Smoothie Dream

I seriously have some strange dreams! Last night was no exception. From what I remember, I started out in some sort of Jamba Juice type place. I was ordering some smoothies, three of them...all for me. Hey, maybe I was super thirsty! For some reason I ordered one avocado one. Yuck. The other two where a strawberry banana one and an orange one, I believe. They took forever to make them, and I felt like I was in a rush. As soon as I got out, I hopped into a car which took me on a quick ride to my high school! Apparently I had to go to two classes. I was already almost completely late for one of them. I told them to take my smoothies home and save them. They could have the avocado one if they wanted. As soon as my classes were over, I went on back home, but now suddenly the school grounds turned into some kind of casino. As I was walking through some slot machines I came across my friends, both the Carlos(es), who looked like they'd just come back from swimming or something. So then I went on home and I was upset to find out somebody drank my smoothies! Hey, what can I say, I love me some smoothies! LOL Just one of those random weird dreams that don't really make much sense. hehe But it was fun.

Dreaming Of You

I've had many dreams throughout my life. Some are just normal everyday dreams...hanging out with friends, going to an amusement park, reliving some high school settings, etc. Others are a bit more out there...vampires, giant city-attacking monsters, being able to fly, etc. Most of them include people I know or at least knew at one point. Often, if they include someone I know, I like to share the dream with that particular person. In part because it's fun to share the dream, but also because I often wonder what if we actually had the same dream and in some twighlight zone kind of twist were actually walking within each others dream states. lol Yeah...a bit of a far stretch, but hey you never know.

But despite what crazy or wacky dreams I may have had, a few of the more interesting experiences have involved those dreams where I feel like I wasn't fully asleep. There are times when I feel like I am only half asleep. My eyes are closed and my body is mostly at rest, but some senses, such as hearing, are still quite responsive to what's going on around me in the physical world. I remember one time, for example, my radio had turned on at 5:30 as it always does (my alarm then goes off around 6, to tell me it's time to get up), and they were interviewing David Boreanaz. I think I must've dozed off for a few minutes again because before I knew it, there I was sitting in the radio station studio, watching David Boreanaz talking into the microphones while the DJ's interviewed him. I was able to walk around the room and touch things, just like in a dream, while at the same time I was hearing the interview go on exactly as it was happening in real life on the radio. I just thought that was pretty cool.

This past Saturday night, I had a dream that tops any I've ever had. Actually, I don't know if I'd call it a dream. I'm not sure what it was. All I know is that I was asleep, in bed, in complete darkness...when all of a sudden I feel a hand on me. I had fallen asleep on my side and I felt a hand being placed on my neck/shoulder area. I reached out with my own hand and placed it above the person's hand. Right away I knew who it was. But what I didn't know was how he'd gotten inside my house. He'd been there earlier that night, but then left to go out with his friends, while I chose to stay home. My whole family was out of town, so it was just me there at home. Nobody else could've let him in. I tried asking him how he got in, but I couldn't talk. My voice felt like it was gone, or at least jumbled...very small sounds came out, but they weren't words. And I tried turning over to face him, but I couldn't even move. I knew it was him though, because over the past six years I've come to recognize the feel of that hand without having to see who it is. I never felt scared at that moment, it was more of a confused feeling. It didn't even feel like any dream. It felt so real. As real as it would feel if I was to touch my own hands at this instant. No dreamlike state or feelings, all pure real physical feelings. That's why I was confused, I wasn't sure what was going on. Why couldn't I move? How did he get in? What happened to my voice? And then, in an instant, as if somebody had flipped the switch, I "woke up" from this state. I don't even remember my eyes actually opening, though. It's as if I already had them open and was staring out toward the wall, and then in an instant I felt the strange feelings go away and I snapped out of it, but I was still in the exact same position staring out at that wall. I was now able to turn around but of course nobody was there.

I went back to sleep right away. I was never scared, eventhough I was all alone in the house. I still don't really get exactly what happened. At the moment I could've sworn it was all real. It felt so real, like no dreamlike feelings I've ever had. lol

Anything like this ever happen to any of you?

Apocalypse...nowish?

