Knocking Out Diabetes- An Interview With Buster Douglas
Buster and Garrett Morris *photo courtesy of Buster Douglas
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Buster Douglas is a boxing legend. He caused one of the most surprising upsets in sports history when he knocked out undefeated champion Mike Tyson on February 11, 1990 in Tokyo, Japan; Buster was the underdog with 42-1 odds. His mother died 23 days before, but she was with him that night and he has said he won because of and for his mother; his mother is what kept him going. That fight changed his life forever and he had fame and fortune and with all of that came adversity. With 38 wins and only 6 losses he was unstoppable until diabetes knocked him down. The loss of his mother sent him into a downworld spiral, he began to eat and drink to excess and gained 200 pounds. He was nearly killed by a bout with diabetes; it sent him into a coma.
*Book cover courtesy of Buster Douglas
Buster got a second lease on life and made changes for his health. Many Americans suffer from Diabetes. It is a struggle every day; trying to find the right foods and make the right decisions. Buster had the same issues, but survived and found a way to live with this disease with his new book, “Buster’s Backyard Bar-B-Q: Knockout Diabetes Diet”. In it, he and his friend Tony Reynolds wants you to be able to live life to the fullest without the difficulty of Diabetes. Tony also shares a heartfelt story about his father and his battle with Diabetes.
I had the pleasure to talk to Buster and Tony about their book, Buster’s life now, some other thoughts and how he wants others to be able to live a full life with the disease.
Diabetes almost killed you, a lot of Americans suffer from this disease, did this inspire you to write your book?
Yes, it all started at Tony’s house and him telling me about his dad being a diabetic and what he went through and also discussed how big of an impact it (Diabetes) had been on my life. We discussed the food and how it was an adjustment for me and then it all materialized and we went from there and started creating different recipes that I liked and what his father enjoyed and that is where it all came about.
What is your most favorite recipe in the book?
The Bar- B-Q Grilled Chicken
Have any of the people who have read your book told you that it has helped them?
Tony stated: Yes, there is a guy who is following Buster on Twitter; he emailed us and told us that he and his family make the Aloha Chicken and they eat that once a week and feel that it has helped them; has lowered their cholesterol as well. We have gotten a few emails from people who like the book and the recipes.
In fact, at this year’s Memorial Tournament, Dan Sullivan, who is one of the executive directors, actually tasted the BBQ sauce on the wings and said he will start serving that at the tournament.
Are you thinking about opening up a restaurant here in Columbus Ohio for people with diabetes?
It will be more about the sauce, we are going to market it; there are talks about getting it out there.
Do you do any exercises to help your condition?
I have a treadmill and I try to do that 2 or 3 times a week for 45 minutes.
Where can your book be bought?
It is sold mainly through Amazon
You were in a movie called Pluto’s Plight; did you enjoy being in the movie and will we see you in any more movies in the future?
I enjoyed doing that movie, there was a lot of pride in it. Yes, I do plan on getting involved with some more projects, but right now I am focusing on promoting my book. I do want to get back out there and do some more movies.
You have never left Ohio, it’s always been your home and I’ve read where you been helping your community where you grew up; how are you helping?
Right now, it is about spreading the word about being healthy; living a healthier life. It is such a challenge in these times because here in America we have such a wide variety of foods we eat; we can eat 24 hours a day and I am trying to shed some light on the disadvantages of overeating and how awful it can be. We need to exercise and eat correctly. When I stopped fighting, I had to make an adjustment on how to make my life better as far as eating and drinking. I got a second chance on life.
What do you look forward to every day?
Getting out and being productive, thinking about being positive and living life to the fullest.
What is your inspiration?
My mother and father. Now I have a family, I appreciate them more every day; all the things that my parents had to go through to put a roof over our heads and to provide for us.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I like tinkering with my automobiles; I have a classic 1970 Chevy. I like being with my sons; getting involved in their lives-the activities they participate in.
Are your sons going to fall in your footsteps with boxing.
Well, right now, I don’t think so. They are playing football and basketball. My oldest son is starting his own family now.
Do you enjoy being a grandfather? Do you spoil your grandchildren a lot?
Yes, it’s cool! (Tony mentions that he spoils the grandchildren a lot; he is really good with kids)
The UFC and Mixed Martial Arts is very prevalent right now. What is your opinion on it? Do you feel that it is overshadowing boxing?
No, not at all. It is just another form of entertainment and talent. These guys use their hands and their feet; there is a lot to look out for.
Are you suffering any ailments from your previous boxing career?
No, I have no injuries related to boxing; I am thankful every day.
