Every now and then something comes along which inspires us in a certain aspect of our life. There’s inspiration in family, religion, work, nutrition, etc., and it makes us take a look at ourselves from a different angle. The video below did this for me.

I am a huge fan of speaking honesty and truth no matter the consequences. I believe this because it is something which is inevitable in life and somewhere down the line, the truth must be revealed no matter how painful. Now, this video isn’t about hurting someone’s feelings, but rather it’s about speaking the truth about stand-up comedy. This guy “Get’s it!” It’s refreshing to hear someone feel about the art, the way I feel about it. For approximately 1 year, my buddy Jason Rouse had told me about Reginald D Hunter, a comedian from the south (Georgia) who has hit it big in the UK. I don’t take what people say as being gospel on any subject matter, but I was in awe when listening to this gentleman answer the questions he is being asked. I really appreciate Reginald’s views on comedian arrogance. We transform into bitter artist, and consider anyone not to our liking as being no good in the comedy realm. Comedians are insecure and NOT the happiest people… Shocked are you? We take ourselves VERY serious at times which, I believe, is the reason for the amount of stress we put on ourselves.

I’ll stop writing now so that you may enjoy this video as I have. Please post a comment below and let me know what you think about this gentleman’s views.

PART 2

I watched George Lopez’s “Tall, Dark & Chicano” last night and came away impressed.  It wasn’t his comedy which impressed me, because we all know this wasn’t Lopez at his best.  No, I was impressed because of the magnitude of fame to which this guy has risen to in America.  There were 14,000 people at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.  FOURTEEN THOUSAND!!!  That’s rediculous.  There have been comedians who have sold out arenas before, but never a Latino comedian, he was the first.

To most Latino comedians, American-Mexicans especially (Yeah, we’re Americans first f*ckers!), George Lopez is an idol and someone who we admire.  I have been one of those people for a long time, way before his TV show.  I remember watching Lopez in the 80’s on TV with the classic flat-top hairstyle and his funny impressions of Rodney Dangerfield.  It wasn’t until the early 2000’s that the rest of America got to discover what most Latinos already knew… this guy is hilarious!

When I started in comedy, there were a lot of rumors about Lopez that persuaded me to dislike him.  One, he hated being Mexican.  Two, he didn’t put Mexican acts in his show because he was insecure.  Three, he hated being Mexican (yeah twice).  I really don’t know where all of this came from, but it bothered me as an individual, a fan and a comedian.  My thinking was, “How can this guy hate being what makes him who he is?”  If he weren’t Mexican, then what would make him special?  He’d be just another comedian.  As for not putting up Mexicans on his stand-up shows, I really don’t care!  Really, I used to, but not now.  He’s paid his dues in comedy and should be able to put anybody he wants on his shows.  He’s been in this business for over 25 years!  He doesn’t owe anyone anything.  He was long overdue for his success and I, for one, congratulate him.

I now realize that there are a lot of people who hate or badmouth you for whatever reason.  They are probably the ones who are uncomfortable in their own skin and they want to reflect it on others.  Don’t know what it is, but I know that I have changed my opinion of George Lopez and I totally admire and am happy for what he’s accomplished (though I will not be getting a tattoo of him on my arm anytime soon).  I hope to one day reach just 1/2 of the status of Mr. Lopez.  He will always be an icon to me and a comedy living-legend.

CISCOWRITTEN

Hello world! This morning I find myself in traffic court for a speeding ticket I got back in January. Yes January! My original court date was March 3rd for which I got an extension online. Next court date was May 4th. I tried to get another extension then, but wasn’t allowed and told I had to see the judge… On August 13th!!! I missed my court date yesterday so I’m here as a walk-in waiting to ask the judge for an extension that I wanted back on the 4th of May.

I honestly cannot pay this ticket. Everytime I think about it, my hand cramps up and my wallet becomes invisible and difficult to find. This is bullsh*t! How can a cop write on my ticket that I’m going 50mph in a 35mph zone and not have the radar on (didn’t write it on the ticket). It’s a matter of principle.

The people here are 99.1% Latino. The dumb sh*t you hear here is just absurd. I am listening to people compare crimes and/or violations which they’ve committed timew after time. And it’s not like they’re being discreet about it, they’re f*cken loud! Some of these guys are saying (loudly) that they have 3, 4 or 5 warrants like it was stock in a booming company. I’ve never heard such stupidity. It’s like they’re proud. One guy actually looks like he’s ready to be taken away. He has tattos on his head, neck and arms. What’s he gonna say when he gets in “Not Guilty?”. Some people are just born to be taken away. Sad but true.

Ciscowritten

I’ll be performing on Comedy Juice’s show at the Ice House tonigh at 10pm. I need to avenge myself because the last time I did one of their shows, I pissed off the audience. It was Hollywood, and they had a sh*tty “Hollywood” attitude… I’m an honest man. I told them to enjoy the show and pull the stick out their bum. Can’t blame me for that. I sacrificed myself for the sake of the other comics.

Tomorrow night I’ll be at the Laugh Factory in Long Beach. These shows have been amazing the past couple of weeks and I think we’re building up steam. This week I’m doing the 10pm show though, so I’m hoping that all you “Johnny come lately’s” show up on time. I appreciate all of your support and plan to take you all with me on the way up!

Ciscowritten

I love football. I just love the passion of the fans from around the world and the athleticism these players possess. I wish more people would expand their horizons in this country and give it a chance. I never played or watched it growing up, but became a fan only 6 years ago. I played the “American” sports baseball, football, basketball and swam in my youth. I played in an adult league a few years ago… and SUCKED! So my appreciation and respect grew tremendously for those athletes. Football isn’t big in the States because many Americans believe it’s a “Latino” sport (Ignorance is alive and well). Even when I was a kid, my father called it a “Wetback” sport and kept me from playing it. A “Wetback” sport? “Your parents are from Tecolotlan, Jalisco, Mexico!” was my response to him. I don’t understand that mentality. America creates these barriers amongst cultures which escalate to bigger problems. Even black people here, have issues with the sport because of it’s huge Latin fanbase in this country. Black people! The same people who fought for equal rights and respect for human beings no matter where one came from. And they don’t like it because of what? Once again, I’m not saying all, but the majority of the people I’ve known. I guess if YOU personally didn’t have to sacrifice anything, you’ll only use history when it’s convenient to you. But it’s a huge slap in the face to those who suffered before us. To each his own. I will say though that white Americans have embraced it a little better than I thought. I mean, what do they have left? Football and basketball & golf have been taken over by Black people. Baseball and boxing by Latinos and Asians, so what’s left? “Corner Kick!!!” I just want it to grow in this country so I can go to the games and enjoy the vibration, music, chants and energy of the sport. I gave it a chance and love it. I know other people can, no matter where they’re from. Ciscowritten