This is from my friend Patti's myspace page on her experiences in Haiti and her take on the situation. Directly below is an article validating her assertion re: rotting food that Haitians aren't receiving.
It's simply amazing to me that this is still going on in this day and age. It's time for it to stop. Please pray for the people of Haiti. They need our prayers and financial support. This breaks my heart.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
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Situation in Haiti Worsens The current situation in Haiti has gone from bad to worse. Riots are erupting, markets and stores being raided and looted, tires being burned in protest, road blocks put in place and people being killed. This has turned into a desperate situation as the people revolt against rising food prices. How can you blame them? 80% of Haitians live on $2/day or less and of that 80%, 60% live on less than $1/day. Basic necessities have skyrocketed in price and riots are breaking out in many cities. The price of a cup of rice has risen to 60 cents (up 50% from a year ago). If you’re earning a dollar a day and you have a family of four...well it doesn’t take much to do the math. Many have resorted to eating dirt to quell the pangs of starvation, because even though going up in price still stands at about 5 cents a ’cookie.’ Only Somalia and Afghanistan have a higher per capita daily deficit in calorie intake than Haiti. In the States, we feel this economic crunch. We drink less Starbucks, we don’t take our planned family vacation or even worse, we lose our homes. But in the end, regardless of how badly we end up, we are mountains above where the people of Haiti are. Theirs is a situation of desperation. A situation with the inability to afford food, fuel, a place to live. Haiti does not have a welfare program, food stamps, heck recently 40,000 pounds of beans (many donated) were found rotting in customs because of the crack down due to drug trafficking and the lack of an infrastructure to screen imports and decrease corruption, yet in the end, is only a small portion of what has contributed to what is happening. How can we have enough excess in this country to almost feed the world, yet people are still starving. In the last 3 years, there has been $1.5 billion (no, that is not a typo) in foreign aid to Haiti, and yet things have progressed to where the are. It breaks my heart. Tons of Food Aid Rotting in Haiti Ports |
One of my very good friends, Patti, is involved with this ministry and my heart just breaks to think of how much these children are going through. Please help if you can. Here's more information on the charity and what they're doing to help. Any support is welcome. Haiti is still in crisis. The Prime Minister has been ousted from office and relief is no where in sight. We pray soon... Imagine not having a home, no bed, nearly naked
and starving, no family, and all alone... imagine you are 5 years old.
Sadly, that is the life of too many children in Haiti, the poorest
country in the western hemisphere. Half of the Haitian population are
children under 14 years of age; the many abandoned children need our
help - now. The Hands & Feet Project is an autonomous ministry which was founded by members of Audio Adrenaline and the leadership of Flicker Records. The H&FP is a non-profit organization dedicated to the health, welfare and education of the orphaned children of Haiti. Based on the teachings of James 1:27,
and the heart of the whole of scripture, Hands & Feet is dedicated
to the construction and operation of a Childrens' Village to provide
for these needs. The heart of Hands & Feet is the core of the admonition of James
- rescue the orphans from their suffering. Children are the future of
any nation. If there is hope for Haiti, it is in the children.
If the H&FP can reach a child, we can plant seeds of faith through
a new generation. When we impact the lives of these orphans, we impact
future leaders of communities, cities and a nation. Touch a child and you can rescue a nation. It begins with the children. They need love, hugs, and a caring family a home. Together we can change their world through God's love.
40 for 40...
Over the 50 days between their birthdays (02.25.08 - 04.14.08), we are asking you to save $40 to donate in their honor.
$40 in the U.S. can get you a week of Starbucks... in Haiti, it is two months' wages (for those that are lucky enough to find work).
$40 can be dinner for two in the U.S... or it can feed a family for four months in Haiti!
Please consider skipping your morning coffee even once a week for the next month, or cooking Sunday dinner at home rather than dining out, and donate your extra $40 to the Hands & Feet Project in honor of two who have given so much to make it happen! [Note: You may donate any amount you wish, but we are issuing you a challenge to find that $1/year to honor these men by contributing to that which is most important to them.]
If you would like to donate to the 40-for-40 fund, which will be sent directly to the Project for repairs and materials, please click the image above for more information, or...
For online donations, click image above or simply PAYPAL lindsay (at)hafproject (dot)org
For mail-in contributions, please send to:
"40 for 40"
c/o The Hands & Feet Project
PO Box 682105
Franklin, TN 37064
If you have any questions, please contact lindsay at hafproject dot org
Thursday, April 10, 2008 - it may be over now, but thought you'd like to know what's going on around the world. If you know anything, please leave a comment. This is horrific!
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Riots in the streets of Haiti...  Just wanted to let you know what has been going on in Haiti the past couple of days. The common people of Haiti are upset with the fact that food prices are going up and the people can not afford to continue buying food!! In turn they have take to the street to protest. You cannot get to and from [the capitol] Port au Prince. In turn the stores in Jacmel are running out of things. The power company is running out of fuel to provide us with power. Our generator decided to break the other day, too, so we are here without power at this point. Please keep us in your prayers. Please pray that diesel can make it to jacmel in the next day or two. Pray that we will have enough drinking water to get through. Pray for the people and the country of Haiti... |
I'm deleting the guy's name, but can you imagine? What are they thinking? This just sickens my stomach and I hope he realizes he's asking the wrong person. Makes me question sending any more goodies, but why let one bad apple ruin the barrel right? They didn't do anything to deserve the cut off, but it just makes me realize everyone is not as innocent as they seem.
Maybe this is from a terrorist? Who knows. All I know is I turned it over to the authorities and flatly refused to participate. This is ridiculous!
Greed is really ugly. Too bad money has never been driving force in life. I probably would be a lot wealthier if it had been. One boyfriend complimented me by telling me I was one of the least materialistic people he'd ever met. That's the kind of compliments I like.
My driving force is God and regardless of how you view my life, that's going to motivate me forever! Have a good one. DO NOT, I repeat, Do not participate in this. This has scam written all over it. Thanks! Love to hear your feedback.
JOY
Good Day,
I found your contact particulars in an E-mail address guide the provide us here, as I desperately needed an urgent help to do this deal. I am seeking your kind assistance to move the sum of $12m {Twelve Million U.S Dollars only} to you (YEAH RIGHT!!!), as far as I can be assured that my share will be safe in your care until I complete my service here.
SOURCE OF FUND:
A lot of money in various currencies were discovered in... (DELETED TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT) and it was agreed by (DELETED) and I that some part of this money be shared among both of us before informing anybody about it since both of us saw the money first. This is quite an illegal thing to do (DUH!!!?), but well tell you what? No compensation can make up for the risk we have taken with our lives in this hell hole, of which my brother in-law was killed by a road side bomb last time. (Very sorry to hear that, but you knew you were putting your life on the line when you joined up. We really do appreciate your service, but be an honorable soldier and don't disgrace our country please.)
The
above figure was given to me as my share, and to conceal this kind of
money became a problem for me, so with the help of a (DELETED) working here, at (Location deleted to protect the innocent), whose
office enjoys some immunity, I was able to get the package out to a
safe location entirely out of trouble spot. He does not know the real
contents of the package, and believes that it belongs to a (Deleted) medical doctor who died in a raid here in Baghdad, and
before giving up,trusted me to hand over the package to his family in
United States. I have now found a very secured way of getting the
package out of Iraq to you, for you to pick it up, and I will discuss
this with you when I am sure that you are willing to assist me, and I
believe that my money will be well secured in your hand because you
have fear of God.
I want you to tell me how much you will take from this money for the assistance you will give me. One passionate appeal I will make to you is not to discuss this matter with anybody, should you have reasons to reject this offer, please and please destroy this message as any leakage of this information will be too bad and catastrophic for soldiers here in Iraq. I do not know how long we will remain here, but I hope to have a shift very soon for me to return back to the States. I have been shot and wounded twice and I have survived two terrible suicides bomb attacks just by special grace of God, this and other reasons I will mention later has prompted me to reach out for help, I will honestly want this matter be resolved immediately.
I thank you so much for everything and anticipate that you will be trustworthy and handle this transaction to the best of your ability to benefit both of us.
God Bless you and your Family.
Yours
(deleted)
Now to hope that the email I sent back to him makes him (or whoever) realize they need to find another patsy. This is just totally slimey and I want no part of it. Just had to share because the Nigerian scams are old hat, but this is a new one apparently. Very sad to me.
Carry on. Hope you're enjoying the beautiful windy weather!
I don't know what I would have done in her place, but this 92 year old woman is my hero! The power of God's love in action. She was too humble to go on the Today Show. I'm sharing it because I find it very sweet and powerful at the same time.
Click here to watch Elderly woman witnesses to man trying to rob her.
In God We Trust and God Bless The U. S. A.
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Some good items to send to CPT Rick and his Soldiers:
Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Fly Strips
Tissues
Dental Floss
Deodorant
Candy
Gum
Granola Bars
Beef Jerky
Bug Spray
Skin Lotion
Athletes Foot medicine
Tylenol
Advil
Lip Balm
Below are some Soldiers in his unit who do not get things sent to them too much. Their address is the same as Rick's.
PFC Sara Gutierrez (Female)
SPC Robert Still (male)
PFC Jimmy Richards (male)
PFC Jason Harris (male)
PFC Kevin Cabrera (male)
PFC Lewis Green (male)
PFC Shatoni Royal (female)
PFC Ariel Montesino (male)
SPC Malcalisha Jefferson (female)
PFC Tomika Wallace (female)
Anything that is sent would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Have a great day.
The Manhattan Beach Open, the so-called Wimbledon of beach volleyball tournaments, will take over the sands a month later than usual this summer because of apparent scheduling conflicts.
Click here for the rest of the article.
Wonder what will happen to our Six Man Volleyball Tournament this year as a result?
Very interesting development...
I've been fighting horrible allergies again (always happens with the sudden weather changes) and haven't felt like writing much.
However, did hit an amazing art opening at the Gagosian Gallery with Julian Schnabel's latest artwork (selling for $150k - $500k!) The gallery was so packed there was a line out the door waiting to get in. Once you got in, it was difficult to move around it was so packed even inside and we arrived on the latter end of the event.
Lots of celebs in attendance which is always fun. Julian himself was there busily chatting with an art patron. The gallery is two stories and his artwork is that tall. Quite amazing. Hauntingly beautiful.
Then hit another smaller gathering which was perfect for my own art clients. More on that once everything has been confirmed.
Otherwise, if you're looking for my opinions on what is happening in Hermosa Beach, I've taken to writing them once again on This is Hermosa. Especially check out the CUP Review link. I think what's going on down here is so bogus.
In any case, did you all catch today's LA Times and the man who calls himself the Video Vigilante? Maybe we'll have some of those pop up down here since people (i.e. Planning Commission) don't want to believe the truth except for what they see themselves. And even then, their loyalties are often with the bars rather than residents which is sad.
However, enough on that. Gotta catch up on some stuff today.
Have a beautiful day!
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Henry has won 12 Los Angeles area Emmy Awards for his work in front of the camera as anchor, reporter and host, and behind the camera as director and producer. In 1995, he was feted with a national Cable Ace Award for best host of a series.
Except for the party boy's commentary at the end (highly unprofessional in my opinion, but hey, he does traffic, not news so he's allowed to be biased and pro-bar I guess. Hi traffic boy - stick to traffic - you'll report it better. Oh dear, was that mean? Trying not to be, but certain beach people drive me crazy when they refuse to see anything beyond their and their friend's selfish desires rather than the best interests of the community as a whole.)
In any case, here's the coverage by Fox news this morning with great commentary and footage of all the key city players who were at last night's planning commission meeting (which I missed due to a previous commitment.)
"Alcohol permits are on the line for some bars and restaurants in Hermosa Beach" is the lead Emmy-winning broadcast veteran Steve Edwards gave who hosts Good Day LA, seen weekday mornings at 7:00 a.m. on KTTV FOX 11.
Click here for the video news story ok? Thanks for stopping by!
It's great to see this issue receiving the coverage it deserves because it's time for change in the city and we're going to see this issue through to the end. Now if only the Planning Commissioners will get the backbone necessary to do what's right and enforce the law!
More to come on March 18 when they meet again. You can be sure this issue is not going away any time soon!
Wow! I had no idea this had gone on until my Dad shared an article written by the ever insightful journalist, John Bogert of the Daily Breeze entitled Mobsters have their `good' names. He's a great columnist who always brings his personal experience into his writing.
A little more research revealed these very interesting NY Times article as well entitled Undercover Operation Leads to Mob Arrests and Big Mob Sweep Nets Gambino Hierarchy.
Apparently this was the result of a two and a half year undercover investigation and involved the capture of 62 alleged Mafia leaders. Amazing! I had no idea the Gambino family was still as prevalent in mobstering as they are.
Perhaps some of the issues in my area might be part of a grander scheme that requires additional investigation which is why things don't always seem to move as quickly as we think it should too. Who knows? Only the shadow knows I guess.
I liked this quote the best taken from the LA Times article entitled Dozens Arrested in mob raids in New York and Sicily:
"At a news conference in Brooklyn, state Atty. Gen. Andrew M. Cuomo said the arrests served as a message that 'organized crime still exits. . . . We like to think it's a vestige of the past. It's not. It is as unrelenting as weeds that continue to sprout in the cracks of society.'"
