My Blog:  

November  21, 2007

We hear the question, can we go home again? Can we?  Not simple.  Some of us will be able to and others not.  Recently my high school, recovering from Katrina in New Orleans celebrated many reunions.  Mine was one of them.  There had been a few since graduation, but this one seemed to be calling my name.  And for the first time in over 25 years I returned home.

Now I have 2 definitions for home.  First, the place I was born and reared, New Orleans, and secondly, where I currently live.  Two homes.  I digress, anyway, it seemed important to go home.  6 months ago, I bought my plane ticket and asked my mother if she would like to visit our city.  She said yes and a plan was made.

It had changed, Katrina left so much destruction.  But before Katrina, Crash Landing, a cool bar with a plane in the roof was gone.  As was Pelican Bowling and another fast food place on Veteran's Hwy near the Causeway, that had carhops.  I can visualize the place as plain as day but can not remember it's name.  Maison Blanche is gone, as is Gus Mayer, Kreiger, and Mr. Bingle.  I love the little snowman created and marketed as a seasonal selling tool.  There goes Mr. Bingle.....

And yet, so much the same. The same feelings.  The same Quarter, same great music, artists, Beignets, food.  Deanies, shrimp, Po-boys. Umm Umm Good.

Old friends.  Class mates. 

New commerce.  New buildings.  New memories.

Since I left my first home oh so many years ago, I felt a kinship but not the ache I feel now.  I miss my home. Can I go home again? I know, I will go home again.

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February 18, 2006

----- MEDIA, and ME

This past week *** High School held their intercession program. There were a host of choices from Costa Rica to LA to Washington to making Teddy Bears, to learning style to ***, Media and Me.

My daughter choose ***, Media, and Me. When she signed up I said, I would love to do that program. She relayed that to her teacher Ms. O’Sullivan, who graciously said, "Sure, have her join us." So, I did.

All I can say is WOW.

Day 1. The class of 13 students and 2 teachers (Ms. O’Sullivan and Ms. Lo) met in the computer lab. Here they introduced themselves. I knew a couple of the girls, but most were strangers. Part of the "class" was to create their own video. So, for a little while they worked on learning the software and beginning their project.

Then it was off to the first field trip -- KQED (a PBS station). We arrived early, so a quick shot of coffee and then on to the tour. Our docent was well informed as he led us through the studios, tech room, and into the radio station area. Then back to school.

Day 2. The morning was dedicated to working on their projects. After lunch we headed into town to ACME Nor-cal, with Howard Vincini. Howard had put together quite a panel to discuss media including Carla Martinucci, political reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle and Ralph Miller, Executive Producer on the commercial end.

Day 3. Waking up and getting started before dawn to see and experience a live radio show, we traveled downtown to watch and hear the Will and Willie show, with former Mayor Willie Brown, Paul Wells and Will Durst via phone. We were further treated to their guest Kamala Harris the San Francisco DA, an incredibly passionate and vivacious woman.

A quick tour of the Ferry Building followed by a brief lounge by the fountains of Levi Strauss’s headquarters and off to KPIX, where we toured the newsroom, watched the noon news and the girls joined Ms. Gonzales for the weather live. They were thrilled!

Day 4. The San Francisco Chronicle. The tour began with how the newspaper was started and then up the steep 3 floors to beautifully wooded gateway to the publisher. Above the doors are 3 stained glass windows depicting heralding the news, investigating the news and disseminating the news in a just way. We walked through the walk way and right into the publisher’s office. Frank Vega. I was even in awe. How many writers would "kill" to be there much less talk to Mr. Vega. He was incredibly gracious even with my dumb question. Yes, it was dumb. Sometimes, there are dumb questions. Although, in my defense, I must say, I was trying to aid a photographer who had made a bad call. What I didn’t say was, aren’t reporters and newsman not supposed to become the news or interfere with the news? So had the reporter gone up to the man in question and asked his name and had been punched he would have made himself the news...OK enough of that (an whole other story - LOL).

