Happy Birthday To Me!!!!

Today is my birthday.

So many people start to dislike birthdays as they start to get older. Not me. I love them and usually announce them them to anyone who will listen. It is the one day of the year where I really get to celebrate the fact that I am wonderfully alive.

A friend of mine has sent me a present in a big red box that I will open later this evening when I get home.

I made a big deal of it at my temp job today. This is my last day here after being there for about a month. They are really nice people. Every Friday they have a company lunch which I was organizing this week so I just made it a Birthday Party for myself. Ordered in some Greek food and everyone happily joined in.

There was a small glitch with getting the food in the building since the office is at Rockefeller Center and they were having the funeral for the two firemen that died last weekend at St. Pats across the street. The poor delivery guy could not make it across the street. But everyone was cool about it so we just had lunch about a half hour late.

Also since it is my last day here for a while I am sort of making sure that everything is sort of "cleaned up". These people are so nice about letting me do my own thing while I am here I have a tendency to leave the things that I am working on saved to the computer that I am stationed at. I bought myself a flash drive a couple of days ago so I spent quite a bit of time this morning putting my photos, and other goodies on the flash drive.

Speaking of photos it is time I shared some.




This is the view from the window by my desk. This garden is used sometimes for wedding receptions and photo shoots. It is not open for the general public so only those of us in the surrounding buildings really get to enjoy it. One kind of funky bit though is there is some sort of plastic over the "pool". Every so often I watch someone sweeping it. It looks like he is walking on the water.



This is the desk that I have been hanging out at for the past three weeks.

And here is my wonderful kitty Aengus. My own personal Celtic Sun God. He is such a beautiful BIG kitty. I still can not fathom how someone could just walk off an leave him all alone in an empty apartment. Good for me though since he is now mine.





Well the office is closing for the weekend and everyone is dropping by to say bye so I guess I better close for now.

July 26, 2007

Yesterday I had to get up at 3:30 am in order to catch the bus to the set of "Don't Mess With The Zohan".

We were filming out at Newark Airport, which was standing in for JFK.

They had a big tent set up on one of the parking lots that was going to be our holding area for the shoot.

Ran into a friend, Marilyn, that I have worked with on several previous gigs and we staked out our seats at one of the tables and got breakfast.

While we were getting ready I ran into another friend, Tony, who was cast as one of the baggage handlers for the scene we were shooting today. I haven't seen Tony since we both worked at a theater company together in NYC a few years ago. It was great seeing him again.

The set was inside the terminal at one of the baggage carousels. I won't give it away but it has to do with a very large create and a couple of dogs. I spotted Tony and went and stood by him figuring if the director didn't like where I was he would put me someplace else. Since we did several takes with me there I guess he was happy with were I was and what I was doing.

The fun thing though was during one of the breaks while we were standing there this real cute bull dog came over to where I was standing and "asked" to be petted and scratched. So this is how I met my new friend Matzaball. (See picture above.) Matza is Adam Sandler's 4 year old bulldog and evidently she pretty much has the run of the set. She had one person sort of trailing behind to make sure she didn't get into any trouble and a guy with a video camera to chronical her adventures on set. She seemed to really like me and stayed until her "nanny" sort of moved her along since they were ready for the next shot. I think that what she liked is the fact that I have real good strong fingernails and I can give a very good scratch.

More later.

Filming in the City

So, I am on my way to the subway station after work and I pass by all these Haddad production trucks. As usual my reaction is: "What are they filming and why am I not working on it?"

Then as I keep going one of the doors is marked "Zohan".

Oh, it's okay then I AM working on the film tomorrow. Then I recognized one of the PA's. She looked at me with that "don't I know you?" look.

I just smiled and said "Hi". I'm working tomorrow see you then.

Goddess I love living in NY.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

July 25, 2007

Hi Gang,

Today I have a temp job at a "Managed Assets" company in Mid-Town. Nice company that I have worked at many times before. Like this last Monday for example.

One of the ladies that also works the front desk here is getting ready for her wedding this Saturday. The company was real nice in giving her a little send off party before she left today. They even made sure that I got a piece of cake as well. Let me tell you that doesn't always happen when you are temping some place.
She spent most of the day obsessing about seating arrangements at her reception. She had this one couple that was coming that didn't know anyone else that was invited. So she was trying to figure out where she could put them.