This quote, from the International Herald Tribune from the article entitled Mob indictment ties shakedowns to big construction jobs in New York City area is especially interesting in light of all the commercial construction that goes on in Hermosa Beach against code.
Or whatever it's called when parking structures are put up when and where they're not supposed to; or when certain office buildings are allowed to be built without enough parking when every other business who builds is required to have a certain amount of parking before they get their permits or move forward; or when businesses that are supposed to act as restaurants operate as bars and nightclubs without enforcement of the law - whatever that type activity is called, that's what's going on down here.
Can you help me name this activity? I'm confused... It sounds illegal to me, but maybe I'm wrong. Probably, right? It's too coincidental right? There's no mob activity in the South Bay is there? Couldn't be! We're the beach after all and they're New Yorkers who like New York - not here. Never here... You get my drift...The ironies are fascinating.
Anyway, here's the pertaining quote:
"'The extortion in the construction industry — described mostly in the indictment by an informant who paid off the mob on jobs for his trucking, cement and excavation businesses — prove that organized crime's ties to construction are as strong as ever, observers say.
"'It's still a major problem in the construction industry," said Randy Mastro, a former federal prosecutor who also targeted mob ties to construction as ex-Mayor Rudy Giuliani's deputy."
And from CNN, Reputed mobsters rounded up in NY and Italy article:
"According to the charges, the Gambino family profited from extortion within the New York construction industry and its labor unions. Several companies allegedly paid a "mob tax" in return for "protection" and "permission to operate," said Inspector General Hedell from the U.S. Department of Labor."
That's all for now.
Vewy, vewy intwesting as the whacky wabbit always says...
Oh, and by the way, Happy early Valentine's Day!
Here's a beautiful card I received from a friend of mine:
For God so loVed the world,
That He gAve
His onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whosoever
Believeth In Him
Should Not perish,
But have Everlasting life."
John 3:16
Just learned how to analyze my stats a little better and learned that I receive 1700 unique hits a month! Also, that roughly 20 people subscribe to my blog which means they like to receive copies of whatever I'm writing. WHOA! Too interesting.
Anyone care to advertise? I welcome all requests, but reserve the right of unconditional refusal.:)
Makes me feel good, but also curious as to who all these people are!?:) Hello gentle readers. Thanks for thinking I write things you seem to find interesting. Trying to get more diversity above and beyond Hermosa Beach, I promise!
You can always check out my other wordpress blogs: The Joy Writer PR, The Pregnant Pause, LA Cast Joy, for some other musings.
You can also just Google my name people, or even the name of this blog - Pure, Unadulterated Joy. I'm number one in Google and generally whatever I link to shows up in the top ten Google searches too. Very valuable Search Engine Optimization I've been told. Now to learn how to monetize it!
Hope you're having a great week! I am. Lots of good stuff percolating with good news to report soon! Rumor has it the Writer's Strike might be ending soon too - thank you God! I don't know about you, but I miss my TV shows! Go Writers Go! Hurry up and settle Studios. Enough's enough.
I did receive a funny email from a writer/producer associate of mine, Devorah Cutler-Rubenstein aka The Script Broker, with a link to a funny response to this whole issue. I guess when you're creative, you're creative whether you're getting paid to be or not!
Check it out here. All the latest news on the Writer's Strike is also available on that site too. Very informative. Writers, we write. That's just what we do.
Enjoy!
I'm not into football at all, but today's Super Bowl game was very exciting. It's great to see the best of the best go against each other now that I understand there are two leagues. (Hey, I'm blonde, give me a break!)
Too bad the Patriots' coach was such a poor loser. Click here for a sports guy's perspective from Yahoo.
This site is even more interesting... A link to all the Super Bowl Commercials! Gotta focus on what's most important right? Just kidding.
It was fun to get out to a local party and see my good friend Brenda, but after so little sleep last night I was dragging. Plus, I think I was allergic to something in the party house so it made me tired too. Can't believe I'm still up.
In any case, was watching Celebrity Apprentice where Stephen Baldwin was defending himself. Very funny to see how his Christianity kept getting thrown into the mix.
After hearing today's sermon by my Pastor, Jim Mackinga, and singing at both services, I've come to realize I need to show more of God's love, rather than judgment. You missed another great sermon by the way. Really spoke to my heart. All about contentment. Jim keeps it real. Visit Bay Cities Community Church and see for yourself sometime!
Oh, one last bit of exciting news to share. My friend, Maria Rangel, of NBC's Age of Love series will make a special guest appearance at my Special Pre-Valentine's Day Party at Spa Riviera this Thursday, February 7 between 6pm - 9pm. She won't stay the whole time because she's doing this as a favor, but this will be your chance to get an autograph or take a picture with her if you're so inclined.
Just don't bum rush her ok? LOL Thank you. This has been a public service announcement on the treatment of reality stars...:)
Chocolate kisses and football dreams...
Oh, and Cougar chasers...
Did anyone else think that Yahoo's news stating that certain shows were going off the air "Thanks to the Writer's Strike" was a little condescending and snotty? To me that title was implying that the writers were only to blame whereas there lays so much more "blame" on the "other side."
If I were the Writer's Guild strike leaders, I would pursue all the fan club members of Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives and any other popular shows that have gone off the air recently because of the strike. I would galvanize them to start picketing in protest for their shows to go back on the air. I would join it! It worked down here. I'm sure it would work in Hollywood!
Once people in power and advertisers see that even the general public is sick of this hold-out too, then maybe, just maybe, things would move along. It's so sad. I miss my shows! Marc Cherry - do something! Save us! We need Desperate Housewives or some of us will become them too!:)
On another note, I think the death of Heath Ledger is very sad too, but I sure wish the media would give his family a break from the scrutiny. I think it was just accidental. He was such a very cool guy it seems, definitely a talented actor, and it's so sad he died so young. Enough said.
I have had SUCH a busy week! It's been fun, but a little much. And the thing is, it's not over yet, tomorrow is a big Town Hall regarding what they plan to do to Upper Pier Ave in my little city. What's sad is that the residents have been so ignored and stamped down for so many years by Sam Edgerton, the city council member residents believe is most responsible for these issues, and others.
Now, they're afraid of any new changes (even though we need them) because of what happened when residents allowed Pier Plaza to come in. Overrun by drunks and punks with no end in sight.
Apparently one more restaurant down here, Il Boccaccio, which was the recipient of the Southern California Restaurant Writers' Association Awards five years in a row, is being taken over by the Newman family that controls Sharkeez which means it's only a matter of time before it too gets turned into a nightclub since that's the m.o. down here.
Isn't that sad? Another real restaurant bites the dust and for what? More bar/nightclub action! Can you believe that this little 1 mile city has 16 bars and now even more? An alcoholic's heaven! Gangs and everything else that comes with allowing your city to turn into "Barmosa."
Whatever happened to our wonderful surf history? I moved back for the beach, not the bars. If I wanted Hollywood, I would have stayed there. I wonder what some of the celebs who live down here think about all this?
Anyone know Jimmy Kimmel? Rumor has it he lives here, but I doubt he cares. Why should he? He's kind of a crass guy himself, but doesn't he have a 13 year old? Oh yeah, that's right he was encouraging his underage minor to have sex if I remember correctly. Oh man am I opinionated! But I'm sure there's some of you who agree with my estimation of him to. You can't all be amoral can you?:)
And people wonder why I rant? I rant because I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take my little slice of heaven turning into a slum any more! People - join the cause!:) We are Sober and Sexy! I heard that term from a party promoter the other day and love it! Isn't it funny? Maybe one day that will be hot because Sloppy Drunks only go with Stupid. Sloppy Drunk and Stupid right?
Although as I've been reminded again and again by people on This is Hermosa, not all people who drink are alcoholics. And even some of those who are, are proud of it and not going to change. So be it! I'm happy for you...:) I'm still going to encourage attending AA to anyone who will listen though! It's the Al-Anon in me.:)
Moving right along. I was at dinner tonight locally and bumped into a couple I met at the HB Chamber Mixer last night who were gathered with a bunch of friends. They were discussing the Downtown issues which was interesting to overhear to say the least.
They're not too happy about everything either. I will be curious to see if they show up tomorrow. I hope so! Did learn they watch the video of these meetings though. You never know who's watching turns out.
They too thought it was a ridiculous waste of time devoted to determining whether or not the man with the stinky, piss-filled yard of huge Newfoundlands should be allowed to keep three vs. two of them too. More time was spent on this issue than ever spent on human's urinating on Pier Plaza I bet. But that's because "Bars good. All residents who complain crazy." Check out the story here.
The HB Chamber Mixer was interesting. The food, (when it came out, albeit rarely!), was quite delicious. Apparently a chef has been brought on to serve a higher quality of food on Monday nights to raise the quality of people who visit, but it doesn't seem like a good fit. Isn't Monday Night Football coming up soon? I'm totally clueless re: sports though so I could be wrong. High end food with sports fans at an obvious sports bar for locals? Not.
I just found it extremely curious why there weren't servers bringing out food, only the chef making the food herself and bringing it out herself too. Doesn't The North End Bar serve food? Check out the menu! If so, wouldn't they have servers on staff especially when they knew there would be a big crowd?
Or maybe they weren't expecting so many people. I did hear it was the first time in three years or so this bar had ever hosted a chamber mixer, but that's just another example of the HB Chamber defending one of their own if I may be so bold. Gotta support the due payers...
I couldn't finish my drink because I was so hungry I was afraid I'd get drunk. Lightweight, I know, but generally there are enough appetizers floating around I don't get drunk when I enjoy my one drink of the night.
I did see lots of cute young guys, certain City Council members there (but of course! Even Sam Edgerton, the big, bad, bossy attorney who has bullied the city council for the past 16 years and is no longer on council, was there surprisingly enough) and the council wife I've been commenting on was there too, understandably pissed off.
See what I mean? I told you people down here read this blog! Totally cracks me up still. Hi Sienna! Love ya, don't want to be ya. Come on. Let's kiss and make up. I'm really not so bad once you get to know me. I'm just a little more out-spoken than others about your proclivity for the limelight (not that there's anything wrong with it. You have backed out a little now that you're aware of it. See, I'm helping you. Just some friendly PR advice on controlling your public persona by limiting over-exposure in the media.)
I'm sure you talk about me too. What were you whispering to your glaring friend? I just present my opinions to a wider audience. That's all. Who knows? Maybe they'll create a reality show on the wives of Hermosa Beach city council members and others?
If OC Housewives is a success, why not another one on a Bunch of Bleached Blonde Broads at the Beach? (Say that fast three times in a row.) I can just see it now. Maybe I should pitch it to my bud. He likes these kind of concepts. There was one older blonde woman who donated a ton of money this week who wears the most interesting eyewear. I thanked her for her gift because it was very thoughtful. Possibly political, but right now who cares?
Or better yet... Couldn't you just see a Mrs. Hermosa beauty contest? We all know who'd enter that one! I'm sure we'd have some other very pretty women entering too. I still want to do a Mr. Hermosa contest too. Can't you see it now ladies? All these young hotties parading around in their bathing suits for our viewing pleasure? Too fun.
In any case, a woman can dream right? Summer is almost here so I won't have to dream much longer. I am glad we have the rain though because it's nice to have the variety in season (even if it's just a week.)
Back to my rant though. I do because I care. Isn't it an interesting fact that bars in the HB Restaurant Association donate a bunch of money to lots of charities and organizations in town? However, in the grand scheme of things, does that give them the right to drive our beach community into the ground as compensation? Sorry, hate to break it to you, but bribes, excuse me, "donations," only go so far tavern owners. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks so either.
I'm so tired. All the dogs I've been around lately have kicked up my allergies - probably the weather too. I slept for a few hours today, but still need to go to sleep early now. I now have a couple of new clients to take care of, with more pending so I need my health.
Talk at ya... I'm hitting the LA Art Show one more time tomorrow. I'm looking forward to reviewing the pieces I liked again. There's some amazing art there. Last night's art LA show? Not as much because there are a lot more emerging artists intent on shocking people (which isn't my thing.) I like beauty in my art.
However, not to say that if I visited the art LA galleries individually I wouldn't have liked the art, but to see it all at once was a little assaulting to my sensibilities (especially when I'm sleep deprived.) Although an art gallery owner I met the night before and bumped into again last night, really liked it because she thought that night was more edgy and provocative.
Then her friend piped in to say the LA Art Show is more interested in proving who's better than the other. His reference was a little more provocative including a male genitalia comparison, but since I've recently been chided by yet another person that I've been too vulgar in the past, I'm trying to clean it up. Be more ladylike... You know what I'm talking about though right? LOL
My vulgarity so to speak was to prove a point and catch people's attention which it did and I think continues to do. Different strokes for different folks people and that was the myspace outreach anyway. Now that my friends want to give me a New York makeover, I guess I better clean it up a little more to match the new hair and clothes.
February is the month for a new me. Just in time for Valentine's Day and all the other love stuff I'm busy planning.:) You must save February 7 on your calendar! More to come later, but just know it's going to be a lot of fun. And you're all invited.
