I met @ruffian about a decade ago. She was working at a record label and I was at a now defunct content site, GetMusic.com which Universal has now revived as a mobile brand. @ruffian is one of the most genuine industry people I’ve ever met. She is ‘old school new media’, does crafts and used to play in a band.

She is creative, humble, imaginative and believes in making a difference for the bands she promotes. She also just celebrated her birthday this week making her part of the December Baby Club, a day she happens to also share with Nelly Furtado and Britney Spears.

Location: New York, New York
Vocation: Bits + Bytes
Sign: Sagittarius

1) What advice do you have for new bands trying to make it?

Get involved. Ask questions.You can potentially uncover opportunities by talking to people in the business and other bands. I encourage bands to understand how the multiple facets of the business function (from direct-to-fan marketing and promotions, touring, publishing, you name it) as they continue to hone their craft — even – especially – when you grow to a point where you have outside parties working on your behalf. What works and why? How do you as an artist benefit? How does this help you convey the essence of your music and help you relate and connect with your fans? Both your creative, marketing, business decisions will benefit from the knowledge you accumulate.

2) What are your favorite digital campaigns this year?

Some favorite moments in digital this year include:

-Burger King’s (short-lived) Facebook Whopper Sacrifice
-Coldplay’s free live concert album LeftRightLeftRightLeft
-Fanfarlo’s limited time offer of their album Reservoir for $1
-In B Flat
-Eternal Moonwalk Tribute to Michael Jackson (R.I.P.)

3) What do you like about working with artists? How does it effect the way you market them?

I really enjoy getting to know the people behind the music — it helps to get to know artists personally, understanding what inspires them, their values and any interests outside of music. In turn, this can spark customized promotions that add dimension to an artist beyond their music. It’s amazing to talk to artists, hear their story on how they got their start and how and when they decided to really go for music. It’s quite motivating.

4) How long have you been making crafts? What kind of crafts do you like best?

I began crafting as a youngster. My high school best friend and I would spend hours browsing our local arts and crafts storesfor our latest projects, which, at the time, would include fabric painting, shadow box painting, decoupage, beading, among others. We would then organize weekend crafts fairs, with our finest creations merchandised on her driveway for passersby to browse.

More recently I’ve also enjoyed glass painting, an activity that was introduced to me in college. Liquitex makes a line of paints called “Glossies” that you can apply to glass and then bake to create a glossy finish. I like using sponges to dab on the colour.

5) How do you feel about ‘free music’ to promote a band? Music consumption is up, but so are illegal downloads. What’s your solution?

“Free music” can certainly serve as an effective discovery tool for developing artists and strengthen the listener’s intent to purchase other tracks or the album or otherwise contribute to other sources of revenue. Just as a company might take a sample strategy to get potential consumers to try their product, offering a free download can help introduce a new artist, especially if coupled with strong word-of-mouth, and inspire music fans to delve deeper into an artist’s repertoire. It may help pique his interest enough to watch a video on YouTube, stream a song on MySpace, purchase additional tracks (and eventually later the album) or perhaps even get him out to a show. For an established artist, a limited time free music offer can be part of “FRM” (fan relationship management) strategy — either as an incentive (for an e-mail sign-up, for example) or as a giveback to fans.

One of the essentials for brands is to keep up with what the marketplace trends are and what’s coming next. When I worked at Disney, Irma Zandl came in to lead us through focus groups, trends and creative exercises connecting us to our target demographic. After moving back to NY, Irma invited me to her annual holiday dinner where I got to know the rest of her magnificent team, Jamie, Anna, Deborah, Paige, Carla and on the West Coast, Brandi (who we had dinner with at Chateau Marmont. Upon leaving she pointed and said ‘It’s an Olson’ and kept walking, only deepening my admiration of her. Oddly, that was the second time I was with Irma in LA that we had seen the Olson Twins.) Their collective blog, Zandland, offers fantastic insights into trends, music and local Buckwick trendsetters in art, clothing and more.

The Zandl Group

Location:  Bushwick, BK

Vocation:  Consumer Research/ Trend Forecasting

1) What are some of the trends you see online?

Jamie & Deborah: Real-Time:

With new platforms like Google Wave, and growing popularity in networked gaming systems like Wii and XBox, there’s a growing shift in real-time interactivity online.  Also, sites and services like Twitter and Facebook allow users to be connected and share information instantly.  If something happens (i.e. Michael Jackson), many users are turning first to Twitter & FB to get the most real-time info, as opposed to news sites.

- Augmented Reality:

One of our favorite tech trends right now, Augmented Reality is the overlay of information or other elements onto a real-time environment.  Yelp was one of the first iPhone apps to get big notice for using AR…We really see this as the start of something huge.

- Aggregators:

Web aggregators like Google Reader and Google News are making for a fine-tuned, personal daily online sweep.  Other servies like OpenID and OpenSocial are allowing users to combine several of their favorite sites and web services into one, with one user name/ password…bringing further personalization to their online world.

2) Being located in the uber artistic area of Bushwick, Brooklyn, is it easy to become involved in the local art scene?

Anna here: I personally have found the neighborhood to be incredibly welcoming, and have really strong ties to the people I’ve met here (this experience is unlike others i’ve had in different NYC neighborhoods). There are so many creative people doing exciting things out here and most folks really seem to be interested in getting to know their neighbors and collaborating. I’ve had the chance to meet so many people through my work with BushwickBK.com that I wouldn’t have and it’s been really rewarding.

3) The Zandland blog focuses on art, fashion, trends, ads, and more. How do you find new websites?

Anna: Deborah (Deborah Hilert, Creative Director, Video) is my personal link genius – she finds the BEST stuff. Also, more generally, we learn about new sites from our panel of 8-24 year olds as well as our Young Adult Thought Leader panel and extensive network. We’re all pretty tapped in, and quick to share the good stuff with each other and clients. After all – it’s all about viral these days!

4) Can you explain “yacht rock?”

Brandi says: Yacht rock is a series of webisodes that follows the fictional lives of soft rock greats like Steely Dan, Toto, Doobie Brothers and Christopher Cross. The music all originated in Southern California and the name “yacht rock” suggests that it’s best suited as a soundtrack for yachting. The series is written by a group of comedy writers in Los Angeles who make their real livings working production on various television shows and movies. They don’t own yachts and obviously love the “so bad it’s good” aesthetic. Yacht rock humor seems to be getting a little passé — right now I’m into www.timanderic.com and Zach Galifinakis’ “Between Two Ferns” interview series onfunnyordie.com for online comedy.

5) What will people be wearing for Halloween this year?

Since we missed our first deadline (whoops, sorry!!) we decided to send you some of our team’s creative costumes (photos attached):

Kansas Baby!