On the very good news front. I got an e-mail today about working tomorrow on the new Adam Sandler film. Yea!!!!!

I would much rather be on a set than in an office any day. Even though it probably means getting up at O Dark Thirty in the morning in order to get there.

Oh I have officially become a Twit. I am now on Twitter if you want you can follow me. www.twitter.com/madalyn. It is just to much fun. I really liked being able to twitter the note about having my job tomorrow.

July 24, 2007

A much better day weather wise than yesterday. Yesterday was cold, rainy and gloomy. Today is nice and Sunny and around 85 or so. MUCH better.

Though I didn't mind to much yesterday since I had an office job. Today though I have off so I am taking care of some errands and am going to take some reading and park time as soon as I finish up here in the library.

So really not much to report today.

May BlackBerry in something more later.

Sending from my BlackBerry

Just found out that I can send posts from my Blackberry via e-mail.

Oh this is dangerous. First Twitter and now this. Soon I will have NO excuse not to keep everyone up to date on my goings on.

July 23, 2007

This is an absolutely dreadful day weather wise. It it rainy and downright cold. Fortunately I have a temp job today so I am inside all day so I don't care ALL that much but still. I was born in the Summer. I like Summer!!!!!!

On to better things. Okay, I have to blame David Hewlett for getting me hooked on Twitter. Spent a bit of time today setting up my account and adding it to my MySpace page and to this lovely little Blog here.

I love the guy but he is a danger to me. Every time he comes up with something new I just "have" to join in. Well it's not so much that I have to it is just that he finds the coolest stuff to introduce me to.

Thanks David. Really I mean it.

Just read that Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane is 67. Gads! She looks great! I guess I shouldn't be all that surprised. Jefferson Airplane was a big deal when I was in college in SF. And I am 50. I guess I just don't think of those things until it is brought to my attention. In my heart and mind I am ageless so I just think everyone else is as well.

Borders Books announced today that they sold over 1.2 million copies of the new Harry Potter book during the first day it was released. I think it is great. So many kids got into reading because of this series of books. Hopefully it will start them on long love affair with reading. Of course all of the fundies are in an uproar because of all of the good Christian children that the book is going to turn into PAGANS. But they ALWAYS have to be in an uproar about something especially if it is something fun.

July 13th, 2007

Oh Friday the 13th. A day feared by many but not by me. Friday the 13th has always been a good luck day for me. (Probably because I know where the "story" comes from and since I am not a member of the Knights Templar I have nothing to worry about.)

Spoke to Anna this morning about the SVU reshoot on Monday. She was totally supportive about it. Since I don't know what time I am going to be needed at the studio I haven't told the rest of the gang yet. I am hoping it will not be an all day affair so that I can come in for at least part of the day.

Also, I have made plans to go out for a drink with Kim after work on Monday and I really don't want to cancel that either unless I absolutely have to.

Tonight I had dinner with the New York Sentinel Ladies. We are all fans of the series The Sentinel that ran on UPN for several years in the 90's. I haven't been able to join them the last few "Night Outs" due to work commitments and stuff. It was great catching up with everyone again. Of course conversation was lively we talked a lot about politics and current events. But we did manage to squeese in some talk about our favorite guys: Richard and Garett.

Really had a good time. The downside of the whole thing was that the restaurant didn't have cell phone reception so I missed my call from Grant Wilfley telling me what time I needed to report to set on Monday. Bummer. I know they will call back since they have to get me the information but I was hoping that I could send out the e-mail to the people I am working with to let them know if I am going to be in and at what time on Monday. I'd really like to have this over with so that I can enjoy the weekend. But I guess it was not meant to be.

July 12, 2007

Got a call today from Grant Wilfley Casting. They need me to comeback for a reshoot of a scene on L&O:SVU that I did a couple of weeks ago. Evidently they decided to rewrite the scene so now have to reshoot it. Since I was one of the Jurors and sitting right next to the Foreperson it is very necessary for me to come back.

Normally, I would be the happiest camper in the Universe. They want ME. Obviously I am on screen (or they wouldn't care), more money and working for a day on set. What more could I ever ask for.

Well, the issue is a rather nutty one but one that I run into from time to time. The shoot date is next Monday and I am supposed to be here at the Venture Capital place working for Olivia. It is sort of the thing of giving my word that they can count on me being here and now I have to say I can't be here on Monday.

