Writer’s Guild Strike

No doubt everyone out there has an opinion on the Writer’s Guild strike that’s been going on. It’s one of the most ridiculous things to happen in the media in quite some time. And when I say ridiculous, I mean because of the reason that the studio execs gave when defending themselves.

The whole thing started with writers of tv shows, screenplays, and movies getting concerned as to why they weren’t receiving more money for their content that was being aired online, or other forms of “new media”. They created this content, so naturally they should see a good chunk of money for it. Uh uh, said the studio execs. And here’s the best part: when the writers asked their studio execs why they weren’t getting more money for content being broadcast online, the snobby, arrogant executives said “because that stuff’s just promotional”.

What. The. Hell. How do you get off calling a tv show that’s being aired online, with commercials (read: the studio is making money off of it), promotional? It’s the most ridiculous argument I’ve ever heard, yet somehow it doesn’t surprise me.

The studios seriously need to swallow their pride and give these people the money they deserve. They made the content. Quit being a bunch of a-holes and do it. A lot of people’s lives are being hurt as a byproduct of this strike, especially lower-level writers. It’s not fair, but the writers are ultimately doing the right thing so they don’t get pushed around by the suits anymore.

Come on guys, let’s end this thing. I miss my David Letterman night-capper :(

Thanksgiving Part II

Thanksgiving Day was great fun. I woke Ben up at 7:50 AM, and we were off! (I love you, puppy!)

We visited with family in Monroe and Middletown, OH. We ate LOTS of food and drank a little wine. I started to poop out about 4, but we kept going until 8-ish. Ben’s family is just as lovely as ever. The cousins are all taller; what are they putting in the cafeteria food these days?!

Every time we visit our family, either side really, I always think, “Why don’t we do this more often?” I feel so much warmth and kindness and love, and who ever gets enough of those fuzzy things?

Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner Party

Wow! What a crazy 48 hours it’s been!

Our 2nd annual Pre-Thanksgiving dinner went wonderfully. We stuck with last year’s Italian theme, starting off with fried ravioli and a tossed salad. The main course consisted of crab & shrimp ravioli with a gorgonzola cream sauce and fettuccine with a chunky, oniony marinara. Of course we had some crusty bread, various wine, and followed it all up with amazing cheesecake (thanks MOM!) and a beautiful tiramisu. (Great job Lissa!)

It never ceases to amaze me how much fun our little dinner parties are and how well the extended “family” gets along. This time around, we had the pleasure of entertaining Lissa’s parents, my mother, Ben’s parents and brothers, Jason, James, and my favorite 4-year old, CHLOE! (13 peeps, if you’re counting.) It was quite the houseful, and boy, did it sound like it! It sounded like everyone had a marvelous time.

Whew! I was going to post a bit about the great day we had today, but I think I am worn out. Check back later; I’ll try to gather my strength, or make Ben do it. :)

To see a few more pictures of all of the festivities, including a few from Turkey-Day proper, check out the web album at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/rustyjoy

No more spam

Some of you may have noticed some rather annoying spam on the blog over the last few weeks. Hopefully you’re not in the market for any male enhancement pharmaceuticals, and you didn’t click on any of the links ;)

I added some functionality to the blog today to stop the spam from getting posted. Best part of all: you don’t have to do anything extra! It all happens magically behind the scenes. Now I just need to wait and see when the next spammer tries to comment, then I’ll know it works.

That is all. Carry on.

24: The Unaired Pilot (1994)

This is hilarious. A video over on College Humor spoofing the show 24 if it would have come out in 1994.

Meet Elsie

This is Elsie Higgins. Daughter of Grace and sister of Charlie. I’m not sure if she likes War and Peace or not. COME TO THE SHOW AND FIND OUT!

:)

Three down, Two to Go!

Anyone that missed our first weekend has two more chances to see Lissa and I make fools out of ourselves! Just kidding. We are fabulous!

The show has been so much fun, and I am so excited that Lou was such a big part of it. I have often said that if Elissa and I met in high school, we would not have been friends. If she had been bitten by the drama bug though, who knows?!

Site might be down for a few hours

Just a quick heads up…my domain name registration is coming up for renewal, and I’m switching from the evil GoDaddy.com to Dotster.com for domain names. The site might be down for a couple hours at some point while the changes take effect. Don’t panic!

Gphone is here, and it’s not a phone

Time to shut down the rumor mill. Google’s “Gphone” has been announced, and it’s not a phone. It’s software. Essentially it’s a mobile operating system, along with a series of applications. It’s called Android, and you can read all about it here…

[Where's my Gphone?]

The Play’s The Thing… in ONE WEEK!!!

Okay.. so I’m in this play.

Lissa and I auditioned for a handful of productions before we found a sucker to cast us both. (WE LOVE YOU TOM!)

Then my legs went numb, and the play took on a whole new meaning. Subtext, if you will. Seize the day. Don’t let anything keep you from what you hold close to your heart. Etc.

(Have I mentioned how long it’s been since I’ve been in a play?)

The play itself has reminded me about growth. “We all have a little bit of growing to do.” Personal growth isn’t always easy; they’re called growing pains for a reason. Wow. What a timely message.

Going to rehearsal has kept me busy, physically and mentally. I can’t say that I’ve enjoyed every rehearsal, but I can say that I have learned from every rehearsal: It’s hard to remember my lines when I’m tired and hungry. My body works better when I stretch it out. It’s okay to stretch outside of my comfort zone.

(When did my comfort zone shrink to approximately four inches around my body? Darn those gestures…)

Anyway, come to the play. If you can make it on the 10th, come to the cast party at Sissa’a house after the show. BYOB&F2S (bring your own booze and food to share.)