Holiday Hate Mail

Someone whom I may or may not be doing some business with and whom I really don't know recently forwarded me an email entitled, "The New Christmas". I read it, hoping it would be something charming or funny. This is the exact poem:

"*Twas the month before Christmas*
> *When all through our land,*
> *Not a Christian was praying*
> *Nor taking a stand.*
> *See the PC Police had taken away,*
> *The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
> *The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
> *About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*
> *It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
> * December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*
> *Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
> *Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*
> *CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
> *Something was changing, something quite odd! *
> *Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
> *In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*
> *As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
> * At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*
> *At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*
> *You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*
> *Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
> *Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
> *Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
> *On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*
> *At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
> *To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
> *And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
> * Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*
> *The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
> *The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
> *So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
> *Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*
> *Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
> *Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,
> not Happy Holiday !*
> Please, all Christians join together and
> wish everyone you meet
> MERRY CHRISTMAS
> Christ is ?The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season!
> If you agree please forward, if not, simply delete. "


I don't mind people who know me expressing their political concerns to me face to face, but for someone to send me an email like this really pissed me off!

First off, this is a clear shot at Democrats- everyone mentioned on here is a Democrat. I'm a Democrat.

Secondly, of all the Democrats mentioned here, I'm sure that they all support Christ, Christmas, and the holidays, although I'm sure that they are respectful during this season for all people who are also celebrating a holiday. I just don't like it when someone sends a cutesy email to me and it's got venom in it at its core. The intention of this email was to try to cut down Democratic leaders while at the same time appeal to people who like Christmas. Unfortunately, so many people read this thing and don't really think about it- they just send it on, not ever considering that this cute message is lying on the people it mentions.

This reminds me of the current slate of Republicans who all seem to hate Obama and poor people. The overall message of Christ was for people to help the poor, to help the sick, to help the needy, and to treat others as you would have them treat you. The word "profit" was never anything that Christ preached or possibly ever wanted to be practiced. Our society has for the most part abandoned individual farming and farmers, so working (at a job for somebody else, so that THEY can earn a profit) has become a way of life in America. We are all beholden to profits, it seems. That's what drives Wall Street. That's what "The Nightly Business Report", "The Wall Street Journal". and "Business Week" are all about, right, Charlie Brown?

Do You Send Christmas Cards?

I have 3 boxes of Christmas cards that I bought within the last 3 years. Problem is, I haven't sent any of the cards to anyone yet. That's a shame, too, because I know this: I love to receive Christmas cards. How do I know this? Because I save them- all of them. I probably have every Christmas card that everyone ever gave me- since I was about 11 years old, at least.

There are a few special people whom I know I will send Christmas cards to- a few special new friends that I met this year- customers mostly- people who have shown me such kindness that I can't help but at least send a friendly card. The good thing about me being a Notary is that I do have access to my clients' addresses- but, as I said, only a handful will get cards. I mean, I love all my loyal customers, but some are way more special to me for some reason. Anyway, I bought some Christmas stamps at the post office the other day in anticipation of sending out my Christmas cards! I will be mailing them out on Monday or Tuesday probably.

"Eastwick" on ABC is my Favorite New TV Show

"Eastwick" on ABC TV is my favorite new show on television. It's a great show! Check it out! The ratings aren't so hot, but that's because people haven't discovered it, but it's really good! It's got that guy from "Soarin Over California" at Disney playing Darryl Van Horne, the role played by Jack Nicholson in "The Witches of Eastwick".

Do You Worry?

I used to worry a lot more, but then I heard something that actually helped me to not worry so much.

The thing that I heard is this: things that you worry about are usually not as bad as you think. That is, if you've got a situation that's bad and you're feeling uneasy about how things will turn out, it usually happens that you make things worse in your mind than they will turn out. If there are things that are beyond your control and there's nothing that you can do about it, stop worrying about it. Forget about it. It'll turn out OK most likely- you will live, and you'll get over it or through it!

Beyonce is Taking Over The World!

My goodness! You've seen TV shows about aliens coming to take over- take the new one on ABC Television, "V". Well, after viewing the video here, I think that instead of worrying about "V", we might rather be concerned about "B". Is Beyonce taking over the world? Is she the hero of our times? What's up?