I am sure they will understand and be cool with it. I just hate to have to do it that's all. Of course there is no question about my doing the shoot that is after all my career. But I could really do with out this over grown sense of honor that I have about these things.

July 11, 2007

I am finding just putting the date in the subject line so much better than trying to think of a "title" every day.

Today I am starting on a week and a half Temp job at my favorite company to work for. It is a Venture Capital type place that is based out of Sweden. Really great people and as long as I get their stuff done they really don't care what else I do.

My goal this week is to catch up on some promotional work (for me of course) and to see if I can spread the Taffy trailer to other sites besides You Tube.

Doing well on You Tube though which is wonderful.

Also decided I REALLY want, need, desire (you get the picture - pun intended) a digital camera. There are so many neat things I could do with it. Besides of course putting pictures up on the Blog.

Okay. I will admit it it is HOT. It is in the 90's here in New York. The heat index thingy says it feels in the 100's. Well, I don't know about THAT but it is warm. Like for so many people it really isn't the heat that bothers me it is the humidity. When you have to grab the air and squeeze out the water before you breathe it, I am NOT comfortable. I especially hate it when my clothes start sticking to me. Especially in those - shall we say more delicate areas.

Anyway enough of that at the moment.

Had an audition this morning for a film. At first it didn't start out to well. The CD had not put my name on the list for the building security so they wouldn't let me into the building. The phone# that the Security people had didn't answer so I had to leave a message at the CD's office (which also didn't answer) as to why I was obviously going to be late to the audition.

Fortuneatly there was a park nearby so I went out there to hang out for a couple of minutes hoping that I would hear from somebody. I decided to give it 30 min and if I didn't hear from anyone I would either head to the library or head home.

Well, just as I was getting ready to put my book away and leave my cell rang, it was from the people I was going to audition for. They were so sorry, totally their mistake and they asked if I was still in the neighborhood. I went back to the building and needless to say allowed right in.

Went to the waiting room where I met another actor who was waiting to audition for the same project. He was rather interesting since his attitude was basically "I will be an actor as long as it doesn't inconvenience me to much". Theater took to much time, commercials were Okay but he would not want to be a regular on a T.V. series, a recurring role however was okay if he could fit it in. GADS!!!! Also, he would never take an extra gig since that was beneath him and he didn't think he had the temperment for it.

The monitor came in to get me since it was by this point it was over 45 min after my scheduled appointment time. I was not going to argue the point since I had been there on time. Well my fellow actor had to complain that he was there first so it was really HIS turn. (I guess the audition was taking up to much of his time.) I was polite and said I didn't mind and let him go in.

The audition itself was rather fun. We talked a little about where I came from and what I had been doing. I did my monologue. (I think the young lady at the audition table was going to fall off her chair she was laughing so hard - good thing I think). I did a couple of improv exercises. (Between you and me I never feel comfortable doing improv but I am getting to think that I am better at it than I really think am.)

That was it, now I just wait to see if they call.

On the way to the subway station I found myself behind this young woman who was shall we say rather full figured (like me). She was wearing a rather tight white skirt and underneath - very visable through the skirt - a thong. I remind you that it is hot outside today. Well let's say everything that could jiggle was jiggling. Now I am very much into body conciousness and if she is happy with that look for herself - more power to her. But I just hope that that IS the case. It was an experience walking behind her. I wouldn't do it personally but that is just me.

I was supposed to meet up with my Taffy co-star today since he is making me some copies of the film to send to some people. (Hopefully so big news on that front in a couple of days.) It ended up that we could not get our schedules straight so postponed it. He is going to photoshop a cover for the jewel case which is GREAT!
With the audition happenings of before it was a good thing that we decided not to do it today.

Found out my Netflix will not be coming today. Bummer. Well really that may be a good thing. Make plans for my week at the temp job. Lots of things to do but more gets done when I am more organized.

Well got to go.

Well finally sort of caught up with my posts.

Today I am working a temp job at one of the financial places that I often work for. Really nice since I get to work on the computer all day and no one really bothers me as long as I get their stuff done as well. Which I can do easily.

Did some promoting of Taffy on Myspace. Our You Tube stats are up to 270 which is good. Keep them climbing so that we can get the picture out.

Also, been catching up on some other peoples blogs. I can read them off my BlackBerry but sometimes it is nice to read them off of the computer.