* If you are like me; you either know someone in your family or a close friend that has Diabetes. This book is a must read for them and you to better understand the disease and how you can enjoy food and take back your life. I found it very imformative and heartfelt. I will be giving this book as a gift to others and I hope you do too. Let’s help Buster spread the word and help us make better, healthier choices in our lives.
Please join Buster’s Backyard Bar-B-Q party here: http://iambuster.ning.com/ It is intended for people who are interested in Diabetes awareness or friends to come share info.
You can order “Buster’s Backyard Bar-B-Q: Knockout Diabetes Diet” here on Amazon: http://amzn.com/1442145862
You can also follow Buster on Twitter! http://twitter.com/iambuster
Please Read My Movie Review of Shrooms on Lost Highway!
Please check it out here! http://www.dchighway.com/wordpress/2009/08/23/shrooms/
My Passion Has Returned-Ignite My Flames
Ever since I could remember, I loved to read. I started reading at a very young age and big books at that. In school, there was this program called “Book-It” which was a reading incentive program. I always exceeded my reading goal and was awarded with a free pizza from Pizza Hut.
When I was in the 4th grade, I had a teacher, Mrs. Dues, who was a big inspiration for me. She encouraged my talents and from that, I began to write and draw. I won awards with my writing and was very proud of my accomplishments. I was always writing; penning every aspiration, imagination and experiences. I excelled in English and Writing classes and couldn’t get enough. I even took 4 years of college prep English in high school and received straight A’s.
I am sorry to admit that after I graduated and moved to Columbus, I slowly got out of my writing; it seemed like I lost the passion. See, my 20’s were a very hard time for me. I lost my direction. I eventually received an Associates Degree in Business Management because I felt I needed “something”. Tired of working in retail, I got the opportunity to work in an office. Then, after a few years of experience, I became an Administrative Assistant. I seriously thought that is what I wanted to do. I got really good at what I did; I am a fast learner who can excel at any thing I put my mind to. But, after awhile, I noticed a few things weren’t right.
I found myself struggling with the fact that people wanted me to be who I am not. I really started finding myself in my 20’s; learning who I really was. My personality wasn’t meshing well in the office setting. I now realize that the universe was telling me something. Time and time again, I was pushed against the wall and was left defending myself all of the time. My final days at Pepsi were bad, but yet a blessing for me. I knew my 5 years there was at an end. When my last day came, I smiled because it was the end of me being unhappy and not myself. Then, I received another administrative job and, yes, it worked for awhile, but I was not satisfied. It was then when I started to write again. I decided I wanted to open a book store someday (still do) because I know a lot about books and am still an avid reader, then my focus shifted to my writing. Yes, I have written things here and there, but not with passion.
After the Collective Soul concert, I was inspired. I decided to write again. I can’t explain why or how Collective Soul inspired me, I just know. Like I said before, “Shine” is a main song of my life and I decided to write: Music is the Soundtrack to My Life surrounded by that very song. From that point on, I didn’t stop. I felt comfortable. I found out that my words inspire others. That is what I want. I realized my talent is still there.
My last job didn’t work out as I knew it wouldn’t. Being an AA is not what I am meant to do. I am unemployed right now for a reason. It gives me time to write and relect on where I want to go and what I really want to do. This is my calling – my destiny.
I want to continue to interview people, write about my experiences, write about other things I am passionate about, and you know what? I can be me.
Thank you to all of those who support and believe in me. You have no idea how much it means to me. I cry with happiness.
Misty
Living Among Gnomes; Using a Spork To Dig Inside The Mind of Author Jeremy C. Shipp
Jeremy C. Shipp is a man of many talents. Whether he is building a fort with his garden gnome army armed with sporks, writing his stories or losing his hair due to his haunted house, Jeremy never fails to entertain! He is a fiction writer (and if you may, Bizarro Fiction) who has quite a few published works under his belt of sporks. His tales like Vacation, Sheep and Wolves and his numerous short stories never fail to twist your mind into a vortex of bewilderment. Jeremy also has created a short film called “Egg”:
So, please come on this journey with me through the recesses of Jeremy C. Shipp’s mind. Perhaps you will want to have your own army of garden gnomes or party with evil clowns.
I read your first novel, Vacation; it was like a David Lynch movie, very mind bending. Is that your intention? Are all of your novels and short stories written that way?
When writing a story or a book, I prefer going places I’ve never been before. And so, my readers come along for the ride. Vacation is especially mind-bending, I believe, because the main character experiences a paradigm shift. He leaves one reality, and enters another, and this is a confusing and surreal experience.
Please, explain your fascination about gnomes.
