...new blog at "Megaphone Musings"--recently voted the most inconsistently-produced blog on the web...

The New Dawn...

...And here we are again, folks--at the end of one amazing year and at the dawn of a brand new one.
We usually use this time of year for reflection, preparation and--yes--resolution. For the most part we are mindful and hopeful. Mindful of errors and missteps made and hopeful that we have learned from our mistakes and can overcome them. When taking my own personal inventory, I can see vast room for improvement, both personally and professionally. But I can also see the bonds that have been forged, the battles fought (and won), and the lessons learned and utilized.
My fellow audio thespians have encouraged, instructed, uplifted and, yes, chastised me when needed. My family in turn have put up with weird work hours and even weirder sounds coming from 'The Hole' (Something tells me I should re-phrase that). The result of all this action has been a dream come true! From interacting with some of the world's best voice actors every other Monday to having the opportunity to voice some of the wildest characters this side of 'Looney Tunes' and beyond--I humbly say thank God for His favor, mercy and grace.
Even now as I prepare for my second opportunity to write for and announce the Rose Parade (!!), I still can't believe where God has allowed me to go and I eagerly anticipate seeing the next leg of the journey--'cause it ain't over yet!
There are still characters to invent and voice; standards to uphold and new horizons to be reached. I look forward to the future with shades on ('cause it's so bright) and I can't WAIT to see where we all wind up next! Hopefully, it's the place of dreams and we can all enjoy it together.

HAPPY VOICING--and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

...YES!! Just got my Christmas present (although a little early)--The Official 2011 World Series DVD !! YOW-ZAH!...

...weather report in 'The Hole'--a sunny disposition (my future's so bright, I gotta wear shades)...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Prov. 25:11...

...the 'pod' is cast and the morning is glorious in'The Hole'...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Prov.15:1...

...Tis the season--'The Voices' get ready to go Christmas shopping (run for your lives)...
http://www.voices.com/people/herbmerriweather

...Thank you, Lord, for your continuous bounty and grace. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone on this planet--and all the rest!!...

...crack-pot characters, cool conundrums and cock-eyed craziness creatively conjured in 'The Hole'!! Yowzah...

...great morning to you all!! Redecorating 'The Hole' with Thanksgiving colors--humility, kindness and LOVE!!...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." Prov. 16:24...

...out of 'The Hole' and into wilds of Pasadena--will there be a parade??...

...big, bombastic bubbles of broadcast business, buoyed by boogie woogie and boisterous braying brought to you from 'The Hole'...

...if I only had one word with which to describe God--it would be AWESOME!!!...

...lots of light-hearted, lamp driven lunacy from 'The Hole' by way of Australia, mate...

...Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls-Introducing: The Lamp Boys!!
http://youtu.be/EKJBx-HRxPY

...VO Verse Of The Week: "A persons stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth..." Prov. 18:20a...

...out of 'The Hole' and into the streets--LARRS this morning and the Pro VO Workout later! Thank you, Lord, for life...

...out of 'The Hole' and into the sunshine--Playa del Rey, here I come! Have a RAWKIN' day, y'all...

...awash in anticipation of animated antics and amazing audio adventures, 'The Hole' audaciously awakes...

...They ARE the 2011 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals!!!...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked."--Proverbs 10:11...

...from corporate learning modules to videogame trailers to talking lamps--it's all happenin' in 'The Hole'...

...scores of sonorous shenanigans and humongous heaps of HOO-HAH--now happening in 'The Hole'...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "YES, my innermost being will rejoice when your lips speak right things."--Prov.23:16...

...out of 'The Hole' and into Audio Eyes Studios to do some audio description writing--Yow-zah!!...

...praise and positive pandemonium prevail in 'The Hole'!! Hired for one job, invited to bid for another one--HALLELUJAH!!!...

...VO verse of the week: "Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." Prov.10:18...

...YYYYYYYYEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!...

...if the Cards advance, I predict 'Buschy' the squirrel will be in uniform at the next home game...

The Adventures Of The VO Vagabonds or B.z. and 'Herbalishus' Hook Up!