So Hard To Make Money in California

Well, at least it's been that way for me, ever since I was out on my own trying to make it in the world. Things really suck now- the economy here is so bad! How will things get better?

I am shocked how much tuition has already gone up at UCLA since I went there, and I'm shocked at how much they say it is going to increase! WTF?

Wakeup calls, people! Use your time wisely, and spend your money wisely. We live in times where you have to be careful. Those more carefree days that you see in movies from just a few years ago- things ain't exactly like that anymore....

Kaiser Permanente Sucks

Kaiser Permanente sucks, but I'm not saying that for reasons that you might think. I'm pissed because I have had them as a medical provider ever since I was a kid. With such loyalty, you'd think that they'd give me a break on the price as an adult consumer, working for myself without coverage through an employer. Well, think again. I've applied for individual coverage through them twice now, and I told the truth, and believe me, it seems like you cannot have visited a doctor at all for any reason at all for a year in order to qualify for any of their lower cost programs. Their lower-cost programs really aren't that cheap anyway, really.

I currently have Kaiser Permanente, but I pay $495 per month under their "conversion" plan, where a person who was under COBRA can simply get an individual pay plan without a medical examination.

I hope that Obama's health plan laws pass, so that Kaiser and other companies can stop discriminating against people for petty reasons. I mean, I visited a doctor last year for tonsilitis, and they held that against me! What the fuck?

Other than that, all my Kaiser doctors and Nurse Practitioners have been great doctors. I believe I have the best endocrinologists in California.

Michael Jackson "This Is It" Movie Trailer

This is the movie trailer for the Michael Jackson movie, "This Is It", which will hit theaters next week. I still don't have a ticket yet, but Michael was my favorite performer, and I've gotta go! Wow, the rehearsals for that show made it seem like it would have been his best live show ever!

I Hate The Premise For That TV Show "The Forgotten"

I like Christian Slater, and I like TV shows, but there's something so fake about the premise of the TV show, "The Forgotten" that it's too irksome for me to watch.

On that show, there's a group of steady "volunteers" who, on their own for no pay, solve the murders of people who are seemingly "forgotten".

The problem that I have with this show is this: what large group of people have the time and the money to simply "volunteer" their time and do the jobs of the police? Why would they do that?

And how are they always able to get in the way of the police the way they do in this show? How are they always seeking out and being in the presence of the murderers? And all of that for free? That's just what's so fake to me. It seems to me if they were really that into solving murders that they'd become real police detectives, like a special unit of the police force or something. But volunteers? It's fake to me.

I Love That New ABC Show "Eastwick"

"Eastwick" on the ABC Television Network is my favorite new TV show. All of the ladies on it are good. Rebecca Romjin is really hot, as always, on this show (I was a little disappointed that she left "Ugly Betty", but she'll be back on there for guest shots, I'm sure, so it's all good!)

The acting on "Eastwick" is first-rate, and I like the town where it's set. I also like the evil guy who's the center of their curiosity. It's an interesting show, and for me, it's way better than all those other formulaic shows that try to be like "Lost".

My Favorite Song Of All Time - Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles

I think that my favorite song ever is "Eleanor Rigby" by the Beatles. I love the strings in the song, I love the vocals, I love the imagery of the whole song. I have loved this song ever since I was a baby- when they played this on the radio when it first came out. It's just something that totally haunts me at the core, and is so alive and vibrant at the same time.

I liked Ray Charles' version of this song, too- also brilliant! However, I give the original its due- it's perfection! I love it...

Barack Obama Won The Nobel Peace Prize

Yes, it's amazing! Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. He deserves it, too, because he got more votes than anyone else, so he won, fair and square (just like the election in November, except in this case he had no idea he had a chance to win). So for all you Barack Obama haters out there who don't like that he won it, just fucking get over it! You probably wouldn't like me, either, so fuck you anyway!

Today Is A Great Day!

