Psalm for the Old County

THE ONES WHO WAIT IN THESE WALLS

2010-09-13T16:09:00.003-05:00

I don't have to look far
To find the memories of the past
They find me...
They hide in these clapboard walls
Like creeping roots, like hiding rats
Their breath is moist with earth and dew
And smell of rusty nails and rail ties
They travel by the cracks in the floor
They watch silently, thickly
Like honey poured in the eye
A blank stare lost in a golden hue
The hue is confused with dawns past
They, the waiting, say that hue is the coming heaven
A passing sun searching for their chilly souls
Standing just on the horizon
Calling it's children home.
The Willow and the birch bend with their voices
With their hands as they climb
They climb up, up, up
Reaching for the sky
Reaching for my ear
Whispering my name
Reminding me of where I am from
Of what I am
And where it is I am meant to go.
They feel their job is to guide me, to teach me
But their real job is to make the flowers grow.

"The Missouri Waltz"

2010-09-13T11:12:00.007-05:00

Hush-a-bye, ma baby, slumber-time is coming soon
Rest yo’ head upon my breast while Momma hums a tune
The sandman is callin’ where shadows are fallin’,
While the soft breezes sigh, as in days long gone by.

’Way down in Missouri where I heard this melody,
When I was a little baby on my Momma's knee
The old folks were hummin,’ Their banjos were strummin’
So sweet and low ,

Hush-a-bye, ma baby, go to sleep on Momma's knee,
Journey back to these old hills in dreams again with me;
It seems like yo’ Momma was there once again,
And the old folks were strummin’ that same old refrain.

’Way down in Missouri where I learned this lullaby,
When the stars were blinkin’ and the moon was climbin’ high,
And I hear Mammy callin', as in days long ago
Singin’ hush-a-bye.

This day

2010-09-04T19:55:00.002-05:00

Oh this day is glorious...
The sun shone, and warmed my shoulders,
The breeze, it blew, and lifted my spirit,
The cool of the day gave me rest,
And my heart, filled to overflowing,
With thoughts of ember sky, falling leaves, and chilled rain...
Where she came with trumpets sounding
She now stands a frail, fragile frame
Let her rest,
The summer is passing, hold her hand
And make her crossing easy,
Her rebirth will come soon enough.

The weather today in Memphis was nothing short of a blessing. A cool day with a faint smell of fall in the air. She is on her way. I believe her plane lands on Tuesday...

2010-08-27T08:52:00.002-05:00

Today and tomorrow are the extra days off this week. Today being that I had to get rid of my last vacation day, and tomorrow being that my boss was feeling extra generous... TONS to do before Sunday.

A Psalm for the Old County... A poem

2010-08-26T19:52:00.003-05:00

Brothers, Sisters

Sad to say
There'll be no baptisms
Today
...
Sheppard's Creek
Is nearly dry
The water here's
In short supply
...
That brand new dam
Is now complete
Placed there by
The county seat
...
That politician
Shook our hand
And took away
The Promised Land
...
He told us all
What progress meant
We signed our names
With good intent
...
The County
Now an empty shell
A shadow of
It's former self
...
The Water tower
Rising high
A rusty memory
In the sky
...
That bullet riddled
Highway sign
Forgotten by
The county line
...
I am afraid
Will fall away
And guide no more
To come our way
...
Where thirty pieces
Bought our pride
A bag of nails
Was now applied
...
A swift betrayal
We'd come to know
Would come before
The rooster's crow
...
But congregation
Gather round
And let us make
A joyful sound
...
In every loss
We find a gain
For all things
Circle round again
...
You Little lamb
That wandered far
Who lost sight of
The evening star
...
A guiding palm
Is stretched out wide
Inviting all
To come inside
...
County taxes
May be high
But Judgment Day
Is drawing nigh
...
Remember this
When times are tough
When winds grow strong
And waters rough
...
A thirsty eye
Will look above
But faithful hearts
Will look with love
...
Pray for peace
For Mercy's sake
Pray the Lord
Your soul to take
...
Give refuge to
The barefoot child
And to the widow
Meek and mild
...
Prepare them for
That trumpets blast
This day on Earth
May be their last
...
This barren land
So parched, so dry
Will be caught up
Where sparrows fly
...
Take these things
As like a Psalm
With words to comfort
Words to calm
...
When kingdom comes
We'll find our way
Just know that day
Is not today
...
With all our funds
In that "dam" hill
We can't afford
the water bill
...
So brothers, sisters
I'm sad to say
There's still no baptisms
Today
...

OSTRANDER AWARDS!

2009-08-31T14:59:00.003-05:00

Just thought I would drop a note and let y'all know that 1776 won BEST MUSICAL, and BEST DIRECTOR last night at the Ostrander awards! YAY!

SISTER MYOTIS hosted the show! Y'all don't know how much I love her. Here's a clip!

THE NEW MOVIE

2009-08-14T19:48:00.004-05:00

Action shots and the teaser from the movie we are making. It's called GRADY'S EADS. I wrote and am directing, and Stephen Tate is director of photography. LOTS O HARD WORK, but so much fun!

SUMMER FUN!!

2009-06-23T22:45:00.002-05:00

The latest Cow Patty Web-A-Sode entry! ENJOY....See if you recognize the handsome devil with the mullet....

Peace and Love to you all!
Justin

COW PATTY MOVIES!!!

2009-05-17T22:38:00.002-05:00

We are now making WEB-A-SODES called "Cow Patty Quickies!" We filmed this one on Friday and I finished editing it today. YES I know it's cheezy, corny, and the acting is bad, BUT that's what the Patty's are all about! Hope you enjoy!

Peace, Love, and 92'nd Birthdays to you all!
Justin

Simply Vonna

2009-05-11T17:23:00.005-05:00

My Drag Grandmother was killed in a car wreck a few weeks ago. She was an Amazing Performer, a great teacher and a Memphis Legend. I will miss you Vonna. I love you, and I thank you. Rest in Peace sweet lady.

Here are a few of her all to short video clips.

Peace and Love to you all...
Justin

My left foot.....

2009-05-08T18:37:00.004-05:00

How is it that a relatively smart individual who has been succesfully dressing himself for the past 20-something years can completely overlook a major part of their attire?
.
Yes dear friends, this is an honest question. When I woke this morning and dressed myself I did not turn on the hall light, so as not to wake the bird OR the Brad. Everything went well as I tied my tie and buttoned my jacket, so I naturally assumed that the morning routine that I have been practicing for almost two years now was playing out like any other day. I quietly dressed, combed my hair, brushed my teeth, and slipped out the door without rousing the slumbering creatures in the house.
.
When I stepped out on to the porch at 4:55am I noticed that my left foot felt a bit strange; like I had something stuck to the sole of my shoe. "THAT DAMN DOG!!!" I lifted my foot (EXPECTING THE WORST) and inspected the underside, and much to my surprise there was nothing there. I shrugged off the feeling and continued to the car. I got to work a little after 5am, went in, and continued out my morning duties as usual.
.
About an hour into my work, I again had the overwhelming feeling that something was sticking to the bottom of my left foot. I looked down at my size thirteens and before I could lift it up and check for what I might have walked through, I noticed that I had TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SHOES ON! Well Great! That's just great! I thought to myself "I have laughed at pregnant women for doing the exact same thing!" Only I did not have the luxury of a growing fetus in my gut creating a blind spot between me and my feet to use as an excuse. I could not help but laugh at myself and my situation. But, the fun did not stop there folks, OH NO! Upon closer inspection I realized that I was now staring at the reason that I had the overwhelming feeling to check for poo. The uncomfortable feeling under my left foot was in fact the arch support for my RIGHT FOOT! Yes everyone, I was not only wearing two completely different shoes, I had the shoe that belonged on my right foot ON MY LEFT! I was wearing two "right" shoes. I laughed so hard I cried. I was weak in the knees, and had to hold on to the side of the kitchen sink to keep from falling to the floor in fits of laughter.
.
At that point, Mr. Sydney ( the overnight Bellman) came in and laughed almost as hard as I was after I showed him what I had done. So all day long I walked around the hotel fighting the urge to walk in a circle, giggling to myself, and trying hard not to draw attention to my two unmatched right feet!
.
So, boys and girls, the moral of this story is: ALWAYS TURN THE LIGHT ON AND PROPERLY INSPECT YOURSELF BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE! Today, I learned this lesson the hard way.

Peace, Love, and Properly matching footwear to you all!
Justin

Stay home! We don't want you here!

2009-05-06T15:21:00.009-05:00

I was elated this morning when I jumped into the car, turned on the radio and heard that Right Wing Shock Jock Michael Savage had been banned from the UK. He was thrown onto a list of other “unwelcome folks” with several Terrorists, Neo-Nazis and Russian Gang Leaders. OH MY! He was also joined by the likes of Westboro Baptist (They are not Baptists, they are Calvinists) Church’s hate spewing pastor Fred Phelps and his daughter Shirley (Nut Job) Phelps-Roper.

