Anthony B. Harris's blog

Harrison Ford's character Indiana Jones hates snakes. Harrison Ford's character Han Solo is an intergalactic rebel and pirate that is the antithesis of Empirical establishments. Harrison Ford's character Rick Deckard had a good sense of what is fake.  Indy, Solo, and Deckard know that "nothing comes for free". Snakes in the form of human beings are sneaky. Corporate Empires look at the consumers as gullible and have a habit of trying to pull the wool over our eyes. False hopes and dreams are shoved down our throats every day. That is why I have a problem with the way that the recent Casting Call for "42", the story of Jackie Robinson and starring Harrison Ford, is being handled in regards to Macon, GA.

For those in the dark, here is the abridged version: Recently, a call had been put out for extras that will be needed to fill Luther Williams Field for two days in June. Instead of paying these extras, some entity decided that they will offer the CHANCE to win numerous prizes (trips, electronics, even a "Featured" extra role) as well as free food. You are also teased with the idea that you will "hang out " with the stars and with the possibility of being seen on the big screen. I have a problem with this for numerous reasons.

- "No one gets anything for free". We have all been taught that for as long as we can remember. Is there truly going to be a winner of one of these fabulous prizes? What if the "winners" of these prizes are people that are connected or working for the "Company"? Free food? Wow. Thanks. That is the least you can do if I am going to sit around for 12 hours or more on a movie set. "Featured extra"? Again, how legitimate is this contest. How do we not know if this "Featured extra" winner has not already been selected from somewhere else?

This is about to get ugly. The head of Medusa is about to be revealed. There is no Prince in sight that can wake Sleeping Beauty. But don't take it personal. After all, it is only subjective.

Of late, there is so much talk of what is "ugly". Being a free thinking human being that believes, whole-heartedly, in freedom of speech and opinion, I could not let an opportunity pass me by to put in my "ugly" two-cents. After it has all been said and done, feel free to give me my change if you felt as if I spent too much.

-The Dunwody's are ugly. From Elliott and B.J.'s behavior and actions during the recent MACON FILM FESTIVAL to Gene, Jr.'s "Napoleon complex" this family obviously has a case of "our shit don't stink-itis". Get over yourselves. You all are not all that and you are ugly.

-Two thirds of Downtown Macon is ugly and it is the 2/3 that is empty, run down and an eye-sore. Oh surprise, the Dunwody's own some of that "ugliness". Ugly begats ugly.

-Some of the local, Downtown, businesses that publicly act as if they are concerned about the welfare of this area and want all businesses to succeed, but behind closed doors have a seperate agenda are ugly. I find it quite odd that the corner of Poplar and Second (a hop, skip, and jump away from Macon's hottest, new hangout) is currently under construction (coming soon: a Mongolian restaurant?) and said sight cannot be seen if one stands at the corner of Cherry and Second and looks in that direction. "Hail Caesar!"

-Howie Handsel is back in town. Oh hell, this could get ugly.

Macon has a way of isolating its citizens. There is definitely a wall that has been erected. A wall between the clique and the struggling artist/outsider. With the addition of our education woes and the fact that we have "the Pinkest party in town", it only seems fitting that a collective of Macon's music artists should come together for a one time tribute concert. That concert: Performing PINK FLOYD's THE WALL in its entirety.

Now it is too late to put this together in time for this year's CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL but with a little bit of drive and cooperation, I see no reason why this can't become a reality during next year's Festival. With that being said, below is a complete list of the songs (in order) that make up THE WALL. Following the song is a locally based musician/band that, I think, could pull off the song in their own inimitable way. Enjoy.

1.) IN THE FLESH? - Our show begins with this fantastic piece whose lyrics match one band to a T. "Tell me is something eluding you, Sunshine. Is this not what you expected to see? If you want to find out what's behind these cold eyes? You'll just have to claw your way through this disguise" matches MOTHER CUNT and their cross-dressing drummer perfectly. It can also be construed as an eerie reflection of our city. A city that has a habit of sweeping things under the rug and trying to mask its real problems.

2.) THE THIN ICE - Heavy on piano/keyboard, I could very easily see and hear ANNA MAE KERSEY performing this grandiose number.

