, and now I’m passing Parkman. I also stopped by the Bodhi Tree to see about getting Siddhartha there and that didn’t open either until eleven. And, of course, while I was sitting there — at first I thought my tape hadn’t worked on the other side because I couldn’t hear anything but then I realized it was just that I had the volume down low so I guess that’s good or bad, depending on what side of the gossip you’re on. But while I was sitting there in my car listening, I almost got a ticket. And I’d always heard that if you sat in your car, you didn’t have to pay money in the machine so he tapped on the machine very (“LIKE”) ‘you better put money in there right now.’ So I got out and I said — I told him some of the key bits of gossip and, like, he panicked. It’s like why do people panic when they hear about famous movie stars having gay sex? You know? I mean it’s interesting to think about.
M: FM 101.9 playing The Who: “However Much I Booze.” Elvis Costello: “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” And “I’m With Stupid.” The thing about Aimee Mann is she always comes up with great album titles. The last one was called Whatever and the latest one I’m With Stupid. You heard “Choice In The Matter.” I’m Marilee and you’re with the all-music hour on KSCA.
Q: Well some of those words crop up a lot too like ‘stupid’ and ‘whatever.’ And — I can’t remember. Oh my God, this song sounds right up my alley. I don’t know what song this is. And I’m not going to wait to find out because I’m almost home but it’s interesting.
( . . . )
(“O”)
Q: That’s right. I also passed a street with the word ‘rose’ in it. That’s another word that comes up a lot. “Roses.”
( . . . )
Q: So I’m home now and I turned on the radio. Might as well see what the song is. And I’m just quickly looking through the paper. I See William Wilson, art critic, has an art review on page F9 of the Calendar. I know that there are at least two neighbors that have ‘man’ in their name: Gantman and something else I can’t remember. And in Life & Style on the cover (“THERE’S”) an article about Lori Berenson. I wonder if she’s any relation to Marisa and Barry. (“BUT”) This one is being escorted by police during investigation of her activities; has only one appeal left on her treason conviction for aiding leftist rebels in Peru. “The Price of Passion” is the title of the article and it’s by Kevin Baxter, Times staff writer. And in bold print it says, “Thousands of young Americans have gone to Latin America to right what they see as injustices. Most come back but not Lori Berenson, who sits isolated—for life—in a Peruvian prison.” Prison has ‘son’ in it too. I bet people think I’m totally out of my mind finding these connections (“SSS”) but who’s to say, really? Let’s see if they reveal what song it was that I heard in my car now or if there’s yet another song to go.
( . . . )
M: . . . music hour at KSCA. That one for “The One I Love” from REM’s Document album. Indigo Girls: “Closer To Fine.” And a new album from Sting is called Mercury Falling and the new song you heard is “Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot.” And Dire Straits here “Twisting By The Pool” at FM 101.9 . . .
Q: Well I better get back to transcribing a little bit. This part is driving me nuts. Last night, I was almost throwing my tape recorder against the wall I was so upset. Well of course, Sting is a very “spiritual” person. I can’t wait to get some good gossip on him. I love that Synchronicity album.
( . . . )
Q: Well I guess I broke my expensive headphones. Luckily, I do have a back-up pair. (“BUT”) They’re very expensive so I wish I hadn’t done that. I’m just glad I didn’t break my tape recorder too. It’s not easy being ‘New Age Jesus.’ It’s like (“IT”) being in such a predicament you think that something miraculous will happen and it will be easy. Something will happen for you so you get your book published the easy way without having to write naughty letters to people. But I guess I have no choice.
( . . . )
Q: You know, I didn’t really throw it that hard last night. I think Mighael just broke it to try to teach me a lesson. But that isn’t fair. ‘What else is new?,’ He would probably say.
