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User:Lionclaw

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[[Image:|right|thumb|225px|Image forthcoming.]]

PLEASE NOTE: This user has no clue how to create user boxes, and has no intention of learning. Thank you. Also, do not edit this page without explaining to me why you wish to make an edit. I put careful thought into how this is formatted, and I do not wish others to screw up what I've done. Mind your own business.

Lionclaw (aka this user) was born March 1, 1980 in Boston, Massachusetts United States. I discovered Wikipedia sometime in 2005, and I am slowly learning how to make edits. My contributions to the site will primarily be in the entertainment realm, specifically people and topics involved with movies.

♣ ♦ ♠ ♥

Early life[edit]

I grew up in Framingham, Massachusetts, where I lived until age 25 with my mother, brother, and sister. I am the eldest of the three children. My mother (like her mother before her) was a grade school teacher, and my father was a police officer in Newton, Massachusetts. My parents divorced in 1988 when I was eight years old. I subsequently lived in Pembroke, Massachusetts for most of 2005 (where my father was chief of police from 1992-2006), and an apartment in Natick, Massachusetts (October, 2005 - September, 2006) before moving to North Hollywood, California in October, 2006 to pursue my film career. I am biracial. My mother is caucasian of Swedish, Irish, and English descent, and my father is African-American. He was born in Lanett, Alabama.

Schooling[edit]

I attended St. Bridget School in Framingham from grades 1-8. I graduated from Framingham High School in 1998. I sought to attend a college with a major film program such is found at USC, UCLA, or NYU, but did not have the money or the grades needed to attend those schools. My top choice was USC. Later, upon discovering that Boston University had a very good film program, I realized I would have loved to have attended school there in my home city of Boston. Instead, I had to find a reasonably-priced school in Massachusetts that would have a decent film program. I ended up applying to and being accepted at Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. I attended school there from the fall semester of 1998 until the spring of 2000, when I was forced to leave due to poor grades and attendance issues. I could not tolerate the non-film and non-communications courses, and did not wish to waste further time and money at a school that would likely not have the connections to get me a job in Hollywood once I graduated. My best classes throughout my schooling were English and Social studies, while math and science classes were my worst. Toward the end of my senior year at FHS, I was so fed up with school that I barely even tried on my SATs. Besides Fitchburg State, I had also applied to UMass Amherst and Framingham State College, but was rejected by both, no doubt due to my poor grades coming out of high school. One of the great regrets of my life is that I didn't have a proper 4-year college experience.

Early jobs[edit]

My first job came at age 13 when I became a soccer referee for Framingham’s youth soccer league, Framingham United Soccer Club (which I had played in from ages 6-13). I then worked at The Sports Authority at Shoppers World in Framingham from 1995-1996, when I left to work at General Cinemas (which was bought by AMC Theatres in 2002) in Framingham. It was during my 6½ years there that I became a true movie buff. Since one of the perks of working at a movie theater is the ability to see movies for free, I was finally able to see as many movies as I wanted anytime I wanted. I was laid off from AMC in December, 2002. I did not work again until September, 2003 when I was hired by Best Buy (also at Shoppers World, Framingham) to work in their warehouse. I eventually became a delivery driver for Best Buy’s premium home theater division, Magnolia Home Theater, where I did deliveries and home theater setups until I moved to California, where I worked at the Arclight Hollywood/Cinerama Dome.

Influences[edit]

I often credit George Lucas’ original Star Wars trilogy for initiating my interest in becoming a filmmaker. At that time, and throughout my childhood, I wanted to get into visual effects. It would later be Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park that would turn me on to directing and make filmmaking the only career I desired. Prior to being lured by Hollywood, I had wanted to become a police officer, following my father’s path. I also considered becoming a lawyer.

I list Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, Robert Zemeckis, Alfred Hitchcock, Ridley Scott, Tony Scott, Michael Mann, Peter Jackson, Stanley Kubrick, David Fincher, David Lean, Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone, Christopher Nolan, Spike Lee, Mel Gibson, Edward Zwick, Sam Mendes, M. Night Shyamalan, John McTiernan, Akira Kurosawa, George Lucas, Roland Emmerich, John Hughes, Frank Darabont, Clint Eastwood, the Wachowski Brothers, John Woo, Peter Weir, Gore Verbinski, William Friedkin, Steven Soderbergh, Tim Burton, Ron Howard, Bryan Singer, Paul Thomas Anderson, Wolfgang Petersen, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, Jonathan Mostow, Michael Bay, Guy Ritchie, John Singleton, John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton as my primary directing influences and favorite filmmakers.

