Dennis Hollingsworth

Chinese Guy

I opened my door and there was this Chinese guy. A television show was being shot out front. It was for a TV series called "The Unit". something was to happen within the New Dragon Restaurant and then into the alley with a fight of some kind.

I reached for the camera as I talked. Even though he initially didn't say much, I discovered that the Chinese man spoke english easily. Most of the Chinese neighbors here have a different sense of boundary, they'll poke their head into an open door more often than not. But since those that do are still very Chinese, it's hard to strike up a conversation with them when they do. They usually look blankly and carry on. But this guy was different.

I flipped open the camera as I noticed that there was a flutter in the film crew outside. Film people don't like cameras on the set. It freaks them out because it freaks the actors out, fear of the paparazzi attack and all that. So I ignored them and kept the camera close to focus on the Chinese guy.

Sometimes I half-tease my wife Stephanie that I will sport such fine whiskers when I get old... and the time is growing close. So I asked the Chinese man how long it took for him to grow his distinguished chin hairs. I thought he might dispense some ancient wisdom from the land of jade.

"It's make up, man. Heh. They just put it on."

It's ChinaTown, Jake.