Come make a LOVE connection or business connection at Spa Riviera in the Hollywood Riviera in Redondo Beach, CA. Internationally renowned for Microdermabrasion Expert, Tony Cutrona. People come from all over the United States to experience his gentle, yet firm touch. 
Also, learn about Himalayan Goji Juice, the super food touted by Time Magazine and medically certified to increase your sex drive (among other 37 other wonderful health benefits. Check out Frequently Asked Questions here.)
Be there for the launch of the South Bay Professional Connection, designed for people who like having fun while doing business in a healthy, happy way.
Come too, for the free spa demo treatments, great free spa give-aways, amazing appetizers and desserts, and other goodies. Plus, meet all the fun people who've been invited. Like you!
(Except if you're on Hermosa Beach City Council - we're booked. I need a break from your glaring/smiling faces - just like you need one from mine.:)
Go support a bar. They need it right now. I'll invite you next go round. I promise. Not that you'll show, but you'll be more welcome then ok?
My mom sent me this and I thought it was worth passing on. Really makes you think about the real people involved doesn't it? God bless America.
You complain of a 'headache', and call in sick..
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
You make sure your cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
You talk trash about your 'buddies' that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.
You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.
REMEMBER our Troops, and do not forget them LATER
I went to the best luncheon today where Secretary of State, Debra Bowen, spoke about voting and we inducted Helen Duncan, President of the MB Chamber, as the next Chair of the Regional South Bay Association of Chamber of Commerces.
I especially wanted to support Helen because I think she's a real dynamo and has a great chamber over there. Also, since this organization ties together all of the local chapters (although Hermosa isn't involved which I found interesting.)
Also met a ton of great political and local contacts for later. I think it never hurts to know too many upper-level government officials because you never know when you'll need some help on certain issues especially now that I live here in the South Bay.
Who knew Supervisor Don Knabe was so funny? He had everyone do one clap after all the numerous introductions which was actually very fun. It was very interesting in my mind to see who all was involved and which local big wigs were in attendance too. We hit the mother lode of schmoozing!
Of course my pretty cougar friend got hit on by the only 20 year olds in the building. Go Cougar power. She totally cracks me up.
Apparently this blog is giving me quite the reputation in my hometown among certain individuals. I guess they don't understand my sense of humor yet. Oh well. You can please some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time.
Always nice to know who's actually reading though.
Hi J.R.... (Mayor Pro-Tiem)
Come here often?
Lighten up man... This is the beach after all. Aren't the positive ions supposed to kick in sometime? Where's your sense of humor and smile? Everyone takes themselves, their roles and these issues so seriously around here. Oy! Maybe if I shared some of my new wonder drink, Goji, with people it would help all of us mellow out.
It's helping me! Aren't you relieved? Ha ha. It is a good drink though which I'll talk to you about more once I figure it all out. I just know it's balancing my hormones which is great! Maybe then I won't be considered as so obnoxious or annoying as I've heard rumor I'm called. Can you believe it? Little 'ole me?
Have to be honest - totally cracked me up, but also stung a little. I don't call you names now do I so and so? Or is it ok to be a ballsy guy, but not a ballsy female? I do call myself a bitch though so feel free to use that term - which I'm sure you do in private. Oh well. Better get used to it. I live here too now.
I am trying to get along though - will you? Let's just agree to disagree on certain issues and all will be fine. You - the more bars the better, me - not so many...
And with that, I better go. Gotta get ready for another political meeting tonight called UPAC regarding how the city plans to beautify upper Pier Ave, and then on to a fun art opening.
Should be a very entertaining evening. How Hermosa turns... Check out This is Hermosa for the latest and my The Pregnant Pause blog too. Just uploaded a bunch of stuff on both.
I'm going to start working with a very cool director I had met during my film festival days which should be fun. I'll announce him later. Just wrapped up a big writing assignment for another client's architecture project in Africa which is why I haven't had the juice to write here lately if you've been wondering...
But now... Hello again.
I think I must be fighting something because I didn't wake up till 11am today which I guess I needed. After a few phone calls and catching up on stuff, I decided to join my new friend and help create sand bags for the Public Works Department in preparation for the big storm coming in.
You in cold states shovel snow, whereas, here in Hermosa Beach, we shovel sand into bags. Too funny. This is supposed to be the worst storm in a long time. It's about time we had some weather other than sunshine here.
I used to live in Seattle so I can say that. However, I do hope that everyone who has rain issues with their homes will be ok. Nothing like a leak to bring down your day. Hopefully people won't be needing the sand bags we created today, but glad to have helped create them. It was fun!
I've just totally updated my new wordpress blog - so please check it out here: www.thejoywriterpr.wordpress.com or just Google The Joy Writer PR.
Also, if you're interested in learning more about Hermosa Beach politics and what the community is thinking and concerned about - then check out This is Hermosa (www.thisishermosa.com). That's our community forum and there's all kinds of good info there.
I'm trying to keep my HB comments to that site when appropriate, but sometimes will share here. Just trying not to bore my readers here who could care less. Right people? Right. Oh, and sorry for my snide comments re: a certain female. I'll try to contain myself in the future. Not nice of me. I'm sorry. It was just too funny though...
If you're considering a movie to see I recommend P.S. I Love You - very sweet, funny film. Hot guys too. I love that kind of look in a man. And men who like to sing.
Hilary Swank wasn't too shabby either. Actually, I really liked her acting in this movie and could see how she could be compared to Judy Garland in looks (in a certain scene it's very obvious. Let me know if you agree.)
Have a great weekend all!
Hi again. I forgot to tell you one last thing. Some of the women from my Ladies Who Brunch group also got together to send gifts to the soldiers listed below and they've sent out five boxes thus far. We are all so excited to be doing something positive for those serving our country that one of the women has decided to make this an ongoing effort and calling it Operation Positive Karma (that's Hollywood for you!LOL)
I think whatever she wants to call it is fine, it's the action of the effort that I love! So, I'll keep you posted in case you care to join us. Also, feel free to start your own Operation whatever wherever you are to support our troops. I'm sure you know someone who knows someone who is serving overseas. Just ask them who needs love and encouragement from the states, get the names and address and go for it!
I used to run a Hungarian Orphan Toy Drive for disadvantaged children in Hungary I had volunteered with after graduating from college and am sure we can find sponsors for the shipping and whatever else we need because I used to do that for four years with my toy drive. Even got a write-up in the LA Times at one point which was fun, but not the reason I was doing it.
SO! I encourage all of you to consider those less fortunate because it sure makes you feel better not to focus on yourself and your woes! Trust me. I know of which I speak!
Okay, now that's really all. I must get back to work. Thanks for stopping by.
Sending you lots of love and good will this Christmas season!
Okay, here's the correct address to send any gifts you care to send to the soldiers I've listed in earlier posts:
CPT Rick Landgraf and Soldiers
HHC / 319th MI BN
Camp Slayer
APO AE 09342
Thanks! I know we have so many demands on us this season and you all have your favorite charities to support, just throwing this out there in case you can make room in your heart and your wallet to send some love to those who are serving our country.
God bless America! Merry Christmas everyone! More later. I need to take care of more business and then can relax with a good blog.
Enjoy your day.
Ryan
A Different Christmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love
I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his
eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas
'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my
home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment
enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
I've been wanting to write about this for quite some time. Did anyone else catch the Mob's Code of Ethics article mid-November? I found it extremely interesting, especially after seeing American Gangster last night.
Here's a link to the BBC's article on the mafia in case you missed the original. But back to the movie for now.One of my friends is a former rapper (I believe there's a lot of illegal activity going on in that genre too, but that's a discussion for another day.)
One year we decided to hit the Oscar Gifting Suites for fun and publicity since he's a celebrity. To make sure he received a lot of attention he wore his PINK fox fur mid-length jacket along with his customary pink and black spotted mink top hat.
Now if you can visualize a 6'2" solidly built, black rapper turned filmmaker wearing that coat in the Beverly Hilton hotel around Oscar time you can IMAGINE the attention he received. When I was watching Denzel Washington stride into the boxing arena area wearing such an ostentatious chinchilla coat, I had to text my friend to tell him DW was wearing his coat to tease him. My friend also has a floor length pink fur coat, but says it's not ever cold enough to wear it in CA. He totally cracks me up!
That movie was great. I was kind of bummed that I'd seen so many of the pivotal scenes in trailers and commercials, but it was still great. Almost every night of my classes, one of the guest speakers brings up that movie, or one of my classmates does. I think Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington did an amazing acting job in it. The actors and/or the movie have got to be nominated for something come Oscar season.
I also enjoyed seeing Cuba Gooding Jr. play someone other than Mr. Happy. He had range which was fun to watch. I couldn't place Josh Brolin until I saw his name in the credits. Excellent bad guy. Makes me wonder, based on that movie, how much more corruption is going on in the South Bay,CA that we don't even realize. Even my attorney agrees with me. I personally don't think I really want to know everything.
I will share selections from the Mob's Code of Ethics because I think it applies to Hermosa Beach and city council and others doing business here. I'm also revealing the end of the movie so if you haven't seen it yet, I'll tell you when to stop reading to avoid ruining the surprise.
According to yahoo,
"The list bars mobsters from hanging out in bars, from befriending police and being late for appointments. It also bars them from 'taking possession of money that belong to others or other families.'"
No bars, eh? I wonder if city officials would do a better job of running the city if they stayed out of the bars they're meant to govern. Just a thought. Ha! Not to say that all or any of them do, but we know one recently elected candidate who's been and is very cozy... P.T. anyone?
You know what else totally cracks me up about living in Hermosa? The amount of former councilmen and mayors I keep bumping into. I guess in a city that's only a mile or so with a population of 18,000 it's inevitable right? However, I've never, ever met that many in casual settings anywhere else I've lived. I guess it's a rite of passage or something for the men down here or there's nothing else to do. LOL!
Now from the Herald Sun on the same mafia topic:
"The list, found typed on a single sheet kept in Lo Piccolo's leather case, also dictates a Mafia member can never approach a rival without a third person present."
Maybe it's a good thing that former Mayor/bar owner, JL Bowler is escorting us on our little bar hop excursion after all. Although our planned visit is a friendly one. Just fact finding and fun with former Fat Face Fenner Faloon restaurant owner turned PR guy for all the bars in Hermosa Beach. Very interesting.
I liked the fact that the mob isn't supposed to "befriend" the police too.
Here's a quick blurb explaining why this code of ethics is a good idea from a cool blog called The Business Ethics blog. For the whole article click through. And I quote:
"It's worth pointing out the parallels between the Mafia code and the
ethical strictures placed on members of legitimate business
enterprises, including:
""#3. Never be seen with cops." (i.e., avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest)
"#4. Don't go to pubs and clubs." (presumably this is to make disclosure of 'company secrets' less likely)"
Very interesting, right? Just keeping it real.
Back to American Gangster (click for the Hollywood Reporter's review.) Now here's the paragraph to avoid reading for the ending ok?
I loved that Richie, the good cop played by Russell, when offered a bribe by Frank, the drug lord played by Denzel, totally turned it down and also turned in a million dollars when there were so many other dirty cops.
I also loved that as a result of Richie's integrity, so many of those crooked cops and others were caught. I don't know what it would take to clean up the corruption here, but one can only hope that eventually the truth will be revealed. Dateline? 20/20? LA Times? KNBC?
That's all. I'm sure everyone wants to believe that there isn't corruption in our city, but I think it's rampant everywhere in the country. It's just a little closer to the surface in certain parts.
More to be revealed. That's all. Gotta run.
Have a great Saturday and don't forget to visit the Los Feliz Village Holiday Festival tonight taking place from 6pm - 10pm on Hillhurst between Franklin and Hollywood. It's freeee... Great for the whole family.
See you there...
It's always interesting to find out who actually reads my blog. They may not realize I know, but I can tell. So that's why it's fun to gear blogs towards subjects I know will cause a reaction because that's why people blog right? What fun is it if no one reads what you have to say?
Plus, I think I do interesting activities and meet interesting people that are beyond their norm and that makes it fun too, to expose people to new thoughts, activities and philosophies. We don't all think alike which is why we're all unique and special. Aint that special?
That said, last night was another of my entertainment publicity classes with my 90-year old PR teacher, Julian Myers, who says: "Just find something to achieve that will take you till you're a hundred--hopefully something of social or civic value --and, ordinarily, your health will be there for you to attain it. And if you jog slowly for three miles outdoors each morning, as I like to, you'll feel better all along the way."
This from a man who runs in marathons and all kinds of competitions against people his age and younger. He wears coke bottle glasses, has a hearing aid that he had to turn up so loud last night to hear the speakers that it was whistling, and he shuffles a little when he walks, but he's still as sharp as a tack and the warmest, smartest, most well-respected man in Hollywood.
Almost every speaker who has come through this class to share their wisdom has nothing but good things to say about him, and/or professes to taking his class 10, 20 years prior! What a legacy he has created. Just last night we heard the President Domestic Marketing, Warner Bros., Dawn McElwaine Taubin, speak and she had taken his class!