Last weekend was all bright, sunny, blue skies and freakin' hot! And now, it's gray, cloudy and rainy. Plus, from what I heard there was some hail and "tornadoes in Riverside County derailed a freight train and flipped a big rig. Orange County saw massive mudslides, while L.A. County faced flash-flood warnings and closure of the 10 Freeway." Is the apocalypse here and nobody told me? If I see birds start crashing at my windows by the dozen or fire falling from the sky...I am outta here! :)

Meet Jay Brannan

Today's musical recommendation is brought to you by the letter JAY!

Have you heard Jay Brannan yet? If not, then you should. I like his songs, so that means you have to as well! :) Check out a couple of his videos below. I got to see him live earlier this year out at the Troubadour.

He's got his first full lenght CD coming out this summer, entitled goddamned. It's set to be released digitally on July 1st, then the hard copy available on July 15 through his site. You can pre-order it at www.jaybrannanstore.com.

He's going on some tour dates as well, which you can check out (and get tickets) at jaybrannan.com. I already got mine for the El Rey show on July 22. :)

HOUSEWIFE

BODY'S A TEMPLE

Joss Whedon's Dollhouse

Dollhouse is coming! And here's the first look at the cast. I can't wait! I need some Whedon-TV!

From what I hear, it'll be a mid-season show, probably starting out in early 2009, on Monday nights on FOX (as a lead in to 24).

If you hadn't heard about the show yet, here's some info on it from Wikipedia:

In Dollhouse, Eliza Dushku plays a young woman named Echo, a member of a group of people known as "Actives" or "Dolls" who have had their personalities wiped clean so they can be imprinted with any number of new personas, including memory, muscle memory, skills, and language, for different assignments. They're then hired out for particular jobs, crimes, fantasies, and occasional good deeds. In between tasks, they are mind-wiped into a child-like state and live in a futuristic dormitory/laboratory, a hidden facility nicknamed "The Dollhouse". The story follows Echo, who begins, in her mind-wiped state, to become self-aware.

Beyond Dushku's character, the show will also revolve around the people who run the mysterious "Dollhouse" and two other "Dolls", Victor and Sierra, a man and woman who are friendly with Echo. Although the Actives are ostensibly volunteers, the operation is highly illegal and under constant threat from Paul Smith, a determined federal agent who has heard a rumor about the dolls on one end and an insane rogue Active on the other.

So Who's with me on this one!?!?

The Totally Rad Show

Love movies, comics, video games, television and other entertainment-technology-pop culture related goodies!?!? Looking for a fun podcast that'll cater to the geek in you? Well, if you haven't already, head on over to www.totallyradshow.com!

I listen to several random podcasts, all related to music, movies or some of my favorite TV shows. But if I had to pick one that I'd say is my favorite, The Totally Rad Show (TRS for short) would definitely be it! It's hosted by three guys, Alex, Dan and Jeff, who each week release a new episode where they cover new comics, films, TV shows, dvds, etc. They open each episode with a parody of certain movies, and then cover each of the topics in segments. They usually close with a fan letter that has them answering a question/topic...which at times is one of my favorite segments, because I love hearing them talk about things they grew up with. A lot of the stuff they talk about, both from the present and the past (such as old TV theme songs, commercials, toys, etc), are things I know about and usually love. So I get a kick out of hearing them talk about them with as much excitement as I would. lol

It's a fun podcast, and best of all it's in video format! So they stand in front of a green screen while images related to what they are talking about appear behind them. Unfortunately I don't always have time to watch the video version so usually end up just listening to the audio version at work. Kinda kills half the fun of seeing the visual. lol

Anyhow, just thought I'd mention them as my podcast recommendation. :) If you're into the same kind of things I am, I know you'll enjoy it!

Martes 13

I haven't written much in the past couple days. Not much out of the ordinary and worth writing down has really happened. lol Hmmm....let's see....what have I done recently. Work, Eat, Sleep. Repeat and rinse 5X a week. lol Weekends mostly just been chilling, a couple bday parties and club nights, and watching movies. I saw Iron Man and Speed Racer so far, two of the big Summer season movies. Iron Man was great. I loved it! I like that they didn't focus too much on just the special effects, they took some time to build the story, and it came out nicely! Speed Racer, I must say I also liked it. Yes, it got pretty bad reviews and didn't even make #1 on opening weekend, falling way short of what was expected. But I don't care! I had fun with that movie. Yes, there were a few parts that did feel a bit childish, but then there were other parts that were just crazy-fun to watch! It's based on an anime cartoon from back in the day, so it borrows a lot of those cartoony elements. Was it a GREAT movie that I say you MUST see? Nope. But I still liked it, and that's what matters! LOL

