Let's Catch Up

It's 2am and the phone rings...who do you want answering that call? haha, it could be me seeing as it is 2am in Chicago and I'm awake burning the midnight oil for my employer. Crazy, yo! I'm gonna be a little silly in this entry but I finally have time to try to catch up a little bit while I wait for people to do what they do so I can do what I do. It's all very hush-hush, yeah?

I have been in Chicago for about 3 weeks now with the exception of 48 hours spent/wasted in San Diego. I had a great afternoon of Bloody Mary's with a friend and got the laundry done so that was good.

I have seen a few movies and even got to catch a concert. Holla! Check this out:

Muvico: awesome movie theater. You can reserve balcony seats, grab a bev at the full bar and even bring your drink into the theater (Guiness makes each movie a little more interesting) and enjoy pretty delicious restaurant food. Plus, the "premium" ticket gets you free popcorn. Good deal overall and a nice VIP experience for only a few bucks more than the regular ticket.

El: train that got me and a buddy from O'Hare into the city. A ride that was supposed to last 45-minutes really took 2 hours. The line was under construction and some genius said, "Hey, let's take all of the people from the big train and put them on a bus." Seriously, we were supposed to get off the train and take a bus to another stop up the line where the train would resume service. So, we had to wait...It was a fun night that ended at 630am but I got to have a little adventure, see some Chicago night life and enjoy a great meal.

Leatherheads: Most recent film I saw at Muvico. It was ok. I can't write a long review here but I think Krazinski was decent and as likeable as he always is on The Office. Plus it was a treat to see him. Clooney was fine and goofy like he was in O'Brother and Zellweger is one of those love 'er or hate 'er types so you might hate 'er and if you do, this film won't change that. The story was fun in parts but overall the trailers are more compelling. It hurts me to say this about a Clooney film but 'tis true...at least for me.

Run Fat Boy, Run: This is a British fiml with an American director. David Schwimmer of Friends fame makes his directorial debut (at least with features) bringing a film that would have been much less charming sans the British accents to the big screen. It is Hornsby-esque and boasted a solid cast including another Yank, Hank Azaria in yet another role that makes you just not like him enough to think he can act.

21: This is another film that pains me because I have to say that it wasn't great. It was good and there was excitement. Anyone who likes Vegas, math, cards or a little suspense will be interested. The story is interesting though the dialogue leaves much to be desired. The only thing I can say in its defense is that math/science-types aren't known to be particularly fine communicators so maybe the dialoge wasn't bad but more authentic. No offense to a well-spoken, well-adjusted math/science person out there. This is just something I've read and perhaps you've read too. Anyway, it was a delight to see Kevin Spacey at all as he's been away for a while doing theater. Still, though I recommend it, I think it wasn't the best film.

Jason Mraz played here in Chicago and I finally got to see him for the first time. He is from San Diego but I just have never been there when he's there. Anyway, it was a fun, energetic and enjoyable show. Mraz is a super-talented singer-songwriter and his next album should prove that. Check out the video and audio for I'm Yours, his latest single. There is an EP out now featuring that song and a few others, namely "If It Kills Me" which has a great lyric and chill sound. Mraz has proven himself on his past two albums and as a live act is even better. Go see that guy if he ends up in your town! May 13 is when the album drops by the way.

Duty calls and I'm tired but I wanted to make sure I got some good entertainment news out to my little world.

Cheers!

FAT to SAN via LAX, GMAB!

A funny thing happened on the way to San Diego...not really funny or even important but I love starting off sentences that way. This is a rant. I am at LAX waiting over an hour to board a plane to San Diego. I have travelled many places lately and this has been the most annoyed I have been.

Why? Well, I had this layover in a horrible terminal. It is the American Eagle terminal to be precise. I decided to take a shuttle to a different terminal to go get food or coffee or something. I was told that was permissible.

I get my Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte (that's my signature drink) and a Cinnamon Scone (I like them but hate scones generally) and go back to the shuttle.

"Um, you can't take that on the shuttle."
"What?"
"Um, you can't take that. Your drink. That has to go."
"Ugggh. Really?"
"Yeah. You can sit here and enjoy it though."
"I have a flight to catch."
"Oh, let me see your boarding pass...yeah, you better get that shuttle."
"That shuttle," I point.
"Yes."

I had to toss the full coffee before taking one sip. It was a sacrifice greater than you may imagine. The latte that is normally $3.85 at an outside store is $5 at the airport.

I grudgingly walk towards the shuttle. When I arrive at the terminal, it is the wrong terminal. That little twerp told me to get on the wrong shuttle!!!

Now I am back at the right terminal waiting to board a flight that will get me home in just 30 minutes less time than it would have taken me to make the drive at this point. At least I'd allow a beverage in my vehicle!

Happy Easter to everyone!

Images from TX

Now that I'm back in San Diego, I wish I were on the campaign trail.

Here are pics from TX:

Clinton Raucus TX Caucus

Take 2.

I'm in another airport and though thoughts are still swimming around in my head in some disarray, there is so much more to say about yesterday.

After the Hillary rally I headed back to the office and was sent out to pick up an elderly voter to take her to her precinct. It was actually nice to help someone get to the polls and to make sure that they were about to fulfill the duty. There were two people coordinating transportation for voters who asked for assistance and taking someone was a lot more rewarding than I expected. I also picked up a volunteer who had a horrible travel experience and convinced her to stay in town and help. She seemed fine once we got into the office I hope that she is glad she stayed. I never had a chance to catch up with her as the day wore on.

We made phone calls as much as possible to make sure people remembered to go vote and do the "Texas Two-step" and based on the looks of the caucus, they remembered in droves.

My last order of business for the day was to pick up an elderly couple to take them to their caucus and then stick around and watch the caucus while they participated. Sounds easy enough, right? Five hours later when I left it was with a great frustration in a system that if it's not failing the people of Texas it is insulting them, and a great sense of pride in having gotten through it.

The PRECINCT CONVENTION (aka Caucus)

When I arrived there had to be a thousand people and almost no open space left in the building. There was no order. It was unclear where the primary line ended and those there for the caucus began. The polls were supposed to be closed at 7pm with no more voters entering the line. The place was significantly understaffed with poll workers and also had only 8 voting machines when many more were needed. I learned that the more recent election prior had 12 machines and far fewer voters. Why would they have less machines yesterday when the voting was predicted to be at a high? I have my theories. Anyway, there was issue number one, the voting line was not cut-off when it was supposed to be cut-off and voting did not subside until at least 8pm.

The caucus people were coming into the building non-stop and that added to the disorganization. Actually, it was impressive that the Obama supporters had gotten so far as to segregate themselves from the Clinton supporters. I was truly impressed that regular citizens who had no training in these matters were doing what they were doing and were working together even with the tension between them and their candidates.

Long, long, long story short, I was able to locate the other Clinton volunteers who were at the precinct (one from D.C. actually on the campaign staff, one from L.A., and a couple of others in addition to locals) and very fortunately began to work with an Obama staffer who was also from L.A. We worked together to organize ALL attendees into areas based on precinct rather than candidate affiliation and in an effort I won't get into here we actually began and completed the caucus process.

I am embarrassed at the thought that the TX caucus is considered a valid or appropriate process. I was on the phone with another precinct and spoke with warring self-appointed precinct captains and the on-site judge and was a main leader at my polling place. There were THREE precincts located in one building that was not meant to accommodate this process or these people. It was appalling.

Must go but will write more later. I haven't gotten to the celebration part but again, I am so excited about what will happen next in this election!

Clinton Wins RI, OH and TX*!

Last night as the numbers were coming in from states outside of Texas, I had no capacity to even process that Senator Clinton was actually really winning. A friend let me know that TX was close to being called for Clinton and even then I couldn't raise the hope too high as I worked in a caucus room that was clearly divided between Obama and Clinton, and seemingly unfavorably so. But before I get to that, I'll start with the beginning for the day which really ended up being just an extension of the day before punctuated by a shower and a 15 minute nap.

Good Morning America was supposed to show up at headquarters at 6am which brought a lot of us into the office at 530am. They ended up covering something else and we just kept on working.

At 630 I headed over to an elementary school where Hillary was to appear between 730 and 830. I had never seen her before so I decided to go to her rally rather than President Clinton's rally. The crowd slowly built and as people arrived they were given signs to wave. I was put on sign duty to make sure a huge sign was held up during the rally. Selfishly, I wanted to be up against the baricade greeting Hillary so I tried to put the sign up in a tree so no one would have to hold it. The strategy proved sound for visibility purposes but with the wind, it still had to be held in place. It paid off when online stories that appeared right after the rally had the tree sign in them. This is small, I know, but holding a sign up for about 2.5 hours gives the sign an importance, at least for the morning. It was nice that the guy running the event liked the placement.