I think last night was my favorite group of speakers to date which is why I feel compelled to blog about it. I love hearing powerful women in Hollywood share their knowledge. Especially women as accomplished as Julian always manages to bring in.
I know a lot of the other speakers from other nights because I've been involved in the Entertainment Professional Publicist Society, EPPS, for a long time and have networked at various functions with numerous people over the years. It's the organization to join if you are interested in connecting with a large spectrum of the entertainment industry from a publicity standpoint.
I've also worked at almost all the studios over the course of my career as a temp when I was first starting out and know people through that experience too. The other night, Producer, A.C. Lyles, one of the oldest living Republicans and the Ambassador of Good Will for Paramount Pictures came to speak.
He actually remembered me from the lot which totally surprised me. First, because it had been so long ago that I worked there, and second, because he meets thousands of people every year. I was flattered to say the least. He's quite the charmer.
That evening was cute since both he and Julian are both in their 90's it was like a convention of little old men. I took a picture with him for memory's sake. Everyone in Hollywood knows A.C. too and he's another legend. I guess doing what you love really keeps you going! Plus, he confessed he liked the ladies - which totally cracked me up because I know it's true.
Not for me, but I'm sure many a young starlet has seen him as their ticket to meeting the power players they want to move their career ahead. I just always get flashes of Samantha from Sex in the City having sex with an older wealthy gentleman who gave her tons of jewelry and attention, but in the long run was too wrinkly and old for her even. Saggy butt scene anyone?
Back to Dawn. She was extremely focused and informative on all the functions of her department. It was very interesting to learn how they all played out together and how much responsibility she bore for whether or not a film is a success or not (at least that's what I took away.) Very nice, down-to-earth, accomplished, powerful woman. If you click to the earlier Variety article link you'll learn more of her background. You'd never guess it from meeting her she's so normal. Very nice to meet and hear her speak.
It was very interesting to receive the strategic plan for No Reservations, one of their films and see how every aspect is broken down and analyzed. Also, how the film is determined whether to play it as a comedy or a drama. I always wondered about that because so often you think you're going to see a comedy based on the marketing when in actuality it's a drama.
She explained it's easier to get people to see a comedy, which I would tend to agree with. I want to laugh when I go to the movies to escape my reality sometimes. She also passed out Michael Clayton hats. Now I feel like I need to see the movie!
Apparently right now WB spends 10% of their marketing budget on internet whereas the average in the industry is 4%. Speaking of which, here's a very clever funny youtube video highlighting the reasons the WGA Writers are striking to receive payment for internet use of their content. Who knew writers were so funny, right? HA!
I hope they resolve their issues soon, but I'm with the writers. Why should they not make money while the big conglomerates do? Go underdogs! Maybe one day I'll be in the Guild too. Who knows? I do like writing. Now if I could get paid for writing blogs... ha!
Immediately following Dawn, Terry Curtin, the CEO and Creative Director of Intralink Film, spoke and took apart the making of the American Gangster trailer. It was very interesting to see the other versions her company had created and the reasoning behind why they went with the final version. That is one movie I absolutely must see.
I was supposed to go with a bunch of friends after my last house party, but we were all having too much fun to leave. I will probably go see it tonight. I like the concept of one honest man overturning such crime and the other man being above the mafia. Very cool battle of good and evil. Go good!
That's one thing my pastor, Jim Mackinga, spoke about last Sunday which has really resonated with me. He said that when you're doing God's will no man will stop you, although they may reject you. So, man's rejection, as the saying goes, is God's protection. I'd rather be rejected 100 x over than be outside God's will for my life right now.
It's amazing how crystal clear things become when you hold it up to God's standards rather than your own. My friend Deb was trying to set me up with this handsome black guy she'd met because she knows I have a propensity for the brothers, but when I saw his ego and attitude towards women I opted out of even bothering to meet him. No time or interest.
Although I normally really like men who are super built and very handsome, I'm beginning to appreciate other types of guys for qualities that aren't usually worn on their body, but are part of their souls. I like a good soul now more than a hard body. Big change for me, but hey, even shallow blondes can change. Lately, I've been meeting really good guys and it's nice.
Now to my favorite speaker of the entire evening. Every time I hear about the amazing cause marketing this company is doing I can't believe they can top themselves and every time they do. Last night was no exception.
Dawn Wilcox-Bloch of Allison & Partners, named by Inc as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the country, was the final speaker. I had missed hearing her speak in Jeff Duclos' class a few semesters back and was eager to hear what she had to say, although I thought I had heard it all before since I'd taken Scott Pansky, the founder's Cause Marketing course and heard him speak numerous times. I couldn't have been more wrong.
She was one of the first speakers to actually take an interest in who we were as students and what our backgrounds were. It was so refreshing to be considered in that way since so many teachers, (Robert Dowling, former Hollywood Reporter Publisher and Editor in Chief included) just assumed they knew we were all just starting out and totally green. Uh huh. Many of us have been doing this for a bit, although there are some newbies too.
I doubt even Julian bothered to take the time to understand the make up of his class which might explain why people dropped out, or leave before all the speakers have finished speaking. Who likes being spoken to in a way that doesn't really suit what you're there to gain? There's publicity and then there's marketing which I think needs to go hand-in-hand in order for something to be successful. You need to know who you're appealing to in order to properly publicize something.
My marketing efforts are targeted and with a purpose. I've just posted a party I'm throwing this Friday around my building. I know for a fact that the majority of the guys in my apartment complex won't participate in my treasure mapping party because it's not a guy thing to typically do.
However, the reason I invited my building, which I just learned is one of the oldest Hermosa Beach apartment buildings according to my wise neighbor, is because I want to stake a claim on the back patio and alert them to the fact I plan to have a group of people over who they're welcome to join. Whether they do or not, is entirely up to them. I hope so, but it doesn't affect me either way.
Does this make sense? It's way early because my allergies are keeping me up and rather than just toss and turn I decided to write my thoughts down in hopes if I write enough I'll feel tired to sleep through the misery. Oy!
I get the worst allergies this time of year and it's debilitating. Makes me cranky and irritable and difficult to speak my glands swell so much and my nose constantly runs. OY! Even Claritin doesn't seem to be having any effect. I may just have to break down and go to the doctor. It was exactly like this last year around this time. I'm beginning to wonder if the stresses of the holiday season make my immune system weak or something.
Enough on that though. Back to the second Dawn and her amazing case study. I just love seeing how a simple marketing idea has grown into this huge effort and changed the lives of everyone involved. I would love to see something like that happen in Hermosa Beach. If the group I'm meeting with next week has any say, maybe we will!
So, here's the amazing story Dawn shared. Hasbro/Playskool is one of Allison & Partners' clients. They decided to benefit Boundless Playgrounds. Here's a little blurb from the web site which explains the concept and reason why there's a need for such a thing:
The Challenge
More than six million children in the U.S. have a disability that makes it hard or impossible for them to join in the fun at a playground. All children deserve to have a place where they can experience the joy and discovery of play. Yet, most traditional playgrounds are not accessible to children with disabilities.
The Solution
Boundless Playgrounds is dedicated to helping communities create extraordinary playgrounds where children of all abilities can play, explore and learn together. These playgrounds eliminate barriers for children with disabilities and offer fun, challenging and sensory-rich activities that offer developmental advantages to all.
Now here's the amazing part that Hasbro and Playskool are involved with:
Hasbro & Boundless Playgrounds : Every Child Can Play
The joint mission of Hasbro and Boundless Playgrounds is for every child to have a BOUNDLESS playground within their reach. Hasbro is the first national founding sponsor of Boundless Playgrounds, providing financial gifts totaling over $1 million to date. Our PLAYSKOOL division has pledged $250,000 to help Boundless Playgrounds continue its mission. As a toy company, we believe in the importance of discovery and learning through play, and we are dedicated to helping bring this joy to every child in every community.
When I read of companies who are giving that much money back to the community at large it brings tears to my eyes. Especially listening to the story Dawn told last night. Apparently Hasbro decided to give one deserving community a $350,000 Boundless Playground as a gift as part of their marketing efforts. Here's another blurb from the web site:
You Can Make a Difference in Your Community!
The National Center for Boundless Playgrounds is a nonprofit organization that assists communities in creating barrier-free playgrounds, which provide developmental advantages for children of all abilities. Let's ALL play...it matters!
You have the ability to make dreams come true! Visit the Boundless Playgrounds Web site for ideas on how to join PLAYSKOOL in helping kids of all abilities have fun, such as:
Let's ALL play...it matters!
Apparently there was a contest to find the most deserving community to receive the $350,000 Boundless Playground gift from Hasbro. Dawn said they didn't really expect to get more than 50 entries because not only did the contestants have to write in why they felt they deserved it, they also had to have permission from the city to build the playground which was an extra step.
Well, they didn't receive 50 entries, but 1,000! Dawn had to narrow it down to the top 20 to present to Hasbro and then all 20 were informed they were finalists. They were invited to again submit why they deserved to win (or something like that - I'm vague on this particular detail because I was beginning to get very tired it was so late last night.)
A small community in Pennsylvania went all out and created a little video highlighting all the reasons why they should win and how it would benefit the community as a whole. Just watching the joy and excitement on all 500 little kindergarten through fifth graders in the video at the thought their school might win a playground brought tears to my eyes just watching. The Governor was on the video and numerous city officials explaining why and how this would bring together the community - it was amazing.
Then Dawn showed the video of the school actually learning they were the recipients of the award and then I couldn't stop crying. What an awesome thing to be involved in blessing that community like that. Apparently, even though McCullough Elementary School is 40 miles outside the major city, all along that 40 mile route to the school were signs in store windows thanking Hasbro/Playskool for their generous gift.
The community is still giving back in so many ways to others less fortunate as a result of this amazing gift which to a company like Hasbro is a small amount of money in the grander scheme of things. Now if only more companies would realize their responsibility to make their communities better rather than just taking all the time. There's so much good that can happen when people put their mind to it.
Here's some of the press release on the winners taken from the Hasbro site:
"Boundless Playgrounds®, Hasbro Inc.’s (NYSE:HAS) PLAYSKOOL brand and GameTime, a playground equipment manufacturer, today revealed that McCullough Elementary School and the Penn-Trafford School District in Claridge, Pennsylvania, is the grand prize winner of the “PLAYSKOOL Win a Boundless™ Playground Essay Contest” and will receive a Boundless™ playground in their community so children of all abilities can play together.
The essay, submitted jointly by third-grade teacher Scott Mickey and parent Lisa Popovich, beat out almost 1,000 entries which were received from 44 states plus the District of Columbia. The goal of the contest is to raise awareness that playgrounds should not exclude children with disabilities – instead, playgrounds can and should be places where everyone is included in the fun.
“Scott and Lisa’s story provides a touching example of why universally accessible playgrounds are so vital to healthy children and communities,” said Amy Jaffe Barzach, executive director/co-founder of Boundless Playgrounds. “We are so grateful to be able to provide such a deserving community with a playground that will provide joy and fuel imaginations for years to come, and it brings us one community closer to making this wish come true for children everywhere.”
McCullough Elementary School and the community surrounding the school will receive a Boundless™ playground worth up to $300,000 which is to be built at a site previously designated as a practice field adjacent to the elementary school and centrally located for community use. Following is an excerpt from the winning essay:
“While our goal to differentiate instruction within McCullough Elementary School has been successful, our community playground outside has fallen behind and limits our children’s play, movement, and interactions. ‘To infinity and beyond’ is not realized on the old, rusty, and outdated equipment. Many of our student population cannot even access the equipment due to its height or lack of ramps.”
“We at PLAYSKOOL are proud to award McCullough Elementary School with one of the greatest gifts a community could ever receive, a place where children and parents of all abilities can connect without boundaries,” said Lorrie K. Browning, General Manager, PLAYSKOOL. “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Boundless Playgrounds over the years to help them grow as an organization and meet the vast need for universally accessible playgrounds, and we look forward to continuing our support in the future.”
“The overwhelming response this essay contest elicited only reinforces our resolve to help provide every child with a place where they can play and learn together with their peers,” said Tom Norquist of GameTime. “McCullough Elementary School’s story truly inspires us and we look forward to building them a playground they will use for years to come.”
It was more than a decade ago that Amy Jaffe Barzach lost her 9-month-old son to spinal muscular atrophy and decided to build a universally accessible playground, in his memory. His family imagined that in Jonathan’s dreams playgrounds would be places where children of all abilities could celebrate life. The special playground built in Jonathan’s memory became the inspiration that led to Boundless Playgrounds being established.
As a founding national sponsor, Hasbro has been the organization’s most ardent supporter; the company has donated more than $1 million, helped establish a national resource center, launched an educational campaign, helped develop Boundless™ playgrounds in 24 disadvantaged communities across the country and sponsored two signature playgrounds in Rhode Island and Massachusetts."
Okay, I know that if you saw the video you would have an even greater understanding why this story is so amazing. My hope is that People Magazine or Oprah learn of it and cover it because it really was wonderful to see this community rally together.