Mr. Vega was informative and open. When his cell phone went off, he looked at it, opened it and clicked it shut canceling the call. He gave the girls his full attention. He posed for pictures. He was warm and generous with his time. When Ms. O’Sullivan brought up her greatest concern in life, world poverty, he talked about how a constant bombardment would desensitize people. He said that the paper cares and donates over a million dollars of advertising for food banks and such to do what they can. And lo and behold to Bunny’s (as we call her) great thrill in Friday’s paper on page two (I believe), was a story with a big picture about the starving in Pakistan (I believe). Bunny was so excited.

Could it be that all these years of the notion of the staunch standoffish publisher be wrong? Well, Mr. Vega did indeed prove that sentiment wrong.

That was not the end of our tour. We toured the "news room", local, international, and went into the conference room where we had a charming chat with Susan Leal with the Chronicle Watch. She was dynamic and she made me miss reporting and interviewing.

Day 5. The girls finished their videos. But, they were not alone. I documented their journey and made a video for them. ***, Media, and Us. It "chronicled" their journey.

As we ate our pot luck lunch and watched their videos, I was struck by how much these young ladies had grown in just one week. How some were quite the story tellers. One choose her video to be a movie, a mystery of sorts. A team made an incredible journey into two very different worlds joined by friendship (festival material). One took a trip into her fledging community (film festival material). And so many looked into their families. Wow.

My spirit, my energy was revitalized. So to the 13 young ladies, and Bunny and Peggy, thank you so very much for letting me be part of such a wonderful experience.

January 1, 2006  12:24 am

Thank you St. Jude!

St. Jude is the patron Saint of loss causes.  It is said that if you say a novena to St. Jude (say one of many prayers 9 times a day for 9 days), and if that problem has a resolution...St. Jude will answer, and with that answer you must or should publish a Thank you, St. Jude.

Shortly after I joined the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in Hollywood, I had the pleasure to meet Danny Thomas.  He told of a wonderful homage to St. Jude story, which has become the St Jude Hospital.  Now, long before I met Mr. Thomas, I had heard of this legend of the origin of St. Jude Hopsital and I felt a kinship. 

I support Marlo Thomas's efforts to continue in her dad's footsteps and make St. Jude Hospital an answer for some's prayers.

I know 2005 was a rough year, but if things get better, or you're feeling a little flushed and want to share, please donate to St. Jude Children's Hospital.   Lost causes don't have to be lost!

May 2006 be a wonderful, happy, healthy, wealthy, successful year!

October 27, 2005  10:22 AM

                 Women...Beware.  Especially if you are in San Francisco.  Last Thursday evening, I had just finished working on a new television show, EVIDENCE, and was released.  The van drove me and another employee to the city lot at 733 Kearney where EVIDENCE had contracted for cast and crew to park.  We were told to tell the parking attendant that we were with EVIDENCE and we would be let out.   We arrived at the garage a little after 11pm on 10/20/2005.  After going down to 'strength' the fourth lower level, the other gentleman and I went our separate ways to our own vehicles.  I then drove up the ramps to exit. 

               I told the cashier I was from EVIDENCE.  He asked for my company ID.  I told him I was not crew, but worked just for the day and as such did not have an ID.  He then told me well, then I can't let you out.  $28.00.  I said, "The production staff has a deal with you, for us, I just worked the show, and we were told to tell you EVIDENCE, and you are to let us out."  To wit he responded, "How do I know you really worked the show?"  To wit I responded, "I guess then I am psychic and knew what parking lot they would be in, and just happened to park in it 11 hours ago so I could park for free."  He again asked for $28.00.  I said no.  He demanded my driver's license.  I asked what for.  He said to see who I am.  I said, what does that tell him?  It does not tell him whether or not I worked the show. So I gave him my name. I handed him my contract for the job, which clearly stated EVIDENCE, my name and the day's date, plus my social security number (which I forgot about at the time).  He said, "How do I know this is you?"  I said, "What, not only did I guess correctly which parking lot they were in, I robbed someone of their contract too?"  He left and got his manager.  Who asked for $28.00.  Again I said no.  I showed him the contract and said that I worked the show.  By this time I had been there about 15 minutes.  I was losing my patience.  He took my contract and wrote down my Social Security number and something else (duh, that's when I realized my social was on the contract, but too late).  Then he came back and demanded my driver's license and my car registration.  I called him, as one might be able to imagine a few choice words, and said the registraion was in the window as it is a new car.  He demanded louder the registration.  I called him a moron and again pointed to the window.  He then said he was going to record my license plate.  I said "Go ahead, I don't have one."  They went to the back of the car and wrote something down.  They returned to me and again asked for $28.00.

