Is it better to be liked or respected?

We humans compromise to please the ones we love. In the case of our parents, it is right    that we do so. However, we often find that we have to accommodate others, which then begs the question - how far should we go? We do this in various situations, but perhaps do not take time to think whether our actions are really in our best interests.

In the workplace, bosses request us to do things, with which we often feel uncomfortable. After our superiors inform us that we would be "taking one for the team" if we did so, we end up doing what is required of us nonetheless. We act this way, because we are programmed to think that the team is what is most important at work and not the individuals in it.

In our marriages, we do things to please our husbands and wives, which we might not normally do. We do this because society expects us to do so. After all, how good will a marriage be, if the parties to it do not compromise once in a while?

In our friendships, our friends sometimes ask us to do things for them, with which we do not agree. We comply with their requests out of fear that we will lose them as friends.

All the while, we are pressured to do things we would not do, if we were only thinking about ourselves. But, we tell ourselves that we have to do so, if we want to survive. We sometimes take actions, which go against our principles. We occasionally do things, inconsistent with our religious beliefs. We even act from time to time without common sense. Do we really do these things just because we feel worse off, if we do not take these actions; or is there perhaps another reason?

In this regard, it could be argued that we sometimes act out of character in the way we do, out of a need to be liked. It would be natural to think that we have to be liked in order to succeed. The suggestion would be that the more friends we have, the more likely we are to thrive. That would be correct. However, there is an equally compelling argument that this success is not worth it, if we have to sacrifice our principles to achieve it. Further, there will be those, who advance the notion that if a person is truly gifted, they will be successful regardless.

Everyone has their own values and standards. They may not reflect our own, but they should still be respected. There is however merit in Martin Luther King Jr.'s hope for a world, where every individual would only be judged on the content of their character.

In the final analysis, it is for the individual to decide whether it is more important to be liked or respected. Is it possible to be both?

Romer Cherubim                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                        

Interview with Sivan Gavish, American blogger and author

Sivan Gavish was raised in California, but moved to Las Vegas, NV with her family when she was 9 years old. Sivan has lived in Las Vegas ever since. Sivan graduated from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas with a degree in Journalism and Media Studies and a minor in theater in 2015.

After college, Sivan interned with the Fox 5 MORE show in Las Vegas and was awarded the Tony and Linda Bonnici Scholarship Fund for Broadcasting.

Sivan is now a blogger and her blog on the internet is called The Olive Brunette. This blog is devoted to aspects of life in Las Vegas, covering fashion, food, tourism, lifestyle and more besides. Sivan is active on social media and has over 2,200 followers on Instagram and is well-known on the Las Vegas social scene.

What some people may not know however is that Sivan is also a published author. Her book entitled "Las Vegas Cocktails: Over 100 Recipes Inspired by Sin City" is stocked in Hardback by Barnes & Noble and Waterstones, among other reputable bookstores. To have a book published is a significant achievement for anybody and even more so for Sivan, given that she is only 27.

I was curious to find out more about what drives Sivan's love for Las Vegas and asked her these questions.

Photo Credits x 3: Bethany Paige

RC:

What makes Las Vegas special, compared to other cities in the US?

SG:

Las Vegas is magical to me. I love that I can be anywhere in this city and see the mountains - there is a good mix of city and suburban life. The best part about Las Vegas is that most people that visit don't realize that there is more to life here than just the Strip. I love watching eyes light up as they visit other parts of the valley and see the beautiful mountains as well as the homes that surround the famous hotels.

RC:

What do you like most about Las Vegas?

SG:

I love that I live in a place people from around the world travel to. I live in a place that is on people's bucket lists. That's pretty flippen cool. Every time I walk the Strip or eat at one of the hotels, I am humbled knowing that this is my home.

RC:

What do you dislike about Las Vegas?

SG:

It gets so hot in the summertime! For those that don't know, Las Vegas is a desert, so we can sometimes reach 120 degrees. It is brutal.

RC:

What made you choose a career as a blogger about Las Vegas?