At first you think, oh this community is only doing it because they want to win, but then when you watch the children's faces and see the purity in their desire, then you are blown away by the community spirit everyone exhibited. I hope Allison & Partners uploads all of their winning video on Youtube or something because you really must see it for yourself.
In the meantime, check out this very cute music video that all the students sang on to share their enthusiasm for winning this Boundless Playground. A parent wrote the lyrics and it still brings tears to my eyes watching it. I hope it does to you too.
This is what America is all about. Corporations giving to communities. Yes, Hasbro benefits in certain PR ways, but I'm also sure they benefit in deeper ways than even those involved expected to as well. Rumor has it that now Hasbro is considering turning their entire marketing budget into more promotions like this one. Just think. What if Hasbro became the next Extreme Makeover for children? I love it!
So, if you don't agree, or you are hardened to this effort and don't understand the value, I feel sorry for you. You must live a very selfish, self-centered life not to see the reason to reach out to your community and do something good rather than just party your life away or only live for yourself. But then again, who's to say you're even the type to read this? HA!
And with that, I'll close. May God richly bless you as you pursue your life. May He reveal His love for you in ways you can't even begin to imagine. May that expression of that love spill out into your life and affect those around you for good as well.
God loves you and so do I.
Now off to bed to sleep again hopefully.
Take care.
THE TRAVEL PLAY
COMPANY DONATES 700 TRAVEL TRAYS TO FIRE VICTIMS
Beneficiaries are American
Red Cross/Save the Children
Play Company donated five hundred new Travel Trays to the American Red
Cross/Save the Children’s effort
at the Rose Bowl Fundraiser. 
The Travel &
Play Trays are sturdy enclosed “lap tables” which keep toys and food off the
floor and upholstery while
traveling in cars and planes. 
The patented
collapsible tray has an adjustable belt that wraps around the child’s waist and
is held in place by hook and loop. The large tray doesn’t interfere with
seatbelts and is water and heat resistant. The easy to clean nylon tray
features side pockets to hold drinks and toys along the 3” wall support. "The
tray creates an autonomous space that may be the only thing a displaced child
has to call their own after the fires," said outgoing President and
Inventor, Gali Rotstein. Now an artist, Rotstein is represented by Lois Lambert
Gallery at Bergamot Station.
The Travel Play
Company sells utilitarian products, wholesale and retail, that enhances and
simplifies the daily or seasonal travel experience for both the adult and
child. 
For more information on the company or products, please review www.travelplayco.com.
FYI, this was originally one of my blogs in July and I decided to submit it to the papers to share my view on what's going on in the South Bay. This was printed this week in the Easy Reader and another shorter letter I wrote was published last week in the Beach Reporter.
I think the Easy Reader editors made it even better and I'm proud to have my name attached to this. Now hopefully more people will read this and realize it's time for a change.
Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend. Now here's my letter....
I haven't written something like this in a while, but I woke up and feel compelled to share this viewpoint in hopes maybe people will read it down here, see themselves and think maybe, just maybe we need to change... I'm referring to Manhattan Beach and those who live here. In fact all of the South Bay and especially Hermosa Beach. It deeply saddens me that when I invited a girlfriend to come down here to join me and some of my new friends for dinner one of the first things she shared with me was a girlfriend of hers who'd gone out down here five years ago was drugged and then raped in a parking lot of a bar.
Then, over lunch with my mom yesterday, when I told her I'm starting to socialize in Manhattan Beach, she said, “Well you know what they call that city don't you. Drunken Manhattan Beach.” That is so sad to me. Since when has alcohol become such a dominating force in a sleepy bedroom community that two separate people have such a bad impression of this beautiful seaside area? I grew up down here. I attended the local elementary schools, finished four years of high school and then after I left for college, not returning until now.
I don't want to come off as holier than thou or whatever because I'm not. I enjoy my mojito as much as the next person, but I want to ask those living in the South Bay to stop and think for a moment if the legacy we want to leave to generations to come is bigger than the fact this is a party town where the big focus is getting drunk.
I was surprised to learn an acquaintance mention that her daughter was turning 14 and she knew she'd have to provide alcohol at her birthday party, but she was concerned about how much to offer. Since when does serving alcohol to minors constitute a good party?
Are we going to continue to be a community that turns a blind eye and condones alcoholism for under-age children? Are we going to continue to teach our children that this is how we live - drinking all the time? Are the police going to continue to turn a blind eye to the rampant open containers on the beach during events like the 6-person volleyball tournament and events on major holidays?
It sickens me that everything else we do down here - the wonderful free outdoor summer concerts available in all the South Bay cities, the amazing fireworks displays available during the 4th of July, the creative, entrepreneurial minds and businesses that come out of here are completely overshadowed by alcohol and partying.
Maybe our International Surf Festival deserves national and international attention for the quality of our lifeguards. Maybe our art scene deserves national and international attention for the diverse, unique, art festivals. Maybe the wonderful sports associations that host numerous city-wide sports like volleyball, softball, and soccer should receive more attention.
Maybe the creative recreation department that offers such a wide variety of inexpensive activities for the community deserves attention. Maybe our multiple adult schools that are so inexpensive, yet so popular and offer such a wide array of classes, deserves attention. Or the classy Manhattan Open Tennis Tournament or the interesting accomplished people who live down here like our local newscaster, professional athletes or CEO's, or our many volunteers. What about our education system, our shopping, and of course our beautiful beaches and piers?
As a publicist interested in the image and reputation of where I grew up I don't want my hometown to be casually dismissed by guests I’ve invited to visit as, “Oh, that city? That's where you go to get drunk. You have to go visit there at least once to see the party scene and get wasted. “
I want the South Bay to be known for something other than alcohol and if it means hitting up the chambers to do publicity for them, then that's what I'll do. If it means starting a coalition of businesses, organizations, citizens, government officials, police and others interested in making a change, then I will. I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!
I pray my words bear fruit and sober up those of you who are using alcohol as the grease to promote your businesses, or score women (or men), or to avoid reality, or pain. Please stop. I know it's a disease, but let's not perpetuate it to future generations.
It’s time we as a community take back our beaches and our nightlife and create an environment where all are respected and protected. I’m sick of public drunkenness as a common occurrence. It’s time for a change!
We can make a difference in our community-- one activity, one business event, one story at a time.
Manhattan Beach
Just as I thought. There is big business behind the Six-man which explains everything. More shall be revealed down the road, but for now I'll just say it might be a very different event this year if all goes well. I'm sorry partiers, but I don't want our beaches turned into another Ibiza for your monetary gain.
Go screw up Dockweiler or somewhere else, but not Manhattan Beach. Have fun! I really do hope all of you enjoy yourself this weekend though and in appropriate places like a bar or your friend's homes. I mean that sincerely. Drink responsibly and not on the beach. Thank you.
See ya.
I'm beginning to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can and praying for the wisdom to know the difference. It still deeply, deeply, deeply, saddens me that the South Bay is so over-run with rampant, flagrant alcohol abuse on our public parks and beaches.
I couldn't stop from crying today as I shared my past few weeks with my Al Anon group because it just breaks my heart that my city is so blind to the legacy of drinking we're leaving generations to come unless we make some changes now.
Here's some information to help those of you curious what I'm talking about to understand the nature of this disease. Those who suffer from it can find information on Alcoholic Anonymous at the end. Thanks for reading. My prayers and thoughts are with the city and those who still suffer.
May we see ourselves as we are and decide how we want to live. One day at a time.
In the U.S. and Canada, there are more than 18 million people with a drinking problem, and only 10 percent of them will ever get help. according to some estimates, every individual with a drinking problem disrupts the lives of at least four other people through business and financial responsibilities neglected or the child who loses a parent due to a drunken driving accident, careers ruined and marriages destroyed by problem drinking. Of the estimated 80 million Americans and Canadians affected by someone else's drinking, most will not get help for themselves and many will never even realize that they could have benefited from some insight into the problems caused by another person's drinking.
Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
Just returned from hitting The Galley restaurant's 1934 day where Captain Ron, the owner, is offering food at 1934 prices. He's quite a character (you can see his pic on the Web site in full captain regalia - too fun.) I brought my mom since that was her era and she rarely visits Santa Monica which made this fun to do together.
My colleague was the publicist of note on this promotion, and I've been helping her with writing and promotional ideas. Always nice to support a fellow publicist when they have an event. There was a line when we arrived, but since it was reservation only for loyal customers, this was a manageable crowd.
The food is really good and if I still lived in the neighborhood I would eat there often. It's one of the best steak and seafood restaurants in Santa Monica, CA. There was a great press turn-out for the party which I hope the Captain appreciates! It's not too late if you live nearby to go for the first come, first serve option.
Here's the press release - doesn't it make you want to eat there? Another romantic place to take a date - for me though - "rotic" - romantic without the man since I was there with my mom during the day. Tee hee!
THE GALLEY, SANTA MONICA’S LANDMARK STEAK RESTAURANT & BAR, CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY WITH 1934 PRICES FOR LUNCH
Sunday, July 29, 2007 12:00pm – 4:00pm
SANTA MONICA, CA –The Galley Restaurant, a California landmark serving delicious steaks and seafood in Santa Monica for 73 years and named “Best Steak” by Zagat Guide, celebrates over 70 years in business with prices from 1934, the year it opened, offering lunch specials Sunday, July 29, 2007 from 12:00pm – 4:00pm.
Menu items include: The Galley Burger w/fries 0.30 cents, Kosher Hotdog w/fries 0.25 cents, Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich w/ fries 0.44 cents, and Pasta Primavera 0.35 cents. Invite only. No reservations. Walk-ins only on first come, first serve basis. Maximum party of four per table.
About The Galley Since 1934, The Galley has remained Santa Monica’s most treasured steak and seafood restaurant and a beautifully preserved California landmark. The Galley offers traditional American cuisine featuring eight selections of mouthwatering steaks, delicious seafood, chicken, pasta and vegetarian dishes. The South Seas Bar is the perfect place to catch up on the scuttlebutt while enjoying a fantastic Happy Hour menu daily from 5:00pm - 6:30pm. The large outdoor patio is one of Santa Monica’s best kept secrets for outdoor dining, cocktails and private events. The Galley is located at 2442 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (1/2 block north of Ocean Park.) Hours of operation daily are from 5:00pm – close for dinner and Sundays 12:00pm – 4:00pm for lunch.
For reservations call (310) 452-1934. See you on Deck! For additional information, refer to the new Web site The Galley.
Off to the beach. Have a good one. BTW, King Harbor Church is celebrating their all-church luau again tonight - I went last year and really enjoyed myself (it looked like over 1,000 people were there!) - may have to hit it again tonight.
Here's the details:
"It’s that time again to celebrate that new life that can come from our rebirth in Christ! Our annual All-Church Luau and Baptism at the Seaside Lagoon will be held this Sunday, July 29th, at 6:00pm. This is a time we look forward to all year as our church family gathers together over food and fun. If you need more information or would like to volunteer to help, contact the church offices at 310.376.6555."
My stomach's upset from something I ate last night and I can't sleep so here I am. It's pretty bad when you get sick on the food you cook yourself! LOL It doesn't always happen, but sometimes it does. I think I need to learn how long you can keep uncooked meat in the fridge before it goes bad. Any chefs care to leave a comment?
Hopefully my girlfriends who came over last night aren't facing queasy stomachs too. I'm so bad. Oh well. Live and learn right? It could have been the rich chocolate cake I ate with whipped cream that Kirsten, my girlfriend, brought over too so I'll try to comfort myself with that thought. Or maybe the Martinelli's that Deborah brought over - that always affects my digestion for some odd reason too. Oy Vey!
In any case, just wanted to check in and say hi. I'm so thrilled that linking to that little address listing of Bay Cities Community Church has brought their real Web site to the forefront of Google!!! Now if any of you are interested in learning more about what my church is all about, or where it's located, check out the link ok? Would love to have you join me sometime. Seriously!
Jim Mackinga and his wife Sandy are the most loving, special people. Their whole family is really wonderful actually. Everyone I've met at this church is so friendly, open-minded and great. I just love being part of this community. Say hi to me, since I'd love to meet you as I don't know too many other people down here yet though. Who knows, if you walk through the door, maybe you'll see people you know already!
Did I tell you all that I had a meeting with the Director of Media Relations, Robin, from LA Inc aka Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau to discuss future work together? We're in the negotiating stages so we'll see, but I'm hopeful this will work out well since they've always appreciated my work to date. It's all a blur on what I've shared here and what I haven't. Excuse me if I'm repeating myself.
I've been writing for LA Inc since 2002 and it's really helped me learn how to present the city of Los Angeles as a whole to the travel media. I've written copy for their Web site, pitched media for special events, and written numerous press releases highlighting all aspects of the city. I love it since it keeps me in the loop for the entire city and I enjoy doing the work. Plus, I'm good at it, if I do say so myself.:)
I'm planning to develop the travel aspect of my business as it applies to the South Bay since I have this experience, knowledge and connections gained from my relationship with LA Inc. Why not? Should be good.
Being away form the South Bay for so long I see it through a tourist's eyes right now. Sometimes that's good. Sometimes that bad. However, there's always room to grow in either direction so I'm excited to see where this new experience will take me and my hometown as a whole.