Back in the days of yore, when MTV was a powerhouse breaking new artists and playing videos during the day instead of 2-6 A.M. (I wrote ‘yore’ already people!), I was working on an upfront tape with my boss, Fleminator, who never wears underpants. (If I have to know you all have to know! Imagine the fun looks that info got when he came to visit me at Disney Channel…!) The head of marketing’s assistant, @jrjeffrey called to get the tape to messenger to Mr. Fancy Pants in LA for a meeting. Upfront tapes help sell advertising by showing off the best of the programming and adding some hot little figures to lure in partners.

I convinced @jrjeffrey to entrust me to FedEx the tape to Mr. Fancy Pants because Fleminator and I weren’t done with edits. He begrudging complied. The package went AWOL due to a FedEx blunder and Mr. Fancy Pants launched screaming fit heard around the world (or at least bi-coastally), causing a chain reaction that included a FAX of the air bill to prove I had written the address correctly so that  @jrjeffrey didn’t get sacked.

Thus a friendship was born which only deepened when @jrjeffrey to move into the same building as me in LA when we both moved out there for other jobs. It has spanned the test of demanding bosses, dieting, an arch nemesis named Carrie (we love you Carrie!) who said she would rather kill him than lose him to Tori Amos, countless job changes, me breaking his screen door – opps, multiple moves, a shared love of George Michael, a tiki doll, creating a themesong for his dog’s bowel movements, a roadtrip that included 9 hours to prepare for seeing Bjork in concert (no, nine hours really isn’t enough especially when you book a hotel you can walk to the show from!) and one to Vegas listening only to five songs from Madonna’s Light Years all the way there and back to LA.

Without further rambling, five questions with my Follow Friday pick of the week, @jrjeffrey.

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Vocation: Story Producer/Writer/Fabulist
Sign: Very Virgo

1) What is a fabulist and how can I earn that title?

Okay, the word fabulist actually means “a person who invents or relates fables” as well as a ” a teller of tales or liar.” Being related to fables, it is pronounced as such. However, I prefer to pronounce it like “fabulous,” and in turn, have come up with my own unique definition:

fabulist: anyone who observes all that is fabulous in life and shares it with others.

By this definition, you are already a fabulist.

I just always liked the word play of “fable” and “fabulous.” The origin of the storyteller goes back to the fable. I think all great stories teach a moral lesson, whether overt or subtle. The “fabulous” part adds some fun to it. Writers are observers first, and tellers second. Anyone who writes knows there is a fabulous quality to that process.

2) As a story editor of reality shows, what is an example of a scene that may have been as simple as two people making a sandwich that got turned into a huge fight with the use of music and edits:

In my experience, it is very difficult to cheat a fight in reality TV. There has to be some existing drama going on in the footage. In fact, the problem with reality TV fighting is often the opposite: how do we edit this fight down so that it makes sense to the audience & fits into the time we have for it? In real life, peoples’ fights are messy & inarticulate. They are not always on point. A good story editor/producer works with an editor to capture the essence of the fight in the clearest & most dramatic way. I would personally add to that “in an ethical way as well.”

The bottom line is that when you watch raw footage it is, for the most part, very boring. Think about watching hours upon hours of someone else’s home movies unedited. Big trip to Boring Town! Much like documentary film, the footage needs to be carefully selected & woven together to tell a cohesive & compelling story while remaining faithful to the inherent truth of what’s going on.

Coyotes Ate My Dog!

Often, the most manipulated scenes are comedy ones. Humor can definitely be edited together with good shots & great music. I’ll give an example from one of my favorite shows that I’ve worked on, “Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica.” I had to watch hours of Jessica Simpson training her new puppy. After watching it all, it was pretty evident that Jessica was not going to be the next “Dog Whisperer.” So, we took the most ridiculous moments of Jessica attempting to get Daisy to obey her commands, combined it with some comedic music & then cut to Nick sitting on the couch engrossed in a football game, but giving Jessica kudos for her excellent training skills. If you watched the couple hours that it all took place in, you’d be bored out of your mind. Instead we got you to laugh & enjoy it by culling the comedy of it for you.

3) As a lover of ‘ladies with piano’ (Tori Amos, Regina Spektor) who are some of the new artists you’ve fallen in love with this year?

Oh drat! I must say, I don’t know if its my laziness when it comes to sussing out new music or just a current lack of artists that are grabbing me, but I only have a limited list of newbies.

In the old-but-new category:

1- Amanda Palmer - one half of the lovely band, Dresden Dolls, has a great solo album out there. She’s an all-round artist whose performances often verge on avant garde. Her sound is unique & she loves to twitter!

2- Dolores O’Roirdan – her latest solo album may have been eclipsed by the announcement that she will be re-uniting with The Cranberries to tour. But this second solo effort is really good in my opinion. It has so much more life than the first solo album did.

Newbies:

3- Noush Skaugen – a bit more guitar than piano, but she did an awesome “Couch Series,” in which she covered songs by bands like Oasis & Foo Fighters. You can watch them at www.noushskaugen.com

4- Gossip – okay, I was way late to this party, but I dig Beth Ditto & their overall sound

5- Bat For Lashes – sort of an ethereal sound that harkens back to ’90s Alternative music

6- Florence & the Machine – I’m just starting to listen to her now & I’m having that feeling I had when I first heard Adele (although their sounds are worlds apart). She’s got an amazing voice. I missed her performance in LA, but heard she was AMAZING! Right now, she’s got me the most excited.

4) You’ve been a dog owner all your life and currently have a very adorable rescue dog, Kennedy. What advice would you give to people about selecting a rescue dog?

First off, find a good rescue shelter. Not all rescue shelters are created equal. Some well-meaning folks are in over their heads & running less than stellar facilities. Research the rescue shelters online before visiting them to make sure they don’t have complaints against them.

I adopted Kennedy from Pet Orphans in Van Nuys, CA – an amazing rescue foundation that’s been around for years and has a well-established reputation in the Los Angeles area.

I suggest visiting reputable no-kill, non-profit rescue groups over city shelters because often times they are getting their dogs from the city shelters themselves. The benefit is that the rescue shelters have trained personnel who can match you with an appropriate dog. Plus, an empty space in the rescue shelter means they can save another dog from the city shelters.

Bottom line is that cute dogs catch attention quick, but you will know intuitively if it’s the right fit. Keep an open mind. Be honest with yourself & get a dog that suits your lifestyle. For example, if you’re not an active person, don’t get a dog that requires a lot of exercise to stay calm & healthy.

Sometimes it takes a little time to find “the one,” but it is so worth it in the end. (Turns out, this last one guidleine also applies to finding a good man.)

5) Who would win in a fight Madonna VS. Angelina VS. Oprah VS. Ellen for your heart strings?

Oh wow! At least, you didn’t throw Tori in the mix. I’d never be able to decide.

The truth is that each of them are amazing women who have brought something much bigger than themselves to the table. BUT, I hate being indecisive, so I will choose.

Don't Mess With The O-han

Oprah. Mainly because she so clearly operates from an intuitive place & that has guided her to great things that have touched so many different lives. I have always been attracted to her spiritual nature. Her greatness comes from listening to that little voice inside.