He went on to say in response to the banning that he could not believe that he was barred for his “speech” by the country that gave us the Magna Carta, but it just goes to show that Brittan has come to it’s senses and decided that it’s not going to put up with extremism of any kind. And I could not agree more. Michael Savage would be the first to tell you that freedom is not “free” and there is a price to be paid for freedom of speech. You have the right to stand up and say anything you want, but be prepared to stand the consequences that follow. However he was probably using that comment as a slant against some gay activist who was pummeled in a brawl. Mr. Savage has made his right wing extremist view crystal clear on such topics as Liberalism, the death penalty, women’s rights, homosexuality, and autism. (AUTISM of all things)! This man breathes more hate before 6:00am than most people do all day!

AN EXAMPLE

“You know, when I see a woman walking around with a burqa, I see a Nazi. That's what I see -- how do you like that? -- a hateful Nazi who would like to cut your throat and kill your children. Don't give me this crap that they're doing it out of a sacred ritual or rite. It's not required by the Quran that a woman walk around in a seventh-century drape. She's doing it to spit in your face. She's saying, "You white moron, you, I'm going to kill you if I can." That's how I see it!”

Michael Savage - July 2, 2007

Michael Savage attacks people (whom he refers to as “sheeple”) daily, and brands them as terrorists for the simple crime of disagreeing with him, and now that the tables have been turned and someone has labeled HIM as having an “extremist point of view”, he decides that it doesn’t feel so good. All I can say to that is “Awwwwwww, poor baby. Doesn’t feel so good when people say mean things about you, does it?”

I am surprised however that he is currently fighting Jacqui Smith by trying to sue, and have his name removed from the list of banned extremists, and frankly I am a little puzzled by his actions. Don’t those conservative folks REVEL in the fact that they are despised by people of opposing views? Shouldn’t he “feel” like he is fulfilling some sort of “right wing prophecy” by being banned? I would imagine to that this situation is almost like achieving some level of martyrdom without having to die.

Jacqui Smith - "We have a choice in this country as to who we want to welcome here, and who not. It's a privilege to come here, and if people can't live up to the sorts of standards that we would expect; I think it's right that we, as we have done, exclude them from the country."

Keeping in mind that Jacqui said they were keeping him from the UK because they feared his speech would incite violence, the ban makes perfect sense. I know personally when I listen to him on AM 600 it's all I can do to keep from trying to reach into the radio, grab him by his hateful little ears and shake him till his teeth rattle. It is the equivalent of me telling my rowdy, off-color, cussing, fighting, beer swilling, red-neck neighbors that since I do not approve of the way they act, they are not welcome in my home, and until such time as they decide to clean up their act, they can not play with my children or in my yard. Nuff said!

Now if we can just figure out how to ban him from the US…

Peace and Love to you all

Justin

A THEATER MEME

2009-04-21T17:34:00.003-05:00

1. What was the first play you ever did?

Ducktails and Bobbysox.... Highschool "Don't be judgin!"

2) What was your most recent show?

Working on "110 in the shade" right now.

3) What was your favorite show/role?

Not sure I can narrow it down to one. Loved doing the voice of Audry II in Little Shop, but I think Tom in "The glass menagerie" was my best work to date. It's my FAVRUTIST SHOW EVERZ!

4) What was your most challenging show/role?

Playing Bud Ring in "Voodoo Nickel" The rape scene was never easy.

5) What is the most bizarre show or role you've ever done?

Not sure I've ever done anything Bizarre.. Gotta think about that one.

6) Has anyone ever written a show for you?

Besides myself? No, I don't think so...LOL BUT PLEASE FEEL FREE.

7) Have you ever quit a show to accept a better one?

Yes I dropped Beauty and the Beast for Voodoo Nickel.

8) Have you ever completely blown character on stage?

It's hard to stay in character with someones legs in the air and your face in their skirt......PATTY!!!!!.

9) What show(s) are you just dying to do?

SHREK THE MUSICAL. TITANIC A NEW MUSICAL. YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

10) Have you ever done one of your "dream" shows?

Lil Abner! It's hard for tall guys to find a leading role.

11) Who was your favorite director?

There are tooooo many to name, but Cecilia Wingate knows shes my GURL!!!!!

12) Who was your least favorite director?

Never had one I didn't like.

13) What is the most surprising role you have ever been offered?

Bud Ring.... I had never heard of the show "Voodoo nickel and one day I just got a call out of the blue and was asked to take the part. Who'dve thought I could be a racist, bigot, rapist.. MOMMA WAS SOOOOO PROUD

14) Have you ever injured yourself onstage or offstage?

Being dropped from eight feet in the air during Lil Abner FLAT ON MY BACK. And my knees were black and blue after every performance of Jekyll and Hyde. Dying is hard on the knees, I can attest to that!

15) What show(s) have you done multiple times?

The Glass Menagerie (3x) Tom twice and Jim once. Little Shop of Horrors as the Voice of Audrey II

16) Have you ever had an onstage kiss?

TONS! Not my favorite thing.

17) What was your scariest moment in a show?

Changing from a business suit into a tuxedo in less than 20 seconds in Dial M for Murder. And accidentally throwing my "sword" into the audience durring The Fantasticks.

18) What is your best show memory?

Touring with the Imperial Theaters production of Blood Brothers. Those were good times. But there are way to many others to mention.

19) What is your worst show memory?

I wont say...

20) What is your saddest show memory?

The last performance of Blood Brothers. Those were four great years.

21) Do you have any theatrical superstitions?

Always leave a ghost light on, and NEVER put your shoes on the dressing room table! OH AND NEVER EVER EVER say the name of the Scottish play backstage! SMITH, you know your luck is a-runnin out!

2009-04-10T19:17:00.001-05:00

The Cutest damn song that's not in a musical.....BUT SHOULD BE!

A new song completed

2009-03-11T13:46:00.002-05:00

Been playing with the new recording studio I got at Christmas time. My Dad bought me a new studio mic and Brad bought be a new sound card to make it work. The music editing software is called MAGIX MUSIC MAKER. It's great! You don't have to play a single instrument, you just start selecting loops and tunes and combine them togeather to make a cool sound. Here is a song I completed today. For some reason when I uploaded it to wix (the hosting site) it makes my voice a little fuzzy, but you get the point. Just thought I'd share.

Free MySpace layouts - Wix.com

Then and Now

2009-02-24T18:37:00.002-06:00

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!

A comparison...

1941

2009

Peace, Love, and Beads to you all
Justin

The Needs Game

2009-02-20T16:54:00.002-06:00

The rules are simple. Go to Google and put YOUR NAME + THE WORD "NEEDS" after it in the search box, and hit enter and see what pops up. Record the first 10 things.

FUN!!!!!

JUSTIN NEEDS

Justin needs, to start playing smash bro's again.
Justin needs, to bring humble back.
Justin needs, a date.
Justin needs, your help.
Justin needs, a partner.
Justin needs, a clever display name.
Justin needs, an attitude adjustment.
Justin needs, Australia.
Justin needs, to dump that old rubber-faced bitch.
Justin needs, structure.

AND, ONE TO GROW ON (from the following page)

Justin needs, to realize he's not always hilarious.

Try it and see what you get!

Peace and love to you all!
Justin

The Unluckiest Day of the Year

2009-02-13T17:36:00.003-06:00

"Friday the 13Th is an unlucky day in much of Western Europe, North America, and Australia. Many people avoid travel and avoid signing contracts on Friday the 13Th. Floors in tall buildings often skip from 12 to 14. And while the superstition is believed to be fading, it nonetheless has deep roots in both Christian and pagan culture." - infoplease.com

I can tell you for a fact that at The Peabody Hotel we do not have the number thirteen imprinted anywhere in the elevator. Although if you were to count the floors as you traveled up from the grand lobby to the top you would find that a bit odd. In fact if you were to count all of the floors you can reach on the main elevators you would come up with 14. We do in fact have a thirteenth floor, but they just do not label it as such. To get to the thirteenth floor you must press "S" which stands for "Skyway." Unless you happen to take the stairs, if so, when you reach the skyway you are greeted with a large 13 on the inside of the door. In fact most hotels to this day will not print the unlucky digits anywhere in the hotel. Which is where Stephen King got his idea for 1408. All about a room on the "mislabeled" 13Th floor whose numbers 14 + 08 equal up to YOU GUESSED IT, 13. A DOUBLE WHAMMY! LOL

When you go into our hotels history you can read all about psychics and mediums that used to hold regular conferences in Memphis, at the Peabody, on the "Skyway." I guess it was the appropriate place to hold the meetings considering the superstition.

People all over the world hang on to old superstitions regarding the date. Some say it started with the death of Christ which we remember on Friday, and others claim that it originated in pagan circles with the tale of Loki the Norse god of mischief. It seems Loki crashed a banquet that was set for 12 other gods that he was not invited to. In short he retaliated by causing the death of Balder the god of light.

No matter how you look at it; Friday the 13 is still regarded as a day of misfortune and unhappiness by millions. In fact Paraskevidekatriaphobia is the technical term given to people afflicted with a morbid, irrational fear of the day. For those who truly have a fear of this day; 2009 promises to be a very stressful year indeed, being that there are three separate "Friday the 13Th's" this year.

