FIRST READING: Isaiah 43:18-19; 21-22; 24-25. Thus says the Lord: Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, that the people whom I formed for myself might declare my praise. Yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob; but you have been weary of me, O Israel! But you have burdened me with your sins, you have wearied me with your iniquities. I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.
This was the first reading this Sunday. It tells us to find a new way. It is good advice.
This Wednsday is Ash Wednesday and a couple members of the crew have approached me to ask me what I am going to do. They know I am a pretty serious Catholic. A couple of them even caught me saying the Rosary at my desk which was just about the only thing that stopped me from a homicide charge.
So they wanted to know what I was doing so they could tag along and ride on our coat tails.
Hollywood people hate religious people. Doesn't matter what religion. They are athetists and contempous of people of faith. So I knew we would have a problem. You see I can't blow it up. So I have to play the angles.
There are three distributions of ashes. The 9:30 Mass first thing in the morning. Won't work because we would be late for our call time and they would lose their shit. 7:30pm which won't work because they would never break in time and would just lie to us and say they would and not do it. So I had the wife request that they call lunch at 3:00 pm. This way we can got get ashes and get back in time where they couldn't say anything. They agreed to it. But I knew there would be a problem.
They waited to the end of the day and then said "listen by the way....after you get your ashes can you wash them off....we don't want them on camera." As much as I don't want to we have to agree. We want to keep our TV show. We can't get the name of being difficult. Now they are not taking into account the fact that many people will be wearing ashes when they come in. You know the customers. Are they going to tell them that they can not display the symbols of their faith on a Holy Day of Obligation?
And they don't just fuck with the Catholics. The make up girl we love is an Orhtordox Jew. We can only get her on the days we do interviews. So when do they schedule the interviews? On Fridays so the girl has to leave early for Shabbos. So we can't use her. We have to use someone they want us to use.
You see we work with people and know people and love people regardless of their race or religion or whatever the fuck. We might bust their balls and mock them but we still have respect for the basis of their faith. So I would never send an orthodox jewish girl to Good Food to pick up the sausages. I would never send the Muslim girl to walk the dog. I would never ask the black girl to show up on time. You just have to have respect for peoples faith.
These guys don't. I have to find a new way to deal.
This post will dissappear soon. Just saying.
59 comments:
That is ridiculous, it would show you as the Italian Irish Catholic good folk you are. Isn't that what made them interested in you and Lisa to begin with? It gives more flavor to the show and your characters. That's a mistake on their part, big time.
You show up wearing a kaffiyeh, with Lisa in a chador.
No Hollywood douchebags will fuck with Muslims.
"Trouble, Isaiah? You Don't Know Trouble."
Israel wearied me with its iniquity,
Burdened me with its propinquity,
Yet when I remonstrated Jacob moaned,
"Rachel. Leah. Two wives. One roof. Calamity!"
You have to do it, man. It's part of the thing. Gotta have the ashes.
Get them when it best suits you. it's not their decision. It's okay to dab a bit of makeup over them if necessary, as long as they are there.
And it's important to show your real self.
What the fuck, dude? Are these people completely fucked up? Have they never been around a Catholic on Ash Wednesday? These kinds of stories are just sad.
First of all, Ash Wednesday is NOT a Holy Day of Obligation. It's not. It is a day of fast and abstinence. You do not have to go to Mass.
http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/f/Ash_Wed_Holy.htm
The ashes are just sacramentals. You do not have to have them on your foreheads. Be at peace. In this instance, missing a Mass may be a greater sacrifice than actually attending it.
I know what you are saying Ruth Anne. But answer me this. They want us to take off our ashes. What are they going to tell our customers? That they have to take off the symbol of their faitn before they can come shop in my store.
As Chip said would they say that to a Muslim? Would they tell an Orthordox Jew to take off his yarmulke because they don't want to have him display a symbol of his faith? How do you think that will play?
Ash Wensday is day to display the fact that you are a Catholic. I got ashes every year since I was two years old. I never had anyone tell me I had to wash them off before I could go to work.
I said the Roasay today. It was the only thing that kept me from an unfortunate incident.
Dress as one of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and you will be Gold.
Tits.
Well, you could always say somethinglike this.
Ruth Anne: You rock.
Nice. TY references CPT: Colored People Time...