Okay, I was gushing a bit there. So, let me step back & clarify that’s not to say she’s infallible. No one is. However, she has proven that staying true to your self is one of the surest paths to happiness. And to me, happiness is life’s greatest success!

It’s one thing to be a runner, but it’s something entirely different to be a runner with support.  When Josh and his wife Kara opened their first Charm City Run in Timonium, they had more in mind than just selling shoes.  They wanted to change the way the Baltimore area moved.  Since then (June of 2002), they’ve added stores in Bel Air and Annapolis and have tied their laces around all sorts of events, from the Baltimore Running Festival to local turkey trots.  The races they manage are usually well thought out, efficient affairs, but the staff is always looking to improve.

The first time I walked into that old bank building in Timonium, I think I was about their third customer.  I hadn’t been running long, and Josh was there, pulling shoes from the vault and explaining the mechanics of it all in a way I could understand.  That eager spirit hasn’t been lost.  Whether it’s helping high school kids find the right spikes for their senior track season, or reassuring a nervous baby-boomer that, yes, they do sell walking shoes, the good people of CCR are there to help.  They don’t care how long you’ve been doing it, how fast you are, or how far you go, just so long as you get out there.  I’m no business man, but that seems to be the perfect attitude for a successful specialty shop.

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What has been the most unexpected part of owning a local running store?

The most unexpected part of owning a local running store is the people.  I meet people frequently with amazing stories that they share in such a matter-of-fact, modest manner.  I think the stories that move me the most have to do with weight loss.  I help customers frequently that have lost over 50-100 lbs.  I admire their courage, humility, strength and pure desire to change what, in most cases, has been a generational culture of poor health and obesity.  To play a small part in this effort is an honor and a privilege.

Of all the events with which Charm City Run is involved, what’s your favorite?  Why?

The Run to Remember.  My wife and I were visiting the east coast [from Texas] when 9/11 occurred.  I remember the outpouring of love and support for firefighters and policemen, and I thought to myself why does it take a tragedy of epic proportions for us to appreciate those that protect and serve.  That is shameful.  Our goal was that in Baltimore that would never be the case again.  At least on one morning a year, we would be with each other, with those that protect and serve and we would be afforded the opportunity to say thank you.  The venue is amazing.  Runners run beneath crossed ladders with the American flag above them.  The sun usually rises right between those ladders with the Shot Tower in the background, and we finish in Federal Hill looking over our city.  The runners and sponsors have raised $300,000 in support of police and fire causes.  They are making a real difference in buying AED’s, purchasing a K9, and supporting the mounted unit.  It is a wonderful event and always moves me for a multitude of reasons.

What changes have you seen in people’s running and shopping habits over the last 12 months, and how much of that is related to the economy in your opinion?

The last 12 months have certainly been interesting.  Luckily for running specialty they have been less interesting than the world at large.  My feeling is that the run is sacred and one of the last elements of someone’s life to forfeit.  Business has been solid and I am always grateful for the amazing customer loyalty we enjoy.  If there has been any change, it has been that people will forgo the extra pair of shorts or add-ons that are nice to have but not a need to have.  The core business remains strong.

How does the “live. give. run.” motto enter into both your business and personal life?

Wow, do you have a few days?

Live the life you want to live.  So often in this world you see people do things because that is what is expected, or people feel like they have to live a certain lifestyle or have a certain type of job, or you hear people say they work for money so they can afford to do the things that make them happy.  Kara and I wanted our kids to live with parents that loved what they do and followed their dream.  We want them to know that they can do anything they want as long as they are making a positive contribution to the community in which they live.  Running for me and others is far more than exercise it is peace and clarity.  I run most everyday not simply for fitness, but for the simplicity and clarity of perspective that allow me to make hopefully the right decisions and be a better parent and husband.   If running leads to clarity and clarity helps people pursue their dreams, we can play a part in the positive reinforcement necessary for people to live the life they want to live.

Give.  There are many ways to give back and I nor anyone else should judge what, where or how people give, but giving back is essential for our community and our kids must know that giving leads to a fulfilled life.  While America is a country whose citizens give a lot, Kara and I feel that most, including us could give more.  “Give” is to let our customers know that giving is at the forefront of Charm City Run’s mission.  “Give” is a challenge to Kara and I and the Charm City Run family that we always need to do more and can do more.  “Give” is a constant reminder to our customer family so they  ask themselves the same questions we are asking ourselves.

Run.  Get moving.  Exercise also leads to a fulfilled life.  Whether it be running or something else, when you feel better, you make better decisions, you are more patient with people and you gain that clarity that allows you to be more efficient with your time.  Different folks have different goals and we respect them all.  For our family, a life of fitness is not an option.  Our kids are raised with mommy or daddy being out for a run and I look forward to many years of running together.  My son Ben is 8 and we have started doing 5Ks together.  This has brought me, and hopefully him, so much joy.  I must say that we have several customers with older daughters that run together before school or on the weekends or train for events together.  There is something special about this father/daughter running relationship that I hope to cultivate with my girls.  I admire those families.

If you had a friend coming into town for a single day, what one thing would you tell them not to miss?  Why?

Great question.  I am born and bred Charm City and have such pride in our town.  The first thing that popped into my mind was the Aquarium.  One of our employees is a dolphin trainer.  They do such a great job there and I have never heard a family who was visiting say they were underwhelmed.  I think a walk around the harbor with a visit to the Aquarium and Science Center and a lunch outside is a pretty special day.  For the adult crowd, I have to say that in this season a Ravens game with an 11-11:30 start at Mothers or Cross Street.  I love spirit and passion and pride.  All of those things are evident in Federal Hill on Sunday and in the walk to the game.

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“5 Questions with…” is an occasional feature on The Running Bowline which picks the brains of local people doing interesting things.  If there’s someone you’d like to see featured please let me know!

Is there anything more wonderful then feeling like a woman? You know we go around every day making ourselves pretty, but sometimes there’s that tingle down our spines taking us to a moment of electricity, that has nothing to do with being a mom, a sister, a friend…it’s just about the true magic of feeling like a luscious diva.

Lush

@Shoshi is a woman who lives her life creating and teaching others how to make those moments into a lifestyle. We met voluteering at StepUp’s New York Chapter. We were the only two ‘women of color’ at the time we joined. Today the group is much more diverse.

Location: New York, NY
Vocation: Personality, Courtesan Coach, Speaker, Seductress
Sign: SCORPIO

1) What is the key to living a luscious life?
The key to living a luscious life is making the choice to live a life by design and not by default. It is living a life that leaves you FULL! The luscious life is about leaving behind a good enough life to live lusciously!

2) How did you get involved in the art of burlesque?
I found the whole art to be unique and intriging. I wanted to bring a bit of color ( as in my brown self) up on stage and use different music/stories. I tend to use urban music when I do burlesque and I like to be interactive with the audience. It is so much fun for me to unleash my inner burlesque persona, Courtisane Moderne, on the stage. Though I don’t know where she begins and where I end.

