Beresford & Wallace break through!

Talk about good news!
























For several years, my best friend John Beresford - an artist of many trades (novelist, lyricist, poet, singer, screenwriter, webmaster supreme, more) in Manchester, England, and singer/musician/composer Annie Wallace, also in Manchester, have been creating songs.

As they became more serious about this endeavor, John and Annie gave themselves a name that can be remembered and unlike many modern bands, one that cannot be considered too clever for its own good: Beresford & Wallace.

Since they are song writer/composers - not professional singers - their goal is to sell their songs to performing singers who love their music.

In order to do that, they record their songs for the pro's to sample. Established songwriters have their recorded songs (usually bare bones productions, just so the listening performing singer can hear the melody and lyrics) delivered to artists who decide whether they want to perform them and/or include them on their next album.

Beresford & Wallace's first collection was Suburban Nostalgia. They kept at it, learning, re-inventing and enhancing their sound, and two years later, bravo! They finished Weird and Wonderful, which is now featured on iTunes and cdbaby!

Weird and Wonderful is a collage of their emotional reflections of every day life - with just a touch of social criticism in one of its hits, "Spin Doctor."

The impressive cover is the artwork of John's daughter Natalie - whose day job is that of a college zoology student studying ornithology - so of course there had to be a bird cast in the picture!

More, Beresford & Wallace are participating in a frenzied British Facebook competition called Storm the Charts - comprising all independent and unsigned songwriters and bands who perform their own music. This was inspired as an antidote to Simon Cowell and his ubiquitous, tentacled hold on defining popular music and artists in the UK.

In a recent popular vote, an independent band won a song competition over Simon Cowell's entry - in part because the Brits were rebelling against Cowell's formulaic, PR-driven approach to pop music (Don't worry, Simon, we know you'll always have people topping the charts - the push is for more diversity!).

As a personal experience, I've loved watching John (and Annie) continue to pursue their passion over the years with unending fervor, whether they have all these new opportunities and accolades or not. Always learning, always improving, always striving to be better artists - and succeeding.

It's always fun to get an email from John with a subject line like, "We just finished cut #11!" Or, "Annie just got a (whatever the do-dad is to enhance an instrumental sound)!" Or, "Natalie just finished the cover - what do you think?"

Actually, the ! exclamation marks ! are mine. John is very British and uses them, appropriately, sparingly.

Congratulations, John and Annie- wha-? Oh! Of course! I mean Beresford & Wallace!

gratitude - goals - guidance = grounded

Life's a roller coaster these days, so the way I keep grounded is a three step process I developed that's easy to remember and recite to myself to maintain my focus: gratitude, goals, guidance.

I have so much for which to be grateful - I maintain a gratitude list to which I keep adding; time for review. I also have a list of what is working in my life that I review. Sometimes when tumult strikes, it's hard to remember just how much is working just fine - bumps are the oddity, not the norm.

I review and renew my goals; prioritizing them and picking just one or two so they feel manageable with all the upheaval surrounding me.



Then I get, like, spiritual and ask for guidance - as I do the legwork, I also let myself be open to whatever insight, inspiration, instigation or intuition I need to make it all come together and go forward. Whatever pops up is worth considering, no matter how unrelated it seems.

Somehow, this works to put me on the right path to whatever next step I must take, doing what I need to in order to create the next chapter in my life in a way that is positive, contributing and rewarding.

Whether it's an up or down day, I enjoy some degree of happiness because I remain convinced I'm in the right place at the right time doing the right thing with all the right people (and animals) for all the right reasons.

'cause I welcome the changes that make that true day after day. The real priorities remain - health and nurturing the important relationships in my life.

It all adds up to feeling grounded in an insecure, dynamic, uncertain world.

Set pets for life

When I worked as a volunteer at the Seattle Animal Shelter for two years, it was always a little more heartbreaking to discover an otherwise well cared for pet was there because a loving owner died -- but because the pet's care was not provided for in the will, their pets were picked up by animal control or surrendered by family members who did not want the animal.

That deserted pet looks fervently for its owner at first, then becomes depressed. It can take awhile to come around when they are adopted by a loving family (if, hopefully they are adopted); it's important for new owners to understand that.

It's also important that people looking for pets at shelters understand that many animals are not there because they misbehaved or have cruelly been dumped to be picked up by animal control.


In my living will, I have not only outlined what medical care I do and do not want should I be incapacitated, but also where my four pets should be placed. More, where all their food, toys, pet care products and medicine are located.