Hillary arrived at the rally along with Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen. It almost looked like a scene from Curb Your Enthusiasm and could have been if Larry David had shown up with his guy, Barack. The crowd went wild for Hillary and when I got a chance to go up to the fence and catch her on her way out, it all came together for me in a way it hadn't before.

In person, Hillary looks softer than she does on television. She is quite pretty and petite, and she was engaged in her brief interaction with each person. She addressed people in the face and was sincere. In my brief interaction I was again renewed as I have been over and over on this trip. It might be the "Blink" factor but right when I saw her in person, I just knew that I was in the right place and doing the right thing. This helped later on when I later arrived at a caucus that was chaos and the most trying part of the entire weekend. I don't have pictures available just now as I'm in the airport in Phoenix but will post one later.

I have to board a plane but I'll continue later.

I do need to say that I am so, so ecstatic about the wins for Hillary and can't beleive I was there. More later.

It Starts with a Crash!

Today got off to a rough start and is just now ending, with only 2 hours before it begins again but the rough start is long in the past and part of what feels like another day or even another week.

I went to CVS near the headquarters in pursuit of a remedy to my much worsened cough. The cashier there asked if my “Hillary” shirt was in fact a “Hillary Clinton” shirt. I took this opportunity to talk to her about the election. Turns out she didn’t know about the Texas two-step process and hadn’t planned on going to the precinct convention. Her government class in college lets out at the time the conventions begin and she told me she was going to let her professor know she needed to get out early and also let her class know. Telling one person can sometimes be the same as telling thirty. I was elated as I have been so often today.

Then, I crashed…literally. No more details but my car and another car became intertwined (ok, that’s dramatic, but it was scary) and all I can say is that I am a fortunate person. The driver is a Hillary supporter and so is his wife who came to get him. They wished me luck and said they were going to be at the polls and the precinct convention. I can’t say that I’m happy about the costliness of this accident nor that it didn't scare me but I can say again that I am so very lucky.

I am also lucky because the rest of the day was brilliant. I made a ton of calls to Precinct Captains, helped ready fliers, helped compost and email to the PC’s (one of the highlights of my day because I was using skills that I feel are strengths of mine), ran errands (yes, I drove fearlessly!) and did everything I could. There were some wonderful people on calls and some great conversations came out of them including those talks with my peers when we all took time to breathe for a moment and say hello to each other.

The dedication of the regular staffers is not unfamiliar to me as I’ve experienced it on my own team at work. It is wonderful to observer that dedication elsewhere and to also contribute to it. I didn’t want to leave this evening because in simply watching and being there I have learned so much.

Today I had the opportunity to meet one of the women who founded the TX chapter of NOW. She has worked with many other female leaders in TX and I am inspired by her courage. I also had a chance to speak briefly with Dolores Huerta. These people are in the office making calls like everyone else. Even Christine Lahti and Melanie Griffith signed in as out-of-town volunteers and made calls yesterday!

I believe in this fight as I’ve said and I feel I’m repeating myself but I had no idea how I really felt until I was on my way here. I knew I loved the Clinton’s in general but it is so much more than that. It is a love for this country that began when I was a child, a love for public service, hope for what can be (that hope President Bill Clinton inspired when I was 11), admiration for a woman who is close to making reality what some thought would not be possible for many years to come and resurrecting of my own dreams to one day serve the public. Admittedly, it is one of a few dreams.

We’re doing Good Morning America early so I should depart and try to grab 2 hours but I wanted to let everyone know that it is going great out here and despite what external sources are saying to me, I have nothing but confidence that we are going into this Super Tuesday 2 with only victory intended. I have talked to some non-supporters and have hopefully convinced them to vote for Hillary (when they have listened).

Another thing, I’m going to see HRC (Hillary Rodham Clinton) at an event in the morning which means I’ll have seen her and President Clinton in-person in the same week. Extraordinary! I look forward to seeing her speak as I have heard that she is best seen and heard exactly that way.

I hope this makes sense!

Elect Clinton? Si se puede!

If today is any indication, the atmosphere in Houston is going to get predictably more intense leading up to Tuesday. There is more at stake the closer we get and this caucus or “convention” system in Texas is going to prove to be the greatest challenge. In my job I constantly hear the term “training issue” and I can say that in this entire state there is one huge “training issue” with regards to the two-step election process. Generally people we talk to don’t know that they can, should or even need to return to their precincts by 7pm on Tuesday to vote again.
I had an opportunity to really step it up this morning and help organize getting a few people out the door and stationed at some locations to promote a rally featuring President Bill Clinton at noon. It was pretty exciting and though just in mentioning it I am making it sound like I did more than I actually did, it was good to contribute that much.
After doing a little recruiting for the rally, I headed over to the rally with a new set of flyers. There was a great crowd that went wild when the President arrived. I’d like to note that he was very punctual as he was in La Jolla as well. Famous people are notorious for being late but in my two experiences with Bill Clinton, he has been surprisingly on time which is impressive but also probably very necessary given his schedule.
After the President’s inspirational speech, I headed to a women’s rally featuring Melanie Griffith, Christine Lahti and Erika Alexander as well as some other notable female speakers from the religious and political realms. Griffith was very humble and sincere in her speech and offered the view of the average person. She was there because it was important to her and she gave a speech that anyone could give if they could get a room of people to listen. The important thing was that since she can get a room to listen, she has taken time out to give such a speech. Alexander added more substance and family background to her stump effort and has done a lot of work to rally youth for the campaign.
Lahti far and away gave the most inspired and impassioned speech of the trio and spoke of meeting Hillary Clinton 16 years ago when she thought then that Hillary could run for President. Often I am frustrated at the attention entertainers get when they state their support for a candidate but having now been at a rally with celebrities, I understand the impact they can have on voters who even if they don’t listen to them are brought together by them. The picture on this blog features Lahti and Griffith before the press.
My favorite line from the rally was by a preacher whose name I did not catch when she talked about women, the importance of women voting and how she was going to make sure all women voted. In looking around Houston, it is hard not to notice all of the strip or “gentleman’s” clubs and she said she was going to disappoint the men b making sure the girls “get off the poles and get to the polls!”
Another woman who was at the women’s rally and later at another event is Dolores Huerta who is the United Farm Workers co-founder and author of the motto “Si se puede!” The phrase translates to “Yes, we can” and was adopted during Cesar Chavez’s 25-day fast in 1972. She made it clear that she was unhappy with Obama’s adoption of the phrase and since she coined it, rightfully so. Huerta and the UFW have endorsed Clinton, not Obama, and she says that only Hillary has earned the right to use that motto at all. It was cool to see such a revolutionary in person and to hear her perspective since Obama’s use of the phrase in California got such attention with Latinos. Adding to the Spanish phrase, Obama also has a commercial in TX featuring mariachis singing “Viva Obama”. Very cheesy.
Before heading to an LGBT event at a local bar, I helped out with some phone banking completing just fewer than 50 calls along with a new friend I met from Oakland. She is a cool girl who I was lucky to meet up with giving me a partner in crime for my exploits around Houston. She also did a few more than 50 calls so topping out at 100 we were satisfied with running over to “Chances” bar for the LGBT rally.
I’m not a big fan of making calls but I was stoked the times that I was able to educate a voter on the TX caucus process or talk to a Hillary supporter who would be voting (twice)! One older woman was a bit hard of hearing and though I was Hillary Clinton. I told her I wasn’t but she persisted with her question for “Hillary” saying, “Now that I have you on the phone, I have to ask you, what’s going on with this election here?” I think she was satisfied with “Hillary’s” response. I told her at least 4 times that I wasn’t Hillary but don’t know if she ever understood that. She was a nice lady and hopefully her friends will be impressed with Hillary’s personal call and they’ll all have a little party at the polls!
The LGBT even was fun. I met a lot of really nice people and was again impressed when an actor gave a speech in addition to local politicians. Robert Gant from Queer as Folk met Hillary Clinton this weekend and shared his very personal story with the group that was gathered at the bar. I think people were appreciative of his efforts and he made valiant ones trying to get people to do more than just vote.
In all, there is a lot of work to be done in the next two days and I am terribly excited about doing it. I was moved today by the stories I heard and I am ready to hit the pavement again tomorrow.
I am still sick by the way but illness will have to wait to keep me down. With a little rest tonight I hope to be better tomorrow but given the amount of talking that is required, it might be this weekend before I see much more progress than today brought.
Go Hillary!

Hello, I'm calling from the Hillary Clinton for President campaign...