3) What is a Courtisane Moderne?
A courtisane moderne (modern courtesan) is a woman that uses the virtues of the courtesans to live a life of happiness, pleasure, and joy without apologizing for it.  Some of those virtues include charm, wit, timing, beauty, grace, talent, and brains. Also, a courtisane moderne lives a sensual life because she lives a life that pleases her senses.

4) What are some tips to keep life sexy on a daily basis?
Some tips to keep life sexy  on a daily basis are think positive, walk with confidence, own who you are, do at least one thing a day that is just for YOU!, and think bigger. All of those things work in line with the laws of attraction, so that things will automatically be drawn to you. Now that is sexy!

5) People are always surprized to find out your are African American as well as Jewish. How has this effected your dating life?
Yes, this fact  does tend to cause pause. I don’t know if that has affected my dating so much. I have always dated interracially which effects my life more. Most times if a white Jewish guy dates me it’s fine, because at the end of the day I am Jewish. Non Jewish men could care less about the fact that I am Jewish.

Bleep!!!!

Welcome to the fourth installment of five questions with people I follow on Twitter. They are a diverse group and I wanted to give more insights into the wonderful cross section of talented, exciting, people in the world.

I met @Brianistuft while he was doing a drop-by to pick up my then co-worker, TeeBee. We bonded instantly over Project Runway and how much we were both addicted to calling people “a hot tranny mess” at the time. A friendship born out of a fierce meeting of the minds.

I love that Brian’s interest in celebrities has led him to taking photos with some of the hottest names out, helping him to achieve his own cult following. He’s like Perez Hilton, only fashionable, funny & intelligent.

Location: Queens*, New York *The Median Borough
Vocation: Becoming America’s Next Top Model
Sign: Aries

Whenever it is a celebrity or a star of a show or movie I particularly enjoy that is of course always a powerful motivator. But, when there is an opening or a party I like to think of the turnout possibilities. I hate going to things where EVERYONE and their mother will be there, I love when the turnout is light, the champagne never runs out and you get face time with the stars. As for sets I’ve only ever visited two, Gossip Girl because I love it so very much and Remember Me an upcoming movie with Robert “Edward Cullen” Pattinson for a friend.  Let me tell you, that was truly a hot mess. I’ve never seen anything like it, he has such a young and obsessed fan base that there was never not a crowd or mob scene. But, once I got to meet him I saw that he was just a neurotic kid with a twitch and lots of hair. Which is why I like meeting any celebrities to see what they’re like in person, up close and persona-free.

The long answer? Fabulous is defined as so amazing it borders on being unbelievable. I think that’s pretty accurate, to me being fabulous is all about the person’s social skills. When you’re at a party or having dinner and the person you’re talking to is whip sharp and knows who they are there’s nothing better. To me being fabulous is all about being witty,outgoing and being able to keep afloat when the conversation drifts into pop culture and current events. Give me someone confident who is able to make a joke about Barack winning the Nobel Peace Prize AND the John and Kate debacle and I’ll show you someone fabulous. It goes without saying that being open minded, intelligent and positive is required. Nothing is less fabulous than someone who uses attacks on others to make themselves look better, sorry Perez Hilton.

I met @MaraAltman at the New York book launch for Kristin Harmel’s Italian For Beginners.

Mara is the author of Thanks For Coming is an interesting journey in search of her orgasm. You read that right. Don’t even pretend to be shocked. You know you buy Cosmo because the headlines promise to reveal the secrets to getting an orgasm. Mara goes on a quest to bring her search for orgasm answers into the daylight with interesting results.

Location: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Vocation: Writer
Sign: Virgo

1) On your blog, different women answer your Vulva/Orgasm questionaire. What did you find the most interesting/shocking/odd answer to ‘when did you have your last orgasm?’

The most shocking was definitely a woman who recounted, in great detail, her encounter with fucking a hunting knife. I loved how her experience, though somewhat extreme, demonstrates the variation that occurs when we speak of female pleasure. On the other hand, I found it quite shocking that a majority of women said they had had their last orgasm with a lover. I would have assumed prior to my interviews, given the convenience of our own hands and the minor travel time to our own erogenous areas, that we would be wielding our own pleasure power a lot more often.

2) What could book clubs expect if you came to lead a discussion on ‘Thanks For Coming’?

Laughter. Discomfort (in a good we’re-all-growing kind of way). Intense discussions. Disagreement. Revelations. Openness. A 85 percent chance of cringes. Orgasm Cookies. Arousal. Ideas for the bedroom (alone and with a partner).

3) Has your perspective about sex changed since ‘Thanks For Coming’ was released this year?

Absolutely. I’m much more open about sex. By going on the journey I took in the book – being with a sacred whore, staying with an orgasm commune, visiting the mother of masturbation – i was able to become much more comfortable with my body and with sex. I find that I’m able to be a much more conscious participant during sex. I can focus on the clit. No more, “What is he thinking I’m thinking that he’s thinking while I’m touching his thing.” I’m in the moment and when I’m in the moment, I’m in a pleasure place whether or not I’m orgasming.

4) What are your current projects? (speaking engagements, etc)

I have a reading at Word in Greenpoint on October 22nd. It starts at 7:30pm .Two other readers, who were published in the Rachel Kramer Bussel edited “Best Sex Writing,” will also be featured.

I also have a reading at the National Organization for Women’s Love Your Body Day on October 28th. It is a fundraiser complete with cocktails and munchies. More information here: http://www.nownyc.org/women/index.php

The last event scheduled at this time is a reading (which will also be a strap-on try on session and quiz including all things vulva) at Bluestockings Book store on November 12th.

I usually keep my book’s Facebook webpage up to date with events.

5) What are your favorite spots to get hummus? And what brand would you take home?

I love hummus so much. I can’t stress my love for hummus too much. It’s absolutely grotesque and hardly makes sense. I’m probably partly made up of hummus by now. I’m Ukranian, Austrian and Hummus.

Anyway, when I don’t have time to make the stuff myself, I love to go to Barbounia during happy hour. Not only is their hummus so good that you’ll embarrass yourself by licking it out of the bowl, but their bread is so good it’ll make you want to go on a carbo-only diet. Also, what can I say, I love the Hummus Place.

I really fluctuate a lot as to the kind of hummus tub I’ll take home. Right now I’m on Cedar’s original. Abraham’s eggplant. And some kind that i can’t remember that has zaatar flakes sprinkled on top. yum. ridiculous yum. freaking yum yum.

Thanks Mara! I need to get myself some hummus stat! If anyone is interested in filling out the questions on Mara’s blog please send an email to: info@maraaltman.com

Joe Silko added his name to the mix in this exciting basketball offseason as a walk-on and added another reason to show up to basketball games starting 39 days from now. Silko was a four-year varsity starter at South Fayette HS  and helped lead South Fayette to section championships in 2008 and 2009…Hit seven 3-pointers and scored 28 points to lead the Lions to a 75-58 Class AA Section 3 win

The 22000+ had a chance to sit down with Joe and see what he was all about in another edition of “5 Questions With”:

What made you decide to walk on?I have played basketball my entire life and it is a big part of who I am. I have also been a Penn State guy from the start. My dad went here and my sister just graduated from Penn State last year. So I figured when I decided to go here that I would give basketball a shot. I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity to walk-on to the basketball team and I will be sure to take advantage of everything I am given.

