Watson, S.M.

I'd like to meet:

Those with dignity, decorum, refinement and panache. People with a business mind, an artists soul and traditional sensibilities. Those who, deep inside their hearts, embrace the essence of "Truth, Beauty, Freedom & Love," WITHOUT having to be a dope-head, stoned out hippy to understand the concept.

One day I'm going to hang out with Mel Gibson and we're going to talk about Jesus Christ & the Three Stooges. Naturally, the great spiritual philosopher Jesus Christ himself is at the top of my list. Hopefully, in the afterlife, I will be met by him.

Nancy Reagan is one heck of a lady -- and one person that I'd LOVE to meet! George Lucas would also be most exciting to become personally acquainted with. And while it's true that I HAVE attended a couple of mutual, albeit private, and obviously exclusive, events, where George's presence was about, I still have yet to be officially introduced to him directly. I don't think he's the type of guy you interrupt, while he's conversing with Ms. Flockhart & Mr. Ford...as in Harrison. LOL

I would also have LOVED to have met Joseph Campbell, but he passed on many years ago. I'm too young to have been instructed by him on the subject of mythology, but he was an expert on the subject. He was a professor, an author and an inspiration to millions, which is interesting considering he himself lacked spirituality in the strictest sense. But nobody is perfect. On one level, it's good not to be old enough to have had him as the mentor I once desired he could have been, yet on another level, what I lost out on, by not having had the chance to be his student, may surpass the advantages!

Also among the dearly departed that I wish I would have had a chance encounter with, Pope John Paul II, who is surely soon to be recognized as the saint, that we knew him -- for all too brief of a time -- to be.

Oh yes, and I would probably enjoy meeting Jay Leno, because he makes me laugh. I hear he comes to my complex, maybe I'll run into him. Lastly, as for individuals that I'd love some face-time with, our current President as well.

Now, before I complete this section, for you to move on, let me make one thing PERFECTLY clear -- As important as it is for those reading this to be made aware of who I WOULD like to meet, it is equally significant for you to know who I DON'T want to meet. Among those, one type of personality trait comes to mind, and that is those in the habit of exercising standpatism in their lives. I have NO patience for their ilk. Even though, deep down, I feel I already know more than a few people like that. Sad, really. In this case I think it's a perfect time for an insightful quote: "You must accept the truth from whatever source it comes." -Moses ben Maimon, philosopher (1135-1204)

Opps, wait...maybe I'd like to meet the guy that designed this little distraction. It's oddly fascinating and twisted at the same time. I wonder what he, or she, would be like. It takes a 'unique' mind to conjure up this:

I'm a Mandarin!

Talent: 46%
Lifer: 49%
Mandarin: 51%

Music:

My collection is vast, as I own well over 2,000 titles on CD. Regardless of that fact though, much of my collection is dominated by older artists. Don't get me wrong, I keep VERY current, but I hate so much of the recent trash out there I can't begin to explain in a concise way. I love various genres, so I'll just tell you a bit of what I'm digging on.

You may look at my opinion as just one other among a chorus of voices to opine, but I assure you, I actually know what I'm talking about. Not that the following fact automatically determines ones validity in evaluating the differences in separating the wheat from the chaff, but I was a widely published music critic for many years. I once interviewed some of the biggest rock stars of the time. But what I proclaim is what many entertainment journalists cannot: I personally purchased countless portions of my collection, just as approximately half was supplied for free. Still, I was never in debt to anybody to allow my review scores to be 'bought' or tainted by proposed favors to be bartered in exchange for a positive critique. And believe me, I had the local bands with baseball bats in hand to prove it. LOL

So, before I give you my strenuously well thought out list, first and foremost, allow me to hawk my own wares. Before admiring other musicians, I first like to appreciate my own 'finely crafted' music - Elementary Watson, which just so happens to be sold through Amazon.com (how's that for cross promotion? LOL). Oh, and if you actually do a search for it, the debut CD is called "Pervertual Reality." Most importantly though, if you want more immediate info on my music career, outside of my duties in film, just head on over to the separate Elementary Watson music page I also feature here (on this pages "Top" category), or directly @this link:

