"It's nothing like the experience of raising your first dog"

A personal depiction by John Grogan in his book, Marley & Me, with the line monotone-ly delivered by Owen Wilson in the opening sequence of the film.  I won't interject much into what the box office could very well lead anyone to believe -- that Marley & Me is a smash hit, but then again -- it could also depict that out of the swarm of movies released this 2008 holiday season there wasn't much available for the family demographic and Marley & Me took hold and ran with the opportunity.

Owning a dog myself, who is more than occasionally destructive did give me an advantage, in finding enjoyment of this film, over someone who doesn't own a dog.  Marley was a very bad and big dog, but as any dog who finds their place in a family, he was dog loyal, and loving.  As for the cast -- I found Marley to be the most interesting, but hence the title Marley & Me (over $50,000,000 at the box office since Christmas Day thru Dec 28).

Being it Gregorysm's day -- 

Gregory had no real comments coming out, but going in, he was sure he was making himself into the biggest exhibit ever.  Gregory has however defined the words he's so proudly coined and I will publish this list next year, which is almost here.

Have a safe New Year's evening.

Ciao Y'all!

Movie poster courtesy of IMDB.com 2008.

Who Ate All The PEZ!

As I sat pondering and wondering what I should write, the constant sound of cocking back the top of my newest PEZ dispenser echoed over and over until one more click and no more PEZ!  It would be easy to blame Coco - you remember her - my most beloved Bishon Frise (I am a cat lover and my Mother gave me this dog about 6 years ago).  Coco however only had one - so thinking it was me who had the others.

What is your favorite candy -- past or present.  Mine isn't PEZ, by the way, but I do enjoy sour LifeSavers, and an occasional SugarBaby.  Yes, I am bored  - or maybe restless with not much to write.

Off to see Marley and Me, will report back tomorrow.

Ciao Y'all.

As 2008 Comes to a Close

May all who read my blog be blessed indeed, may God who provides for all your needs, increase your territory, and keep His hands always on you to keep you away from evil, so you will not experience unnecessary pain or cause unnecessary pain to anyone.

Thank you for reading and following this site.  I hope you are getting what you are looking for out of reading it.  If in the soon coming new year you develop a blog of your own please let me know, and I will advertise it here.  From me in 2009 you will see more movie reviews, Dodgers updates, and sneak peaks into what's going on with L'AMORE, because everything I do is from a deep place inside my heart.

Ciao Y'all!

"Only God can judge us now"..."I don't think Father Flynn did anything wrong"..."They said I was gonna die soon but, maybe not"

Holiday movies 2008 -- These three for me rated least to most liked.   No, none merited "love", but depending on your own interest you very well could love them all or hate them all.  Yes, worth seeing them all.

VALKYRIE -- "Only God can judge us now" delivered by Tom Cruise in this don't go see at night after you have viewed one 2 hour and 48 minute movie, and you are sleepy on Christmas day.  Pheww!  The botched plan to kill Hitler was the premise, and you can take the rest as you like it.  The patch Tom Cruise wore did give him a very dapper look, and wardrobe was pretty darn good.

DOUBT -- "I don't think Father Flynn did anything wrong" delivered innocently by Sister James (Amy Adams) when put on the defense by Sister Aloysius Beauvier (can somebody say "and the OSCAR goes to Meryl Streep").  Being a uniformed clad Catholic school girl myself, I must admit this nun was reality scary!  The story itself was quite predictable, and I DOUBT there will be healing for anyone who lives with the memories of innocence lost.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON --  "They said I was gonna die soon, but maybe not."  A wise beyond his years, or perhaps old for his age, Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) delivers this line upon meeting the love of his life Daisy (Cate Blanchett).  The research of the developmental stages of human life alone, deserves the Oscar.  An enjoyably long feature worth every moment you had to hold your bladder - considering there are no intermissions at the movies.  I would even sit through it again, just to catch all the little things I'm sure I missed the first time.  I am curious to read the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald.  My number one pick for the holiday releases, but then again - I haven't seen Marley and Me.

Ciao Y'all...

All movie photos courtesy of IMDB.com 2008.

iPhone or iTouch

Is it like Coke vs Pepsi?  Or is it like the chicken or the egg?  Or does it matter?  To my left there's a grown man fiddling with his iPhone and to my other left there's a teenage xy chromosonoid (good word) fooling around on his iTouch.  They both appear to be having the same amount of fun, and I feel as though I am witnessing the generation gap closure.  Dude, that's way cool.  Or should I say "f" an a?

Ciao Y'all!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

May the joy of the real message (Luke 2: 1-7) today bring joy to your heart, warmth to your soul, and peace to your spirit.

Counting down to the end of 2008.

Ciao Y'all

"I did something really bad once and I'm never gonna be the same! "

This statement made by Ben Thomas (Will Smith), or was his name Tim.  Whoever he was, he read a text while driving (really bad).  That will soon be against the law here in LA -- January 1, so HAPPY NEW YEAR but don't text while driving, or you might get finished off! 

Yes, it's Wednesday, Gregorysm's Day.  For today, in honor of Gregory who co-starred in an episode of the Fresh Prince (a Christmas episode with Boys II Men -- check it out), I have decided to be a finisher and write about 7 POUNDS.

