my story . . .

how it all began

How do years of being a Mechanical Engineer working in the Aerospace industry prepare someone for the entertainment biz? Besides the obvious…there are plenty of opportunities to hone your acting talents each time you smile and say "yes sir, everything's great" and then there's always the chance to perfect your tap dancing skills once a year during your performance review. But mostly, being held captive by Corporate America is a huge motivator to find a way out and give up a long standing membership in CDOA (Cubicle Dwellers of America).

the "great escape"

The plan known as the "great escape" started with writing a screenplay. Yes, just write a screenplay, make the movie and become rich and famous…because every screenplay gets made into a hit movie, right? When that didn't go as planned, a couple of world famous DJ's said "hey, why don't you review movies for us". Then, just as any not-quite-certifiably crazy people would do, we created our own hit weekly movie review TV show. Until one of us (nope…wasn't me) decided the "great escape" was just too much work. But, the show and the escape plan go on. Listen for me on great radio stations across the country and look for me on TV...you just never know where you might see me.

Didn't Dawn used to do the show with some guy ?

What guy?

Why does everyone on the crew have a nickname?

Well, Barry insists on having one because he is always undercover. As far as the other guys go, trust me...the names fit!

Can I still see your TV show somewhere?

It's not currenlty on air. But, if you really want to see it again, just write your congressmen and insist they put us back on! Because we know how effective congressmen can be in getting stuff done? Anyway, a better idea might be to write, call or text Drew Carey and tell him we'd rock as a co-host team!

Is it true that you’re a Rocket Scientists in your day job?

No – my business cards say “Rocket Scientists,” but “Secret Agent Astronauts” (Barry is so jealous) would be a much more accurate title.  Actually, I am an Engineer (yes, I know...boring), and am working in the aerospace industry among some of America’s greatest minds and talents, but my job is more administrative than scientific.  Yes, there’s nothing more exciting than a bureaucrat!  Eat your hearts out, Rocket Scientists!!!

Where did you get the idea to write a screenplay?

We were averaging thirteen to twenty-four crazy ideas a day when screenwriting came up and somehow got away from us.  To actually create - from nothing - the roadmap for what could be a major motion picture sounded daunting; but, as it turns out, it’s like everything else.  It takes a whole lot of persistence and dedication.  Even if our first screenplay Water Drop never becomes a movie, it was a worthwhile and fulfilling experience.  Oh, and just so you know, our only other plausible idea was to open a Chipotle restaurant (Clint would have loved that) – but that takes money, and – well – we didn't have any.

So how did you end up doing movie reviews on the radio?

As part of our networking effort to sell our screenplay, we asked local entertainment DJ gurus Johnjay and Rich to take a look at it.  Being great guys, they agreed – not realizing, of course, that we would hound them relentlessly for feedback and assistance.  As an alterative to a restraining order, they offered to let us do movie reviews for their show if we’d stop harassing them.  That started our adventure into the world of movie reviewing.  Now you can catch me every Friday morning on radio stations around the country. And keep watching for me to turn up on a TV station near you.

Do you get nervous on the air with millions listening?

There are people listening??? So, the key is to not think about it! It's about having fun and being enertaining too. So, denial is the only way to go to keep from getting nervous.

How did you end up with a TV show ?

One thing we've learned along the way . . . it doesn't hurt to ask . . . again . . . again . . . and again. Eventually, just maybe, someone will take a leap of faith and give you a chance. That combined with a whole lot of stupid luck was our magic formual for ending up with a TV show.

Does it bother you when people disagree with your reviews?

Of course not!  Art and entertainment create very personal experiences.  I just try to explain the experience with a particular movie in hopes that you can figure out which movies you might want to see. If I see a really bad movie (happens way too often), I am just taking one for the team and will hopefully save you from wasting your time and money.

Is it true that some celebrities and movie studios have been a teensy bit upset with your reviews?

Hmmm . . . the best answer here is . . . no comment. Of course, we can't be held responsible for any details that might "slip" out during the shows. I think they call that freedom of speech. At least I hope so!    

How did you create such a PHENOMENAL web site?

Why, thank you for calling it phenomenal!!!  After soliciting quotes from several reputable firms and specialist around the world, we selected the world famous. often referred to as a "God", Web Guy. Only he could create something like this. And Movie Night Traffic Light would be NOTHING with out him. Okay, Web Guy...we are on to you. We know where this question and answer came from!

Do you get a lot of help from your friends and families?

Tons!  I rely heavily on friends and families for both help and morale support.  It wouldn't be such an exciting journey with out them! In fact, it's a journey I wouldn't take if they weren't standing beside me the whole way.