During the presentation for the preshow, I introduced Wes, a singer from Cameroon. He finished with a beautiful chant for President-Elect Obama, and revealed the optimism that is growing world wide. I got to talk with him after, and in an emotion filled moment noted that we all see our face in Obama’s. Wes can see his face, I can see mine. Therefore I can see my face in Wes’s and he can see his in mine, and with this connection we can use this key to make something wonderful together. That is the optimism that we need right now.

It was a true honor to be at the special edition of the World Music Awards. Beyonce, Estelle, Kid Rock, Akon, Lola Ponce and many others helped celebrate World Music, with a special award gong to the Beatles, accepted by Ringo Starr.

The executive producers John Martinotti and Melissa Corken have created something worthwhile and extraordinarily fun. Presented for many years in Monte Carlo, with sidetrips to London, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, the show has benefited the Monaco Aide and Presence Foundation, and in Monte Carlo is presented with the good will of H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco, a truly splendid person.

Of course one of the best things was to go with my fiance, D.ssa Virginia De Agostini.

It was great working with the Manetti Bros . They work with great spirit, and although they are two, work with one great big heart.

I had the opportunity to work in Italian, my partner was played by a fine Italian actor Bruno Armando. I also got to drive around a Lamborghini.

portrait by faithmouse

Marco and Antonio Manetti came over and told me of their love for American football and particularly for the Cincinatti Bengals. They follow the team religiously and have traveled to Cincinatti to see their heroes in action. Marco even has an immense Bengal tattoo, but I will let him show you where.

They found an American football courtesy of one of the background actors, a linebacker for the Bologna named Giacopo. He was over two hundred pounds, strong and fast. He had his football nearby.

We spent the morning shooting scenes and playing punt pass and kick. In honor of their beloved Bengals, we wrote Go Bengals on the ball and used it in a scene.

The rest of the morning went very well. I love working with the Manetti Bros. They are well regarded, and considered a hip cult pair…with good reason. Their work has a unique style, and is filled with a combination of hip irony and realism.

I enjoyed a day of filmmaking and football as autumn arrives in Bologna Italy. I appreciate the Manetti Bros fondness for the Bengals, but my heart and mind stay with my Denver Broncos. Forza Denver!

A cold spell here brings an end to summer and an early autumn.

It’s good to be back here, but my election addiction is satisfied by the internet.   The glow of my computer is keeping me warm and aware.

I will also be preparing for a new role: known only as “bob” in an interesting project by the Italian version of the Coen brothers: The Manetti Bros.  I will start shooting in Mid October (In Italian again).  I look forward to working with these great guys on “Ispettore Coliandro”.

So if these guys are the Italian version of the Coen brothers, what Italian actor am I an American version of?

Pictured: Manetti Bros and The Coen Brothers.

Their work has put this country’s economy into a talespin, kept us in a very profitable (for them) war, reduced America’s moral authority around the world, and we will have years of repair for the damage that they have done.

Barack Obama is our chance to repair that damage. He is running a new kind of campaign, resisting the pull of negative campaigning, and reaching out to over 2 million donors.

I want to do my part to bring in some more. I have a little fundraiser on line, and for the cost of a frappucino or almost a gallon of gas you can get started.

Please check in and start with 5 or 10 dollars, and help us move past the well funded and negative campaign that could damage us more, and begin using a new president as a key to a new future.

This is only available for U.S. Citizens and Residents, sorry.

This will be Monday August 11th.  It is my 15th appearance, and it is a blast working with Craig.  Even if he is my arch rival. Here is a video from last year.