Yo, Peep This Shit!

Austin and San Antonio

2011-12-07T09:03:00.000-08:00

You Don't need teef but Teeth help

Its a salon not a BBQ joint.

I’m not going to lie to you but when people told me I’ll like Austin Texas as much as I liked New Orleans or Nashville I thought.. “Ohh… You don’t know me that well”. Now being here I realized… “No… I didn’t know Austin that well”. Austin gets the joke. It’s a great city (let alone the capitol of the state I fear I wouldn’t like at all).

In the middle of a dessert of conservative, Christian Texas- Austin is an oasis for people who don’t take themselves that seriously- I hate when people think just because they LIVE in a place- it is much superior to other places (I live in NYC- I see so many of these people who don’t cross bridges and see the beauty of the rest of the country and turn their noses up at them). Texas always came across to me like this- to quote my colleague Frank Vignola “You want to succeed from the union….. see you at the Olympics”.

This is Stubbs joint.. "Trust me I'm a cook"

Something rubs me the wrong way when I hear a New Yorker refer to middle America as fly over states or Texas say how much better they are from the rest of the country- now I’m in Austin and I see why they think this way… But Austin gets the joke and almost plays with it.

When I am here (or in the south) I start feeling like, maybe in another life I was southern. I can get into the groove and used to this life style. I love it down here as much as I love home.. Hell maybe that means I love travel and enjoy different cultures... Maybe more people need to get out and see the world and maybe stop stereotyping cultures and judging their people.

Maybe we can all enjoy each others company and better each others lives or at least share some of these recipes so I can eat this kind of food back home.

Great bar- used to be a real Depot

One of Austin's most unique nightspots is housed in an old Missouri-Pacific train depot. Real train cars serve as seating areas, and the ladies restroom is a real caboose! I Don't need to add a joke here- you already thought it...

The building that houses Donn's Depot was transported, via train tracks, from McNeil, Texas, to its current location about 30 years ago.

The King... and Elvis costume

On any given night you will find an eclectic crowd ranging from students to retirees. Donn's depot bridges the generation gap with its diverse range of mucisians and musical genres, ranging from swing, country, and modern folk/pop.

One of the coolest thing here is seeing teenagers and older folks share a dance floor and not think a thing about it.

During one of the bands sets this old couple got up and started slow dancing to this bluesy loud guitar songs- even through the transitions he didn't miss a beat- In fact we were laughing because he looked like Hank Hill and Lady Bird competing for the dog dance trophy.

Second Coolest street in Austin

The Famous 6th Street: Reason its famous- it's classy bourbon street:

Likely Texas' best known street, the seven block's of 6th Street between Congress and IH 35 is where the cool kids go to party.

6th Street is the heart of Austin's live entertainment scene and the capital of third coast music.

Ya Gotta respect Willie Nelson Blvd though.

Sixth Street (formerly known as Pecan Street) is lined with many historical houses and commercial buildings dating from the late 1800's and early 1900's. The storied old buildings now house numerous bars, a host of live entertainment venues, tattoo parlors, art galleries, casual cafes, upscale restaurants, and the Haunted Driskill Hotel.
Live music of every genre is found here- You can't walk down the street without people trying to bark you in their venue with drink specials and live music.

Angelina Eberly: We are about to make out.

In 1842, six years after Texas won its independence from Mexico. President (of Texas) Sam Houston thought Austin was an inappropriate location for the capitol of Texas, and campaigned to have it moved to a city he found more to his taste—Houston… What a wad of crap- just because they have the same name?!.

When the citizens of Austin resisted his attempts to move the capitol, Houston sent a delegation of Texas Rangers to steal the government archives (no different from today’s thieves in office). They would have succeeded if it had not been for a fiery local innkeeper named Angelina Eberly, who heard the rangers loading their wagons in the middle of the night. She hurried down to the the corner of what is now Sixth and Congress and fired off the town cannon, missing the rangers but blowing a hole in the General Land Office building- Like all great women- Crazy as hell. The cannon fire roused the populace, who chased down the rangers and recovered the archives near Brushy Creek. Had it not been for Angelina’s impulsive and crazy gesture, Houston would now be the capitol of Texas. In a very real sense, Angelina Eberly was the savior of Austin.

They love them some Elvis

Mean Eyed Cat

We ran around and Tomorrow we will hang and listen to some live music. Donn's has my vote along with Mean Eyed Cat- a Johny Cash Bar. Her are some shots of the bars.

The Driskill Hotel: Most Haunted Place in Austin

Room 525, which in 1998 re-opened after years of being off limits is one of the hubs of ghostly activity in guest rooms. For years the Driskill staff had closed the room and used it as storage. The doorway leading into the bathroom had been bricked up due to an Austin urban legend known as the "suicide brides." This legend claims that two women had committed suicide in that bathroom 20 years apart to the day. This is far from confirmed. Although a woman is known to have ended her life on the 4th floor, room 525 is one floor up and had already been closed off by then. The exact history of 525 may never be known, since the room's closing predates all current staff members. When reconstruction forced the re-opening in 1998, many strange things happened. The room needed to be painted four times, as the walls kept peeling. An air conditioning vent that was left lying on the floor blew cold air. When it was moved the blowing stopped. One of the workers described an unusual but distinct humming in his chest upon entering the bathroom. When the brick was torn down, the bathtub was full of crystal clear water. The faucet was not dripping, the floor was dry, and that room had been closed off for years!

This is Spanky and Feldman- both named after Hollywood legends

Comedy Tonight- Its so Cheesy

Barton Springs: where Robert Redford learned to swim, is a swimming hole in Austin that is half man made- it is fresh water that comes out of springs and the city uses as a swimming joint.

Of course they go together... duh?!

The Capitol: You can just walk right in- they will let anyone in... explains bush'e run in there.

Looking up the Dome

House of Rep meet here.

You can fart in this spot and everyone in the capitol would hear it: Politics as Usual

At these prices they are paying us to go out

Well Its time to go see some of that night life here everyone talks about. We saw 6 quality bands (I mean super amazing bands) for $12 total covers..

The Saxon: Doug Grissom and Bruce Hughes and the All Nude Army

The Continental: Uncle Lucious and upstairs room (the galliery) Ephraim Owens, Hector Ward and The Big Time

Antones: The Walers (as in Bob Marley and the Whalers)

This must have been what the 80's where like with gas this cheap and people letting us in without a cover to see some of the best music I ever heard.

Hector Ward is in The wheel chair- He had an Elvis Quality about him

Chris Gaffneys Table

Joining Chris For a drink at The Continental

The Continental: Started in 1957, this BYOB (it was dry back then) it became famous place to see amazing music and drink hassle free later became the first burlesque club (in the 60's) .

Chilling Back Stage

These guys totally Rocked

Bruce Hughes

Doug Grissom

Shredding the hell out of the guitar

If your at The Saxon: You gotta be good

My Camera died by the time I got to Antone's.
In 1975 Antones opened and had amazing acts hit the stage as “greats” as Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Pinetop Perkins, James Cotton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Los Lonely Boys, Bono & The Edge of U2, to Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, to Eric Clapton, to Dwight Yoakam to Bruce Willis and Elvis Costello.

In July of 2009, Antone’s Nightclub celebrated its 34th Anniversary and is undeniably a major reason that Austin, Texas is considered The Live Music Captial of the World.

Shots from Photographer Carlotta Holley

2011-10-10T11:52:00.000-07:00

Africa Extras by LEON PRATHER

2011-09-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

Our Amazing Photographer that was with us took these- I think they are too good to not share.

Thanks Leon!