One of the best reasons to be a part of the VO community is the community itself. There are a lot of very friendly, very talented folks who do what you do--and can feel your pain. B.z. The Voice (Pro mic rocker from Las Vegas) visited the L.A. area recently to attend a religious retreat. We try to keep in touch with each other and, knowing he was in town I gave him a call. It was perfect timing because he had a few days before the retreat and the VO Pro Workout Group was about to have it's regular meeting that Tuesday evening. A quick email request to VO guru Dave Fennoy and with his nod, B.z. was in! Neither of us were prepared for the powerful session that unfolded. With such gifted professionals as Cedering Fox, Teresa June-Tao, Marc Cashman, Townsend Coleman, Iona Morris, Ed Hopkins, Stew Herrera, Paula Tiso and others in attendance, the session was beyond electric. Each of us would go into the booth (under the watchful eyes of engineer/coach/vo talent Robin Armstrong)with copy (commercial, corporate, whatever) read the 'specs'-which are often quite silly- and then 'do the spot'. Everyone else then offers honest critique geared to making the read (and you)better, allowing for at least 3 different reads.
Honestly, folks--when Cedering Fox or Dave Fennoy give their first read it is usually PERFECT! But under the direction and fine tuning skills of the other professionals in the room, the reads get even better! Heck, even I sounded a little better after following some straightforward and simple directions.
Old friendships were rekindled and new relationships were established in an evening of work, laughter and more work.
Afterward, B.z. and I hung out in 'The Hole' just talking voice over and getting better acquainted. That lasted 'til about 2am when he picked the lock on his chains, escaped to his car and sped off.
Thanks to all of the wonderful voice over 'royalty' who give freely of their time and talent. They haven't forgotten what it means to have a dream--or what it takes to make it come true.
Happy Voicing...
Pictured: l-r Townsend Coleman, Cedering Fox, some guy on his way to a ballgame

...'The Hole' is currently being redecorated with a new color scheme--PLAYOFF (Cardinals) RED...

...THE CARDS ARE WILD!! THE CARDS ARE WILD!! THE CARDS ARE WILD!! THE CARDS ARE WILD!!!...

...filing in 'The Hole' (I know it should say 'fire', but I gotta do paperwork FIRST)...

...VO Verse of the Week: "The words of a [persons] mouth are deep waters: the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook." Prov. 18:4...

...back in 'The Hole' battling the mortal enemy of voice actors everywhere--a head cold!...

...strange lights, weird noises, steaming brew--late night lunacy in 'The Hole'...

...and here I thought I had this Facebook thing all worked out--silly me...

...Voice Over Verse of the Week: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat it's fruit." Prov. 27:2...

...AAARG!! It be 'Talk Like A Pirate Day' matey--speak now lubbers, else hang from the yardarm with my sword in your gullet...

...'The Hole' (as usual) is open early for business--monkey business, that is...

...praying, editing, screaming, laughing--all happening before dawn in 'The Hole'...

...off to class! Last one before finals (I think). When dey gits dun wit me, imma rite reeel gud (spel 2)...

...VO verse of the week (a little late--sorry) "Whoever guards [their] mouth and tongue keeps [their] soul from troubles" Proverbs 21:23...

...boot camp starts today in 'The Hole'--so off your butt and on your feet, maggot! (I say that with the utmost respect)...

...auditions, auditions, auditions--and 1 new client (YIPPEE)...

...OK, troops--Labor Day is over! Back to work...

...VO verse of the week: "...speak each man the truth to his neighbor..." Zechariah 8:16...

...God is great, and greatly to be praised!!...

...Voice over verse for the week: "I will greatly praise The Lord with my mouth--Ps. 109:30"...

...audio description writing classes tonight--I'm gonna get better at this...

...behind the scenes at Vipo 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwhOgWhuSkk

...filing--done! Auditions--done!...now I gotta finish those dishes...

...how it all started--https://www.facebook.com/axecopdoc

...special thanks to Dave DeAndrea for advice, info and education--'The Hole' is now a brighter place...

...check test--1,2,3--testing...Communication is comin' on strong...

...out of 'The Hole' and onto YouTube--let the shenanigans begin! http://www.youtube.com/user/Herbmerriweather?feature=mhee

...harbingers of hilarity and messengers of mirth meander happily in 'The Hole'...

