June 2004

I had a long day today (actually, it wasn’t any longer than other days really, just felt that way) and am going to make a short entry tonight. First, some quick news:

An interesting article on why the FCC should be abolished can be found here.

Before reading the article I felt that the FCC, despite its somewhat evil reputation, probably performs some valuable services for the country. After reading the article, which makes some pretty interesting points, I am less sure. Perhaps the market can regulate itself after all. Anyway, its worth checking out.

Also, Apple introduced some pretty cool new things today. Airport Express and AirTunes. Airport Express is a tiny wireless access point that will, among other things, allow you to stream your iTunes music to a stereo and play it through your speakers in any room. Pretty great. I think they will sell a bunch of these (probably one or two to yours truly even). Check them out for the full run down on features, specs and whatnot.

Lastly, the wife is leaving tomorrow to go see her parents. As she is, as we say in showbiz “between gigs” she felt that this was a good time to go. And I agree. Even though it will most likely rain every day she is home, she will have a nice time. And really, with the kind of hours she has been putting in for the last year and a half, she really needs some time off. Series television at the network level (NBC, CBS, ABC, etc.) is a pain in the ass for the people who actually work on the shows.

Try to imagine going to work for 12 to 14 hours a day and pounding your head against a wall while being told to hurry the fuck up and that you are doing it wrong and you will have some idea of what fun it is to work on series television. Some people will say that its fun and they have a great time and blah, blah, blah. They’re lying. The only people who have any fun are the actors, the writers and sometimes the producers, believe me.

Anyone who actually has to work on the show: the grips, drivers, caterer, production coordinator, pa’s, etc. will tell you that its just a grind that you have no hope of any kind of life while its happening. You just have to get through it until it ends. And it does end. Sometimes rather abruptly like my wife’s last show “The Handler”. Everyone broke for Christmas vacation thinking they were going to come back and finish the season but surprise, the show got axed. Oh well. I still like Joey Pants.

One more thing for the record. The most under appreciated and under compensated job on any film or television production is that of the Production Coordinator. This is one of the hardest jobs you never heard of. If the Production Coordinator does his or her job well, nothing happens. If you do your job right, nobody notices. How’s that for messed up?

Plus, you do much of the work that the Production Manager (your immediate boss) is supposed to do (in some cases all of it) and you get paid a fourth of what he or she makes. I know this sounds like I am just venting, and I sort of am. I just want to call attention to this job so maybe when you have finished watching your favorite TV show or movie and the credits are flashing by in a corner of the screen at a hundred miles an hour you will see the credit of Production Coordinator and give props where they are due.

Just keep in mind that maybe hundreds of people whose names you will never know contributed to your entertainment. All those names and credits like Production Coordinator that come at the end of the show that you never stay to watch or change the channel during. A handful of them do it just for the money but most of them do it for the love. For you.

Ok, end of sermon.

Later.

Made it back to good old Los Angeles. The place I now call home (for the last nine years). Even though I went down to where I grew up I didn’t feel like that was really “home” anymore. It isn’t. I like it there, don’t get me wrong. There are many things to like. There are also many things to like about LA.

I know what you are thinking, how can there be anything to like about LA? Its crowded, smoggy, people are rude, no culture, crime, riots, OJ and all of that stuff. Some of that is true. We have definitely had our share of weirdos and weird happenings here.

However, there are also many things to like than dislike. First off, I have met so many great people here. Yes, many of them are in the Entertainment Industry and some are odd in their own way but all of them are genuinely caring, creative and passionate people. Plus, they are all pretty smart to boot.

As I get older I find that I enjoy some intelligent discussion about the news of the day or technology or politics or the merit of low-rise jeans. I also enjoy a good beer and good wine and good food. All of which LA has in abundance. Not to mention the girls with the low-rise jeans.

They have even vastly improved Hollywood Blvd and vicinity. It used to be a dump, now its quite nice with the Hollywood and Highland mall complex and the Kodak theater, home of the Academy Awards. The transformation is much like Times Square in New York. If you were there for the before, it is amazing what they have done to it. It’s clean and family friendly just like Hollywood Blvd. is now. So, stop by and bring the kids.

Let me end this (gotta watch the Soprano’s finale) by recommending a great Steak Restaurant. It’s actually not in LA proper but in Panadena, which is close. It is called the Arroyo Chophouse and it is probably the best place to get meat I have ever been. If you are in the area and have the means you should definitely go there. One thing, it isn’t cheap so bring some cash and be ready to eat. It’s worth it. I go there for my birthday every year.

