Housewife in Hollywood - housewifeinhollywood.com

I was browsing retrojunk.com yesterday when I saw a post about a new Disney movie coming out in October. It amazes me how early they put trailers out these days but then again school is about to start up again and soon we’ll be deciding on Halloween costumes. We might as well plan our movie itinerary for the fall. Clear your calendars everyone and get ready for BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA!

Last year, I probably would not be interested in seeing this movie, unless the kiddo was begging me to. July 2007, we rescued a Chihuahua from a local shelter, and ever since then I’ve been a Chihuahua admirer. Yes they can be mean, ours isn’t mean but possibly schizophrenic. Yes they are just a bit bigger than a large city rat, but they have big personalities.

This film has an impressive cast including George Lopez, Drew Barrymore, Salma Hayek, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Edward James Olmos. The director Raja Gosnell directed another dog related flick, Scooby Doo. RUTT RO!

50% lover, 50% warrior, 100% Chihuahua. They couldn’t have written a better description of our little Chi Nash. He isn’t your typical Hollywood style Chihuahua, he won’t put up with being carried around in a Chanel bag and he doesn’t like wearing shoes.

He’d fit right in with a Chihuahua revolution.

Many of you might cringe at the sight of these dancing pooches on Disney’s official site but you have to admit the song is quite catchy.

My memory proved me wrong, this turned out to be my first Comic Con and I didn’t realize it. I had been to a much smaller comic book convention in the early 90’s. I was not prepared for the vastness of Comic Con and was lost for quite some time before I stopped to look for directions rather than just roam around.

Roaming around didn’t happen until I spent almost an hour circling the Historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego because every lot was full. When I did find a parking place it was more than a nice walk away at Seaport Village. Lucky for me, I was escorted to the Convention Center that had been completely taken over by Comic Con 2008.

Once I got there I was in a whirlwind of costumes, surrounded by comic fans carrying bags of free merchandise. In the exhibit area it was a bit of overload to the senses with so much to take in. There were photo opps with superheroes, figurines, comics, artist sketches, towering statues, and stages with scantily clad girls doing a superhero fashion show. Not to mention the curious waft of smells that would happen each time I was surrounded by a group of people. Lots of sweat, pungent socks, and could you please take a shower before you come to an event, sort of smells. Ahh the fun of being herded together like cattle.

Lots of pop culture at every turn but two pop culture phenomena grabbed my attention, Pokémon and Corey Feldman. There was a large Pokémon area for Pikachu lovers to explore. Further down the floor Corey Feldman was atop a stage doing a plug for his new movie Lost Boys: The Tribe. This is the sequel to the 80’s movie The Lost Boys. I am a fan of the first one so I’ll leave it at that.

Hours passed and I was more worn out than a full day of housecleaning by the time I checked out the booths on the small press floor. I can see now why people attend the Comic Con for days because it’s tough to get the full effect in one.

I was happy to get back to Seaport Village where I parked my car with ample amount of space, cool outdoor breeze and view of the San Diego Bay. Overall, it was an eventful day for this housewife, but I was more than ready to get back to some housecleaning. I can only take so much excitement.

Thanks to Ms. Monster and Captain Jack Sparrow for their shout outs.
You can find out more about Ms. Monster and her Hel on Ice show, she’s quite the entrepreneur and looks so good blue, at msmonster.com

Ron Rodriguez was the actual “Captain Jack Photo Double” for the real Johnny Depp during the making of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. If you’re looking for a Captain Jack for your next party or event go to deppimpersonator.com and contact Ron.

Ever since my teenage years, I’ve liked comic books. I am fascinated by the artwork, and intrigued by the ongoing storylines. I was never a collector or a die-hard fan but I still continue to admire classic comics, and I’m interested in a few of the latest characters and stories.

I’m off to the San Diego Comic Con 2008 eager to see interesting comics, merchandise and most of all meet with some talented people. So today’s 5 on Friday topic is:

5 of my Favorite Comics

X-Men

As a teen, X-Men, was the first comic introduced to me by my comic book loving friends. It was also the first comic to grab my interest. Maybe it’s because the storyline is like a continuing soap opera with characters in love, out of love, dead, not dead, and X-Men has many kick-butt female characters for a girl like me to admire. My favorite is Jean Grey, aka Phoenix, also starring in the Dark Phoenix Saga.