Today I'm going to practice a few things for my Acting class tonight, I'm going to do some tweaking for my websites for my Notary business, and I'm going to give myself some self-training for my Pre-Paid Legal and Melaleuca businesses. I will also make the bed, wash the dishes, change the birdcage, vacuum, and possibly even clean out my car and take it to a car wash!

Tidying up and relaxing is the theme today (for when you're cleaning, the soundtrack from "Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" is perfect listening!)

Pissed Off at a Selfish Bitch in my Acting Class

I just started an Acting class here in Los Angeles (my second year). On Thursday we had our first class. The teacher gave this lecture, part of which was about respecting each other and being humble.

After class, the teacher assigned us partners. He assigned me to a girl named "Katie", who seemed nice, and quickly passed me her phone number. She said that she would call me, and seemed eager to start.

The next day, she did not call me, like she said she would. On Saturday, I called her and got her voicemail I left a message, saying that we should discuss what we were going to do on Tuesday night for our class performance. She did not return my call. On Monday night, after not receiving a call from her, I called my friend James, who is also in my class. He said that I should call her one more time.

I called Katie one more time. She did not answer. I left a voicemail saying that since we weren't going to get to rehearse together, we should at least talk about what each of us would do in our scene together (it's an improv). I asked her that on the chance that she wasn't in the class anymore that she could let me know.

About 5 minutes later, this bitch TEXTS me to tell me that she was switching to a different section of class, on different days. This BITCH didn't have the nerve to call me and tell me that she was trying to get out of class. Utter disrespect, the utmost in unprofessionalism. I would NEVER want to work with her, and I don't think I'll ever forget this.

I told my cousin about this over coffee tonight. She chalked it up to her being young and stupid. My cousin says that that's why she hates young and stupid girls. I don't think that all young girls are stupid- I've met some smart ones, for sure. This one is just selfish. She goes against everything that the teacher taught in the first lecture.

Spammed By Craigslist

It's a trip. I posted on Craigslist a business opportunity for people to check out, and all I get in response is people from Craigslist who are trying to get me to check out THEIR crazy stuff. Doesn't anybody want to make some extra bucks? I thought the economy was bad. Where do I get quality people who want to work to really earn money?

I Need Dessert

I'm hungry now for dessert. Thinking about Rum Raisin Haagen Daz. Trying to think of something else, too. I may go to the grocery store in a few minutes.

Disney World Trip Postponed

In the airport on Sunday morning, while I was waiting for my flight to San Francisco (for the opening of The Walt Disney Family Museum), I decided to postpone my Walt Disney World trip. I figured that I was doing a big Disney thing on Sunday, and I figured (and hope) that I will be in a better situation financially in December. (I put myself on waiting lists for Disney in December, and I changed my airline flight).

That Chantix Commercial Is Too Long!

Today I was watching "The View", and then this Chantix commercial came on. It was too long! There are many drug commercials that come on TV, both in daytime and night, but this one really brought it home just how amazingly long these things can be! It sounded like a timeshare sales commmercial to me, with the pretty music and the announcer with the nice voice, who explained EVERYTHING to you. You sat there watching this old man talk occasionally about his smoking, and then he's in the background with this older woman while the voiceover announcer tells you all these things, some of which are pretty funny. When they talk about how the drug can give you strange nightmares, for example. The pretty music kept my attention, though- we didnt' change the channel. It was so amusing. And too long!

Health Care in America- Unaffordable

Today I saw the movie, "John Q" with Denzel Washington. It's a riveting movie, and calls to attention how difficult it is to have adequate, affordable health insurance, in times when nobody is hiring for any good jobs and everyone is working part-time hours. I recommend this movie. I rented it from Netflix.

New Public Storage Ad For Addicts

Have you ever seen that show on cable called "Hoarders"? Well, it seems to me that Public Storage's new ad no longer tries to hide the fact that the people who need Public Storage are idiots. It's for people who don't want to throw away anything. If you have to store so much stuff for the future, it's idiotic!

Their old commercial with the lady who goes into the garage and can't find the car- that commercial made it a little less obvious that she was an idiot. The new commercial calls the idiocy into the picture immediately. I guess all people can be a bit challenged when it comes to getting rid of stuff. I know that I've inherited the collector and clutter gene. However, I've seen my evil ways, and I have changed.