I woke up this morning with a cough and congestion to go with the sore throat I started to feel yesterday and a headache to top it off. It was an unpleasant way to wake up with a bit of a drive and a long day ahead so I got to Clinton Headquarters later than I wanted to but still in plenty of time to start working in Houston!

Today I mostly made phone calls to local voters. Some of the people I was able to talk to were very enthusiastic and thankful for the call. I won’t mention the others but also can’t say I’m always happy when I get a call from a campaign. Luckily I am usually nice about it so the karma factor plays mostly in my favor.

The caucus process in Texas is something to hear about. Basically, 75% of delegate votes are determined during the primary which is the type of election we’re used to in CA for example. The polls are open from 7am to 7pm on March 4 and during that time people will go to their precinct and vote if they haven’t already participated in “early voting”.

Then, at 7pm, the “conventions” also known as caucuses begin and people who voted earlier in the day must return to their precinct to essentially vote again so that their candidate receives additional delegate votes. Twenty-five percent of delegate votes are determined in these convention meetings. The challenge for the candidates is to get voters out to the conventions after the polls have closed. It is an interesting process and one that Texas came up with long ago. Also, the primary in Texas is open so voters don’t identify themselves by party until they vote for either a Democratic or Republican candidate. So, a Republican can vote for a Democrat and that happens for a number of reasons including the possible foiling of the election. I can’t wait to see how this works on Tuesday!

Until then, there is plenty of work to do. Tomorrow morning I’m going to go help set-up a rally where President Bill Clinton will speak. I can't beleive I'm going to see him speak in person twice within a few weeks, something I never expected to have happen. Then, there is a Women’s Rally in the afternoon which is featuring among others Christine Lahti and Melanie Griffith (the Hollywood factor). Later I’m joining another group for a couple of other events. That should cover the day which will be incredibly busy and if it doesn't, there will be calls to make.

So far, talking to voters has been rewarding. More and more I feel it is so important to get Hillary Clinton elected and if I can just change one mind tomorrow or get one more person to a precinct, I’ll feel great accomplishment. One woman I talked to on the phone today said she wanted to help but that she didn’t really know how she could. She’ll be at the rally tomorrow and at a precinct on Tuesday. Awesome! It is also great to meet volunteers from Houston and from other states. There are some very smart and dedicated people here and I can only imagine the time and energy they’ve already put in.

I better get some rest and with luck get rid of the cough but in case you’re wondering who that man in the picture is; that’s Gavin Newsom the Mayor of San Francisco. He stopped by the headquarters and will be busy stumping for Hillary tomorrow. I was very proud to have the chance to meet him.

Until tomorrow when I'll be sporting my new Hillary shirt (I now have the wardrobe to be properly outfitted as a HillSTAR for the rest of the trip) and with luck will be in optimal health for the day!

With a Little Help from My Friends: Hillary TX Adventure

I rarely consider myself someone who would be called "adventurous" though over the past few years I have arguably done things that one with a sense of adventure may do when displaying that sense. Tonight I completed one of two legs that make up my flight to Houston, TX where I will for the next 4 days take part in the campaign and caucus election process as only Texas would do it as a "HillSTAR" or Hillary Clinton supporter. People are traveling from all over the US to show their support for the Clinton campaign and in a move that I would have never anticipated just two weeks ago, I am among them.

I know that all readers are not Clinton supporters but hopefully you accept my position and know what this means to me.

The Texas caucuses are held after polls close and 35% of the delegates' votes are determined at these caucuses so the system in Texas is quite different from any other states'.

A very generous woman who I met at a fundraiser (which I attended because of a very generous friend) offered me the opportunity to fly to Houston at her expense so I surveyed my silly finances and decided that I could pay for the hotel and car rental and off to TX I go.

The trip has been interesting so far as it comes on the heels of a very trying week. Nothing happened to me personally but my events of the week added an unexpected gravity to this week that made me unsure I even wanted to take the trip at all. I have a renewed energy and am thankful now that I am going to be part of this history-making campaign and that I am doing something that these next few days I am participating in something that is truly important to me.

the short flight to Phoenix was colored by a conversation with a political zealot and a more moderate New Zealand transplant (Kiwi--I love that term). I'm sure the debate was not the last I'll engage in over the next few days but I was thankful that the flight was only 40 minutes long. The zealot, if that isn't too harsh, presented his opinions as fact but all in all it made for an interesting conversation. As total coincidence, he tried to punctuate some point by saying "Well, my girlfriend has MS and..." "I do as well," I replied and that changed the tone of things a bit and we had a good thought brief talk about that as well. I was able to reassure him with the latest stats on research and that was a cool way to end things.

I haven't written this much in a long time and I hope this weekend provides me with more motivation to keep writing.

March 4 is coming up quickly and this should be a good one! Go Hillary!

Clinton for President

It's been a while. Blame Valentine's Day. No, I wasn't overwhelmed by some romance and unable to pull myself away from a lover. I was working. You can imagine how many flowers I saw go out the door. Incredible!

I digress. This was a great moment from tonight's debate that it would be best not to miss.



I never got to vote for a Clinton because of my age. It was an honor on February 5th. That day was so extraordinary no matter who you voted for. It was historic and this is an exciting time to be an American. We are catching up with the rest of the world and considering more than one candidate (the white man--nothing against McCain who is a good man). The diversity alone brings about a sense of change that will hopefully survive through November and on to the Presidential Inauguration.

I met a hero of mine this past Tuesday. His name is President William Jefferson Clinton. I think that meeting will one day be talked about as a defining moment. We said nothing of import to each other, personally, but it was was a moment I never imagined would happen. I'll tell you more later.

NKOTB? OMG!

Well, things are starting to come full circle. The first "boy band" (yes, there were The Beatles, The Monkeys but I still don't consider them the same as they played instruments, wrote their songs and seemed to have more integrity than those we called boy bands in the 90's) that I was into, New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) is supposed to be making a comeback. Will they have success? I dunno but I think I have a dormant crush on Jordan and secretly like Jon too. I always thought I had a better chance with him.

I wonder if they have "the right stuff" to make something happen as they hit 40-years old (yeah--Jon is gonna be 40). There is no way they'll be as much a disaster as the "Man Band" VH1 tried to make happen with guys were were popular after NKOTB was gone.

Anyway, this news entertained me and I thought some readers may find it interesting. If any of the guys have gone grey, I might be down to give them a listen or at least a look!

Idol's Back

I didn't see the entire first episodes but I was so grateful and entertained when I did see this audition.

Enjoy and by the end, try not to sing along!

The Bucket List

This was better than the critics say and I'd give it 5 stars but I know it is not the best film. I had to go more than 4 though because I did really, really love it. Nicholson has had more complex roles and so has Freeman. But, they gave a lot to this film and it was lovely. Nicholson and Freeman pulled off heartfelt, deep performances, not always seen in what would be considered a comedy as much as a drama and in such a mainstream film.

The men forged a friendship and found a way to live life, even when there was little left to live. So what if there was some cliche here and so what if there was some predictability. Going on the journey with these two men was cleansing and inspiring and made me remember some bad things but I was glad they were able to go where they did. The writer didn't rely on lengthy monologues to make important point but instead let the actions of the characters create poignancy.

I had to cry and really wanted to weep at the end of this film but didn't want to become a total wreck. It is a wonderful thing to feel that much every so often, even if it is the result of fiction.

I wholly recommend this film not because it will win awards but because everyone faces their own mortality and sooner the mortality of loved ones and the guys in The Bucket List is a wonderful way to face it.

Sean Hayes deserves mention too as his character and the way he played it added to every scene he was in and wasn't at all intimidated by those he was in the scenes with. It was fun to see him again.

The Skinny on Starbucks

I have ordered the same exact drink from Starbucks during 95% of my visits over the past several years. My relationship with the Venti Nonfat Sugar-free Vanilla Latte has endured all others. Now, when I need it the most, it has changed its name and apparently lost some weight in the past year.

I am now supposed to go to Starbucks and ask for a Venti "Skinny" Vanilla Latte. This "Skinny" name was supposed to simplify things though I don't really see that it has. It makes me refer to my drink as "Skinny" though I am not. I actually feel sort of ridiculous ordering it and wonder if people think "Skinny? Yeah, right. I wouldn't think she'd order that." I feel like I need to order a pastry or something so they know that I may drink skinny but I eat fat. Anyway, I know this is silly but there is some truth to it. I don't like the name because it reminds me that I'm really conscious about the caloric content of my Starbucks drink but I'm not as careful as I should be elsewhere. It makes me feel like one of those people who goes to McDonald's and says, "I'll super-size that and take a Diet Coke to drink." The Diet Coke is a lost cause in the context of the extra value meal.