So yeah, things are going cool. Calm and normal, nothing crazy. This coming weekend is Long Beach Pride. Not sure yet if I'll get to go this year. Also, the new Narnia opens this weekend, so I definitely want to check that out! I love the Summer movie season! :)

Gremlins In The Office

I love this commercial! Brings back some childhood memories, along with hopes of a third Gremlins movie! :)

Cindo De Mayo Monday

Ah, Monday. You, the most hated day of the work week! We meet again! It's inevitable. I knew you were coming. No matter how hard I may try to fight, no matter how long the weekend may be, you always manage to find your way back into my life. Reminding me of that thing I have to do for 40 hours a week. That responsibility that brings in what little money I can get. The job! On the bright side, no more sniffles! As of Friday I think I got through the little random cold or allergies or whatever I had last week that was bugging the hell out of me. But now my nasal passages are feeling way better, much clearer...thank you for asking! hehe

So yeah, it's back to work again, after a nice little three day weekend. Friday I didn't work, was out on a sick day. But fortunately I was feeling better so I was able to have a little fun. So we headed out to eat at Islands, where I enjoyed a nice Teriyaki chicken burger and he had an avocado one. Oh Mr. Teriyaki, where have you been all my life!? Why did I always deny you entry into my mouth! Wait...that came out wrong. Nonetheless, I'd never tried teriyaki until a few months back, and now I love it.

After lunch, we went to watch Iron Man. It was a great movie! I was a bit worried at first that it might be like Ghost Rider. I did go see Ghost Rider, even though I knew it looked bad and it WAS bad, but I still went. What can I say? I love movies, love special FX, love Marvel...couldn't help myself. hehe But fortunately, Iron Man was different. It was a fun, action-packed movie. And it actually took time to tell a story and not just throw in 90% special effects all the time. So go check it out...at only $100 million on opening weekend, it needs all the help it can get. LOL Later that night we headed over to our friend's bday dinner in downtown L.A. (Weiland Brewery Underground) and hung out there for a few hours, then called it a night.

Saturday and Sunday were more "chill" days. We had a nice lunch at Marie Callendar's on Saturday and relaxed at my house, then he went out and I stayed in, even though I couldn't sleep much because I had taken a nap in the day. lol Sunday we just ran some errands and relaxed some more. Overall, it was a nice weekend. So come this morning it was tough to have to get up and head to work. But here I am!

Sneeze-O-Rama

I woke up yesterday feeling pretty much "OK" for a Monday morning. Sure, I had my usual grumpy mood just because the weekend was over and it was back to work for another 5 days. But what can I do, right? It's gotta be done.

It was a slow day at the office, many people were out and not a lot of work came in. For most of the day I felt ok. I even ate my lunch while I was still working so I could just use my actual lunch hour to go out for a nice one hour active walk. You know...what with me trying to be more "healthy." lol So there I was, out in this hot weather, going for a walk. And what happens? Damn allergies is what happened! After I got back, I came back with a runny itchy nose and watery eyes and just felt like crap! So those last two hours of work were no fun at all. Later that night, J and I went to have dinner and then to Target, so I got some allergy pills there. I still woke up feeling allergy-crappy this morning. But now I've taken a pill and as of this minute I'm feeling a bit better than I was an hour ago. I hope I can pull through the day without feeling all crappy and hazy. I wanna be like those Claritin commercials where they take the people out of their funky hazy feeling. lol Still...I didn't use Claritin. But it better still work. lol

Is there such a thing as being allergic to the sun? I seem to notice that many times when I get this allergic reaction is when I'm out on a sunny day. Like one time I went to Disneyland, feeling normal, but by day's end I felt like tearing my nose and eyes out! lol Same thing happened once at a beach, I felt normal and then later on felt crappy. I guess it's kind of a good thing then that I don't have to work outside. But kinda makes me think twice about whether I want to go back out on my lunch hour walk today. I was doing so good with that all last week! I'd hate to stop now. But is it really worth it if I'll come back again feeling crappy afterward? But hmm...maybe this allergy med will help. Honestly, I'm not even 100% sure I have allergies. lol But based on what I've felt and how it just hits suddenly, I'm guessing I must have some, albeit maybe not as often and as strong as some other people.