Africa: K-9 and show from our photographer

2011-09-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

Working as a team

After Party after the win

Time for the show

Cheetah Refuge: Djibouti

2011-09-21T06:37:00.000-07:00

Scott Johnson is our guide and He was amazing and knowledgeable

Dry and dusty on the drive

DECAN Refuge (Discovery and Aid Nature) was founded in 2002 and opened in 2003 by a local French veterinarian, Dr. Bertrand LaFrance. It is part of a larger organization known as Association DECAN, which was founded in May 2001 with a goal to protect wildlife and develop the knowledge of nature throughout Djibouti. Its first mission was to protect sea turtles by convincing restaurants to stop serving turtle soup. The organization works closely with local schools and the French military on environmental and ecological issues through education of biodiversity.

The poverty Kills you

More affectionately known as the Cheetah Refuge because it was first envisioned due to the rescuing of cheetahs which he was keeping in his backyard and gardens. Once they were big enough, they began climbing/jumping over the walls into the neighboring yards, whose owners started to complain.

Dr. LaFrance approached the Djiboutian government and requested land to build a Refuge for the animals’ protection. A small plot of unwanted land (35 acres in 2003, expanded to 70 acres in 2006, but now will more than 200 areas) was loaned (not permanently) to Association DECAN, but he must submit a report every 2 years in order to prove the worth of allowing the Djiboutian government to continue to let the Refuge use the land. Support for the Refuge is completely by donations; no assistance from the government is provided. It is 100% non-profit.

Steppe Eagle – a bird of prey from Romania east through the south Russian and Central Asian steppes to Mongolia. The European and Central Asian eagles winter in Africa. National animal of Egypt.

ANIMALS I couldn't get photos of

Wild African Ass – a wild member of the horse family; believed to be the ancestor of the domestic donkey. Live in desert areas of East Africa, but only about 500 remain in the wild today. Horizontal black stripes on its legs resubliming those of a zebra. Have a very tough digestive system which can break down desert vegetation and extract moisture and have been known to drink salty and even blackish water. They have large ears with excellent hearing and to help in cooling. Have a tendency to investigate potentially dangerous situations first before fleeing.

MOVE GOATS!

Abyssinian (Ethiopian horse) – Short in stature with an interesting coat which can develop a mustache around their nose. It has strength and an ability to live and work in mountainous areas.

Baboon – Very smart and run in “gangs” 20 – 30 baboons. Have been known to break into two groups, with half of the gang throwing rocks at the front of a home, getting the occupants to come outside to see what is going on, while the other half of the gang goes into the back of the home to look for and steal food.

Barbary Falcon – Similar to the Peregrine Falcon, but smaller, prefers semi-desert and open hills. “Leftie”, was confiscated from its owner who had amputated part of one of his wings to keep him from being able to fly away.

The bus had to stop during the drive because a giant herd of goats came running out. If you hit a goat you not only pay for it but also for its children and grand children... so avoid the goats!.

We are about to enter the refuge
Prosipis – A thorny shrub or small tree, not native to Africa (it is the dark, bright healthy looking green plants). It is a South American plant that was introduced to the Horn of Africa in the 1970s, for shade more than likely. It is invasive, acting much like the dandelion of the tree world. It competes with the local plant life for both water and sunlight, often killing the local foliage, the Acacia. Problem with this is the native wildlife eats and survives on the Acacia and does not eat the Prosipis. Dr. LaFrance started an education movement throughout Djibouti on removing the invasive Prosipis, a member of the mesquite family, and teaching Djiboutians how to make charcoal and other uses from the wood.

Oryx (East African) – also known as the Beisa, it is one of the large antelope species and can live up to 20 years. Can survive for long periods of time without water and are able to store water by raising their body temperature to 116 F (so as to avoid perspiration). Newborns can run with the herd immediately after birth. Both male and females have horns and they are lethal.

This place is guarded 24hours a day. not just for the animals.. They have dirt.

Thats right, the natives try to steal the dirt. My guess is they will use it to grow plants or food.

There are guards on duty at all times, Scott told us do not wonder off.

Meet Awale: we became very close- he pee'd on me.

Cheetah – The pride of the Refuge and the reason it was first envisioned, we have 6 cheetahs, all rescued between 2000 – 2002. Tessai was the first to be rescued, chained up in a restaurant just to give the patrons something to look at. The owners were convinced that she was sick and should be taken to Dr. Lafrance who had police waiting to confiscate her. This started his mission to stop the illegal ownership and smuggling of animals in and through Djibouti. The others include Awale, Ginko & Kabi (called “the brothers”, they are not related, but formed a coalition and have not been separated since), Tigrou and the only other female, Harimad. Built for speed, with enlarged organs and vascular system to allow for extra oxygen, semi-retractable claws to act like running shoes, long legs and a flexible spine to allow for long strides, smaller head for reduced wind resistance and black “tear-drops” below the eyes to the sun out of their eyes. They are able to reach speeds of 70 – 75 mph, often going from 0 – nearly 70 mph in 3 seconds. They can cover 7 – 8 meters per stride at top speed and will take 4 strides per second. The downside to being the fastest animal on the planet is the short time they can maintain it all that speed and often has to rest to lower its body temperature and heart rate before it can even eat. The gazelle is its favorite prey, but other animals such as the scrub hares and oryx. Cheetah females will usually not go into heat while in captivity. Cheetahs are identified by front facial, side head and tail tip and are the only big cats that can purr while it inhales.

Scott is so friendly with these cheetahs they treat him like a house cat to an owner. When we walked out they came right to him.
Awale was the nicest of the cats- he actually would walk up and roll over like he wanted to have his belly rubbed.. Don't do it unless you have super great trainers/guys who know better with you like we did.

Awale would walk along with us and at one point turned around and sprayed me... He pee'd allover my leg. I was laughing my but off. I guess he liked me.

No wonder animals eat the hell out of gazelles- They walk right over to you.. And they look delicious.

Ostrich's are A-holes... And don't forget it!
They followed us around and they kick and bite- thank god Scott had a trick, he held long sticks in the air and they thought it was a taller Ostrich.

What are you looking at?

Ostrich – largest living species of bird, it is flightless and lays the largest eggs. They are the fastest land birds and the fastest two legged animal, with a maximum speed of about 45 mph. Born almost a foot tall, the grown a average of 1 foot per month for the first 6 months. Juvenile and females are grayish-brown and white in color, while adult males are black and white. Can only kick forward, but can kill with its powerful legs and dinosaur like feet. Only two toes (most birds have 4) and largest eyeballs of any land vertebrate (nearly 2 inches), they can grow as tall as 9 feet and weigh nearly 350 lbs. They also have 3 stomachs and can have a much as 1 kg of pebbles in their stomach which they have swallowed to help grind food in their gizzard.

Pelzeln Gazelle – most common in Djibouti (The land of the gazelle). Both sexes have horns. Although illegal to do so, it is believed as many as 200 gazelles are kept as pets in Djibouti City. For every 1 gazelle alive in captivity, another 3 die from being taken away from its mother. So for the approx. 200 in the city, another 600 died.

The zebras kept following us- they are awesome

Grevy Zebra – also known as the Imperial Zebra is the largest of zebra. Has large ears and its stripes are narrower and come in patterns unique to each individual. In many respects, it is more akin to the asses. They may spend 60 – 80 % of their days eating. Gestation of 350 – 400 days, only a single foal is born. Newborn zebra will follow anything that moves thus new mothers are highly aggressive for a few hours after they give birth. Zebras are actually black, with white stripes. Stripes are a camouflage mechanize against its natural predator, the color blind lion.

Can hide in tall grass or appear as one large animal in a close grouped heard. Have excellent hearing, smell, taste and eyesight and believed to see in color.