OK, here it goes, my critique of a movie Will Smith stars in.  

If you go to the movie theater, sit in the center and munch some pretty decent popcorn, with a chaser of fruit punch, you would pretty much be taken in by the depth of this movie.  Comments from the mostly 40+ crowd that day, were audible at the end of this film.  "WOW"was the consensus.  They gave it a WOW.  I think that's a thumbs up?  

What I give it is a bit more detailed.  I liked the movie, would probably give it 3 stars if I had to.  It was good.  The premise was good, viable, the casting was great, the 8 x 10's were all wonderful in their own element, but then --

On your way home you start to thinking, and it hits you, as beautiful as Rosario Dawson is and as sexy as Will Smith is, the intimacy between the two threw the whole thing off.  That point was where I was no longer buying it - as my old writing instructor used to say to me when something in one of my screenplays was unclear or throwing her for too much of a loop.  "I'm not buying it".  And then --

You think a bit more and that's when it hits you -- the back story is insufficient.  Things start to be told vice shown on the screen to fill in the missing back story.  Then --

You understand the reviews from the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, and Variety.  Go see it, it's not bad, but take some tissues because the person sitting next to you might need them and if you don't have any they might just snot all over your shirt.  This happened to the man sitting beside me -- but I think the women was his significant other.

Ciao Y'all!  Merry Christmas Eve.

Photo courtesy of IMDB.com 7 Pounds 12/2008

"...What can a slumdog possibly know?"

More than an A+.  My whole-hearted belief -- "Slumdog Millionaire" is the epitome of  how to write a great screenplay as taught by the well known Writer's Boot Camp.  All the elements are put on the page and brought together with brilliant creativity that this film is sure to win many awards.

With all the news coming out of India about the Hindu extremist gangs and lack of police control in this over populated area of the world, Slumdog Millionaire invites us into the ugly streets of this dismal place with the only beauty found in the vibrant characters who survive daily there.  Simon Beaufoy adapts a magnificent tale from the novel by Vikas Swarup - more than likely exquisitely detailed, as I have yet to read it - and places us directly into the dung heaps of  a former India, and over a span of approximately 10-12 years as we follow the life of "slumdog" Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) as he goes from child to young adult - from rags to riches.  With the real riches being to finally re-unite with the love he feels he is destined to be with.  

Bollywood takes the helm with this one.  A tent pole I must say.  More theaters need to pull it into there house as it will, without a doubt, bring in the ticket sales.  A MUST SEE!

Ciao Y'all.

Photo courtesy of Slumdog Millionaire, Celador Films, IMDB, 12/2008.

It Never Rains in Southern California...

...but does it SNOW?  Yes, indeedee!  And that song writer was wrong, it's no Seattle, but it does rain.

Not much to blog about other than the closed freeways headed north of Castaic, and Canyon Country, both towns in the beautiful Santa Clarita Valley - the SCV - the 661 - you get what I mean.  Ok, it's not as bad as this picture, and I hope - no "pray" it never gets this bad.  Well, unless I rent a snow maker.

Trunks are still parked along the shoulder of the 5 and 14 freeways at the above mentioned sites and it is COLD.  The hill near my house that raged with fire last year this time is now covered with snow.  And it's COLD!!  This coming from the girl born and raised on the east coast, Washington DC area, who escaped the four seasons just for this precise reason -- IT WAS COLD!

A good day to stay inside with lots of hot chocolate.

Ciao Y'all

Photo courtesy of google image search from dailyapple.blogspot.com

Have You Made An Exhibit of Yourself Today?

It's GREGORYSM'S DAY! Yay?!

Exhibit, exhibition (yada yada) -- (verb, adj) the act of putting yourself on the spot for the whole world to see (Greg's definition). I see it as more like Gregory over-thinking the every day happenings in life.

Sentence -- Gregory claims he became the biggest exhibit when he auditioned for a voice over spot that called for an Irish accent.

Greg -- President Obama is the biggest exhibit of them all.
Me -- How's that? Because he's the first black US president?
Greg -- No. Just because he's president. All presidents are exhibits every day, because the whole world watches them.
Me -- Ohhhh!!

Cool.

Ciao Y'all

Hey all, check out this new blog site and maybe even consider making a site for yourself in the New Year.

Also go to ideeli.com for a new handbag giveaway.  Today's handbag is way cute!

L'AMORE INTIMO

I announced yesterday that the pre-launch of

L'amore Intimo

is set in motion for Summer '09 and have since received lots of buzz about my creative sensual apparel. WOW! That's way cool! This boost is a great incentive to work very hard to deliver quality designs that will be sure to "release the passion of you".

As always from a place deep inside my heart.
Ciao Y'all

FENDI FOR A DAY

Go to ideel.com and enter the great Fendi giveaway today. If you miss out, don't blame me. I look at it this way, if we don't have to buy the designer bag, then we can keep the designer money for a rainy day. It's been raining all day here today.

Did you know that the female butterfly carries around the dead weight of the male butterfly while they mate for 48 hours?! It just figures.

Ciao Y'all!

Face the Book

Me on ">facebook.   Don't get excited, as I won't be hob-knobbin' -- only networking for L'AMORE.  Let's network then!!!