( . . . )
Q: So glancing at the newspaper very quickly — to look (at) what (or “TO LOOK WHAT”) names I could find, right below the article I noticed at the hair salon I see another article by Tracy Wilkinson with ‘son’ in the name. Of course, there are other names that have ‘son’ somewhere in it. (“LIKE”) Gladstone on page A3. And above that is an article by Eric Malnic and Tom Gorman. Anyway, I’m going to stop doing this because (“I”) this could go on forever. (“WHAT”) I have to do someday is sit down and do a list of people that I’ve known throughout my life, I guess, or like Ruth Webb agency clients with those words in their names. Like I remember at USC my next door neighbor was — her last name was Taubman. And I just keep remembering more and more and more. It’s like a never-ending abyss of these names. And I don’t have time to really go through the newspaper very well. (“BUT”) You know, the more you look, the more you see. So — oh my goodness, the obituaries, for example: Guy Madison, star of “Wild Bill Hickok” is the headline by Myrna Oliver, Times staff writer. There’s also Sanford Feldman, rock concert promoter, right below that. So it just goes on and on and on. Let’s see. Oh my goodness — and then on the next page, an article by Robert L. Jackson entitled “Sudden Appearance of Clinton Records Called Curious.” Well — (“THAT’S”) I won’t even bother reading that article but I can imagine. In Sports there’s a picture of Kris Johnson and I know Mark Johnson was a producer at Paramount. I did the press kit for “Jimmy Hollywood” even though I don’t — I think it was extensively revised by Barry Levinson, the director. You know, it’s his movie — he can do what (“HE WILL”) he likes. Let’s see what else. Anyway, well you get the picture. There’s just a never-ending — there are just so many ‘son’s and ‘king’s and ‘wood’s and ‘Michael’s and ‘Mark’s and ‘Bel’s. Oh my goodness, and like right now there’s a Talking Heads song. I can just imagine what the names must be in that band or who worked on that record or something. Okay, bye.
( . . . )
Q: I just overheard that that song by Talking Heads was a covered version by Bonnie Raitt and they said the name of her album (“N”) and it had ‘rose’ in it.
( . . . )
Q: So I’m on my way to the gym. I’m very late. It’s 2:34. Oh my goodness — (driving distraction) so I’m late because I wrote another letter to Sherry Lansing and I’ll read it to you.
Dear Sherry Lansing,
Did you receive my fax of January 24? As Brad Kessell didn’t have a copy of the November 27 letter, he had no idea of the significance of my project and sent it back the same day. Allison Jackson assured me you respond to all your letters so I hope you won’t make me an exception to the rule.
I won’t send any more letters if you choose not to respond but will just say hello the next time I bump into you at a social event. Just so there are no misunderstandings, I left my book on your desk after attending a screening of Showtime’s “Money Plays” because I was so eager for you to take a look at it.
As I am most interested in publishing my book prior to a film adaptation, I was hoping to use you as a reference when I next contact Simon and Schuster. I am already at work on my second book, which will provide interviews about the film industry. So meeting the head of security gave me an ideal interview opportunity and he was most cooperative.
While I plan to include a Neil Jordan interview in my first book, my second book will include interviews with Daryl Hannah, Benecio Del Toro, Robert Altman, James Ulmer, Allison Jackson, Cheryl Boone Isaacs and Diana Widom.
Meanwhile, I think I’m going to become a celebrity in my own right because I purchased a Declaration of Independence at an antique shop that may be, in fact, the lost original (see attached slides). You can distinguish erased areas on the close-up slide. I plan on selling it at auction and donating the proceeds to the people of Bosnia. Strange things happen to you when you work on books about Angels.
As you yourself live on a street with ‘angel’ in the name, I hope you will consider taking an interest in my book. Just remember how hard I worked on all those Paramount films, including “Fatal Attraction,” “Ghost,” “Forrest Gump” and “Braveheart.” Maybe Michelle Manning would be a good one to read my treatment or book; or see the ABC-TV News segment pertaining to my project as I have spoken to her a few times over the years and she worked with my brother at Orion.
I’m sure if Brad had known how many Paramount films I’ve worked on, he would have been more open-minded. Oh well, this is all great material for my book on Hollywood.
Did you receive my fax of January 24? As Brad Kessell didn’t have a copy of the November 27 letter, he had no idea of the significance of my project and sent it back the same day. Allison Jackson assured me you respond to all your letters so I hope you won’t make me an exception to the rule.
I won’t send any more letters if you choose not to respond but will just say hello the next time I bump into you at a social event. Just so there are no misunderstandings, I left my book on your desk after attending a screening of Showtime’s “Money Plays” because I was so eager for you to take a look at it.
As I am most interested in publishing my book prior to a film adaptation, I was hoping to use you as a reference when I next contact Simon and Schuster. I am already at work on my second book, which will provide interviews about the film industry. So meeting the head of security gave me an ideal interview opportunity and he was most cooperative.