What do you think you have to offer to the team?I’m not the best athlete. I’m not the fastest guy I know. I don’t jump exceptionally well. I can’t score at will. But what I can do is go into practice and play as hard as I can. I can push the other guys on the team and do whatever I can in practice. Whether it be motivating someone to practice just a little harder or helping out on the scout team, I can guarantee that I will give it my all.

How is it going meeting all your new teammates?I have really enjoyed getting to know all the guys on the team. I was really nervous my first couple of days around the guys but as time went on I really started to feel comfortable around everyone. These are all really good guys and I look forward to spending more time with them.

What are you most looking forward to when it comes to playing basketball here? I am most looking forward to being a part of a team that is ready to big things. There is a lot of talent and a lot of heart on this team and I am so excited to be a part of something special.

Who do you try and play like?I don’t know that I try and model my game after any one player. I just like to go out there and make sure I leave my heart on the court.

A graduate of the selective Carnegie Mellon University, Erin Quill is a multi-talented Eurasian actress who was in the original Broadway cast of Aveue Q, the all Asian cast of the musical ‘Closer Than Ever‘ and was recently seen being hugged by Emmy winning actress Glenn Close. Erin also happens to be my one of my fabulous sisters.

Location: New York
Vocation: Actor and Screenwriter
Sign: Libra

1) Where can people find you online?
www.erinquill.com – or follow me on Twitter, @EQuill

2) What are your recent/current projects?
Last week I filmed an episode of DAMAGES, you’ll see me with Tate Donovan and Glenn Close, who were amazing. Next week I am being flown to Detroit to film a game show pilot of a show that I did the test for in LA, in November they are filming a screenplay I wrote called QWERTY, which is an office comedy/romance. I am up for another thing, it would be great to go to the Tropics is all I’m sayin….

3) Do you think it’s necessary to diversify (into writing,casting etc) to survive as a performer?
The reason I wear many hats, and I have for a long time – I’ve been: A Production Assistant, Makeup Artist, Director’s Rep, Photographer’s Assistant, Casting Assistant, Actor, Singer, Screenwriter, is because every new skill you learn, every time you stretch yourself to grow, it informs your Craft. The more you bring to the table, the more people will want to eat off it, is all I’m saying.

4) What has the most shocking part of casting for the screenplay you wrote, K-Town P.I. ?
I have a script in pre-production called K-Town, P.I. – it’s set in Koreatown in Los Angeles. I think the most startling thing was twofold. From Asian American Actors, I received a flood of emails from folks I did not know, thanking me profusely for the script and there is one gal, well, she keeps writing mini-thesis-es on why she should play a certain part and sending it to the Director. I think that shows how little there is available for API Actors. The script has hit a very big chord, and I have been approached in ridiculous ways about it. I have nothing to do with Casting. We have a Casting Director, handling it.

The other surprise was that for the 2 Caucasian parts, we had, literally THOUSANDS of submissions. It was an absolute flood. And not just random people submitting themselves via Breakdown Services – we have had Name Actors that have been submitted and I have to say, it was shocking and very gratifying again, to get that response after their Agents read the script.

5) For the finale of Avenue Q’s last show on Broadway, you were given some red carpet rules by Project Runway All-Star winner & the 2nd season fan favorite, Daniel V. Would you mind revealing one or two of the tips?
1. No black unless it is breathtaking and different
2. Wear the highest heels you can walk gracefully in

Unlike so many of the people I find interesting, my first encounter with Michael was face to face.  I was at the Charm City Craft Mafia’s Pile of Craft and so was he, plying his Spaghetti Kiss wares, including his graphic novel Novo. I was immediately interested in a guy who was selling both totally unique t-shirts and his own indie comics.  Maybe it was because the shirts weren’t merchandise for the books, but something about his style suggested that he was a passionately creative artist who has yet to give up on pure imagination.  We live in such an interconnected, coordinated society that I find it completely refreshing to be able to buy a shirt with a goat-man in a flying machine.  No, it’s not from a movie.  No, no cartoon either.  It’s just a goat-man in a flying machine.  Now what?

Michael’s got plenty going on these days.  In addition to traveling to craft shows, and doing commission work, and screen printing shirts, AND putting out the third book in the Novo series, he’s also starting up a new graphic novel called Adam Wreck and the Kalosian Space Pirates. Pirates?  In Space?  I’m so there.

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Who or what inspires you as an artist?

That’s a tough question to answer as it’s not just one thing that gets me going!  I know that movies have always been a part of my life and I always found myself watching them, wishing I could tell my own stories as a kid and as an adult.  Another source of inspiration to me is my kids.  I’m a middle school art teacher and being around that raw creative energy and naivete all the time really gets me excited to make something that will fascinate and educate at the same time.  The last big inspiration to me is my wife, Shawna.  She is also an artist (she’s a full time potter) and we have an awesome artistic dialogue in the house that keeps us both excited and ambitious.

Was it your intention to create such a distinctive style or did it develop organically?

I think every artist wants to have a distinctive style and spends a lot of their developmental period trying to force one out.  For me, a ’style’ didn’t happen until I stopped trying to make one and just focused on how to make a successful image.  I think artists of all kinds get way too hung up on having a ’style’ and forget that it means nothing without a strong technique to back it up.

What excites you about the work you do?

The fact that I get to make art, comics, tee shirts is all such a blessing to me.  I’m excited to get up every day and just do it, to be honest.  Beyond that it’s a very exciting idea to me to do something fresh and new.  I don’t know that I will ever be the one to reinvent the wheel or break absolutely new ground in comics and art, but I get very excited to try!

What do you hope people will take away from your work?

Well, of course I want people to be entertained and excited about what they are reading, but more than that I hope that what I do gets people to look at the world from a slightly different angle.  I write and draw because I never want to stop questioning myself and the world around me and I hope that my stuff inspires the same in those who read it.

If you had a friend coming into town for a single day, what one thing would you tell them not to miss?  Why?

Well, I know that every time someone comes in to town my wife and I get them to the Hamilton tavern ASAP!  Its a very low key bar just down the block from our house that has the best burger on earth…no seriously.  We’ve brought at least a dozen friends and couples there in the last 6 months and it’s almost unanimous.  I guess I’m just a sucker for a quiet bar with good food, of which Baltimore has many.  I think the best conversations tend to happen in little neighborhood common areas where everyone feels at home.  That, and the burger is just that good.

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“5 Questions with…” is a new occasional feature on The Running Bowline which picks the brains of local people doing interesting things.  If there’s someone you’d like to see featured please let me know!