I mostly don't get it anymore. You signed up for an opportunity, promoted the opportunity, and then pretty much have done nothing but bitch about it ever since, including trashing pretty much everyone involved in it. Why not, then, just let it go? If, contractually, you cannot, then it seems to me it might be better to soldier on for the limited run of the initial contract and THEN let it go. (Or, did you sign onto something longer than the initial feel-each-other out period but now regret it and therefore are behaving in a way such that they opt out, as opposed to your doing so, which means you get the kill fee, or equivalent, as opposed to your having to eat the penalty for later regrets?)
I dunno.
Regardless, something reads very weird to me in this situation. Who is using whom?
Ash Wensday is day to display the fact that you are a Catholic. I got ashes every year since I was two years old. I never had anyone tell me I had to wash them off before I could go to work.
I said the Roasay today. It was the only thing that kept me from an unfortunate incident.
For example.
Scumbags.
You really must think of a prank for the last day of filming. Something they will have to go along with or look like wankers.
He who laughs last, laughs best.
Scumbags.
You really must think of a prank for the last day of filming. Something they will have to go along with or look like wankers.
He who laughs last, laughs best.
Well, OK;--but wasn't this supposed to be a business opportunity? (Perhaps I got that wrong. This is more than possible: I have gotten, and I do and will get, things wrong. Still--in this case, have I? I suspect not.) Is it business, or is it personal? What is it?
[See: What I said, in my just previous comment.]
Is there any chance, Troop, that you confused goals?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKN6lYU5bZ4&feature=related
At some point, I imagine you'll get drunk off your ass and start singing
this. Except the French part. French are pansies. Their language wasn't effeminate enough, so they started wearing berets. NTTAWWT.
R,L: Have you ever been in business with a partner? It doesn't sound like you have.
Have you ever been in business with a partner?
This too shall pass.
I liked the idea that you could compromise by covering the ashes with makeup. That way, they are still there. Meaningful to you.
I had one of the most vivid and most terrifying dreams I've ever had last night. It only lasted a few seconds, but I felt...well, what I recognized in my dream as my death. And then a few seconds of sheer terror wondering where my soul was going. Woke up then, terrified.
I really hope dreams don't mean anything. If they do, I could use a prayer or two.
Darcy: You're one of the most comforting presences I know on the internet. Any time you write anything, I'm sure to feel better for it.
So, if it's any comfort back, I'm happy to say a prayer or two for you.
And I'll even use your *real* name! ;-)
I'm grateful, Tim!
I, too, have been wondering at Trooper's grousing.
No offense, but I think Trooper is a victim of owning his own business. Once you find yourself in that position, you quickly lose the ability to eat shit, except perhaps from your bankers and/or customers.
Not to brag, but as a long-time employee, my shit-eating skills are honed to perfection. I've made some flailing attempts at starting my own business, and the few shit-eating-free months I enjoyed nearly made me unemployable until I got back in practice.
Growing up in Southern California, I've had a number of friends who wound up in "the industry." I also had a regular musical gig for 5 years (!) at a very Hollywoody, celeb-infested restaurant, and got to know even more such people.
One thing I learned is the first thing anyone working for/with a production should understand is that, if you're in front of the camera, you're meat. That's it. That's the relationship. They control the finances, the distribution, the crew, the equipment and the post-production. Oh, there may be unions involved, and you may have lots of nice-sounding clauses in your contract, but basically you remain meat.
In my business, I'm an "expense." But whether you find yourself as merely an expense, or a more-or-less fancy cut of meat, you'll have a much easier time, and may even get more money out of it, if you learn to eat shit, preferably with a smile.
I told an employer to go eat shit and die once after they told me to alter a legal document to keep the state from making a finding of patient abuse. I was fired the next day.
Involved in a lawsuit for the next 5 years.
Dear Trooper,
I know this whole situation totally bites. It really does.
Is it possible that you're trying to make a point when humility is really the lesson? The outward sign of ashes, placed on us with the reminder that we are dust, is a sign of HUMILITY and not CATHOLICITY. Can you be humble with these guys? They won't mess with your customers because they aren't under contract. And perhaps they don't want you to appear with ashes on your forehead because that would communicate 'February 22, 2012' to the audience. Perhaps they want the date to be unknown. There's an old video of Hillary Clinton talking about landing under sniper fire in Bosnia [or somewhere] and she's wearing this loud shamrock scarf which means she said it on March 17, 2008 in my mind.