While I plan to include a Neil Jordan interview in my first book, my second book will include interviews with Daryl Hannah, Benecio Del Toro, Robert Altman, James Ulmer, Allison Jackson, Cheryl Boone Isaacs and Diana Widom.
Meanwhile, I think I’m going to become a celebrity in my own right because I purchased a Declaration of Independence at an antique shop that may be, in fact, the lost original (see attached slides). You can distinguish erased areas on the close-up slide. I plan on selling it at auction and donating the proceeds to the people of Bosnia. Strange things happen to you when you work on books about Angels.
As you yourself live on a street with ‘angel’ in the name, I hope you will consider taking an interest in my book. Just remember how hard I worked on all those Paramount films, including “Fatal Attraction,” “Ghost,” “Forrest Gump” and “Braveheart.” Maybe Michelle Manning would be a good one to read my treatment or book; or see the ABC-TV News segment pertaining to my project as I have spoken to her a few times over the years and she worked with my brother at Orion.
I’m sure if Brad had known how many Paramount films I’ve worked on, he would have been more open-minded. Oh well, this is all great material for my book on Hollywood.
Q: She knows James from the film festivals. It’s hard to talk and drive at the same time. I don’t want to have an accident. So we’ll see what happens. Probably nothing will happen. Probably they might even return it unopened but who knows? (“I”) All I can remember is that voice saying, “BE MORE CREATIVE.” Well I’m being more creative. I almost put in about the fact that I had some interesting tidbits on William Friedkin. (“BUT”) I didn’t want be that creative.
( . . . )
Q: Something funny happened today at the gym. As I was going inside, there was a man. He looked (“FROM LIKE”) from the Mideast or something and he was saying, “Will anybody please give me thirty-five cents? I need thirty-five cents. Will somebody please give me thirty-five cents?” So I said, “Sure, I’ll give you thirty-five cents. I’m a born-again Christian.” (“ASESEE”) So then he said, “Well actually I need a dollar and thirty-five cents.” So I said, “Well I think I can manage that.” And so then he said “Born-again Christian” and started ranting about something. And then he said, “Well are you a (“RU[G]”) born-again Christian who’s also a homosexual?” and then started ranting some more. (“AN I”) I sort of lost track he was ranting so quickly and so angrily. Not really angrily. (“BUT JUST”) There was something definitely he was upset about. So I just sort of turned to walk away and he was still ranting so I said, “You don’t understand who I am. I’m Son of Man.” So he goes, “Ohh.” So then he sort of stopped ranting and said, “Oh well thank you for being who you are, doing what you’re doing for us.” So I think I said “You’re welcome” or something and went inside. (“BUT”) Doug, my personal trainer, was right at the door and he had witnessed the whole thing. So he said that he had been keeping an eye out just in case. So I said, “It just shows that, (“U”) ‘Go out of your way to help somebody and they give you lip.'” And so — and then later on — (“YOU KNOW I”) I’m sure he — I think he heard me say “Son of Man” so it’s like, “Oh my goodness. I get to be honest and no one will even realize I’m being honest.” And then later on my way out Doug was there with his fiancé so I sort of — we sort of talked about it some more. But (“IT’S LIKE”) crazy people definitely sometimes get closer to capturing God’s reality or seeing it more clearly than people who are totally calm and serene and think they know everything about everything. There’s something — (“LIKE”) artists when they’re (“NO”) making paintings or composing songs or composing music — I mean there’s something very passionate about it (“THAT”) is close to madness so I guess it’s alright when I get angry and throw things around because Mighael appreciates that. Because it reminds Him of Himself maybe? Or He knows what it feels like? Or “You need to learn your lesson not to get upset and just take everything in stride and whatever will happen will happen and there’s nothing you can do about it anyway”? Or — or? I don’t know what else to say except here’s another homeless man with a shopping cart. Oh I feel so sorry for them. They’re everywhere. If everyone would just give them a dollar, something would happen. I don’t know what.
( . . . )
Q: The license of the van in front of me is “MICHDEN.” Talk about synchronicity.
( . . . )
Q: And then the (“UU”) car in front of me now has a McPherson Chevrolet license holder.
( . . . )
Q: A man in his yard is looking weirdly at me because I’m talking into my tape recorder.
( . . . )
Q: The “No Parking” sign has ‘king’ in it.
( . . . )
Q: Now I’m noticing things everywhere like it says “Free Checking” on the billboard for Coast Federal Bank.