My three Pomeranians, Mistletoe, Seeker and JR, whose ages range between 4 and 16, must stay together - so they're going to a trusted friend and Pomeranian expert, who works with a Pom rescue organization and will make sure they are placed with a perfect family ensemble. Some of my unwashed clothes would go with them so they can sleep smelling my scent until a transition is made.

My kitty, Allie Cat, must stay with a neighbor because she's wed to my house. Despite being an indoor/outdoor cat (this is a safe region for her to be outside), she never strays far from the yard. Most of the time, in fact, she does not even leave the yard; she's normally situated somewhere next to the house or on the porch.

She's an affectionate cat so she'll be welcome in her new home should she need new digs. But chances are, she'll still hang out in my yard as she does now. Probably be a good idea to have a piece of my clothing for her to lie on as well.

Of course, the fact that the neighbors already know and love her makes a difference; I'm sure they would keep a special eye out for her should the need ever be.

My only hope is that she wouldn't be too lonely because she and Seeker are best buds, but I know she'll be too frightened to leave her longtime homestead.

Seeker is the caretaker - he keeps ears and eyes clean for pups and kitty.

Having said all this, I plan to be around *much* longer than they are, but just in case - tomorrow is never guaranteed for any of us - they are provided for and will never end up in a shelter or pound, scared and wondering where the heck I am and how I could have let them end up in a place like that!

The American Chauvinist's Traveling Companion

Having friends all over the world, I can tell you - if you are the type of American who *knows* the US is the only real country, that the US always knows *best,* - that you will undoubtedly, accidentally, say something to offend "the natives" when you travel to, say, Great Britain.

As a personal favor, let me impart information sure to catch the attention of the locals when you visit, so you can fit right in. Words and phrases sure to incite- er, inspire them to take you in their arms and show you the side of their British culture not seen by the average American tourist.

When in England, you'll often hear the term "mate." In this case, a mate is not a partner, husband or wife, a mate is a friend.

Another term to be affectionately shared among the British, used with store clerks, tattooed teenagers roaming the streets, "Bobbys" (police), vicars and all Christian, Jewish and Muslim clergy: "wanker." A similar colloquialism used interchangeably: "tosser."

Used in a sentence with, say, a store clerk: "Thank you. Have a nice day, wanker"

When the clerk, not understanding your American accent, responds, "Say what?" Here's your chance to shine with, "You git, have a nice day, tosser!" Your smile will say it all.

"Git" is the affectionate description of a family member, your boss, or most politicians.

To the gang of hormone-oozing tattooed teenagers, especially if they frighten you, smile and say, "Hello, tosspots!" Tosspots, of course, meaning "tea drinkers." If they frown, laugh (loudly), offer a cigarette (always carry cigarettes for the locals) and ask, "Shag?"

If they respond with, "A shag and a fag?" Be aware that in the UK, "fag" means "cigarette." it is not a disrespectful term for gay men and "shag" is an invitation to a tea party. You're offering a cigarette and a cup of tea.

If they continue to display anti-American sentiments, giggle, "Belt up! No need to throw a benny because you're bent as a bottle of chips!" Translated: Relax!

One of the most popular tourist sites in England is Coronation Street. You can say you are from Coronation Street, and watch all your new British friends light up. "Where you from?" they ask. You say, "Coronation Street, born and raised."

If, once again, your American accent elicits a round of quizzical looks, simply smile and respond, "I'm off to visit my favorite neighbours (always speak with a "u" in words that are really spelled without them), Blanche and Vera."

Seriously, this may bring your new BFFS to tears, because everyone knows about them in the UK.

There's so much more, but this will get you off to a good start.

It's generally considered inappropriate to discuss politics in other countries, *but* -- in the UK, universal health care and gun control are not considered political subjects. Believe it or not, they are considered moral, public health and safety issues - can you believe it?

So if you want to express your disdain for the "socialist Obama" and their government's agenda of providing health care for all it's people, the outrage of not being able to carry guns into a British Starbucks - or grocery shopping for that matter, talk it up!

Or as the British would say, "Have yourself a good chin wag" about these American policies; insist they are the best in the world and why, and that other countries should adopt them.

One thing for which you will be particularly grateful: if you do happen to injure yourself or get sick while visiting England. They will provide proper health care for you - at no cost.

Writing a screenplay based on personal experience

... is much more exciting than I expected.