Rex Mundi

Lucky for me I was introduced to Rex Mundi by my favorite actor Johnny Depp. Without my JDOCD (Johnny Depp Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) I might not have read Rex Mundi. You can read my interview with writer Arvid Nelson here. Be on the lookout for the latest edition of Rex Mundi, and production stories about Depp making this literary graphic novel into a film.

Daredevil

Thanks to Stan Lee for this cool character in the Marvel Comic Universe. Not sure why I think this guy is such a cool dude but with a name like Daredevil how can you not be.

“Daredevil is notable as being among the few superheroes with a disability, being blinded as a youth in a radioactive accident that also drastically heightened his remaining senses and gave him a “radar-sense” allowing him to perceive his surroundings. His public identity is Matt Murdock, a successful attorney-at-law.”–Wikipedia

Spider-Man

Once again another Marvel comic book co-created, by Stan Lee.

Nice guy turned superhero is always a great setup for a comic book story. This coming of age chronicle about a young guy bitten by a super spider and learning to use his powers for good and not evil makes Spider-Man a favorite for generations to come.

Wonder Woman

Being one of the first female comic book characters to be deemed a superhero I had to add Wonder Woman to the list. You go girl!

Wonder woman doesn’t get the official first female superhero title, that honor goes to a housewife. A 5’10”, 230 pound housewife affiliated with the Justice League who wore longjohns and carried a saucepan, named Ma Hunkle aka Red Tornado. Thank goodness for Wonder Woman!

I’m sure you’ve heard or been a part of a debate about who would beat who in a superhero battle. Usually it’s a battle between a Marvel vs. a DC character, example Spider-Man vs. Superman. I haven’t a clue as to who would win, or how they’d do it but I’ll be surrounded by people at the Comic Con that will tell me what they think. Check out these creative and fun videos from ItsJustSomeRandomGuy on YouTube.

I like to think of myself as a student of Jack LaLanne’s teaching. Even though I’m not always a good student, I do try my best to follow what I’ve learned from the Godfather of Fitness.  I did a Q&A with Jack LaLanne that you can view by clicking here.

Jack just recently joined his Grand Nephew Chris Lalanne in celebrating the grand opening of LaLanne Fitness in San Francisco. I talked with Chris about his new gym and the training method called Crossfit. When I asked what Jack thought about this method he said, “Jack loves it!”

If it has Jack LaLanne’s approval I’m checking it out. You’ve got to listen to a man that exercises two hours a day at age 93, and can turn down a doughnut without thinking twice.

Here’s more from my conversation with Chris:

HIH:  When did you decide to be involved in the fitness industry like your famous Uncle?

Chris:  Jack has been an inspiration to me for as long as I can remember.  I have been blessed with a name that will allow me to continue the LaLanne Legacy of helping people, help themselves.

HIH:   Congratulations on the grand opening of your gym in San Francisco. Is this something that evolved over time or was it always a dream of yours to open your own fitness center?

Chris:  I have always wanted to reach more people. One on one personal training was limiting in terms of how many people I could help in one day.  Now, with CrossFit and what we do here at LaLanne Fitness, our small group training allows me to help 10 times as many people!  Uncle Jack was on the ultimate platform…TELEVISION!  Will I be on T.V. someday?  We are currently involved in a reality show.  What direction that goes in is anybody’s guess.

HIH:  Can you explain what sets your gym apart from others?

Chris:  Here at LaLanne Fitness the CrossFit method of training provides the solution our society needs and wants.  There are four reasons why; 1. Shorter more efficient workouts = more CONVENIENCE.  2. Small group training = more AFFORDABLE. 3. Effective exercises and functional movements = more RESULTS.  4.  Accountability and supportive community = long-term SUCCESS!

HIH:  I noticed on your website the use of a whiteboard during training. Jack LaLanne used a whiteboard and chalkboard to explain concepts to his students on his TV show.  How is the board used in your facility?

Chris:  The white board is where our “Work out of the Day” is posted.  Every workout is time and scored.  These times are posted on the board so that all of the students can see each other’s performances.  We also use them for lectures similar to how Uncle Jack would use the chalkboard.

HIH:  Jack LaLanne told me the only good part of a doughnut is the hole in the middle. Are you as extreme about what you eat or do you indulge once and awhile in foods and beverages that nature didn’t intend for us?

