Protect Marriage, Ban Divorce - Eat your words!

Well I'm apologizing up front for not posting in A WHILE. What can I say - Nothing significant going on in my life. Oh yeah, there was that thing about the first Black President, and oh yeah that other story about Prop 8 getting passed. I guess I COULD have blogged about those.

Well not to diminish the astounding significance of Obama winning the election (I'm still shedding tears of joy over that - I'm so loving it - it's so right!!!

But then I came across this video about 'protecting marriage'. If you know me, and even if you don't - I strongly opposed Prop 8. It's insane that it was even on the ballot since the Supreme Court had already once declared it unconstitutional - but I digress. So now that it's regrettably passed, we must move on to the next phase and to begin I think every Prop 8 supporter (and us opposers too) should watch this video. It pretty much sums it up.

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Run-away Photographer, er, I Mean Runway Photographer

Last weekend I got the opportunity to shoot photographs of many wonderful models at a fashion event put on by Kami Shade. It was called Shop Til You Drop and it was held at Basics in San Diego. I had a fantastic time taking photographs of all the the great models, making some new acquaintances and practicing my photography technique.

Every photoshoot is an experience and this was no different. I'm a little more used to shooting in studio settings and/or where I can control the subjects and hopefully the lighting a bit more, so this proved to be a challenge. The event started before I knew it and so several of my first shots were spent adjusting my camera for the light, and the environment. After a while I got things together and feel I got some nice shots. There's always more to learn about photography and that's why I enjoy doing it - so I can learn and adapt to each new situation. Overall, I like the shots I got - There are of course things I'd have changed in hindsight, but hey - that's life. For those of you models and other photographers checking out my site and these photos, feel free to comment or contact me about the photos.

I look forward to hopefully working with many of these wonderful models again in the future and wish everyone involved in the event MUCH SUCCESS with your career goals!

The Killing of the Mocking Bird at CCPT

To my special Thespian Leon, and the rest of my readers and friends at CCPT and beyond, I'm finally posting a bunch of photos I took at the wonderful final performance of To Kill a Mockingbird". I really and truly enjoyed the show and I'm VERY impressed with the three young actors playing roles in it. Of course all the actors were really great and it was like visiting with my family because I knew several of the actors from my involvement last year. Special Kudos to Leon, Eric, Milton, Hilary and Dean! On an emotional level it's a hard play to watch because of some of the themes address in the story, but it was performed well by all and I am deeply moved. Enjoy my slideshow (yes Leon, even though I'm not Jewish, a little guilt can be effective). Great job by all and of course I wish everyone MUCH SUCCESS in their life journey's whereever that may take you!

--Rex Hoss

100 pushups in 6 weeks - Week 4

If you've been following my posts, several weeks ago I mentioned that I'd started a new exercise routine called 100 pushups in 6 weeks.  After two weeks you do a strength test and depending upon your results you proceed with the training. Well after the third week, I wasn't completing the necessary amount of reps so my instructions were to repeat that week's workout. Well it took me two additional repitions of week three's workout to build the strength to complete it. That being done I moved on to week "four" which was really my sixth week, but it's all good. After successfully completing the week four workout last week I was scheduled to perform another strength test which I just did, and completed 42 consecutive pushups! So that means I'll be starting my week five workout tomorrow. 

Up to this point the workouts have consisted of five sets of pushup with varying amounts of reps in each set for example first set with say 25 pushups, 2nd set with 20, 20 18 and then 25 reps for the last set. Those numbers are just examples but it gives you an idea of what I've been doing. Each day of the week gets progressively more reps in each set - thus making it harder.  Week five pushes it up another notch by adding three more sets so I'll be doing a total of 8 sets (whew!).  If' I can't make it through this week with the required number of sets and reps, it'll be repeat time again. We'll see how it goes. But I do feel stronger and seem to even be bulking up my chest and triceps a little too.  Wish me luck! I'll keep you informed on my progress toward the goal of performing 100 consecutive pushups!

--Rex Hoss

My Trip to Boston

OK, so the title's a bit of a tease, but, I'm excited because I got to work background on one of my favorite shows today!  Boston Legal. For those who don't know, James Spader, William Shatner and Candice Bergen are the main stars, and the show is wonderful. Since this was a background roll, the majority of my time was spent waiting in the "holding area" talking with the other background artists. That in itself can be fun, but the real fun was when we were called to the set. The scene was inside a restaurant/bar where Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen's character) was having a business lunch with another of the shows characters (from another law firm) who's name unfortunately escapes me.  Both actors were amazing and professional. It's really fun for me to get to watch the "pros" work and also see some of the behind-the-scenes things that go on.