Elementary Watson

Also, if you're still fascinated enough to research my continuing efforts in the business of music, you are likewise welcome to check out my Music Supervision page (also on this pages "Top" list), @ this link:

Music Supervisor

So now then, onto my eclectic list - My latest favorite act is the female fronted Swedish band The Sounds. I also enjoy Pink, Melanie C, Bond, Morcheeba, Sade, Fiona Apple, Christina Aguilera, Poe, K.D. Lang, Janice Joplin, Sophie B. Hawkins, (are we noticing any trends here?), Heather Nova, (okay...here comes some guys) Jeff Buckley, The RZA, John Legend, Engelbert Humperdinck, Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole, Buddy Holly, Tony Bennett, Al Jolson, Blu Cantrell, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, Gnarls Barkley, Boomkat, Celine Dion, David Bowie, Simon & Garfunkle, Rascal Flatts, Billy Joel, Air Supply, Dido, Seal, Vanessa Carlton, Iron Maiden (LOL...dig that curve ball), Offspring, Pet Shop Boys, Darling Cruel (Gregory Darling's old band), Il Divo, The Cure, Depeche Mode, The Psychedelic Furs, New Order, Portishead, T.A.T.U., Crowded House, Tom Petty, Disturbed, Bruce Dickinson (solo works), Rush, Econoline Crush, Outkast, U2, Deep Forest, Moby, Dead Can Dance, The Cranes, Cocteau Twins, Nouvelle Vague, Love Like Blood, Duran Duran, Black Sabbath (post Ozzy...although I like much of Osbourne's solo work), Animal Logic (where Stewart Copeland ended up, sometime after The Police...their self titled debut was INCREDIBLE!!), the spanish rock outfit Soda Stereo, pre-Disney 'cheese era' Elton John, and two powerhouse unsigned artists by the names of The Fabulous Miss Wendy and Saphin (both of which are featured on Myspace.com, as well as, often times, in my now 'semi'-famous, and recently ALL NEW & IMPROVED, "Top 40"). Wendy is so amazing, and I am so obsessed with her disc, that I am placing one or more of her songs in the new indie film (a romantic comedy called "Love: 10 to 1") that I am working as the Music Supervisor on. I assure you, as I am selecting the majority of featured artists, most, if not ALL of the music from the upcoming "Love 10 to 1" soundtrack will be awesome and please a wide variety of persons and tastes. As for Jeff Saphin (a.k.a. 'Mr. Fixxit'), well, no doubt he too will be featured predominately in one of my future film projects that I will serve on as Music Supervisor. After all, it is very difficult for me to recognize a talent, without desperately seeking a way to shine a spotlight on it. That's just my nature. I love to expose people with outstanding artistic abilities, and just help good people in general. Which should tell you to be awful nice to me, if you too are an artist. If you butter me up, it can only suit your benefit. LOL But don't be too overly sugar sweet either. I have a bullshit detector stronger than my talent detector. And you wouldn't want me to think I'm being used and anger the Music Gods!

I also love theater & movie soundtracks, including film scores -- especially those by John Williams (I need not specifically mention the Star Wars soundtracks, as my affection should be obvious). I couldn't live without my Vol. 1 & 2 soundtracks of 'Moulin Rouge'. I'm still loving my 'Flashdance' & 'Dirty Dancing' albums -- and I don't care how cheesy that makes me sound. I can't talk up the 'Lorca' disc enough. Or 'Xanadu' for that matter. Who wasn't once in love with Olivia Newton John. The only thing sweeter than that newton was of the fig variety. LOL The two hip hop soundtracks that I still listen to after all these years are from the films 'Dangerous Minds' & Russell Simmons presents 'The Show'. I like international music and adore Asian tunes, mostly of the Indian flavor. Lounge music is at the top of my list as well, so during times when I feel the need to chill out, literally, I pop in some shoegaze, ethereal and dreampop genre discs. I also happen to quite enjoy 'authentic' country artists, unlike many other ignorantly closed minded music 'listeners,' whom shut their mind to the genre, without REALLY knowing much about it -- except for maybe what the country-pop crossover crap that's put out these days passes off for as a poor representation. When it comes to Latin music specifically, bachata gets me swaying. Old and contemporary jazz is fantastic (I can run across the board from Illinois Jaquet all the way to Larry Carlton). Classical is always spiritually empowering, especially the standards like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart & Ludwig Van Beethoven. I really get off on all 'classic' music as much as 'classic' films. That includes 50's, 60's, 70's and most certainly 80's new wave, pop, rock, metal and R&B.