( . . . )
Q: I just passed Russell Avenue.
( . . . )
Q: Now there’s a LeMans in front of me.
( . . . )
Q: The car in front of me is a Toyota and it has a little alien face in the O. Oh my goodness. That’s an interesting bit of synchronicity.
( . . . )
Q: There’s a crown on the park bench that says “K&T Beepers” — with a crown.
( . . . )
Q: Oh my God, I just passed a masonic temple here on Rowena, heading to the store and then home. Oh — and, of course, Silver Lake Drive. The word silver is very symbolic. West Silver Lake.
( . . . )
Q: In fact, I once lived on Silver Lake.
( . . . )
Q: Now I’m passing Lakewood Avenue.
( . . . )
Q: Here I come to Hughes Market. I wonder where the word ‘market’ comes from.
( . . . )
Q: There’s a poster for “Mary Reilly” and it’s interesting to thank that Mary — (“HAS”) an M — A — R in it too. And that’s sort of a religious name.
( . . . )
Q: What’s your name, little boy? You don’t want to?
D: I do.
Q: Okay. What’s your name?
D: Dennis. (“WHAT”)
Q: Dennis?
D: Dennis Batista.
Q: Oh so you’re Daniel’s brother.
D: Yes.
Q: Have you sold a lot of candy today?
D: Not a lot. Only a little bit.
Q: Do you wish people would give you — would buy more? It’s for a good cause, isn’t it?
D: Yes.
Q: What is the money going for? (“SCHOOL”)
D: School . . .
Q: That’s good. So I usually give money to homeless people. (“BUT”) Chocolate’s bad for you. (“BUT”) For a good cause I’m willing to buy chocolate. It’s a good excuse. Anyway, thank you. Good luck.
D: Thanks. Bye.
Q: Okay.
( . . . )
Q: They’re from the Philippines.
( . . . )
D: Those little boys were from the Philippines. The one was shy and didn’t want to be interviewed. I’m such a pushover.
( . . . )
Q: The lady at the check-out counter today said that she was from Persia too. So I interacted today with two people from Persia. It’s so great living in Los Angeles. You have all these people from all parts of the world. It really is like a melting pot.
( . . . )
(“IT’S LIKE”)
Q: Sometimes I shouldn’t say these most very obvious things. I have so much to transcribe as it is. So I have to transcribe extra now because (“I”) point out that I had a lot to transcribe.
( . . . )
Q: I can’t believe it. I turned on the radio and “I Got You Babe”/Sonny and Cher is on. How perfect.
They say our love won’t pay the rent Before it’s earned, our money’s always spent I guess that’s so; we don’t have a lot . . .
Q: And I’m passing “Waterloo” at the moment.
I got you babe. I got you babe.. . .
Q: And now I’m passing Allesandro which has the letters in it. I wonder what Allesandro means. Now I’m entering Echo Park. I like this song. It’s as fresh today as it was when it was written.
( . . . )
Q: Now Ben E. King is on. Ben E. King.
There is a rose in Spanish Harlem . . .
Q: Needless to say, I always contribute $5 to Shoppers Against Hunger every time I go to the store even though I don’t have an income because I know God will always provide for me.