Despite my superstitious nature, I do not hold any reservations about this day. Although it is a date I observe as a chance to watch some of my most favorite horror movies that just so happen to share the same name, which are at this moment sitting on top[ of the DVD player "ready to go!" The celebration officially began earlier today when I attended the opening day matinee of the re imagining of the Friday the 13Th franchise. IT WAS GREAT! And I am not one for remakes, mind you. But this shed a whole new light on the mythology behind Jason and his home in Crystal Lake. It kept us (quite literally) on the edge of our seats. It had a SERIOUS "Boo" factor, and made me jump an innumerable amount of times. In fact at times it seemed a bit much to take, and this is coming from a man who REVELS in horror movies. I give it two thumbs up!

So Break out the VCR, pop up some microwave popcorn, and revisit the classic horror franchise that helped redefine the genre. I know I will!

Peace, Love, and Lucky Rabbits Feet to you all!
Justin

2009-02-06T18:33:00.002-06:00

Things you'll never hear said in a theatre

BY THE STAGE MANAGER:
a.. It looks as though there'll be time for a third dress rehearsal.
b.. Take your time getting back from break.
c.. We've been ready for hours.
d.. No, I called that perfectly the first time, let's move on.
e.. The headsets are working perfectly.
f.. The cue lights are working perfectly.
g.. The orchestra has no complaints.
h.. The whole company is standing by whenever you need them..
i.. That didn't take long.
j.. No thanks, I don't drink.
BY THE PRODUCER:
a.. Of course there's enough money to go around.
b.. We have money left over.
c.. No thanks, I don't drink.
BY THE DIRECTOR:
a.. Wow, the designers were right, weren't they?
b.. No, today is the tech rehearsal, we'll re-work that scene later.
c.. I think the scene changes are too fast.
d.. Of course I think that we'll be ready in time for opening.
e.. The crew? Why they're just wonderful!
f.. That's fine, I've got my own torch.
g.. Leave it where it is, we'll re-block it.
h.. This chair's fine, thank you.
i.. No we don't need to use glitter in this show as it takes the stage
crew
hours to sweep the stuff
up. One small bubble machine should work.
j.. Thank You.
k.. We'll use it as it is.
l.. My round, are all the crew here?
m.. No thanks, I don't drink.
BY THE DESIGNERS:
a.. Of course all of my drawings were turned in on time.
b.. Yes, it is absolutely my fault that the set looks awful.
c.. You know, you might have a point there.
d.. The director knows best, obviously I wasn't giving him what he
wanted.
e.. We may have too many gel colours in stock, I can't choose.
f.. The shop will have the costumes ready on time.
g.. No thanks, I don't drink.
BY THE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR:
a.. This is the most complete and informative set of drawings I've ever
seen.
b.. We built it right the first time.
c.. No problem, I'll deal with that right away.
d.. I love designers.
e.. No thanks, I don't drink.
BY THE ACTOR:
a.. Don't.... Let's not talk about me.
b.. I really think my big scene should be cut.
c.. This costume is so comfortable.
d.. I love my shoes.
e.. No problem, I can do that myself.
f.. I have a fantastic agent.
g.. Let me stand down here with my back to the audience.
h.. No, leave that spot where it is - I'll walk into it.
i.. I'm sure someone told me there was a wall down here, I just forgot.
j.. Without the crew the show would never run - let's thank them.
k.. No thanks, I don't drink.
BY THE STAGE CREW:
a.. There's room for that over here.
b.. We'll get in early tomorrow to do it.
c.. No, no, I'm sure that is our job.
d.. Anything I can do to help?
e.. All the tools are carefully locked away.
f.. Can we do that scene change again, please?
g.. It's a marvellous show.
h.. I don't need this many on the crew.
i.. I'm getting loads of sleep - everythings going really well.
j.. No thanks, I don't drink.
BY THE ELECTRICS CREW
a.. I must fix the light in the publicity office.
b.. This equipment is far more complicated than we need.
c.. Of course I can operate sound from here.
d.. Be sure to keep that instrument away from the flying pieces.
e.. All the lanterns on the bar a foot to the right? No problem.
f.. I'll do that right away.
g.. All the equipment is working perfectly.
h.. No, please - take the last doughnut.
i.. That had nothing to do with the computer, it was my fault.
j.. Yes, it would be easier to do it on paper, wouldn't it.
k.. I have all the equipment I need, thanks.
l.. No, honestly, it's my round.
m.. Thanks, but I don't drink

POOR KID

2009-02-03T16:35:00.003-06:00

This poor child just had some sort of dental surgery, and he's high as a kite! I'll have what he's having! "I have two fingers, wait, I have four fingers!" LOL

Peace, Love, and Pharmaceuticals to you all!
Justin

The French Bulldog

2009-01-28T08:07:00.001-06:00

I never knew they had a hard time barking. LOL this is so friggin cute!

"Ditto!"
Justin

PATTY PICS FROM THE CHRISTMAS SHOW!

2009-01-23T18:30:00.007-06:00

What a wonderful day...

2009-01-20T11:13:00.003-06:00

Today as I awoke I found a glorious snow falling from the beautiful charcoal sky. My heart filled with joy. I bundled up and made my way to the CK's Dinner down the street, as is my tradition on snowy mornings, and had breakfast while sitting by the front window watching the glorious flakes of white drift peacefully down upon the grass. Beautiful flakes of white falling from the sky is part of the magic I believe in.

Thank you Lord for Simple Miracles.

Today after a good breakfast I was able to take out "the one un-lost" contact from my eye I have been wearing for weeks, and place a new pair of glasses on my face so that I could see clearly. The headache I have been carrying around for the past three weeks due to the absence of full vision has been relieved.

Thank you Lord for relief.

Today as I sit in my comfortable home, cozy and warm I had the privilege of watching the first African American inaugurated as the 44'Th President of our beautiful country.

Thank you Lord for prayers heard and answered.

Let us pray for our leaders, keeping them in our thoughts and hearts as they face and attempt to change the mire that we have so carelessly created.

Thank you Lord for forgiveness.

Peace and Love to you all!

Justin

Ahhhhhh, the winter!

2009-01-10T14:05:00.007-06:00

This made me laugh when I read it, I just thought I'd share. Hope you're all doing well!
.
Diary of a Demented Snow Shoveler
.
December 8 @ 6:00 PM
.
It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!
.
December 9
.
We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the whole world? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had! Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life!
.
December 12
.
The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment! My neighbor tells me not to worry-we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.
.
December 14
.
Snow, lovely snow! 8 inches last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath way, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.
.
December 15
.
20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.
.
December 16
.
Ice storm this morning. Fell on my ass on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like hell. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.December 17Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.
.
December 20
.
Electricity is back on, but had another 14 inches of the damn stuff last night. More shoveling! Took all day. The damn snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.
.
December 22
.
Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white shit fell today, and it's so cold, it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to piss. By the time I got undressed, pissed and dressed again. I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter, but he says he's too busy. I think the asshole is lying.
.
December 23
.
Only 2 inches of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she, nuts?!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.
.
December 24
.
6 inches - Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son of a bitch who drives that snow plow, I'll drag him through the snow by his balls and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just Been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the damn snowplow.
.
December 25
.
Merry f---ing Christmas! 20 more inches of the damn slop tonight -snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. God, I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.
.
December 26
.
Still snowed in. Why the hell did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.
.
December 27
.
Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze; plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he only charged me $1,400 to replace all my pipes.
.
December 28
.
Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. The BITCH is driving me crazy!!!
.
December 29
.
10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?
.
December 30
.
Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plow driver, and now he is suing me for a million dollars, not only for the beating I gave him, but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up his ass. The wife went home to her mother. Nine more inches predicted.
.
December 31
.
I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.
.
January 8
.
Feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?

OUR YEAR IN REVEIW (in song)

2008-12-31T14:24:00.003-06:00

Hope you all have a safe and happy new year!

Peace and Love in the new year!
Justin

Merry Christmas

2008-12-16T11:39:00.002-06:00

This absolutely took my breath away!

Merry Christmas
Justin

AMAZING KIDS!

2008-12-06T22:36:00.002-06:00

I happened upon this video on YouTube and was stunned. They have no physical instruments, only their voices. Even the percussion is coming from the guy on the left. They mimic the sounds of each individual instrument with certain words from the song. It starts off just a bit pitchy for the first few notes, but they soon catch up and completely make an amazing sound! We need more kids like this in the world who use their God given talents in such a manner. Unbelievable!

Peace and love to you all!
Justin

Happy Thanxgivin!

2008-11-27T20:23:00.004-06:00

I hope you all had a great thanksgiving. Mine was very laid back and simple. Brad went to visit family, and since I had to work today I decided to have Lambeth over and have our own little nontraditional Thanksgiving meal. I made Italian sausage pie with Colby and goat cheese, with French Onion Soup. Lambeth brought over a corn casserole and pumpkin cheesecake. It was great! We vegged on the couch and watched about eight episodes of King of the Hill. That's my kind of day. Tomorrow we have our big Thanksgiving meal at Linda's house with all the friends and neighbors. I'm sure a good time will be had by all! Anyway, I hope your bellies were filled with turkey and dressing, and your hearts with a sense of charity and thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for, even in tough times.
GOBBLE TILL YA WOBBLE!