3.) ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL, PART 1 - There are three parts to this song and the first part gets a Bluegrass/Country/Americana/Folk make over. STERLING WAITE & THE COTTON AVE. HUSTLERS starts it off in a slightly relaxed but getting dangerously close to the edge sort of way.

If the Mayans are correct, at least we are going out with a bang. We are only two months into the last year of all of our lives and the City of Macon's foundation has already begun to rattle. At least on a personal level.

With the help of a core group of fellow mischief makers, we have been pretty successful in orchestrating a coup d'etat in the local Art scene. THE ART BLOCK WITH ANT & DERRICK will make its debut on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 12:30 PM on Macon TV WPGA (channel 6 on your dial and the Dish Network). Not only will it feature and highlight Artists of all types and genres but it will feature the coolest commercials in the region and quite possibly the Nation. Check your local listings and the Facebook page devoted to it. If you want to take part, let us know.

Gotcha. Admit it, the moment the above title left your lips the first thought that entered your mind was "Here we go again. What is this asshole going to complain about this time?" Sorry to disappoint. My latest piece has nothing to do with my incontinent behavior towards all that I find deplorable. It has to do with music. The music that calls Macon home. The artists that perform week after week. Pushing their sound and wearing their heart on their sleeve. It celebrates what we have by integrating the sounds from a bigger stage.

The following list features local acts and two songs (sometimes three) that I think would fit them well (yet done in their own, original style). There is an obvious choice and there is a not so obvious choice. Keep in mind, that it is opinion and open to interpretation. Let's Go!

BACK CITY WOODS: The Obvious - With the opening line, "Our Dad he was a bolt of lightning, and our Mama was a storm." and a driving, rolling, rhythm, Red Lane & Hank Cochran's "Brother River" is the perfect song for the Back City Boys to cover.The Not So Obvious - The subject matter and the instrumentation make 80's Hair Band WARRANT's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" a shoe-in as a not so obvious cover.

DEAN BROWN: The Obvious - It is a no-brainer for Macon's Marley................."Mr. Brown" by the great Bob Marley is the obvious choice. Besides, it is one of my favorite songs by the Father of Reggae. The Not So Obvious - Dylan's "Knocking on Heaven's Door" has been covered to death. So what. It would work with a reggae sound behind it and I think that Mr. Brown could deliver the lyrics with conviction. 

Although I want to steer away from the adage about the Phoenix, I will say this - THE REEL MACON FILM FESTIVAL was conceived from the ashes of incompetence. Incompetence on behalf of THE MACON FILM FESTIVAL.

From the beginning my shared opinion has always been that any movie produced & filmed (with local talent to boot)in the Central GA. region should automatically be included in a film festival that includes MACON in the title. The rebuttal that I hear is that the name has to do with the location - it takes place in Macon. We all know that that is bullshit. If that was the case, then why have events connected to Macon's very own such as Melvyn Douglas, Carrie Preston, and Lisa Sheridan? If you are going to celebrate Macon's film past and present then celebrate all of it. Which brings me back to how the THE REEL MACON FILM FESTIVAL came about.

At the inaugural MACON FILM FESTIVAL event, my very low budget short MAX & MORITZ was shown. Last year CUFFED was shown. Having completed the trifecta - MAX & MORITZ was shown at THE COX CAPITOL THEATRE and CUFFED was shown at THE DOUGLASS THEATRE and THE MARRIOTT CENTER, it did not matter where my entry for this year, VICIOUS CYCLE, would be screened as long as it was screened. As I found out yesterday, that is not to be.

As the end of the year approaches it is time to reflect as well as honor those that grace us with their presence in this beautiful city that we call Macon. Keep in mind that this is one persons opinion (just as other award ceremonies are strictly opinion based) and for entertainment purposes only. Don your thick skin. Here we go.

The City's Own Worst Enemy Award: It is a tie. Robert Reichert and Joe Allen. Presentation and knowledge is 3/4 of the battle and with these two you get neither. They both butcher the English language and rarely know what they are talking about. They are ill-informed and to outsiders they "dumb down" the City. At least C. Jack spoke well.

The Lioness of Macon Award: Yolanda Y-O Latimore. I have known Y-O for a long time and have seen many sides of her. I have seen her shoot down and embarrass a Downtown fixture who was "macking" on her, I have witnessed her talent, and she is a smart, goal oriented and driven lady. Unlike the next recipient, she is an asset to the City.