Chris:   I have always eaten according to the LaLanne philosophy. “If man made it, don’t eat it.”  While in college, I was a competitive bodybuilder, with very meticulous eating strategies.  Just like I tell my students, I consistently make healthy food choices.

HIH:    Will you be opening gyms in other cities?

Chris:   At this point, my goal is to help the people of San Francisco.  If we are successful, who knows where we’ll end up?  For now it’s one student and one day at a time!

HIH:   What about making fitness DVD’s or even another LaLanne style TV show?
 
Chris:   If that is the path that life takes me…Great!  I am interested in providing long-term solutions to help people make changes for life. I believe there is an opportunity to help people down all of those avenues including; books, DVD’s and television!

HIH:   With all the diets out there it’s difficult to know what theory to follow, low carb, low cal, food combining etc… Many health clubs offer supplements and nutrition programs loaded with processed ingredients and artificial sweeteners. Does your gym offer nutrition training?

Chris:  We require all of our students to keep a food journal.  It’s amazing what happens when you have to record what you are eating.  This builds self-discipline and accountability for decisions you make on a daily basis.  I recommend the Zone Diet.  It is scientifically the most well balanced approach to eating.  The Zone Diet is based on controlling hormones, which are responsible for storage of body fat and silent inflammation.  Read, “Enter the Zone”…it’s valuable information.

HIH:   Speaking of artificial sweeteners, I asked Jack what he thought about America’s obsession with them and his answer was, “No comment.” What do you think about using artificial sweeteners to replace sugar?
 
Chris:  Just like fake fat (margarine), fake sugar (aspartame) is not good for you.  However, there is one product that my wife Maribel like’s called  ‘stevia’.  It’s derived from an herb.  Otherwise, most processed food products can be harmful.

HIH:   Do you have any ambitions to do some of the super human feats Jack has done, like pulling boats while swimming handcuffed?

Chris:  Not sure.  What ever I do, is has to be original.  Actually, every Workout of the Day is like a competitive event with myself.  CrossFit is a method of training that has turned exercise into an athletic event…it is “The Sport of Fitness”.

HIH:    Are you still doing a radio show with Jack LaLanne?
 
Chris:  Yes we are currently on hiatus.  We will resume the recording of “Jack LaLanne Live” this summer with some new features.  I would like to add video to the show so that our audience can ‘see’ what we are talking about!  The Jack LaLanne Show, which ran for 35 years was all about participation, we can get these people away from their desk and get moving!

HIH:    I just have to ask if Jack ever comes in for a work out.
 
Chris:  Jack was just here for our Grand Opening Celebration.  He did a few lunges then jumped up onto the stage…that was impressive!  Jack is in amazing condition for a 93 year old.  He’s like the energizer bunny…keep’s going!  Jack is a man who made a difference in our world.  He is truly an American icon and I am fortunate to carry on the LaLanne Legacy of helping people, help themselves!

I grew up watching re-runs of I Dream of Jeannie, wishing that I lived in that lavish bottle, and could bob my ponytail and make wishes come true. Come to think of it, I still wish I could do that.

Jeannie’s bottle was not only comfy and fun on the inside it was stunning on the outside, with ornate designs and mystical colors of purple, pink and gold. I know I can’t magically poof my way into one of these beautiful bottles but I found out I can own one of them. Thanks to Mario Della Casa, I can purchase my very own Jeannie Bottle. You can too!

I wanted to find out more about Mario Della Casa, the Jeannie Bottle maker. Mario is also an amazing artist, creating exclusive paintings for celebrities and anyone looking for their own elegant painting.

Learn more about Mario and his artwork by reading my interview with him:

HIH: I loved and still love watching re-runs of I Dream of Jeannie. I imagine you are a fan of the show since you create intricate Jeannie bottles. Can you explain how you went from being a fan of the show to making official bottles as custom artwork?

Mario: One of my fondest and earliest memories is watching the show while it was originally aired in black and white. Some things just stay with you for life, and Jeannie is one of them.

From that day on, I was hooked!!! I Loved Jeannie, but even more…. I JUST HAD TO HAVE THAT BOTTLE!

I knew that I probably wasn’t the only one who might want a Jeannie bottle of my very own, so I decided to make other fans’ dreams come true by making them! The look of amazement when friends and family would walk into my home and discover Jeannie’s Bottle sitting right there on my fireplace mantel is something I still get a kick out of every single time it happens! It’s truly unbelievable.

