People on my to Shoot List

In reading up on the wildfires that are all over the place I spotted a line that disturbed me. Someone actually was evacuated and left her dog. She also left her goats and chickens, but her DOG? I'm sorry, if you can get your own ass in a car, your dog can come with you. And if you are given enough time to get out and you are assuming your entire house is going up, you have two choices with the Goats and chickens....1) find a place that will grab them in a trailer and evacuate them 2) WORST case scenario, wouldn't it be better to set them free, so they at least have a chance and not being burned alive. ... If at the end of the day you aren't going to have a house, and all your memories are burned to a crisp, I'd say the love and companionship of a Dog, or any animal would be some comfort.

I just don't GET it. You don't deserve a to have an animal in your life if you don't put their needs and feelings on the same level as a humans. Good grief. I put those people right against that wall along with those that think gay marriage is a bastardization of the definition. Don't even get me started.... and certainly not on a Monday...


In other news, I saw sexuality in its raw form work over the weekend. A black shiney new impala was parked in a green zone in front of Starbucks. This was I guess a 10 minute zone, with a meter. Meter wasn't fed. Young parking dude comes up and starts to write a ticket. Out from Starbucks bounces a young woman in barelythere hot pink shorts and a see through midrift white tank top. Stunned by the power of the damsel pleading no no no, but judging by his smile, more convinced by her..uh..skin...he did NOT give her a ticket....Quelle Suprise. What cracked me up though is that 2 minutes later her BOYFRIEND got into the drivers seat and she into the passenger. Her boyfriend was no dummy...if HE had gone out and asked to not get a ticket, I have no doubt that he would have failed to persuede the law, but clearly he is dating a woman who has used her body to her advantage before and he is okay with that. Good for him for pimping out his girl for good and not evil...

Bitch.

and

Dick.

=]

Jeepers Creepers

So the happy yellow jeep, could be a whole lot happier. I'll spare you the details, but my amazing 8 year old lovely who has been showing his age as of late, finally has had it with me. Since I moved downtown and now only drive him 10 miles a week on average, AND since he hasn't had his windows down or been on a road trip to speak of in months...he has thrown the ultimate tantrum. Fortunate that I don't require his services right now, but not coincidental that he needs $3000 of work including a new clutch being that I've not spent much on him in the last 5 years. Sigh. Poor thing. He's in love with my mountain Bike Poppy, and was so excited about the bike rack he had installed...and yet....since he clocked 100,000 miles in July last years, he's been...neglected. As was my ass after not riding Poppy for nearly 6 months. 6 miles from the dealership at 7am on Friday morning and I'm feeling it. In a good way though. I do miss the bike. Next time I'll make sure I put air in the tires....that should make it a bit easier to ride =]

I certainly am paying for not driving Jeep though. He's an in patient at the dealer this week while they order parts and I sort how exactly I will be paying for this, I may get him back as early as Thursday. And just as I start directing, work transitions and a fundriaser when I was so hoping that taking a day OFF of work to sort the car would magically make it to.

These are the days when I focus on this: VACATION SEPTEMBER 2009


It WILL happen, becuase it must, I'm over due. One day, one repair at a time. Looks like Ramen and Rice for the next 12 months.

Play With Your Food

This is not just a blog about the cats. There are other things. But I happened to take this video last night as there was a RACKET being made during "quiet time." Apparently Lincoln found the salad box to be a bit more than he could resist....

In other news, I'll be directing Northside's production of Over the River and Through the Woods back to back with Flag Day. Money won't turn up until November, but I may be in for a small raise at work anyway so eventually my car will get back into shape. He's looking very sad, and needs a serious clean and fix all around. Hasn't had a chance to have the windows down at ALL this summer due to Paxton's vet visit.