120degrees- high humidity

Tortoise – with two of the four largest tortoises in the world, the refuge has more than 30 in all. The Leopard tortoise (100 years – 120 pounds) and the African Spurred tortoise (80 years – 150 pounds)

Watched the turtles get it on! Loud turtle sex!

Caracal African wild cat or a Lynx

Caracals hunt by approaching about 20 ft away before suddenly sprinting and leaping. They kill smaller prey with a bite to the neck, and larger animals by biting the throat. Caracals sometimes cover their larger prey if they cannot consume the whole carcass in a single meal, and return to it later. Some have even been observed to hide carcasses in trees.

It is best known for its spectacular skill at hunting birds, able to snatch a bird in flight, sometimes more than one at a time.

Zack Attack!

If no cover is available they will flatten themselves against the ground and remain motionless, allowing its coat colour to act as camouflage. Then spring into action.

Caracal – a fiercely territorial small to medium-sized cat. Name comes from a Turkish wording meaning “black ear”. Although once thought to be related to the lynx due to the tuffs of hair on the tips of their ears, they are actually more closely related to the African golden cat and the serval. Its ears are controlled by 20 different muscles. An ambush predator, it is best known for its incredible skill at hunting birds, able to jump and snatch a bird in flight, and sometimes more than one at a time.

The Big Cats

Lion – One of the four big cats, it is the second largest living cat after the tiger. The two in the Refuge were gifts from Somaliland to the Djiboutian President. Currently in a temporary enclosure, their new enclosure will be 100 meters by 200 meters behind where they are currently are. Fed every day except for Friday, they have a healthy appetite. Males are capable of growing to 550 lbs and the females to 400 lbs. Adult males will also grow a mane, but it will fall off if the male is “fixed”. Hunting is done by the females, while protection of the pride is provided by the male(s).

Getting stared down.

The cage they came in!

Sonic

Acacia – A native plant/tree of Africa, it is the primary natural food source for many of the local grazing animals. They also have thorns, or spines, but these do not stop the animals from grazing on its green leaves. The Refuge has 3 bee hives which help pollinate the Acacia, but also causes a special honey to be created which does not crystallize and is considered a delicacy. The first-known vegetarian spider was first documented and filmed feeding from the tips of the Acacia plant. Acacia is listed as an ingredient in Sun Drops, Fresca, RC Cola, Barq’s Root Beer, Full Throttle Unleaded Energy Drink, Strawberry-Lemonade Powerade, Altoids Mints, Wrigley’s Eclipse Chewing Gum and M&Ms Pretzels. For obvious reasons, it is uses for home security as well as making incense. It is also believed to be the “Burning Bush” which Moses encounters in the desert and was the material God instructed Moses to create the Tabernacle with. The most famous acacia was the Arbre du Te’ne’re’ in Niger which was the most isolated tree in the world, approximently 400 km (249 miles) from any other tree. The tree was knocked down by a truck driver in 1973.

About 3 feet high

Crested Porcupine – a rodent that has quills which came be raised into a crest. Sturdier quills along the sides and back-half of the body. Loosely attached and partly hollow, the can make a hiss-like sound when vibrated. Good diggers. Raise their quills to look bigger when threatened, and will charge an attacker, back-end first, to stab with the shorter quills. These attacks have been known to have killed lions, leopards, hyenas and even humans.

Striped Hyena – Lars and Suzie. Master scavengers, capable of digesting things other animals would dare not touch. They also have bone crushing jaw strength so it can even crush and consume bone.

My Favorite is the hyenas

After the Refuge we went back- Cleaned Up and headed to the Airport.
Next thing I knew we were in Jetty then crossing the Alps in to Paris.
I can't believe we are on our way home.

Paris from above

Down Town Dijibouti and K-9 in afternoon

2011-09-19T05:55:00.000-07:00

Children are Children no matter were you are.

So this is a Khat stand- AKA African Salad

To know about downtown you need to know, in Djibouti there is a legal drug (the queen is in charge of distribution) called Khat, pronounced “cot”. It overruns the people, when we got down town you can tell they are hammered.

Khat originates from the Catha Edulis shrub, which grows abundantly in parts of East Africa and is all over the streets here.

It is so hot they will crowd just to get out of the sun

I really didn’t like downtown, It was everything I hate about cities. Swarms of poor people trying to sell you stuff and beg for money- I know they were eying to pickpocket me so Downey and I tried to cover each other. Everyone is high on Khat- a legal drug that could be compared to coke and is trying to sell you junk meanwhile they are hopped up and touchy feely trying to get you in there shop.

Cafes are everywhere but empty

Although khat is legal in certain parts of Europe, East Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula, it is illegal in the US. Also used as a religious drug. Commonly used by natives.
During the celebration of Ramadan, khat is used to relieve fatigue and reduce appetite. In certain social environments, khat is used in place of booze. According to Arab journals from the 13th century, physicians have used khat to treat depression and lack of energy. Peasants in certain cultures who worked long hours also used this stimulant to keep on keeping on.

Coke is the drink of choice here

In Ethiopia, for example, khat is the fourth largest export. After being cut from a 10 to 20 ft. tall shrubs, khat leaves are bundled in plastic bags or banana leaves so the moisture and freshness of the active ingredients in the plant are retained as it is smuggled into other countries.

Khat is taken orally as a tea, chewed like chaw, smoked, or sprinkled on food. The stimulant effect of khat is most effective when the leaves are still fresh

The effect of khat on the brain and spinal cord is similar to that of amphetamines, which are stimulated through synapses. Fatigue is alleviated, appetite is reduced, attention span is decreased, and levels of alertness and motor activity are increased.
Users can quickly develop dependency to the drug, which increases their confidence, friendliness, and contentment which explains allot about downtown.. Hallucinations, grandiose delusions, and paranoia have also been noted as side effects of using khat

Four wheel drive

Addiction, Tolerance, and Withdrawal
There is no specific physical addiction to khat; however, there is a psychological dependence. Regular users of khat can develop a psychological dependency to the drug. Signs of withdrawal include minor laziness, mild depression, nightmares, and slight tremor. Consistent usage can increase the risk for psychological dependence that is moderate but persistent.

The French Colonized but with a twist of Muslim. These are Muslims that have no problem drinking and celebrating French holidays but still hit the mosque weekly. We drove over and saw the American Embassy- We got pulled over and asked to erase our photos- The guy was really cool, he said he can’t make us erase them but would appreciate it- so I did of course.

GOATS!!

The Kempinski is a 5 star hotel off the beat and path- Djibouti has some of the best scuba diving in the world. Allot of rich french and British come here to scuba. We stopped in and looked around, grabbed a cup of great coffee and relaxed by the pool a bit.

The crew at The Kempinski

We had a tour guide Maddie who was awesome. It was his birthday and he starts working as a translator next week for the US. He speaks 6 languages.

We got back to the base and went to the security guard area. We were telling street jokes and laughing but it really stuck with me and was heavy to my heart seeing those young kids covered in mud and begging for food. We were not allowed to give them anything until we left and a saw why. Once one child got a piece of food they came out in swarms and almost surrounded the bus like something out of a zombie movie. Even now a week later I feel sick to my stomach knowing there are people like that out there, suffering that badly.

Heading to the K-9 Unit.

We stopped back over with the K-9's- they are so cool and visited them on a non working day and these dogs are like normal everyday dogs, laying on the couch getting belly rubs and cuddling.
If you would want to adopt a military retired dog click here Military Dogs.
We said allot of places after the show people buy us drinks but in Djibouti- because of” "rations” they only get 3 beers so after the show the guys are like- Your funny…. But not funny enough to get one of my beers.