As a fellow I Dream of Jeannie fan I am sure you can understand that there will be no better feeling than to hold your very own Jeannie bottle for the very first time, pulling off the top and making that first wish! It’s a major rush!

I believe the world would be a better place, if everyone’s wishes came true. I believe in my own small way I am helping dreams & wishes come true when I create this stunning magical bottle. As an artist I find it a very rewarding challenge to be able to create such a masterpiece. A lot of time, thought, dedication and LOVE goes into making each one, its truly a work of art.

My Gallery Bottles are handcrafted and created in BRASS so they will last forever and will NOT BREAK! They really are truly outstanding, and even Ms. Barbara Eden, Mr. Larry Hagman & Mr. Bill Daily Own My Collection.

On a personal note, what I do is more than just making a bottle. It’s all about having you hold it – making all those childhood dreams and heart filled wishes you ever wanted to make. To have your mind and soul slip back in time and actually re-live those happier days.

Most of all, I want to bring back Magic into your lives. My reward is watching that smile appear on your face, believing that wishes DO come true. If this is accomplished, then one of my own wishes have come true.

Professionally I wear many hats, Not only am I am an Artist of The I Dream of Jeannie Bottle and the owner of www.JeannieBottles.com I am also a Celebrity Artist and the owner of www.ElegantPaintings.com and if that weren’t enough, I am also a celebrity booking agent

There’s a video online that you can see that will show you more about me, which is at
http://www.elegantpaintings.com/index_video.html

HIH: What does the cast of I Dream of Jeannie think of your bottles?

Mario: The Cast loves my Bottles, I am the only Artist in History ever awarded the license to create The Authorized I dream of Jeannie Bottle, Barbara is a Classy Lady, and Larry & Bill are very close and dear friends of mine, so I am very lucky to have the endorsement of the cast of I Dream of Jeannie.

HIH: I believe that retro television has its own artistic merit because it can evoke many feelings in a person. It can also have somewhat of a social commentary. What are some of your favorite television shows from decades past that spark your emotions?

Mario: Bewitched, Nanny & the Professor, I Love Lucy, The Munsters, Lost In Space, Every one of these shows had Magic, Fantasy, and fun in them and it really allowed me to explore my inner-self. If it were not for these shows I would have definitely taken another path in life I’m sure.

HIH: You and your Jeannie bottles were featured on the TV Land Awards. That would be a great show to attend, especially for a pop culture junkie like me. What was your experience like?

Mario: My bottles did not only feature on TVLAND, but I was the Artist for the award bottle. Every person that won the award and all the actors that attended the show also received my bottle. It’s always a wonderful & magical experience, to attend red carpet events, I have been to many.

Not only has my bottle been featured on TVLAND but I have shared my unique expertise of Hollywood art with a truly exclusive clientele that includes Hollywood superstars, Major players in the motion picture and television industries, chief executive officers of U.S. and international corporations, authors, judges, legislators. My work has been exhibited in the United States, throughout the United Kingdom and Australia, as well as having been featured on GOOD MORNING AMERICA, ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT, A&E BIOGRAPHY, and on the TV Land Television Network. I have also created unique art pieces for numerous national commercials, magazines and currently appearing on LifetimeTV’s “Life among the Dead” Staring Lisa Williams.

HIH: I’ve read that people who receive your paintings think you have tapped into the memories & spirit of the subjects you paint. Do you feel a spiritual connection while you are painting?

Mario: I wouldn’t call it spiritual connection, but I do enter a ZONE while I am painting, and I am not happy until the painting is pure perfection.

HIH: At what age did you realize your artistic talent?

Mario: All my life

HIH: Talent doesn’t always go along with passion, when did your enthusiasm for painting begin?

Mario: Since I discovered I could make my own coloring books as a child

HIH: What can you say to the aspiring artists out there about forging ahead with their own ideas?

Mario: That they should NEVER say “I am not as good as this person or that person” You don’t need to be as good as someone else you just need to be as good as YOU are. To be able to have a creative mind is a gift and not to use it is a SIN, and this world NEEDS artist to make it a more colorful place, its more than our duty, it’s our responsibility to share it, and make this world a brighter and more colorful place to be.

HIH: Your IMDb resume says you were on an Italian soap opera for years. Tell us about your acting career. Do you have the same excitement for acting as you do you art?