Ciao Y'all

"If the Earth dies, you die. If you die, the Earth survives"

The Day the Earth Stood Still... yawn, but the beautiful actors in this flick make this sci-fi thriller worth while.  There was a slight applause in the audience at the end.  I frankly wasn't sure if the two people were clapping because it was over or just from the cute performance by Jaden Smith (Jacob Benson)-- who looks more like his papi every day.  Keanu Reeves (Klaatu) wasn't bad on the eyes either.  

Although a good premise, the content of the film left you wondering if there could have been more.  Not wanting to see more, but more like - ok, is that it?  The 1951 Golden Globe winner version was on television yesterday and caught my eye for a moment in all of it's black and white glory.   Maybe watching it would have detoured me to see another silver screen feature opening last night.  IDK...

Go see it if you must.  The IronMan looking robot with the mummy bug throwing effect might interest you -- or not.

Ciao Y'all.

Movie Poster from 1951 The Day the Earth Stood Still courtesy of IMDB.com

"I believe whatever doesn't kill you simply makes you... stranger"

They (news source) announced it as a snub, but I say they (the Golden Globe Awards) got it right.  The Dark Knight - as good as it is - is not an award winning film, but Ledger's performance in the movie is untouchable and should win every nomination he gets.   

May God rest his soul.

Ciao Y'all!!

Movie still courtesy of Warner Pictures 2008

Where's the Honor?

A question asked by my favorite character - Fielder Dreams - in my most beloved screenplay, First Base.  I love that question and count it as the theme of the whole movie.  A wonderful script waiting to come to life.  Soon.  Yes, soon.

Discouraging were the words from my realtor when he told me that one of his clients lost his home to foreclosure just last week.  Be mindful that the federal government had put a halt on all foreclosures until after January 9, 2009.  No, I wasn't the only one who heard this.  Yes, I am grateful for all of my blessings.  

To everyone who is going through tough times right now, I pray for all the best for your life.  Enjoy this holiday season, and revel in the realness of the season.  

Gas in LA is $1.63.  Always a silver lining.

Ciao Y'all

Today is Wednesday --

You know what that means?  That's right, it's Gregorysms day.  I got a lot of them but will only share a few to keep you wanting more next week and the week after that, and the week after that...

New word:

curbed -- that act of getting kicked to the curb after doing something obviously stupid, or as better put by the Gregory himself... imagine a curb and then imagine slamming someone's head against it.  

My question in all of this curbing -- does the head win?!  Probably not and I will probably get curbed for asking.  

Thanks for reading.

Ciao Y'all

Fresh From the Valor

The Carnival Valor that is.  Wish I were back on it - sailing away.  Cruising is fun and a very economical way to vacation, considering all you can eat is right on the boat.  There are also shows, sparkling pools, late night walks on the promenade deck, activities to keep the wee ones occupied, cute casino dealers from all over the world, club hopping, art auctions, and that's just on the ship.  Off the ship there are wonderful excursions in beautiful ports, shopping, and just discovering the world we live in.  

The Carnival Valor's theme is "a tribute to the USA and it's victories".  Lots of depictions about strong women too.  I like this boat but then again, I like them all, and hope to go back on it very soon.

Come sailing with me.

Ciao Y'all!

3-4-5 of Hearts

Yessiree buddy!  That's a straight flush and I was the lucky holder of it last night, the first night of our cruise.  It's been rainy yet very nice seeing the relatives -- some close some I haven't seen in a long while and barely know.  I am thankful to get out on the high seas again.

Why Encourage Your Competition?

Because one day they could be your companion, compadre, or company.  Besides, you more than likely made them your competition when the only valid competitor you should have would be yourself.  (Only words to ponder.)

The Carnival Valor awaits.  My restless spirit awaits the set sail.  Soon.

Ciao Y'all

Forever Changed

Have you ever seen something you didn't want to see and your life was forever changed?

Me too...

Have you ever been told something you didn't want to hear and your life was forever changed?

Me too...

Have you ever said something you didn't want to say and your life was forever changed?

Me too...

Therefore see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, and remember life will forever change if you live it, but God's love is unchanging.

Ciao Y'all

"Waaaiiit for it"

Probably the funniest line and deliverance of the year from Disney Pixar's BOLT!  The pigeon banter.  Go see the pigeon banter!

Okay, I must admit I was not enthused about getting in line - albeit the line was short and those who waited in that line for about 15 minutes were the only ones who attended the 4:40 show.  I was even kind of fine with going to, the concessions stand to get popcorn, nachos, candy, and drink for my entourage, hoping maybe I would miss some of the movie.  Luckily I did make it back into my semi-worn-out stadium seat before the opening scene when a little girl (voice of Miley Cyrus) picks out a doggy in the window and names him BOLT (voice of John Travolta).

Truly Disney, as I thought about Woody's laughable line to Buzz Lightyear -- "You are a toy!", with a keep you watching story line.  The second act may have stayed a bit longer than needed but the (sometimes difficult to keep together) third act was clean and on point in that it wasn't anti-climatic, and offered a maybe predictable but a smart resolution.  But all in all I loved the pigeons!