            Now, you may say, why not pay the $28.00?  Parking was to be picked up by the production house, and I saw them write on the ticket, EVDIENCE, which at the very least, seemed to me that they might be double dipping. 

             After 20 minutes, it hit me, duh, I have a cell phone.  I pulled it out to call someone, I wasn't sure who yet, someone to go get someone from the production as they were still working, when they finally let me go.

          I feel that I was held against my will for about 22 minutes.  I feel it was an attmept at extortion of $28.00, and why did they want my DI and registration if not for my home address?  Makes one wonder.  Being a forensic investigator and a writer I see plots everywhere.  What about a robbery ring?  Burglary?  Rape even?  And with a social security number -- now I have to worry about identity theft.

           What I do know -- they tried to get an extra $28.00 for an already paid ticket.  They held me an unacceptable amount of time when they had a contract with EVIDENCE that according to the CITY was to allow people who worked the show to exit the parking lot by simply saying I worked on EVIDENCE.

           I called the production office, twice, no one called back.  Sad, that they would allow their employees to be put in such potential danger with no concern.  I have called the city.  I have opened an investigation.  The acting head of Parking Authority for the City is looking into this.  I will keep on it.

           Women, should you be asked for the Driver's license or Registration in a parking lot...DO NOT give it.  There is no reason for this....no law or ordiance for this...call the police immediately.

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April 16, 2005 10:25 AM

                  Today I am going to talk about discrimination. There's all kinds, and it is never good.  I was a victim of discrimination this week and quite frankly shocked by it.

                  Chris Columbus (who my daughter just loves -- due to Harry Potter) is here in San Francisco shooting the musical RENT.  On Tuesday I received a call asking me to work RENT (as an actress) the next day.  I was to be a homeless person in New York.  We discussed clothes, hair etc.  My first day on DAYS OF OUR LIVES (which led to a 6 year stint) was a homeless woman. I played half of a homeless couple on a GOLDEN GIRLS Christmas show.  Being homeless in the theatrical world was not new to me. 

                 So, I was hired for the following 2 days.  Then about 10 PM, I was let go, but to soften the blow (I believe as well as they needed seasoned SAG members for the actual riot)I was offered 3 days, Friday, Monday, Tuesday.  I accpeted.  Again we discussed clothes and my hair.  I was gathering the concern over my clothes and hair had to do with my photo, as the one they have would fall under the glamourous category.  I assured them, I have shabby clothes that normally I would never wear in public and my hair was suffering from a bad perm (it stands up as if I had my finger in an electric socket!) -- I was homeless material, or certainly would be on Friday morning.

                 However, I never I got to show them my range or ability.  I was once again terminated.  This time on Thursday afternoon.  I was told the scene had been downsized.  Well having been downsized twice and knowing my contract, I called my Union for my canellation fees, as stated in our contract.  There I told my Union rep about the downsizing.  She was rightfully concerned about others who would have claims for downsizing and called them.  That's when we found out, I wasn't downsized but I was let go becuase I was too attractive.  They felt I could not portray homeless.  I am a seasoned actress, I portray most things (maybe not a man -- but then Hilary Swank did in BOYS DON'T CRY, so who knows?)  Charlize Theron went from beauty to monster in MONSTER.  Why can't I?

                 Judging an actress by a picture is wrong.  