Well, the fact that money is so tight for me and my customers nowadays keeps me in line.

So, today's message is this- stop wasting your money on storing things you don't need. Give some of that stuff away if you have to, but get rid of it!

I'm Going to Disney World!

Yes, sir, I'm going to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida next week. I will be staying at the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge (a Disney Vacation Club Resort), which is my favorite resort at WDW. I am trying to change one of my nights for a stay at the new Bay Lake Towers, but I only want to get a Studio accommodation.

Anyway, I'm excited about going, but cash is kind of tight right now. I don't want to postpone this trip- I've done that once already. This will be the last time I can go to Disney World until next July probably- when I get out of my Acting school.

More about this trip later.

Macy Gray Not Talking

Tonight Macy Gray was eliminated from "Dancing With The Stars", one of two contestants that was eliminated tonight. After the show, she refused to comment or be interviewed by the media. Macy seemed really shy to me; she seemed really shy on Tuesday night's show- and kind of reserved. You have to have lots of confidence and show lots of personality to survive on that show. You have to have lots of energy to win. Macy didn't show that.

I understand her not wanting to talk, though. It's not sour grapes- it's in her most famous song: "I try to say goodbye and I choke. Try to walk away and I stumble. Though I try to hide it, it's clear- my world crumbles when you are not here". Something like that.

The U.S. Postal Service is Amazing!

I mailed a letter to Puerto Rico on Saturday with just regular U.S. first class postage. I simply dropped it into the mailbox inside the U.S. Post Office here in Los Angeles. My customer in Puerto Rico emailed me back on Monday morning thanking me for sending it to him, saying that he got it.


Wow.

Quick Thoughts

Really fast....Rush Limbaugh (who I don't really know a lot about, but Kareem Abdul Jabbar's Twitter page made me know that Rush Limbaugh is an idiot) is a fucking idiot. I hate people who make everything negative about race, and blame Obama for stupid things.

I hate one of my ex bosses. No, Pat, not you. Another one. No, Brian, not you either.

Tomorrow the Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Resort and Spa open for the first time to the public. I don't know if there will be a public event of some sort, but it would be nice to go if there is. I'll call in the morning to find out. I just hope I don't run into that bitch ex-boss of mine if I go.

So many scams and waste of time on the internet. Focus on what you want to do, and do it. Don't be sidetracked. Money is tight- focus that, too. Time is tight- don't waste it.

Time for bed now.

A Disneyland Plan

If I were to go to Disneyland tomorrow, this is what I would do, in this order:

1. Ride the Disneyland Railroad around the park twice.

2. Get off the train on Main Street, go into the Main Street Bakery and buy 1 Nestle Tollhouse Cookie and some nonfat milk. I'd sit down and eat the cookie and drink the milk.

3. Go over to Space Mountain, get a Fast Pass, and head over to "Big Thunder Mountain Railroad" and ride it.

4. Ride "Pirates of the Caribbean".

5. Get in line for The Haunted Mansion, and ride that.

6a. Eat at the French Market- something with chicken in it. And, I'd get a Mint Julep.

6b. Head over to Innoventions, check out the Home of the Future.

7. Go back to Space Mountain with the Fast Pass, get in the Fast Pass line! Woo-hoo!

8. Ride the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.

9. Get a Fast Pass for the Indiana Jones Adventure.

10. Over to Adventureland for the Tiki Room.

11 Ride the Jungle Cruise.

12. Walk over and Ride the Winnie the Pooh ride.

13. Ride the Indiana Jones Adventure.

14. Ride the Mark Twain.

15. Walk over to the Golden Horseshoe, get a snack, see a show if possible.

16. Go to the Opera House on Main Street, see the movie about Disneyland's 50th anniversary.

17. Ride the train to Fantasyland. Get off there.

18. Ride It's A Small World.

19. Go in the Toy Shop next to It's A Small World, look at the toys.

20. Stand in line for Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Ride it.

21. Ride "Alice in Wonderland".

22. Ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds.