The line for TWILIGHT - which also opened this weekend - was four times as long and outside of seeing this dismal rated pic for myself, I was pleased with the cinema bucks spent.

Ciao Y'all.

(Photo still courtesy of Disney Pictures November 2008 IMDB)

Dropping Gas Prices

$2.19 a gallon in Santa Clarita, California!  How cool is that?!  Way cool!

How much is it in your neck of the woods?

Blog back.

Ciao Y'all

Follow the dropping prices:

November 22, 2008 in Santa Clarita -- $2.09, but in Venice, California -- $1.99

November 23, 2009 in Logansville, GA (Thank you Auntie) -- $1.59

November 23, 2009 in Huntintown, MD (Thank you Mama) -- $1.69

How low can they go!  Keep letting me know!

Gregorysm's

This didn't phase me when he said it, but now I wonder what exactly was going on to spark this comment ...

"When did people in California lose all of their class?"

Then there was last night when - after spending about an hour in the bathroom - he walked in the family room and asked...

"Am I pulling off an I don't give a damn look?"

Does his melancholy demeanor signify anything in particular?  Maybe, but it's all gregorysm.

Ciao Y'all!

"I don't think the dead care about vengeance..."

...a cool response to M's questioning of Bond's passion behind his latest mission in Quantum of Solace.

As I made my way to the stadium seating theater, I watched and listened as two twenty-something women chatted about this new James Bond film.  Neither understood the title but they were both in agreement about seeing the immortalization of the handsome Daniel Craig. 

O.K., maybe they phrased it more like this:

WOMAN 1:  What's up with the title?  Do you know what it means?

WOMAN 2:  No... but he's really hot and carries a big gun!

They laugh.

Must have been some kind of inside joke.  Whatever.  Despite the title, this movie raked in $67,528,882 opening week in the US.  Although I have never myself been a "Bond" girl -- I mean fan, I believe this movie rocked with explosive action and a dynamic cast that carried a weighted "so what" plot.  The inconsistencies of the final cut are worth the price of the ticket.   

You avid Bond followers don't have to be convinced to go see this newest installment, but for everyone else, I recommend you rent Casino Royale so you won't be lost in translation and you get another opportunity to ogle the swagger of Mr. Craig.

Ciao Y'all!

Movie still courtesy of MGM/Sony Pictures found on IMDB.

Do As I've Learned

Have you ever tried to move the forces of government?  The bureaucracy that keeps this country flowing is the same bs that keeps us at a stand still.  I have experienced the military's finest of late.  Dealing with JAG.  Hoping that the television show was much better but probably not.  For six weeks I have played a progressively aggravating game of phone tag with a LCDR who promised to assist me in the beginning but shortly after that promise became very hard to extremely difficult, to get in touch with about my predicament.

Once told and believed, the toughest job in the navy was being a navy wife, I find that after 19 years of marriage I can't seem to claim my due from the government.  They have these deadlines that no one makes readily available to you and when you miss them they question your sanity.  Long story short and without getting on the pity me party wagon, I think the opportunity here is to write a tell all book that could help other former spouses of the military to not have to suffer the same fate.  Title -- Do As I've Learned.

Monday morning.

Ciao Y'all!

Ever Wish Your Initials Were AIG?

It seems that company, amongst a short list of others is getting rewarded for bad business decisions.  The worse part is they hosted another extravagant celebration for their great fortune of finagling tax-payer money and did not invite all the tax-payers.  Not cool.

But...

Change has come and God is good.

Many blessings to you.

Ciao Y'all!

"That is so unfair"

The agonizing look on her face and the words "that is so unfair" spewed by Kym, when in the middle of a heated family discussion - her older sister, Rachel announces she's having a baby - is the picture that paints a thousand words in this beautiful film.  The realism of Anne Hathaway's selfish and self-centered co-dependent character in "Rachel Getting Married" is bravely and remarkably written by Jenny Lumet.  Nice job all around.  

I had a frustrated loathing for Kym as I sat and watched this drama, a real family drama centered around a multi-cultural wedding celebration on the heals of Kym's latest release from rehab.  A whole family full of suffering from one person's addiction to narcotics and the like.  As open to family meetings as they were, this family still suffered gravely from the unspoken.  The tragedy that held Kym hostage was also the tragedy that broke a family and yet led to their interdependence on each other and for each other.  

A sad, ugly, joyous, beautiful time, and yes, Rachel did get married.  I would bet my season ticket in the Dodgers dugout that this film is definitely Oscar worthy.  Okay -- maybe I don't have a dugout seat, but this flick is a winner.

Ciao Y'all.

"Rachel Getting Married" movie still courtesy of IMDB 2008.

Gregorysm's

Upon receiving his first summons to jury duty, Gregory noted sternly...

"Damn it!  I knew I shouldn't have registered to vote!"

Yet another hump day and all is well.

Ciao Y'all

No Chance to Blog

This past week has finally come to a whoa down.  A slow down that you have to stop yourself or continue on the same path.  Just back from "Fashion Week" in Scottsdale Arizona and the consensus from that weekend is -- EVERYONE IS BROKE!!!  In a very stingy sea of vendors I witnessed a mere pittance of sales transactions, or nobody was sellin' nothin', cuz nobody was buyin' nothin'. 