I’m a giant yard gnome myself, and so I’ve always been close to my kind. But I walk a crooked line between my people and humanity. Most gnomes live in hunter-gatherer-based eco-villages, and prefer to avoid civilization altogether. And while I may be an anarcho-tribalist, I enjoy living among humans. Outside of my comfort zone, I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve also learned that humans are good at heart.
When did you write your 1st story? What was it about?
My first memorable short story, I wrote in 4th grade. The tale was called “Chomper,” and it was about a green alien who ate anything, and who had an affinity for opera. Then when I was 13, I wrote my first novel, and I’ve been writing about one a year ever since.
Was there an inspiration for you to write; a person or a gnome perhaps?
I’m constantly inspired to write by the gnomes and people in my life. I’d say that I started writing due to the books I loved as a kid. Stories by Ray Bradbury, HG Wells, Alexandre Dumas, etc. made me want to try writing a book myself. And so I did.
I read where your house is haunted; can you share a spooky story about it?
During the renovation period, my dad and I were up in the attic, taking apart the old chimney. Eventually, something started rising out of a pile of ash. At first we thought it was an animal of some sort, but it turned out to be an old doll. We still have the doll, or perhaps the doll has us.
Please, give us a glimpse into your mind; what is your writing process?
I start out with a spark, which might be an idea or a striking image that grips my brain and won’t let go. Then I brainstorm a bit, or just start writing the story. Sometimes I know where the story’s headed, but I never know exactly how I’m going to get there. I like not knowing. I like feeling the confusion my characters feel. I put them in situations I don’t know how to get them out of, and we discover a solution together.
You have a new novel coming out Halloween this year called Cursed. I have yet to review it, but can you tell us about it?
Cursed is about Nicholas, Cicely, and their friends. They create an informal support group for cursed individuals. Together, they try to cope with their problems and find their happiness.
You are on Twitter and you interact with, support and are very kind to every one of your followers, especially your fans; do you feel that Twitter has helped you sell your novels and get the word out there? How so?
Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, Goodreads—they’ve all helped me to connect with new readers and form new friendships. Word of mouth is so important to a cult writer such as myself. My readership is growing steadily, and that’s thanks to the support of my dedicated fans.
Besides writing, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy hanging out with my wife and my family, reading books, watching ducks, petting my cat, playing the piano, using telekinesis to move plastic straws, tickling coconut monkeys, listening to the theme song from Charles in Charge, hiking, camping, laughing, playing improv games, meditating, watching the stars, smelling flowers, making lists, collecting weird figurines, Twittering, conversing, doing animal activist stuff, learning about the world.
How long did it take for you to get published? What was the process?
As I said, I started writing novels when I was 13, but I didn’t start sending my work into the publishing universe until I was 18. So I had quite a few years to practice. After a few months of sending out my stories, I was published in an online magazine, and I’ve been getting published in magazines and anthologies ever since. Of course, I’ve received hundreds of rejection letters over the years, and they’re as much a part of my success as the acceptance letters.
As far as my novels go, I didn’t really attempt to get any published for many years. But after writing Vacation, I felt as if I accomplished everything I set out to accomplish. I knew I wanted to get this one published. Vacation was too weird for many publishers, but not so for Raw Dog Screaming Press. They embraced my novel, and I thank my lucky stars for their support.
What did you do when you found out that you were going to get published? Did you have a party with the horde of gnomes?
I partied with my family, the gnomes, the coconut monkeys, the ninja monkeys, and even the evil clowns. We all danced the publication jig and we ate novel pie.
What is the best advice you can give to aspiring writers who want to get published?
Write from your heart, your gut, your spleen, your mind, your soul. Check out ralan.com and duotrope.com, and follow the submission guidelines exactly. Write every day. Take chances with your style and your voice, and make mistakes. Make sure you’re entertained by your stories. If you’re not, chances are no one else will be either. And don’t worry about rejections. They’re a balanced part of a writer’s breakfast; high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acid
Please visit Jeremy on his website here: http://jeremycshipp.com/index.html
You can buy a signed book from his bookstore!
Also, follow Jeremy on Twitter! http://twitter.com/JeremyCShipp
Musical Encounters of a Third Kind*; An Intimate & Heartfelt Interview With Steven Shanks
If you ever have the pleasure to meet Steven Shanks, a local aspiring musician here in Columbus Ohio, you will find he is an old soul, a very gifted musician who just wants to be heard. His lyrics grab your soul and melts your heart. When you listen, you can relate to his sentiment and you find yourself feeling the same way or a memory comes flooding back. The strum of his guitar is a heart beat to our inspiration and every note creates a surge of emotion.