23. Hop on the Monorail. Ride it round-trip.

24. Get in line, and ride "Submarine Voyage- Finding Nemo".

25. Eat at Redd Rockett's Pizza Port. Have pizza and a Coke.

26. Ride the Autopia.

27. Ride the "Casey Jr. Circus Train".

28. Ride "The Adventures of Pinocchio".

29. Ride "Snow White's Scary Adventures".

30. Ride the King Arthur Carousel.

31. Ride the "Peter Pan Flight".

32. Walk to Snow White's Wishing Well. Listen to her sing "I'm Wishing" about 3 times. Make a wish or a few, throw some coins into the well.

33. Walk to Splash Mountain. Ride it.

34. Take the Disneyland Railroad to Main Street. Get off and go into the Emporium to look around for 15 minutes or so.

35. Head for the gate. Take the tram to the parking lot.

Boy, it was fun thinking about doing all this!

Census Bureau Jobs for 2010

The U.S. Census is coming up, and the U.S. Census Bureau is looking for workers who can work for a few weeks, collecting data for the U.S. Census. I took the test in order to be a worker for the Census, and I did pretty well on it. How did I hear about it? My sister told me, "Why don't you work for the U.S. Census Bureau? I'm applying". I said to myself, "Why not? I'm a Notary, things are kind of slow, I need the money, so go for it!" Well, after I took the test, I didn't hear from them for a few weeks. Believe it or not, I started to worry. I wondered if I had enough class. Finally I decided to call them up to see what my status was with them- was I being considered, or did I get disqualified? What they told me was this- I passed the background check, and they just had me on their list as a possible future candidate. "Cool", I told myself. I tell myself "cool" when I feel good about something.

One thing that had me worried when I went in was this: they said that anyone under the age of 50 needed to be registered with the U.S. Selective Service in order to be considered for a U.S. Census job. The lady who worked for the Census told all of us applicants: "If you are not registered with the Selective Service and you are between the age of 18 and 50, you need to do it today". What I found out was this: you can only register for the Selective Service if you are a man between the ages of 18 and 25 (it's the law). If you don't do it within these ages, you can NEVER register with them, and thus, you can NEVER be employed in a U.S. Government job. Wow. I do remember this: I registered when I turned 18- I was concerned that I never gave them my forwarding address when I moved. That didn't matter, I found out today- they can find you if you move, as long as you're alive, so you don't need to worry about that.

Do you know if you are registered with Selective Service? Anybody can find this out- just go to www.sss.gov to see if you are registered.

n'sync I Drive Myself Crazy

This is n'snyc's "I Drive Myself Crazy". I like this song, OK?

"Shout" - Tears For Fears -Acapella

This is so cool- just Roland Orzabal signing without the music- you can hear him clearly in this song, "Shout", by Tears for Fears.

Reminder Of Things That I Need To Do

Check out www.solarcity.com to find out about leasing solar panels. Check out Assurant Health, at 800-291-0587, or at www.AssurantDirect.com. Find out about Encore Dental, at 800-736-1692. I found out about all of these companies on cable TV.

Discover Card Has Pissed Me Off

I have had a Discover Card as a credit card longer than any other credit card that I have. I have their Platinum card. I have always been a loyal customer. I wonder, then, why they recently sent me a notice that said that they are going to increase my (already high) interest rate from 15.99% to 19.99%. I was so upset that I called them on the telephone, and a nice customer service person told me that all Discover account holders are having their interest rates raised. She sounded like she didn't want to do it, that it wasn't her fault, and that she was just doing her job by answering the phone. She said that it was a bad economy and that they needed to raise the rates. I told her: "The economy is bad when people get their work hours cut. When people lose their jobs. Discover Card wants to raise peoples' interest rates on them when they are earning less money?" It seems that President Obama's recent meeting with the credit card companies might have only made some of them decide to stick it to the customers even deeper while they still can. They told me that I do have the option of canceling my card, and I am seriously considering this. It's ironic, though, that they run a commercial that says that they have online tools to help you with your finances, and that they suggest that you could cut back on your Starbucks coffee purchases. How dare they! They are suggesting that people cut back on their Starbucks or Peet's Coffee, just so that you can afford it when they raise their interest rates! I mean, they are charging pawn shop rates, right? Discover Card has pissed me off, and I'm looking for an exit strategy.