But...

I have hopes for a brighter day.  I'm taking my sensual apparel line next year.  Hello World -- Are you ready for L'amore?  

Ciao Y'all.

"THAT ONE"

I VOTED FOR "THAT ONE"!!

KUDOS to you - everyone who celebrates this historic time!  

YOU ROCK!

WOW!

Ciao Y'all!

Photo courtesy of "Obama scrap book" 2008.

VOTE!

Tomorrow is Today!

VOTE as defined by the Urban Dictionary:

The best way you have of voicing your opinion in a way that can matter.  Nothing's perfect, and there's always going to be mistakes, but there is simply no excuse for not casting a ballot for what you believe in.  Take the time to understand the issues and then take the time to vote.  Don't let people who aren't going to be around four years from now decide your future.  Complaining without voting is worse than any hanging chad.  

and might I add...Pit the Bull

Don't let your litmus test be based on one subjective view that's ultimately an excuse.  Weigh all the issues and seek discernment, then remember when it's all said and done, and all the votes have been tallied... God ordains leaders, and they are to be prayed for.

Ciao Y'all.

The Day Before Tomorrow

Does anyone really know the fate of our nation?  Will the next four years be any better than the last four years?  

What I pray is that tomorrow this nation is richly blessed with the right leader for this time.

See I talked about politics and religion in one blog!  Way Cool!

Get out and let your voice be heard.  VOTE!

Ciao Y'all!

PS: This link was added out of courtesy and respect for the person who requested I add it to my blog.  Please take time to click on it and read it, and if all you can do is pray than that's a lot.

NOVEMBER's HERE!!!

Finally, finally, finally!  No more months, or weeks, only days to wait for this election year to be behind us!  Thank God!

Mark your sample ballots now and get to the polls on the 4th -- if you can't vote early -- and VOTE!  Don't forget the voting rule:  no candidate ads can be displayed/worn within 100 feet of the polls.

Pit the Bull!

Ciao Y'all

"F" You and the Horse You Rode Into Town On!

What a great line -- delivered masterfully by Angelina Jolie, in CHANGLING.  

I believe every writer writes a screenplay with  a theme in mind.  This theme may or may not be the key line of the flick.  This line, "F" you and the horse you rode into town on, was not the theme in this biopic but it did define the 180 of the main character.

CHANGLING... I delighted in attending a real noon matinee to see this film today - Halloween - the least favorite day of the year for me.  I was surprised by the crowd.  The theater was just about full except for a few scattered seats here and there, the movie started and through the first act - which definitely pushed me to keep watching - I was content with my popcorn and the beautiful depiction of Los Angeles in the late 20s and 30s.  I also was amazed, probably more disturbed with the half-ass way the police dealt with missing children back then..  Yes, I lost myself in the story.

and then...

The fire alarm went off, with an announcement to vacate the theater.  After everyone realized this was not a part of the story we made our way to the front exit.  Twenty minutes later I was scurrying to get back to the story.  Weirdly enough, most of the movie goers decided to go somewhere else.  The theater was now half full.

Back to my popcorn and matinee and the disbelief of the events of the movie which was two hours and 15 minutes, I only dozed once.  I did however enjoy this sad story.  Angelina was a great cast pick, but the rest of the actors very much held the film, especially John Malkovich - brilliant as usual.  I give it 3 stars out of 4.

Ciao Y'all.

(CHANGLING poster courtesy of Universal Pictures 2008)

Next Season

My Dodger blue extended their season this year, and I know next season will be even better.  Wish List -- Dodger season tickets, first base line, up-close.

If I have to do this I will grit my teeth and do it... Congratulations Philadelphia for winning the 08 pennant.  Beyond contrary belief, the Obama 30 minute campaign ad didn't prevent this from happening.  But be forewarned Phillies, Dodger blue will be back!

 Ciao Y'all!

HSM3

Shall we take a moment to sigh out loud before we start?  Why is it that people use the word "we" when they have something to say that only stems to them - the individual... does it define what they say as so important that they volunteered to extend it to everyone's thoughts?

Any way...

High School Musical 3 in my opinion -- not too shabby.  Could it have been kept to the confines of Disney cable television?  Yes -- but than it would not have been the box office winner for the weekend.  I saw it almost a week after it opened and the theater was quite empty, ten people tops.  Maybe it was the after school hour matinee that hindered the massive crowd, or maybe everyone who was going to see the movie saw it on the opening weekend.

Any way...

The musical was definitely held together by the musical numbers.  Imagine that.  Efron was way cute, and Hudgens' could be well casted in my screenplay as the lead.  All ears that hear - pass this info on.  

Any way...

Glad  I saw the Disney phenomenon.  Very fun.

Ciao Y'all!

Gregorysm's Day

In his most spirited tone when asked what happened to the front lawn --  which had been scrapped like an itchy wound to reveal rich soil vice the luscious green grass that the gardener proudly works on once a week (hoping not a personal attack, considering this is the most colorful campaign in history) -- Gregory replied...

"Why don't  you ask Chase.  It was probably one of his little scab friends."

Could I have been way off the mark in my thinking that maybe he had a legit answer?  