SG:

I have had the privilege to travel to many parts of the world and each time I travel I'm asked what living in Las Vegas is like. Someone even asked me what hotel I live in. Not judging that question, I just thought it was funny that people are not really familiar with this city and the fact that there is more to life than just the Strip. It was that moment that made me decide to write about this city and have everyone see what I see as a local.

RC:

Las Vegas is famous as being the "Entertainment Capital of the World". Which celebrity do you think is most responsible for earning the city this accolade?

SG:

Oh, that's a tough question! There have been many celebrities here in Vegas. The first person that comes to mind is Celine Dion. She had a 16-year residency at the Colosseum at Caesars. It was unbelievable.

RC:

Which Las Vegas based celebrity would you most like to interview for your blog and why?

SG:

Celine Dion! She has so much grace and such a beautiful presence. I have so many questions for her!

RC:

What advice would you give to a foreigner, who has never visited Las Vegas before and has now chosen it as a destination for an upcoming holiday?

SG:

Welcome! Prepare to see slot machines everywhere you go, from the airport to the gas stations and supermarkets. Enjoy the Strip, but also take in the sites around you. Visit Red Rock, Hoover Dam, and Mt. Charleston. If you're visiting in the summer, please be mindful and drink LOTS of water.

RC:

What do you miss most about Las Vegas when you are away?

SG:

The mountains!

RC:

What do you hope you will be doing in 5 years?

SG:

I will still be blogging! I have not even scratched the surface of what I want to write about and take pictures of. There is so much to cover! I would also like to incorporate more video so that readers can have a better visual of this city.

RC:

You write in your blog that Las Vegas is "The Capital of Second Chances". Why do you feel this way?

SG:

We are an oasis in the middle of the desert. People come here from all over the world to fulfill a dream and get a second chance.

The website address for Sivan's blog The Olive Brunette is www.theolivebrunette.com. Go, check it out!

The world is your oyster, Sivan.

Many thanks.

Romer Cherubim

Freelance Journalist and Blogger

UK

   

       

Interview with Deanna Rashell, American actress and director

Deanna Rashell was born in Vallejo, CA. She was a bit of a tomboy in her youth, but decided to embrace her feminine side. She began acting much later in life.

This award-winning actress did not take the standard route into this profession. Instead of putting the focus of her attention on finding acting jobs only in Los Angeles, Deanna branched out. She has had acting roles in LA, New Orleans and now lives and works in Atlanta, GA. Deanna's acting highlights include playing Scott Bakula's wife, Shirley MacLaine's daughter-in-law and starring in two scenes with Christopher Plummer in the comedy-drama film Elsa & Fred (2014), guest starring in the CBS TV series NCIS: New Orleans EP #214, again appearing alongside Scott Bakula, and acting in the film Sunset Strip Crime (2015), for which she was awarded Best Actress. Deanna also directed Sunset Strip Crime, which was released by her company Outlook Productions.

Deanna can also be seen playing a Secret Agent in the TV mini-series Government Lies (2012 - 2018). She has just finished playing the co-lead role in the SAG feature film The Contrast, which is in post-production. Deanna is currently playing multiple characters in a web series she created, called The Granny Diaries. She does most of the camera work, writes the episodes and edits them. She is also slated to star in and produce a Sci-Fi TV pilot called Soul Wars in fall 2020 and has another strong supporting role in a feature film called Heir of the Witch, which films in NC in the summer of 2020.

Deanna plays both comedic and dramatic parts equally well. Whether she is playing a glamorous wife, a secret agent, a hippy chick or even a granny, Deanna always brings her 'A' game to any acting role she takes on. Aside from her obvious acting talent, Deanna has diversified to offer her services to budding filmmakers, keen to bring their own stories to life on the internet. In this regard, Outlook Productions is willing to deal with all pre production and production work, associated with these projects and will advise on post production. Deanna is therefore keen to give back to the profession, which has already given her so much.

               
               

                                                           

I asked Deanna these questions during a break in filming.

RC:

How is filming progressing with The Granny Diaries?       