My Beach Writer group is excited about participating in my new endeavor which will be great because they're all very accomplished writers too. More to be revealed, but just know it's going to be good once it gets going.
I had a great meeting with Gary, my ad/marketing bud, yesterday too and we made some real progress on the concept. I'm excited to see where this all takes us since it has such great potential for positive outcomes for many people and businesses and the community as a whole. God is moving!
Just think - my public relations, Gary's design, and my Beach writers writing -- the skies the limit! I've been very fortunate to create a group of quality professionals (see my links to people I do business with on the left of this column - those are my colleagues) who support my business in a variety of ways which is great when I'm working with bigger clients. Now to get some interns to work with me and I'm all set.
So, for those of you still trying to decide what to do tomorrow (or should I say today since it's 4:30am in the morning Sunday - oy vey - someone give me a tranquilizer or pump my stomach...:) Ok, where was I? Oh yeah, what to do on Sunday after you've gone to church? Here's a few blurbs from the Easy Reader on a couple of fun events that only happen in the South Bay and I quote:
"Surfers Walk of Fame inductions
Eight surfing figures will be inducted into the Surfers Walk of Fame
today at 4 p.m. Sunday at the base of the city pier. Inducted at the
fifth annual Surfers Walk ceremony will be honorary members John
“Whitney” Guild, Alf Lewis, Mike Stevenson and Donald Takayama, and
pioneer members Toby Erlinger, Bev Morgan, Patrick O’Connor and
Rosemarie Reimers-Rice."
The induction sounds cute and since you're down here, why don't you go to dinner, enjoy yourself and then hurry over to the beach to claim your "seat" for the huge summer Sunset Concert that happens at 6pm? Here's more details, again from the Easy Reader:
"It’s The Shondells, dude!
Hermosa Beach’s second Sunset Concert of the summer offers up the
near-edible “Crimson and Clover” and “Sweet Cherry Wine” Tommy James
& The Shondells. 6 p.m. on the sand, just south of the pier, and
best get there early. 310-318-0280."
Now I'm not really into oldies music, but I am curious to see who is so I'll pop by for a bit. I just have this real curiosity about the people and the customs down here since some of it is new to me. I like to see what demographic these kinds of events appeal to too because then it helps me with my marketing.
If you know who you're trying to reach and what they like, then you have a better time of appealing to them. Just a little PR tip. Duh, right? But so many people just blindly create things without understanding the market and they fail as a result. That's why I'm trying to take as many meetings with influential people of the South Bay as possible so I understand where people's heads are at. We'll see.
I'm excited, more good meetings to happen soon. I'll keep you posted once there's a little more concrete plans in place. Hope you'll join me. I look forward to getting to know my South Bay neighbors better.
Ok, now that I've blogged, maybe I can go back to sleep. Have a good morning. Maybe I'll see you at the Pier events today! Just think, maybe an older, more mature, non-drunk population shows up for these events changing the demographic of the Hermosa Beach pier for once - what a novel concept, eh?
Would be nice to walk around there and not have to avoid the barf left staining the concrete from some stupid person the night before. ICKY! Since when is our Hermosa Beach Pier the place for 20 year olds to come and get wasted? Time to grow up people!
Go to Alcoholics Anonymous, go to Rehab, go to church, go somewhere, but get your drinking under control if you're barfing in public and ruining a public place for others. YUCK. That's what I'm talking about people. The first step is accepting the fact you have a problem. If you need me to be the one to make you stop and look at yourself, then so be it.
I just hope you don't kill someone first driving home drunk before you wake up and smell the coffee. Yes Devin, everyone is responsible for their own drinking, but when it begins to affect the public and create the possibility for drunk driving, then that person's responsibility has obviously gone out the window and it's time someone speaks up. Plus, who wants to date or be married to an alcoholic? I feel like I'm doing an intervention for my city! Okay, enough of my soapbox. I need an Al Anon meeting.
I'll leave you with this cute story since it's so South Bay to me. Remember that very sweet slow boy I told you about who works at Ralphs? Well, last night I popped in for some things I needed for my dinner with the girls and he was in my check-out line.
As I was standing there waiting for the cashier to ring up the guy in front of me, all of sudden, quite loudly, I hear him say to me, "YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL IN PINK TONIGHT." I was really embarrassed since he said it so loudly that people were turning to me and smiling, but I thought he was so cute and sincere I responded thank you and pretended like that happens to me all the time.
Then he tells me loudly again that his birthday is December 1 and do I know how quickly 8 months goes? VERY QUICKLY, very quickly. I agreed with him and made a mental note that I want to give him a birthday card on his birthday since it obviously means a great deal to him. He seemed content that I'd acknowledged him and was nice to him and didn't speak much until he wished me a great evening as he passed me my bags.
If you ever get a chance to visit the Ralphs down on Sepulveda just up from Pier Avenue, do. I think that guy is the sweetest person he makes me shop there because I enjoy my visits so much since he's so innocent and pure in all his communications.
I remember reading in some mag about another similar slow guy at another grocery store who was challenged by his store manager to make a difference as part of a store-wide initiative to bring in new business. This directive was given to the entire store, but this little guy took it to heart.
He began writing little positive sayings on slips of paper and putting each slip into people's grocery bags as he bagged their groceries. Pretty soon people began to stand in his line to receive the sayings they were so popular. He totally changed the m.o. of people visiting that store and business flourished ten-fold as a result of his small action. They began talking to each other in line and were happier.
That's how my little Ralphs guy makes me feel when I shop there. He's always courteous, interested in how I'm doing, and obviously cares about doing a good job. I think it's great that Roger Bacon of Ralphs has hired him. I hope he keeps him around for a long time. I hope that business flourishes just like that store with the other slow guy does.
Maybe Roger should implement the sayings too? Just think, maybe then he could afford the raise in business taxes that's being proposed - LOL. Does anyone else find that funny that he's so vocal about the measure? I could see some of the smaller stores in town being upset, but a major grocery store - give me a break!
Yes, it's a bummer to have to pay more taxes, but since when does $168 a year really pay for how much business you generate Roger? Where's your sense of civic duty? Santa Monica charges small business owners twice that amount! Why shouldn't we bring our taxes current?
Going back to my original point of customer service being key, who knows what a different community this might be if that little effort to personalize your store's service was made? I don't know. Not saying it has to be done, but hey, if it worked at another similar store, then why not give it a try? You never know.
I do know that one of the main reasons I like shopping at the Pavilions down the street even though their prices are higher is because every single time I've ever asked for help finding something, the person working there who I've asked has personally walked me over to the section for my item and told me to have a nice day. That type of customer service is unheard of up in Hollywood. I love it!
It's nice to live in a community where you see familiar faces, people are sincere in their greetings to you when they see you, and there's a real sense of community tangible in the air. It's hard to describe to people who don't live here, but trust me, it's here. That's why I moved back and that's why I enjoy it.
On another note... I'm sure there's plenty of bars that have a lot at stake in this measure to increase the business tax too. Wouldn't it be nice if they actually gave back to the community rather than just take? Just a thought from an objective public relations specialist viewpoint.
What a great publicity angle to say, "Yes, we're making a shitload of
money (excuse my French as my friends always say) from this city and as
a result, we've decided to do the right thing and give back to the
community by being willing to pay more taxes since we obviously use a
lot more of the cities resources in police, trash, and other business."
What a great story that would be to the greater Los Angeles area!
I can see it now - the Los Angeles Business Journal, The LA Times, CNBC and other news outlets picking up this story. Very interesting thought, eh? Maybe they'll read my blog and find it interesting that a city that has had the same business tax for years and years is having such great difficulty even putting a measure on the ballot for the general public to vote on. What are they afraid of?
I doubt the Beach Reporter finds it a story though seeing as part of the service the Manhattan Beach Chamber offers is an article in that paper for membership. Kind makes it difficult to keep your editorial perspective clean when your advertising revenue is generated by so many of the businesses you're writing about right? So many small papers will offer you a story if you buy an ad (not saying The Beach Reporter does it though) and I find that practice despicable from a journalist standpoint.
If someone has to buy their way into a paper to have a story written what does that say about the integrity of the story? It happens all the time with small papers though. The ad department begins to control the editorial which makes the balanced ethical reporting of an issue go out the window.
That's why when people want to pay me as a PR person strictly based on whether or not I can guarantee they'll get media coverage I refuse. If the media is doing their job, then they won't be bought and I won't influence them to write a story about my client unless there's a real news story there. That's why I'm real particular about who I work with and very selective on when I send out press releases.
If I can't help you or I don't think you're newsworthy, I won't take your money. I just turned away a short filmmaker the other day who was just oozing money because I didn't think his film would get picked up as news until he got it into a festival. Now him as a filmmaker, he was very interesting and I could see him personally getting coverage now, but a short film- not so much. I used to produce film festivals for years and know this world quite well.
Plus, I bounce things off my other colleague, Marcia, who also has done lots of film publicity and she agreed with me. We always collaborate. Same with my friends Kim Koury and Adrienne Dorsey. Great people to collaborate with.
I have found it interesting that every press release I've ever sent The Beach Reporter which has been picked up by other news sources numerous times, hasn't been picked up by that paper. Makes me wonder if my letter to the editor will see the light of day since I'm not a chamber member, nor have I bought an ad to promote my services since that would defeat what my business is all about! Maybe since my letterhead has my Santa Monica mailing address there's a bias in that regards too? Who knows...LOL
Ok, back to the proposed Hermosa Beach Business Tax Increase issue at hand.
What's up with the "private" meeting on July 31? I don't get it. Makes you wonder what the city council is thinking doesn't it? What's going on behind those closed doors? Aren't they supposed to be the ones who help the city to take care of itself? Why wouldn't this measure not be a no-brainer - raising the current tax of $168/year to something that's commensurate with your business revenue?
I'm confused and just asking that's all. I'm not into politics, but thought that's why people put these people in office-- to make the city a better place to live, not keep things status quo. Think of the money that would bring in the city! Pretty amazing things could be done then.
That's one of the things that drive me crazy about the South Bay (small town politics!), but there's a lot of good things down here too which I'd rather focus on and move forward with. Stay tuned. But don't worry. I'm not running for office any time soon. Have you ever watched the city council meetings on TV? BORING!!!!!! It's like watching paint dry. However, the city characters do liven it up a bit when they speak their piece.
So, now I really better try to go back to sleep because I want to hit the 9:30am service of Bay Cities and get chuched. And no, I didn't misspell that word - that's a spillover from my days at my gospel church.
See ya!
Just returned from attending the Association of Independent Commercial Producers Awards Show tonight over at the LACMA with an actress friend. I like working the door of the show because then the rest of the night we can mix and mingle and enjoy.
Here's a link to the show in case you're curious to see which commercials won. I love this this stuff because I love cutting edge creativity which I believe the advertising industry creates over and over again. What was interesting was to discuss the state of this business since it's turned upside down right now. I never realized how many advertising events I go to till tonight.
Even though I'm in public relations, I appreciate good advertising. The ability to tell a story in 60 seconds is brilliant. That's why I think there's many talented commercial directors who move into creating amazing features as a result. I don't think it ever works the other way around though.:)
Here's a few of my favorites from tonight - watch them and you'll see why (They're all good, but these stood out the most to me.)
1. Vaseline "Sea of Skin" by Smuggler's Director Ivan Zacharis - brilliant talent - check out his reel on their site. This commercial is so artistic and all nude so it was only shown in Europe. It may offend some of you, but I love it. I think it's actually orchestrated by a famous artist, but I'm not sure. This company picked up 7 awards I believe.
2. JC Penny Crazy Beautiful - fun to watch, but you've probably seen it already. It was cute to see again.
3. Nike Zoom LeBron IV "Pool" by Epoch Films Inc's Director Stacy Wall. This one is so funny if you watch nothing else you must see this one.
There's others, but I'm tired and have a meeting with the Hermosa Beach City Manager in the morning and other meetings the rest of the day. Yes, I'm doing it. Going to see what we can do to help stop the public drunken madness one city official at a time. I'll keep you posted.
Oh yeah, the other day was interesting - here's one anecdote which should make you LOL as it did me. Met up with my new English actor friend and a group of his model, musician, director, actor friends at the Belmont again. He shared that he'd bumped into the Hotel Rwanda director at Les Deux the other night and he was wearing a t-shirt that said, "If you see the police - (then the logo) Warner bros (get it? Warn-a-brother?)
I have had such a kick sharing that with all my friends. I think it's especially ironic since it was that particular director wearing it! Too funny. Spent some time catching up with my good friend/mentor Marcia immediately after since she lives right around the corner and we rarely see each other any more, but talk on the phone all the time. Ended up borrowing a skirt from her since mine was linen and horribly wrinkled. Thanks Marcia!
The rest of the day was filled with a lunch meeting with Robin from LA Inc to discuss future media opportunities with them. While eating bumped into my technology friend Natalie Farsi who I only see when I'm dining out every few months or so - it's just uncanny how that happens.