A new blog found on myspace.

2008-11-23T23:18:00.005-06:00

My friend Chris came over tonight so we could talk about the Christmas show. While he was here he just happened to show me his favorite blog on myspace, and I have to say it was worth a peek. Well, that is if you like just plain stupid stuff and celebrity gossip. It gets pretty racy at some points with everything from Prince Williams manhood (thank you paparazzi) to the full nude video of Daniel Radcliffe's performance of Equus. A duo that we affectionately coined as "The Prince and the Potter!" I am posting one of the videos that made me laugh the hardest here, and after you watch it you have to ask yourself; why would anyone post this on the net? YOU GOTTA KNOW IT'S GONNA BE SEEN! And before any of you pound me about being insensitive for chuckling at the poor guy let me just say that HE PUT IT ONLINE! If you're gonna "make it" you gotta be able to "take it!"

BUST A MOVE SISTER-GIRL!

Peace, Love and brainless, mind numbing humor to you all!
Justin

A laid back day.

2008-11-20T16:14:00.002-06:00

Well it's official, I am three decades old. I rounded out my thirtieth year on this planet yesterday and officially started on my thirty first today. It was a calm relaxing day. Lambeth took me to lunch yesterday afternoon followed by a trip to the Asian market and a drop into Ibo's supply to see our friend Debbie for a bit. She was busy but she had a few minutes to chat. Then I came home. lounged on the couch in front of the boob tube, and then Brad took me to dinner at Los Compadre's around 7:30 where I had the most wonderful Mexican chicken with a cream cheese sauce. It was very rich and VERY filling but it was GOOOOOOOOD! Then we came home and watched a couple of movies, and then called it a night. I went again today to follow up on the job in East Memphis that I want. The administrative lady was AGAIN not there, but they gave me the proper paperwork to fill out while she was away, and then I came home to do a few things around the house. I am currently waiting on a load of laundry to finish in the washer while I'm putting off starting on the kitchen. I HATE WASHING DISHES! I would rather take a beatin' with a pine switch than wash silverware. I don't know why. But it's got to be done I suppose. It has been put off long enough. Hope you are all having a great week.

Peace and Love to you all

Justin

Why boys need parents.....

2008-11-13T13:41:00.005-06:00

GERONIMO!

This is gonna help mom out a WHOLE BUNCH!

Don't talk with your mouth full!

The bigger the better!

Where is it?

OK, here we go!

I, uh...I um.....I.....what?

I wish I had thought this through.

Goo - B - Gone.... That's all I have to say

Oh Lord.

My kind'a kid!

Just like mommy!

Again, my kind'a kid!

Little known facts you might learn while raising boys.

1.) A king size water bed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep.
2.) If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.
3.) A 3-year old Boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.
4.) If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room.
5.) You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.
6.) The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.
7.) When you hear the toilet flush and the words 'uh oh', it's already too late.
8.) Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.
9.) A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year old Man says they can only do it in the movies.
10.) Certain Lego's will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old Boy.
11.) Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.
12.) Super glue is forever.
13.) No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool,you still can't walk on water.
14.) Pool filters do not like Jell-O.
15.) VCR's do not eject 'PB & J' sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.
16.) Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.
17.) Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.
18.) You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.
19.) Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens.
20.) The fire department in Austin,TX has a 5-minute response time.
21.) The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.
22.) It will, however, make cats dizzy.
23.) Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.
24.) 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.

Our Halloween

2008-11-01T14:32:00.004-05:00

Well, as is tradition on our street we opened the doors to our own Haunted house last night as we have for the past 4 years. It was a blast! My friend Stephen (aka the other half of Audrey II) came over and participated. The pic above is of my costume. I was so proud! I made the mask myself out of an old burlap bag and hemp rope. The stitching was a little tedious being that the rope was so thick, but I think I achieved the desired effect. A damn good time was had by all. I LOVE Halloween! I hope you all had as much fun as I did as a sledge hammer wielding psycho!

Peace, Love, and spooky dreams to you all!

Justin (aka Big Ass Bug Faced Baby eating McGee!)

I'm here

2008-10-26T21:28:00.003-05:00

Well it's officially been a little less than a month since I dropped off the face of the planet. The show closed last weekend. It was a great show, but 5 weeks was a long run and I am currently enjoying my time off. Work is soooooo busy. We are shorthanded in the concierge dept, and I NEED HELP! My brain feels like it's fried and my emotions are worn to the nub. HOWEVER I am taking a five day break over Halloween starting Thursday of this week to celebrate my favorite Holiday with some rest and relaxation. Have not felt much like posting anything in a while, still don't, so I think I will cut this short. Hope y'all are doing great!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Justin

For my sissy.......

2008-10-06T13:51:00.001-05:00

I laughed so hard I threw up! OMG This made me think of you sissy! ENJOY!

Peace, Love and Baby Hands to you all
Justin

A picture's worth a thousand words.....

2008-09-25T17:29:00.004-05:00

PICS FROM 1776

2008-09-22T07:35:00.007-05:00

Mr. Jefferson, won't you introduce us to your wife?
By physical force if necessary!

The war
The egg
Gentlemen, can you hear? That's the cry of the auctioneer!
I'm not like you John!

Are you calling me a coward?

Before the portrait.
In session
He's your damn slavery!
Cool Cool Men!
Hi-Hi-Hi- Diddle Diddle!

THE CROWDS HAVE BEEN AMAZING! Who would have thought that a 40 year old show could pack em in every night to the point of over capacity. I have to admit when I saw the revival of this show I hated it. BUT then again I did not have much of a sense of history. I had no interest in it at all. We just needed to pick another show to fulfill our season subscriptions at the Orpheum Theater. Now that I have a stronger grasp of the American revolution and where we came from it does interest me, and I have learned a LOT from this show.

PEACE, LOVE, and INDEPENDENCE to you all!

Justin

Not a good day!

2008-09-20T09:30:00.004-05:00

Well, for some reason I am able to blog from work today. I was able to load up a game creator (which i normally can't do) and I thought, "Well, I'll give the Blogger a try!" And what do you know? IT WORKED!

Opening night was last night and it was a HUGE success! We were SOOOOO over sold that they were putting chairs in the isles. We were WAY beyond capacity but it made for a tremendous opening for the show. It's sold out for the rest of the weekend, and I hear ticket sales are doing very well for the rest of the run. We close Oct 19. And where that should be lifting my spirits, it does not for the time being.

I am currently sitting at work feeling VERY annoyed for various reasons. Mostly due (for the moment) to the large amount of noise the people in my lobby are making. There are about 30 people inside trying to be comfortable in a room made for 14 guests. It's like trying to watch a morbidly obese cat trying to sun it's self on a thin windowsill. And you are all within ear shot of each other. THERE IS NO NEED TO YELL! "INSIDE VOICES PEOPLE!" "YOU SHOULD ALL KNOW WHAT THAT IS, YOU"RE ALL LIKE OVER 80! I'm sure you remember observing a moment of silence when the Titanic went down. SO FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE REMEMBER THE TITANIC!

And as for you, Mr Man in the corner trying to hide behind your Newsweek. Don't think I can't see you with your finger in your nose. I have passed by you like 4 times, and each time you pull it out of your nostril and act like you are scratching. You are not fooling anyone. I can see you as plain as day from my desk with your finger crammed so far up your nose that you could cause yourself permanent brain damage. You are gross, sir. I don't even want to know where you are putting what you recover, and I don't see a tissue or napkin near by. So help me God if I find your "stash" after you leave I will turn hornets loose in your room. If you are going to do things like that please excuse yourself to your room, or the restroom out of the sight of others, or you deserve their contempt .

Uggggg, some days I just don't want to deal with people, but on days like today I have no choice. They are in my face constantly, with the same questions the guests in line right before them asked. IF YOU WOULD LISTEN INSTEAD OF TALKING QUITE SO LOUDLY AND ACTING LIKE CHILDREN YOU MIGHT HEAR THAT I AM ALREADY GIVING THE ANSWERS YOU NEED, AND THEN YOU CAN GO AWAY AND NOT WASTE MY TIME.

My sentiments exactly!

NO BAD NEWS!

Out of the way, people!

Justin

Learning to make a movie

2008-09-10T17:24:00.002-05:00

Me and a few friends are making a short film about Mary Angela Road (home of voodoo village). This is the teaser. I'm still learning.

Peace and Love to you all!
Justin

THIS KID IS GREAT!

2008-09-07T17:02:00.000-05:00

Peace and Love to you all!
Justin

1776

2008-08-26T10:24:00.002-05:00

Rehearsals are going good! I love the process with which this director works. He's so laid back, but he makes you work hard. BUT if you are not needed, or you are through with your scenes, he just sends ya home. There is no sitting around and waiting to see if you'll be needed. IT'S GREAT! I met my wife for the first time a few days ago. She is an intern from FL and she is a cute petite little thing. I dwarf her when she stands next to me, which makes the THREE PAGE KISS very awkward. "As if it weren't unnatural enough for me as it is, I have to continue the kiss for an entire three page scene. OH GOOD LORD! I can see my mother standing up in the back row screaming "HAS THIS WHOLE GAY THING BEEN A BIG JOKE, YOU ASS! Ugh. So that's the way things are right now.