Perhaps you can ask them what they would do/say if you were Jewish or Muslim and an analogous practice were frowned upon. Perhaps just asking them is sufficient.
But the readings for tomorrow tell us, almost ridiculously! for ASH WEDNESDAY, to not let them know you're fasting. Go to your room PRIVATELY to pray. Always heed the Gospel, even over long-practiced traditions and remembrances.
And Windbag, I can tell you with solid assurance that R,L has been in many business endeavors and that she knows of which she speaks.
I love you, Trooper and know that the Lord will guide you in the right path if you submit your will to Him.
Ruth Anne has put in very beneficial terms what I believe several of us have been thinking.
And it is so much nicer to regard it as "humility" than perhaps the way I expressed it.
Darcy, Dreams are not prophetic. They are our very complex mind processing information from our lives in often abstract and bizarre imagery. It would appear your mind was processing the very common fear of death. That will be $220, would you like a script for Xanax?
And, I agree w/ Tim.
but I think Trooper is a victim of owning his own business. Once you find yourself in that position, you quickly lose the ability to eat shit, except perhaps from your bankers and/or customers.
This probably is a big part of the angst.
I'm self employed for the last 20 years...or was until I retired. And even though I was in a very HIGHLY controlled business with lots of regulations, rules and stupid laws, I was basically my own boss.
My husband is also self employed and has been since he was in hiss 20's. Always been his own boss.
Yes. You do have to cater to your clients and to your customers, but you are THE BOSS. And if you want to you can fire your clients. There are some people that we no longer will do business with for various reasons, and it is great to be able to make that decision on those rare occasions. Rare.
To suddenly be at the beck and call of a bunch of clueless idiots who don't respect either you or your business, has to be very difficult.
You may need to think that, or at least hope that, they know what their business is and respect their knowledge. It is a two way street.
Stay strong. Ruth Anne has given some very good advice.
No drugs. Thanks, Nick. :)
Not only are they clueless, but awfully rude!
Nevertheless. *sigh*
Yeah. The Gospel is never the wrong way to go.
Darcy, I've had dreams I died before, I'm still here , well for now anyway. My son and my second oldest daughter had very similar dreams that I died in the same, week, I asked them what the heck I died of so I could stave off for 30 or 40 years.
I agree with Nick, it's an anxiety dream, have some chamomile tea before bed, very relaxing.
Thanks, Allie. :) I didn't want to stress the...umm...well, the sense that I had that I was going to Hell? (Probably an off-thread topic.) But according to my faith I deserve it. Of course that is not all of what I believe. It's only the beginning.
But...*gulp* ;-)
Oh I see, you felt you were going to hell in the dream? Darcy, from what I know of you, you of all people deserve hell the least, can't say the same for some folks though.
You are a good person I believe. I believe God will give us credit for trying here on earth.
Darce-a-mundo - that's some heavy stuff right there. Hope you are finding a way to deal with the feelings that result from that dream.
As for the theological implications or revelations, I shall leave those to the more skilled among us.
And Windbag, I can tell you with solid assurance that R,L has been in many business endeavors and that she knows of which she speaks.
DBQ:
I didn't mean for that to sound condescending. The point I failed to make is that business relationships are exactly that...relationships. One (I do, anyway) expects that each party will act in a manner that advances the cause and is mutually beneficial. When one ends up constantly on the giving end to the exclusive (or so it seems) benefit of the taker, then life really sucks.
Such is the nature of business partners. Typically, one takes until the other wants out desperately enough to either sell out cheap or buy the other out. Or, the partnership dissolves and lawyers divide the spoils.
I'm not trying to analyze Trooper and his motivation(s) for this venture, but it's his joint and, by his parting comment about this post disappearing soon, it seems to me he's just venting and will go back to the vultures soothed enough to deal with them another day. The question of who was using whom seemed a bit pointed and unfair. Perhaps there's a back story to this that I'm unaware of, so I'm out of line or clueless. Wouldn't be the first time.
They should be honest and incorporate it into the show. If you normally get ashes and wear them on any other Ash Wednesday, why not tomorrow.