There are several other filmmakers (writers, composers, cinematographers, editors, effects crew, etc.) who have had a major impact on me. They include; Steven Zaillian, John Logan, Aaron Sorkin, Shane Black, David Mamet, John Williams (who I usually refer to as "The Great One" or "the greatest musician alive"), Hans Zimmer (who I often refer to as "Zimmer Power"), James Horner, Thomas Newman, John Toll, Darius Khondji, Janusz Kaminski, Dariusz Wolski, Roger Deakins, Dante Spinotti, Caleb Deschanel, Gregg Toland, Michael Kahn, Pietro Scalia, Dennis Muren, Stan Winston, Rick Baker, Yuen Woo-Ping, Gary Rydstrom, Gary Summers, Michael Semanick, Ben Burtt, Phil Tippett, John Frazier, and Neil Corbould.

I list Star Trek: The Next Generation and The West Wing as my two favorite television shows. Both have had a profound affect on my vocabulary, writing, and creative standards.

Film career[edit]

The details of this chapter of my life are forthcoming.

Hollywood politics[edit]

I will never take the infamous “a film by” possessory credit on any of my films, as no one man or woman makes a film, and no one person should receive a credit indicating as much. The credit is given out far too arbitrarily as is.

I am vehemently against the idea of 3D filmmaking being the next wave of cinema. I don’t want to be 'inside' the movie or experience it like a ride. I want to have an objective view, whereas 3D tells you what to look at and what to experience. I want to sit back and have the movie unfold in front of me, not all around me. To me, 3D is a gimmick, and it should never become the standard. It pains me that two of my favorite directors, James Cameron and Robert Zemeckis, are among the chief proponents of 3D.

I despise the idea of runaway production, and as such I refuse to shoot my movies in Canada unless a scene specifically calls for it, or unless a Canadian location is more suitable for a particular scene that anywhere I can find in America. I refuse to double a Canadian city for an American city, as has become common practice for major studio productions. I will also shoot in Boston or other parts of Massachusetts whenever possible, taking after other “local” filmmakers like Martin Scorsese & Spike Lee (New York City), M. Night Shyamalan (Philadelphia and other areas of Pennsylvania) or Robert Rodriguez (Austin, Texas). I prefer the only footage I shoot in Los Angeles to be scenes that require the controlled environment of a soundstage, or on that rare occassion where I set a scene in L.A.

I am one of the few directors (Spike Lee being another) who would insist that all musicians performing the film’s score be listed by name in the end credits. If we can list who drove the actors to the set each day, then we ought to put a name to the person who did the marvelous job on the cello.

National politics/beliefs[edit]

I am neither Democrat nor Republican, but instead a fierce Independent. I believe the two party system that dominates American politics and government is the sole reason for this nation's problems and the ineptitude of Congress.

Many of my beliefs and principles could be said to be in line with libertarian ideals, though I don't label myself as a Libertarian. Politically speaking, I don't label myself as anything. I vote my heart and mind, and not down a political party line. My vote is earned, and not simply given to whomever labels him or herself the same way I do.

I don't believe I'll ever be much of an activist. You're not going to catch me out on the streets at some rally, getting arrested with my picket sign. I protest with my vote, which is the only method of protest that truly makes any difference.

I support:

  • tax cuts as a method of reducing government spending - In other words, I want every penny taken from me to be used for something of importance. I don't think that's an unfair expectation.
  • a flat tax, with the maximum federal rate being 15% of gross income, and the maximum state rate being 5%
  • English as the national language of the United States
  • term limits on the Senate and House of Representatives. I believe career politicians are roadblocks to real progress being made in our government. Your performance as a politician (aka a public servant) is different when your top priority is staying in office as opposed to actually serving the people.
  • the death penalty
  • drilling for oil in Alaska, and anywhere else in the U.S. where it is possible
  • some gun control, based on my belief that most people cannot be trusted and that no citizen will ever need most of these weapons
  • removal of the United Nations headquarters from United States soil
  • civil unions for heterosexual and same-sex couple), giving them all the rights and privileges granted to married couples. I do not support the idea that civil unions should be for same-sex couples only.