So I’m on vacation, checking my facebook and what do I see? A message from Andrew Quarless looking at me…ok…so I just said that, either way I wanted to get this out to you really quick before I make the trip the rest of the way up to Maine where there is no Internet..at least where I will be.

Andrew doesn’t really need an introduction, everybody knows who he is so lets get down to the interview:

1. How are the first few practices going? Freshman stepping up ok?:

The first practices have been going very good. Both the offense and defense have been looking very productive. The freshman are looking real good and the all around contact on the field is excellent.

2. What do you see your role as this year? What are your personal goals?

My role this year is to be a leader on and off the field. As for personal goals I want to be the best in the country at my position and to make an impact on the offense any way I can

3. What do you like to do to relax?

To relax I like to chill in my room listen to music, mostly gospel and RnB

4. What should we expect out of the team this year?

Everyone should expect nothing but the best from this years team. We wont settle for nothing less then a national championship and that is what we are working for since January 2nd

5.What away game is going to be the toughest?

I would not say any game is going to be tougher than another because we can never overlook any team. We are going to take it week by week.

So there it is, short and sweet. I’ve got to go back up to the hotel room now, just played some hoops on a sweet court they have here that lights up at night. Since I’m in Albany for the night I did my best job playing like Talor Battle, but I didn’t quite live up to the hype…oh well.

Catch you guys when I get back if you want more “5 Questions With” click here

Photo courtesy of wbjc.com

Monday through Friday, from the unholy hour of 5 a.m. to the much more amicable 10 a.m., Mark Malinowski can be found easing the waking world into consciousness on 91.5 FM WBJC.  For the better part of a decade, Mark has been the earliest voice of classical music for listeners in the Baltimore area.  Presenting an always interesting mix of composers and orchestras, an hour spent listening to to his show is the cheapest way I’ve found to gain a symphonic education.  There’s a decidedly local bent in Mark’s selections, with a quick glance at a recent playlist showing recordings by the Baltimore Consort ensemble, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra.  What I think impresses me most, however, is that he somehow makes the early morning seem reasonable.  Between the music and his commentary, he puts a cheerful spin on those dreadful pre-dawn hours without crossing the line into chipper inanity.  If you ask me, anyone who can pull that off is worth listening to.

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How does a Detroit native enter the Navy and, after a 26-year career, end up as the morning DJ on a classical radio station in Baltimore?

Back in 1972, while a music major at Wayne State University, I got a number 20 in the Vietnam Draft Lottery.  I decided, what the hell, and went down to a recruiter.  I picked the Navy recruiter (I knew nothing about the military) because when I looked in the office, one of the recruiters had a girl sitting on his lap.  I thought, “This might not be so bad, after all.”  Since I didn’t play a band instrument, I couldn’t get into the music program, but I did get sent to the Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Ft. Harrison, IN where I was taught journalism and broadcasting. DINFOS, by the way, is now located at Ft. Meade.  Once in the Navy, I worked as a radio announcer, television producer, newspaper editor, writer, photographer, etc.  I stayed in because I was having fun.  When I retired, I wanted to get back to the east coast, and was looking in the Washington DC area, when the position at WBJC opened up.

How would you rate the classical music scene in Baltimore?

I think that people who love classical music are fortunate to live in the Baltimore area.  In addition to a world class symphony orchestra, we have a very fine assortment of chamber ensembles, and a variety of concert venues (Shriver Hall, for example) that bring first rate musicians in town.  During the concert season, there are more things happening over a weekend in Baltimore than we had all year in Corpus Christi, Texas, where I was when I retired from the Navy.

What role do you believe WBJC plays in the cultural life of the city and its surrounding area?

I think it’s important that people have ready access to classical music, and the radio is the best way to do that.  It is a great way to get your children used to the sound of great music, without having to buy cds or downloads.  Plus, the announcers not only select the music, we like to talk about it as well.  I like all kinds of music, and there is no shortage of stations playing what is popular, whether it is hip-hop, rock, country, etc.  But it’s nice to have a place to go for the classics, and that is what we do at WBJC.  I’m proud to be a part of that.

Plenty of people in classical music have been taking notice of the changes Marin Alsop has brought to the BSO.  What do you think has been her biggest contribution thus far?

I think that Maestra Alsop’s biggest contribution has been generating new interest and excitement for the symphony, as well as a “think outside the box” approach to the concert in terms of themes, program material, etc. It’s a breath of fresh air for our symphony and our city.

If you had a friend coming into town for only one day, what would you tell them not to miss?  Why?

There are so many great things to see and do here.  For many, the obvious answer is the Inner Harbor, and there are numerous things to do there alone (Science center, Aquarium, etc).  Hampden is also a great place–real Balamer stuff, hon.  (Honfest–nothing like it anywhere)  We also have great wine festivals, local restaurants, shops, etc.  I guess I would tell my friend to stay a bit longer.

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“5 Questions with…” is a new occasional feature on The Running Bowline which picks the brains of local people doing interesting things.  If there’s someone you’d like to see featured please let me know!

Getting this one out early folks. Figured since the Tim Frazier pictures and interview did so well (as well as Brett Brackett’s) that we’d just release the next one now. So here we go…

Sasa Borovnjak a 6′9 Power Forward/Center out of Serbia looks to add solid post moves and good footwork to the Nittany Lion’s bench. Averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds he could help fill the scoring gap that the loss of Pringle, Danny, and Jamelle has given the squad. I got a chance to sit down and talk to Sasa in this weeks issue of “5 Questions With”

22+.You’re from Serbia, whats the biggest difference between the US and Serbia?

SB.Serbia doesn’t have good system of education,the university and basketball are two separate things,and in US is all together.

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22+.What NBA player do you look up to/want to play like?

SB. Dirk Nowitzki, because he is international player and her plays on my position,and has really good moves

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22+.If I remember correctly you played agaist Oak Hill, one of the best high school teams in the nation. Do you think that playing against solid high school teams will help you make the transition to the college game?
SB.Yes I think that it helped me a lot,I played against them 5 times for past two years and when you play against big player and good teams you always grow up little bit as a player.

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22+What do you with your free time?I like to hang out with my friends,to watch movies and playing video games

SB.

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22+What do you look forward to the most at Penn State?

SB.I’m looking forward to get better and better in basketball and try go to NBA which is my dream,and also to get good education and finosh my studies.

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Heres the second edition of 5 Questions With…and today we’ve got Penn State wideout Brett Brackett. Brett has seen plenty of playing time over the past season playing in every game in the 2008-09 season, but now that Williams, Norwood, Butler combo has left town he looks to lead a new group of recievers in the 2009-10 season.  Before we get started however lets do a quick shout out for Lift For Life…July 10th 2-7 in Holuba Hall. Donate now, www.pennstate.upliftingathletes.org Make sure to check that out, its for a great causeOk down to the questions, lets get started:

22+.You played QB in high school, was the change over to wideout hard?