I don't do a lot of background work these days, but Boston Legal is one of my favorite shows and I've always wanted to be on it, so, today marked a milestone of sorts for me in that I got the chance to be on the show. Next time it would be nice to have a speaking role, but I'm so grateful and excited about just being around the wonderful people today, making some new friends and being involved in the amazing world of acting. 

--Rex Hoss

100 pushups in 6 weeks - Week 2

A couple of weeks ago I stumbled upon an interesting website call 100 push ups which is a site devoted to teaching us mere mortals how to go from nearly zero to 100 consecutive push ups in only six weeks!!! It sounded interesting and since my gym membership was canceled several years ago, (but I've been trying to 'home-gym' myself into better health) decided to give it a try. Because after all, it promises to help you achieve the goal no matter what your starting level is.  So you start by doing an initial test of how may push ups you can do non-stop, to exhaustion.  Well I managed to do 30 which I was a little surprised at since the average for out-of-shape, regular guys appears to be about 12.  Well I'm happy to report that at my two week test which I just completed, I managed 40 before I fell to the floor in a sweaty heap!  So, I can happily report that I do seem to be making a gain. It remains to be seen where I'll be at the end of the sixth week (let alone the next two weeks). The workout, is actually pretty easy, so far. But it's been only having me do between 10-17 push ups at a time. This week which I'll start tomorrow, the number bumps up nearer my point of exhaustion - so we'll see how it goes.  

Wish me luck - I'll be reporting my progress as the weeks pass.  If you want to try it yourself, follow the links above, and of course, let me know you're starting and we can cheer each other on.

--Rex Hoss

Stop N Go

Well, here's a fun shot I took this week - so it qualifies for my Photo of the week - Yay! I particularly like this one because of the juxtaposition between the Stop sign and the moving and blurred car. It was of course taken with my Nikon D80, 18-200mm lens, hand-held with a slower shutter speed (I'd have to check the exact settings) to get the blurred car. See - I'm trying to keep my photo a week, promise. I hope the rest of you photographers in my life, and in the world are having fun and creating/capturing fun images of our world.--Rex Hoss

Photo of the Week

Hi Ya'll, In my sadly misguided attempt to take a "Photo of the Day", I've gotten pitifully off-track. However, I'm going to try to do a Photo Of The Week so. Here goes, This was taken with my 400mm lens on my Nikon D80 from the upstairs balcony of my apartment. I was testing out my lens and was delighted at the reach. It's a little bit of a "slow" lens, which for the photographically challenged of you out there, that means that it needs more light, and slower shutter speeds and a steady hand to take good pictures. So I'm pretty happy with the result since the helicopter was obviously moving pretty fast, but my picture came out nicely. Let me know what you think. I'm always open to comments and suggestions about my work, and possibly other things to photograph. If you have a camera, any camera, go out and SHOOT! It's a beautiful weekend here in Los Angeles, and there are many events including the Lotus Festival in Echo Park this weekend. Enjoy!

--Rex Hoss

Photo - Not of the Day

Well, I haven't been doing to well at my self-imposed "Picture-A-Day" posting strategy. So I decided to just post another picture I'd taken while doing the model shoot for IMTAgency earlier this month. Sarah (the pictured model) was one of the pretty people I had the pleasure of photographing. But it was fun shooting her due to more than just her obvious good looks - she was VERY professional as well. She knew how to pose for the camera, and "Work It" as they say. She know the right kind of clothes, moves, and attitude to make both good pictures and an enjoyable time doing it. I predict that she'll go far in the industry if she keeps with it. So, as I try each day to take and make an intersting photograph, I may not always reach that "daily" goal, but I am trying and moving in that direction. Life, I've found out is more about the setting of goals and the PROCESS of working toward them, rather than just getting the goal and basking in your accomplishments.

--Rex Hoss

On Taking Pretty Pictures

Well, it took a few days to sort through all my photographs from this past weekend. If you weren't paying attention in my earlier post, I had the opportunity to shoot a bunch of models and actors for IMT Agency this past weekend. We gathered around 9am near Will Rogers Beach Park, and then the beach for a knock-down, drag-out photo shoot. There were 7 photographers including yours truly, and about 15 models throughout the day. It was a lot of fun, and more than a little stressful for me since I do most of my "better" photography indoors in controlled light. This was done outdoors, with bright sun. I tried to minimize the sun bu shooting in shade and directing the light with reflectors, but this was new territory for me, and a good challenge. It was also interesting since we shot a variety of people, in no particular order, with varying skin-tone so there are constant adjustments to the camera to get a well exposed picture. Things got even more challenging as the day went on and the sun got higher in the sky. Most photographers agree that the mid-day sun is the worst light for shooting in, but that's exactly what we had.