The other thing I don't like is that I don't trust all of the baristas to know for sure what I'm ordering with this new naming convention. I order it, to follow the rules, but then immediate ask, "It's a sugar-free vanilla non-fat, right?" It is a waste of my time and I think annoys some of the order-takers.

Apparently there are some baristas out there who aren't down with the gimick either. Check out what one barista had to say to corporate. I didn't even consider all of the angles she did but it was good to know someone else was displeased with the "Skinny".

The Hardest Part

I've been really feeling musical lately and been really more into writing again than I had been. The happier I am, the less I tend to find words and the need to express myself. Prior to the new year I was traveling all over and too busy to wallow in anything but now I'm home and no less busy but somehow much more victim to insomniac tendencies, distraction and overall discontent.

The song I can't get out of my head today is by Coldplay. I wish I still had "Say" in my head because that day was a better day. Today has gotten better but frankly was dark for a while. Might be because I can't see out any windows so I have a smaller space to let my mind wander. I purged a lot of emails and contacts today and feel a bit more cleansed. I'm ready for the next hour, when I can breathe again.

The Hardest Part

And the hardest part
Was letting go not taking part
Was the hardest part
And the strangest thing
Was waiting for that bell to ring
It was the strangest start

I could feel it go down
Bittersweet I could taste in my mouth
Silver lining in the clouds
oh And I
I wish that I could work it out

And the hardest part
Was letting go not taking part
You really broke my heart
And I tried to sing
But I couldn't think of anything
And that was the hardest part

I could feel it go down
You left the sweetest taste in my mouth
You're a silver lining the clouds
Oh, and I
Oh, and I
I wonder what its all about [x2]

Everything I know is wrong
Everything I do it just comes undone
And everything is torn apart
Oh and thats the hardest part
Thats the hardest part
Yeah, thats the hardest part
Thats the hardest part

New Low

Britney Spears was just taken into custody according to Perez Hilton and Page Six.

Click either link for the article.

The new low is not Britney's arrest but the fact that I've been following the story online for the last 20 minutes. It was exciting to have the scoop for some reason and I can see why the Perez must love his job. I love his job.

Radiohead Vid Not to Miss

Check out Radiohead's "Scotch Mist" video. My belated Christmas gift to you.

Say

John Mayer's new hit, "Say" is one I can't stop playing and will probably over play by tomorrow morning but I love the lyric and also the tune. The song was written for the new Rob Reiner vehicle, The Bucket List, featuring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman (due out on January 11--not soon enough for me).

I've been thinking about my "bucket list" a lot lately and the Mayer song is pushing me even harder to get cracking. Here are the lyrics:

Take all of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems,
Better put 'em in quotations

Say what you need to say [x8]

Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you'd be better off instead,
If you could only ...

Say what you need to say [x8]

Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You'd better know that in the end
Its better to say too much
Then never to say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open

Say what you need to say [x24]

Mountain Dave

David Letterman is back and he says about the writers' strike, "bottom-line, the writers are sick of buying their own pencils."''

Dave got to bring his writers back after negotiating a special deal with the guild and it is wonderful to see him, strike beard and all. It is only a few minutes into the show but I'm already relieved to see something new on TV.

As we near May sweeps and awards season, I hope the writers are able to work things out soon. They deserve the money and the recognition for what they do and it is time they get their due. It's scary to think of what lame reality show or game show is going to come out next. Also, who doesn't miss the Daily Show?!? I'm back to watching the news now, in order to get the news. Outrageous!

I'm tired and have little else to say so I'll struggle to stay awake through Dave's opening and first guest (Robin Williams!) before I doze off.

Atonement and Charlie Wilson

I had a chance to see 2 of the many films worth seeing right now and now I must get to the theater as much as possible before awards' season is in full swing!

Atonement

The trailer for this film actually lives up to the film. The best parts are in the film and not necessarily spoiled by the trailer which is a feat greater than many films accomplish this day.

I thought this was brilliant and a must see. The youngest actress gave a performance worthy of the praise she has received and the nominations that will continue to come. The story was complex but did not cause the audience any suffering other than love's pain. I didn't read the book but imagine it is beautiful. McAvoy and Knightly had great chemistry and again McAvoy is one to keep watching.

Charlie Wilson's War

This film is highly political and very specific in the timespan it covers. I state those seemingly obvious facts because many films about politics don't actually take a political stance and don't cover only the event they are meant to discuss but this film most certainly does in the end.

I do love Aaron Sorkin and will keep this brief. Unlike the film above, some of the best moments (at least the most entertaining) are in the trailer but it is still a good film and worth seeing now, or on DVD.

The cast was great though Julia Roberts isn't in it as much as her billing suggests. This may disappoint anyone wanting to see a Roberts film. The movie went by quickly and by the end, I knew exactly why the story was being told now. Sorkin wants to say something about today's state of affairs.

It should be mentioned that Phillip Seymour Hoffman made the scenes he was in and I can't wait to catch "The Savages" next. Is there anything this guy can't do?

PS--I have a bit of a crush on Tom Hanks now.

Concerts in 2007

It was a busy year and I really don't think the list below covers it but here are at least most of the shows I saw in 2007 (*indicates interview with artist, follow link to piratepods.com):

January 8: Justin Timberlake at iPay One Center
January 20: Rock for Africa; Thieves and Liars, World Wide Spies, Regarding Jack, This Holiday Life at Epicentre*
March 1: Midlake at The Casbah*
March 2: Pussycat Dolls and Christina Aguilera at iPay One Center
March 10: Ozomatli at Belly Up Tavern*
March 24: Rod Stewart at Cox Arena
March 27: Slackstring at San Diego Sports Club*
April 21: Five for Fighting at The Wiltern*
May 6: Taylor Hicks at Pala Casino
May 18: Third Eye Blind and Ozomatli at UCSD's RIMAC Field*
May 20: Third Eye Blind at House of Blues San Diego*
June 10: Dustin Kensrue at House of Blues San Diego*
June 16: Jason McGinnis at Across the Street*
June 22: Hell Yeah*
June 23: The Police and Foo Fighters at Dodgers Stadium
July 7: Abbamania at Embarcadero
July 14: Vib Gyor, Get Back Loretta at The Casbah*
July 17: The Fray at Coors Amphitheatre
July 21: Jamie Cullum at Hollywood Bowl
August 2: Hell Yeah and The Spins at Dream Street*
August 4: Broadway Rocks at Embarcadero
August 25: John Corbett in West VA
August 26: Mountain Stage in WV; Les Youx Noirs, Ray Wylie Hubbard, King Wilkie, Johnny Staats and Robert Shaffer*
September 2: Grin's Edge at Cane's*
September 17: Justin Timberlake at Staples Center
September 25: Dropjoy at Brass Rail*
October 10: Rogue Wave at The Casbah
October 12: Genesis at Hollywood Bowl
October 15: Duncan Sheik at Belly Up Tavern*
October 21: Eagles and Dixie Chicks at Nokia Theater
November 17: Ryan Shaw at The Independent
November 29: Aimee Mann's Christmas Show at Belly Up Tavern

Next Year Baby

I end this year bitterly hopeful about the next. I could make a list of resolutions a mile long and then break every one of them because I'm sure there are many things in this life I should resolve to change. If I'm honest though, there are not that many things I need to change in order to achieve happiness or fulfillment.

Yes, I need to lose a few pounds but my weight hasn't plagued my soul. It has just prevented me from being hot or the best looking one in the room...she probably isn't that happy either. So, I want to get into better shape and if that means I lose weight and look better, awesome. That's resolution 1.

Yes, I need to be better with money and spend less on stupid things but I like those stupid things and money can't buy...
Still, I can be a bit more responsible with money. That's resolution 2.

Yes, I really should drink less. Coffee, whiskey, everything but water. Maybe I'll shoot for that one again. I dunno. I went for 5 months with no alcohol once and 3 months another time. It was a better life so I'll try again. I won't stop, but I'll slow down. That's resolution 3.

Those are simple enough resolutions to make...just to try to be better in those aspects. I read a lot now and will keep doing so. Overall it was a decent year and I can make next year even better.

The last resolution I'll make may seem strange but given the past few years, it makes perfect sense. It is to not be involved with anyone who is involved with someone else whether they are just dating, engaged or married. If I don't know initially then find out (which hopefully never happens again) I'll take loneliness and marry it before I compromise myself again. One lesson I've learned is that a great way to lose a friend is to make that friend into a lover. It took a while but friendship can never be regained. A lover can be an acquaintance and a casual one at that but not a friend.