Steve loves comics, his crazy dog, his girlfriend and wants to be a superhero. He has a heart of gold who is misunderstood most of the time.
When did you realize you wanted to be a musician? How did you get started?
In 6th grade, me and a friend went and saw Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Later that year, I received a cheap Casio keyboard for Christmas and got excited about it and it went from there. The passion started there but I really didn’t start to play until I was in my twenties.
What has been your inspiration for your lyrics to date?
It started with heartbreak; you can only sing so much about it, loving someone who will never love me back. Over time, it became about telling the story.
With that being said, now that you have found love, do you feel that your songwriting style will change?
Yes, it has a little bit, but there are always crazy experiences and unfortunate circumstances. It is hard to get approval for “happy” songs. To be honest, I don’t think that anyone wants to hear how happy you are.
You play acoustically, but do you ever see yourself playing with a band again?
NO (Steve laughs after this big no) because I have played with bands before and feel that creativity is stifled and I can’t find anyone that I would like to play with. I don’t like to play with others. (More laughter)
What are your musical influences?
A long time it used to be U2 and there are also ties that go into Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure; the idea that I can play music and change the world, but that seems absurd right now. Damien Rice is a big influence; I’ve drawn a lot of comparisons to him. Also other influences are Pete Yorn, Travis, The Jayhawks and The Frames. Le Miserables the musical has been important. The specific song in Les Miserables called “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” has a definite story being told and told passionately. I think that song changed my delivery of my lyrics. Why do it (make & play music) if you are not passionate about it?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Musically, I don’t see anything changing for me; there has been amazing let downs because it doesn’t feel like it’s going to go anywhere. I had my chance to talk to people in the industry. I’ve played out a lot locally and out of state but I just don’t feel like anyone is interested or listening honestly. Is it because of only one guy with his guitar; how exciting can that be?
What are you working on now? Will we be expecting some sort of EP?
I am constantly learning more about my craft and polishing old songs, but I’m not playing out. Something is always being written, but I’m not working on much at this time.
No, every recording effort I have gone into has fallen through every single damn time; I just record on my own in my bedroom. It’s hard to have someone pay attention. I’ve had people cry in the middle of my sets; let’s just say I increase the bars sales because I depress the shit out of people.
How have you been promoting yourself?
You have helped- thanks Misty! (And then he mentions my tan and toe ring; typical Steve, ha!) I have a Myspace Music page.
I do want to mention that my friend T.J. and I are setting a quest for Comic Con Website- stay tuned for that!
How do you handle and deal with the frustration of trying to get your music out there?
There is a dream that every musician has; you can quit your job, tour, play, write and if you are not careful, it can be about the money. If things repeatedly fail, there is major frustration. Essentially, each band is like a small business; they invest time, money and their lives. You live very transparently by putting your heart out there in a song and when nothing comes of it, there is a massive amount of discouragement. The best thing you can do is take time off and get away and remember why you did it because you love it.
Where can we see you play? Do you have a schedule that you can give us?
There is no schedule. I have played open mic nights mostly at the Treehouse; no one is booking me yet.
You are an inspiration Steve; you have never given up on your dream, do you have any advice for other musicians?
Do it because you love it. If you do it for any other reason, whether if it’s money or fame, etc, you will find yourself disappointed. If you do it because it is something you enjoy, you won’t have a problem.
Is there anything else you want to share?
I get carried away on a project and forget about time (Being abducted my little aliens in my mind*) and upon my eventual return to reality, I have no clue how much time has passed.
I won’t stop a creative spirit stride; I just keep going. Most of my relationships have failed due to my creative addiction.Thank God for my girlfriend to be very understanding!
If I had a super power, the world would make sense to me. I would end up being more like Hal Jordan (The Green Lantern)
He just wants to sing for you.
Please visit Steve’s music page here:
http://www.myspace.com/timidblue
Follow him on Twitter!
The Wallflowers Concert Newport Music Hall, 7.30.09
My senior year in high school was a pivotal point in my life. I was figuring out what I wanted to do, where I wanted to go and was chasing my latest crush. I was excited and scared about the next point in my life. I was working at Kmart at the time and floating through my classes because it was my last year. I spent a lot of time listening to music, especially in my car while I took expeditions of country cruises on the back roads. That year I discovered The Wallflowers. “6th Avenue Heartache” came on the radio and I immediately turned it up and I couldn’t get enough of it! I ran out and bought Bringing Down the Horse and played the cd over and over again. This Grammy Award album brought us songs like: “One Headlight”, “The Difference” and “Three Marlena’s”. They also did a hit cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes” for the Godzilla soundtrack that was a smash hit.