Cat's Pajamas is going well, we've had snag after snag, but I think it actually will be a great event. I'm taking a day off of work on Thursday just to be at home putting stamps and lables on the postcards, and accepting acution donation drop offs. I actully have really enjoyed the organization part of this project. My binder is all neat, and my forms are efficient. The challege is that everyone likes to do their own thing, and doesn't necessarily think someone else whose "job" it is to direct has thought of something. I've tried to explain I can handle 99% of it, and I only need some help on a few other tasks, but it's been a chore to get them to focus....I guess they just don't know me very well.

If you can make it to the event, get your tickets online quick as the capacity is only 150 and we are likely to sell out the week of the event if not before. You will see my handy work not only in the organization of the event, but in the writing, actual performance, and I've taught myself powerpoint so we can have a slide presentation on some great rescue cats. The Goal is $2000 raised but I wager we might actually raise twice that. Should be a great way to get some kitties adopted and some more foster families too.

So I had a cupon for the movie theatre, free pass, and so I saw Dark Knight. Now I ahted the Batman Begins movie. Was very disappointed for many reasons, and though not impressed with the trailer or a particular fan of Heath Ledger I went anyway. Aside from a silly dramatic "batman" voice, and the fact that the movies was so LONG, I was actually surprised by how much I liked it. And though it does pain me a tad to say it, Heath kind of steals the film. Really well thought out choices, some of the best dialouge of the movie and honestly very well done. A solid 3 out of 5 RRD's (Rutger, Rockwell, and D'onofrio) which I may actually have to update as Mr Friaser is coming out with TWO films this summer and he's really at the top of his game, never ceasing to amaze me and make me laugh.

Some interesting work related tidbits soon....now...back to your regularly scheduled program.

Music to my Ears

Love the voice, not a fan of Newton Faulkner's Hair. Point for the redhead thing, and yet....not a look I condone. Still, fanTASTIC songs, the radio play that Dream Catch me is getting is nice.

Also really enjoying The Spill Canvas.

Worked the bar (I had to think when the last time I stood up for 6 hours straight, and I'll have to think twice before I do it again, SORE) at the Theatre on San Pedro Square. The band playing was Shanna Gilfix and the Back Lit Boys. They did some great covers as well as originals. Folky rock, with some blues, harmonica, Cello, Djembe, and mandolin slapped in for good measure. Nice people, and nice to see the space filled to the brim. We ran out of beer, TWICE, and good thing Longs is near by and open late. Although this is the song that kind of got the viral thing going, it's actually in my opinion not the best that they do, nor is the quality good enough to really show off her vocal talent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axV8DQ1nWNk&feature=related

But a really fun group of people (the band) and always enojoy new music.....

Back to the grind....

What the hell is a Brazillian Cherry?

To my knowledge they do not grow Apples in the Artic. And I do not know what a Brazillian Cherry is. Tango doesn't have a scent that one would rally WANT to sport, and I don't want to drink my deoderant so why would you call it Vanilla Chai... All this to say the marketing of the new line of Secret deoderant certainly is eye catching if not egnimatic. When it comes down to it, it's not really any different than lotion or perfume I suppose.. so why shouldn't it be somewhat mysterious. I woud have loved to be in the focus group for this. I think the kicker though, is the fact that they think the scent you choose is like some karmic portal, that you journey to your perfect scent...check out the interactive website.... I would have loved to see the salary of the person that came up with this shit. Get me THAT job....

http://www.secret-deodorant.com/ScentExpressionsProducts.do?productLineName=ScentExpressions

The Fall

Saw a film that was absolutely stunning on so many levels and sadly I think has had such under marketing many will miss this on the big screen which is a tragedy. Although I will have to buy this film and watch all the shots over and over for the amazing detail an nuance, the locations and images were just brilliant on the big screen. Vibrant Colors, FANTASTIC shots, so many WOW outloud moments. The acting was the best I have seen in ages. The costuming was phenomenal. This film does what film can do and should do, rousing every bit of imagination from script to soundtrack. If you have a chance to see it. Go.

THE FALL:

http://www.thefallthemovie.com/


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460791/

Bad dog, I mean..cat, I mean...