BB–Yeah the change was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be. Playing Wideout requires a lot more running than QB and guys like Deon, Jordan and Derek made it look so easy when I switched I thought it would be a piece of cake. However, despite the difficulty, those same guys that made it look easy helped me through the learning curve and I feel a lot more comfortable at wide receiver.

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22+.Who was your favorite player growing up and why?

BB–I’m a huge Cowboys fan and growing up I would say my favorite players were Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith but another guy that was always someone I watched and loved to see play was Jerry Rice.

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22+.Do you feel any pressure to fill the shoes of the guys who left last year or are you just gonna go out there and play your game?
 

BB–Honestly, I am excited for the upcoming season. It’s our turn and there are many people that don’t feel that we can play up to the level that Deon,Jordan and Derek played at. We may not be able to do some of the same things but I feel that we have some playmakers that will prove a lot of doubters wrong. So more than anything, I am excited for it to be our turn to go out and show what we can do.

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22+.Whats your favorite free time activity?
 

BB–My favorite free time activity would have to be just hanging out. Being so busy with school and football when I actually get some free time I just like to kick back and hang out with some friends. Play NHL ‘09, Call of Duty, see some movies, and go get a bite to eat. There are a lot of great places to eat in the area.

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22+.You like the Cowboys…..Troy Aikman or Tony Romo?
 

BB–Troy Aikman, nothing against Romo he’s sweet too, great QB but Aikman was the man and when I was younger was when he was winning his Superbowls so I just have a great impression of him

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So thats the 5 Question With Brett Brackett, check in on these dates for the next two 5QW…

6/20 Sasa Borovnjak
6/27 Drew Astorino

The newest addition to The 22,000+,”5 Questions With…“ once a week we’re gonna sit down with a Penn State athlete and see whats on their mind. For the first edition we’ve got incoming basketball player Tim Frazier who is ranked the #1 PG in Texas and #20 in the nation. Frazier was one of the first to commit to Penn State during the past 27 win season. With the loss of Jamelle Cornley, Stanley Pringle, and Danny Morrissey, Frazier’s average of 16 points a game will be a needed boost to a team looking to return to the national stage.Enough of the stats, lets get down to the questions…

22+. What are you most looking forward to when it comes to playing at Penn State? 

TF. The thing Im most looking forward to when it comes to playing basketball at Penn State is the atmosphere of college games and competition as well as meeting new people and winning games!!!

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22+. You’re from Texas, are you going to be able to make the change to the cold weather in Happy Valley?
 

TF. I definitely think its going to be a huge adjustment from 100 degree weather to 0 degree weather as well as snow but i think ill be able to handle it.Especially basketball is indoors i wont have a problem ill adjust.

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22– Kobe or Lebron?

TF–Im taking Kobe because he has the best closing game and thats what you want in the best player in the world.

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22–How are going to be impacting the team in your first year?                                                                                                                         

TF– Im not sure how i will impact the team just yet. Im just coming in to help in any way so whatever way it is then thats what Im going to do.

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22–Can anybody dunk better than you in Texas?  And whats your favorite dunk?                                                                      

TF–naw nobody in texas can jump or dunk like me hahhaha!!!! And my favorite dunk would have to be jumping over people or the between the legs!!!!

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So there you go, 5 short and sweet questions for Tim Frazier. You will see more of him once basketball season comes around. But if you’re wondering if he is really the best dunker in Texas, let me show you a video that may help you change your mind.

Heres his last season totals going into his freshman season here at Penn State.

Not too long ago, I was lucky enough to win a copy of Who By Fire from a book giveaway that Suitcase Contents was having.  The debut novel by author Diana Spechler is an incredible story of  family, personal journey, and forgiveness .  If you haven’t already added this book to your collection, I strongly suggest you do.  You can purchase Who By Fire here.

I love to read.  I enjoy getting completely wrapped up and lost in a story.  I am always so intrigued with each authors unique writing process and journey.  So, as you can imagine, I was so thrilled when Diana Spechler agreed to answer some of my questions.

It is with great pleasure, that I share with you now, my “5 Questions With…Diana Spechler“:

1)  Who By Fire is your debut novel, tell us about your journey from the writing process for Who By Fire’s birth to it being published.

Who By Fire began as a short story called Close To Lebanon. I wrote it in graduate school. I thought it was done, but the characters kept haunting me. The story was about this fractured family, and there was so much love among the characters, but there were also all these communication issues. I couldn’t set the Kellermans aside. So I returned to them, and the story got longer and longer and longer, until it was too long to call a short story. Once I finished it (years later), my friend, Cristina Henriquez, one of my favorite contemporary fiction writers, read my draft and said, “I think my agent would like this. Can I send it to her?” Obviously, I said yes. Actually, I think I said, “Holy shit! Are you serious?!” So she sent it to her agent, who signed me, helped me edit the manuscript, and ultimately, sold it to a great editor at an imprint of HarperCollins that nurtures a lot of debut novelists. I still kind of can’t believe it.

2)  Who By Fire is written in three voices, which I find very interesting as it allows you to get to know each character more intimately.  What was your reasoning behind doing this?  Did you find it difficult to switch writing between characters?

Usually, I could only write from the perspective of one character per day. I had Bits days, Ash days, and Ellie days. That was frustrating, of course. Restrictions of any kind are frustrating. But I really felt that the story needed to be told from multiple perspectives. It’s a story of how the remaining family members are coping in the aftermath of a kidnapping. They’re all responding so differently. I really wanted to explore everyone’s grief comprehensively.

3) Throughout the writing process you must have become very close to your characters, but, if you had to choose just one, who would be your favorite character and why?

I love them all. I really do. This is like asking me to choose a favorite child. Okay, fine: I guess I’d pick Ash. In the end, his journey wound up feeling the most important to me. Don’t tell the others I said that.

4) Writing involves a certain discipline and focus. What advice would you give to other writers and future (potential) authors?

It’s important to make writing the centerpiece of your life. That doesn’t just go for writing, actually. I think it’s good, general advice: Pick one thing and focus. Otherwise you’re a dabbler. Committing to an art involves not just self-discipline, but a certain level of risk. In the end, though, I think it’s better to really make a go of mastering one thing than to be kind of okay at a bunch of things. I would also advise aspiring writers to develop a thick skin. Rejection is a big part of becoming a writer. It’s a rite of passage. It’s practically unavoidable.

5) What’s next for you?  Have you begun working on a new novel?

Yes. I’m working on a novel set at a weight-loss camp for kids in the mountains of North Carolina. It’s based on my experience working at such a camp a few summers ago.

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Thank you, Diana.  It has been so much fun doing this!

To find out more about Diana Spechler visit:
www.dianaspechler.com
www.harpercollins.com/DianaSpechler

And, for all of you that have Facebook, become a fan of Diana Spechler.  You can drop her a note and stay up-to-date on news and upcoming events.

Have you read “Who By Fire”?  What are your thoughts on the book?

November 2008

Boxie
Recording Artist
Polo Grounds
New York

1) I’ve always said there’s a difference between R & B and Soul, could you tell us your interpretation of both?