Peace and Love to you all!

Justin

The Pattys on BLOGSPOT!

2008-08-20T01:16:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to let y'all know that THE COW PATTYS have a new blog on blogspot! Were working real hard on it, check it out! Hope it gives you a chuckle!

Peace and Love to you all

Justin

OUR NEW VID

FUN SLOGANS

2008-08-13T17:14:00.002-05:00

Below are fine examples of what happens when marketing translations fail to reach a foreign country in an understandable way.

Coors put its slogan, "Turn it loose," into Spanish, where it was read as "Suffer from diarrhea."

Clairol introduced the "Mist Stick," a curling iron, into German only to find out that "mist" is slang for manure. Not too many people had use for the "manure stick".

Scandinavian vacuum manufacturer Electrolux used the following in an American campaign: Nothing sucks like an Electrolux.

The American slogan for Salem cigarettes, "Salem-Feeling Free", was translated into the Japanese market as "When smoking Salem, you will feel so refreshed that your mind seems to be free and empty."

When Gerber started selling baby food in Africa, they used the same packaging as in the US, with the beautiful baby on the label.

Later they learned that in Africa, companies routinely put pictures on the label of what's inside, since most people can't read English.

An American T-shirt maker in Miami printed shirts for the Spanish market which promoted the Pope's visit. Instead of "I saw the Pope" (el Papa), the shirts read "I saw the potato" (la papa).

In Italy, a campaign for Schweppes Tonic Water translated the name into "Schweppes Toilet Water.

"Pepsi's "Come alive with the Pepsi Generation" translated into "Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave," in Chinese.

When Parker Pen marketed a ballpoint pen in Mexico, its ads were supposed to say "It won't leak in your pocket and embarrass you." However, the company mistakenly thought the spanish word "embarazar" meant embarrass. Instead the ads said that "It wont leak in your pocket and make you pregnant.

"The name Coca-Cola in China was first rendered as Ke-kou-ke-la. Unfortunately, the Coke company did not discover until after thousands of signs had been printed that the phrase means "bite the wax tadpole" or "female horse stuffed with wax" depending on the dialect.

Coke then researched 40,000 Chinese characters and found a close phonetic equivalent, "ko-kou-ko-le," which can be loosely translated as "happiness in the mouth."

Also in Chinese, the Kentucky Fried Chicken slogan "finger-lickin' good" came out as "eat your fingers off."

When General Motors introduced the Chevy Nova in South America, it was apparently unaware that "no va" means "it won't go." After the company figured out why it wasn't selling any cars, it renamed the car in its Spanish markets to the Caribe.

Colgate introduced a toothpaste in France called Cue, the name of a notorious porno magazine.

Mommy Dearest, A reading by Hedda Lettuce and Phillip Seymore Hoffman.

2008-08-08T15:43:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!

2008-08-03T11:12:00.003-05:00

Y'all run by and tell that beautiful man Happy Birthday!

Justin

Your warm and fuzzy for the week....

2008-07-27T21:57:00.000-05:00

Let's see the dog whisperer do this!

DEAR ANN FLANDERS,

2008-07-26T16:44:00.003-05:00

DEAR ANN FLANDERS,

Last Sunday I got in the pool for about an hour. I wasn't able to stay too long because I had to be at an early rehearsal in Mississippi. I got out, took a shower, and decided it was time to clean my ears. NOW MIND YOU I don't usually clean my ears after a swim, it had just been a while since the last time I had swabbed them out. When I finished I noticed that it felt like my left ear was stopped up. The hearing was kind of muffled, so I cleaned it out some more and it seemed to do the trick. No problems that night. Monday went by and I had all but forgotten about the incident. Tuesday night however, I was singing at rehearsal and something felt like it kinda "popped" in my ear and it was immediately sore. "Hmmmmmmm I wonder what it could be..." I again ignored it thinking it would be better by morning, but to my surprise it had only gotten more sensitive. Thursday and Friday were exactly the same. I went to Walgreen's on Friday and got some ear drops for swimmers ear, and some sweet oil for the pain (which I don't think works), but I can't tell a difference after using them. The only thing that seems to make it feel better is taking ibuprofen. I think I am going to give it a few more days to see if it eases up any, if not I think I will have to go to the doctor and get them to take a look. I don't know if swimmers ear lasts this long or if it might have gotten infected. What should I do?
.

Sincerely

Muffled in Memphis

HAPPY 4'th WEEKEND EVERONE!

2008-07-05T14:54:00.002-05:00

Well, life goes on here in The Bluff City. Work is good, rehearsal is good, and life in general is just busy. This past week was kind of tuff though with my alternator going out and the television blowing up, but other than that it's been a relaxed week. LOL. I went to get a new television today after work, and it should be delivered on Monday after I get home. It's a 37 inch Sony plasma flat thing-a-ma-jig that should fit nicely in the corner of the living room. I've been wanting one like this for a while (so has Brad) but there was no need while the mammoth was still working. Brad has never liked the size of the monstrosity we have now, but I LOVED it. It was like Anne Curry was sitting in my living room EVERY DAY! I sure do love me some Anne Curry. ANYWAY..... I think it's a 60 inch (not too sure of the size) projection screen, and it was working great before Thursday, but as I sat working at the computer it just decided to give up the ghost and die of old age (aka natural causes.) It was a good beast of burden and served it's master well, but like all good things; it too met it's end. It will be sorely missed. Just to fill you in, the play is coming along nicely. We are doing "LIL SHOP" out at the Kudzu theater (my second time in this role in the past 2 years) it promises to be a good production. It's gonna be a multi-media show with cheezy pre-recorded 50's commercials and montages along with the spinning stage and hydraulic risers. We open in 3 weeks. I'll keep ya updated on how opening night goes. Alright, well that all from me for now. I hope you all had a happy 4'th of July! Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Peace, Love, and working Televisions to you all!

Justin

FINALLY SOME ONE GETS IT!

2008-06-12T14:07:00.001-05:00

Peace and Love to you all!

Justin

2008-06-11T17:22:00.000-05:00

What a great pic, THANX SISSY!

"Even the trees are more graceful than me!"

Peace and Love to you all!

Justin

A CUTE JOKE

2008-06-09T17:14:00.003-05:00

The Atheist and the Bear.....

An atheist was taking a walk through the woods. "What majestic trees!What a powerful river! What beautiful animals!" he said to himself.As he was walking alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7 foot grizzly charge towards him.
He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder and saw that the bear was closing in on him. He looked over his shoulder again, and the bear was even closer.He tripped and fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw the bear right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw and raising his right paw to strike him. At that instant the Atheist cried out: "Oh my God!..."Time stopped. The bear froze. The forest was silent. As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky: "You deny my existence for all of these years, teach others I don't exist, and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?"The atheist looked directly into the light, "It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask You to treat me as a Christian, but perhaps could you make the BEAR a Christian?""Very well," said the voice. The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. And then the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together and bowed his head and spoke: "Lord, bless this food,which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord,Amen."

Peace and Love to you all!

Justin

Clips from the Cow Pattys

2008-05-29T14:41:00.002-05:00

I got some new Movie editing software a few days ago, and I've been playing with the footage from the last time we did the Cow Pattys. It's not great, but it's my first attempt at editing. Hope you enjoy it!

Peace, Love and Country Queen Dreams to you all!

Justin

And were back.........

2008-05-23T18:43:00.005-05:00

After a short hiatus without a computer, Brad has built me a new one and I am back better (and faster) than ever! YAY! The video card went out on my old one, but this one is running like a champ! Everything is going good here. Just the same ol' same ol'. Hope you all are having a great memorial day weekend! I have to work, but I get off at 2:00pm so I'll still have plenty of time to have fun in the afternoon! Have a GREAT weekend!

BITCH SLAP OF THE WEEK

My Make-up for Zombie Day......

2008-04-28T14:38:00.001-05:00

Peace, Love and Super Sticky Mint Flavored Mehron Stage Blood to you ALL!

Justin

A day among the dead......

2008-04-26T15:21:00.006-05:00

Sooo much fun was had! These are just random pics taken by other folks. They are great!

EXTREME FAN

2008-04-22T21:36:00.002-05:00

Although I have to admit he has a talent, it still disturbs me that he does this alone in his room at night. And the costume, you can tell he is proud of the loincloth cause he keeps showing it off. It just gave me a chuckle and I thought I would share. ENJOY

Nuthin much.....

2008-04-21T18:40:00.005-05:00

I just got cast in 1776 THE MUSICAL as Thomas Jefferson. I am very excited about it! It's a good part, it's a good show, and it PAYS! So, YAY!!!!!!!! Today was my day off (only one) and I have done nothing but lay on the couch and slip in and out of consciousness, so it was a restful day to say the least. Also this Friday is ZOMBIE DAY! I cant wait! I'm sure some of you saw the pics I posted last year of the zombie walk. It's so much fun. It's just a silly excuse to get folks together, and you get to play with make-up. What could be better than that? Yesterday we had a cookout at our friend Genes house, and all I'm gonna say is a "good time" was had by all! (clears throat) Once again I will keep the names private to protect the not so Innocent. LOL. My apologies to Robin who I think has been scarred for life. LOL. Other than that there's not much going on. I hope you are all having a good week, and I will post pics from the walk this weekend.