I am afraid as I get out there and date that I'll be plagued with relationships that end in infidelity as some sort of karmic retribution from the universe. My fingers are crossed though and I'll take what I deserve if I deserve anything less than love. I know what I don't want now and think I know what I want too. I hope losing so far is enough and I am allowed to move on with a guilt that is punishment enough for the things I have done. Eventually it should all balance out on both ends though sadly so far the casualty has been me. That is resolution number 4.

As you make your resolutions or ignore the tradition, try to make each day a good one in 2008 and beyond.

A favorite artist of mine is Jamie Cullum and I enjoy the lyric below as it kind of sums up what I'd like to do this year and the above entry is a start:


Next year, things are gonna change
Gonna drink less beer, and start all over again
Gonna read more books, gonna keep up with the news
Gonna learn how to cook, spend less money on shoes
I’ll pay my bills on time,and file my mail away, everyday
Only drink the finest wine,and call my Gran every Sunday

Resolutions, baby they come and go
Will I do any of these things? The answers probably no
If there’s one thing I must do, despite my greatest fears
I’m gonna say to you, how I felt all of these years
Next Year
Next Year

Target Holidays

I went around looking for a particular, old school board game and Target had it on sale this week. I'd list it here but I don't want the person I was getting it for to find out just yet (Christmas isn't here yet folks.)

I went to 3 different Target stores in Fresno and had my sister look in Valencia too. Nowhere to be found! But, all this time in Target reminded me of my favorite SNL skit in recent years. Check it out below...and if I can find the "Schweaty" skits, there will be more to come this week.



Happy Holidays!

The Leader of the Band...

Dan Fogelberg passed away after a battle with cancer. I would hope that he didn't suffer greatly but I am sure that he did. I have seen it in a man his age before and cancer, deadly or otherwise, is so, so ugly.

Fogelberg was beautiful though, in his voice and showed a realism in his lyrics. I have enjoyed a few of his songs very much. One I would say, has been influential on me and they way I attempt to write (privately, not here).

ABC News covers a bit on Fogelberg.

Among my favorite of his songs (and probably his most famous):
Leader of the Band
Same Old Lang Syne
Rhythm of the Rain
Longer

Same Old Lang Syne (lyrics)

Met my old lover in the grocery store
The snow was falling christmas eve
I stole behind her in the frozen foods
And I touched her on the sleeve

She didnt recognize the face at first
But then her eyes flew open wide
She went to hug me and she spilled her purse
And we laughed until we cried.

We took her groceries to the checkout stand
The food was totalled up and bagged
We stood there lost in our embarrassment
As the conversation dragged.

We went to have ourselves a drink or two
But couldnt find an open bar
We bought a six-pack at the liquor store
And we drank it in her car.

We drank a toast to innocence
We drank a toast to now
And tried to reach beyond the emptiness
But neither one knew how.

She said shed married her an architect
Who kept her warm and safe and dry
She would have liked to say she loved the man
But she didnt like to lie.

I said the years had been a friend to her
And that her eyes were still as blue
But in those eyes I wasnt sure if I saw
Doubt or gratitude.

She said she saw me in the record stores
And that I must be doing well
I said the audience was heavenly
But the traveling was hell.

We drank a toast to innocence
We drank a toast to now
And tried to reach beyond the emptiness
But neither one knew how.

We drank a toast to innocence
We drank a toast to time
Reliving in our eloquence
Another auld lang syne...

The beer was empty and our tongues were tired
And running out of things to say
She gave a kiss to me as I got out
And I watched her drive away.

Just for a moment I was back at school
And felt that old familiar pain
And as I turned to make my way back home
The snow turned into rain --

These Few Things...

It has been a while. I feel like I have abandoned most things in the last month, not to mention this blog. I have a ton I think about writing and if I had an iPhone, I might just send everything to my blog as it came to me, like the people in the commercials seem to do. There would be danger in that I suppose since some of my thoughts are not meant for general broadcast and time to think before I speak (write) is uaually valuable and lends to less regret.

I've seen few films as of late but the two I did see were great:

Enchanted is Disney's latest vehicle and craftily blends and animated storyline with live action. Disney characters have come to life before at Disneyland but they haven't been injected into our reality as they are in this film. It is a spoof of the fairy tale happily-ever-after story that I have certainly never experienced but still allows for the happy ending that I somehow still love to see! This isnt just a chick-flick but could be a good date movie. I can't see a group of dudes piling into the theater to check it out but if your gal wants to go, you'll have fun to. Amy Adams was a delight in her role and Patrick Dempsey was a dreamy as he could get without Dr. Grey lurking in an elevator at Seattle Grace waiting to see him.

No Country for Old Men is by far my favorite film of the year, friend-o. Javier Bardem is completely unrelenting and eerily natural in his portrayal of a man willing to kill anyone to get back the money that belongs to him. I don't want to say much because it is one to just see and then talk about with other people who have seen it and feel as creeped out as you do once they have. Tommy Lee Jones is consistent and plays the Texas Sherriff the way we've come to expect. Josh Brolin gave me the biggest shock on film in recent years because he was actually good. I have been pleasantly surprised by some performances but for all I don't like about Brolin, he was undeniably good in this one.

Atonement is one I haven't seen yet but NEED to see because of the Golden Globe noms. I already recommend it.

The Bucket List is due out on Christmas and teams up Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. I cannot wait. It is the thing I'm most looking forward to on Christmas Day.

Speaking of Nicholson, this month's Men's Journal (cover not on the site yet but it is on newsstands) features Jack on its cover. The interview with Jack, getting his opnion of various aspects of being a man, was entertaining and compelling at once. It gave a great insight (as much as Jack will give) into the man who is a legend. If I were a man, he's one man I'd want to be. I recommend the article to men mostly and also women who are interested.

Last, I am nearly in the holiday spirit though I'm away from home and not going to be there anytime soon, missing the time with family, missing the tree decorating and behind on sending Christmas cards. Yesterday a colleague invited me to go work a toy drive with her and it was a rewarding experience. We didn't get to see the kids receiving the toys but we wrapped probably 60 gifts at least and I felt good about it. It is one of those times for giving and though I would like to think I donate my time and give what I can, I don't unless the opportunity is easy and obvious sometimes as it was in this case. Still, I'm glad I didn't sleep in (beleive me, with jet lag I'd have liked to) and went out yesterday morning. It was a lovely time.

Happy Holidays all...I'll hopefully have time to say hello from the road.

Employment

Hello Reader,

At least one day a week do you find yourself at work? Working? Doing work? If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of the questions, you are not alone. You are one of millions who are employed in the U.S. The problem of employment hits all age, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. In the U.S., only the very young are not afflicted. The same cannot be said for children elsewhere. In all, there is little that can be done to combat the employment issue and its solution is so puzzling that our government officials will not even talk about it. They only speak of the “unemployment” issue. Meanwhile, people all over the U.S. and the world continue working. Side-effects include stress, burnout and missed social opportunities.

If you or someone you know is over-worked, please write your Congressperson. They could be over-employed as well and that should not be happening in this great nation of ours. Over-employment is also not getting the national attention it deserves. I have not yet chosen a Presidential candidate to support because besides healthcare, the issue of employment is not being addressed and until I hear someone take a stand, I will reserve providing the obvious weight of my support to any and all campaigns. Yes, Oprah has elected to publicly support Obama and that did get a lot of media attention. Despite pressure from media outlets, I am still waiting to exhale and with that breath expel the name of the candidate I will vote for. Stay tuned and stay well.

WGA

Writers are on strike in Hollywood and in the face of reality TV and new media, they are fighting for the present and the future. For more information on the strike and to support the WGA, visit United Hollywood. In an unprecedented motion of solidarity SAG and the Teamsters have joined the WGA on the picket line rather than moved across.

I have viewed many episodes of my favorite shows online in recent months because I haven't been able to capture them on Tivo or because I don't have the channel they're on. My commitment is to stop until the writers are getting paid. If we all stop viewing, the advertisers will have no reason to buy time on the websites and in a small gesture we can help the writers be heard. I hope to be one of them one day and I stand behind them.

There are many videos posted by wgaamerica and at the site above. Check out the stars and writers supporting each other including members of The Office, Scrubs and Grey's. Here is one of the best in my opinion, Garry Marshall:

Phantom Siren

I go to Starbucks at least once a day and this has never happened to me. I got a cup that was misprinted. It almost frightened me and would have if I were superstitious. I'm sure there's some belief of bad luck related to a Starbucks cup. Anyway, this was a strange cup and I had to take a picture and share.

Torre's a Dodger!

Just released in the Dodgers Newsletter:

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that Joe Torre has been named the club's field manager through the 2010 season. Torre becomes the 26th manager in franchise history.