Dijouti 161st and Flight line: throught the eyes of our photographer

2011-09-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

Djiboti day 3: Show 2

2011-09-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

The Pirate Pelicans

Got up and had serious laundry to do- I keep forgetting its 120 degrees. I am enjoying myself and meeting so many amazing people I forget I am soaking my clothes with sweat.

Our morning wasn't to bad, I got to get allot done before we headed out. First we met with The Sea Bees- They where out on the field working in this heat- they are mad men!

Fighting Sea Bees

Sea Bees in Action.. or a break!

Opps knocked the cooler over

The black Flag is flying which means HOT OUT TODAY!

P-3 Pilots, crew and staff- these guys are really the world police

We are now friends with George Clooney AKA David Butts

I wrote before about the P-3 and their importance in the El-Salvador and The Mad Foxes- so I won't re write it. These guys released the foxes and where the ones who made a huge bust I read about in the news! A group of guys who are this officiant, work so well with other countries and this important- you think would be slightly cocky- nope amazing cool guys! VP-45 Rocks

Pirate Pelicans!

Tusker Beer is the local beer.
Kenya Breweries was founded in 1922 by two white settlers, George and Charles Hurst.The company is owned by the Dodd family of Kenya. By 1990, most of the shareholders were Kenyan and the company was very successful.

The Dijbouti people range from Nice to very evil. Obviously The guys that work here are the nicest people you can meet .
The Afar group. These are some of the most violent groups in the world, and one Afar man gave the famous quote, "It is better to die than to live without killing", referring to killing other people! To become a man in the Afar tribe, you'd have to kill a man from a rival tribal group and bring back his body as proof, if you visit the region of where Ethiopian, Eritrea and Djibouti all meet, you'll need a lot of money and an armed escort.

Katsy Chappel was great on the shows

Rock Hudson.. yep his real name

Djibouti is about the size of New Jersey, the base here gives easy access to both Yemen and Somalia. Vendors are sell khat, very popular to chew with effects similar to cocaine.

Such a great night.

This is Maddid, Downey and Findlay the coolest peeps to hang with

Dijbouti day 2

2011-09-14T04:18:00.000-07:00

Commander Scott Hurst: looks like John C. Reilly

Bright and early up and moving.
So- we are off to meet the Commander of the base. Commander Scott Hurst. Even though I am not military, I always feel weird calling anyone by their first name on base. I also feel weird calling anyone by rank or sir- because I didn't earn the right to even do that!

The Commander could not have been any nicer- he explained our presence here and what he does- On a side note the base is the #2 employer of the local people, #1 being the port.

People actually vacation here from all over the world for their scuba diving. This place is like what Afghanistan was 15 years ago, a possible breeding ground for terrorists. The terrorists are kind of like gang members- they find weak, small countries with no guidance and flash money around them. Bring them in then use them for the dirty work. This mission is preemptive- we are showing them humane ways of life and in good faith.

Allot of the local are hoping because of the port- this could be the next Dubai. We have roughly 1400-1500 soldiers that patrol the North region of Africa. That’s is the size of 3 Americas plus the waters for pirates.

The pirate situation is allot worse than we know about. It isn’t big news in the states because they try to avoid America because we don’t negotiate- we kill them. It’s a big money scam for these guys on other countries.

We vistit the Doctors

My Hero- Your hero.. What a sandwich

We met the Air Assault- these are the guys who save people from helo’s.. but the bad ass’s like in the movie black hawk down.
Command Sergeant Major was showing us around and we met the 161- these guys are tough. Most of the guys have 2-3 purple hearts and continue to go. When you truly meet someone of the warrior class you get it. I wish I had it, but I don’t. I respect these guys and wish I could spend another week just letting them know how we as Americans appreciate what they are doing.

Fresh Back from patrol

We went over to the air field and hung with some very cool pilots. They refuel in air the harriers that patrol for the US. These C-130’s can fly 10-12 hours without refueling.

The bunks are called clus (Clue’s). There hasn’t been any case of malaria or yellow fever on base. What is brutal here is the heat and humidity- I tried to powder up and it ended up looking like pancake batter.

K-9 units are amazing

Bad day to be a bad guy!

From Vicious to a baby in a command!

This is equal to a warning shot

This is what happend

Put me in coach!

They work in teams and multiple arrests

Choppers coming in before showtime

After the Show I hung out with Frank Maddix. He was so freaking cool. This man had scars that made the one on my knee look like a booboo.. We sat and talked about his time in Iraq. He was head of an assault team that stormed houses for bad guys. He told some of the funniest and scariest stories I ever heard. He got attacked once and 13 members (including self) were wounded.

I wish I could repeat these stories- but they are not my stories to tell.

I didn’t want the night to end – these stories where so good and I wish I could write them but I couldn’t give them justice. I do laugh because everything this guy has been through- yet he had the best attitude and sense of humor. For every scary story he had one that he was pulling a practical joke on someone.

What a crowd

We look just like the scene in Commando

I'm Buff and Tough!

One of Franks Purple Hearts

We may head into town tomorrow:

Here is a taste of whats out there:

Black Mamba

The Black Mamba is one of Africa's most dangerous snakes and feared in East, Central and Southern Africa. It's aggressive when cornered and will not hesitate to strike. It can reach speeds of up to 12 mph (20 km/ph). It's the largest venomous snake in Africa with adults reaching an average of 8 feet in length (2.5m). Black Mamba's are not black at all, but brown/olive skinned. Their mouths are inky black which they show when threatened. Black Mambas live in savanna, scrub, tree hollows, and sometimes people's homes. If a Black Mamba encounters prey it can strike up to 12 times, each time delivering enough neuro and cardio-toxic venom to kill a dozen men within 1 hour. Without anti-venom, the mortality rate is 100%.

Puff Adder

The Puff Adder (Bitis arietans) is considered to be Africa's deadliest snake because it is responsible for the most human fatalities. Puff Adders reach an average length of around 1 meter, and they're solidly built with a wide girth. Color patterns vary depending on where they live, their habitats extend throughout Africa except for dense rain forests and deserts. The Puff Adder has large fangs and its venom is powerful enough to kill a grown man with a single bite. Puff Adders rely on camouflage for protection and lie still if approached. Because of this, people tend to step on them and get bitten. Many fatalities occur because bites are not treated correctly, leading to infection and gangrene.

Boomslang

The Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) is an extraordinarily dangerous snake found in sub-Saharan Africa. Human fatalities are rare, since this snake is very timid, but spectacular. It's venom is haemotoxic, which means that it affects the body’s natural blood clotting mechanism resulting in the bleeding of the internal organs. Sometimes it can take as long as 24 hours before the symptoms of the venom can be felt or seen. Once it gets to work however, a person can bleed to death from every orifice. The Boomslang is a tree-dwelling snake (Boomslang means "tree snake" in Afrikaans). Females are brown, and males are light green with black highlights. The Boomslang reaches an average length of 5 feet. Its fangs are at the back of its head.

Gaboon Viper

The Gaboon Viper has the longest fangs and the highest venom yield of any venomous snake in the world. Gaboon Vipers can be found in West, Central and parts of East Africa, they prefer forested areas. Adults reach an average length of around 5 feet. While the Gaboon Viper delivers a huge dose of venom, the venom is not as toxic as some of the other snakes on this list. A single bite could kill a man however. Gaboon Vipers are very interesting looking snakes with a huge triangular shaped heads and pretty black, brown and pink markings. Gaboon Vipers are quite passive and rarely bite unless provoked or stepped on (even then they don't always bite).