I am against:

  • illegal immigration, including any rights being given to illegal immigrants, particularly when those rights would supercede or interfere with the rights of American citizens
  • political correctness
  • affirmative action in its current form - I believe in merit, regardless of race, age, or sex.
  • hunting for sport - What's the point? What gives humans the right to do this? Lions wouldn't run through the streets killing people for fun, so why should we be allowed to wander the forests killing animals for our own amusement? If someone is hunting for any reason other than because they need something to eat, I am against it.
  • Humans using technology as a way to increase their laziness. The end goal here seems to be that nobody will have to ever leave their home to do anything. All products and services will be rendered to and from the home. How is this a positive development for humanity?

I believe:

  • That we should limit the advancement of robotic technology and our dependency on computer systems in running our everyday lives. I believe that the futures depicted in such films as Terminator 2, I, Robot, and The Matrix films will eventually become the reality as humanity's dependency on computer technology increases. The day we give sentience to a robot could be end of the line for us, as surely a self-aware robot with any intelligence and reasoning would deduce that the greatest threat to the world (and any artificial lifeform's existence) is humanity. See: The Terminator argument

Personal life[edit]

There are several major values/keywords I hold as extremely important in my life. They include; Honor, Home, Leadership, Passion, Allegiance, Collaboration, Dedication, Fortitude, Freedom, Glory, Valor, Hope, Justice, Loyalty, Power, Principle, Reciprocation, Respect, Truth, and Wisdom.

I'd like to believe I'm somewhat of a connoisseur of nightclubs, particularly those that specialize in techno, trance, and house music. I gained most of my clubbing experience at Avalon on Boston's famous Lansdowne Street (adjacent to Fenway Park) in the early 2000s. During 2002 and 2003, I was at the club on most Friday nights. I am a fan of DJs Paul Oakenfold, Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Tiësto, Paul van Dyk, Carl Cox, Donald Glaude, Markus Schulz, Junkie XL, DJ Dan, Christopher Lawrence, Bad Boy Bill, John "00" Fleming, Judge Jules, and the group Juno Reactor, among others.

The Sports Fan[edit]

I am an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox (MLB), Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), and the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots of the NFL. My favorite sports are football, baseball, basketball, soccer, Ultimate frisbee, and paintball. While I don't play golf (yet), I do enjoy going to the driving range.

Though I am not yet a big fan of hockey or of college sports, I do have my allegiances claimed. I am a fan of the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL, the USC Trojans in college football, and the North Carolina Tar Heels in college basketball. I love football, but I won't be a true college football fan until they do away with the BCS system and institute a playoff to determine the National Champion.

Prior to Shaquille O'Neal joining the Lakers in 1996, the Orlando Magic were my favorite NBA team (during the glory days of the mid-90s when Shaq and Penny Hardaway played together). I switched to the Lakers as soon as Shaq went there and have stayed with them even after O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004. I am in the uncomfortable position of being a Lakers fan from Boston.

I've always been a fan of strong rivalries in sports. My rival teams have included the New York Knicks (mid-90s vs. the Magic), the Indiana Pacers (mid-late 90s vs. the Magic & Lakers), the Sacramento Kings (early 2000s vs. the Lakers), the New York Yankees (vs. the Red Sox), and the Indianapolis Colts (vs. the Patriots).

Topics that Fascinate Me[edit]

World War II, The Civil War, The JFK assassination, The Battle of Thermopylae,

Trivia/Lists[edit]

Some of my favorite starting hands are; K♣K♠, A♣K♣, 9♦10♦, J♥10♥, 9♦9♥

  • I enjoy smoking cigars. I had my first cigar in 2005. I do not smoke cigarettes. My favorite brands of cigar (based on my limited sampling to date) are Montecristo, Ashton, CAO, Cohiba, and Carlos Toraño.
  • Other hobbies and interests; photography, jet skiing, horse riding, architecture, history, language (particularly English, Latin, and Japanese), Japanese culture, military tactics, law, and long walks.
  • I frequently listen to Boston's popular WEEI sports radio station. When not in the Boston area, I listen via the station’s streaming feed on the internet. The same is true of Boston's WTKK 96.9 FM Talk, where I listen to Bill O'Reilly and Jay Severin's afternoon shows. Other than that, I don't listen to the radio much. For music, I prefer my own CDs or an MP3 player.
  • I broke my left wrist in October, 1993 while playing football. Though football is my favorite sport, I have not played it since that day out of fear of a similiar (or worse) injury occurring.
  • I am extremely jealous of people that are web design experts, particularly of some of the amazing charts and tables found on Wikipedia. There are a lot of things I want to be able to add to certain pages (tables, pictures, etc.) but I haven't learned how yet. I hope to change that soon.