I will talk more about LA spots as these entries progress. Not that this is meant to be a travelogue or anything. I just feel I would like LA to get a better rap out there in the world. I think sometimes it gets a raw deal and I want to help dispel that. Besides, its a pretty cool place to live. And did I mention the jeans?

Later.

Still in Encinitas and vicinity. Took a little more time looking around after lunch (went to Roberto’s in Solana Beach this time. Still great Carne Asada). I find it odd or ironic or both that the Solana Beach City Hall used to be a bar. Actually, not really a bar, exactly, but a nightclub. Many years ago it opened up as a wannabe trendy spot where the elite of North County could meet, eat, greet and get their drink on. For those who don’t know, “North County” is a colorful name given to those communities in “North” San Diego County. Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia, etc. Kind of like when newscasters in LA refer to that area as “The Southland”

Sadly, like many great ideas, the nightclub failed miserably. I can’t remember exactly how long the place was open, or even its name for that matter, but it wasn’t long. A few months maybe. Then, oblivion. It was an abandoned building for some time until Solana Beach decided to make it respectable as the seat of city government. Good for them, I say. It makes perfect sense that it would have been a nightclub considering how many times me and mine drank within the city limits. Maybe they found that twenty bucks I lost in the bathroom. If so, put it to good use I say.

I was thinking about the past some more. Maybe I am getting nostalgic or something but I feel like getting in touch with people I haven’t seen or spoken to in many years. Not for anything in particular, just to see what’s what. Some of these lucky SOB’s include Rob, Sean, Becca, Chris, Marie, Robin, Kelly and maybe a few others. Some may not want to hear from me. Probably a great percentage of them, truthfully. That’s ok though. It will be interesting to find out what happened to some of these people. I hope nothing too bad. Well, maybe for one or two (just kidding).

People that you grow up with seem pretty important at the time. Sometimes they stay important and sometimes they don’t. I have not been very good at keeping in touch with people. I wish I was. But life seems to intrude on the things you really want to do. Or, maybe I am just lazy. Will I get any responses from this new attempt? Will people be happy to hear from me? Will they be rude and tell me to go away? Will I eat pie for dessert today? We shall see.

Later.

Still in Encinitas and vicinity. Took a little more time looking around after lunch (went to Roberto’s in Solana Beach this time. Still great Carne Asada). I find it odd or ironic or both that the Solana Beach City Hall used to be a bar. Actually, not really a bar, exactly, but a nightclub. Many years ago it opened up as a wannabe trendy spot where the elite of North County could meet, eat, greet and get their drink on. For those who don’t know, “North County” is a colorful name given to those communities in “North” San Diego County. Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia, etc. Kind of like when newscasters in LA refer to that area as “The Southland”

Sadly, like many great ideas, the nightclub failed miserably. I can’t remember exactly how long the place was open, or even its name for that matter, but it wasn’t long. A few months maybe. Then, oblivion. It was an abandoned building for some time until Solana Beach decided to make it respectable as the seat of city government. Good for them, I say. It makes perfect sense that it would have been a nightclub considering how many times me and mine drank within the city limits. Maybe they found that twenty bucks I lost in the bathroom. If so, put it to good use I say.

I was thinking about the past some more. Maybe I am getting nostalgic or something but I feel like getting in touch with people I haven’t seen or spoken to in many years. Not for anything in particular, just to see what’s what. Some of these lucky SOB’s include Rob, Sean, Becca, Chris, Marie, Robin, Kelly and maybe a few others. Some may not want to hear from me. Probably a great percentage of them, truthfully. That’s ok though. It will be interesting to find out what happened to some of these people. I hope nothing too bad. Well, maybe for one or two (just kidding).

People that you grow up with seem pretty important at the time. Sometimes they stay important and sometimes they don’t. I have not been very good at keeping in touch with people. I wish I was. But life seems to intrude on the things you really want to do. Or, maybe I am just lazy. Will I get any responses from this new attempt? Will people be happy to hear from me? Will they be rude and tell me to go away? Will I eat pie for dessert today? We shall see.

Later.

