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Allan is currently an actor and free-lance writer, as well as a writer,
photographer, and coffee-runner at staff meetings - for FIERY FOODS and
BBQ MAGAZINE, and ROUTE 66 MAGAZINE. He has written for the Ft.
Worth Star-Telegram, Wichita Eagle, and Kansas City Bullsheet; and
to-an-outlet, the response to his unique brand of humor, insightful
commentary and questionable ethics - has always been thought-provoking,
and has resulted in more than his share of arraignments.
His life and work
has been a virtual "Who's Where" (an off-shoot of the more
famous "Who's Who"), as publishers and editors everywhere,
never seem to know "who" or "what" he's talking
about, and "where" those entities are located.
Undaunted, he has taken this ineptitude to a new level - and in so
doing, has absolutely stupefied his friends and family on a regular
basis, as well as having amassed a huge, almost staggering debt.
Prior
to all this carnage, Allan was born and raised in Wichita, KS., where as
a child, he was always involved in acting, writing, and baseball.
He battled his way through puberty, then the tumultuous, 'teen-age
years', eventually reaching 'pinhead' status.
He attended
Wichita St. University (1989 College World Series Champions), where he
studied acting and creative writing; had a tri-weekly sports show at the
college radio station, and did play-by-play and color for the WSU
basketball games. TV and movies then began to present
opportunities, and women began 'setting the tone' for later years, as
they stood him up in record numbers. His Master's Thesis on the
Applied Science of Planning and Maintaining a Kegger was 'a landmark' to
some, 'stunning and provocative' to others, with everyone else just
throwing up their hands and issuing a strong request for community
service. And, his heroic stand - lobbying for a Department of
Advanced Fondology - was an inspiration to at least six guys
that we know of. As would always be the case with Allan, 'Jumping
in head first' (not totally metaphoric - which could explain a LOT!),
had really paid off - and before long, he had cemented his place in the
acting and writing worlds...well, they were 'pouring the concrete'
anyway. Sports announcing/writing, commentary and history were now
firmly in place, and then, the last piece of this intricate, yet
slovenly mosaic, made
it's way to the forefront - Photography.
In 1975,
Allan graduated.....Of course, there's always been another version of
what happened - which according to my source, Shecky Parnell, who
incidentally, 'made bail' on Tuesday - states that Allan was told,
"We want you to leave WSU, yesterday"!! No one is really
sure.…But, that was then… "And the rest, as they
say......"
For the last
seventeen years, Allan has taken this versatility (and his incredible
ability to mooch a free meal), combined it with his wide range of
interests and alleged talents, and traveled the world - working,
expanding his horizons, and in a lot of cases, just trying to elude any
number of collection agencies.
With his
dedication and hard work, his resilience, and his never-say-die
approach, Allan has not only blown thousands of dollars in the process,
but has achieved a moderate - check that - a 'less-than-slight' degree
of success; AND, has managed to annoy - as well as perplex - some of the
finest and most respected publishers, TV/radio station managers, and
theatrical directors this nation has to offer.......You know - if you
take a minute, and really think about that...consider all the factors
involved - that is not an easy thing to pull off.
In
summation, Allan's an actor, a writer, photographer, and world-renown
cretin; he's a movie reviewer; and has been a correspondent at six World
Series, five Super Bowls, the Kentucky Derby, four NCAA Tournaments, the
Academy Awards, and numerous championship fights. He's a certified
(some folks would prefer 'certifi-able') BBQ judge, Food & Travel
Consultant; makes a "helluva bowl of chili", loves 'killer'
roller coasters, walking on the beach, and cable TV; his turn-offs
are.....Oh, I'm sorry. I must've had one of my "Jim Lang
Flashbacks" again......(And if you don't remember who Jim Lang is -
I'm reeeeally disappointed in you)
Allan is 'an original', with an approach to
life that can only be described, as "severely misguided."
Without reservation, I can say to you here and now, "his 'kind', is
rare indeed"....and we can all count our blessings for that!
Editors
interested in featuring Allan
Baker
are encouraged to contact Gail McFarland at
gailmcfarland@artistmarket.com
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