Movies:

I'm more than equipped to evaluate this category as well since, once again, I have a massive collection to draw from. In this case I possess WELL over 1,000 DVD titles and counting...every bloody Tuesday, when the latest of the silver screens best (and worst) hits the shelves. Although, I must admit, I've calmed down CONSIDERABLY in the recent past, due to the NOW RESOLVED format war. Go Blu-Ray, I was pulling for ya!

I'm the epitome of the classification: Cineaste - So, while I pray nobody ever labels me a film elitist, I do focus quite a bit of attention on the more highbrow motion pictures within the world of cinema. Nevertheless, I still love a good horror flick ("Ginger Snaps," "Cube" or "Scream"), or a bad one (take your pick, there are so many). I often disagree with the public at large, as well as critics for that matter, which in a way is almost humorously poetic, considering my time spent as an entertainment critic myself. Let's just say I was putting my Long Island University journalism education to good use...or maybe waste, depending on the perspective of any given person I speak with. LOL

I suppose if I was to have to sum up my favorite time period for cinema, I would have to say it would consist of somewhere between the very late 60's through the very early 80's. The most heavy emphasis would be directly in the 70's, as many of my top selections come from these years. Nevertheless, my choices really do run the gamut both before and after that period. This is just a generalization of my most earnest preferences.

I'm thoroughly enamored with Foreign and Indie films. I love all of the "Star Wars" films (well, except for that *begrudgingly* I can barely bring myself to even LIKE the plot hole filled mess that is "Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith"). More importantly, I recently evaluated my personal top 100 films list and found that it largely correlates with A.F.I.'s (that's the American Film Institutes) Top 100 Films. I did not model my list after theirs, I just seemingly have a keenly attuned palette for the best of superior film-making... apparently. About half of my list selections are also on their list. Unfortunately, baring in mind that it is the 'American' Film Institute (God Bless America...I'm just making a point) no overseas films that I site as first water caliber entries are in their group. Miraculously, despite my, now recently defunct, French boycott I've ALWAYS had favorite films from France as well.

Anyhow, here are just a few of my 'Must See' American and foreign films from off the top of my head, which don't necessarily make my top 100 in all cases: "Amadeaus," "Citizen Kane," "Inherit The Wind," "Moulin Rouge" (2001), "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Eat Drink Man Woman," "Wild Strawberries," "Kama Sutra," "'Leon: The Professional," "Planet Of The Apes" (1968) -- (not that garabge Tim Burton passed off as a "re-imagining!"), "Rosemary's Baby," "Irma La Douce" (A truly wonderful 1963 film vehicle, three years post-"The Apartment," that regroups Shirley McClain with Jack Lemmon for another wacky romp), "Grease," "Saturday Night Fever," "Donnie Darko," "The Passion of The Christ," "In The Mood For Love," and its sequel - "2046," "The Trouble With Angeles," "It's A Wonderful Life," "Miracle On 34th Street" (1947), "Terms Of Endearment," "Goodbye Columbus, "The Graduate" (I don't know what was on the mind of Director Mike Nichols, taking on a salacious sewer project like "Closer," regardless of the fine performances of the cast), "Kramer Vs. Kramer," "Midnight Cowboy," "Marathon Man," "Serpico," "The Conversation," "Jaws," "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind," "American History X," "Superman" 1 & 2, "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers" (1955), "There's Something About Mary," "Big Daddy," "What About Bob," "The Royal Tenenbaum's," "A Fish Called Wanda," "Coming To America," "Titanic" (1998), "Love Actually," "Sideways," "Almost Famous," "Nosferatu" (1922), "Gone With The Wind," "The French Connection," "Le Mepris" (by Jean-Luc Godard -- "Contempt" is the english translation), "Goodfellas," "L.A. Confidential," "Monsters Inc.," "Finding Nemo," "Frailty," "Psycho" (need I actually say the original?), "American Pie" 1 & 2 + "American Wedding," the "X-Men" trilogy, "Spider-Man 3" (the BEST Spidey film yet, -- due to, dare I say, countless moral messages), "Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone," the "Dirty Harry" series, "A Nightmare On Elm Street: Part 3 - The Dream Warriors" (best of the lot, surpassing the original) and many of the "Friday The 13th" films (you see, I told you I'm not a film snob), "28 Days Later," "The Devil's Rejects" and M. Night Shyamalan's three modern day classics -- "The Sixth Sense," "Unbreakable" and "Signs." He let me down with "The Village" - I just don't get that one. "Lady In The Water" was okay though. Not scary, but kind of sweet.