"Joe Torre is one of the most respected men in the game of baseball," said Dodger Owner and Chairman Frank McCourt. "As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Dodgers moving to Los Angeles, we will again have a Hall of Fame caliber manager at the helm. Joe's dedication, desire and ability will help lead the Dodgers to our ultimate goal - a World Championship."

This is pretty exciting for a life-long Dodger fan. I don't really follow sports other than baseball and since 1999 I haven't followed it very closely but if a Dodger game is on I'll catch part of it and my fondest childhood memories take place mostly at Dodger Stadium so this new excites me.

Horoscope

Some days my horoscope is ominous and some days it is promising but in either case about 3 out of 7 days, it just pans out. I suppose I could read into it and make it work out everyday whether that were a good or bad thing but in the case of nearly half my week, I don't need to. I wonder how the horoscope I read gets made up and if I had ever Taurus I know read the same one, if the results would be the same for them. Would reading other signs' horoscopes and then only hanging with people who had a decent horoscope make my life less dramatic or even more fun? I wonder. Regardless, I read ahead to Sunday and am pretty excited about the part of the day I have before work. My horoscope aligns well with the plans I have and if it all works out, I'm in for a meaningful day.

Good weekend to you.

Dan in Reel Life

This is just a quick one to recommend the film "Dan in Real Life" to everyone whether you're a "Dan" or not. The ever-endearing Steve Carell stars in this fun and "heartfelt" film about Dan, a widower and advice columnist who ultimately could stand to follow his own advice if not his heart. Juliette Binoche is lovely as the love interest. Dane Cook, John Mahoney and Diane Weist are among the cast. Speaking of the cast, the film was well cast right down to the children in the film. The kids did a great job and in the case of Dan's daughters, could have over-acted teen angst but instead they portrayed their characters perfectly.

This is a film the whole family can see which is a welcome change of pace from most films. There was a good balance of amusement, romance and drama making it a film that anyone can enjoy. I'm glad I happened to catch the sneak preview tonight. It made me feel warm.

Genesis Meets the Hollywood Bowl

Phil Collins took over as Genesis' front man in 1975, 4 years before I was born. I missed the Gabriel (called by some "glory") days of the band the first time around and missed Phil's debut. I didn't discover Genesis until I saw the "Land of Confusion" video for the first time and bought "And Then There Were Three..." after hearing "Follow You, Follow Me" which many fans would not consider their best song. Still, all in all I'd say that I've evolved into a respectable fan of the band and was thrilled to see them at the Hollywood Bowl this past Friday night.

The Hollywood Bowl is one of my favorite music venues. I see about 30 shows a year and despite the traffic and hassle, I can't say I love a place much more. Seeing Genesis there was magic.

Right from the beginning, it was a great musical show. Had Phil and the band left vocals aside, it would have been a fantastic show. They were really, really playing and Genesis' catalogue allows for long musical sets which incorporate all of the talented musicians. Right up through a drum duet between Phil and Chester Thompson the music engaged me, excited me and consistently left me wanting more. Plus, they did some of my favorite songs and a song that wasn't expected (based on set lists posted from previous shows) which was my companion's favorite. It was a great set.

Despite a great show, it was also a show that was victimized by unusual weather. On tickets for outdoor venues, there is always that "rain or shine" disclaimer that one reads and scoffs at because let's face it, it never rains in Southern California. Overall that is true but Friday night was the exception. At first the rain fell only slightly, getting everyone wet but not wet enough to ruin the show. Then, it began to rain hard. The audience was soaked, Tony Banks' keyboards were outfitted with an umbrella and Mike Rutherford and Daryl Struermer were close by seeking cover where they could. Still, the crowd was digging the show and things kept moving.

Finally, once everyone was soaked to the skin and the stage was marred with standing water, Phil announced that they could not continue. The show was cut short! No "I Can't Dance/Carpet Crawlers" encore and no more music in general. The Hollywood Bowl sound people were kind enough to toss some Phil onto the speakers for the exiting crowd but the show was done and for a moment, we were left hanging.

The show did have to end though. The weather didn't get any better and L.A. traffic after the show became L.A. traffic with rain.

All in all, it was a show I am so glad I didn't miss and so glad I got to share with a friend. It was my 4th time seeing Phil and sadly my first time seeing Genesis. I hope they get together again in a few years. They've aged well and seemed to be enjoying themselves and that, even under a rain cloud, made all the difference.

I Slept Wrong

You know when you sleep wrong and have a crick in your neck? That is enough of an inconvenience when you have an office job, need to switch lanes or for some other reason have to turn your head quickly. What if you were a Cirque du Soleil performer? I think then sleeping wrong would be nearly a tragedy. Just a random thought...

Not that it changes my mind...

A friend who read my blog chose not to support me not due to financial reasons or general disinterest, but because Komen supports Planned Parenthood and therefore abortions and death (not my words). Thanks to her though, I did some research and found that Komen did issue a grant to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas (I take more exception to Texas at this point!). I am glad she let me know because this has been an interesting morning of research for me.

Here is what I have to say:

I think it is important to know exactly where the money you are sending to an organization is going. The national Komen organization is funded partly by local organizations but partly by direct donations to them. You can support your local Komen chapter and even find out where your funds would be allocated without worrying about later implications of the money.

The money to Planned Parenthood is going to breast education for low-income people who use the clinic not simply for abortions but also for their health. To limit the scope of Planned's work to just abortions is discrediting the organization based on only one aspect. Doctors perform procedures that one may not agree with but we still see them for our own health. The women who use Planned Parenthood are entering an environment that they feel is safe for them, that they can afford. Healthcare is very complicated and Planned is better than the County clinic or no care at all. The more we can do to educate and prevent illness, the better.

Below is the article on the grant by Komen. I hope you feel a bit better about your donation. I participate in Race for the Cure annually and am very proud of it. If you'd like to donate, please visit my page.

Planned Parenthood Receives Breast Cancer Health Screening Grant

from Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund

Project targets low risk women ages 18-34

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund has selected Planned Parenthood of the Texas Capital Region to receive a $17,000 grant to provide affordable and prompt breast health education and evaluations to low-income, low risk women ages 18 to 34.

With the Komen for the Cure’s grant, Planned Parenthood will provide valuable breast education and screening for Austin area women in 2007. Young women often fear the worst regarding their breast health. When they detect an unusual lump or thickening, they may not be able to distinguish between normal tissue and suspicious masses. These women often seek out complex diagnostics, creating an unnecessary expense for the patient as well as the health care system. Planned Parenthood seeks to interrupt this sequence of events by providing prompt and affordable breast evaluation and management services to low risk women. The breast evaluation and management services covered by the grant will include breast cancer risk assessment, a breast exam, breast education with nutrition and health counseling, a follow-up exam, and referral when needed.

Komen Fund 2007 grant recipients include the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Resource Center of Austin, Wright House Wellness Center, and Services for the Elderly.

Donate to Race for the Cure

I know I asked for money earlier this year, for MS. The other cause that is close to my heart, is breast cancer. Please visit my fundraising page for this year's Race for the Cure and if you can, join our team or donate.

My company, ProFlowers, will match your donation dollar for dollar and you can help people living with cancer and help find a cure!

If you aren't yet compelled, here is some of what you'll find on my page:

Know anyone who has breast cancer? Know anyone who has had breast cancer? Know anyone who has breasts?

If you answered "Yes" to one or more of the above questions, then I'd like you to consider a donation to ProFlowers Pink Parade, the Race for the Cure team I am proudly walking with in a month. Even a few dollars will be appreciated!

Thank you for reading and I appreciate your time and your help.

Death in Real Life

Cancer has taken another person i've known since childhood. This time it was the first neighbor I remember. He helped my mom put my swingset together when my dad "real" dad wasn't there and was very fond of my family. Ironically, my (step)dad went over to his house to visit him today. He went on his own, without my mom or anyone and I am glad he did. I wonder what the death of his friend feels like for him. I know what it feels like for me. It hurts but I am relieved that he is no longer in pain. I feel regret too because I didn't get over to see him in time. I'm glad I communicated at all but should have gone. I feel sadness because I am reminded of the last time I lost someone to this disease. I do wonder though what it feels like now for my dad because the fact that he was over there today meant that he cared more than I would have thought he really cared about anything. I feel bad that my dad lost his friend.

Harry is someone I haven't seen often recently but was someone who was there for the important events. He and his wife were a special couple because I always enjoyed being with both of them. Usually I favor one half of a couple more than the other but not in this case.

If you're still reading about this stranger, it may be because you can relate. If there is someone you haven't seen lately but have meant to, just take the time. That hour it seems you just don't have will be spent later thinking about them when it could have been used wisely in their company.