Fat, be gone!

I hate you! You annoying dirty little son of a bitch! Why won't you go away? Why must you always cling to me, being a constant pesky presence and reminder of my failures as a human beign? Why can't you finally just go away, shrivel up somewhere and die like the worthless piece of crap you are? Why, why, why? Just leave already! Damn you! Yes, I'm talking to you...Fat!

So yeah...I'm sick and tired of feeling "fat". And I have to admit, I use the term "fat" loosely. If you look at me, you probably wouldn't think of me as fat. I'm kinda tall and have thin arms and so I do look like I'm thin all over. But I do have a tummy troubles, though...just like many of us here in America. Usually the clothes can hide it pretty well. But once it's just me, alone and naked...that's when the secret's out. lol Plus, there are times when I stop caring much and just eat whatever crap I want...then it starts to show in my face. People start to comment on how I look "bigger" and I start to notice it in my own pictures. That's usually when I'm reminded I need to do something. Like I've just started to again this week.

I've already been eating a bit better for a while. I no longer go out to fast food places every day for lunch like I used to. I bring my own food from home, usually something light and healthy. And I can usually finish it pretty quickly at lunch, which would then leave me time to just play on the net and browse around. But no more of that! I'm going to try to go out for a 30 minute walk outside the office, after I finish my actual eating during lunch. And when I get home, I want to go back to doing some exercises. I don't really want to go jogging at night around where I live, lately just doesn't feel as safe anymore with what I've seen in the news. So I'm just doing it all at home for now. Maybe once I see some results and feel more "active" I'll try a gym, too. Another thing I'm working on is watching what I eat when I do go eat out. Instead of the stacked up greasy burgers and fries, I'll try to eat lighter dishes, grilled chickens, salads, etc. I also need to cut down on all my sugary drinks. I love smoothies and lemonades when I go out to eat...but as Juan pointed out water is way healthier and cheaper (i.e. free lol).

In the end, I have nobody to blame but myself if I don't like how my body looks. I don't necessarily want a big buff toned body, although hell...that WOULD be nice! But honestly, I just want a flat tummy and thinner face....just to look better, healthier. I see guys in magazines, in movies, in ads, jogging out in public...all over...with the nice healthy in-shape bodies that I've always wanted to have. It just kills me when I go home and it's still just me...Mr. Out-Of-Shape and always lazy and tired. lol

Will this be the one time I finally stick to my new lifestyle choices and get in better shape? Only time will tell. Maybe I need to do something dramatic. Like take pictures of myself in my underwear and then say that if I don't reach certain goals within a time frame, they'll be released to the public. lol I saw that somewhere....was it Oprah maybe? I don't know...but seemed like a good idea that would work on me. The threath of having those gross pictures released if I don't keep in shape. lol

Oh well, here we go...day three of my latest goals. I should weigh myself soon so I have a starting point to look back on and compare later.

Daft Punk - Harder Bodies

I could soooo do this. But I just don't want to. :) So I'll let these guys take over. Enjoy! lol

Another Weekend Ends

It's Monday yet again, another three day weekend has come and gone. Why must it end!? lol I took last Friday off from work just because Juan was on Spring break and since I don't get such a break, I wanted to take a couple days off with him. I took the Monday for his birthday, and then Friday just to hang out. I'll tell you right now, we didn't do that much all weekend. But it doesn't matter. Just spending time with him means a lot. Yeah I know what you're thinking...enough with the mushy love stuff.

Anyhow, let's see. I went over to his house Thursday night, as has become a sort of unofficial tradition, to the point that even my family is surprised when I do go home on a Thursday night. lol We just ordered some pizza that night, pigged out a bit, and chilled. Friday we ran a couple of errands he needed, and then had lunch at a CPK. It was nice. Having lunch with him on a Friday instead of being at work...oh so definitely worth every minute of it! lol That night we were kinda trying to figure out what to do. Neither of us was in much of a clubbing mode, there weren't any movies we really wanted to see at the time, so he suggested we just go to Best Buy and just look around. We both love electronics and all that stuff, so we love to just browse those types of stores and look at all the goodies we wish we could get. hehe Earlier that day, I bought a Maroon 5 CD, their latest, so I took it with me in the car and we listened to it together. We ended up missing a turn and drove a bit further than we needed to. But thinking back to it, driving around just listening to that CD and talking, it was nice. Reminds me of one time when we just stopped the car near a beach, turned on a Madonna CD he had in his car, and just sat there, staring out into the night, listening to the music. Yet another thing I'd rather be doing now than having to be back at work. lol