Saw-Scaled Viper or Carpet Viper

The Saw-Scaled or Carpet Viper are small, bad tempered, highly venomous snakes found north of the equator in Africa. Adults vipers reach an average length of just 20-30 inches. Their venom is hemotoxic and very virulent. This means the venom causes spontaneous internal bleeding, sometimes days after the bite has occurred. The Saw-Scaled viper is named for the sound it makes as its scales rub together producing a warning sound similar to a "sizzle". These venomous vipers are active after dark and that's when most of their victims are bitten.

Travel day to Djibouti.. East Africa

2011-09-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Almost to Djibouti

This guy is awesome, I want to know his story

Making coffee at the airport in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is green and mountainous

I started reading about this place on the plane, the French Territory (this is what they speak) of the Afars and the Issas became Djibouti in 1977. They also still use francs for money.. Its $1- 1.55 francs, maybe the us isnt doing as well as we think!

Unrest among the Afars minority during the 1990s led to a civil war that ended in 2001 following the conclusion of a peace accord between Afar rebels and the Issa-dominated government. In 1999, Djibouti's first multi-party presidential elections resulted in the election of Ismail Omar GUELLEH; he was re-elected to a second term in 2005. They still do not have what we would consider a government.

Small little ghettos all over

Djibouti occupies a strategic geographic location at the mouth of the Red Sea and serves as an important transshipment location for goods entering and leaving the east African highlands (which is barren). A French territory until 1977, France's naval base and garrison generate about half of the country's income.

The present leadership favors close ties to France, which maintains a significant military presence in the country, but also has strong ties with the US. Djibouti hosts the only US military base in sub-Saharan Africa.

Sept 11, 2011- Travel Day to Dijibouti.

We made it!

We started off already in the airport in Kuwait. Our flights go to Addis Ababa- Ethiopia to connect to Djibouti, Djibouti. Other than us everyone else on this flight was hired help for rich Kuwaitis- these Ethiopian girls where wearing all of last year’s stuff…. Expensive stuff. I bet the families that hired then hooked them up. They were so excited to be heading home- they work for two years then switch out. When the plane arrived you saw Ethiopian women (that look like the ones in the commercials) getting off and seeing their friends decked out in bling and Louis Viton is getting on! They were so excited to see each other they would start hugging.

Airport Parking lot

They talked the entire flight and when we landed they started cheering and doing the lelelelele Thing I always associated with the Middle East. I am wondering if they learned that from the Kuwaitis or if they do that as well.

Now we are in the Africa I thought of

We got off the flight and Addis Ababa and waited- the Ethiopian land was A LOT different then what I thought- It was green Mountainous with little ghettoesh neighborhoods spread out. The airport was small but nice and all the fear they gave us about losing luggage didn’t happen. In fact I talked to some really great people while waiting.

I also noticed a big difference then the middle east- I think there are way more women here and allowed to talk and use money. I met an Ethiopian woman who asked why I was here, she told me she is very proud of her country and married a Kuwaiti man and is moving there. She hit the lotto- this is her way out!

This is one of the nicer huts

I met a couple people from Long Island who is volunteering and they said the people are wonderful they are just extremely poor- they would give you the shirt off their back if they had a shirt on their back.

The capital of this resource-poor nation profits as a regional banking center with a free port and modern air port. Terminus of the railway from Addis Ababa, it handles much of Ethiopia's trade. A civil war in the early 1990s ended with a power-sharing agreement between the two main ethnic groups, the Issa of Somali origin and the Afar of Ethiopian origin. Now They still use the airport to funnel in.

Creepy people walking along the railroad tracks

I went into a little shop and the Women working their Messe (pronounced Miss Say not the American Missy) knew I was from North America but kept on insisting I was Mexican and Kevin was American. She was really cool and said she dreams of coming to NY and going dancing at a real American nightclub (foreigner girls have the same dreams as dummy girls in America- maybe she can hang with Paris and the Kardashian slobs).

Garbage everywhere

Boarding the flight to Djibouti is when it really sank in- We are in a 3^rd world country. These people herded over to the gate like cattle. Kevin and I developed a system called Pace Caring that makes it so people cannot cut the line.

Restaurant

Old and New School clothes: same color

Oh thank god we are here! I thought Sally Struthers and Santa Claus was going to show up and ask for a small weekly donation!

Goin boatin

We arrived and we were in what would be considered what I imagined Africa would be like. I’ll admit to being a bit scared- the train track is riddled with garbage and scary looking people in little huts and shanties.

Is It a Plane or a helo?

Aries our MWR women is from the Philippians and is as nice as a person you could ask for. The base is defiantly rougher than we are used to and much stricter. There was a situation when we were eating that everyone got called to READY position. I was a bit freaked out but never once felt danger. Just realizing we are in a place where these people have absolutely nothing to lose.

The Bunks

We are not allowed out of our bunks and have no clearance to do anything yet, the heat here is humid and unbearable- Its easier to dry off in a pot of boiling water and a wet towel than it was after my shower. My room is what I imagine Paul Newman went through in Cool Hand Luke- in the hot box theme. Once we settled in and figured out the AC everything was great- Kev and I even went to the 11 degrees North for a local beer. Tusker is great! It is American flavor but i bit stronger... It went down real nice in this heat.

It is hot even at night.. Real Hot.. African Hot

Kevin and I went to the MWR and watched football and drank African beer with the troops- Even over here The games are exciting, maybe even more so then back home. The troops are from everywhere so people are cheering and energy high.

Dijbouti Facts: 60% people are unemployed. 3 Americas can fit in North Africa- Alaska and The Sudan are roughly the same size.

Population: 757,050

The Rock: NYUF tour through the eyes of photographer Carotta Holley

2011-09-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

THESE ARE JUST SOME AMAZING PHOTOS FROM THE EYES OF A PHOTOGRAPHER: CARLOTTA HOLLEY

Kuwait: Camp Ali Salem- THE ROCK

2011-09-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

Mike and Brian Drive us in the NCIS Truck

I was walking to breakfast on Arifjan and I heard someone yell- GO GO Power Rangers, Brian our security guys said the actor who played the red power ranger is stationed here and is the a fire chief. We grabbed breakfast and I realized this is the last night to hang with our NCIS guys. I’ll miss Brian Johnson, Mike Rowe and Bryan Lee. They are such good guys. We actually rode with Johnson and Rowe in the NCIS Patrol SUV. They are total bad ass dudes.

Bunker Tower

They told us after a sand storm they send out plows to plow the sand off the roads. It is like ice and makes you lose traction. I know we will all stay in touch- I can’t wait to see them back home and have a beer with them.

Mike Rowe was saying- Pick-up trucks in Kuwait are popular. So popular that only natural-born Kuwaitis can have them, (as well as contractors but they need a business insignia on the truck). Kuwaitis have all the money they’ll ever want and yet choose to drive the vehicles preferred by rednecks. The good news is NO REBEL FLAGS!
.

Looks like Ron Pearlman

The Ali Al Salem Airbase is in Kuwait, and is operated by the Kuwaiti Air Force. Tonight we finish the show and head to North Africa on Ethiopian Airlines on 9.11 Oh boy! I went to grab breakfast and ran into Contee One of our security guys- Its his birthday. I hope to see him again soon.
Our security guys are awesome. We rode in a NCIS "police" SUV last night, it was the first time I was glab to be in the backseat of a police vehicle.

The Commander call was attended by
Col. Mike Zick
Col. Mike Summers
Chief Master Sergeant Mitchell Balutski
Major Dick Blakemore
SSGT Jenisa Gonzales
Lt. Zach Gonyea
Now the base has roughly 6,000 people about 4,000 are American.
It houses allot of the c-130’s C-17’s, and C-5’s.