Ciao Y'all!

The Restaurant Critique -- XIV

Critique -- a subjective opinion that one can take as golden or ignore because they didn't hear what they wanted to hear.

Last week my honey and I made our way into West Hollywood to check out the recently opened XIV restaurant.  After $175 plus tip and valet parking, we made our way back to the valley -- not SFV, but the SCV.  It's taken me this long to write about our experience because it was quite the experience.  Loved the place!  Five (5) stars!!!

After we decided it was worth utilizing valet parking, we were ushered inside, and  our 7:30 reservation assured us a seat right away.  We chose the patio and must I say, this was a very beautifully quiet place to dine.  The street traffic even with the leans on the horns did not put a damper on the evening's conversation,  The menu was very impressive, everything for every palette.  My personal favorite was the scallops and the passion fruit curd.  Curd - strange name but don't miss out because of the name.  Do it!  Order the curd.

The waitresses, waiters, servers and hostess were more than attentive.  KUDOs to them.  Our table shook and water spilled, but it didn't even sit on the table for more then 5 minutes before it was being sopped up for good pleasure.

Go for the ambiance.

Go for the tasty foods.

Go for the music

Go for whatever, but just go.

I know I'll go back.

Ciao Y'all

Won't You Be Glad When This is All Over?

All the back and forth nonsense!  The name calling!  The backlashing!  And all that is in between...  and can I apologize to anyone I cut off on the freeway in my beeline to the gas station that had $2.99 a gallon here in Los Angeles county.  

But really...

With the election 9 days out, let me confess that I am an Obamacan who will Pit the Bull and vote for "that one".

Defined:

Pit the Bull -- The art of not being sucked into all the hype surrounding the republican campaign.

"That One" -- Senator Obama's pegged nickname.

Ciao Y'all!

Gregorysm's Day

Today as I waited along with Gregory in a Los Angeles court house, he went for a stroll and returned somber and watchful,  then in his Gregory way stated matter of fact..

"Everyone in here either looks finished, really finished off"ed" and just plain please finish me off now."  He understood at the end of the day that he never wanted to be so irresponsible that he would ever have to end up in that place again.  I guess after witnessing the unlikelies and the one guy who was given a one million dollar bail assignment, he could appreciate his life.  

Ciao Y'all

You Ever Wonder

How is it that kids these days as young as 7 know how to send a text, set the dvr, navigate the web (hopefully supervised), and still think SpongBob and Hannah Montana are way cool?  My Mother kept hearing her text message alert go off from her cell, when she checked it she was surprised to see the text messages were sent from my 7 year old nephew.  

Did our parents wonder about us?  

Ciao Y'all.

FOR LOVE OF THE GAME

Not one of Kevin Costner's three baseball flicks, but my love of the game.  Costner's cool, but I have to give kudos and mad props to the Boston Red Sox for coming back from a 7 point deficit in the 7th inning to win this do or go home game against Tampa Bay 7 to 8.  They head back to Tampa where the series will be decided.  Who will go to the World Series against the Phillies?

WOW!  You gotta love the game.  

Remember the words of Robert Deniro's character in THE FAN -- "Baseball's better than life, baseball's fair".  He was a little stressed and demented in this film though.  

Ciao Y'all!

MY BOYS IN BLUE

DODGER TOWN!  Hear me BLUE -- I love you through and through.  

What a difference a year makes, as we weren't even here last year.  Someone commented to me last year after Torre was signed, that the DODGERS wouldn't get to the post season.  HAHA!  HAHA!!!  Post season saw the DODGERS and even though they won't be moving on to the World Series they have made me proud to say I AM A DODGERS' FAN!

NEXT SEASON WILL BE A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME.

Ciao Y'all!!

Gregorysm's Day

Since he declared at the age of 4 that "I USED TO BE THE BABY", Gregory rant has been remembered, repeated, and laughed at time and time again.  For the countless hours of entertainment, I thank him.

"Grams"  what he calls his beloved grandmother.

"Boss"  what he calls his mom.

"Son"  what he calls his brother who took his spot as the baby.

"the boy"  what he refers to his brother as when talking to others about him.

"Rag"  what he calls his sister when he is speaking to her.

"the dog"  what he calls -- yes you guessed it -- the family dog.

I really think he should have his own dictionary or reference book.

Watch the last presidential debate tonight.

Ciao Y'all!

Can I Quote You on That Again

Mark Twain the brilliant author of many classic novels once said

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness..."

How true.  Now let's all book a cruise around the world!  

Ciao Y'all!

Fair Whether or Not Fans

Are you one?  Do you only cheer for the home team when they're winning?  Do you snatch off your once proudly hung team flags or delete from your cell the team's theme song when they lose?  Do you look for a new team to cheer for justifying why, by saying  "the Dodgers didn't advance so we have to support the Angels". ???  Some fool friend of mine told me this a few years back.  I should have known then that friendship would not last long.  

I am here to say today that I will stand by the Dodgers til the end!  They ROCK!  GO BLUE!  It's not too shabby that they are in it against Philly and I have all faith they will win it!

Ciao Y'all!