Mario: I was very very young I really have no memory of the show

HIH: You seem very close to your mother Pina Della Casa. of www.PinaDellaCasa.com She is the author of a book called The Littlest Book for Acid Burning Relief. She seems like an extraordinary business woman. How has she influenced your artistic talent?

Mario: My mother is the best mother in the world and has always stood by me telling me how proud she is of me, I am Proud to say that My mother is “Beauty” in the purest form inside and out. A strong and an amazing woman. She has always inspired me to be ME, and all she wants in return is for me to be happy. I am lucky to have her nearby, and I count my blessings and thank God for her each and every day.

HIH: Many celebrities endorse your photo realistic artwork and Jeannie bottles. Anthony Michael Hall has your artwork banner on his MySpace page. When did you meet Anthony Michael Hall?

Mario: I have known the Hall Family for years. “The Hall Family” are my extended family actually. I love them very dearly. They are all Talented and wonderful and beautiful people AMH’s mother is one of the BEST singers in the world, his Father Tommy is a Brilliant Entertainment manager and His Sister Mary is just like her mother when it comes to talent. Believe me, the fruit didn’t fall far from the trees in that family that’s for sure! I am lucky to know them and they are a huge part of my life and family. We are as close as family can ever be, so yes to answer your question, I’ve met him lol! As far as Celebrities, My clientele list of famous clients is impressive, including Anthony Michael Hall,  Oprah, Lisa Williams, Pamela Anderson, John Edward, Barbara Eden, Larry Hagman, Charlene Tilton, Linda Grey, Linda Blair, Kate Mulgrew, Penny Marshal and Cindy Williams are among those that own or have his work. The Late Aaron Spelling, The Late Christopher and Dana Reeve,  Laurence Fishburne, Gina Davis and the Museum of Television’s James Comisar and many other Hollywood notables.

HIH: What artists do you admire most?

Mario:   All The Masters work. But I admire the common artist more, because its the fresh ideas that will keep us going!

HIH:   Are you involved with any charitable events?

Mario:   I am uniquely committed to assisting those who struggle with the present, having raised money for Project Angel Food, Make a Wish Foundation, and numerous Pet Saving Organizations. I have donated my art specifically for Christie’s, Sotheby’s and the Hollywood memorabilia department for Butterfields, so they may auction my artwork to raise funds for those in need. On October  12,th 2008, I will be at the Beverly Hills Hilton selling my best works so I can help with The Event VOICE LOVES MUSIC. This event needs your support, it is charity event that is battling Domestic Violence Against Woman. I ask every woman to go to this website, http://voiceslovemusic.com/dv.html  and get your tickets, and come support this wonderful organization. I will have my artwork at the event where you can see it and purchase it at a discounted rate. Make no mistake, Every sale I generate I will be donating monies back to this very important and wonderful charity.

In Closing I ask that MySpace members please add www.myspace.com/beautifulwonderwithin and www.myspace.com/voiceslovemusic to show your support, and while you’re at it add me too www.myspace.com/mariodellacasa
 

With all The Dark Knight hype this weekend I’ve been thinking about bats lately. I pondered all the exciting Batman related topics I could come up with. From 5 Cool Batman Gadgets to 5 Supporting Dark Knight Actors but for some reason my heart just wasn’t in it. Don’t get me wrong I’m excited to see a film based on the comic book character from Frank MIller. The much talked about outstanding performance by Heath Ledger, along with the amazing visuals and direction of Christopher Nolan, with supporting roles by Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and Anthony Michael Hall, but I had to come up with something a bit more Housewife in Hollywood and less Entertainment Tonight. Let’s face it, doesn’t everyone know how great the movie is going to be and how cool Batman’s Batcycle (Batpod) is?

With all the Batman ideas on the brain, I was reminded of my cute little bat Bootsana. Yes I adopted a bat! I am one of the many other people who want to help these wonderful creatures with the help of the Bat World Sanctuary, a place for orphan, and injured bats to heal and live up to their full bat potential. You can help a bat without having to keep one hanging in your living room.

Here’s a pic of Bootsana. Isn’t she cute?