DR:   
I just wrapped one of my favourites. It's called Corona Quarantine Pranks. This was actually tough to create, but I knew I had to. I, like many others, was feeling down and unhappy with the whole shutdown situation and after a few days, I knew I had to bring some laughter to the world and create some art! An idea just came to me, so I wrote the script and started filming. I didn't even study the lines. I picked up the script and went straight to doing the takes. I didn't do many takes either. It ended up being really funny and  dynamic! I have another one I'm almost done writing. I may shoot that this week! 

RC:   
What has been your favorite acting assignment?

DR:   
I would say the ones with the big stars, but actually the role with The Contrast because I was in so many scenes and had a lot of unique dialogue. It was challenging and then midway through the shoot, they fired the director and we basically reshot everything and my character went from overly bubbly and shallow to dark, deceitful and shallow.  

RC:   
As an actress, which genre do you prefer - comedy or drama?
DR:  

Oh man, I prefer to do action and comedy! I do love drama, but only when I play a strong bad ass character. Those are fun or a really bad guy! I'm a great bad guy ☺. But comedy is awesome, I have a lot of energy and can just go go go when I'm on set.

RC:   
Is there any acting job you would refuse to take?
DR:
Yes, anything that really conflicts with my core beliefs or something that promotes something I am totally against. I would have to read the whole script though to be sure there was actually a conflict. Sometimes you can play the character that you hate but the overall message you love, so I would advise any actor to read the story before turning down a role.


RC:   
You have acted with Shirley MacLaine, Christopher Plummer and Scott Bakula. Is there anything specific you have learnt from any or all of them, which has helped to hone your skills as an actress?
DR: 
I would say Scott was super friendly and just a regular down to earth guy. He cared about me as an actress and made sure I got the camera time I needed. I was actually going through a tough time on that set because my kitty cat was at home dying. It was so sad really but I kept upbeat, didn't tell anyone about what I was going through, so his kindness really helped me to stay focused. 


RC:  
What is the best acting advice you have ever received?
DR:    
Let it go, forget it, after an audition, don't beat yourself up, inspect it quickly, find out how you could improve it then forget about it, "next".

RC:    
What is the worst acting advice you have ever received?

DR:
This will be unpopular but I am not a fan of substitutions. I don't want to picture my mom dying or my partner having an affair or some other awful thing happening to someone I know just to reach an emotional state. I don't feel it's healthy for the actor's "real life".

RC:    
I understand that you would like to secure an acting role in the UK or Ireland. If you manage to do so, which British-born actor would you want as your leading man?

DR:
Oh Lord, I have no idea ☺. Hopefully someone that is skilled, has a great attitude and good breath ☺. Off the top of my head, I'd go for the gold and choose Sam Heughan from Outlander!

RC:    
What do you hope you will be doing in 5 years?

DR:   
I'd like to be working as a series regular on a network show and team up with some other creatives and be working on our own projects for theatrical or network release.

RC:   
If you had to choose, would you opt for wealth or happiness?

DR:
I want both. I wouldn't choose one over the other. I don't need to be a billionaire, but money can certainly make life more enjoyable and if you are not happy then what's the point!

Deanna's latest project The Granny Diaries can be seen on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/GrannyDiariesTV/. Otherwise, you are welcome to watch it on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGhxEjKEzqzupO2SXS1oWVTJBS6yOizA.

If you would like to see more of Deanna's work as an actress/producer, please check out her personal website www.deannarashell.com. Alternatively, you can visit Deanna's business website www.outlookproductions.net for a closer look at her accomplishments as a director.

Thanks, Deanna.

Romer Cherubim
Freelance journalist and Blogger
UK

            

Heavyweight boxers: the nicest people

Heavyweight boxers are people that definitely have to be admired. Every time they enter the ring, they risk their lives for the entertainment of others.

Heavyweight boxers are known for their ferocious strength, many of them possessing, in one punch, the power to end a fight. However, little attention is paid to what they are like as people. This is a pity as a lot of them are the kindest, most generous and most humorous people you will ever meet. 

Of course, work is work and life is life. But, there is more to these sportsmen's personalities than a simple distinction between their professional and personal lives. Maybe, heavyweight boxers are better human beings because they appreciate how special life is more than others. They know the dangers of their sport and are therefore perhaps more mindful of the importance of treating others with respect. Regardless, heavyweight boxers need to be celebrated. In this regard, these fighters deserve special mention.