( . . . )Q: Tonight while having dinner I was reading International Photographer magazine. The February 1996 issue with two of my favorite movies depicted on the cover: “Gone With The Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz.” I guess I received this magazine as a courtesy because I’m in the Publicists Guild. But I was struck by the editorial on page six. It’s under the heading “Editor’s Notes” — “Commentary” and the president of the International Photographers Guild, George Spiro Dibie, ASC, wrote this letter. And I think it’s a wonderful letter. I feel good after reading it because this is the kind of thing that I’ve been trying to articulate but haven’t found the words and this gentleman was able to find the words so let me read it real quick. I think it’s a very important letter. The heading is:
( . . . )
Q: Something funny happened today at the gym. As I was going inside, there was a man. He looked (“FROM LIKE”) from the Mideast or something and he was saying, “Will anybody please give me thirty-five cents? I need thirty-five cents. Will somebody please give me thirty-five cents?” So I said, “Sure, I’ll give you thirty-five cents. I’m a born-again Christian.” (“ASESEE”) So then he said, “Well actually I need a dollar and thirty-five cents.” So I said, “Well I think I can manage that.” And so then he said “Born-again Christian” and started ranting about something. And then he said, “Well are you a (“RU[G]”) born-again Christian who’s also a homosexual?” and then started ranting some more. (“AN I”) I sort of lost track he was ranting so quickly and so angrily. Not really angrily. (“BUT JUST”) There was something definitely he was upset about. So I just sort of turned to walk away and he was still ranting so I said, “You don’t understand who I am. I’m Son of Man.” So he goes, “Ohh.” So then he sort of stopped ranting and said, “Oh well thank you for being who you are, doing what you’re doing for us.” So I think I said “You’re welcome” or something and went inside. (“BUT”) Doug, my personal trainer, was right at the door and he had witnessed the whole thing. So he said that he had been keeping an eye out just in case. So I said, “It just shows that, (“U”) ‘Go out of your way to help somebody and they give you lip.'” And so — and then later on — (“YOU KNOW I”) I’m sure he — I think he heard me say “Son of Man” so it’s like, “Oh my goodness. I get to be honest and no one will even realize I’m being honest.” And then later on my way out Doug was there with his fiancé so I sort of — we sort of talked about it some more. But (“IT’S LIKE”) crazy people definitely sometimes get closer to capturing God’s reality or seeing it more clearly than people who are totally calm and serene and think they know everything about everything. There’s something — (“LIKE”) artists when they’re (“NO”) making paintings or composing songs or composing music — I mean there’s something very passionate about it (“THAT”) is close to madness so I guess it’s alright when I get angry and throw things around because Mighael appreciates that. Because it reminds Him of Himself maybe? Or He knows what it feels like? Or “You need to learn your lesson not to get upset and just take everything in stride and whatever will happen will happen and there’s nothing you can do about it anyway”? Or — or? I don’t know what else to say except here’s another homeless man with a shopping cart. Oh I feel so sorry for them. They’re everywhere. If everyone would just give them a dollar, something would happen. I don’t know what.
( . . . )
Q: The license of the van in front of me is “MICHDEN.” Talk about synchronicity.
( . . . )
Q: And then the (“UU”) car in front of me now has a McPherson Chevrolet license holder.
( . . . )
Q: A man in his yard is looking weirdly at me because I’m talking into my tape recorder.
( . . . )
Q: The “No Parking” sign has ‘king’ in it.
( . . . )
Q: Now I’m noticing things everywhere like it says “Free Checking” on the billboard for Coast Federal Bank.
( . . . )
Q: I just passed Russell Avenue.
( . . . )
Q: Now there’s a LeMans in front of me.
( . . . )
Q: The car in front of me is a Toyota and it has a little alien face in the O. Oh my goodness. That’s an interesting bit of synchronicity.
( . . . )
Q: There’s a crown on the park bench that says “K&T Beepers” — with a crown.
( . . . )
Q: Oh my God, I just passed a masonic temple here on Rowena, heading to the store and then home. Oh — and, of course, Silver Lake Drive. The word silver is very symbolic. West Silver Lake.
( . . . )
Q: In fact, I once lived on Silver Lake.
( . . . )
Q: Now I’m passing Lakewood Avenue.
( . . . )
Q: Here I come to Hughes Market. I wonder where the word ‘market’ comes from.
( . . . )
Q: There’s a poster for “Mary Reilly” and it’s interesting to thank that Mary — (“HAS”) an M — A — R in it too. And that’s sort of a religious name.
( . . . )
Q: What’s your name, little boy? You don’t want to?
D: I do.
Q: Okay. What’s your name?
D: Dennis. (“WHAT”)
Q: Dennis?
D: Dennis Batista.
Q: Oh so you’re Daniel’s brother.
D: Yes.
Q: Have you sold a lot of candy today?
D: Not a lot. Only a little bit.
Q: Do you wish people would give you — would buy more? It’s for a good cause, isn’t it?
D: Yes.
Q: What is the money going for? (“SCHOOL”)
D: School . . .
Q: That’s good. So I usually give money to homeless people. (“BUT”) Chocolate’s bad for you. (“BUT”) For a good cause I’m willing to buy chocolate. It’s a good excuse. Anyway, thank you. Good luck.
D: Thanks. Bye.
Q: Okay.
( . . . )
Q: They’re from the Philippines.
( . . . )
D: Those little boys were from the Philippines. The one was shy and didn’t want to be interviewed. I’m such a pushover.