Well, I wouldn’t call Encinitas a “hood” exactly. It’s a combo beach town suburb where some people have lots of money and others don’t. However, it is neighbor to more exclusive areas like Solana Beach and Del Mar which have many more rich people and fancy cars. In High School, we used to hang with girls that lived in Solana Beach and Del Mar. Their houses were bigger and their parents were gone most of the time (out earning the dough for the houses and cars) so we pretty much had the run of the place. Although sometimes, the maid or cook would make us a sandwich or something so that was nice.

Anyway, the trip has been interesting so far. Many things are the same and many things are different. Bars have different names and some dive restaurants have a new coat of paint and still have good food (or bad). Raul’s shack is still there, looking better, and still has the best rolled tacos and quesadilla around. And their guacamole is first rate also. A must go to if you are ever in the area. Also great is Filibirto’s (which used to be called Alberto’s but changed as Filibirto got bigger in the family. Brothers you see). They have great guacamole also and carne asada as well. All good.

Also saw an old friend and we got along very well. I have to admit I was a little pissed off at him for a few past issues but I decided that life is too short to hold a grudge so we went out, had dinner and a few beers and all is well. Plus, he has great kids so he must have some good qualities I guess. Maybe they all come from his wife?

I also heard that Ronald Reagan died today. Even if you don’t agree with his politics (which I don’t) you gotta give “The Great Communicator” props. He made politics interesting to me as a child of the 80’s. Hey, at one point I was a registered Republican so there you go. CNN.com has all the scoop. Rest in piece Gipper.

More to follow but now I gotta go find something to eat. It’s already almost 3PM and no lunch yet. Although, I could probably afford to go without lunch once in awhile. Yeah, I’ll start that diet tomorrow.

Later.

My parents are going to visit the place where they want to be buried. I have to admit I find that a little strange. I don’t think about death that much. More than I used too but still, not that much. For them to be so able to deal with it and to go and work out the details about where they are going to go when they die amazes me.

For me, they are two of the bravest and most thoughtful people I know. Not only do they have the courage to deal with the details but they are especially concerned about ever being a “burden” to me and mine after they are gone. Are these people great or what?

To have put up with all my shit as I was growing up and still want to make things easier for me now is something I probably won’t understand until I have kids of my own. Until then, I will just consider myself one of the luckiest people around. Thanks for being cool Mom and Dad.

Now, on to the other part of this. As my parents have left town I will be going down to their place for the weekend to water the plants, check on the place, etc. It has been some time since I have been back to Encinitas (a.k.a the flower and surf capitol of the world. trust me, it says that on the sign) and I don’t know quite what to expect.

Every time I go back the place seems to have gotten bigger and, much to my dismay, more like LA. Too many people, too many giant SUV’s and Mercedes drivers with their heads up their ass. Too many people on cell phones. All the things that make LA a less than pleasant experience sometimes. However, the house is very close to the beach which is a plus. I used to go to the beach all the time but now it takes too much time on the 405 so I almost never go.

I may end up seeing a few old friends and having a cocktail or two (i know, big surprise) so that could be cool. Whatever happens I will take some pix and be posting the gory details right here. Maybe I will drink to much beer and get in a bar fight! Or get stopped by the cops and have to walk home. See, in those days the cops were pretty cool. We got pulled over one night and the cop knew we had had a few. Does he give us a ticket or arrest us? Impound the car? Beat us with his baton? Nope.

He makes us park the car at a nearby 7-11 and walk home. That’s it. They don’t call them the good old days for nothing I guess. Oh well, maybe you can’t go home again but you can visit for a few days.

Later.

Here are a few interesting items from the news today.

For those of you who have less than nice things to say about Microsoft:

Jeff Reifman, a columnist for Seattle Weekly, has written a great editorial analysis here.

He talks about Microsoft’s past and current missed opportunities, contrasted with its financial success, while covering in fair depth some of the most serious threats to their business model. Great insight from someone who has been on the inside.

And, from CNN.com today:

CIA Director George Tenet has resigned, citing personal reasons, President Bush said today. Tenet’s resignation takes effect in mid-July, after which Deputy Director John McLaughlin will become the agency’s acting chief, Bush told reporters at the White House. Bush said Tenet had done “a superb job for the American people.”

Mmmm, yeah. Except for that whole anti-terrorism thing. Well, the President has a soft spot for former CIA directors so I can understand. After all, he does call one daddy. Maybe George Tenet will run for President some day. Let’s keep our fingers crossed on that one.