Tyson Fury

The undefeated Lineal Heavyweight Champion stands out. Tyson is a kind, cheerful and entertaining man, who can even sing. More than this, he is ready to publicly own up to the problems he has faced in his life. Tyson's mental health issues are well known and, by his own admission, nearly brought a premature end to his boxing career. However, Tyson has overcome these difficulties and is a role model to anybody, suffering from mental health problems.

Dillian Whyte

This South Londoner is a true warrior and never ducks any challenge put before him. Because of an impressive 2018, during which Dillian beat two former world champions, "The Body Snatcher" is now close to being offered a shot at the world title. As a person, Dillian is warm, humble and has a great sense of humour. He is a person you want to do well.

Luis Ortiz

"King Kong" is a ferocious puncher, whom many fighters have avoided because of the intensity he brings to the ring. In his private life, Luis is a loving father, who came to the US from his native Cuba because he wanted to find a cure for his daughter's skin condition. Indeed, Luis has gone on record as stating that this was the most important thing for him, when he left Cuba to live in the United States.

Tyson, Dillian and Luis are a credit to their sport and deserve all the accolades boxing gives and, hopefully, will give them in the future. We could all learn something from them.

Romer Cherubim

Interview with Tara Phillips, American actress & comedian

The subject of this post is Tara Phillips, an actress and comedian, based in Los Angeles. Born and raised in Auburn, MA, Tara graduated in theater from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York. After AMDA, Tara moved to LA to pursue her career as an actress. She started her career in LA, producing and performing in her own internet talk show called “I’m Just Sayin’”. This series featured Tara talking about matters of public interest and interviewing celebrities.

Tara’s engaging personality and ability to put people at ease soon made her the obvious choice to host her own TV show called “Always Talking Back” on the Tag Channel on Dish! On “Always Talking Back”, Tara showed again how comfortable she is in front of the camera.

Tara’s acting credits include a role in the film The House (2017), appearing with Will Ferrell and a part in the movie SWAT: Unit 8 (2015). This year, Tara can be seen in the Netflix comedy “Home Shopping”, starring as a co-host alongside David Hasselhoff.

Apart from her film and TV work, Tara has appeared in various music videos. Tara has even performed stand up comedy at The Comedy Store in LA, proving how versatile she is. You name it and Tara has probably done it!

I caught up with Tara, whom one critic called “a multi-talented dynamo”, to ask her a few questions about her and her craft.

Q:

What made you start a career in acting?

A:

As cheesy as it sounds, I saw the movie “Annie” when I was 5 years old and from that moment I knew I'd be a performer my whole life.

Q:

What has been your favorite acting assignment?

A:

Oh gosh, I couldn’t pick one favorite. I’ve had so many roles in my life that gave me so much excitement. However, when I created my web show “I’m Just Sayin'” it was the first time I felt I was living up to my potential in all areas. I was writing, producing, hosting and editing my own ideas and opinions all by myself which was very fulfilling.

Q:

What do you feel most comfortable doing - acting, hosting or stand up comedy?

A:

Depends on the project but the more prepared I am the most comfortable I am. It’s all

about being prepared enough to trust that you have done the work so in the performance you can just let go and live it out.

Q:

Which do you prefer - working with a script or improv?

A:

Script… 100%, however improv leaves a lot of room for true moments, especially with interviewing.

Q:

What was it like acting so closely with David Hasselhoff?

A:

Oh my gosh, so so fun. I laughed the entire day on set, what a character. He was so nice,  I had a blast, one of my favorite jobs!

Q:

I have seen it stated that you once dated Charlie Sheen. Is there any truth in this rumor?

A:

HAHAHA! Oh I completely forgot about that article. So apparently there was a bikini model back in the 90s, with the same name who was the real Tara Phillips that he dated. Whoever wrote the article googled the name and grabbed my picture instead of hers, how funny…. 

Q:

Which actor, actress or performer do you most admire and why?