While I was living it, it didn't feel nearly as dramatic, but then there is this thing called artistic license. Still, the adventure itself was plenty engaging so there's no need to embellish - better to grind down to the innate truth of each character and the story worthy of an audience's attention.

It's made me pay attention to the truths that all the characters in the story experienced, rather than focusing only on my own point of view of what took place at the time. It's enlightening and entertaining for me - I'm working hard to make sure it translates for everyone watching as well.

Engaging with the central character, a truly unique and terrific teenager worth knowing, will hopefully give every viewer the chance to grow just a little, and feel good for having known him.

It is hard, however, not to make my own role in this scenario too complimentary! I have to tell the truth, the whole truth, yadda yadda. Maybe in the second draft.. ;-)

Southland - damn you!

Well, great.

The *last* thing I want to do is get hooked on another TV program.

Honestly, it's tough for me to have much desire to watch a new series because here's what happens:

1. New show begins. The pilot is GREAT. Cool!

2. A few weeks later, just as we're getting sucked into the characters and stories? Reruns. Wait. Didn't this thing just start and already there are reruns?

3. OK, there's a decent if not hit status of ratings and before you know it there's a "break." Either the short "season" is over or there's a slew of reruns until the next ratings period.

4. As soon as we start to look forward to watching the new show? It's ratings week(s) - so "someone in charge" has decided to change the day on which the program airs. No longer Fridays or Thursdays or Mondays or... whatever, now it's shown on (pick a night and try to figure out why they switched).

5. It turns out to be a really terrific show and boom. "Someone in charge" cancels the show.

There is no longer any reason to have allegiance to any program because "someone in charge" is paying attention to someone other than the viewer when it comes to programming.

Or, in the case of Lost, they ignore the audience altogether in order to indulge in a completely disorganized mess of quizzes and puzzles that apparently someone writing and running the show has envisioned on a mushroom trip in the middle of the Sahara Desert after a week without water, food or a break from the sunshine.

After all- wha-?

Oh, right. Southland.

OK, so everyone I know in the biz of show tells me this show is on fire! So completely wonderful, superbly written (Emmy winner super scribe Ann Biderman), acted. Gritty without being gratuitous, human without being crazy, realistic without being gory.

Of course, it started on NBC, but for all the fans who hopped on board - "someone in charge" killed the show. Cancelled. Probably the same "someone in charge" who thought it would be a great idea to put Jay Leno on during prime time five nights a week.

Only this time, like Cagney and Lacey many years ago, fans fought to save the thing.

TNT came through. Recognizing the program's value and excellence.

So I figure I "should" at least get a taste of the show all the people I respect have fallen in love with... or at least have this giant crush on.

They ran a marathon of the shows on TNT leading up to its TNT premiere tonight. I'll catch a few minutes, maybe one show, so at least I can understand what my friends are talking about - I like to at least try to sound informed.

Damn you, Southland!

I should NOT have tasted that first episode. Sure, it was free and so was I - even though I should be writing (what I do for a living, not this), I just *had* to try it.

Thanks, Ann Biderman. Thanks a lot. Here she is with one of the stars, Shawn Hatosy:



After just these few hours of exposure, I can see it now: I'm going to need a 12-step program to deal with Southland. How am I supposed to wait until the following week for the next episode?

Other cop shows aren't personal. They're about catching a case, solving a crime - simple beginning middle and end with, hopefully, some intriguing twists here and there.

Not this one. Southland is personal. It shows these folks being cops, cops with partner problems, family people, single, married, dealing with kids, relatives, romance - failed and successful, strengths, weaknesses, personal issues, sexuality - the mess of real life as well as actual crimes that are committed in this day and age with all the modern complexities of high tech support for the good guys and the bad guys. Not to mention a massive drug culture.

And they don't forget the folks caught in the middle. All the "collateral damage" foisted on innocents who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

So there you have it.

This is an adult drama - with some natural human comedy sprinkled rarely and judiciously - extremely well written and performed, with a sepia tone that is not so dark that it feels creepy, but a photographic technique that accentuates the dramatic nature of the show and emphasizes what we would see if we were actually there.

And I love it.

Congratulations, Ann Biderman, cast and crew of Southland. Congratulations, TNT. Congratulations, fans - who saved the show so folks like me can have a chance to jump on your bandwagon. Good call.

Damn it. Now every Tuesday night at 10pm I have the dilemma between Southland and CBS's The Good Wife. Probably watching Southland and running The Good Wife on DVR right after.