The In it for the 15 Minutes Award: Elaine Lucas. There are at least a dozen people that this award could have been bestowed upon but just as she squeaked out a victory in the last election, she pulls this one out as well. With Vanity plates, air time that amounts to zilch, and holding on to a dream that is an absolute nightmare, Mrs. Lucas is the local equivalent of Kim Kardashian - she gets publicity for doing absolutely nothing.

This is going to be short and sweet. There is at least one thief amongst us in the Downtown area. As alot of you know, the well respected Angel Collins had an item near and dear to her stolen a few weeks back. I was aware of the larceny and had my eyes on the lookout for the item. Having spotted what I thought might be it while sitting in ROASTED one morning, I worked out a plan to get it in my hands. If you are interested in how it went down ask Mrs. Collins.

I did not do what I did for accolades. I did not do it for reward. I did it because I know how it is to lose something that means alot to you. I did it because, of all people, Angel Collins did not deserve that. I did it so that maybe, just maybe we can have a little bit better place to live in. Which brings me to why I am writing this.

Those responsible will be held accountable. We can't prove who stole it but we have a pretty good idea and I am going to use this forum to call this scumbag out. It is quite fitting that Angel was the catalyst that prompted me to write my first blog because now I am using this tool to warn everyone about the aforementioned scumbag. He calls himself "J.C." (talk about irony) and he is a Downtown regular. He is about 6 feet tall and has some gold teeth. He is black and has semi-short dreads. He is usually wearing a skull cap of some sort and he has some facial hair (Goatee or Van Dyke, whichever you prefer to call it). He is always on Poplar street when the local Missionaries are giving out free food. He is a true parasite.

It is my vow that whenever I see him I will call him out for the thief that he is. I ask you to do the same. This is one way to maybe rid this area of those that don't deserve our company. Shun the bastard and let him know that we are on to him. He will either A) change his ways or B) move on.

"The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about." - Oscar Wilde

This column was originally going to be posted a day or two after the ROCK N' REEL event at The Grand Opera House. I postponed it due to the fact that I received a tip that Chris Horne's next column in THE ELEVENTH HOUR would feature a segment about me. I read the column for the first time while sitting in ROASTED (read my take on that "hot spot" right here at Maconscene.com) drinking my hot tea. Other than the owner, I was the only person in the place and laughed loudly while reading Chris' well written and funny piece about yours truly. As I have stated many times before, we all love replies to and critiques of our work. So before I address Chris' column and the ROCK N' REEL event I want to thank Chris for giving me one more item to place in one of my four boxes that contains record or hardcopy of everything that I have created as well as articles, photos, etc. that features me. I have always thought that people should keep and cherish all that contributes to their history and time on this Earth. It becomes record for future generations to hear and read about. It allows us to live on long after we are dead. My children (and theirs) will be able to learn more about me and my beliefs thanks to articles such as Chris'. That being said, I need to clarify a few points that Chris brought up. You can thank me later for the valuable insight.

One of my favorite places was Killian's Coffeeshop on the corner of Third and Cherry. It wasn't because they had the best coffee. I did like their sandwiches and the prices were incredibly reasonable. Besides the locale, the main reason that I liked this place was the ownership. Greg Smith and his family were nice, cracked, people that brought a sense of honesty to Downtown. They did not try to portray perfection nor did they put on airs. I had many a great conversation and debate with Greg about religion, music, movies, books, and whatever the latest trends were in the news. I would sit in my usual spot for hours reading, learning lines for the latest play that I was participating in, or just hanging out while my kids, Elizabeth & Max, were playing with the structures namesake, Greg and Julyie's grandson, Killian. When we first met the Smith's, Heather and I (along with Max) had just taken Elizabeth to school. It was around Halloween and because the school that she attends allowed the students to dress in their costumes, Elizabeth was dressed as Alice from Wonderland. Being the kind of father that I am, I dressed as the Mad Hatter so that she had a partner in crime. Besides, who doesn't want to dress like that iconic character of literature every once in awhile. Immediately after our school visit, we went to Killian's. As we walked in, I could tell by the off kilter look on their faces that they were thinking " Oh boy, what did we get into. " To this day Greg brings up the way I looked when we first met.