So, if you turn up the volume on this (and sorry for my loud, near camera mic voice) you will be able to hear Lincoln growl at me when I try to throw his toy before he is ready. It's not the best video, but it does show his impressive dexterity in his right paw when he flicks the toy from the floor to his mouth. He can throw toys around for days at a time. Yesterday I sat and played with him with a string for over an hour. He is tireless when it comes to playing. Paxton is going through an impatient phase with him...mostly just trys to stay out of reach so he can rest.

Terrible Two's?

So Lincoln, who turned arbitrarily 1 year old last week has apparently hit the cat terrible twos. Etiher that or he is part black lab, which I already think to be the case. My goal is to catch him playing his daily game of fetch (though often times it's JUST as I'm going to sleep) and his hilarious growl when he doesn't want me to throw it again, but rather just let him kill it fora bit. But this is the good and amusing part of Lincoln. He has presented me with some challenges as of late. And presented Paxton with some as well.

The desk has been an area of refuge for Paxton when he is done being attacked by Lincoln. It has also been the cat proofing staging area. Paxton like paper, but is mostly uninterested in cables, strings, and other human items. So it's safe to put things out of Lincolns reach up there.

Until last week when Little Cat discovered he was big enough and smart enough to get up there. Judging by some scrath marks (some hold on to dear life, this is slippery marks) I wager he missed a few times, but has now managed to master the climb and does so with pride. Each time he scales the mighty mountain he then proceeds to chew, scatter and swat at anything that moves (or doesn't move, I don't think it really matters). So I find cabinets, drawers and other places up higher and better hidden for such things like...gift ribbon. And why do I find other places. Because bless his heart, as sensitive and intelligent as he is, he things everything is food. and Gift ribbon, does not make good food. Particuarly 12 inches of it when a little cat eats it in one piece when I'm not looking, miraculously doesn't kill himself choking on it, and then refuses to digest it. Yes, I know now I could definately have kids, as I will probably do nothing so gross or horrifying as retrieve a foot of ribbon from a three legged cats rear. He's a handful to be sure.

Lincoln's other favorite game is jump on things like blankets, and act like you can't see him. He gives me very naughty looks when I look at him all flat and sly like and say "I see you". It's as if I am breaking the rules. He grow bigger and more mischievous but keeps Paxton well exercised and me laughing. hopefully I will succed in my video attempt later and be able to post.

Esay Being Green

Love this article, mostly becuase I loved Bill Nye, but also, I think this is what it's going to take in some circles to make beign responsible and green realistic....if it's a trend, or it's sexy....the masses will follow...sad byt true, and who says being responsible can't be fun!



http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080710/ap_en_ot/celebrity_green_off

Down and Dirty....

Alright,

Oh the life of Susannah, it's just never boring. Here are the highlights...

TV: As you may know, I don't pay for TV. Rather I use blockbuster and Netflix to supply myself with late night, shut your brain down, entertainment. DVD is the best thing that has happened to the impatient TV watcher though. I can watch an entire season of a show I missed, I don't have to wait, or remember what happened last week, or season, and it has no commercials. I grab me a beer or a glass of pinot noir, and I multitask (and rewind if I miss something) or totally curl up and immerse. I'm discovering that due to my over active childhood with theatre, swimming, school, family, jobs etc....I missed some great TV. Also, since I've never had cable for more than about a year, some of the cable shows are super. Sadly some of the most brilliant shows have just one season or were cancelled part way through, for one who like closure...it's a sad sad thing to grow attached and then have your TV Charactes break up with you. So far my favorite shows, though least favorite break ups have been:

Dead Like Me, Wonderland, Firefly, Deadwood(but only the first season, it got boring halfway through season 2), Rome (SO cheap and tawdry, but watch it with the feature that tells you what is historically acurate and what is total BS...makes it less of a guilty pleasure and more of a "educational process, " The Tudors (trashy, but better than watching Rock of Love, rights? Corsets make it so.) Dawson's Creek, (seriously, really well written), Bones and Supernatural.