The Wallflowers now consists of front-man Jakob Dylan, the son of Bob Dylan, Stuart Mathis, guitarist, Fred Eltringham, drummer, Greg Richling, bassist and Rami Jaffee, keyboardist. The Wallflowers are from Los Angeles, California and were formed in 1989 and having originally gone as The Apples the ensemble has gone through numerous personnel changes with Dylan the only constant. The band started in 1989 in Los Angeles’s clubs. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1992 on the Virgin Records label. Although praised by critics, it only sold 40,000 copies initially, but has sold an estimated 1,000,000 to date.
I never saw The Wallflowers before and didn’t want to miss the opportunity this time around. Because I wanted to be in the front row, I sat outside for almost four hours to get that chance! I met many cool fans while waiting, even met a woman who is actually from Boston who is following the band from city to city. AndI got hit on by passer-bys and a few homeless men asked me for money. My friends finally joined me and I couldn’t wait for them to understand why I waited that long to be in the front row. Being in the front row gives you the best view, the best sound and the best experience. As we were waiting, the bass player Greg came out and talked to me for a bit and asked me the closest, best place to eat. I immediately could tell he was a nice, fun guy and my anxiousness began to brew more.
Finally, it was time to go in. I ran/walked up to the front and had a couple of drinks of Jack and Coke and my buzz ensued. I was AT the stage, I could rest my arms on top of it! If you do not know of the Newport Music Hall. It is “America’s Longest Continually Running Rock Club”. Newport Music Hall was formerly known as the State Theater and, in the 1970s, as the Agora Ballroom. The hall seats around 1200 and most of the original decor is intact. It is one of the many music venues on High Street in Columbus. They have not done much renovations and it has that quaint old feel that brings much character to a concert.
The opening act was Serena Ryder. I didn’t know what to expect. From my experience, I really haven’t been satisfied with opening acts. Serena was by herself with just her guitars and as soon as she sang, I was taken aback. She blew me away. Her voice was soulful and powerful. I could feel the love she had for her music and her lyrics were very important to her. She sang songs like, “A Little Bit of Red”, “Sing, Sing” which she used her feet as drums as she stomped on the stage, and “Melancholy Blue”. The crowed loved her and she was amazed about our enthusiasm.
Serena Ryder is s a Juno Award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter and guitarist who grew up in Millbrook, Ontario. Ranging musically between folk, roots, country, and adult contemporary, Ryder possesses a three-octave range. She attended the Integrated Arts Program at Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational Institute in Peterborough as well as Crestwood Secondary School. As a teenager, she performed solo as well as with many bands from the Peterborough area, including Christian band Thousand Foot Krutch and Jive recording artist Three Days Grace.
Now, it was time for The Wallflowers. I could feel the excitement and I couldn’t wait. I really didn’t know what to expect. Sometimes a band you love is not as good live. All my expectations went out the window when they came onstage.
The Wallflowers are incredible. Jakob Dylan’s gritty, fervent voice accompanied with his brilliant band did not disappoint. They played some newer songs; “The Beautiful Side of Somewhere”, “God Says Nothing Back”, and of course their older songs” “6th Avenue Heartache”, “One Headlight” and “The Difference” which the whole crowd sang along with. Jakob interacted with his fans, talking and pointed to us and was astounded by our enthusiasm and love. When they played “Three Marlena’s” he invited two lucky fans to come onstage to sing and dance with him. Another girl ran on the stage and the security crew were going to make her get off of it, but Jakob waved them away and hugged her. I was memorized by this concert, their music, Jakob Dylan’s voice and energy. I closed my eyes a few times and let the notes take me away. This by far, is one of the best concerts I have ever been to.
I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to meet the band, so me and my friend Tim walked to the back and waited for them to come out.. As we were waiting and as the drizzle of rain touched my skin I talked to a few of the fans and the roadies and the one did some pantomimes for me! One by one, the band members came out and I got their autographs, talked to them for a bit and got my pictures taken with them. Jakob finally came out, came straight to me, said he loves Columbus, signed my ticket and took a picture. I was in heaven. A band that I have adored since I was in high school is right here in front of me. I will never forget this night; great friends, great fans, beautiful music and the notes still ringing in my head.
Jakob Dylan may be Bob Dylan’s son; grew up in a very large shadow, but paved his own way with his own sound and his own ideas and became one of the biggest bands in our generation.
Thank you Jakob Dylan and The Wallfowers for a memorable night. 
Misty's Musings 