C-130 cargo

15:30 Commander Call
We drove off to Ali Al Salem aka “The Rock”. This base is close to Virginia, and is operated by the Kuwaiti Air Force as well as us. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the air base served as a staging ground for aircraft from the British Royal Air Force, United States Air Force, and the United States Marine Corps. Known as “The Rock” because of its excellent topographical position, the Ali Al Salem air base is located on elevated ground, only 39 miles from the Iraqi border

In the Pit of a C-130

Daily patriot missile drills help to keep the soldiers on guard. A crucial (although extraordinarily isolated) military base, it was overran by the Iraqi Military in 1990.

The French had installed “impenetrable” bunkers, in which the occupying Iraqi forces parked their aircraft. The United States used state of the art bunker busters to destroy the aircraft parked inside of the reinforced bunkers. As a result, the Kuwaitis are still engaged in legal suits against the French.

Rex the Dog at The K-9 Unit

We got amazing tours of the K-9 unit and The Airfield. Everyone was so cool and happy to see us. I love seeing what these guys do.

Finally someone who understands me.

Its 9.10.10 when we were there

Over 6000 miles from ground zero- still get chills

Tomorrow will be rough

Brian Johnson one of our security guys.

This base is kind of like the U-haul of bases helping to get things out of Iraq and Afghanistan.
The guys seemed to really enjoy the show- it was out doors and heavily attended. On The Drive back to the Kuwait airport there was a split second where a driver got very aggressive and we got to see Mr. Rowe snap into action. It was awesome and I would never want to see his bad side.

Sound guy! nice as can be

Mike Rowe

Brian and Mike our NCIS guys- I'll miss the hell out of them!

Camp Virginia: location Kuwait

2011-09-10T03:14:00.000-07:00

Commander Rogers

If you’re a soldier stationed somewhere longer than 2 years you can bring your family.

Today we are going to Camp Virginia.. Its is very far from Virginia. Before we head out there will be a commander call on base where we are staying (Arifjan). I woke up to the sounds of the anthill coming too- I could hear the guys getting ready. My “Dorm room” is next to the head so I hear the banging of doors starting at 4AM. I get up and hit the gym and rested.

The Coin Challenge:

During WW1 Is when this started and became a tradition that still is very strong. This is the first war that we used “Air Power”. Pilots came from all walks of life from poor farmer’s sons to rich kids whose parents paid them to learn to fly. There was a man who wanted to make a souvenir for all the pilots so he made a medallion with their company’s names on it. They were made from bronze and it was a little keep sake for a book self or a trophy case. This poor pilot didn’t have anywhere to put it and it was the most valuable thing he owned so he put it in a leather pouch around his neck.

He got shot down over a French village and was capture by the Germans. The Germans didn’t take his pouch but he was a pow. They got attacked and he escaped into the night. He was found by a group of Frenchmen, there were rumors that Germans where posing as Allies to get in to bases. The French group decided not to take a risk, neither speaking each other’s language- He was going to be executed. In a state of panic he showed them his coin and one of the Frenchman remembered the company’s logo and it saved his life. So you should always have one of these on you at all times. If you are caught without one – you have to buy drinks for whoever caught you.

We had a nice lunch with Commander Rogers and it was one of the best conversations I’ve had in a long time. We talked Politics, Life and Military. All in a non bias, unslanted way. He is super educated but doesn’t talk down to us for not knowing allot of the stuff we talked about. He is one of the most solid guys I think I may have met and did not have any ego or air about him. It just goes to show you strong, smart people don’t have to tell you they are strong and smart they just are.

We were supposed to meet him yesterday but we got our yellow fever shots (was I disappointer when I found out “shots” where not a drink!) and Malaria pills which I’ll be taking for a month. Commander Gave us an amazing Plaque and Coin and told us the story of the Coin Challenge which I just told you in a footnotes type way.

Not Pictured: Commanders of Central Command: General Vince Brooks, he has a twin brother who is a retired General. Two Star Major General Kenneth Dowd.

This gets the point out

Here is something I never knew but thought was super interesting.

5 men are a fire team

4 squads are in a platoon

3 platoons are a company

3 companies are a battalion

3battalions are brigade (ran by a brigadier)

3 brigs make a division…

Look Math actually can come in handy.

Dessert for hours

It wasn’t until the 18^th century Bani Uptah tribe took Kuwait, they where the 1^st Arabs in Kuwait.

19^th century the Turks took over

WW1 It became an Independent State (meaning the British)

Found Oil in the 1930.. Boundaries were written after WW2 over Arab lands in the Mid East.

1961 British rule ended.

1991 Defense Agreement US protects Kuwait.

Keep Kuwait clean.. yea right..

Nelson Mandela isn’t as popular as everyone thinks for the reason they think… It wasn’t why governments stepped in because he was a man of the people, he was a prince of the Woto tribe.. Because he was a price people listened to him.

There are allot of Nomadic people in Kuwait who have no passport.
Kuwaitis are rich, so rich they don't work. All the jobs are taken by people from Bangladesh, who will work for $35a week.

Camp Virginia: Kind Of Sounds Like Camp Buehring it is a base where you go to decompress on the way out and train on your way in. Like most military bases that are way the hell out there, Camp Virginia is made up of tents, metal frame and small buildings, supply yards and maintenance sheds spread across the desert, great for ATVs or Dirt Bikes I imagine, but there are still mines out there so I doubt it. Military and civilian vehicles of all kinds sit baking in the sun, we saw a decked out mustang. The Buzz of the generators that provide all the camp’s electricity can be heard all over base. Between Bunkers T-walls and tents- it is really earth toned base.

Allot of Camp Virginia is from Minnesota. They were some of the nicest people I ever met. They Came out to the show but not after a quick briefing and a plaque ceremony!

The Red Bulls: Specialist Mathew Machin, Major Tim Engle, Lt. Colonel Brian Bobo, Specialist Gina Brooks and Lt. Jolene Carson along with The New York Underground All-stars.

Old Sea Beas Painting.

The base just has a humming sound throughout.

Emptying my weapon

Downey is very excited about this rule!

Getting close to showtime.

We went into the USO club and got to call home. The USO is great they provide so many free thing to help keep the soldiers in touch with life back home. I called home and talked to my parents and wife. as I got ready for tonight's show. I was very excited because the base seemed excited!

They had a great greenroom and stage all set up, it cooled down enough too to make sure we didn't melt on stage. Its funny to think they sent folks from Minnesota to go to one of the hottest places on the planet!
Right before the show Kevin and I went to a small locally ran shop that some guys from India have on base. They where so funny joking with us.. "Come on Hook a brother up" the one guy kept saying. We chatted with them for a bit and the guy gave us a free tocken of his appreciation for talking so much and joking with him.

My Elephant

At my happiest: jokes for soldiers!

What a great crowd. For a smaller base allot of people showed up. They were really into it and enjoyed the show. Every show I get so happy to make these tough faces smile.

Three Quotes from one of my hero's Bob hope.

If I have to lay an egg for my country, I'll do it.

They filmed the shows and sent a photographer

I have seen what a laugh can do. It can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful.

Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle... Bob Hope

They lined up to meet us- I feel more like we should line up to meet them

What a great base! I'll miss these guys!

Kuwait: Arifjan to Buering.. guns

2011-09-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

Getting our shots!


These lip balms are heading to Afghanistan for the guys

We ate breakfast and found out we needed Malaria pills and shots for yellow fever. Luck the head of our security got strings pulled and it worked out.. Yellow fever eats your liver.. I think Downey and I are safe from that.. The Yellow fever would come in our bodies and bet someone already got to it. These shots had to be powerful my arm was pulsating 2 hours after. We missed a commander call but will do it early tomorrow.