Words That I Hate: "In This Economy..."

I am so sick and tired of the cliche words used so often on television by news reporters and other people who are trying to sound smart: "In this economy...." These people are so....tired and played out. Can't they think of something more positive to say, or more original? I used to like the news, but now I don't like it so much, because people keep on using those same old dumb words. "In this economy..."

Let's turn it into something fun and exciting.

"In this economy, there are lots of wonderful opportunities to be discovered."

"In this economy there are thousands of people who are thriving..."


"In this economy, now's the time to load up on stocks that you've always wanted and could never really afford. Disney looks really good at the current price..."


"In this economy there are hundreds of people who will decide to start their own damn businesses...."

Now, let's just take away the words "in this economy" and substitute "right now":

"Right now there are lots of wonderful opportunities to be discovered. Right now there are thousands of people who are thriving. Right now is the time to load up on your favorite stocks, like Disney. Right now there are hundreds of people who will decide to start their own damn businesses". Sounds a lot better than all that negative shit that you hear on the news and from politicians.

Geico Gecko Commercials

I'm gonna do this dude in my acting class, so I'm putting some of these Geico Gecko commercials here so I can study them for practice.

Put Your Money in Google Now!

I just looked at the top of my Google page today when I signed in to notice a message about something named "CADIE". Artificial intelligence has come to Google in a big way- you should go to their website and read about this! Google even has an application that can be used with your iPhone or Blackberry that can help you to remember things that are on the "tip of your tongue". Google's computer somehow communicates with your brainwaves through your phone, and helps you to remember things (things which you have memorized). This whole thing is amazing, and kind of scary, too.

It's not surprising that Google is coming to the forefront in this area- they have hired so many smart people at that company, after all.

Did you know that this CADIE has also started blogging? Check out cadiesingularity.blogspot.com to see her blog. Remember, she's a thinking computer which actually can do things, and is conscious of herself!

Captain Eo Video From Disneyland Starring Michael Jackson

This is the Captain Eo Video that was once shown at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. It stars Michael Jackson, and was produced by George Lucas, and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. It was also produced by Walt Disney Imagineering. The top is Part 1, the bottom is Part 2.

A Good Surprise From Chase Credit Card

Last month I called Chase credit card company to complain about changes that I saw in my billing. I was upset because they started charging me crazy fees- $10 per month to keep my account open, and charging me 5 percent of the balance each month. They said that they had sent me notice that they were going to do that, unless I agreed to let them change all of my transferred balances to 8.99 percent, then they would let my minimum payments go back to 2 percent of the outstanding balance and I wouldn't have to pay that $10 per month. I lit into them so badly- I called them twice. "You guys are getting bailout money, and you are screwing taxpayers!" , I said. The people on the other end of the phone were amusing, with their East Indian accents. "Can I offer you protection in case you become unemployed or disabled and cannot pay your bill? It's only 99 cents per 100 dollar balance that you have, each month..." Well, I almost told them to go to hell with that (Michael Jackson- remember what I advised you to tell Gloria Allred)? I ended the conversation by telling them that I was going to do my best to never do business with them again.

This month, I just reviewed my next payment, and I noticed something very interesting....

First, the ten dollar per month fee is gone.

Second, I was refunded the ten dollar per month fee for last month.

Third, my minimum payment is back to 2 percent.

What happened?

I'd like to think that public backlash and the Obama Administration had a lot to do with it. But even if I'd not like to think that, I'm sure that these ARE the reasons. What do YOU think?

Desperate Housewives is a Re-Run Tonight.

Bummer. One of my favorite TV shows, "Desperate Housewives", is on re-run tonight. Darn it! Oh, well, I guess I will watch "Six Feet Under", Season 1 Disc 2, which I rented from Netflix. It will give me some new drama that I haven't seen. It will be a few weeks before DH comes back with new episodes. "Brothers and Sisters" won't be on tonight on ABC, either. That's OK...Netflix!