( . . . )
Q: The lady at the check-out counter today said that she was from Persia too. So I interacted today with two people from Persia. It’s so great living in Los Angeles. You have all these people from all parts of the world. It really is like a melting pot.
( . . . )
(“IT’S LIKE”)
Q: Sometimes I shouldn’t say these most very obvious things. I have so much to transcribe as it is. So I have to transcribe extra now because (“I”) point out that I had a lot to transcribe.
( . . . )
Q: I can’t believe it. I turned on the radio and “I Got You Babe”/Sonny and Cher is on. How perfect.
They say our love won’t pay the rent Before it’s earned, our money’s always spent I guess that’s so; we don’t have a lot . . .
Q: And I’m passing “Waterloo” at the moment.
I got you babe. I got you babe.. . .
Q: And now I’m passing Allesandro which has the letters in it. I wonder what Allesandro means. Now I’m entering Echo Park. I like this song. It’s as fresh today as it was when it was written.
( . . . )
Q: Now Ben E. King is on. Ben E. King.
There is a rose in Spanish Harlem . . .
Q: Needless to say, I always contribute $5 to Shoppers Against Hunger every time I go to the store even though I don’t have an income because I know God will always provide for me.
( . . . )Q: Tonight while having dinner I was reading International Photographer magazine. The February 1996 issue with two of my favorite movies depicted on the cover: “Gone With The Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz.” I guess I received this magazine as a courtesy because I’m in the Publicists Guild. But I was struck by the editorial on page six. It’s under the heading “Editor’s Notes” — “Commentary” and the president of the International Photographers Guild, George Spiro Dibie, ASC, wrote this letter. And I think it’s a wonderful letter. I feel good after reading it because this is the kind of thing that I’ve been trying to articulate but haven’t found the words and this gentleman was able to find the words so let me read it real quick. I think it’s a very important letter. The heading is:
‘THEY’ . . . . . ARE EVERYWHERE IN OUR LIVES
Have you been asked to work on a television film where they say there is no budget for an extra electrician? Have you asked who ‘they’ are? Is it the UPM? Chances are they say it isn’t up to them. They blame it on the production company. They did it. They are tightening the budget below-the-line. The producers blame the networks which haven’t raised licensing fees for five years. The producers say costs above-the-line are rising. They blame the actors and writers who insist on more money. They say the money can only come from below-the-line. They say the dynamics of the TV marketplace are changing. They say a hit series with 100 episodes in the can is no longer money in the bank. They say they have to pay interest for deficit financing with no guarantee of success.
Have you noticed what is happening with corporate downsizing? Have you noticed that one of America’s most successful and profitable companies announced that it will end 40,000 careers to increase profits? What will happen to those people and their families? What will happen to the communities where they lived and worked? What will happen to their neighbors who depended on the equity in their homes when the market is glutted by foreclosures? What will happen to the stores and schools in those communities? Who made the decision to put 40,000 people on the streets. They did.
Have you noticed all of the rhetoric about sex and violence in films and on television? How many groups are studying this issue? How many politicians have made it their cause during this election season? How many seminars and symposiums have been organized to discuss this issue? Who is making these decisions? They are. The producers say it isn’t their fault. They say program buyers demand shows that appeal to prurient interests. Programmers blame the ad agencies. They say the agencies are insisting on playing the numbers game and relying on a narrow set of demographics.
Who decides not to support a terrific program that is entertaining and has all the right values? The agencies blame the sponsors who have little patience with high quality programs that don’t produce the right demographics. Yet, the sponsors and the people who run these corporations contribute money to PACs supporting politicians who are blasting Hollywood. They say it’s your fault for making those films and TV programs.
They are everywhere. Did you miss visiting a national park or museum during the holiday season? Do you have a friend or relative who was thrown out of work by the government shutdowns? Just ask the Republicans or Democrats who closed the government during budget negotiations. They’ll both tell you the other party is responsible. They did it.
They are in the stores you shop at and in your children’s schools. They work for the insurance companies that raise your rates and reduce services. They are the drivers who drink irresponsibly. They are the press who don’t tell the whole story. They are the politicians who rail against crime and exchange favors for money they get from PACs. They are the strangers who are unnecessarily rude. They are the burglar in your house or the thief who stole your car. They will tell you it isn’t their fault. They may be on your crew. Who are they? Make sure it isn’t you.