On Saturday we didn't do too much either. We did watch some episodes of Just For Laughs. That's one of our favorite things to watch together. We always share many good laughs with that show. It's another of our little unofficial traditions. lol He records them for us and waits for me to visit and we watch them together. Laughter is fun when you're on your own to make you feel good, but sharing it with somebody is even greater. That night he ended up going out with his cousin to the pool, but I needed to get back home and take care of some tasks. I washed my car, cut my hair, shaved, showered, paid a few bills, checked mail, etc. I was then freshly shaven and groomed and felt good. But I didn't end up going out that night. Didn't really make any plans with other people and didn't feel like the bars where Juan was going. (Although in the end he ended up at Arena. grrr! lol) Still, I had my Angel DVDs to keep me company. I ended up falling asleep kinda early, and I was up bright and early on Sunday morning. I spent the morning just chilling at home, trying to keep cool in the 90+ weather! Damn crazy weather! Now I hear today it's gonna be cooler and through the week it'll be in the 60's or so! By next weekend a 30 degree drop from this weekend. Crazy, I tell ya! I don't like the very hot days or the very cold days, I just like it in the middle. :) But being a hot day yesterday, it was perfect weather for some ice cold smoothies. We stopped by this place near my house and had a smoothie. Strawberry Banana for him, and plain Banana for me. :) Yet again, another one of those "moments" I think back to and would love to be doing again right now. hehe My night then ended with a fresh episode of Desperate Housewives. I still love watching that show, but honestly I feel like it's kind of lost it's spark. But hopefully something very interesting happens soon to pick the show up. :)

So that was my weekend. Nothing too exciting, but full of several moments that I wish I could go back to and escape this working world. lol We're thinking of trying to go out of town soon, maybe just somewhere not too far, driving distance. Should be nice, to get away together again. It's nice to escape from the usual and visit new places, especially when I get to go with the person I love. I always love those trips. hehe And now that I think of it, today would've been our official six year anniversary. Six years ago today we made our relationship "official." But along the way...things happened. All that matters now is that we're together and things are going great. I couldn't be happier. I now count the day we first met as our anniversary. Because that was truly when it all began.

I love you! And thanks for the little toy cars! lol

Kid At Heart

There are times when even I scare myself...just a bit...at how excited I can get over things that only a 5 year old should. lol Over at Juan's house, he had some cereal, Lucky Charms, in which they had some little cheap plastic toy cars inside the box, to promote the new Speed Racer movie. I was never a fan a Speed Racer and didn't watch the cartoons, but I knew who he was and I'll probably go check out the movie, too. But still, for whatever reason, I was like a little kid when he gave me one of the cars, the red one, the #33 "3 Roses" one...whatever that means. I was entertained for a few minutes putting the little stickers on the car. lol Most guys would probably be embarrassed to admit this, but I don't care! I even kept asking for the other car that I knew was in the second box. lol That one ended up being #12 "Hydra Cell". Again, no idea who or what that means, but I had fun decorating it with the stickers. lol I won't actually end up playing with them though. I just like to have them as little decorations. I lost that bit of imagination that kids possess long ago...the one that allows them to have endless hours of fun with random little objects or toys. Still, I've always felt I'm a kid at heart to some degree. I love cartoons, love amusement parks, stuff like that...just like to have a good time. I know if I ever do manage to have a kid, I'll try to be a fun dad. hehe Strict, yet fun! Can't let them always have their way after all, right?

What's the last thing you've done that made you feel like a kid at heart?

WHA!? Studios (Free MP3 Mashups)

I don't remember how I came across this site, www.whastudios.com, but it had two of my favorite words "Free" and "Music". You just can't beat that, right? lol I first came across the mashups featuring Scissor Sisters songs, but then I saw they also had this other album up, Mashups of the Year 2007. I've been listening to that one streaming through their site right now...so far I'm really enjoying it! I'm downloading the full zip file too with all the songs. It'll soon be on my iPod. It's all free and legit, so check it out!