I'm also quite enamored with Bertolucci's beautifully exquisite "The Dreamers." By the way, if you even mildly enjoyed that film, you will adore "The Barbarian Invasions" as much as I do. Completely different cinema experiences, but since I was on the French thing, there you go. Hopefully, next up, upon completion of its production, I hope to add "Love 10 to 1" to my list. Just keep in mind, the only thing French about our film is the kissing. ::Wink, wink::

Before I wrap this section up, let me just add a few more impressive entries that you should treat yourself to renting/purchasing. Peter Jackson's "King Kong" (2005) will be EXTRA HOT once it's released in Blu-Ray Hi-Def format, judging from how AMAZING it looks in HD during my normal HDTV veiwing, but, in the meantime, get the three disc DELUXE EXTENDED EDITION DVD -- it's REALLY worth it. This Kong is far more than a simple 'effects film,' it's a story filled with the first solid hour strictly devoted to character development, which makes you care about the fates of the players. It also happens to be a beautiful love story between a screen writer, an actress and a giant prehistoric-type ape.

I also must highly recommend that when you check out the EXCELLENT motion picture "No Country For Old Men," that you also give a SERIOUS look to another Tommy Lee Jones film, "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada." It's TLJ's directorial debut, and one hell of a debut at that!

Television:

MOSTLY quality television programming: As in episodic situations that contain a high level of sophistication. But don't let THAT fool you, some brain candy currently sneaks in to clog my ears as well. I'm just as much a victim of lovin' a little bad tele as the next guy is.

If you really want to know what kind of a sense of humor I have, than you should know this -- one of my favorite sitcoms EVER was/is "Frasier" and I'm an old school "M.A.S.H." fan too. "M.A.S.H." created the dramedy well before shows like "Boston Legal" and "Desperate Housewives" were even the genesis of a thought, in the minds of the Hollywood elite.

I do my best not to blindly follow trends, in other words I tend to steer clear of the reality craze whenever possible. Sadly, there is so much of it out there that I get suckered into portions of the genre at times, like the rest of the American public has. When those times occur, exceptions to my preferences include "The Apprentice," "American Idol" and "Dancing With The Stars." I do think we can ALL learn something from The Donald's take on the genre. Few can deny being able to gain a touch of insight into how the business world works from Mr. Trump.