Death at a Funeral

Death at a Funeral is a very funny film by Frank Oz (Bowfinger, In & Out, What About Bob?). British comedy suits this Brit who though British himself has ventured mostly in American film and television.

At times hilarious, Death at a Funeral marries dry humor with a little of the immature drug and bathroom humor audiences seem to love and it's really perfect. The overall story is the patriarch of a slightly dysfunctional family dies leaving behind a little secret that appears the day of his funeral.

I say definitely check this one out!

Fall TV

Where did the summer go? Where did most of September go? It flew by for me and I can't believe the new television season is coming up so soon. Some shows have already started and I don't even have my TIvo queue cleared from last season. I'll have to dedicate a weekend to that soon!

Anyway, here's what I'm looking forward to this season:

Back to You: Kelsey Grammer is back in a sitcom for the first time since my favorite show, Frasier, ended several years back. I've missed Kelsey and can't wait for the debut. Look for this one, also starring Patricia Heaton, starting the 19th at 9pm on FOX. In addition to Kelsey and Heaton, Fred Williard stars as well and for me he is always a delight.

Curb Your Enthusiasm: I've put the word out to my friends with HBO that I need to catch this show and so far so good. I just finished watching the first episode of this season and Larry David is as outrageous as ever. The problem with the show is it makes me so uncomfortable that I can't even quote my favorite line from the episode here. It was great though.

Tell Me You Love Me: HBO's newest drama is sexy and sad and delicious and another reason I might need to make an investment in expanding my cable package. I caught the first episode and it was such a well done, real show that I know if anything I'm grabbing the DVD's as soon as they're out. It is about sex and love and how theyir affect on several couples. If you can, try it once and tell me you love it!

The Office: The NBC hit show is still a fav of mine and I really, really want to know what is next for Jim and Pam (aka "Jam"), and Dwight and Michael too. If you need a fix before the season starts, check out the Summer Vacation webisode available online now. It's worth the 2 minutes.

Brothers and Sisters: Sally Field and Calista Flockhart only begin to tell this ABC drama's story. A strong cast and several intriguing storylines brought this show back for a 2nd season. Rob Lowe was a mid-season addition to the cast and a very welcome one. The Walkers are a cool family with as much right about them as is wrong and I feel at home with them every Sunday evening.

Private Practice: In all honesty, I don't have much hope for this Grey's Anatomy spin-off but I do have a feeling that I'll enjoy it as long as it lasts. Addison Shepard became my favorite Grey's character and I am disappointed that she's left the show but if her move to L.A. pans out well, Practice will be a welcome regular on my Tivo line-up. Tim Daly and Taye Diggs make the show all the more appealing.

Big Shots: More comebacks to network television come with Dylan McDermott and Michael Vartan when they return to ABC in a new drama series. I haven't seen a preview, only a print ad in People magazine but with those two guys the storyline won't much matter to me for at least the first week.

I have not watched tv all summer which is why I still have to catch up on last season but I have a feeling that my reduced watching will soon come to an end as the seasons start again. There are many more shows I'm looking forward to but above are my top picks for good viewing this fall.

Set up your Season Passes and cancel your prime time plans. This season on every major network looks promising.

John Corbett and Me

Unfortunately I didn't pack my camera on my trip to West Virginia. There was a photographer on hand so here you can see a pic of me with John Corbett after his performance. He and his band were fun and showed the crowd a real good time. :) The interview with him will be up on piratepods.com in the next few weeks. This was one of many highlights I hope to share.

West Virginia Welcomes John Corbett

Where have I been? Well, I've been busy with work (my day job) and pursuing my dreams (music interview podcasting). The former has had me traveling for the past couple of week snad the latter has provided me the chance to go to West Virginia for an extraordinary long weekend filled with music and a look at the mountain state. I'll write more about it later but I can say that I am inspired as a look out the window of the home office I am stationed at and see only trees...no buildings, no people, just natural beauty.

One of many highlights was meeting John Corbett at a concert he did to benefit the building of a skate park in the city of Fayetteville. He was a cool guy and I'll be posting an interview with him sometime soon at piratepods.com. Click on his name to see a few pics of John the musician.

More to come...

Chili's...a place for business

This is one of those entries of very low importance. A personal entry just because I haven't had time all week to say anything at all. I spent the last 6.5 hours at Chili's. A few of us went to happy hour and then some people left and others arrived and soon it was 1030pm. I don't know if I wasted my time or just had a good time but nonetheless, I set a personal record for longest Chili's outing ever. It was good to just relax and be with friends so I think I'll just say I had a good time and wish you the best for a fun weekend yourself, whatever chain restaurant you visit!

Because I'm almost on a roll...

Check out this video if you care or can take it:



Yes, Lindsey Lohan was arrested. Beyonce fell off stage. Britney Spears might be in trouble! This video is about George W. Bush but I thought those other names might get you here and watching faster so I mentioned them.

Dear Mr. President

Watch this and try not to care or cry or even pass it on:



Thank you to Pink and Indigo Girls for making a statement. Pink, you truly have come a long way.

I <3 Ricky Gervais

I just have to gush for a moment about Ricky Gervais. This week, Kathy Griffin took her staff to London for a press tour. If you haven't seen Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List but you like Kathy Griffin (Suddenly Susan), comedy or reality shows about celebs, definitely check her out on Bravo. I'm sure some people think she is obnoxious and she kind of is but I love it and her! She did quite well in the UK which was great to see.

Now, back to Ricky. He was hilarious on the D-List and it made me want to dedicate an entry to him. Ricky, if you don't know, created The Office in the UK (along with Stephan Merchant), and then here in the US. I heard that there is a German version now as well. He also stars in and created Extras, another funny, brilliant show. Additionally, he is on tour with a one man comedy show that is selling out all over the UK which he somehow had time to create while starring in Night at the Museum and Stardust (Note: can't wait to see this one!!!).

What's next? On Ricky's website, he and Stephen Merchant talk about the Extras special that is due to be released near Christmas. I'm looking forward to that and think I might finally need to get HBO so I can catch it! Like they did with The Office (BBC version), they are only doing Extras for two short seasons and a special. My hope is also that Ricky will bring his UK show to The States. If not, I might be due for a trip across The Pond. Ricky is a fantastic comedian whom I greatly respect and I wanted to give him a shout out here. BTW -- I also think he's pretty cute.

Thank you to Ricky and Kathy. Because of you, I'm having a laugh!

Transforming Harry Potter

This review will cover half of what was covered on "Ebert and Roeper" this week and my opinions are very similar to Roeper's which is slightly disturbing for me. Ebert hasn't been on due to illness but I have prided myself on siding with him more often than Roeper overall. This week though, I was all about Roeper's "thumbs up" opinions and just annoyed with the special guest.

Transformers is loud, action-packed and a great popcorn and soda film. There isn't much to be said for the story. It isn't very elaborate and it seems that a sequel if one was made might be better than this first installation which served as kind of a "Transformers 101" introducing the story of the robots. From the special effects perspective, the film was a marvel. The tranformation of the robots into cars (some of them being really amazing cars) was flawless and phenomenal. The dialogue left much to be desired at least for me. I thought it was silly or even stupid at some points but not unbearably so. Optimus Prime had the best dialogue and he was a robot! There was quite a bit of humor in the film which was a pleasant surprise. Shia LaBouf continues to show why he is the next big thing. He gave a solid performance in this action film and I can't wait to see what he does in Indiana Jones 4. Do I recommend this one? If the trailers appeal to you, yes. If they don't, there is a reason why and you probably won't change your mind after seeing the film.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix made some news simply for its run-time. Phoenix is the longest Potter book but the film is the shortest. I can't speak as to whether there were important parts of the plot line cut out as I did not read the book but I can say that it was an interesting, fun film. It was darker than the Potter films I have previously seen but the kids have gotten older. Things do get darker as we get older, don't they? I have seen the first 2 films though I didn't realize I had seen the 2nd one until I did some reading up this evening. There is some great character development in Phoenix for Harry and some supporting characters as well. There was also enough action and magic to keep everyone interested. I enjoyed two specific scenes very much and they both involve spectacular effects. To avoid a spoiler here I won't be specific as to the content of the scenes. Radcliffe and his friends are proving to mature as actors overtime and it is fun to see them grow up. Imelda Staunton was wonderful as a cat lady/professor and her character was highly entertaining. Alan Rickman was wonderful as well and deserves mention. Similar to Transformers, I would say that if the film at all interests you, definitely see it. You won't be disappointed (unless my ignorance about the content of the actual book and the assumption that the story was well translated from print to screen is incorrect).

Live Earth

Live Earth was seen by over 10 million people on line and in person on 7.7.07. If you didn't catch this unprecedented international call to action for the environment, it is not too late to catch the performances, the interviews and some damn cool PSA's.