Some info from the site:

The WHA!? started as a bootleg compilation series by Simon Iddol. The basic concept was simple, collect the best mashups, organize them into a themed compilation and present it to the mass audience. The WHA!? bootleg series had 9 albums. Each album received thousand and thousands of downloads and resulted more spotlight for the featured producers and for the bootleg scene general. Simon Iddol has decided to use the power and popularity of the WHA!? to help other artists and he turned the WHA!? project into a netlabel. Now the WHA!? is open for other artists as well, to release their music. Enjoy it!

Click on each album cover to check out the full details, along with track listings, the download links and a streaming music player (for if you want to play the songs before downloading). Spread the word!

Juan's Bday Weekend

Where did the weekend go? It just flew by so fast! lol Yesterday was Juan's bday so the celebrations started early last Friday night...

I got home from a long, yet kinda slow, week at work and chilled for a bit, then hit the shower, gave myself a nice smooth shave, picked out some random clothes...I really should get new clothes!....then I waited for him to arrive. Once he did, I drove us to his cousin's to pick him and some other friends up, and we headed out to Circus. It was another busy Friday night at the club, saw several friends and many familiar random anonymous faces. You know...the usual club suspects. But we had a good time. It was fun. The next morning, Saturday, we headed to Bunker Hill in Downtown L.A. for his BBQ Pool Party. It was more of a small gathering than an actual party, but it was nice nonetheless. I wasn't in a pool mood though, so I just chilled poolside...by myself. lol Nobody was land-lovin' that day so I had to rely on my iPod. hehe We were there all day and into the night, til around 10pm. Then we headed back home. Sunday and Monday we mostly chilled out near Juan's place. I took the day off yesterday, Monday, for his actual bday. We ate together and went to the movies (The Ruins). Just spent time together, the two of us. It was nice. I wish I could've planned something more exciting, but I know he had a nice time. And myself...I really love those moments, where we just get to spend time together...doesn't matter where we are or what we do. That's what matters, being with the people you care about, right?

So needless to say, I missed him from the moment I had to leave last night and at work today. I just wanted to be back at his side, chilling, laughing, talking and just having a nice time. :) But luckily I'm taking Friday off too, so this is going to be a short week and then it's another three day weekend coming up!!!

I can't wait!

New Brazilian AIDS Awareness Campaign

A new AIDS awareness campaign launched in Brazil earlier this week. A poster featuring a naked man, laying down on hundreds of red condoms (reminiscent of American Beauty), is sure to attract attention...which is always good, right? Sex sells. Let's just hope that safe sex sells, too. The main message above the guy translates to something like "Do What You Want, But Do It With A Condom."

(click for full size)

From the official site:

"For the first time the Brazilian Ministry of Health has launched an action plan to contain the incidence of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases among gay men, men who have sex with men (MSM) and transvestites. During the launch of the plan, on Tuesday (25), Health Minister José Gomes Temporão emphasized the importance of the measure. “It is fundamental to recognize the magnitude of AIDS among this population and to prioritize effective actions in this area”.

The plan has eight objectives for gay men and other MSM and six for transvestites. The document prioritizes issues such as the reduction of the vulnerabilities associated with sexual orientation, guaranteed access to AIDS prevention, increased information regarding this population and guaranteed actions by all three levels of government. Behaviour studies commissioned by the Ministry of Health indicate that gay men and MSM are 11 times more likely to become infected with HIV than heterosexual men.

During the event an education campaign for this specific public was also launched. 100 thousand adhesive posters and 500 thousand folders containing information on STDs, AIDS and correct condom use will be distributed. The posters and folders will be sent to the State and Municipal Health Departments, which will be responsible for distributing them locally.

The graphic materials centre on the language and identity of the target population. Posters and folders will be distributed in gay bars, nightclubs, parties and other places frequented by gay men, in addition to civil society organizations that work with this public."

To read more about this, visit www.aids.gov.br

Go Digital February 2009!