Peace and Love to you all!

Justin

READY FOR SOME RELIEF.....

2008-04-12T16:36:00.002-05:00

A PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father

I praise you

I thank you for everything you have given me, Lord

I am so blessed

Thank you for my wonderful family

(the names have been deleted to protect the innocent)

A loving partner,

Friends that love me, and

The very breath I you have given me

I praise you, Lord

Thank you for

my short comings

Where I fail, and look to you

Lord, I have so much to be thankful for

but I earnestly pray that the two girls who have their final interviews tomorrow

for the remaining concierge positions

BE PERFECT FOR THE JOB!!!

I am thankful for my good job,

and the overtime is great!

BUT

I DON'T WANT ANYMORE!

Thank you Lord

Amen

Today marks my 7Th day of work in a row, and I will only get one day off until I work another 6 or 7 days straight! Don't get me wrong I LOVE MY JOB, but I want some time off! It has been very busy, and lots of things have gone wrong this week. I can't wait till my day off

(IE MONDAY!!)

Peace, love, and answered prayers to you all!

Justin

WHAT I DID.......

2008-03-30T19:59:00.004-05:00

It was just a bad day and night altogether, but i m so embarrassed right now that I can't stand it. I have been laughing at myself off and on all day since 8 this morning. And here is why... I was greeting my guests this morning like i do every morning at work. It was a very busy week and it was not getting any slower as the day pressed on. And, before i get any further into this I need to tell you that all the plugs in my brain were not firing at full speed. I was kinda out of it today. I went into the kitchen to make sure there were plenty of juice when I heard the phone ring. I ran back to my desk and picked up after the third ring (a big no no). I spoke. "Club floor concierge, this is Justin how can I help you?" "Good morning!" the other voice said in a very upbeat and chipper tone. I looked at the caller ID for the last name of the guest. "Good morning Miss Givens, how can I help you?" She then asked me if we had a town car that could transport her to the airport. I told her no, I was sorry but we don't have a transport service to and from the airport (for the life of me i don't know why we don't.) To which I followed up with "But there is a public shuttle bus that comes to the hotel at the top of every hour, and there are several people catching that bus this morning." She sounded a little hesitant and then said "Isn't there a company that you contract that can pick me up and take me to the airport in a private car?" (This is where it's important to remember that my brain was not working properly.) "No maim." I said "But I can call around and see if I can find someone to give you a ride." Again she sounded confused, but spoke very calmly and sweetly. "Alright, " she said "let me know what you find out." I hung up the phone and thought to myself, "YOU DUMB ASS!!! You book limos for guests EVERY DAY!! They have town cars..." I turned to look at my computer and pull up the number for Eurostar Limo. I called and spoke with the CSR and told him what I needed. NO PROBLEM, RIGHT? Wrong...... This is where the story gets fun. They asked me for guests info and I pulled up her room number and looked at her profile. "Hmmm...." I thought, "She's in the presidential suite, must have money." Then they asked me for her last name. "Givens, " I said. Then they asked me the first name. Again, I looked at my computer screen and read the name out loud "Robin." That's when my stomach did an uncomfortable dance. She repeated the info back to me, confirmed the pick-up, and I hung up the phone. I sat dumbfounded as I read her name over and over. Robin Givens? The actress? The ex-wife of Mike Tyson? OH MY GOSH, I just told her she needed to take the bus. Surely this was just a coincidence. It's a common name, right? I called the front desk and asked for confirmation. "Yes!" They told me "It is the Robin Givens. I was mortified. Not only had I stupidly told her that we could not get her a car to take her to her flight, I then stuffed the foot even further into my mouth by suggesting she take public transportation!
.
I was embarrassed, but now I had to make the dreaded phone call back to her room. I didn't want to talk to her. I felt so stupid. But, I swallowed what little pride I had left and dialed her room. I explained everything to her in detail (to which she laughed) leaving out the fact that I never knew who I was talking to, and confirmed all the info back to her. She was very pleasant and cordial as she thanked me. I was surprised at that fact. I just KNEW she would have been put off by my stupidity, but she was very down to earth and quite forgiving.
.
So ladies and gentlemen I will be double checking each and every name before I pick up the phone from now on. I hope you are all having a good week.

Love and Peace to you all

Justin

Cute Vids that made my day!

2008-03-23T21:21:00.001-05:00

Peace, Love, and Turtles to you all!

Justin

An update on Jake.....

2008-03-03T23:35:00.003-06:00

(A little background) Most of you know that my little brother was diagnosed with leukemia a few years ago. It was a tremendous struggle for everyone involved. Being that he was just twenty and he did not have a real job (just part time stuff) therefore he had no insurance to pay for his medical bills and chemo treatments. BUT the good people at the Cancer Institute found a program for which he qualified that would cover his doctor visits and his $6000.00 a month chemo treatments. But there were stipulations to the program,

1.) He could not work, he had to stay at his present income (of nothing) or he would fall out of the criteria bracket and lose funding.
2.) He could not get married, for this would also change his legal financial situation.
3.) He could not be in remission, for without the disease affecting his immediate ability to function normally the program sees no need for the medication to be dispensed.

These were tough stipulations. Jake is a worker, he wants to be busy, and he is in a relationship that he truly wants to let move forward in the logical direction. (she is a very sweet girl, and very good for Jake.) But with the fear of losing his health being stronger than his need to remain employed or to get married he abided by the rules.

Time went on, the chemo worked, and after about a year of treatment he went into remission. We were so excited to hear that it had worked when his body seemed to reject all the healing aspects of the other medications. So, his doctor feeling satisfied with my brothers progression took him off of the medication. He was doing good for about a month or two, until the flu-like symptoms started coming back. He went Back to Dr. Doshie (a wonderful, caring, professional) so more tests could be run, and within a few days he had his results. He was no longer in remission. The cancer had come back and was beginning to progress. She immediately put him back on the medication, and no sooner had she done so; his symptoms went away and before long he was in remission again. It stayed this way for about two years. His body had made it clear that it would function properly only if he continued to take the chemo. But a pill a day is a small price to pay for your health. All was going well!

PRESENT DAY

Things were going smooth for everyone. Jake and his girlfriend were doing good, he was doing odd jobs to keep him busy, and his health was great. The proverbial stormy waters had been calmed for the time being and the shoreline was in plain sight. Until this week.... Jake has found out that the program is cutting his funding for his medication due to the fact that he is now in remission again. They don't care about the fact that he has been in remission before, and his health failed when he was not taking the pills every day. No money, no medicine, and no hope of being able to continue on his own. So he has decided that with the remaining half bottle of treatments that he is going to take them every other day instead of every day to make them stretch out a little longer. He has also been forced to move back in with my mother and father. Despite the small amount of Independence he found by moving away from our parents and in with my cousin (his best friend) he had swallowed his pride (realizing what is in his best interest) and abandoned what he feels is the last of his self-respect and moved back home with mom and dad.

Although he has chosen to appeal the programs decision to cut him loose from his funding, he does not think that they will take any course of action until the cancer comes back again.

I don't think I could truly understand what it is like to be in his shoes. I could not fathom what it is like To be 25 and to have been through everything he has dealt with; from his near fatal wreck at 17, to a failed marriage at 20 yrs old, and now being suffocated with the prospect of returning cancer... How much can one man take. How disappointing to see independence dangled in front of your eyes only to have it pulled away every time you get the courage to grab it. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. He's a good boy and does not deserve to have the world placed squarely on his young shoulders. Also, remember to tell your friends and family how much you love them. You never now how many more chances you will get.

Peace and Love to you all

Justin

DOG DANCING

2008-02-20T11:21:00.002-06:00

This is one smart poochie! I have heard of this kinda stuff before, but I never thought anyone actually did it...LOL This is way too cute. Please watch, it ade me morning!

Peace, love, and Dancing Doggies to you all!

Justin

Things, right now......

2008-02-11T16:06:00.000-06:00

The Production of PIRATES is still going on, and has two more weeks to run, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I found out Saturday morning that I won an "Alley" award for my performance in The Glass Menagerie at DFT! I was way excited, I didn't even know I was nominated for anything, but I won the award for best featured ( aka supporting) actor in a drama, YAY!!!!! Work goes on as usual at the hotel, and I started back to work at the office doing mystery calls after a month long hiatus due to my rehearsal schedule for Pirates. It was good to see the gals at the office and get caught up on the water cooler gossip. I didn't realize how much I had missed them. Anyway, that's whats going on in a nutshell right now. Hope you are all doing well and having a great week thus far.

Peace and Love to you all!

Justin

Sweeney Todd Parody!

2008-02-05T14:44:00.000-06:00

LOL This is GREAT! If you like Sweeney Todd AND The Andy Griffith Show you will get a BIG kick out of this.