Overall though, I'm very pleased with most of the photos I took. The slideshow above is by no means all the pictures I took - just a selection to highlight the day.

Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments section.

--Rex Hoss

These are a few of my favorite things

 
Well, I'm quite excited tonight because tomorrow I get to do a photo shoot of probably about 20 modeles who are part of a modeling agency. So I've been preparing myself for the shoot tonight. None the least of which means I've had to gather a few of my favorite things for the photo shoot. Now the picture is a little unsettling for me because in the two plus years since I've had a DSLR, I've apparently gathered quite a bit of photography equipment. That's the unsettling thing! How can something so simple as photography, "require" so much gear? AND, when did I get all this stuff? Actually that's only part of my equipment - serveral lenses and smaller items are already packed away in the carrying cases. Also, I'm borrowing a friends camera as a backup, in case something happens to mine. Can't miss that shot ya know!

At any rate, I'm really honored to be a part of this photo shoot. It's going to be at the beach, with beautiful people to photograph - what's not to like! I'll post some photos once I've finished the shoot. Also, this photo qualifies for my photo-a-day posting, which, if you're following closely - I've missed a day or two already - but then I warned you I might. More tomorrow!

-- Rex Hoss

Acting Fantastically Wicked

I was going to start by saying that I'm probably one of the last people in LA to see the Smash Musical Wicked, but judging by their packed house last night and apparently no end in sight for selling tickets (after recently celebrating their 1 year anniversary in LA), There are tons of people who still haven't seen the magic, or are going multiple times. Yes, I FINALLY got to see Wicked last night and what an amazing, delightful, stunning, (can I think of anymore positive prose to pontificate with?), show!!! As an actor myself, I'm amazed at the amount of work, both on, and off-stage which goes into a production like this. The actors were all superb, Laura Woyasz played Glinda, and Caissie Levy played Elphaba, and both were magical and mesmerizing in their performances! The rest of the cast was incredible as well with a special nod to Jo Anne Worley as Madame Morrible!

On first entering the Pantages Theater you are struck by the intricate stage which only gets more incredible as the show progresses. For those who don't already know, is the story of how the witches of OZ came to be. It's a well though out story which intersects nicely with The Wizard of Oz, which this story spins-off from.

I can't recommend it enough, and now I know why several people I know have gone over, and over, to see this show. It's rekindled my acting bug and got me thinking about doing another stage show. My work on "Notes from the New World" is coming along. The movie is still in preproduction and we're nearing shooting which I believe will start sometime in June. More details to follow in another post - so stay tuned.

In the mean time - go see Wicked - you'll indeed be enthralled!

End of an Era

Well I know it's been a while since I've posted anything. Apologies to anyone who cares. I think I've been so busy Living Life that it's kept me away from blogging about it. But, I have some news regarding a special piece of memory and equipment in my life. Way back int 1981 I bought a Vespa 50 Special motor scooter. At the time it was the perfect vehicle for me to get around town in. Me and the Vespa have some really great (and a few not so great) memories. Well several years went by and I stopped riding it so much. Life changes and also jobs end up being farther away making Scooting more impractical than before. Eventually my beloved scooter fell victim to old age, neglect and even some vandalism. I ended up keeping it with me and was trying to sell it a few years ago before I moved. That didn't happen and I ended up dragging it with me when I moved a couple of years ago. I SWORE at the time I'd sell, it, junk it or do SOMETHING with it. Well my friends, at long last the time has come.

This weekend I'll be FINALLY selling it thanks in large part to craigslist and my intermittent posting it online. I'd taken some photos last year in an effort to sell it but I never got any really committed buyers. Well one night a few weeks ago I made another posting and to my surprise and delight got about 12 responses. The most interesting respondent was living in Florida if you can believe it. I think he backed out due to the potential shipping costs involved in getting it there. But they say persistence pays off and in this case it has. I found a really great buyer who wants to restore it to it's former glory and that couldn't make me happier. See, while I was considering junking it, it's like an old friend and ya know - it's hard to junk your old friends (unless of course they're junkies anyway - but I digress).

So this weekend the passing of an era will commence. I'll get some free space in my garage and the satisfaction of knowing I finally got '50 to an new, owner.

Here are some pictures of a similar Vespa. It turns out I don't have (or can't locate) any old, original pictures of MY Vespa, so I found some stock one's of similar models. The ones where it looks beat up are(sad to say) mine.