Like to Thank J.R. Watkins for donating Lip Balm!

Before I left for The Middle East I started Donating and collecting Lip-balm Its the #1 thing guys in the dessert ask for
Our 13:30 (1:30 in the afternoon) Before we go we are going to meet some great Arifjan guys at The Garrison Commanders Office got canceled. Luckily we are doing it tomorrow afternoon. The shots took longer than expected.

Camp Arifjan: located south of Kuwait City, and west of the Shuaiba Port (Military Sea Port of Debarkation/Embarkation, or SPOD) and Kuwait Naval Base (KNB). Funded by The Kuwait government it is an Army base which accommodates elements of the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Military from the UK, Ausies, Romania and Poland are deployed here. Its a two hour Drive to Buehring

Kuwaite NASCAR

We go to Camp Buering, as I remember it is a big
base. It about a two hour drive from Arifjan (where we are staying). I look forward to the drives- It is what you think when you think of The Middle East. A huge dessert with the giant oil refineries and sites with sparse towns that looks well to do.

98% of Kuwaitis population live in Kuwait City.

These people drive like animmals

We took a convoy of SUV’s from base to base. I love traveling this way- you see the security guys working and knowing everything that is happening. It’s the same security we had 2 years ago- our good friend Contee and crew. Our Driver was telling us allot of interesting info: When You get married in Kuwait you get a free house and 10,000 dinar.. (1 dinar =3bucks) and there are 10,000 members in the royal family.. They get 6,00 dinar every year after Ramadan to take a vacation. Also when a boy is born they 75dinar a month… by the time they are old enough to go out on their own they are loaded. Kuwaitis don’t work they make their money from all the oil money they have.

There were dead animals on the side of the road. Nomads heard Lambs, Camels and Goats when they die they leave the carcasses there for wild dogs. In Saudi Arabia if you hit a camel in the day time with your car you will be arrested, if its at night it is the herders fault. Our Driver knows a semi driver who plowed over 10 camels.. It’s a good thing it was daylight.

16:00 (4:00) We go to Buerings Commander Call.
Commander Jimmy Thomas out of Oklahoma briefed us and presented us with plaques. This is the Training and Staging base before you head into Iraq or Afghanistan. Just sitting 15-20 miles from the Iraqi border, Iraqis are not allowed into Kuwait. We gave allot of the lip balm donated to us to Commander Jimmy to give the guys who get deployed.

Leaving For Buering was a long drive in a very hot sun.

Some History we learned about: Camp Buehring is in the northwestern region of Kuwait.It used to be known as Camp Udairi. It is where you go before heading into IRAQ. The name of base changed in Oct of 2003 named after Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Buehring was killed in Baghdad. Buehring was one of the highest ranking U.S. casualties of the Iraq War.
The areas surrounding Camp Buehring, known as the Udairi Range, are largely uninhabited, but for a few nomadic Bedouin tribes raising camels, goats, and sheep and getting that milkshake out of the ground.

I'm not lying- I am a really great shot with the big boys- Very accurate... Not so much with the M-16s and M-4s

I was 80% with the 50cal and like15% with this M-16

We shoot guns and eat.. I really should have joined up.

19:00 We do the show. Shows here are much later because of work (obviously) but also because of the heat. I noticed when we got here last night the intermuat sport teams were playing late at night, I think if they played in the day they would melt.

Get your Burts Bees here!

Back by 23:30 to our home The Drive was long and I was exhausted but couldn't sleep. Thank God football was on.

Why The Theatre Why NY

2011-09-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

Why NYC and not Boston, Chicago or L.A.?

When I was young I loved 1970's gritty New York Cop Movies.. I mean I was obsessed with them. I knew even during my "Ninja Turtle" days I would end up in NYC. I didn't know I wanted to be a comic or actor but I knew I wanted to be in New York.


American Academy of Dramatic Arts Graduation on Broadway

Bob Kozar: My first Acting teacher hanging with my brother

Thelma Carter (Rest in Piece) ran AADA.. Miss you Thelma

The ol' Academy days.. when I learned I like reading

As soon as I graduated I moved to New York City. The first few guys I met I am still friends with in fact I am in there theatre company: Matthew Pilieci, James Kautz, Matt Frayley and Derek Ahonen who make up The Amoralists.. In Fact I did every Academy play with Derek. Who is also the playwright of the group.

I did a little theatre in High School but didn't truly fall in love till I attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
The Academy friendships I have run deep- they are my NY family. I think there is nothing better than live theatre when done well. If you want to be entertained watch a movie- If you want to change your life go see a play. The academy changed allot of things about me, made me think different, act different and understand better.

Chekov in Yalta

Caucasian Chalk Circle (Me Derek and James)

Childe Byron

James Kautz and I: been friends since age 17.

Hey Ray! Ray Collins

The Academy days made me develop as a person and learn about myself. I think it allowed me to open up and get out of allot of bad habits as a person. I wouldn't change those days for anything.
My friends started a theatre company I was fortunate enough to work with them in Happy in The Poorhouse.
Publication: Time Out New York

Title of Article:: Bar fighting and Playwriting with The Amoralists; "For the critics and audiences who have fallen hard for the Amoralists’ sprawling, knockabout style, the news is good. Nobody else weds old-fashioned realist structure to working-class-hero lunacy quite this way, and no other acting collective seems so raw, so heartfelt, so exuberantly extreme onstage and off."

At Graduation Dinner: SARDIS

Happy In The Poorhouse: All the gang is back together but on the big off white way

St. Marks Theatre: HAPPY IN THE POORHOUSE by Derek Ahonen

My gut is that part of the future of American theatre rests with these guys and artists like them, which is why I keep coming back to see what they're cooking up.- Martin Denton, NYTheatre.com

Publication: Backstage
Title of Article: Company Town: When they were students at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, James Kautz, Matthew Pilieci, and Derek Ahonen were already disaffected with mainstream theater. They wanted to “open up an honest dialogue between audiences and artists,” says Kautz. “We wanted to ask difficult questions: social, political, spiritual, sexual.”

Getting ready

Kuwait Here we come again!

2011-09-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

I did a nice Kuwait blog 2 years ago so some of this maybe a repeat- We fly out of Bahrain this afternoon and head back to Kuwait. Bahrain and Kuwait are our boys- I am excited to head out that way.

Not the same as the us.. Little too much clothes

We are leaving Bahrain today and heading to Kuwait, I think I'm going to miss Bahrain and Jeff- It was an amazing few days and the shows where allot of fun. The troops seemed to have really enjoyed us and I know we were so Happy to be there. Jeff see's us off. Hussein will take us over to the airport soon. The lobby was full of Shieks- I kinda dig them, they just sit around smoke and talk.. They are really laid back. You can smoke anywhere here, elevators, bathrooms and so on. I forgot what it was like to bring your clothes home and smell them the next day.. like an ashtray.

Scored Saddam Money

Gulf International Airport:

When I enter a country I like to get to know it a little before I enter... Just to mess with Kevin. So these are ways I can get him in trouble with the Muslim/ Middle Eastern folks.

Briefing:
Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling Kuwaiti AL-SABAH dynasty from 1899 until independence in 1961. Thats a long run if you ask me.. I should tell everyone Kevin is Russle Brand.. They must Hate Brits!!

Maybe you remember-Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on 2 August 1990.
Following several weeks of aerial
bombardment, a US-led, UN coalition began a ground assault in February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days.... remember the ISA blog? There will be a quize. We are bad asses, we know it... they know it.

This is what my kids will look like!