So, on to my additional boob tube fixations -- "The O'Reilly Factor," "Ebert & Roeper," "Ugly Betty," "Heroes,'" "The Ghost Whisperer," "Moonlight," "The New Adventure's Of Old Christine," "Big Shots," "Cavemen," "Carpoolers," "Cane," 'Knight Rider" (2008), "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Entourage," "Flight Of The Conchords," "Forensic Files," "The View," "Oprah Winfrey," "The Tonight Show," "Sunrise Earth," "Nightline," "Primetime," "60 Minuets," "Dateline NBC," "20/20," "Fox and Friends," "Hannity & Combs," **(yeah, I'm a news JUNKIE!)** "Dinner For Five" (no, it's not a cooking show, it's a dinner between five entertainment industry guests, discussing anecdotes from their professional experiences with Actor/Director/Host Jon Favreau), "Scrubs," "The Shield" (I am a bit prejudiced, as my Sister-in-law, Onahoua Rodriguez, has been playing the recurring character named Amolia for the past few seasons), and much classic television in general. A perfect example of this would be the original "Twilight Zone." That's why I love TV Land, because, even though it doesn't air that specific series (I have to resort to the mostly terrible Sci-Fi channel for my TZ fix), it's still one of the very few remaining ways to get great classic TV. It's for this reason that I'm a huge proponent of TV on DVD. There's nothing quiet like popping in a disc and enjoying it at my leisure. And on the subject of leisure, I am addicted to my DVR. Whatever would I do without it now?

In my watching habits, I'm dedicated to actual stations, as much as I am specific programs. I couldn't live without the Fox News Channel, Court TV and HBO's original programing. I also just love to dabble in occasional surfing sessions between IFC, TCM and the Sundance Channel (outside of their one sided political documentaries, that is). Also, I must say, The History Channel and VH1 Classic rates up there for me as well. I'm also loving Discovery HD (High Def TV rocks!) and waiting with bated breath for one of the coolest channels ever...Monsters HD, but it's only available with select Satellite carriers.

I've also caught two shows on Si TV a few times called "Unacceptable Behavior" & "The Drop." Basically I've checked them out due to the fact that my friend Jonisha is a comedic player on the former and a hostess on the latter. Musically much of the content featured on "The Drop" isn't MY cup of tea, if I must be bluntly honest.

Lastly, I must say, in regard to my greatest of television loves, nothing has yet touched...and no show likely ever will beat...my all time favorite series of all time: "Knots Landing." Thank goodness Warner Bros. had finally released the first season on DVD a while back. Now where the heck are seasons 2-14, huh? Don't piss me off, Warner! Nuff said!!!!

Books:

I've recently engulfed in two books, the first being "You: The Owner's Manual (An Insider's Guide to the Body That Will Make You Healthier and Younger") by Michael F. Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet C. Oz, M.D. The second book is "The Complete Idiot's Guide To: The Life of Buddha" (by Victoria Urubshurow). I have a feeling that I'm pretty well covered both physically and spiritual (on the inside and out) by these two choices.

I must confess, I'm a bit of a mythology freak, so ofcourse the teachings of Joseph Campbell's many texts head the top of my list, including: "Hero With A Thousand Faces," "Transformations Of Myth Through Time," "The Power Of Myth," "An Open Life," "The Inner Reaches Of Outer Space," and "Myths To Live By."

"The Book Of Gods & Goddesses (A Visual Dictionary of Ancient & Modern Deities)" by Eric Chaline, "King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table" (by Anne Berthelot), "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods And Heroes" (by Edith Hamilton), "Dictionary of Mythology" (by Bergen Evans), "The Journey Of Luke Skywalker: An Analysis Of Modern Myth And Symbol" (by Steven A. Galipeau), "1,000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art & Myth" (by Rowena & Rupert Shepherd) and lastly, "Living Myths: How Myth Gives Meaning To Human Experience" (by J. F. Bierlein).

Also, philosophy tickles my fancy, including Sigmund Freud's "The Future Of Illusion." "Protagoras And Meno" and "Five Dialogues" (by Plato) both rank high as well.

I often take the easy path and just simply go lowbrow -- regardless of the fact that my list may invoke visions of my face seemingly being stuffed in intellectual texts on a regular basis. Quite the contrary. At times, I can honestly enjoy a really cool (or geeky, by some peoples standards) "Star Wars" tale, or an edge of your seat mystery thriller (for the literary laymen in all of us) by James Patterson. I just love those Patterson stories within the Alex Cross series (especially the first one, "Along Came A Spider").