I would have king's Cake tonight but the bakery told me (just before I bought it) that they do not put a king in their king's cake. Well it is not king's cake if it doesn't have a king.
So screw it, I will make beignets.
Titus is right about the nun drag, Hollywood loves men dressed as nuns.
Well I must say I am surprised at some of the comments. Here's the deal. Of course we did this as a business opportunity. But what kind of opportunity is it if they don't portray the store for what it is all about. Not what they think it is about....not what Hollywood thinks plus size is all about.
Being your own boss is a lot of what this is about. I have to swallow a lot. I am swallowing a lot. Stuff I would never put up with in my personal life. It is hard to be true to yourself. If anything my greed is stopping me from doing what in my heart I should do.
They have humilated some of my clients. They have emailed me to tell me they were hurt and disgusted at how they were questioned and treated. That they didn't want to be on the show. That they had to reevaluate shopping in the store. Because these people don't operater honorably.
I can't rock the boat. We can't be know as troublesome talent. So we are being good soldiers. My only solace is to sit her and complain to my friends.
Sorry if that doesn't work for you.
Glad you have a place to vent dude. Vent at will.
Better out than in, dude. The "beef box" is always open in my bar.
The venting is good, frankly.
The behavior described is not particularly unexpected. It's probably worse than you imagined it would be.
It's a shame about the customers (though I'm sure you can handle them), and there is a real risk to the brand, I guess, but I think the gamble will pay off.
We spent all day out shopping in Manhattan. When we came back we went to lunch. We had it out several times with them about intercepting our deliveries. When Lisa and I walked back to the store nobody was in front of the store at the station for the PA's who watch the door. There was a big UPS box. Nobody was on Court St. It was $700 of pocket books and handbags. Lisa and I looked up and down the street. Nobody was around. So I took it and brought it in the back door and put it on the shelf. Nobody noticed it was gone. Anyone could of took it.
But I should not complain. I should just smile and say "Hey I am gonna make a lot of money."
Yeah. That sounds about right.
I am not a businessman. But I think that in any situation people enter with certain expectations about how others will act. The term "culture clash" describes what's happening to Trooper, I think.
He and Lisa are accustomed to a certain way of treating people, and being treated by them. That basis is mutual respect. But that is not the norm in Hollywood; stupidity, arrogance, and all-around douchebaggery is the norm in Hollywood.
So it's perfectly natural for Trooper to be (1) surprised, (2) annoyed, (3) disappointed, then, maybe, (4) resigned to dealing with H'wood db's.
During phases (1) and (2) it's only natural to vent to friends.
Vent away, TY.
Glad I saw that post before you disappeared it.
As per usual, Ruth Anne is the reasonable sounding one on these matters.
I have no opinion.
Sorry to hear you had a bad nightmare, darcy. Wish I could give you comfort.
Trooper- please don't vent in closed spaces.
vento rotto
Come to the mountains of North Carolina. We can go shoot shit, shoot the shit, drink shit, and shit in the woods...just like Yogi and Brother Bear.
I couldn't have held my temper for much of this stuff that you have vented about, Trooper. I'd have had zero chance.
And thanks, Sixty and chickelit. :)
You are welcome, Darce. Hope you are doing better.
I don't think putting makeup over ash will look good at all. In fact it will probably look like shit. Literally.
It certainly does work. Clarity is good.
I like this new, improved TY blog. Interesting conversations, no trolls annoying the decent folk.
Thanks, Trooper.
Trooper:
I was only speaking to the religious stuff and not the store stuff.
If they are interfering with Lisa working her magic then you most assuredly should speak up. That is your business' goodwill they are frittering away.
And I would not destroy this post at all. This is evidence of your opinions done in the usual course of business. If nothing else, it can be used to refresh your recollection at a later date. It certainly goes to your state of mind at the time and could overcome a hearsay exception because of your regular blogging . Seriously keep this evidence.
FWIW, I know that venting can leak (and no, I'm not talking about betrayal of private blogs, e-mails, tweets whatever: I'm talking about how an over-focus on, an over-indulging in, venting in one's own mind, however public and to what degree or not, can poison the actual experience and one's own competence in dealing with that).
This is what I was trying to share. My bad that I was poor in my try and failed in my intent.
Carry on, Trooper. Don't mind me.
I'm leaving this thread with of this mind.
Lent.
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