A Concert Is Coming That I Want To See - Depeche Mode!

Soon coming to Los Angeles is Depeche Mode! If you like Depeche Mode's music and have never been to their concerts, I only have this to say- you will LOVE their concert. It's almost a religious experience- and the reason I say that is because of their sometimes very Christian references in their lyrics, and their simple symbolism used throughout their videos that they show on the screen. They are an awesome band, and I go see them whenever they come to Los Angeles.

Charge AIG And All Banks 29 Percent Interest The Way Credit Card Companies Charge Taxpayers

You read what I said: the U.S. Government should charge AIG and all the banks high interest rates- like the 29 percent that some of the credit card companies are charging me now! Why not? Are companies more important than people? Shouldn't "the people" be before companies? I think so. It's bad enough that the government is having to loan the banks and AIG money in the first place- why can't "we" benefit from it? Can I get an "Amen"?

Planning A Trip To The Walt Disney Company's Shareholder Meeting!

I have been a shareholder in The Walt Disney Company for 24 years. I love that company- I worked for them twice, for a grand total of 5 years. Why do I like them so much? I don't know. But I do know that I love Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Disneyland, Lilo and Stitch, Pinocchio and Pirates of the Caribbean. One thing that is available to all shareholders of Disney, but which most shareholders of Disney probably never do (although it sometimes seems like they ALL do) is to attend the shareholder meetings. The last one that I remember going to many years ago (1997, I think) was really interesting, because Warren Buffet was there (he used to be a large shareholder) and there was open debate about approving Michael Eisner's new compensation package. It was very contentious, but Mr. Eisner's new package was approved. I haven't been back to a meeting since that one, although I've been meaning to.

Recently I found out that they're having their shareholder meeting in Oakland, California this year. Boy, that's not too far! I think I'll go! What I've done is this: I bought a ticket on Amtrak, and I"ll go up there the day before, get a hotel that night, and then get up early in the morning, have a good breakfast and go and enjoy the meeting.

What's so good about the meeting? Well, they tell you all the new and exciting things that are in store for the Company. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy were there at all the meetings that I'd been to in the past, and I don't see any reason why they wouldn't be this time. Steve Jobs, who's Disney's largest shareholder and sits on Disney's Board of Directors, might be there, despite the fact that he's recovering from an illness. One thing that I'm anxious to find out, and something that will be revealed at the meeting, is the significance of this question: "Are you 23?"


It has really been a long time since I went to a meeting, but Disney seems to be doing well despite a challenging economy, and I want to get excited about what they've got in store for the future.

The Banana Splits: We're the Banana Splits

Another haunting song from this TV show. Boy, this sure captures the spirit of the '60s.

The Banana Splits: I Enjoy Being A Boy

I like this song, but in this video, they did cut the song short. To watch the TV show you wouldn't know it, but I actually have this song on a special edition CD. It's still cool, though.

The Banana Splits: You're The Lovin' End

One of my favorite songs from "The Banana Splits", a TV show that I used to watch when I was a small child in the '60's.

Stimulus Package: Where's the Relief From Credit Card Companies?

The stimulus bill creates new jobs, sure. It gives some breaks to people who want to buy a home (people who have money, that is). One thing is vitally missing from it, though: some kind of a tax break on interest paid to consumer credit cards, or some kind of law to restrain the credit card companies from jacking up interest on people. Or to prohibit those companies from randomly installing monthly fees that never existed before. It is crazy what some card companies are doing. Chase is doing it to me! I was surprised, after transferring balances at their behest, that they would stoop so low. And, they got a federal bailout, too, with tax dollars. It sucks, man. Give the people what they really need: relief from credit card company bullying, unfair practices and general tackiness!

Michael Phelps and Pot Smoking

So, Michael Phelps was photographed at a party in South Carolina smoking Marijuana from a big Bong. How old is Michael Phelps? He's a little square, right? I mean, he's disciplined, he's excelled at something- he was number 1! He worked hard, he got there. He sacrificed a lot.