Other various books that have brought intrigue my way, through provoking thought or reflection include: "The Ouija Board: A Doorway to the Occult" (by Edmond C. Gruss), "Essential Songwriter's Rhyming Dictionary" (by Kevin M. Mitchell), "Brother Sam" (on the life of Sam Kinison told through the eyes of his surviving brother), "Who's Looking Out For You" AND "Culture Warrior" (both by Bill O'Reilly, the host of the O'Reilly Factor on the Fox News Channel), "Reagan: A Life In Letters" (literally letters written to various people by our former President), "Off With Their Heads: Traitors, Crooks & Obstructionists In American Politics, Media & Business" (a New York Times Bestseller by Dick Morris), "The War On Christmas: How the Conspiracy to Subvert Our Most Sacred Holiday Is Worse Than You Think" (by the Fox News Channel commentator, John Gibson), "Nosferatu" (by Jim Shepard, on the process of the unique films creation), "The Film Director (Complete Guide To Moviemaking - And How To Get A Job Directing)" by Richard L. Bare, "Andy Kaufman Revealed" (on the life and death of a tragic comedy genius by Bob Zmuda) and ofcourse -- the good book itself, THE BIBLE, (by...er, well...you get the drift).

Lastly, I am an avid magazine reader as well. But two mags that I just wouldn't feel complete without having grace my desk with their every issue would be both "Video Watchdog: the Perfectionist's Guide to Fantastic Video" and "Asian Cult Cinema." Both are 'genre' film magazines (in a smaller format than most mags on the market...NOT in the number of pages, mind you, but in size). They are both roughly the size of a issue of "Readers Digest" or slightly larger than the old "TV Guide" format, before TV Guide converted to a full size magazine in 2005.**

Oh, well...that's just a scratch on the surface, as there are many more examples if I was to delve deeper into the recesses of my tiny little mind. LOL.

Heroes:

True friends, in the strictest sense of the word, are heroes. That means the offering of loyalty, respect and availability when that special someone needs you. Are you my hero? Are you anybody's hero? The world needs more heroes! Ofcourse, that's not what Tina Turner thinks. She says "We Don't Need Another Hero," but I disagree and have decided that instead "I'm Holding Out For A Hero," just like Bonnie Tyler has.

On the subject of heroes, other charter members include firefighters, all LOYAL police officers, educators that care enough for their youthful charges to respect their judgement (and leave personal political ideology OUT of the classroom while they're instilling knowledge), the United States Military, and anybody that will kick Ward Churchill and Howard Dean in the groin for me!! Yes, it's an official bounty...I'll pay. LOL (I'm only half joking, honestly!) A hero is anybody that is suspect of the ACLU -- defenders of the child molesters called NAMBLA. We must STOP those that defy protecting our children. STOP THE MADNESS!!!

Okay, now that I've vented, here are my most respected heroes: All of the Founding Fathers (and more specifically), George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., for being such great leaders and revolutionaries of their respective times. I must once again site the philosopher Jesus. While on the subject of the holy, Pope John Paul II.

Of more recent days, A/K/A the 'still living' heroes: Mayor Rudolph Giuliani for getting my old home state (NY) through the nightmare of terrorism, not to mention cleaning up (in more ways than one) a filthy disgrace of, what now, once again, is a beautifully glorious city. Bill O'Reilly and anybody else who fights for children's rights and education, that for which also includes Oprah Winfrey (who has teamed up with Mr. O'Reilly in DEFEATING predatory MONSTERS) and John Walsh (of America's Most Wanted). On the subject of expanding the educational faculties of our young, let me site George Lucas for his contributions in that area, not to mention his expansions in the film industry. I'm not sure if he's a hero per se, but he's certainly a leader I greatly admire in those specific areas. Then there's Dr. Laura (as in Schlessinger) for her incredible wisdom in relationships and ethics. And finally, let me also reference Bill Cosby. We need more modern African American leadership like his brand.

Doing the right thing by our nations youth, as well as the children of the world community is a non partisan political and societal necessity. You can't consider yourself socially conscious if you are unconscious of the fact that we currently have too little legislation in place than we should to defend those under the age of 18.