Don't Preach

Yesterday's piece opened up religion.  Without being preachy, because that is not my intent -- the persecution of the Church in India is astounding, as they are very real. Christians threatened, raped, beaten and killed all because they won't denounce their beliefs.  Truth is even if they denounce their beliefs it won't make it go away.  God will still be on the thrown and evil will still be prevalent.  This is no different than the persecution of the Jews or any other religious sect.  My word to the believer is "stand firm", "stand strong", "stand on the promises".  

Also on deck -- be discerning about the ignorance that surrounds this election here in the U.S.

 Pit the BULL!  VOTE!

Buona Domenica

Ciao Y'all!

Tough Times Don't Last

Do me a favor -- click on this.  I heard a speaker talk on this horrific predicament in India.

Sometimes it's good to step back from our own hardships and look at those of others.

Ciao Y'all

Do You Know Your Credit Score?

What is a credit score?  Who designed the rating system?  Why is it that we all get very anxious about our own, even if we have a perfect score?

I'm a writer and therefore lots of thought and research should go into this piece, but maybe just maybe I can fudge this a bit and be overly imaginative here... Bare with me.

A credit score is a number system that tells others how efficient you have been about paying off your debt - by first accumulating that debt (because you will start out with a very low score if you have no type of loan, and/or credit card).  So get a credit card and get a credit score!  Debit cards may or may not count -- someone get back with me on that one.

The designer and more than likely designers of this system are those who want to scare the hell out of you when a red flag shows up on your credit score!  You'll then be forced to write letters to everyone about these little discrepancies if you ever want to survive our capitalist society.

Since I know people with very low and very high scores (of course different people, but maybe the same person depending on which report you have in front of you), I think we get anxious because we find it hard to do without, especially if we are indeed trying to keep up with the Joneses, or we have actually fed into the belief that whoever made up the system has infinite knowledge about who we are, and what we've been through, and for some reason this matters to us.

Do they check the credit scores of these big corporations or are there different rules for them?

Ciao Y'all.

Recast

What's up with Renee Zellweger's face?  

She has a constipated pinched nerve expression in the whole of the movie Appaloosa.  After the movie, which I thought was very good considering I don't care for westerns - my amore and I contemplated just what other actresses could have played the part.

Recasting.  We all do it!  We all know better than most casting directors who should have been cast in our favorite flicks.  Let's recast Allison French for everyone who loved Appaloosa but abhorred  -- maybe that's too strong a word -- "misunderstood" why Renee Zellweger was given this role.

Kate Winslet, Sandra Bullock, Debra Messing...   Name your recast...

Ciao Y'all!

(Film still courtesy of Warner Brothers 2008)

Can I Quote You On That Too

Just wanted to see how much play I could get out of this title.  But I do have a quote, or maybe I should call it Gregorysms.  Have you ever known someone who could always come up with their own spin on life and say unique things.  I get that from Gregory and I believe sharing his"isms" with the world - or this little piece of it - is a must.

After a long day Gregory comes home and says -- "I'm so finished off!

When he found out his little brother was going to a public school high school after being home-schooled forever, Gregory proclaimed to his brother -- "You're so finished off!"

If talked to and considered told off by his boss, or parent, grandmother or teacher, Gregory will refer to these poor souls as -- "the finisher, who finished me off!"

Maybe a catch phrase in the making?  Who knows, I simply find him amusing.

I hope you caught the second presidential debate.  PIT THE BULL!

Ciao Y'all!

Robbing Peter to Pay Paul and Then Not Paying Paul!

AIG for instance -- they didn't have to rob Peter to pay Paul as so many of us who juggle our debt daily -- they were given muy dinero to rescue their business and a week later celebrated this bailout by going on a spa vacation!  A $400,000 spa vacation, funded by taxpayer dollars, for their company -- not for me -- not for you -- not for my own young actor son who's been paying taxes since before he was a year old, and he's not even old enough to vote.  

Please let me know that I'm not the only one who is annoyed about this.  Send your comments.

PIT THE BULL!

Ciao Y'all

The Day After the Weekend

Time flies

Go Blue!

Rainy days and Mondays

How 'bout you?!

Yes, I was a cheerleader in a former life.  

The Dodgers moved closer to the World Series when they swept the Cubs Saturday past!  Who'd have guessed? ME!!

Ciao Y'all!

Brotherly Love

INT. CHASE'S BEDROOM - LATE AFTERNOON

CHASE, (14) lounges in a comfy video gamer chair watching TV, when GREG (19) enters.

GREG: Mom says you're going to a dance at school?

CHASE: Yeah?

GREG: What time is the dance?

CHASE: Starts at 7.

GREG: What time is it now?

CHASE: I don't know. Look at your watch.

GREG: I can see it's 4:00.

CHASE: Sooooo......?

GREG: It's your first dance.

CHASE: I repeat -- Sooooo.....?

GREG: SO, you got 3 hours to learn how not to look like an ass!

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Some CFA - casual Friday amusement!

Ciao Yáll

Good Busy

Finally able to take a break from my work today and jot a few lines.

How 'bout them DODGERS! GO BLUE! I really hope you caught that grand slam hit by the baby blue Dodger, first baseman, JAMES LONEY!! If you missed it, go to their site and check the highlights. Way cool! Tonight is game 2 against the Chicago Cubs.