So I guess it's "Out with the Old"...not really sure what the "new" is going to be. I haven't given much thought to riding a scooter in years - although with recent gas prices skyrocketing at 400% increases in the last 10 years (mostly the last 5) I was actually getting a little 'itch' to buy another newer scooter to replace the Vespa. This of course is mostly madness on my part, but still, there's a part of me that wants not only to relive some of my glory days of scooter riding, but stick it to the Oil Companies as well.

Blues Photography

 
Well the title's not exactly right - it's more like I've got the blues about photography. See I LOVE my Nikon D80, but as with all technology sometimes things go wrong. I'd been noticing a couple of specs or dots from dust on my beloved the last few times I've been taking photos. Nothing like a blue sky to show off dust spots on the sensor! Anyway, after a decent attempt to clean the camera myself - I broke down and decided to take my camera in for a cleaning and servicing on some of the dead pixels (I only noticed THOSE after I was scrutinizing my pictures at high magnification - looking for dust spots. So now I'm in "No Camera Hell". I have to wait the quoted 7-10 business days for them to service my camera. That may not seem like much, but for someone who likes to take their camera along to work - "just in case" that 2 1/2 weeks seems like a LONG time to be without my camera.

We'll see how well I manage without my camera. In the mean time, since my acting seems to be going in slo-mo right now, I'm thinking more about photography. I got some inspiration from another blog which got me thinking about taking photographs of all the people I love (hmm, don't I do that anyway???). But specifically these photographs should embody or represent What that person means to me - kind of a capture their spirit photo. So I'm going to be going through some of my old photos and seeing if I have any to post and of course once I have my camera back, I'll be on a mission.

It's NOT Just Another Day

 
Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Me... Oops, sorry I got caught up in the spirit of the day! Today is indeed my birthday. As those of you who know me know, I'm not usually much into celebrating my birthday, let alone getting into conversations about age. But I must confess I secretly enjoy celebrating and one of my fantacys is to have a surprise party which is truly a surprise! I've only had One in my life, which I realize is more than some people, but I'd enjoy another surprise party.

I digress. I was recently reminded by a good friend that I hadn't blogged in quite some time. I think some explanation is necessary. L.I.F.E. Rather, I mean that I've just been so busy with various things that blogging about things just took a back seat. I hope to rectify that. As some or most of you know I was in a sketch comedy show which had several schedule changes and ended up getting me a little off track. While the show was a fun experience, the crazy rehearsals and schedule changes were unusual for me. But loved the show and everyone involved with. For those of you who caught it, thank you, and I hope you enjoyed.

To bring everyone up to speed, since my last post, I've been spending a good deal of time working on my photography skills and having a great time with that. I got the opportunity to photograph a model/actor named Sean Ching recently and that was a lot of fun. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rexhossphotography/

I've also become a Great Uncle for the second time. Happy Birthday to my newest great-nephew Sebastian who was born on Valentine's day! I'm very honored and proud.

Well, I've got to run off to do one of my hobbies - BOWLING - See there's things you always learn about me. I'll try to post more consistely as news is present.

My birthday message is simple - live like there's no tomorrow, enjoying every wonderful precious moment, because the now - the present is THE PRESENT! It is the gift. If you're not enjoying your life and living the life you want then take steps, even small ones, to take ownership of your life. You are the writer, director, producer and star of your show. PS., you're also the audience - and if you don't like the show, transform it into one you do like.

Live, love, laugh for all the years, days, and moments of your life!

Making it in Mexico

My blog posting has been pretty sparse lately. Sorry about that, but then again the premise of this blog has always primarily been to inform about my life as an actor, which has been somewhat slow, except for The Etch A Sketch show which was really fun and we packed the house on our second show a week ago. There will probably be some more shows in February so if you didn't catch it yet, there's still hope.

That being said, I've been in Silao, Mexico this week. I'm sitting in my hotel room typing this at this moment. I'm here on a work-related capacity and I've been working some crazy hours and having lots of 'fun' dealing with the cultural differences and challenges here, but it has also been an amazing experience for me. My first time to spend this much time in rural Mexico. The people I've met (mostly work associates) have been amazing and friendly! Tomorrow I'm going to try to see some of the local area since my official work is done, so now it's Touristo Time. I also regrettably haven't been taking too many pictures here because again, I've mostly been 'working' and it's hard for me to use my gigantic Nikon D80 when working.

I did get a cool picture on my camera phone and if I can figure out how to send it from the phone to my blog I'll post it. It's actually in the spirit of my friend Leon Cohen's 'urinal pictures', with a slight change. I was in the Aeropuerto de Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico City Airport) on my way here and they had very cool sinks in the Men's Room. Words can't really describe so I'll post the picture when I can.