Heroes[edit]

My personal heroes (non-filmmakers) include; My mother, Abraham Lincoln, FDR, MLK Jr., JFK, Winston Churchill, Tom Brokaw, Jay Severin, Bill O'Reilly, Brett Favre, Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Curt Schilling, Lance Armstrong, all the men & women of our armed forces, all police officers, fire & rescue officers, and teachers.

In sports[edit]

Among currently active athletes,

My favorite NFL players are Brett Favre, Tom Brady, Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Mike Vrabel, Reggie Bush, Dwight Freeney, Troy Polamalu, Brian Urlacher, A. J. Hawk.

My favorite MLB players are David Ortiz, Curt Schilling, Jason Varitek, Jose Reyes, Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, Ichiro Suzuki, Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds, Randy Johnson, Ben Sheets, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Ken Griffey Jr., Dontrelle Willis, Chris Carpenter, Francisco Liriano, Eric Gagné, Francisco Rodríguez, Matt Holliday, Scot Shields, Eric Byrnes and Tim Lincecum.

My favorite NBA players are Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Ben Wallace, Tim Duncan, Emeka Okafor, Steve Nash, David Lee and Greg Oden.

My other favorite athletes include Tiger Woods and Serena Williams.

My favorite all-time athletes include Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, David Robinson, Reggie White, Lawrence Taylor, Nolan Ryan and Patrick Roy.

My favorite coaches and managers include Vince Lombardi, Bill Belichick, Phil Jackson, Bill Walsh, Mike Ditka, Bill Cowher and Joe Torre.

My favorite sports journalists and broadcasters include Peter Gammons, Peter King, Michael Wilbon, Tony Kornheiser, Buster Olney, Tim Kurkjian, Tom Verducci, Skip Bayless, Bill Simmons, Bob Ryan, Jon Miller, Bill Walton, Marv Albert, Michael Smith, Michael Holley, Sean McAdam, Gordon Edes, and former ESPN anchor Craig Kilborn.

In journalism[edit]

My favorite journalists and commentators include Bill O'Reilly, Jay Severin, Brian Williams, Anderson Cooper, Bernard Goldberg and Dick Morris.

Villains[edit]

Here is a list of people I strongly dislike in the political realm/world stage:

People I Despise[edit]

Here are some people in Hollywood I strongly dislike or whom I believe are completely untalented:

In Sports (athletes and journalists); Barry Bonds, Shannon Sharpe (as an analyst), Jason Giambi, Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson, and ESPN anchors Chris Berman and Stuart Scott.

In Journalism; see Villains list above.

My Girls[edit]

Here are some women in the entertainment realm that I find extremely attractive in one way or another; Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Christina Aguilera, Marisa Miller, Stacy Kiebler, Emmy Rossum, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Elisha Cuthbert, Kim Smith, Mya, Meagan Good, Kate Beckinsale, Kim Kardashian, Eva Mendes, Nelly Furtado, Kristen Bell, Rosario Dawson, Anne Hathaway, Naomi Watts, Estella Warren, Brittany Murphy, Jaime Pressly, Rachel McAdams, Beyoncé Knowles, Fergie, Melody Thornton, and Erin Andrews.

The Pickiest Eater Alive[edit]

I am notorious for my poor eating habits. Here is a sampling of the foods and toppings I do not eat;

  • salad
  • chicken
  • steak
  • ham
  • seafood
  • Chinese food
  • hamburgers (it must be a cheeseburger!)
  • most fruits
  • most vegetables
  • any kind of nut or almond
  • relish
  • mayonnaise

Quotes[edit]

  • "My DVD collection was my film school."
  • "Star Wars baited me, and Jurassic Park hooked me." - regarding how I came to want to be a filmmaker
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