The "Heinz" Age

Having recently reached the age of accountability (57), I began to ruminate, nay, meditate on the wonder of the number and it's historical significance.
Every one knows that The Heinz Company are the most famous purveyors of these digits, dating back to 1896 when H.J. got the idea for '57 Varieties' on a New York City train. Colloquially speaking--the name "Heinz 57" is used when describing a dog of multiple mixed breeds. It is this strange endearment to mutts that most closely resembles ME.
I am a true '57'--one look at me will tell you that I am mixed with several different American breeds! Now-that's not a BAD thing, but it is fun when meeting people for the first time!
I have at least 57 "all-time desert island" songs touching every musical genre from traditional gospel to classic rock to Bach to fusion to...well, you get the idea.
My kids thought it would be cool if 57 candles were on my birthday cake (they got up to 47 and ran out). The ensuing conflagration made everybody sing 'Happy Birthday' at 78rpm before the cake was engulfed!(see below)
Now I'm on to another '57'--57 ways to get better! Better to those around me, better to the VO community and better to myself (thanks, Paul Strikwerda). I know I'll never be perfect, but in the walk towards perfection I'm pretty sure I'll pick up at least 57 tips on being a better businessman, a better neighbor (less voicing after midnight), a better voice actor--not to mention a much better Dad, Husband,Grand-Dad,Brother and Uncle.
So--here's to 57!! Thank you, Lord for letting me live it!
Now I KNOW there is a 57th character sneakin' around in my head somewhe---aha!! There he is! Get him, boys!! Throw a net over him a and we'll put him a video game or somethin'...
Happy Voicing!

...well, Mob Boss Vinny became blackjack dealer Geno with a Mob Boss attitude--comin' soon to an iPhone near youse...

...outta 'The Hole' and on to LARRS--I get to read the funnies!!!...

...Thank You, Lord!! Woke up this morning to a brand new game character--Mafia Boss Vinny! I LUV this stuff...

...I LOVE creative collaboration--it breeds a unity of spirit and purpose. Lotsa fun, too...

...the denizens of 'The Hole' will be travelling to Australia via the world wide web--HOOO-HAAA!!

...burning the candle at both ends in 'The Hole' tonight--until Cora sends me to bed...

...contrary to popular belief, I DO have class--video description writing class with the terrific Teri Grossman tonight...

...bright-eyed and clean-shaven---out of 'The Hole' and into 'The Garden Of Sound"--studios, that is...

...out of 'The Hole' and into the light! Travelling to Westchester today--on business, of course...God bless ya--ALL of ya...

...yet another cataclysmic collision of characters, credentialed craziness and cosmic coughing coming from 'The Hole'--where else?...

..Whether you are Dad, Daddy, Pops, Father, Papi, the ol' man, Ol' Dude, OG, Daddykins, Pappy or the Male Parental Unit--Happy Father's Day!

...out of 'The Hole' and into a REAL studio--the Pink Jackal comes to life...

...my dentist, Dr.Mouthminer, surprised me with 3 brand new drillings and a severe cleaning--OUCH...

...why a duck...

Finishing School

...so it's 2:17am (I had a loooong nap) and I'm waiting to record yet another strange and fun-filled character...just need a little more info from my client. So, between brainstorming scripts and voicing pink zombies, I have a moment to reflect.
The denizens of 'The Hole' have seen a lot of changes recently--changes in location, equipment and life. We've said 'goodbye' to precious friends and family and we've said 'hello' to exciting and wonderful new opportunities and acquaintances. New friends are always cool 'cause they don't know your foibles yet and old friends are cool 'cause they KNOW you and still love you anyway!
I am especially grateful for renewed purpose--some things never die, they simply wait for your maturity. I'm sure someone out there has a project on hold or a dream not yet realized. I was reminded of my own unfinished 'business' during conversations with friends and family recently. And not just reminded, but spurred into action by an inspiring message by T.D. Jakes about 'the grace to finish'.
Time, the surprises of life and sometimes our own decisions push us into 'I'll do it later'-no matter how noble, necessary, or near-to-the-heart the project is. The only catch to that thinking is we don't know how much 'later' we have left. So-not fatalistically or in panic- but earnestly and with direction, I look forward to 'finishing in phases' as T.D. put it. Reaching up on the shelf in the closet of my mind and heart to dust off that project and re-taking it one small step at a time and celebrating each step as I make it.
Now it's on you. Well, you didn't think I was gonna finish all this unfinished stuff by myself, did ya?!? We'll work towards completions and finishings together and help each other along the way, if need be.
Now, get busy and remember--time is on YOUR side.
Happy Voicing...

...skits, Scripture, scripts, scraps of food--all going down in 'The Hole...

..The Hole' is all aflutter with fictitious new faces and fanciful fabrications filling the fields and forests with foolishness...

...it's been a long time comin'...
http://www.reverbnation.com/rosalindgraham

...mysterious machinations and musical meanderings meet with mouthy metaphor in 'The Hole'...

Stymie: Why did that police man take away our daddys stove?
Farina: That wasn't no stove--that was a STILL...

...an awesome abundance of audio amazement audaciously advertised from 'The Hole'...

...then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them...

...He is my Hero--because He rose...

..new adventures in foreign lands--God is good and greatly to be praised...