Lastly, for the pro-Apple computer crowd (of which I am a card-carrying member):

Toshiba announced that it will offer a 60GB version of its 1.8-inch hard drive in the coming months and that Apple has already placed its order. Cindy Lee, deputy manager of Toshiba’s hard disk drive division, said the drive will enter mass production during July or August. All three iPod models (15GB, 20GB, and 40GB) use Toshiba drives, while the iPod mini uses a 4GB 1-inch drive from Hitachi. Lee noted that Toshiba is currently shipping 350,000 of the 1.8-inch drives per month to Apple.

60 Gig iPods? What’s the world coming to? My first computer didn’t even have a hard drive in it. One of my first Apple Computers only had a 128 MB Hard Drive and I thought I would never fill that up. Now, my G5 has 500 GB of storage in it and I am running out of space. Odd.

Later.

I just finished watching Scarface (the Tony Montana version) and I just have to say that it is really one of the most fun experiences you can have. It especially helps to have had a few beers before watching. I think it adds to the experience.

Who can forget classic lines like “Let me introduce yo to my little friend” as he blows the door off with his grenade launcher. Great fun! Rumors were that the pile of cocaine on the desk was real and that the cast and crew had a good old time making the movie. I don’t know if that part is true but it sure seems like they were having fun.

With the state of Hollywood movies today, maybe they should go back to taking drugs. They sure seemed to make quite a few good movies in the Seventies and Eighties. Lots of bad ones too, for sure, but quite a few good ones. Although, some people believe that Hollywood hasn’t made a good movie since 1950 but what do they know?

It would be nice to see the fun come back to movies a little. Sadly, I think it is far too driven by profit and loss now to be any fun for anyone. Sometimes a fun movie manages to get through. And sometimes a good movie manages to get through. Mostly it just seems like things are driven by marketing flacks who are just frustrated directors or something. I don’t know. Many of my friends are frustrated directors so perhaps my opinion is a little off.

At least I can still enjoy Scarface now and again. Or some others like Fantastic Voyage, Star Wars, The Godfather, Touch of Evil, The Third Man, Raiders of the Lost Ark and so many more that were not only good but really fun to watch.

So I got that going for me, which is nice.

Later.

Some tidbits from recent tech and other news:

Brighthand reports that Sony will no longer develop and sell Clie handheld models to the United States market. Most certainly that means no more Clies for Europe, too.

That’s ok, I never really liked PDA’s anyway. Even though I have at least three of them in various stages of life. What I really want is a combo cell phone, pda, wireless, bluetooth device that will allow me to make a ffing phone call from my own house. Are you listening ATT Wireless? Get your shit together. I will also be holding my breath for Apple Computer to make the hardware. The iPhone, as it has been called. That would be cool.

From CNN comes an article that makes painstakingly obvious to the public what we already knew: 802.11 security is horrible. The article points out that nearly 40% of wireless network APs haven’t even been changed from defaults and as many as 80% of home APs have encryption disabled. The article goes on to say that ‘[t]o make matters worse, users who don’t secure their networks are often the very people who don’t keep their computers up to date with the latest security patches and antivirus software.’ It also accuses WiFi manufacturers of disabling security measures by default to make wireless easy to the lowest common denominator. My favorite quote? ‘Experts say that while Wi-Fi hardware makers have made initial setup easy, the enabling of security is anything but. Meanwhile, average users are no longer tech savvy.’ Which is to say that they at one point were?

Every day I open the laptop and find an open wireless network. And I don’t even live in San Francisco. I really do appreciate the cup of free broadband though. Thanks.

And becuase I take exception to the way Mr. Bush works:

From CNN.com — A federal judge Tuesday declared the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act unconstitutional, saying the measure infringes on a woman’s right to choose.

U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton’s ruling came in one of three lawsuits challenging the legislation President Bush signed last year.

“The act poses an undue burden on a woman’s right to choose an abortion,” she wrote.

I like Phyllis. Maybe she should run for President.

And last, but not least, the Chris Rock quote of the day:

“You know the world is going crazy when the best rapper is a white guy, the best golfer is a black guy, the tallest guy in the NBA is Chinese, the Swiss hold the America’s Cup, France is accusing the U.S. of arrogance, Germany doesn’t want to go to war, and the three most powerful men in America are named ‘Bush’, ‘Dick’, and ‘Colon’. Need I say more?”

Mmmmm makes you think.

Later