Have you been asked to work on a television film where they say there is no budget for an extra electrician? Have you asked who ‘they’ are? Is it the UPM? Chances are they say it isn’t up to them. They blame it on the production company. They did it. They are tightening the budget below-the-line. The producers blame the networks which haven’t raised licensing fees for five years. The producers say costs above-the-line are rising. They blame the actors and writers who insist on more money. They say the money can only come from below-the-line. They say the dynamics of the TV marketplace are changing. They say a hit series with 100 episodes in the can is no longer money in the bank. They say they have to pay interest for deficit financing with no guarantee of success.
Have you noticed what is happening with corporate downsizing? Have you noticed that one of America’s most successful and profitable companies announced that it will end 40,000 careers to increase profits? What will happen to those people and their families? What will happen to the communities where they lived and worked? What will happen to their neighbors who depended on the equity in their homes when the market is glutted by foreclosures? What will happen to the stores and schools in those communities? Who made the decision to put 40,000 people on the streets. They did.
Have you noticed all of the rhetoric about sex and violence in films and on television? How many groups are studying this issue? How many politicians have made it their cause during this election season? How many seminars and symposiums have been organized to discuss this issue? Who is making these decisions? They are. The producers say it isn’t their fault. They say program buyers demand shows that appeal to prurient interests. Programmers blame the ad agencies. They say the agencies are insisting on playing the numbers game and relying on a narrow set of demographics.
Who decides not to support a terrific program that is entertaining and has all the right values? The agencies blame the sponsors who have little patience with high quality programs that don’t produce the right demographics. Yet, the sponsors and the people who run these corporations contribute money to PACs supporting politicians who are blasting Hollywood. They say it’s your fault for making those films and TV programs.
They are everywhere. Did you miss visiting a national park or museum during the holiday season? Do you have a friend or relative who was thrown out of work by the government shutdowns? Just ask the Republicans or Democrats who closed the government during budget negotiations. They’ll both tell you the other party is responsible. They did it.
They are in the stores you shop at and in your children’s schools. They work for the insurance companies that raise your rates and reduce services. They are the drivers who drink irresponsibly. They are the press who don’t tell the whole story. They are the politicians who rail against crime and exchange favors for money they get from PACs. They are the strangers who are unnecessarily rude. They are the burglar in your house or the thief who stole your car. They will tell you it isn’t their fault. They may be on your crew. Who are they? Make sure it isn’t you.
Q: In the same issue, there’s an article about Lowell Peterson and his approach to “The Client.” He’s the director of cinematography. I also happened to notice in the article about “Down Periscope” entitled “Victor Hammer Lights Up Down Periscope” by Pauline Rogers — I just happened to notice that the Steadicam operator’s name is Russell McEllhatton; however, it’s spelled with an O — N instead of an A— N like my mother’s mother. (“SO”) It’s possible that he’s definitely a cousin. Except, of course, there are lots of curiosities about the spelling in my mother’s side of the family. (“BUT”) It’s awfully close (“OTHER”) except for that one letter. There’s a production report at the end of the magazine so, since I’m coming near the end of this side I’ll just go ahead and list some of the names that I see. (“SO”) Looking under Paramount, I see — and this is just for the director of photography, operators and assistants in the camera department for each film. “Almost Perfect”: director of photography Jim Roberson. “The Cube”: assistant Bruce Manning. “Escape From L.A.”: assistant Steve Ullman (“AND”) and a film loader is Ron Peterson, still photographer isRobert Zuckerman, assistant Steve Peterson. “Leeza”: still photographer Carin Abramson-Baer. “The Marshal”: operator Mark Davison, assistant Matt Nelson. “Mother”: assistant Harry Zimmerman. (“ON”) “The Osiris Chronicles”: director of photography Jamie Anderson, operator William Waldman, film loader Jimmy Ferguson. “The Relic”: assistant Jennifer Bell, film loader Garrett Benson, still photographer Richard Foreman. “Sister, Sister”: operator Dave Heckman. “Star Trek: Voyager”: Bill Waldman, still photographer Robbie Robinson. “Wings”: operator Irvin Waitsman. And this doesn’t even include all the Michaels and Marks and Gordons. I mean if I started going down those lists, I wouldn’t have time. (“SINCE”) It’s coming to the end of the tape. But can you imagine? Somebody should do that. (“AND JUST”) There’s so much. Like in other productions, I’m seeing like — just looking at the page. “The Lazarus Man”: operator George Stevenson.
.gif)