"...I'm so crazy, I don't know that this is impossible--WOO HOO..." Daffy Duck...

...How's your business voice? New article at http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2011/04/business_voice_overs.html

...just finished podcast for Black Enterprise Magazine (April 2011)--stunned and happy...

...out of 'The Hole' and on my way to Busch Stadium--via ESPN...

...It's Opening Day and we're all in first place--Have a great season folks--GO CARDINALS...

...WOW--I've been docpasting...uh, postdocking...er,no...PODCASTING!!...

...I KNOW you've heard me say it before--God is great and my future is SO bright, I gotta where shades...

...Stymie: I wisht I had a watermelon. Wheezer: C'mon, wish for somethin' big. Stymie: I wisht I had a BIG watermelon...

...What a way to start the day--pray, voice, laugh and get going--off to LARRS...

...Curly: Why are you holdin' the phone, there's nobody on that line.
Moe: I know, But I'm expectin' a call...

"...whatever things are true, noble and just; praiseworthy, pure and of good report--meditate on these things"--St. Paul...

...out of 'The Hole' and into the hills of the high desert--rollin' and tumblin'...

...This IS the day the Lord has made--YYYEEE-HHHAAAA!...

"...Get thee behind me, Satan--and DON'T PUSH...!" Stymie Beard...

...my role in the new 'Axe Cop' comic is shocking--thanks to Dave DeAndrea and the creators...
http://www.axecop.com/

...from motorcycles to money mentors--we've got it all covered in 'The Hole'...

...it's official: the midnight sun is burning bright--the mic is hot, and 'The Hole' is open for business...

...Yes! I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning...

...out of 'The Hole' and into sunny Santa Monica--the adventure continues...

...'The Hole' is hoppin'--auditions, emails, new equipment--I LOVE it...

"...one way or another--the choice is up to you..."--Cactus...

...His mercy endures forever...

...voicing--finally...!!...

...for those who have not yet done so--please submit your SKYPE information so I can frighten you in person when desired...

...'The Hole' is open for (monkey) business--but my vocal instrument is still a little out of tune ! I'm a workhoarse...

...in from the Midwest and back in 'The Hole'--promising more mirth, merriment and mayhem to come...

...out of 'The Hole' and onto a plane--St.Louis bound...

Cool Daddy Mike

The greatest example I know of a good father is Joseph, husband of Mary (yes, THAT Mary). Standing in as a father to a child whose birth was shrouded in mystery and suspicion AND being married to a woman whose very integrity and sanity was questioned--he stood tall as caretaker, provider and earthly role model. He covered both mother and Child with his love and identity until said Child came into His own...
The next greatest example I know of a great father is Melvin Merriweather--'Cool Daddy Mike' or as we said it 'Delmike'. He passed away in his sleep early Monday January 31. You see, technically (read 'biologically') he wasn't my Dad. But there was never a time in my life when he didn't treat me like his own son...and I WAS his son. His love and care, his availability, his grace under pressure and his peaceful spirit erased the 'stepfather' title from his name.
Melvin Merriweather did for me what Joseph of the house of David did for Jesus--he named me, protected me, opened his arms and life to me and mine. I know who I am because he knew who he was--a man who stepped in to do what was needed. A man who took on responsibility with dignity, humor, love and a peaceful spirit. When I grow up I want to be just like him.
Thanks, Delmike, for being there when I needed you the most.
Well done, thou good and faithful servant...
Rest In Peace...
In the pictures above, you see the man himself and 5 of 13 of my brothers and sisters.

...more curious characterizations and instructional idiocy hatched in 'The Hole'...

...the mic is hot and the characters are crazy--late night session in 'The Hole'...

...Curly: 'I'm no mule...!
Moe: 'Naw--your ears are too short...!'...

...on the road again, rollin and tumblin', praisin' and thankin'--God is MORE Awesome than ever...

...new opportunities in a whole 'nother hemisphere--God is Awesome!!!...

...His mercies are brand new every morning...

...out of 'The Hole' and into a REAL studio-LA Radio Reading Service...Happy MLK Day...!

...farm animals and phone messages issue forth from 'The Hole'...

...anxiously awaiting my PIN postcard for local Voices.com activation--"Here I is..."

...happening in 'The Hole'--auditions, upgrades, adventures afoot...

...promotion comes from the Lord...

...here's a brand new iPhone app to help you express yourself--featuring yours truly...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id8LSysiixo

...out of 'The Hole' and into the rain--again...!

...out of 'The Hole' and into the dawn's early light of Pasadena--Happy New Year, y'all...