Anyway, I will end this post now. I'm looking forward to taking some tourist time tomorrow and then coming back home on Monday. I'll be glad to be home.

--Rex Hoss

Positivity and the New Year

First welcome to the 2008 Edition of my Blog! Hope you all had a fantastic, fun, and safe holiday season and New Year's celebration! I KNOW I did! I thought I'd start this year off with something inspiring - thus the video. I find it inspiring and amazing that the guy in this video has turned something most would consider a handicap, into something both amazing and inspiring. His love of dance and amazing attitude are very motivational to me.

I chose that video to represent, for me, the overcoming of challenges which we all face in some form, in our lives. Last year started on a sour note for me but by my own determination to make my life better, I turned 2007 into a very fun and fulfilling year for myself. As I glance back at my posts from last year, I have evidence of the life-changing, good times I had. I am so thankful and grateful for everyone, and every opportunity which blessed me during the year! Everyone who's life touched mine has enriched me and made me better, and I hope, in some small way that I've done that for the people I've met and interacted with last year.

My designs for 2008 are going to be equally inspiring to me. I intend to make this year better, than last, and one hell-of-a good time for me. While I'm not much on making 'resolutions', I have gained much insight this past year and I know that by setting goals, and living them - literally expecting them, they will happen. It happened so many times last year for me, it blows my mind, and I'm getting better, and better at creating the life I want for myself.

As an inspiration for yourself, my suggestion to you is to make some goals for yourself. Write Them Down. Then, every day, visualize your life as if those goals have already been achieved - literally living as if they've already happened. You will undoubtedly surprise yourself at the end of this year, by going back to your list and seeing how many of your goals you actually HAVE achieved.

Give it a try. There's really only one thing in life which is holding us back - and that is our own beliefs about what is possible to attain and achieve in our lives. If you get out of your own way, you will assuredly surprise and delight yourself with what you ARE capable of doing. I urge you to do this and make 2008, truly GREAT!

-- Happy New Year, Rex Hoss

Link Between Thanksgiving and the Law of Attraction

Inspiring video about the law of attraction and Thanksgiving.

--Rex Hoss

Christmas Gift Ideas

The Holidays are here! It's that annual cry heard around the world. Christmas, Hanuka, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Whatever world you call it they're here. I'm going through my usual self-debate about what to get people, if anything. I'm, in some respects diametrically opposed to buying gifts for people. I NEVER know what to get people, and when asked what I want, my taste is invariably more expensive than most people want to spend! So, my question to you my dear readers, is What and how do you go about deciding what to get people for the Holidays? Do you use any software or websites to track your purchases and recipients? Last year I made an Excel spreadsheet, but I'm exploring some websites. Also I've found a nifty Amazon.com website which I use to list my wishlist of items (remember my previous statement about price all you potential gift givers.)

Anyway, let me know! I really want to know how you feel and deal with gift giving for the Holidays! Cheers to you, I look forward to your comments!

--Rex Hoss

Thanks and Giving

Since the traditional Holiday Season is now upon us with Tomorrow being Thanksgiving. I thought I'd take a moment to contemplate how thankful I am for all that life has given me this year. I've had an amazing time this year. I've been in two plays, a movie, been on many interesting auditions. I've met some amazing people who I can't begin to list but I'm thankful for meeting everyone I have had the pleasure of working with and/or getting to know in my various endeavors. I've reconnected with some old friends and mad new ones. I've taken some amazing photographs and been fortunate enough to have and add to my photographic equipment. I've had an amazing job which provides me a good lifestyle and opportunity. I've shed over 20 pounds and I'm looking and feeling better than last year. That's only a partial list, but it drives the point home. I have a LOT to be thankful for this year and my readers and supports are definitely part of what I'm thankful for.

Now try this yourself - Make a list of the things you're thankful for in your life. It can be as detailed as you like - it's up to you. But remember as you sit down to that feast tomorrow that you do indeed have much to be thankful for. Also remember to be thankful for the small things - I can afford to pay my bills, I have ability to recognize beauty in this world. It's addictive and fun, but more importantly, it's also life-changing. See as you focus on what you are thankful for, you will actually draw more of that to you. Some call this the "law of attraction", but I know it's true and working in my life.

So go ahead, give thanks, be grateful, enjoy the Holidays, friendship, family, the crazy shopping spree (you know you love shopping). Enjoy it all and rejoice in this wonderful journey we're all on called life!

I love you all,

-- Thankfully, Rex Hoss