I always felt the difference comes with the feeling behind the song- R&B has a specific twist to it that makes you wanna move and what not, but soul, in my book is the ultimate form of song- no restrictions no boundaries no slick metaphors, just pure passion and heart.  That’s where I see the difference. Soul is timeless and R&B is very changeable.

2) You have an interesting story where you say you grew up in the streets AND the church. How were you able to do both and what effect did that have on your talent and vision?

Well I was able to do both because I had no choice…I had a mother who prayed and a strict dad from the south, so we had to go to church or we had to grab the ping pong paddle dad used to keep in the dresser to tear our butts up!!! And then being in the hood anyway, it wasn’t like we could just leave- my dad works hard just to say he’s broke so it was about being able to do both because I had to do both.  That’s where I was.

But it actually gave my songs love and respect, seeing how at the time that’s the only place I could free myself -behind the sounds of my soul and the words from my heart

3) What can we expect from you that would make us listen to your songs and eventually buy your album?

The biggest thing you can ever expect from me is a strong visual…I’m such a handsome, funny and talented guy that you have no choice but to love me!!! LMAO!! But no seriously, the character I display is somewhat like a movie character- I’m always someone to watch and wait to see what I do next. My songs carry a sense of freedom and realness that I think everyone can relate to…

4) Now being on the Polo Grounds roster and getting your start with Murder Inc., it’s safe to say that you have reputable people backing and believing in you, does that put more pressure on you to succeed?

Truthfully it does.  It’s one thing to have you and your family to take care of but it’s another thing to have people who are into you and pushing you, and everyday you fight not to lose their interest.  Some people don’t care, but I do- that’s just me. I have to get it done. I’m always in a situation where I have to prove myself, so yeah it’s a whole lot of pressure honestly speaking.

5) Does the current condition in the industry (sales are going down yearly, the quality of music isn’t the same anymore, etc.) scare you as far as trying to sell music?

Hell yeah!! LOL!! Scares me everyday because I didn’t get a deal off of the type of music that’s winning now, so its like I’m just praying and hoping the lovers of my music are still out there…The world is changing and so is our music- we’re not listening to the temptations no more- they were then, T-Pain is now, and Boxie is the future. But that’s just my personal thoughts…

Marilyn Jaye Lewis interviews Steven Sebring, the director of Dream of Life, a documentary on the poet /singer/artist, Patti Smith.

Dream of Life was 12 years in the making, and has now shown at a multitude of international film festivals. It was awarded an Excellence in Cinematography prize at Sundance in 2008. Dream of Life is currently showing in limited release in the United States and will be available on DVD in 2009.

MJL: I realize this is a totally subjective thing to say, but up until I saw your film Dream of Life, Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams was the most beautiful film that I had ever seen. In terms of its cinematography, Dream of Life is now up there, in my mind, right next to that classic. I can’t help but notice that the word “dream” features in both titles. I know that Dream of Life is the title of Patti’s album from 1996, but at what point did it also become the title of your film? And at what point did you realize the footage you were choosing to include in the film had a very dream-like quality to it?

SS: We titled the film during the middle of the edit. It was decided upon, due to the realization that [Patti's late husband, musician Fred Sonic Smith's] spirit was so much a part of the film’s spirit; it seemed only natural to both Patti and me. Both the film’s feeling and look have a lot to do with the quality of 16 mm film — and the fact that I always shot in whatever natural light there was.

MJL: While watching the film, I couldn’t help but feel that your heart, eye, and camera were inextricably connected.  How do you make editing choices under those circumstances — especially when the editing felt as much a part of the poetry of the film as the subject herself. (Not to mention, that you were making the movie for 12 years & must have had a ton of footage to sort through.)

SS: I was able to make those choices with the help of a very experienced, talented and creative editor Angelo Corrao.

MJL: Since you are primarily a photographer, at what points in the editing process did you decide to insert photographs? And did you use them more to advance the story or to expand the story?

SS: I chose during the editing process — using photographs to tell a story of a time, or of moments when I was not personally there.

MJL: Patti’s voice-over is another inextricable element of this film. What was that process like? Did you both view footage together? Or did you choose the footage that resonated most for you as an observer, and then get her input on that aspect of her life?

SS: I chose the footage that resonated most for me and then I got her perspective on that aspect of her life [in voice-overs].

MJL: I believe this is your first feature film. I think it is less a “documentary” and more a life portrait of a vibrant and powerful artist captured on film over the course of 12 years. Considering that, do you see yourself making any more films in the near future? Or do you simply wait to see what inspires you most?

SS: I do see myself making more films in the future. I would like to have my next project be a fiction film, or perhaps another life portraiture, we shall see…

Written by BIG CED 

September 2008

Kwame
Producer/Legendary Hip Hop Artist
MAKE NOISE!!!
New Jersey

1. Since you’ve been in the industry practically all your life, what would you say is the key to longevity in this fickle industry?

To diversify your self. Not just stick to one thing. There are many aspects to entertainment and the field you started in may not necessarily be the one you stay in.

2. How was the transition from being a popular artist to becoming a highly sought successful producer?

The transition was almost impossible because all people saw me as was a rapper. So it took 7 yrs to make a solid change and breakthrough.

3. For some of the people who are unfamiliar with your work, could you list some of the songs you did as an artist as well as some of the artists and songs you have produced over the years?

As a artist my key records have been: The Rhythm. The man we All know and Love, Ownlee Eue (Only You) and One of the Big Boys

As a Producer some of the Key records to date have been On Fire – Lloyd Banks Switch – Will Smith Turn the Lights off – Tweet Listen! – Talib Kweli Understand – Christina Aguilerra and I am currently working with Keyshia Cole.

4. I just recently found out that you are working with an upcoming artist, what is his name and do you have any other artists coming under your wing?

Currently I’m working with a artist named Beyond Belief from Rockaway Queens On my new indi label MAKE NOISE!!! We have a video and single out and on sale in outlets like Itunes/ Rapsodey and Napster (mid sept) Also I have a pop/rnb singer from London named Jade Ewen whose video and single will drop Jan 09.

5. Can you make a prediction based on what you’ve seen in Hip-Hop, on the future of Hip-Hop?

I feel hip hop will lose most of it mainstream appeal and go back to a underground smaller fan base. I feel that’s the best thing for hip hop based on the fact that it’s become to much of a joke now. Rappers will be exposed for theire “false credibilities” and hip hop will go back to being what it started.. The voice of the urban culture. This time around, on a world wide scale… We will get great hip hop songs and artists from the uk , africa , asia…. But all in all Hip Hop will survive!

Here is the latest installment of JACOMB’s Five Questions With featuring Red Wanting Blue frontman Scott Terry.

Scott discusses the new album, the name of the hidden track and how it came to be, his favorite places to play outside of Columbus and more. We had a slight interruption during the interview as one of Columbus’s finest police officers came upstairs to discuss a slight incident involving stolen gear … but no worries, the bad guys were caught by Charlie’s Angel.

Enjoy!