#kingten

The Introduction to my piece on KingFut.com

The number of Egyptian players abroad have been increasing in recent years. Many factors have contributed to this rise of Pharaohs Abroad, for example the cancellation of Egyptian Premier League seasons following the Port Said tragedy, and the fact that matches are being played without fans till this date. There has also been increased exposure due to the success of some Egypt internationals abroad, including Mohamed Salah, Mohamed El-Nenny, Aly Ghazal and Ahmed Hassan ‘Koka’, and even half-Egyptian players, such as Stephan El Shaarawy. However, my favourite catalyst for Egyptians to chase their dreams in Europe is to improve their abilities. Some players are just too good to continue their career playing in the Egyptian Premier League, even if they are featuring for Cairo giants Al Ahly or Zamalek.

So travel and improvisational comedy and the combination. That I think is what this blog has become. Boom! Theme!

So my travels to Los Angeles today, had me pinned next to a weird old guy that reminded me of every old man substitute teacher I ever had, you know the type. His neighbor was a really pretty girl who had a pair of jeans on that had those holes in them. He then proceeded to inquire about the natures of the holes. Well, the gentleman soon found out that this is now the style and he went on about high school fashion – from when he attended high school.

I put my headphones in, and watched Side Effects with Jude Law.

Fast forward 4 hours and we are touching down and then taxiing 20 miles to the gate. The process of picking up my checked bag and renting a car from Hertz was super painless. Being a Gold Member, my car was ready to go. I didn’t actually have to talk to anyone until I loaded everything in and began to drive away. I headed right to the hostel, but the room wasn’t ready so I left the car with them and decided to walk over and get a pedicure and then see all of Hollywood Blvd.

I stopped in Twenty-Five Degrees adjacent to the Roosevelt Hotel and had a beet salad. Nothing spectacular but I guess they are known for their burgers and adult milk shakes. I had neither. Grabbed some trashy souvenirs for my family, finally checked in to the hostel, cleaned up and went over to iO West. 

There I met up with Nick Armstrong, the director/co-founder of Improv Utopia and a cast member of wildly entertaining Harold Team: King Ten, who was so wonderful and comp'd my ticket for the night. 

So there was SNL auditions going on, and ALL I could recall was this article I read right after I bombed my first ever audition. The article said that most people who choke has the most to lose. Which really resinated with me, because honestly, what do you have to lose when you're goofing around with your friends? Nothing. But What do you have to lose in that audition in front of Lorne Michaels? Trick Question. It is nothing.

I should also mention that Lorne Michaels was not present. But here are some pics of fabulous Harold Teams.

Spirit Cats

Local 132

Bandit

King Ten