SWEENEY FLOYD!!

Peace, Love and Funny Showtunes to you all!

Justin

PS: If ya wanna see pics from our production of PIRATES OF PENZANCE just click the link.

http://www.playhouseonthesquare.org/galleries/0708/pirates/index.html

The Fruitcake Lady......

2008-02-02T22:32:00.000-06:00

OH, I LOVE THE FRUITCAKE LADY!

Hope it gave you a little chuckle!

Peace and Love to you all!

Justin

Long time no post...........

2008-01-31T11:38:00.000-06:00

I know, I know.... I havn't been on here in a long time, but life has been very busy. I just had my first day off without any kind of obligations since Christmas. No work, no rehearsal, no meetings, no show, NOTHING. It was wonderful! I went to lunch with my friend Lambeth, did some shoping at Spin Street, came home, watched a few episodes of King of the Hill, and then made 2 italian sausage pies. (They turned out GREAT!) A very laid back kind of day. And at present I a being taunted with images of blizzard - like conditions merely 45 minutes away while all we are getting here is cold, sharp rain. I'm hoping it will turn to a wintery mix but I am not holding my breath. The show opening went well last weekend and we resume tonight for another four week run. I am already looking forward to the end. However I did have a meeting with some firends from our new theater troupe "BIG MOMMA PRODUCTIONS" and I think we have decided on what show we will be doing in the spring. ARE YA READY FOR THIS? OK HERE IT COMES, HERE IT COMES........ A three man production of "Whatever happened to Baby Jane." It will be campy fun, in the style of Rocky Horror. I am sensing a theme among all our productions.....DRAG......Oh well every group has to find it's niche. And, if it puts butts in the seats who am I to argue. LOL. Anyway, other than an audition for INTO THE WOODS later this spring that seems to be all thats going on at the present time. Work is good. We had Mrs. Hillary Clinton there the other night. I LOVE HER!! OK thats all for now, I will post more soon. I swear.

Peace and Love to you all!

Justin

After a long week.....

2008-01-10T20:34:00.000-06:00

After a long week at work and rehearsal, I went to Spin Street and picked up an oldie but goodie to add to my collection and settle in for the evening with. You gotta love Mia Farrow! No big news. Just the same ol' same ol'! Hope you are all having a great week.

Peace, Love and Devil-Free babies to you all!

Justin

And a happy new year to you all!

2008-01-01T11:25:00.001-06:00

Well folks, I have officially been awake for over 24 hours. I did take a short nap this morning at 3:30 am but I had to get up directly at 4:30 to get ready for work, so I don't actually count that as "real" sleep seeing as how I was merely teasing my tired body with the notion of rest. Surprisingly enough, I feel OK. I thought I would be fighting more symptoms of fatigue than I presently am. I did have a bit of a headache accompanied with some aches from the festivities last night, but other than that I am in good shape. I got footage of the party on my new camcorder, and If I can ever figure out how to upload them to my computer I will share. On a side note I am able to blog from the Hotel today. Normally they have these sorts of web sights blocked for personal use, but for some reason I was able to log on and use it here today. Hooooo -to-the-Raaaaaaay! I am about ready to crash, and I am looking forward to 2pm when I get outta here. I cant wait. I was so jealous this morning when I left for work. As I looked at Brad in the throws of a deep peaceful slumber, undoubtedly dreaming about beer and electronic gadgets (his favorite past time) I wanted soooo bad to stay in the bed next to him. But Alas, I got up and forged ahead to the hotel, where at 5:30 this morning I starting serving the unwashed and hungover masses. It's a good damn thing that we ain't holding any beauty contests on New Years Day, cause ain't no one looking so hot today. Everyone comes stumbling out of their door (in their pajamas and bare feet) with a restless expression of "Oh God, I will never drink again." written across their pillow creased faces. Walking like hordes of zombies in a Romero flick in search of anything to rehydrate them, and stop the pounding in their head. You can smell the nausea on these folks like stale cologne. It turns the stomach and makes the eyes water. Two o'clock taunts me from an all to close but unreachable distance. Congratulations to those of you who did not have to work today. Enjoy the time off. Have a Happy New Year.

Peace, Love and Peaceful Slumber to you all!

Justin

So sad......

2007-12-27T15:36:00.000-06:00

I was watching CNN this morning at work when they broke into the broadcast and said she was dead. I was in shock. I mean I knew she was a target, but I just figured she would be well protected. I had been reading a lot about her lately ever since she came out of exile. She fascinated me for some reason. Partly because she was a leader in such a male driven place. How tragic. Why do so many people who fight for peace die so horribly? I just don't understand. Godspeed Benazir. May you find the ideals in death that you sought in life.

Peace and love to you all.

Justin

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2007-12-21T16:37:00.000-06:00

I hope you all have a wonderful, and joyous Christmas. I will be driving back home on Monday to spend the holiday with my family. It's a three hour drive so it wont be that bad, and I hear they may get a little wintry mix. YAY! Anyway I ran across this video on youtube and I laughed so hard remembering how funny I thought it was when I was little. I had this movie "A CLAYMATION CHRISTMAS" on video, and my mom and I would rewind this part over and over and over again, laughing at this "dumb bell" on the right. LOL Enjoy!!!
May your holiday season be filled with magic, love, and childlike wonder.

Peace on earth, Goodwill toward men

Justin

WAY EXCITED!

2007-12-12T20:19:00.000-06:00

I WON, I WON, I WON! Although this makes my horror movie memorabilia collection no where near complete, it will make a nice addition. I will be promptly running down the street to Davids Frame Shop as soon as it arrives and find a nice black shadow box to display it in, above my desk right beside my Sissy Spacek "CARRIE" autograph. Aside from the new decor, the week has seemingly followed suit. Work has been especially nice for the past several days. Hotels are usually slow during the holiday season, and it has proven true on my floor. It has been nice to tend to just a handful of folks rather than a floor full. I have been able to work at a leisurely pace. Tomorrow I only have to look after 3 people. WOOO - TO - THE - HOOO! Plus it's supposed to get below freezing here this weekend and they are expecting "some kind" of precipitation. PLEEZ OH PLEEZ OH PLEEZ LET IT BE SNOW!! I know it's not gonna happen. BUT I CAN DREAM! I had my first rehearsal for Pirates of Penzance last night at Playhouse on the Square. It's gonna be good, but the music is TUFFFF!!!! Lord, how can so much music be so incredibly FAST? Ugg. I cant keep up with the pace..... LOL ANDANTE MY ASS!!!!!!! SLOW DOWN FOLKS!!!!!!! GEEEEEZZZZ! Alright, well I hope you all have a great week. Be safe.

Peace, Love and Restful Ballads to you all

Justin

PS: Here is your warm/fuzzy thought for the week

A Christmas Present for myself.....

2007-12-10T19:44:00.000-06:00

I found this on eBay and wanted it SOOOOOOO BAAAAAAAD!

It is autographed at the top by KANE HODDER who played Jason in Parts 7,8,9,and X

And it is signed by LAR PARK LINCOLN who played Tina in part 7.

Dead excited about it! i am the high bidder and I'm hoping it will last for another 18 hrs and 52 min. GOT MY FINGERS CROSSED!

ALSO

I am the high bidder for the dog tags worn by Justin Chatwin in the movie THE CHUMSCRUBBER. A very good lil movie. Very dark. Loved it!

This is Justin Chatwin if you don't know who he is. Ain't he a doll-baby?

Anyway please keep your fingers crossed for me, and I'll let you know the outcome.

Peace Love and Movie memorabilia to you all!

Justin

OMG! Too funny!

2007-12-07T16:02:00.000-06:00

SEXY PANDA!

Peace and Love to you all

Justin

Life as usual....

2007-12-03T09:55:00.001-06:00

Life goes trudging on here in Memphis. Thanksgiving (the Friday version) was wonderful. Good food and friends abounded. After that it was back to normal life. Work is still good. I have had a few more celebs on my floor, I was wanting to say something about them on here earlier, but I am not allowed to say anything until after they have checked out. I tend to get a little star struck so pardon me, 1.) MATT DILAN 2.) DAVID SCHWIMMER 3.) KATE BECKENSALE all just checked out of the hotel about a week ago. Some of which were a pleasure to speak to, and others were not. They were in town filming their new movie "Nothing but the Truth" that is due out next year. WENTWORTH MILLER stopped by on Thanksgiving for some unknown reason, and the teeny boper Disney star HANNA MONTANA was on my floor before her concert last week. She was a very nice and well behaved guest. It's strange how some of the younger ones can behave more like adults than the older ones. ANYWAY, I am going to Playhouse on the Square to pick up my new contract for the show "The Pirates of Penzance." I have never much cared for the show, but I would jump at the chance to work for Playhouse again. And who knows, I might like it before it's all over. Well, that's about it for today, I have been off the past two days and I have to get to bed early tonight to get ready for work tomorrow. 4:30 am comes awfully early. Also, I am playing with the look of my blog this week, so if it gets screwed up and mixed around for the next few days forgive me. Have a great week.

Peace, and Love to you all.