Tomorrow I am hoping to spend some time at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden (Tuesdays is free admission). It is one of my favorite places and I really haven't had the chance to hang out there all that much this year yet.

I also have an Audition at 11:15 for another Student Film. I need to check the Equity web site before I leave here today to see if there are any Equity Auditions that I can go to tomorrow. (I really have to get more on top of that aspect of things). Last summer I did a lot of Equity auditions, this year I have only done a handful.

On Wednesday, I start a week and a half at one of my favorite places to temp. Already making plans on projects to do while I am there. Going to use that time to really focus on promoting Taffy and myself for that matter. Catch up with some goal setting and sending out my headshot and resume to the casting directors of the new series that are going to be filming here in New York next season. They should all be filming by the time I am through with the temp job.

Oh, and yes, don't worry I will do all the great admin assit. duties that I will have at the office. It's just that they are another place that I can do my own thing after I finish what they need to have done. I never sneak around with doing my own stuff. Just to much of a hassle to always have to watch my back and I have found that honesty has usually paid off with the support of the people that I am working for.

Today was the PERFECT Sunday. At least as far as I am concerned.

Lounged and cuddled with my kitty Aengus while listening to "On The Media" and "Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me" on NPR.

Then caught the bus headed for Park Slope (I don't hang around my neighborhood unless I can't help it!!!!)

Walked around for a little bit. Went into one of my favorite little stores on 7th Avenue that sells incense and other goodies. Didn't really pick up anything on this visit since I am planing on really doing some serious magickal shopping in a coupe of weeks or so. But still good to see what they had.

Then went and had a lovely lunch at the Second Street Restaurant on 2nd Street. Basically just a hamberger and a glass of Guiness but it sure tasted good.

Went up to the Barns and Noble or as I usually call them Buns and Noodle to see if the new issues of New Witch was out. It isn't yet.

Then went over to Prospect Park for a couple hours. Read for awhile, watched a vollyball game, and someone trying to get a really large and beautiful Kite aloft. Although it was hot out temperture wise I really didn't feel it because of the shade and the nice breeze that I had under the tree.

Then headed home. Listened to a couple other fav. radio shows. "The Business" and then "Speaking of Faith".

So all in all a very nice low key day.

Another day another audition.

But hey that is the way I like it. Auditions are a pain but they really are a way of performing for an audience (usually of one or two). Besides I consider each audition just one more step toward my goal of Stardom.

Today's audition was really very interesting and a lot of fun. It was for a "mockumentary" that is being done by a couple of guys from Scandanavia. One is from Denmark and the other is from Norway. I got to do a campaign speech as if I was runing for President of the United States.

Now although I am VERY political and extreemly opinionated as far as politics is concerned I don't think I will ever really run for public office. This campaign season we are seeing if people can accept a woman and an African-American running for President. I am pretty sure they wouldn't be ready for a Pagan yet.

But I really had a lot of fun "playing the part". The people holding the audition really seemed to like it so have my fingers crossed for this one.

Today I had an audtion for a Student Film called: "Alice". Real nice simple audition. The role I read for was "Grumpy Old Lady". Gads.

Well one of the Agents that I work for put me on hold to work on the new film 27 Shoes for today and tomorrow. Only I haven't heard anything about actually booking a time so I am thinking that I am free for the day.

Went into Manhattan and visited the library to jump on the computer and check out what was happening with Taffy on MySpace. We have over 250 views on YouTube which makes me happy. Hopefully in the next couple weeks I can really put some concerted effort into getting it some more publicity. While I was at the library I happened to pick up a couple more books (as if I really needed any more books to read).

I couln't find a copy of BackStage so I think that it isn't coming out until tomorrow.

My July 4th was rather low key this year. Since I got home late last night and didn't have anything planned in advance I just sort of hung out and read a book.

I am planing on writing a little bit about the books I read as a go along. That is the ideal anyway. Don't know if it will actually ever happen. I seem to always be doing catch up as it is anyway.

Hope you had a nice Holiday.

Working

Working on set today.

I got a call yesterday afternoon asking if I would be interested and if I was available to work tomorrow on Law & Order: SVU. The episode title was: Snitch.

I of course said yes. This was my first time on SVU I have done the flagship L & O and several of the short lived spin-offs (Trail by Jury and Conviction) before.