A:

SO many, I love seeing inspirational speeches from actors, comedians and hosts who never gave up, started with nothing and were so persistent. They made their dreams come true and now inspire others to do the same. I also admire actors who are successful and book roles for being themselves. For example, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, Ellen DeGeneres and Lisa Kudrow… Some people argue that they always play the same character in everything they do, but I say, Yea and how great is that, You are successful, rich and famous for being yourself! Liked and book roles for being YOU, that’s awesome!

Q:

If a movie was made of your life, who would play you?

A:

Chelsea Handler or Elizabeth Banks.

Q:

What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?

A:

God only knows…. I try to stay in the moment and follow my highest excitement at any given time. That way you are more likely to give 100% to what you really want to do at that time, rather than follow a timeline of what you think you should do.

Q:

What advice would you give a budding actor or actress?

A:

HAVE FUN! We get into this business because it’s fun to play. I hear young actors wanting to be memorable, book jobs of a certain status or just do a good job…. No matter what the job is, be prepared, be grateful you are working and have fun! It’s about the journey, not the end result or validation from others.

Thanks, Tara. Here’s wishing you continued success in your career!

Romer Cherubim

Freelance journalist

UK

Motivational Speakers: a fascinating specimen of mankind

One of the captivating things about living in the West is that you can experience many events, which are as informative as they are entertaining. Such an event is a motivational speaker’s presentation. A motivational speaker gives talks to large audiences in plush surroundings. He has a team of helpers at these talks, wearing T-shirts or other garments, promoting him. Before he appears to give his talk, the speaker is announced amid such fanfare that you might think that you are about to have an audience with a superhero. Then, the motivational speaker finally runs onto his stage to applause and cheers as if he is a rock star. In addition, he can command fees for his performances that are so high that they would make doctors, lawyers and even some CEOs of large corporations green with envy. In short, motivational speakers are treated with almost godlike reverence. But what makes these people so special?

At first sight, you would have to say that there is nothing out of the ordinary about them. Motivational speakers often have little or no formal higher qualifications. Indeed, they are likely to tell their audiences this at the beginning of their talks to convince their listeners that success is possible, however unimpressive a person’s academic background is. Further, motivational speakers usually have quite dull work histories.

Motivational speakers earn their reputations by being “inspirational”. They try to convince their audiences that the pursuit of wealth is all that really matters. The speakers make it clear that they have the formula for success. They use standard classroom props such as flipboards and overhead projectors as aids. However, the most striking part of motivational speakers’ presentations is that they encourage their listeners to actively participate in their talks in a novel way. Motivational speakers do this by prompting their audiences to express their approval of the speakers aloud and at regular intervals. Cynics might say that this is brainwashing.

Most motivational speakers are millionaires. It should therefore come as no surprise that the “bottom line” is never far from their minds. During their presentations, motivational speakers promote short courses that they are offering at some later date. These courses are frankly too expensive. Regardless, audience members queue in their droves to sign up for them, in the firm belief that their respective speaker holds the key to untold riches.

There are two types of motivational speaker - “specialists” and “generalists”. The specialists are respected because they have gained names for themselves in specific industries. They encourage their listeners to follow them into these same fields and employ the same strategies that the specialists have used. On the other hand, the generalists inspire their audiences by telling them that success is within their reach if they adopt a certain way of thinking, which can be applied to any industry. The generalists are therefore more philosophical in approach. One thing that both types of speaker have in common is that they are selling a dream - a dream of what life could be like, if you follow their advice.

What kind of people are attracted to see a motivational speaker in action? It would be cruel to say that motivational speakers go for one particular demographic. However, one thing is for sure and that is they are looking for those, who for one reason or another, are lacking in direction. These people are looking for quick fixes to their problems and believe that motivational speakers provide the solutions.

It goes without saying that motivational speakers are selling a myth. As we all know, the more effort we put into an endeavour, the more benefit we derive from it. However, motivational speakers do not see things in this way. Conversely, they believe that the path to success is through their “get rich quick“ schemes. Motivational speakers portray themselves as the saviours of the dispossessed and view any sceptics with derision. These speakers develop a sort of personality cult, which is distasteful. Having said that, it would be wrong to say that they have nothing valuable to offer. But like everything in life, you need to take motivational speakers in moderation.

Romer Cherubim