On the last. Now you know I love me some horror. Flashback to my Friday the 13th themed birthday party in highschool where I found all of my friends in the kitchen talking to my parents while I watch April Fool's Day, and Nightmare on Elm Street. And my halloween parties are famous. But what I think is so great about this show, and separates it from say Medium and Ghost Whisperer (decent shows in their own right) is the attention to creating a niche. The car, the classic rock music, the sibling rivalry, the fact the pilot starts off a block from my parents home (Stanford, CA) and the great combination of urban legend and intelligent set up so you can believe and buy into some of the more difficult, unsubstantiated bits. It's just super. I may have to get TV so I can watch the current Season 3, as I just don't know if I can wait for it to come out on DVD. The boys are not hard to look at, and I'm glad for the most part (with a couple of exceptions, minor mistakes quickly remedied) they keep romance out of it. Boys in an Impala kicking demon ass across america to Iron Maiden. THAT'S what this show is and I'm loving it. Which I think explains partially a really MESSED up dream I had the other night...

In a nut shell I was cominbing life stress and some things that are going on with work, life, and finances with some SN episodes. in my dream not only did my dad stab me in the back (weird) and I died bleeding to death slowly, but not in pain, and all the while trying to remember to write down my various passwords so people could be notifed of my death and bills could get paid, but I then was brought back to life just in time t try to get into a college building to ask a professor for a donation for the Cat rescue auction, and then promptly drove Dean's cool Impala (from the show) into the pacific unintentionally. I was very embarrassed, sadly the car sank despite me thinking in the dream I could hold on to it with my feet and drag it up back to shore. Bizarre.

Reading: Finished Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain (written from the perspective of a 12 year old lab mix dog) which was brilliant but a total tear jerker, and you know coming from a tough chick like me, that's huge. Liked it so much I though I would read another book by him. How Evan Broke his head adn Other Secrets. Another great book. Currently reading a short book called Grayson about a baby whale that follows this girl swimming about in ocean until it can find it's mom. Gotta love animals. Speaking of animals...

Cat Rescue: The invitiation for the August 16th fundraiser I am organizing for Maine Coon Adoptions came today, and they look great. Dexter did a super design job and we got a printer to DONATE 1,000 color, double sided postcards. Lots to do still, got to finish the script, but it should be a lot of fun and should raise at least $2500 for homeless kitties.

Other Theatre: Agreed to Direct Flag Day, a DARK comedy by Lee Blessing, produced by Second Wind, playing Sept 5-25 in San Jose. Rehaersals are in San Francisco, but I have a carpool ride, so my poor little not so happy at the moment yellow jeep ( No gas and the engine light is on) can rest and I can replenish funds and get him taken care of properly. I'm itching for a road trip like you wouldn't believe. And so is Jeep. Just... have to find the time. I'm thinking visiting my sister and best friend up in Washington and then maybe ifI'm luck just spending a few days in Vancouver. Part of me thinks that's pushing it. While seeing bears and Orcas in the wild would be a great way to recoop, saving up for 6 weeks in Africa next September/October I think will benefit me better in the long run. Then again, I might be a flight risk and one day just decide to take off for South America for a few weeks. Who knows. Now that I have Lincoln and Paxton, 3 legged wonder cats, I find it harder to leave them out of love and amusement even when I have plenty of people who would take over the apartment and look after them at a moments notice. They do put a cramp in the old spontaneous Susannah. Agian, we will see.

New cell phone law is in effect. I still see idiots merging onto the free way with their phones to their ears. Although I agree the vast majority of folks can't drive while talking on the phone, I also believe the vast majority of people can't actually drive, period. They can't drive while smoking, talking, listening to music, appying makeup, or if there is anyone else on the road. But what are you going to do? I'm against a lot of restrictive laws, but this is one freedom I think folks can sacrafice for the common good. the cell phone companies are totally in cahoots though with the law, now they sell more merchandise....ah capatilism.

Anyway....more soon....