Then dashed up to Shana's to see her since we rarely see each other any more since I'm living in the South Bay and she's still in Hollywood. Drove back down to the South Bay for a doctor's appointment which I missed so took a quick swim to cool down and mellow out before running back to Century City to the new X Bar in the Hyatt Regency in Century City to hear my other friend Natalie aka The Liquid Muse teach a class on how to make 4 different cocktails which was very entertaining and yummy.
Ironic, eh? However, I like to support my friend's endeavors and she personally invited me to attend so... I was just careful to soak up all the alcohol with lots of delicious appetizers.:)
Met the Hyatt hotel's amazing publicist, Jennifer Barry of The Barry Group, who I'd worked with on the hotel press release for the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau aka LA Inc. We happened to sit at the same little table and enjoyed noshing all class long. A little too spicy for me at times, but yummy nonetheless.
I really must have a mixer there soon because the outdoor patio is really, really lovely - outdoor firepit, huge comfy chairs, cool, summer breezes, and nice music playing. There was a girl laughing rather obnoxiously, but otherwise, it was very quiet overall. Extremely enjoyable. This hotel is where a lot of high-end Hollywood events are held so if you're looking for a convention location - check it out.
Then, once that was over dashed cross town to Hollywood again to Raleigh Studios (where I held one of my last festivals) for the Opening Night Gala of The Independent Television Festival and the LA TV Fest with a live performance by Biz Markie who was awesome! I had no idea what to expect and the friend I had invited bailed at the last minute leaving me to attend alone.
To be honest it was really nice to be free to do what I wanted and I actually had a great time - better than I expected! The backlot was absolutely packed with young, aspiring filmmakers. There was an energy in the air I've not experienced that often at most Hollywood events - it was like they were all expecting great things to happen and the world was their oyster. That was a great vibe to be part of.
Bumped into my Actress friend Esther and her girlfriend who I learned had been finalists that night which was great for them. Gave them a little boost and got them on the red carpet which was thrilling for them. Made me happy to help. We had fun creating fun pictures in their picture booth area.
Also bumped into a friend I haven't seen in maybe 7 years and had fun catching up with her until this weirdo guy who'd been bothering me all night came up and interrupted. For some reason my friend thought I'd want to talk to him and bowed out. I quickly gave him the cold shoulder and he finally got the hint. ICKY! Not my type AT ALL.
Now Shemar Moore, the actor, he is totally more my type and he was there. Yes girls, I gave him the flirty eye, but he had a beautiful blonde bombshell with him so I left them alone. However, later on I could swear I saw him looking at me. Isn't that so silly? Give a girl a break ok? It's been too long since a handsome black man has paid me some attention and I'm taking that to the bank.
I had to wonder if he'd read my blog from awhile back when I was cooing about how adorable he was and maybe he was wondering if it was me or not. No, Mr. Moore, I am not a stalker. Just an admirer of all that's hot and sexy and that night it was you babe. Bring it on!
Whoa, be still my beating heart. Okay, enough of the silly. What I really appreciated about that night was how multi-cultural it was. Years back when I was producing my film festival I always made sure to have representation of minorities. A filmmaker friend of mine didn't think it was that big a deal until I warned him he'd see it when he went to accept an award at the Kodak building.
When he walked in, he was the only black filmmaker there. His first name is Marshall and we both thought maybe since his film wasn't like a John Singleton ghetto film, maybe the judges thought he was white and he was there by mistake. I wonder what ever happened to him? He was extremely talented and I used to have the biggest crush on him. It was just nice to see that now at least at this festival we've come a long way baby.
Oh, I just remembered that tonight I not only enjoyed a great meal prepared by Patina, but I also bumped into my Redondo Beach editor friend, Nelson Brann, who edited the PSA I did a few years back for the Tsunami Relief Benefit I helped promote.
I didn't recognize him, but he recognized me and gave me a big hug hello. I said I know your voice and I know your face, but I can't remember your name. Then it all came rushing back. He's grown his hair out and looks completely different now! It was fun to catch up with him and his wife.
I also met the Publisher of the Creative Handbook, David Shapiro - great guy. We were having a nice chat, but I was distracted because I saw another friend, Sylvia Kahn, who I hadn't seen in more than 8 years walking towards me. She was part of my film festival days before I had my son.
She remembered me too! We met when I interviewed with the production company she had been working at at the time and we stayed friends for quite awhile afterwards. Sometimes I think I go out on interviews just to make new friends! LOL!
She's now working at Technicolor and we're going to "do lunch" soon. She's got this amazing new position and maybe there's some fun stuff for us to do together again. We'll see. You just never know who you'll bump into going out which is why I love Hollywood.
Now that my back is officially well as determined by my chiro I'm back to my usual hobnobbing in a big way which I just love. Met an Executive Producer tonight who wants to talk biz. Who knows - could start repping a post house which would be very cool. I love good creative work which is why I ran my film festival for so long despite the low pay. Not no mores though - you pay, or you don't play.
Okay, this is really all. I think the coffee I drank is finally wearing off and I'm tired enough to sleep. All in all, these past two days were a lot of fun and very good for meeting new people and catching up with old friends. Lovin' the variety!
Now to see what tomorrow (or should I say today since it is almost 2am) brings... Sleep well!
"Well, since Moore has such a blatant disregard for the truth in so many other ways it stands to reason he has no respect for copyright laws either. Sorry, I know I'm probably one of the few on this list who can't stand his filmmaking, but I have to share...
As someone who started in entertainment working in the documentary field, even writing for the International Documentary Magazine for a bit, I abhore Michael Moore being held up as an example of documentary filmmaking.
The dictionary's description explains my reasons:
n. pl. doc·u·men·ta·ries
A work, such as a film or television program, presenting political, social, or historical subject matter in a factual and informative manner and often consisting of actual news films or interviews accompanied by narration.
This next one
is key - doc·u·men·ta·ry dŏk'yə-měn'tə-rē) Pronunciation Key
adj. Presenting facts objectively without editorializing or inserting fictional matter, as in a book or film.
Moore decides his side of an issue and sets about creating films to support his one-sided version. That is not journalism, but an agenda. What's ironic in this current Sicko film is that although he's proposing we have government funded health care, the very examples he holds up as awful are government funded health care agencies. What does that say about his hypothesis?
I'm not saying the health care system is
perfect, or that changes aren't needed, but I am saying to hear it from
Michael Moore isn't my idea of "Presenting facts objectively without editorializing or inserting fictional matter."
That's
all I'll say about this. I'm sure I'm the only one who holds this
opinion on this list, but I couldn't stay quiet because he bugs me so
much."
What's your opinion? Inquiring minds want to know...
Just finished watching Ocean's 13 which was a fun, stylized romp through Vegas. I loved all the colors used to create different moods via the cinematography, the hotel's 60's feel, the surprise of Eddie Izzard's appearance and the even bigger surprise of seeing my friend, Jacquie Barnbrook, as the first casino winner.
I've known her since our days working together at Sony Pictures Imageworks back in the mid 90's and every so often we bump into each other socially. It's always fun to see friends succeed. I of course also loved seeing the old gang work their magic too. Hot guys anyone? Especially loved seeing Eddie Izzard because I think he's such a great talent.
However, Ellen Barkin's boob job was way too distracting to make her plausible. Sorry Ellen, you know it's true. Although I must admit you look amazing for 53. May we all turn out to be "cougars" like her...:) Oh, and just in case you're a younger guy looking to date a cougar - here's a Web site just for you - http://www.gocougar.com/. I aim to please. Although you won't be finding my profile on there anytime soon. HA!
Digital Hollywood has been great as far as the seminars I've attended. It's been interesting to compare and contrast it to OMMA (the Online Media Marketing and Advertising conference I also recently attended.)
What I find most interesting is that both conferences' theme seems to be that no one knows how to measure and quantify the web in order to monetize it. There's small steps being made, but for the most part we're back in the hey day of the dot com craze where start ups are flourishing, VC's are dropping money like crazy, and content providers are still trying to figure out what will be the next big thing.
I remember back in the early 90's attending one of UCLA's Entertainment law symposiums where the lead guy from AT & T, or some such company, who had moved over to CAA was explaining how one day soon we would be sitting in front of our TV and if we saw something we wanted we would click a button and we would be able to buy it right from the TV screen. (I'm oversimplifying this, but it's late so bear with me.)
That was almost 10 years ago and I don't think we're going to be using TV's to make purchases like that any more, nor do I think we're any closer to this happening as it was predicted back then. However, each aspect of industry from advertising to entertainment to music doesn't know what it will be, but they're willing to give it a shot and try to be the next greatest thing.
The last seminar I listened to this evening was two brand experts discussing the current state of affairs with the Web. The one, an author and European likened to Simon Cowell for the web world, and the other, an ad guy and American, sat side by side as they examined the role of the Web in branding today.
I heard it mentioned over and over again, both in this seminar and others I attended that although journalists are being eliminated from their jobs there is still a need for an informed, objective, accurate voice to give us the news rather than read someone's blog and believe them outright. Does this make sense? It's late, I'm tired, but I'm trying to make a point here.
People like myself who have a background in journalism (and in my case PR also), must find ways to validate our content as a credible source of information in order for people to believe what we have to say. If all news media is eliminated due to it not having a "market share or value" we, according to the acerbic author, will continue to become a society of inane, shallow people. Paris Hilton anyone? He pointedly asked, is this what we want our society to become or continue to become?
He stressed the importance of independent newspapers for their reliability, their outreach and credibility that is so sorely lacking in present day blogs and other "amateur" "citizen" journalism so prevalent on the Web. I enjoyed asking the LA Times representative during the Q & A of another session whether or not the decision to eliminate journalists was a result of their decision to become more interactive and create a community of news readers.
There was almost an audible gasp in the room that I would dare to ask about the elephant in the middle of the room. I was just curious though because if on the one hand experts are stating that journalists have value and the very institution that employs them is laying them off in droves, what does that say about what our news media is becoming?
And if people like myself, who are considered citizen journalists, are now running the store... We better hope there are some controls set in place to control distortions and wrong messages. The speaker was a good sport about it all and actually took my card - who knows? You may see my name on the LA Times site for travel writing one day soon.
Another moderator mentioned receiving an email asking for a donation to support someone illegally held in jail (I'm paraphrasing horribly so bear with me - I'm one of the citizen journalists you've been warned against - so you get what you pay for. HA!) and after researching on the Web for a credible source to back up the validity of this request was unable to find any until finally he found a small paragraph verifying it as a true story in the Washington Post or some such credible newspaper of that level. Then, soon after Dateline did a story on it making it mainstream.
Now what I found interesting in that discussion is that the email was true, the blogs he'd read were true, but he still chose to wait until a traditional media source validated it before he too believed it to be true. What's also interesting is that he's of a generation where traditional media is still looked to as the ultimate source, whereas people of my generation and actually much younger are looking to the Web as their source and they don't seem to care that some stuff that's reported may or may not be true.
I think this generation of Web users feel that if enough people validate it, then it must be true despite the source. Look at Perez Hilton. I'm not so sure how I feel about that. But I do like the idea that was also proposed that if you build your brand (i.e. blog) as something that is reliable and authentic, then ultimately brands will come to you to align their product with your content. Now how long that would take since you're one small voice among the many is another story.
That's what I liked about the OMMA conference. The general consensus that I heard in one seminar of interactive advertising guru's was the importance of PR to help your voice stand out in this crowded marketplace. Public relations is one of the few ways brands have to become visible. And blogs play a huge part in this visibility factor.
The OMMA conference speakers and attendees seemed to have a closer pulse on what was current and what plays in this new marketplace, but even they confessed they didn't know exactly how to make it work. However, I think they were the closer to finding out of the two conferences in my humble opinion.
Digital Hollywood conference attendees seem more interested in the platforms and the "how" of what the future holds, whereas OMMA is more concerned with the "who" - the end user. I believe that if you're focused on who is actually using your product, platform, etc. then you'll naturally create the "what" to draw an audience and ultimately make money doing so. Does this make sense?
I'm just trying to analyze this from different angles and it seems to me that if you're trying to have the general public adopt what you're trying to present, you better know what works and what doesn't. I walked the exhibit halls of Digital Hollywood tonight very briefly as I'm a curious person and wondered what was being touted as the next best thing.
What I found interesting is that this exhibit hall was littered with exhibitors who create social networks that do amazing things. However, as an early adopter of technology and especially myspace, Linked In, Ryze, Friendster, Tribe, and all the other social networking sites out there, I know I personally have to resonate with the people who are on the network. I also have to easily understand how to use the network.
I have many professional friends who use Linked In for making great professional connections and just love it. It's one of the few I dislike because I find it cumbersome and difficult to use. If that's the case for me, someone who's pretty tech savvy and likes connecting with people on the internet, what does that say about all the other social networks currently being put out to market? Are you following me?
If all these other social networks are fighting for eyeballs and no one knows about them, or likes using them, then they're just another software geek's personal agenda that doesn't resonate with the very crowd they're trying to attract.
I think part of the beauty of myspace (despite all it's detractors) is the ease of use even for those who aren't technically minded. In a matter of minutes you have a cool (albeit crude) Web site which you can manipulate quickly and easily to reflect your personality, your likes, and build a community around.
