Everyone,

For the first time in my life...I can't handle watching my performance in a film. Playing Rick Tabish was difficult enough, but having to fight a losing battle made me identify with him even more. First I signed on because Peter Medak asked me to. At the time Rick was more developed in the script...having scenes with his children and wife. It added depth to what seems like a shallow and evil character...

The Tabish family didn't need their son to be portrayed this way again. The truth about Rick is he was a generous ambitious man who got in with the wrong people. His father told him learn to walk before you run Rick, but Rick didn't listen. His was a Montana native who should never have been trying to run in the Vegas crowd. He loved his children and loved his family...every line I changed to make him more well rounded got axed. Every emotion I gave wasn't put in...

Rick got railroaded in real life and in this movie he got railroaded again. I apologize to his family for not winning the small battles during the filmmaking that would have better shown the loving heart this man had for those around him. I know Peter tried, but the script and the story and the product wouldn't allow him to be seen in the right light...I could go on and on. I usual don't complain, but I simply feel bad...

God Bless Rick and I hope he gets out soon and him and his family can put this nightmare behind them. 

Johnathon Schaech

What an incredible week.
I finally have broken out of my personal funk with all the madness of the financial world and political mayhem around me.

And I did that by stepping out and not making everything about me, myself and I.

I went to an event on Wednesday night that was for Habitat for Humanity. I listened to people who actually cared about others more then they cared for themselves. Volunteers, Bankers and even Politicians(even Republicans)...
...I learned Habitat is designed to help those who can't afford a home have one built for them.
Through team work and a lot of physical hard work not only from the people wielding hammers but from the bankers adjusting the monies around to make it possible...
...this team of politicians, banker, laborers make it possible for the less fortunate to fulfill the dream of owning a home.
A night full of hope and heroes...

...then on Thursday I went to see a screening of QUARANTINE.
Absolutely one the best theatrical rides of the season. It has so many fun twists and turns...it will scare the crap out of you, make you squirm and probably Laugh out loud.
I play Fletcher a cock sure fireman...he's a hoot.
But going away from the film...and going to what Fletcher represents to me. He maybe a little cocky but when it comes down to him doing his job - he is like every fireman I know.
Selfless. They put their lives in jeopardy to help and save others. The LA firefighters I worked with on the project were just the greatest group of guys.
They'd do anything for you...always reaching out to their community.
Working with these heroes gave me HOPE...

And then Friday nights event for TACA.
This topped off my week with an abundance of HOPE.
Did you know that autism can be cured?
Not every case is the same, but this group of individuals have made such an incredible movement of hope and recovery.
The work they are doing has helped children with this condition be able to live normal lives.
Jenny McCarthy has done such amazing things to bring awareness to people lost in their efforts to help their children.
TACA is absolute proof that thoughts can become things with faith and determination.
Hope, faith and recovery are alive in the autisitic community because of their efforts...

And last thing I'd like to report about with that evening.
Is my conversation with Lance Armstrong. One of my heroes.
I read his first book awhile back and I was very inspired to live life in a new way after hearing his story.

My writing partner Rich 'one nut' Chizmar went through a very similair experience as Lance did with his battle with cancer.

Many people in my life have battled this disease.

My manager is an surviver, my ex-wife, her mother, my Aunt pat, Irv's mom, Rich's sister, my grandfather, Ron Dorsey's wife and so many more have had to fight their own personal battles one way or another...

...And I've learned most everyone is effected by this CANCER WAR in one way or another...

Okay so back to Lance Armstrong.
Now, my whole life has been meeting the famous...
...But when I walked up to Lance to meet him I became quite flustered.

I think because he represents so much that lies deep within me...and I was so frightened I'd get emotional.
However, he put me at ease. We joked about Rich's one nut and how together him and rich made a pair. That kinda thing.

Well he told me he flew in from Austin and had to fly right back that night. He had the kids for the weekend.
I thought to myself. Wow. He is taking his precious time to be here for others. I mean this isn't even his charity.
And to make a long story short.
That's why he was there...because he is smart enough now to realize that it's not all about just him. That we are all one. Live Strong in that.

He made a speech about Heroes...and how the people at TACA were his heroes. Wow. Heroes really do come in a thousand different faces...don't they?

I keep looking in the mirror to see if I have the courage to find mine.

I have HOPE and I have FAITH to keep challenging my world around me to be a better place.

YES. WE. CAN.
Thanks
Johnathon