                Homelssness is a serious problem our nation faces.  Pretty people, not so pretty people, educated, uneducated, formerly rich, never rich may end up homeless.  One's looks, social status, eductaion, religion, race, have nothing to do with it.  Circumstances make it happen.

                 Shame on you, Chris Columbus and RENT for being so judgmental.  You could have looked at me Thursday when you checked other's wardrobe and had a rehearsal.  I was not chosen for this look see.  If I didn't muster "down" fine.  But you chose to terminate me without a chance.  And now you are fighting the cancellation fees.  I respected you.  I don't now. 

                 Any other time I would be thrilled to be attractive, but I'm not.  I feel used and abused and discriminated against, all based on a photo. 

                Actors act.  Makeup does wonders and clothes can indeed make the woman.  I should have given the chance to be the role.

                Discrimination.  That's what Mr. Columbus and the team of RENT has committed.  Isn't there enough discrimaintion in the world?  Why contribute more?

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April 12, 2005  1:40 PM

                  This morning I recieved the dreaded email, my dear friend Joe, had passed at about 1 AM.  23 years.  Calling him a good friend, doesn't do him justice.  He was so much more.  Today as I go through my day, I see him everyone.  Shows we talked about.  Gossip we shared.  Who was doing what to who.  Joe was of beautiful spirit, with an unexpected humbleness.

                    For many of your years together, his other best friend, was truly man's bestfriend, Nicole, or Nicky his french poodle.  Nickey passed on several years back, but I suspect she was waiting for him this morning.

                    Joe, I miss you.  I love you.  You will be always be in my heart.

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April 6, 2005   9:48 am

                  Joe Barone

                  Best Friends

                  Just a few minutes ago I received an email from a virtual stranger, but a friend of a friend.    One of my best friends, Joe, had moved back into ICU and the stranger said, quite frankly  Joe had only hours left to live.  Well in the wake of Terry Shivo, Pope John Paul 11, Prince Ranier, I was devastated.  But more importantly, my buddy, my friend, my confidant lay dying 3000 miles away, and there is nothing I can do about it.

                 Who is Joe?  He is a character.  I met him in November of 1982 in Hollywood California.  He was running what was called the Tuesday Night Actors Evening for the Screen Actors Guild Conservatory.  We became fast friends and before long I was his partner in the Tuesday Evening seminars.  Our friendship was sealed.  Through the years, we dined, we cried over bad choices in love, we created controversy so we could do a cable show for pay.  We did the game show Headline Chasers. When I married for the first time, he was supposed to be the Best Man, but he was short on cash, and he claimed to be stuck in Texas.  That was Joe.  Always low on cash, but never a mooch.  If he couldn't pay, he didn't go or do.  If he went on a date, he bought for her and he claimed to be on a diet.  A gentleman.  That  was Joe.  Was/is.  Wow.  As he hovers, so close to death, I see him  going in and out. 

                   Joe had been a firefighter in NY before coming to LA for fame and fortune.  He may not have received either but he made his mark in Hollywood through the politics of SAG and AFTRA and through every actor he touched.

                  I divorced in 1990, and had a little girl.  I needed a sitter when I auditioned and he would oblige.  He was scared to death to hold this little bundle but he did.  But he would come with me, and wait in the car with her or outside in a couryard or some such, anything to minimize his time with the little package.  It was cute!

                  Charmed, one of his favorite shows, over Shannon Doherty he drooled.

                  Around 1986 he moved to Texas, went back to school, even saw his play at the Kennedy Center.  He had grown so much and gone so far and not just in miles!

                 When I met him, he was a dog man.  He had a poodle.  I had cats.  We wasn't fond of cats.  Now he has cats. 

                 Best friends?  What are they?  They are special people that miles don't matter. Time doesn't matter.  They listen to you, they hear you.  They tell you when you are full of it.  They are there for you, if not in body in spirit.   And vice versa. 

                Joe will always be one of my best friends.  Thank you Joe, for always being there, for just being you.  I love you.   (Joe's picture is in interview section with me and Jack Lemmon).  I will miss you friend, but you always be in my heart.

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