Now according to OMMA there's numerous other sites that are becoming even more popular than myspace, but at Digital Hollywood they're still stuck on this one example of social networking (at least in the seminars I attended - although Youtube was mentioned also, but still there's others people!)
There's so many more that are underground right now which is what people who join these networks like. It's fun to be in on the cool thing that isn't mainstream. As soon as myspace became mainstream and large brands starting pimping themselves on it, I think it lost a lot of street cred with the trend-setters - the exact people these large brands are trying to reach. I wonder how much longer before Youtube loses favor and some other source takes its place.
However, I did hear tonight that an independent filmmaker supposedly made 14 million dollars by charging people to download clips of his film. Now if that's true, show me the money. I just haven't seen youtube making money like that for any of my friends who are avid viewers and creators. However, maybe that's just my friends. Sure wouldn't hurt to be friends with the 14 mil guy, right?
Another band I heard refused to put their music up on myspace because "everyone was doing it" and by not doing whatever everyone else was doing, all of sudden his band had mystique and there was more interest. Who knows if that's true or not, but I find myspace is great way to reach a lot of people in a short amount of time. I've kind of moved on from it, but when I first joined I was on it almost 24/7. Now, if someone asks to be my friend, I'll add them, but I'm not actively mining the site to add more friends like I used to before.
I think once trend setters become savvy to the idea that the reason all these companies are allowing them to create videos around certain brands like GM did with their contest (which received only 2000 entries apparently) it will end. For an example, on one panel yesterday the Yahoo rep was bragging about all the user groups they have - the original "social networks" if you may. He was talking about how they are now starting to tap into the psychographics (the reason behind why people make certain brand decisions) by collecting data (legally, but still collecting.)
Now when I got home that night, I tapped into my online networking community and there in the midst of all the other messages was an email from an attorney who participates warning us that Yahoo was beginning to collect our data and the only way to prevent this from happening was to opt out and she gave us the link. What does that say about Yahoo's possible success? People don't like it.
However, then you look at Google who is the most flagrant privacy breakers and everyone is loving gmail. I don't know if I like the fact that every Web site I peruse, every email I send, anything I do is now being tracked by Google.
In fact, it's even worse than I thought because now Feedburner, the company that distributes my blogs to subscribers (of which you may join too by entering your email in the top left corner under my picture) was just purchased by Google five days ago. Now any blog I write is analyzed by Google.
I already knew that though because generally whatever I link to causes my blog to appear in the top 10 searches on Google for that item. Then, a few months or weeks later, anything related to that company or Web site is plastered all over Google's top 10 searches - check out Hair Impressions and Haute Moms Rule for example. Don't believe me? I'll have them verify it for you... These are relatively small businesses that are now top in their field when googled. Now if I can only figure out a way to monetize my own damn blog! LOL
For those who've been reading for awhile, you might remember the movie circulating the Web about how our lack of privacy will affect us in the long run with Google as Big Brother. Ultimately, we will all be tracked via our phones and the original projection that if we liked something we were watching on TV we would be able to purchase it would be taken one step further and if we happened to like pizza and were near our favorite restaurant magically a coupon would appear on our cell phone which we would be able to download and then cash in. (Sorry, run on sentence, but it seemed appropriate given the run away tendency of technology now.)
I'll search for it again, but in the meantime, check this out - just copy and paste into your browser. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6061213358499552766
I find it interesting, that the Bible which was written so many years ago, predicted that in the End Times we would have serial numbers to identify us (hence the 666 number.) How much longer before that comes true too? We're definitely heading in that direction. And I'm not talking about just social security numbers either. Check out that video on google and you'll see what I mean.
Call me crazy, or delusional, but I also find that my calls sound monitored lately. I know I've said this before, but it seems more prevalent now. I used to work for Delta and Alaska Airlines and you could always tell when a supervisor was listening in on your calls. I experience the same thing with calls to certain people I call often. I don't know who's doing it, or why, but I have nothing to hide so screw 'em.
Anyway, I should go to sleep cuz it's late, but I just felt compelled to share on this because I find it fascinating and definitely worth tracking. Not my phone calls being monitored, but the trend of technology now.
On another note, The Riches screening and panel discussion with Actresses Minnie Driver and Shannon Woodward who plays Dehliah, and Dawn Prestwich (Executive Producer/writer) afterward was very interesting and entertaining.
They confirmed my thought that the reason the show worked so well is that it played true to life with pathos, humor, and tragedy equally playing out. I love that show. It's dark, it's dysfunctional, it's life. I wish you could have been there, but just know it was great. I'm way too tired to go into all of it now, but hope you'll trust me on this one.
That's all she wrote. Have a good one.
Today as I was driving to my chiro appointment I began to see lots and lots of people lining the street that I was driving down. I was trying to figure out what was happening and saw a sign that said, No something parking here which made me think it was a graduation or something. I didn't really think much of it and kept on my way.
Well, when I got out of my appointment, the crowd had spread to another main street I travel down and this time there were lots of people on the streets with American flags. Again, I had no idea what was happening and kept trying to see if anyone had any signs to explain.
Then it hit me. They were honoring the soldier from Torrance named Pfc. Joseph Anzack Jr. who was killed in Iraq recently and I began to cry. I've been under a lot of pressure lately (which I've chosen not to share here) and the patriotism of these people just hit my heart. I thought it was so sweet that they would honor his death in this way. For the whole story of this young man's death, click on his name.
I was so moved, I pulled into a local parking lot to see the procession because by then lots of motorcycle cops were driving by leading what looked like a parade of sorts. Turns out they were leading a hearse with American flags waving and the funeral procession. I couldn't control the tears then I was so proud of the men and women who are upholding our freedoms overseas all over the world.
I don't know what I think of the war except that I wish it would end. It's just when death hits close to home it makes it so real what these soldiers are facing day in and day out. The Rantal's son-in-law recently saw ten people executed while he sat helpless in the command center monitoring the activity from a TV screen.
It's just so sad. I don't know if you've heard this or not, but from now until our servicemen come home there's a movement to wear red on Fridays in their honor. I don't own a red shirt, but when I buy one for my softball team I think I'm going to wear it on Fridays. I encourage you to do the same regardless of your feelings about the war - remember it's human beings we're talking about not ideologies.
That's all. Have a great weekend. As a free American citizen, I plan to.
I don't know what the rest of you think about our "MIA" Mayor, but I think he's really messed up big time on this one. For him to continue on with his planned press tour going to Mexico City of all places (for what reason I ask you?) when we have a city-wide police investigation of what happened during the march this week I think he's running for another office because he sure as hell doesn't care about the one he currently holds.
I've said this before privately to people and maybe written it here I can't remember, but I think he's using this office simply as a stepping stone to some other position. Never in the history of politics in LA have I EVER seen a mayor's face on so many publications, nor at so many appearances in town and now out of the country.
As a publicist I know what it takes to publicize someone. I also know that it takes a lot of time and energy to take interviews, make appearances, and grandstand, especially out of the country. WHAT IN THE BLEEP IS HE DOING FOR OUR CITY????
I would love to hear back from anyone who thinks he's doing a good job and tell me. All I see is someone who is using the office as a platform to further his own political agenda. I'm not even considering his politics because to be honest, I'm not political. However, when I see someone in an office that is supposed to be serving our city and then I see that same person serving his own interests above ours, I find that despicable.
He knew when this march was going to take place, yet he chose to go to El Salvador and Mexico City - why? Who cares if we send gang members back to their own country? They were criminals before they came here and we shouldn't have to put up with them. I'm sorry that now they're running rampant in that country - but that's their issue, not ours. I've just had it.
I'm just tired of seeing his face in the news for every event he can possibly go to and now to see him grandstanding out of the country when we're dealing with such an awful occurence here in our city, I find his behavior disgraceful and disrespectful to the citizens who voted him into office.
Especially the hispanic people who were peacefully marching. What does that say to them? A city where the mayor cares more about dealing with El Salvador and Mexico City rather than our own citizens, there's something wrong with that. Granted, some may not have even been citizens, but what about the media who are? Aren't you concerned you might lose some precious media coverage Mr. Mayor? Maybe they won't look so favorably on you either now?
I know other mayors have gone traveling overseas, but I think that was to further trade and build business relationships - not serve a private agenda to build stronger relationships with Latino's simply because you're Latino. Plus, I don't remember it ever making TV news, but this mayor does. The police chief canceled his trip - why not the mayor?
I know this probably isn't a very popular opinion and I sound angry. I am. I'm sick of the mayor acting like a celebrity. I want a mayor who acts like a public official and who cares about our city, not improving or elevating his own profile and own future political gain. I'm sick of seeing his face everywhere I turn around.
Take a page from the book of celebrities who are famous and realize you're becoming over-exposed and not in a good way. Get back to your roots and start serving our city's best interests - not your own.
Okay. Now I feel better. BTW, although I love the red head actress on Grey's Anatomy as a person and as an actress, not so into her new spin-off. May be because I live in LA, it's a little boring to me. Or maybe I just love Seattle too much and the cast from the original show more. I don't know.
Just not feeling the new one - even with Taye Diggs (who I normally adore, but can't get into this character) and Tim Daly (who I think is adorable too, but I'm sick of players. Grow him up already. You're better writers than this writing team - do something!)
Anyway, that's all. Just had to vent. Does anyone else feel the same way about the mayor, or am I the only one who feels this way? Just curious. It just makes me angry. DO YOUR JOB MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA!!!!!! HERE, IN LA!!!!! FOR THE PEOPLE!!!!! NOT YOUR OWN POLITICAL AGENDA!!!!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!
Aaah, aint PMS grand?
Why is our Mayor still out of the country when this is being made into such a crisis?
Why did he plan to be out of the country when this march was happening to begin with?
Is anyone else sick of hearing about Larry and Anna Nicole Smith? Now I hear they're going to show us where they shared their first kiss. GIVE ME A BREAK!
Does anyone else miss the gossip of Jessica Simpson and her ex? Where they'd go? Is her ex-guy married to that new girl? (See how interested I am in them - I can't even remember their names!)
Does anyone else think Rosie was pushed out by Baba WaWa?
I think that's all. I wish it was deeper than this, but right now I'm just coming off my painkiller so deal.
I love Oscar night! I love all the gowns. The hosts. The films. The actors. The speeches. The upsets. The camaraderie with people all over the world.
This time I laid low and watched with some friends at a small party. I watched the Golden Globes with just one friend before and that was fun too. Real fun (and cozy) actually.:) I love the show wherever I see it!
I hated E!'s coverage of the fashions because it was as if they were trying to bash every single person's dress choice regardless of whether or not it deserved it! Give me a break! I know designer Randolph Duke is a little more low-key, but at least he gives the actors more credit in their fashion choices. I just hate all the negativity and all the desire to tear people down that E! seems to get off on. Enough already! Get over yourselves!
The funniest interview Ryan had though I thought was with the guy who had started in a Janet Jackson music video and now is in an Academy Award nominated film. Very cool. How'd you like to have people inquire after what underwear you were wearing when you're in an Oscar-nominated film!? He sure was a cutie in the video wasn't he?
I agree with Randolph's critique of the losers though. Nicole, my stylist associate, agreed too especially regarding Jennifer Hudson's silver jacket. However, later on I was thrilled Jennifer won because yeah for big girls! You go girl. Wasn't John Travolta hilarious? Did anyone else think Jen's boobs looked like big balloons in one of those dresses? I need to get her bra!
I could go on and on. I had a great time and really enjoyed the entire show. I was floored that The Departed won because I was sure it would go to The Queen, but hey, that's what makes the Oscars so fun. Lots of surprises! I'm SO glad Helen Mirren won! Go girl!
I love Forest Whitaker. He is such a lovely talented actor. I'm so glad he won! I predicted he would during the Oscar pool. He was actually a judge in my short film festival, Short Pictures International Film Festival (SPIFF) (Here's a quote from Indiewire during my hey day - "In Los Angeles, The Short Pictures International Film Festival (SPIFF) has emerged into one of the premiere showcases in the world for shorts." - disclaimer, I know the writer, but still it was true then!)
Forest actually came down to the Manhattan Beach office I had at the time to judge all the shorts with just me in the office. He was wearing an inmate outfit because he had come off the set to do this for me. We met again later on at his office because he was considering doing a couple of shorts. What a sweet, cultured, lovely man. He's so humble and down-to-earth for being such a great actor. What a great speech. YEAH FOREST!
Ellen was great too wasn't she? I can't wait to go to my myspace page and check out her site for the picture of her with Clint. She was so funny! I thought Jerry Seinfeld was auditioning for the role of host again. Did anyone else?
In the Oscar pool at my friend's party I was running 2nd almost the entire time, but The Departed winning really threw me off and I came in 4th. I was kind of surprised I did so well, but films are my passion so what can I say?
Wasn't the tribute to the Italian composer sweet? I was surprised at how many amazing films he had scored. I called Domi during a break because he's Italian and turns out he has been in 10 films that guy (I'm too lazy to look up his name, but trust me he's amazing!) scored. Amazing! Very cool.
So, enough of me and my stories - tell me what you liked and what your thoughts are! I'm going to kick back and watch the Oscar after-coverage. So glad I'm not out and about tonight! I need a break.:)