The AL-SABAH family has ruled since returning to power in 1991 and reestablished an elected legislature that in recent years has become increasingly assertive. History was made - in March of 2011 when election showed and rallied for an end to corruption and the prime minister's ousted. Nice these guys took a lesson from The United States Hippies and Protested their power back.

a Hole and a hose.. Airport crappers. I thought Kuwait had money

Kuwait is geographically small, but lotsa cash, an open economy with tons of crude oil:
reserves of about 102 billion barrels
about 9% of world reserves- Impressive.
Petroleum is about 95% of their income.
Kuwaiti officials have committed to increasing oil production to 4 million barrels per day by 2020. So in other words.... They are important.
Kuwait and Bahrain are pretty liberal even though they are Muslim based countries, Americans are 1/2 their population.. Here is a quick briefing a hillbilly white boy like me and Kevin should know when traveling to a Muslim country.. to not be frowned at.

If you’re travelling to a Muslim country during Ramadan you should know:

Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public – many people will understand that you aren’t Muslim but will appreciate your awareness Kevin should Defiantly not smoke weed while Adjusting himself and referring to it as adjusting the pork pot.
In some Muslim countries it’s actually illegal to eat and drink in daylight during Ramadan but like everything worth doing- do it behind closed doors or in the dark.
Some restaurants will close or operate amended opening hours during Ramadan... Sounds kinda MOBBY.
Business hours may become shorter in the day... Wait why is this bad.

I'm Huge in Kuwait.. They where all yelling for me.. To take their cab

In public, general modesty of behaviour and dress is expected.
Women who wear shorts or tight-fitting clothes, in particular in downtown areas, are likely to attract unwelcome attention. And this doesn't mean construction workers whistling.

Demonstrations have taken place in Kuwait City, Jahra and Ahmadi in early 2011. These have been mostly peaceful but you should avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.

I love when we drive in a convoy with security

We got to the airport met our security detail. They seem awesome- can't wait to get to know them a little better. We drove a while to Arrifjan. We are staying here but not doing shows here. I am really looking forward to tomorrow, our schedules seem really busy.

'Bouncing' checkes is illegal and the law does not provide for offenders to be released from custody on bail. 'Post dated' checkes can be banked immediately. Basically The MAN IS KEEPIN you DOWN SON!

Co-habiting of unmarried partners in Kuwait is illegal. If you wish to live with your partner in the same house, you need to be married or pretend your Arabic Jack Tripper.

Hitting the D-FAC.. Dinning Facility.

Never Shake hands with your left hand.. Thats for wiping your ass.. right hand is for eating: OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW!!

I could dig this look

The importation of narcotics, alcohol, pork products and porno is forbidden and can lead to imprisonment. So basically nothing fun allowed Back to my in the dark or hidden theorey.

Bail is usually not given for drug offences and even if found not guilty you can expect to spend several months detained in prison while the case progresses through the judicial system. Penalties for drug trafficking include the death sentence.

Attention KEVIN DOWNEY:
Drunken behavior in public or driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by a fine or imprisonment and/or deportation and the withdrawal of the driving licence. Homosexual behaviour is illegal, and so is any public display of affection between men and women. So Downey is screwed, I wonder what he will do intead of his normal act. We have an early day tomorrow so this is PAPA BEAR signing off... 10-4 Good Buddy.

Our rooms.

ISA: Air base in Bahrain

2011-09-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

Here we are at The Tree of Life

I was severely hung over but nothing a greasy burger and shake from A&W couldn’t cure. I ate “The All American Meal” in the Middle East. I was hurting but after the food a quick swim and a nap made me ready to go. We drove to ISA base and like the Bahrain base no photos so sorry for not having allot of info like the other blogs.

There was on stretch with heavy security and chain linked fences I think it was a prison but whatever it was it was intimidating.

We drove through some towns then down a long stretch of dessert- but you could see the ocean it was pretty cool- The sun was starting to lower and the dessert felt interesting almost movie like..

It had allot of refineries I think Gulf is located here. Everything is names after Gulf. But refinery after drill site, tanks and tanks of oil.. It reminded me of the NJ Turnpike.

I am so fascinated with how different everything is. I don't think I spoke on the drive I just stared out the window.

The beginning of time started here

Call from the cops!

We played Shaikh ISA airbase: After Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait August in 1990, coalition forces came to the area (Operation Desert Shield). Sheik Isa was inundated with military aircraft. Close to 200 some US aircraft filled this base- wish I coulda seen it- F-4Gs, F-18s, AV-8Bs, A-6Es, EA-6Bs, KC-10s while the base transformed into a small city of 12,000 military personnel.

Carole Montgomery

Folks Kevin Downey Jr.

The audience was really fun.

Getting a picture with his wife.. What an awesome Idea. wish i thought of it!

At the meet and great after, its supposed to go on the back of a vehicle but with the men to women ratio on base- This is going to get a ton more looks..

This man here is a friend of my Dads

You may recognize this guy from a video where the singer of the band tried to get him to sing "Country Road"..
After the show we were chatting and this is so amazing, you wouldn't believe it. He is the fire chief at the Youngstown airbase and knows who my Dad is AND knows his car!!
We called my dad to tell him he saw me 6000 miles away.

Got an amazing... Large Coin! I am very proud of that

The meet and great was awesome- allot of very cool guys on the base.

Gas station /Diner in Bahrain.. Middle Eastern Sheets

Me Coming Back to the hotel.. hung over, tired and listening to the same 3 songs in Muzak.. They have Whitney Houston, Bryan Adams and Ray Price on a loops 24hours a day.

Bahrain day 3 part 2: Show and After Show

2011-09-06T05:47:00.000-07:00

The crew got a pic together: Kevin Downey Jr, Carole Montgomery, Jeffster, Katsey, Leighann and myself. The Show was fun as hell and I think the crowd Dug it. We showed up and Did what we do best.

After we did our tour We went To the show- It was allot of fun and we talked allot to the guys after. Thanks To Burts Bees we gave out a ton of Lip Balm and they loved it!

I look like a football coach

Gas is 70 cents a gallon here.. Thumbs up INDEED mr. Downey!

Parking lot story: The Parking lot of base is privately owned and there are rules the man can’t build over two floors- so he can’t see the base. He got mad and started digging holes in the parking lot. The Price said stop it.. Man said “I’ll sue it’s my land”… Prince said “no you won’t”.. Man said “OK”. Moral of the story- Don’t mess with the prince.

Little Kings drinker from Kuwait

We watched a band who did top 40 stuff Called The feedback band from the Philippians. They where really good technically but in between songs you couldn't understand a word there accents where so heavy. We hung for a bit but decided to go back to the hotel and have a couple drinks.
We talked to some locals and Jeff and I decided to hit the town. We saw Sheiks drinking beer which is a bit of a no no, but I'm sure you swear and ya aint supposed to do that.... and they threw out some scandalous women for being dressed inappropriately... In America we would just call them skanks.. here- they where tossed.

Tickling Jeffs Funny Bone

Leaving Hotel and going out

The Band From the BBQ was playing downtown so we started there. We drank and hung with some locals who all knew Jeff- He is like the mayor.
The band Rocked- they have 3 singers and with that was able to cover all types of music, 80's rock to hip hop. I realy was having a great time

Savanna Beer of choice to the locals

The band from the BBQ is playing downtown

Last call At "American Bar"

We hit one more place and jeff played pool while I tried to hold the wall up- I was loaded. We played pool with an NCIS undercover agent we left 4AM and closed the latest Barain bar. Jeff was like someone out of the movie "The Hustler". I was so hung over in the morning I could actually hear myself talking.. like an out of body experience- but because I was so hung over i was glad to be out.