The call time was an extreemly reasonable 9:30 am instead of the usual 6 am or 7 am call. Felt like an actualy commuter while on the subway going to set.

When I got there I found out that I was cast as one of the Jury which means at least a second of guaranteed camera time. This was also 2nd unit since they were filming two episodes on this day. I found out from one of the PA's that they are trying to get all of this seasons episodes in the can before the possible writers strike so they are really hussling to get as much done as possible.

Only saw Christopher Maloni and Mariska Haritay (August's Mommie-as her chair says) briefly as they passed me in the hall.

I am very happy to report that I did not hear a grumpy comment all day on set (refering to a previous blog). Every one was really great and I had a great time getting to know some people that I hadn't met before but know that I will see again.

Because of trying to cram everything in the day was a long one. Pretty close to 12 hours.

So really a good day.

Sessions

The other night my friend Geri and I went to see the new musical "Sessions" at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater here in NYC.

Both of us agree that this is a must see, and not just because one of the producers is a friend of mine.

The one thing that we both commented on was this was a musical where you really cared about the characters and what happened to them. There were some great funny moments and a couple moments that made each of us cry (different points I might add - more on that later) .

The music was VERY good and most of the songs though very much a part of the story telling and moving ahead the plot could be sung outside the show which is rather a rare occurance these days.

Now some details:

Matthew Shepard who played Dr. Peterson was perfect for the Psychatrist. Great voice, great timing and you really felt his dilema and CARED.

Leila played by Amy Bodnar. Well let me just say that both Geri and I would like to look like her or at least be able to wear those clothes as well as she does. Needless to say, again perfect casting.

Mrs. Murphy played by Bertilla Baker. Now I have to admit that I tried out for this role so I must admit that on this one I was particularly curious to see who got cast. Well, she gets no argument from me. She did a wonderful job and though I would love to play the role at a future date she is a great choice that I will happily follow.

The rest of the cast was also great and very distinct three dimentional characters that you cared about.

One of my teary eyed moments (no won't give away and spoilers) was between Al Bundonis as Baxter and Matthew Shepard as Dr. Peterson in the second half. George talks about an incident with his father that was a mirror image of one that I had with my own father when I was in high school. Real cudos to Scott that he played it so well that he took me right into his feelings and I FELT them too.

So I do encourage everyone who can to go see the show. This is one that really will be going places. (Well if I have anything to say about it.)

Odds and Ends.

For the last couple of days I have been working at an Investment Company in Midtown Manhattan. It's a very nice place and fortunatly I get access to a computer so that I can do some of my OWN work while I am here.

Most of the time I have been looking for places to send the Trailer for Taffy Was Born.

Also learning about the how to's of Independent Movie Distribution. Not an easy task to say the least. Quite a learning curve here. But I am bound and determined to get this baby released so that we can make a little money off of it.

The weekend was rather nice. I went to my friend David's movie party. This time he was showing the shorts "Hollywood on Parade" from 1932. Frederich March did not look like he was happy hosting this little piece of fluff and Walt Disney's "Waterbabies" which was absolutly adorable. The animation was the traditional old Disny that was just so wonderfully done and the whole thing was just too cute.

The main feature was Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps". Interesting but not the best of the Hitchcock films. Did enjoy that it supposedly took place in Scotland though. There was even a guy wearing a kilt.

On Sunday David and I went to see the stage play "The Greenhouse Effect" at the Abingdon Theater. This was a very interesting one man show. At first I was a little apprehensive since the actor was playing 4 different characters. Two female and two male. But he won me over completly after a a few minutes. The show was rather moving with some very funny moments and several very poingent ones. Well worth seeing.

Tonight my good friend Geri and I are going to see the musical "Sessions" which is being produced by a friend of mines company. I tried out for one of the roles so I am eager to see the person who actually got the part.

Tomorrow I am getting a hair cut (which I so desperatly need). I possibly could have done some background work on Glenn Closes new series but decided that the hiarcut is MUCH more important right now. It has gotten to the length that I just don't know what to do with it.

A Rant

Okay, I have a little rant for today.

The other day I worked on a commercial that was being shot on a private golf course in the small town of New Salem, NY. Until I booked the job I didn't know that there was a New Salem, NY. When the Casting Director called me I was told that the shoot would be outside and since there was a tournament happening the same day we would not be able to use the Club House so things might be a little "rustic".