Check out MSN's coverage here.

I've seen a lot of the coverage so far and here are my recommendations:

PSA's -- check out as many as you can handle watching. There are some good tips and fun stars involved. Two of my faves were Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Cameron Diaz and Josh Lucas. Their messages: turn it off or unplug it when you're not using it. Before you leave your computer for the day, try shutting down and saving energy!

Missy Higgins (AUS) -- this is a good intro to the Australian singer-songwriter if you haven't heard her already

Interviews -- some of them are a bit mundane so pick and choose. I found the one with Spinal Tap entertaining, James Blunt's and Keane's were thoughtful and Robert Kennedy Jr.'s was angry.

Genesis (UK) -- it was a bit sad to see the size of the audience at their show but if you're a fan, it is nice to see them again

SOS All Stars (UK) -- Awesome drumming :)

12 Girls Band (CHI) -- Pretty cool instrumentation

Shakira (GER) -- How does she move like that?

The website is organized by country and there are a ton of things to see from acts you already know to acts more locally famous than internationally. Check it out, take care of the Earth and be wel.

More Moore

Michael Moore on CNN. No comment needed from me, just watch.

Reluctant Insomniac

Insomnia is beginning to attack me again. This happens periodically and I sympathize with those who just can't sleep. I think I got 2 hours. I was productive and did some podcast interview editing but still, it would have been nice to sleep. It is after 6am so might as well call it a night and get ready for the day job.

Sicko Evening

There are two films in this posting, of very different natures; Sicko and Evening. I'll start with the latter since I saw it first.

Evening is a chick-flick, unapologetically. It is about first love and loss and forgiveness and living. It wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. I wanted the film to completely blow me away and stir me and change me. I wanted too much and probably didn't like the film as much as I would have if those expectations hadn't been there. The cast consists of no less than Vanessa Redgrave, Clare Danes, Toni Collette, Natasha Richardson, Glenn Close, Mamie Gummer, Meryl Streep, Eileen Atkins and also the males; Hugh Dancy and Patrick Wilson.

Basically, the film finds Redgrave on her deathbed reflecting on Harris (played by Wilson), her only true love, events surrounding their meeting and the subsequent life she led after she lost him. Harris and most of her youth are a mystery to daughters Collette and Richardson who learn about their mother and themselves as she looks back at the past. The film flashes between the past and the present with the young version of Redgrave's character played by Danes and Streep’s by her real-life daughter Mamie Gummer. Streep arrives in the end shedding a faint light on Redgrave for the girls and granting Redgrave the peace of mind she needs to basically die. There was no spoiler here because you know from the start this is what's coming (it's in the preview).

The film equally weighs the present and the past but left me wanting more. I wanted more interaction between Streep and Redgrave. I realized after reflection though, I just wanted to see more of Streep and that the film handled quite well the interaction between the two characters in their older age. It wasn't the greatest film but there was a wonderful lesson in living and forgiveness of one's own mistakes that the film presented. The acting is flawless and there is no over dramatization in the performances. If anything, Danes for example was quite subtle and beautiful. I especially enjoyed Dancy's performance as well.

Sicko, in case you don't know, is Michael Moore's newest documentary which looks at the flawed if not tragically so, American health care system in contrast to the socialized health care systems found in Canada, France, Britain and Cuba (yes, Cuba). The film was well done as expected and with the exception of a few charming (if you agree with him) quips by Moore, a fair assessment of insurance and health care in the US. Real people told their stories. There was no need for melodrama as the stories conjured up emotions of anger and disenchantment on their own. Sure, there are positive things in our system. The right insurance and the right situation yield a positive result but the documentary wasn't about what works. It was about what doesn't work and naysayers who find the film unfair should keep that in mind and tell their own fairy tale on their own dime if they so choose. They already sort of do if one considers Pfizer and Kaiser ads to name two.

For a second time that I remember, I find myself truly disheartened with our health care system, to the point that I want to do something. I want to take action and fight. Generally speaking, I have known that people are treated unfairly (if they are treated at all!) and that the U.S. healthcare system discriminates against the uninsured, the sick (MS is a pre-existing condition) and the poor. I have known that I am lucky to have the coverage I do and that some people in much worse condition than me can't afford annually more than a month's worth of the medication I don't even bother taking half the time for no good reason. I have been aware of this and weighed down by this but the only other time I remember a fire starting in me and a desire to do something about it was several years ago on a trip to NYC.

Here is my story:
I love NYC and I love America, but I know they are flawed. In December of 2003, I was crossing the street near the Empire State Building when I slipped on a patch of ice and landed unfavorably on the inside of my right knee. It was a tough lesson in proper footwear for such weather and after I finished cursing my New Balance shows and crossing the street, I realized the pain I was in and shortly thereafter passed out. Not a good start to a vacation to be sure. My point? I'm getting to it. Due to a poor booking, my friend and I were staying in Queens. By the time we got back to the hotel, I could barely walk and had to go to the ER. The ER in Queens was dismal. I was well-insured at the time and had money so that was no object. Still, I was there from 11pm until 2am without being seen. There were maybe 3 people in the waiting room but still, it took that long. When I was called back, my friend and I entered a room that neither of us could believe existed in a hospital, a place that people were supposed to be when they needed care, safety and comfort the most.

All of the beds were full and chairs were randomly placed throughout the room. A man with a soiled open gown and even more unsanitary underwear wandered around muttering to himself and disturbing others. People were clearly uncomfortable all around and doctors and nurses ignored them as the called out with a question. After 20 minutes, I was seen and learned that before I could have an x-ray, they needed a urine sample.

I asked the nurse why thinking that it was a drug test. I explained that I had been up for over 24 hours and assured him that I was not on any drugs. He said it was for a pregnancy test. At the time, I assure any reader that a pregnancy would have been impossible...even less possible than as I type this! I told the nurse that I was not pregnant and it wouldn't be necessary. It was hospital policy though because "you never know." I knew but I also knew I had to comply. I took the cup and went to the bathroom. At this point, I had no crutches or assistance and made my way along the wall, getting support where I could.

In the bathroom there was urine and excrement on the floor (hopefully that's what it was) and on the toilet seat. I had to figure out a way to avoid sitting on the toilet while getting my sample into the cup and putting minimal pressure on my injured leg. I can't tell you how I did it but mission accomplished I got out as fast as I could and sat back down, several ounces of urine in hand. I got into a wheelchair at that point because one was sitting there and wheeled up to the nurses' station. I held my urine cup up and was told by a nurse to just hold onto it. What?!? Hold onto it? I saw the nurse who asked for the sample and he ignored me when I called. I was told also to back away from the counter. 15 minutes later I finally yelled, "Someone please take my urine!" I was fed up. My friend and I were nearly in shock at how I was being treated and in looking around me I faced the reality that this is how people are really treated outside of La Jolla and the safety of UCSD. I was out by about 430am but by then I was completely exhausted and burdened by what I had seen. Ignoring my own problems, I was devastated by what I had witnessed.

I wasn't devastated enough I suppose because I did nothing about it other than look up a few Public Policy grad programs, go to physical therapy and forget about it until now. I don't know if I will this time either but to start I am telling anyone who reads this that they should see Sicko and keep an open mind and to vote and to spread the word. See Sicko!

Ratatouille = Delicious

Pixar films tend to always entertain me and the film I saw today, Ratatouille, is no exception. The story itself was so creative, the characters so fun and the setting (Paris, oui?) so great that I couldn't help but enjoy Ratatouille as much as I enjoy saying the title itself. This was the 3rd movie I've seen with my little nephew and though he did find the dark parts a little frightening and sitting for nearly 2 hours a little tedious, I can say that even the littlest critics will enjoy the story of the little chef and narrator of the film, Remy who happens to be a rat. :)

I saw the film at the El Capitan theater in Hollywood which made for a unique experience. Prior to the show there was entertainment including and organist playing Disney tunes and then a live mini-show featuring Disney characters and human chefs singing a medley if Disney favorites. It was a lot of fun for the young and not-so-young. I recommend checking out a Disney movie at that theater sometime.

The Pixar short film that preceded Ratatouille (That is so fun to say, right? Not as fun to spell though!) was Lifted, their most recent Academy Award nominee. I saw this one earlier this year when I viewed all of the nominated shorts and was glad to get to see it again. It is a great little film and I hope precedes Ratatouille at all screenings rather than just at the El C.

Pack up the kids if you have 'em, or go enjoy it yourself but definitely beat the summer sun's heat and step into the kitchen to see my new favorite rat, Remy, in this summer's surefire hit, Ratatouille!