I'll have a tough time switching back and forth from the "must see" vice-Presidential debate to my all time favorite sport!

Pit the Bull!

Ciao Y'all

Can I Quote You on That?

Wednesday.  Hump day.  Hump day?  I've wondered if you actually view the middle of the work week as hump day then are you doing what you love?  

WEDNESDAY here will be QUOTE DAY, and the quote for today:

"I resigned as governor of the universe -- you must not have gotten the memo".  RAW

Ciao Y'all!

2 "fer" Tuesdays

What's the best 2"fer" (for) Tuesdays offer you have ever gotten?  

For me it has to be buy one get one free at "Krispy Kreme" Donuts!  Just the thought of going there on Tuesdays and being able to buy a dozen donuts and getting a dozen of their original glazed free -- omg"racious"!

I have yet to come across anyone who can resist a delicate, sweet, hot off the belt original glazed donut from "Krispy Kreme", and put that in a twelve pack - or better yet in your mouth...!   Yummy yum yum yum!  My personal favorite is the chocolate covered cream filled.  I know you're filling me -- I mean feeling me!  

The only problem is that the closest one to my house is 20 minutes south of here on a good day on the Los Angeles freeways.  The price of gas unfortunately wins out if the only reason to make the trip is for the donuts.  BOOOOO!  Oh well - I think they have since stopped the 2 "fer"  special, but they haven't stopped making the donuts.

Ciao Y'all

My Eyes Have Seen...

Yo ho, yo ho... 

What I learned from the movies.

Whale ho!!

What I learned from a cruise excursion!

Idaho -- no! you da ho!! 

What I learned from being a junior high camp counselor!

With so much going on in our nation today, I thought it best to keep it light here .  And yes our little power boat was actually that close to that whale (a pod of whales) and stingray smell very bad.

Ciao Y'all

Pit the Bull

What are the things you shouldn't talk about at dinner parties or social gatherings?  Religion and politics "as usual".

Since this is not a dinner party or social gathering -- 

In less than 40 days these United States of America will elect a new president, one who will have to deal with the fallout of the past 8 years.  Whatever your position it's very true that this will be a tall order.  I can only say after listening to both sides (Republican and Democrat) -- "PIT THE BULL" and don't forget to VOTE!!

I'll write about religion tomorrow -- maybe.

Ciao Y'all

Food Networking

Some folks like to cook and that's fortunate for us folks who don't.  

There was this woman, who would wake early and cook a four course breakfast for her family, they'd all stampede in, fill their bellies and leave without so much as offering to help clean up.  I would be the only person bustin' suds.  After breakfast, and I mean only about an hour after I had finished those dishes, this woman would take orders for lunch, and back to the stove she would go -- because of course no cold two pieces of bread surrounding peanut butter and jelly would do.  

Lunch may not have consisted of as many courses as breakfast but it was filling, and once over, the kitchen/family room area was again a lonely place.  She would insist on doing the dishes, and then take time out for herself to catch up on her soaps, while everyone else was about doing what they did.  Around 4PM she would pry herself from her recliner and as if the recipes jumped out of a book, she would prepare a dinner that put at least a three star restaurant to shame.  

Amidst the lackluster of shallow thank you's she appeared to be content that she had served her family for the day and retired leaving the dishes in the sink to soak until the next morning. Don't you know those dishes remained in that sink until she washed them the next morning.

Phew -- this all makes me tired just thinking about it.  

I may not have learned to enjoy the art of cooking myself, but I did learn how not to be as a family, and I do welcome cooking for and with the real loves of my life.  

Ciao Y'all

Dog Day Night

Casual Friday Amusement...CFA

This is Ma Petite Fille Colette aka CoCo -- my 6 year old Bishon Frise.  

Cute little furry dog.  SHE'S FOR SALE.  Okay -- not really.   Not yet any way.   

Why my banter?  Well, at present I am looking for relief from her defiant behavior of doing her business in the house. (tmi?  How do you think I feel?!) Send your comments -- I know someone has a solution.

-- OR --

You could always go to caffertyfile and comment on his blog about political issues.  Today he had some lipstick doozies.  My comment on one of his topics today mimics something I heard a while back about a popular game show icon -- "it's one thing to be mute and thought of as stupid, but quite another to open your mouth and remove all doubt".  Good stuff!   Check him out.

Ciao Y'all

New Day New Way

Everything I do - I do from the love deep inside my heart.  Anyone who knows me - really knows me - knows this is true.  My creative passion is organic.  My passion to be all I can be to all who need me to be, is real.  Not trying to please all the people, all the time - because this cannot be done, but admittedly I do all that I can to assure the happiness of my loved ones, as I know they appreciate it

To my family and friends who love me and support my efforts -- THANK YOU.  I hope to make you proud.  Please feel welcome to blog with me, and make this an exciting place to network and brainstorm and vent about anything and everything from politics to why my dog suffers from halitosis.  I personally have lots to say, and will be saying lots about my sensual apparel line, my screenplays, and my 8x10's (code for actors).  

Check in often to find out what's what.

DODGERS clinched the national league west division today!!!!  GO BLUE!!!!

Ciao Y'all.