You can adopt a bat too at Bat World Sanctuary. Find out more about bats and reasons why they should be protected at www.batworld.org

So here they are:

5 Bat Inspired Characters

1. Stellaluna, children’s book character also starring in the movie of the same name.

2. Rouge the Bat, from the Sonic the Hedgehog Gaming Series

3. Fu-Fu, from the animated series children’s series Sagwa on PBS Kids.

4. Dracula, of course I’m talking about Bela Lugosi’s version:

5. Batman, no not The Dark Knight, this one:

The Ophelia Theatre Group  will be performing Shakespeare’s comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this weekend at the Lake Elsinore Cultural Center, in CA.

Watching Shakespeare isn’t always as daunting as reading can be. For those of you afraid you can’t read Shakespeare or not yet into 17th century literature you can always turn to Cliff Notes. Not only do they have a Shakespeare for Dummies style to help you understand his amazing works, they have a Manga version for all you Manga lovers out there. Their ad says: Shakespeare Phobe? Get Over It! Get the Manga Editions Now! If the teenagers of today don’t get an A+ in English Lit with these types of resources, there’s no helping them.

Adaptation and interpretation can be seen as sincere forms of flattery. Shakespeare’s influence on pop culture and daily life is everywhere. Many frequently used phrases were coined by this brilliant playwright, such as: full circle, the world’s my oyster, and eaten out of house and home. To read more check out this article from National Geographic News.

I stumbled upon a great blog about Shakespeare. With many pop culture references it points out interesting connections, and the inspiration Shakespeare brings to modern day writings, and performances.

I wonder if Shakespeare would be flattered by all the ways his plays have been used. What do you think his take would be on this one?

Thanks to George Davis for my new logo design. George aka GEO is a talented artist specializing in comic book, tattoo, rock band, and tiki art. He also made my alter ego look like a housewife hottie! If only I could erase and color in my real self each morning I’d have loads of fun getting all dolled up.

George is also a member of The Fairfield Fats Band.
If you’re near the San Diego, CA area on Friday the 18th stop by the Tiki House for the 8:00pm show, and tell him the Housewife in Hollywood sent you.

Find out more about George Davis, and his awesome artwork at http://www.myspace.com/tikigeo

Merchandise featuring this new design will be available soon at the Housewife in Hollywood Shop!

I was searching the internet for information about the Comic Con in San Diego next week when I came across a Pauly Shore clip featuring a drive by from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Those guys were all the rage back in the early 90′s.
A guy pretending to be a weasel, and turtles pretending to be guys. That’s the early 90′s for you in a nutshell. Good times!

Here’s the Youtube clip I found from a 90′s morning show which is funny in more ways than one:

I can’t tell what makes me laugh more, the Ninja Turtles in the background, Pauly’s Weasel style or the straight laced news guy.
Pauly has a DVD out called Natural Born Komics. His last DVD entitled Pauly Shore Is Dead was pretty good in a made for DVD sort of way. Lots of big names involved. Natural Born Komics looks funny, and in some of the clips he’s wearing the same shirt he wore when I saw him at The Comedy Store in La Jolla for my birthday .
I’m excited about going to the Comic Con this year. I don’t think I’ve been to one since The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles first movie came out.

Here’s another great clip from the 90′s. It’s not Pauly Shore but it’s another popular white dude from back in the day. Go Ninja Go Ninja Go!

Anyone else going to the Comic Con in San Diego?

It’s Saturday, almost sunset in Southern California. The light of the day is about to fade away into another summer night. Anyone else remember the song Light and Day years ago by Polyphonic Spree?

A friend of mine sent me a vid clip featuring Jack Black and for some reason it reminded me of that massive pop choir all dressed in white, ready for a musical revival. When my daughter was around 3 years old she loved twirling in my computer chair with her eyes closed while listening to their song Light and Day. I had mixed feelings because even though the song was contagious, the idea that they had a cult following with people saying their concerts transformed them sort of freaked me out.

Of course this is a bit silly because I find inspiration in the strangest of pop culture places. I recently watched Kung Fu Panda and was high for days with the idea that I could do the impossible just like Po the Panda if I just believed. I also get fired up about taking on new adventures in life whenever I listen to Madonna’s song Give It 2 Me off her Hard Candy album.

So I can see how people’s lives or at least their idea of them might change miraculously by being at an event. Anyone out there feel changed by some musical, theatrical or artistic experience? What about Alf? How many people were altered to another layer of existence after viewing Alf for the first time? Come on now there’s got to be at least one person out there.