Well that was all fine with me. I was just happy to get out of the city for the day and into the country. You know fresh air, trees, grass all of those little things that makes my little pagan heart go pitter pat and get PAID for it.

Unfortunatly quite a few of my fellow actors did not feel the same way that I did. One started griping about how "out in the middle of nowhere" we were before we even arrived on the set.

Then when we did arrive another person who I had worked with on other sets and who I had thought was a rather positive person started complaining about how we were outside, could not use the Club House and that she was shure she was going to get an infection from the port-a-potties that had been provided for our use. Needless to say I moved away from her as soon as possible. It was a little early for me to deal with such negativity. I mean we hadn't even really started yet.

When we did get on set I was first placed next to a guy who started in on his own rant about how "bad" everything was. When he was asked to stand on a slight incline by one of the AD's, as soon as the AD moved away started to tell me how he hoped he had an accident so that he could sue the company. I told him that if he didn't want to stand on the incline (which really wasn't THAT bad he should have said so). Oh NO he WANTED to sue the company that way he would make a lot of money and wouldn't have to do this S**T work again. By that point I had had it with this negativity so I told him that if he didn't like doing this type of work then why was he even there in the first place. Then told him if he didn't have anything nice to say to please just not talk to me. He moved off and soon found some people to spread his misery with. At this point we had been on set for a total of 30 min tops.

The AD by this point returned and asked if anyone cared to move to another area that didn't have as many people in it and I quickly volunteered. (Turned out to be a good move since I ended up right in front of the Camera lens!!!!!) Fortunatly I also ended up next too a group of people with a much more positive mind set which the the shooting of the rest of the scene more pleasent.

Later in the afternoon when the director was shooting several different takes of one of the actors saying an important "Tag" line of the commercial. One of the non speaking actors next to me started in about how the actor who was speaking couldn't seem to get the line right and was doing so many takes. Now to me it was quite obvious that what the director was doing was getting different line readings so that he had choices when he got to editting the final commercial. The director was doing his job as director and the actor was doing her job as a good actor to give him lots of choices to work with. But the thing was that this guy next to me was so loud with his "coments" that I am sure the actor trying to work could here him between takes. I give her kudo's for not turning around and bopping him one. Don't know as I would have been that kind.

So even though I tried as much as possible to stay away from my grumpier compainions throughout the day they all kept on insisting on coming over to me and update me on their complaints of the moment. Happily most of the time I was able to beat a hasty retreat and get away from them as quickly as possible when I was cornered. The funniest one was one actress came up to me at one point and asked me if the unopened bottles of Poland Spring were still safe to drink, espeically since they had been sitting out in the Sun for several hours. GADS!!!

(For the record I was actually having a good time enjoying the outdoors, free food, sunshine etc.)

So my thing is, and henceforth why this rant. After being told the conditions (since I am sure I wasn't the only one that the CD told) if you were going to hate it so much WHY would you take the job? And WHY try to ruin MY day by insisting on complaining to me at every chance you get? Especially after I ask you NOT TO!!!

So anyway I still enjoyed the day and more to the point I got PAID for it.

I'm Back

Sorry for not posting for so long.

Gosh how time does get away from a person.

Also I must admit that recently that I have been so busy reading everyone else's Blogs that I haven't written in my own. Not a good thing.

Anyway back to what I have been up to.

I recently worked on a film called "The Dinner" that filmed in Katonah, NY. Had loads of fun being the matriarch of a family with an interesting "secret".

I also have to say that this was without a doubt one of the best run sets that I have EVER been on. Everyone was so together and knew what they were doing. Crew as well as cast. If they could just all be like this.

Other than that I have been busy spreading the You Tube link to the trailer of Taffy Was Born. I am bound and determined to get that movie in release.

See the Trailer on YouTube here:



Today I was called for work on a Barklay's Commercial shooting tomorrow.

So all is right in my world today.

Talk to you soon.

Bad Weather

We are in the midst of a 'noreaster'. In other words VERY bad weather. It started raining last night and has not let up.

I am feeling quite a bit better today inspite of the gloom and rain outside.

I swam into the city to have a wonderful lunch at B Bar with my friends Page and Steven. It was so great being able to catch up with them. I am going to be spending some time at their wonderful apartment looking after their fur family while they are away for a week. I am so looking forward to it. I LOVE their apartment and the "kids". I hope Molly is ready for some nice long walks.