I got my two "coupon" cards for the digital converter box today! My TV doesn't actually need it, since it's an HDTV and I'm getting my signals through HD broadcast channels. It's an older model HDTV...but still HDTV nonetheless! lol

As you may or may not know, on February 17, 2009, all television signals that are currently being broadcast through analog signals (those that use regular old fashion "rabbit ear" antennas) will be converted to digital signals. Will you be ready? If you have an old TV that doesn't support any digital signals (HDTV) then you're going to need a converter box. I'm not sure if they're still accepting applications for the coupons, but you can give it a try at www.dtv2009.gov if you don't already have them. Check out this site, www.dtv.gov for more information about this whole digital TV revolution. lol If you already are receiving HDTV or Digital cable/satellite, then you may not need the converter box....but hey, maybe the parents or grandparents or other not-so-digitally-advanced people will, so why not help them out? I've seen these going for about $50 or so at Wal*Mart, so with the $40 coupons it'll help.

This concludes my public service announcement for the day! lol If you have any questions about all this, feel free to ask me. I tend to read up a lot on this. lol

Food Court Musical

A couple days ago I posted a video about a group of public pranksters who did some random musicals in a school library and a lecture hall. Well, today I ran across this other public musical prank, done by people over at the site by the website improveverywhere.com. This one was done here in L.A., if only I could've been there! Would've been a fun surprise. lol You should check out the rest of their site, they have done several other public pranks (or "social experiments" if you would) which are all pretty fun to watch.

Life's Coincidences

It's kind of funny the way things just seem to "connect" some times. The other day, my friend Felipe hit me up in an IM. "Hiyee!" he said. For some random reason, that one word brought up an image in my mind. My brain immediately went through the many years of pop culture information that have been stored in it and that one phrase, as I imagined it being pronounced in a super-perky sort of way, made me think of Bonnie Brindle. Name doesn't ring a bell? Well, if you didn't grow up in the 80's then you probably never watched a little show called Small Wonder. The show starred Tiffany Brissette as Vicki the Robot, a AI robot created to resemble a not-so-average little girl. It was a corny show, if you look back on it now, but I (along with many others in my age groups) loved it and it brings back some oh-so-wonderful memories. lol But anyhow...on that show, just as with many sitcoms, they had some nosy and kind of annoying neighbors, the Brindles...Bonnie Brindle (played by Edie McClurg) was the mom.

Now, back to the chat with my friend. I told him how that phrase, when he said it, made me think of Bonnie Brindle. To me, it sounded so much like something she'd say. He got a kick out of it. lol I'm not even 100% sure if she ever actually said it, but she could have! I do know she had a catch phrase, "No, no no no, no no!", which she said plenty of times. lol I even left him a little comment with her picture, as a little inside joke. hehe

While I was searching for her picture online I ended up finding a little more info about her. I found her IMDB profile, her official website and a bunch of other random fan-created Small Wonder sites. I even checked out a few clips on youtube, which actually lead to my trip down memory lane about a few other shows I liked back then, which I posted their theme songs on the post before this one.

So there I was, having my own little Edie McClurg moments. It had come and gone. Or so I thought. Last night I go over to Juan's and we're just chilling, having eaten some pizza, and watching a new show he likes, Miss Guided. The second episode we see is about this teacher, Ms. Pool, that nobody likes. She's like the school bully-teacher. She puts people down, picks on fellow teachers and makes men run errands for her. I'll give you one guess as to who was the special guest star playing this person! Think hard. Yep...the one and only Edie McClurg! lol I couldn't believe it. lol I just thought it was so funny and crazy how I'd spent a few moments just recently looking up stuff on her and now there she is again on TV, in glorious hi definition! Checking out her IMDB I did see that she had done many things, including a lot of voice acting, over the years. But as of now, Miss Guided isn't listed on her page.

I just find it kinda funny when this happens. And I notice it happens every now and then. Some new person, thing, place or idea will enter my knowledge. Something or someone that maybe I haven't heard of before or not in a long time, and it's freshly stored in my mind. Then all of a sudden I see this same thing appear somewhere else, mentioned by someone else or read about it. I know it's really all about the knowledge. Because I've just learned about this thing (or been reminded of it recently), if I see it again it will obviously stand out. Whereas if nobody had ever told me about it or I'd already forgotten it, if I saw it I probably wouldn't have noticed it at all. Hmmmm...or maybe there's some magical powers all around us that connect our everyday thoughts in a way that none of us will ever understand. I'd like to think the latter. ;)