Now that Michael Phelps has won all his medals, he should maybe take a break from the press and the limelight, right? Maybe chill out at a party with some friends, and maybe participate in some fun with some peers. Just be a normal Joe, and have fun among friends. Right?

Well, some punk ass bitch took a picture of him smoking some pot, and circulated it for their own profit, and at his expense. To me, that's really f**cked up. However, the fact remains that he smoked pot.

I say, so what? I smoked pot a couple of times when I was in college at UCLA. When I was in high school I never tried it, but I knew a lot of people who did. Frequently.

What's the harm in trying a little marijuana? Yes, it's illegal, but so many crazy, wrong things are legal (like the interest rates that credit card companies are allowed to charge) that, in my opinion, just because it's illegal doesn't mean that it's bad for you or wrong. Bill Clinton smoked pot. Hell, George W. Bush used cocaine and got drunk. All you people need to remember that Michael Phelps is a real person, and I like him all the more better for smoking pot- he's living his life, and (I hope) loving it. So what if Kellogg's chooses not to renew his contract? If I ever produce a movie and he's interested, I would love to have Michael Phelps in my movie!

Etta James Said What About Beyonce?

I love Etta James' song, "At Last". The first time that I had ever heard it was on the soundtrack for the movie, "Rain Man", and I've loved it ever since.

That being said, I fell in love with Beyonce (from afar) around the time when the album, "Survivor" came out from Destiny's Child. As I've learned more about her, I've loved her more and more. I think that she's a great singer and performer, and she has class.

Now, that being said, I think that Etta James showed her ass by making bad comments about Beyonce singing her song at the Inauguration of the President. Why couldn't she be happy for Beyonce? If anything, Etta James, be mad at Barack Obama for not inviting you to the party, but don't hate on Beyonce. Hell, by singing the song, she's promoting a movie about YOU, so get over yourself already!

UB40 Sing Our Own Song

This is UB40 singing, "Sing Our Own Song" from 1986. I remember seeing UB40 at The Palace in Hollywood, CA back in 1986, with the same band members and background singers seen here in this video. I met then 16-year-old Ziggy Marley at Capitol Records right across the street from The Palace later on that same night.

PETA's Sexy Ad Banned From The Super Bowl

This is the ad by PETA.org, which is banned from the Super Bowl by NBC due to it being too much. What do you think? It features women apparently having sex with vegetables, like a pumpkin and asparagus. I think it's a stupid ad and doesn't really want to make you eat vegetables and save the lives of animals, but at least they got you to know that they exist.



'Veggie Love': PETA's Banned Super Bowl Ad

Remember "The Banana Splits"?

Right now I'm listening to an album that I bought at Aaron's Records in Hollywood a few years ago. It's a special, limited edition CD of "The Banana Splits", that TV show from the '60s that I used to always watch. It was kind of weird to me, even back then, but it was really cool and funky, and I remember seeing the songs on TV during the late '60s and early '70s. Songs like "You're the Loving End", "Soul", and "We're the Banana Splits" were my favorite songs back then. Being able to get all these songs on CD was like a dream come true- in fact, it was, because I had longed to see the TV show again, and just being able to get it on CD was the greatest thing ever. Rhino Records released this special CD, which was limited to 1,000 copies! I'm so fortunate! This music really is part of my past, part of my psyche, part of me.

Gollum - from "Lord of the Rings" - They Stole the Precious

This is Gollum from "Lord of the Rings", a scene where he's having a quarrel with his other personality- Smeagol. I'm studying this scene right now to try to re-create it in my acting class- my way. It's what I'm thinking about now mostly, so that's why it's on this website!

It's None Of Your Business video by Salt N Pepa

I love this song- it's my favorite from Salt N Pepa. I remember about 6 years ago when I started really playing this CD a lot in my car- every day. Then one day while I was working at Fed Ex at the front counter near North Hollywood, in comes Spinderella from Salt N Pepa! It was so cool, I could barely think, but I told her that I had her CD in the car, and I started singing this song, and she named the album that I had ("Very Necessary"). It was cool- I was so happy to meet her, and yes, she is extremely pretty in person, and nice, too! From this album, I also love "Shoop", but this is a great album overall, too.