Under the weather

A real no energy day. Probably because I had a cold all week and just kept going. So just lounged arround most of the day and listened to NPR. Of course my cat Aengus was more than happy to spend the day cuddled up next to me.

Finally around 2 pm I got my act together and returned a DVD that was due today at the library. Stopped by Starbucks for a Caremel Machiado and a sandwich (little to no food in the house) and just went straight back home.

Evening watched one several episodes of Babylon Season 1 that I bought on Friday. After all these years the series really holds up and the story lines are very thought provoking. I really loved the series when it first aired but had thought that after all these years it might have "aged". I am finding it just as thought provoking now as then. Probably more on this later.

Oh, forgot to mention. I received a free book from BackStage yesterday. "In Their Shoes" looks like an interesting book about women in business.

So all for today.

Cute Baby

Isn't he the cutest!!!!!!!!

Meet Knut the Ice Bear (polar bear). He was born December 5, 2006 in Berlin, Germany. The first ice bear to be born there in over 30 years.

He is just soooooooo cute.

Just what I needed today. My sinuses are acting up so I am sniffling and sneezing and doing other not so fun things.

Really haven't done much today except read blogs, play on myspace nothing really constuctive.

Musings on the News.

As you all know the big news of this week is Don Imus and his comments on his radio show about the young ladies on the Rutgers University Women's Basketball Team. Comments that I will not of course repeat here since I do think that they are inaccurate and disgusting.

My opinion on this:

What he said was wrong on so many levels - that he thought that this was okay to say about these particular young women, that it was okay to say about women of color, and that it was okay to say about women period. Should he loose sponsers because of it? YES! Should he loose his show? Probably if I had anything to say about it.

However this whole incident bothers me on a much deeper level. Don Imus is a "shock jock" it is his job to shock and provoke. And though this is not a genre that I listen to or am fond of there are a lot of people who LOVE this type of "entertainment". He thought that this comment would be acceptable and even be found humurous by his audience. And I am afraid that it probably was. There are probably a goodly number of people out there that thought that type of statement was acceptable. THAT is what bothers me. Everyone is getting so wrapped up in shooting the messenger that we are not dealing with the message.

Don Imus will probably be vilified in some very public way and then the matter will die down and be forgotten. But the underlying issue will still be there. And there will still be people out there that think that saying such things about women and especially women of color is okay. To me THAT is the problem and the issue that needs to be addressed.

On another issue.

I read today that some of the leaders of the conservative Christian Leaders are demanding that Richard Cizik be removed from his post as a Christian Advocate to the White House, Supreme cout and the Congress. The reason------ he has been voicing his concerns over climate change, torture and poverty and not advocating enough on THEIR anti-gay marraige and abortion agenda.

My view: First off I need to say that I was at one time an Evangelical Christian (I am no longer). What I was thinking as I read this was what would Jesus think? I studied Theology in college and I can't remember anyplace in the New Testiment (or old for that matter) that mentioned gay marriage or abortion. I do however remember LOTS of passages about carring for the poor, loving and looking out for others.

I think that so many of these people are so wrapped up in thier own agenda's that they have totally missed the message of the person/prophet/Son of God that they say they folllow. Won't they be surprised to learn at some point that HE had a different agenda entirely and that they are NOT doing HIS will at all. Not even close.

Also, I learned something new today.

In the arctic it doesn't snow. What looks like snow is actually frozen bits of sea ice that the wind blows off the sea onto the ice flows. Sort of akin to a dust storm in the Sahara or other desert. The Arctic is really a desert and gets very little real water percipitation.

On a personal career note - I had to e-mail the director of a Student film that I was cast in that I would not be able to do her film after all. Even after I told her at the audtion that I was working at a temp job from 9-6 for the next couple of weeks she went ahead and booked the shoot for an afternoon next week and just "expected" me to take the time off. Unfortunatly, finances just don't allow for that at the moment. Between paying the rent and having a non-speaking role in a student film at this point in time -- paying the rent wins. So wish it could be otherwise but hey!

Merry Meet and Welcome

Hello,

Welcome to my little corner of the cyber universe. I have avidly read and admired other peoples blogs for a long time but haven't really kept up one of my own. So we will give this a go. And see where it leads.

Best,

Madalyn