Justin

PS on a side note, my friend Cecilia just sent me this. Take a look, and watch it all the way through, you might think you know whats gonna happen, BUT YOU'LL BE WRONG. HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Both voices are HIM!!!!!!!! Fun, and a little scary.

PICS FROM THE SHOW.....

2007-11-23T23:01:00.001-06:00

Thought y'all might like to see some pics from the show last weekend. It went well. Everyone liked it and we did turn a small profit for the theater troupe. I know some of these are blurry, but they tried to take them without the flash so as not to disturb the show. I think we have some better ones out there, and when I find them I will share.

Peace and Love to you all!

Justin

"Patty Cake"

Thanxgivinz All Alonez!

2007-11-22T17:32:00.000-06:00

Yup, it is 5:33 pm on Thanksgiving, and where most of you are spending time with family friends and loved ones, I am alone at home eating microwaved mac and cheese and wishing I was with my family. I didn't think it would happen, but I am a little homesick today. I wish my baby was here, selfish I know, but I am a little lonely. Anyway, enough of the pity party. Work was busy today despite what I was told. People were bustling around eating, drinking and all around being MERRY, as I worked my ass off. OH WELL, at least I will be off on Christmas. My friend Lambeth invited me over to her family Thanksgiving, and I did go for about an hour, but as welcome as they tried to make me feel I was an outsider so I decided to come home before they ate. (hence the micro mac.) BUT, I believe things will pick up a little later. Brad will be home and I THINK he's gonna go with me to the theater to see a sneak peak of A TUNA CHRISTMAS. They don't officially open till tomorrow, but they are having a fundraiser for the food bank here in Memphis for all the needy families. Soooooo you can get in and watch the show for free with a donation of four canned food items. I will be there, maybe it'll perk me up. Well I gotta get off here. I have to get a few things together, and the bird is screaming like some sort of maniac. Sometimes it's hard to refrain from beating him senseless. BUT I TRY

Wishing all of you a VERY happy holiday

Peace, Love, and EasyMac to ALL!

Justin

FIRED....

2007-11-21T15:54:00.000-06:00

This is why you don't let folks finish the work day after they've been fired. LOL

DUMB ASS!

2007-11-19T18:50:00.000-06:00

This made me laugh HARD!

Opening this week.

2007-11-10T17:11:00.000-06:00

Well, it has been a full week indeed. The rehearsals are going good (thank goodness) and we are set to open the show this Friday. I think I told y'all already, but if I didn't: we are reprising the play I wrote as the inaugural show for our new theater troupe. "The Cow Pattys at Big Mommas Bar and Grill" is ready to take the stage once again with our hopes high, and our hair even higher! LOL We ran it for two nights before as a fundraiser for a local charity group in town, and it went so well we decided to use the characters again. It's got good buzz. This has become my lil baby project, and not only are we reprising it this weekend, but there is talk of an independent film based on the characters next summer, and I am working on a stage sequel called "A Cow Patty Christmas" that will be produced next year during December. The whole thing is campy fun about four trailer park "gals" from Arkansas who want to be country and western music stars. All have the same first name, "Patty", with different last names due to all four having different daddy's. It's a musical paying tribute to all the old country greats - Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Kitty Wells, and the like. It's taken off more than I ever thought it would. Anyway, if you would like to look at some pics or read Patty Cake's blog take a look at our web pages. (links below) Other than that, work is crazy right now. We are hosting a lot of COGIC people that are in town, and a convention of chiropractors. Today was the busiest day I have EVER had at the hotel, and it has COMPLETELY worn me out. I took a LONG nap when I got home today, and I know I will need another tomorrow afternoon after I get out of work. OK gotta run. Hope y'all are doin OK!

Peace, Love, and Patsy Cline to you all!

Justin

"Patty Cake"

http://www.thecowpattys.com/

www.myspace.com/thecowpattys

Pics you will never see in Sports Illustrated

2007-11-01T17:08:00.000-05:00

PICS FROM THE GLASS MENAGERIE....Photos by Michelle Jerome.

2007-10-29T10:40:00.001-05:00

I have got to go on a diet. And stick to it. GAHHHHHHHHH!

Peace and Love to you all!

Justin

LAZY.....I know..

2007-10-26T15:52:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I have been a lazy blogger for the past few (well, several) days. Unlike some people, I enjoy the cool gloomy weather. I love days like today. The grey overcast sky is so comforting to me, like a careworn, moth eaten patchwork covering the sleepy city. And the rain.....OHHHHHHHHH the rain, does wonders for my mood. I have been staring out the window at work, looking at the deep charcoal sky with the clouds pulsing and shifting on the horizon. It's almost a little intense as if something is coming. A constant anticipation of something unexpected, you can feel it in your stomach swatting away the butterflies. It's glorious! Albeit a little to warm, it would not be to much of a stretch of the imagination to envision flakes of snow slowly falling on the resting skyline. I can only wish. To quote Ms. Bronte "I shall rejoice when wreathes of snow blossom where the rose did grow."

Peace, Love and Cool weather day dreaming to you all!

Justin

Goober of the week contest........

2007-10-12T15:31:00.000-05:00

OK, this was just so ridiculously funny I had to share it. This poor girl..... What was she thinking?

AND THE CROWN GOES TO...................

HOPE Y'ALL LIKED IT! It brought a smile to my face and a tear to mine eye! LOL

Peace, Love, and Proper ear plugs to you all.

Justin

To you, my baby.......

2007-10-07T21:02:00.000-05:00

If you press your ear to my chest
You will hear the sounding sea
Churning, Stumbling, Crashing into shores so familiar
You wade through my heart
Threading your toes in the frothy waves
Writing in the sand I fold you in
I see you
I hold you in me
Not letting go
Not flinching
Not Afraid
Strong hands holding to stronger hands
Clutching what I am
What I know
What I think to be forever
What
I feel to have always been
Wanting your gravity
Letting it Pull me into place
Teaching me where I need to be
In your arms
I vow
I shall wear your name upon my lips like a prayer
Like a hymn inside me ear
Like a badge upon my beating chest
I will love you till forever
Grow old with me
Be with me

- Justin

2007-10-05T20:00:00.000-05:00

OK, so I've decided to do a few rants from time to time about things that I observe at the hotel, and today will be my first.

BACK STORY

As some of you know we had our elections for city positions yesterday. A lot of people were up in arms about this. Our current Mayor Willie Herenton has been in office for 12 years, and I think at one time he was a well respected, honorable, man of color who had his city's best interest at heart. But, in the past few years a lot of the citizens of Memphis (including myself) believe that this is no longer the case and that he has become complacent with his position and is doing nothing for the betterment of our wonderful city. Our unemployment rate is higher than ever, our children are falling through the cracks in record numbers, and according to recent polls our violent crime rate is not rivaled by any other city in the U.S. To be quite frank the violence in our city has grown so much over the past year that we are now number one in the nation above New York and Chicago. That's a horrifying statistic, and he's been doing nothing to challenge this new record. His opponent City Councilwoman Carol Chumney (a middle aged Caucasian woman) has taken an outspoken stand about these issues and challenged him on these issues. They held a debate in Memphis for all of the runners and Big Willie was the only one who would not attend. When in most people's opinion he was the one that they wanted to hear from most.

THE ACTUAL STORY

"Why is it only racist when it comes out of a white mans mouth?"

Carol Chumney held her election party in the hotel where I work last night. I was able to meet her this morning as she was leaving. She was very quiet, as I could understand after such a long night and losing a big election. Anyway, I was on the elevator with two other employees of the hotel (people of color) when they started talking about the party Mrs. Chumney had held the night before. I told them that I had met her this morning, and that she seemed very nice. They laughed. "You don't like her?" I asked. He looked at me like I had lobsters crawling out of my ears. "No." he replied, and then he asked me - "How long have you lived in this city?" I told him that I had lived here for a little over 7 years. To which he told me "This is a black city, and it takes a black man to run it." I was a little taken aback. To me it felt like a racist things to say, but he obviously did not feel that way. He got off the elevator, the doors closed, and I continued up to the twelfth floor. Then I began to wonder, "what would have happened if I had told him just the opposite?" I guarantee he would have had me reported, and in my supervisors office quicker than you can say racial profiling. Why is it OK for him to say that to a white man, and it would have been a punishable offence if a white person said it to them? I don't understand where people take their liberties. Everyone knows that Memphis was the first metropolitan area in the U.S. to be predominantly African American, but I don't consider this just a "black" city. Don't get me wrong, THAT'S A GREAT THING, AND SOMETHING TO BE VERY PROUD OF, but it is so much more than that. It has cradled the creativity of MANY of the worlds greatest musicians IE Elvis and B.B. King, it was a major stop in the civil rights movement, it has one of the largest children's hospitals in the nation, it has a rich history and culture that rivals that of New Orleans. It is MANY things! We do not do it justice when we associate it with only one of it's qualities. I do not consider where I live to be merely a city of one color, and I will not be made to feel that I am merely allowed to live here despite the color of my skin. Anyway, I will now step down off of my soapbox for the moment, but I can't help but feel strongly about this matter. We no longer live in the 50's. I thought we had grown past such trivial things as what we look like. I guess not.

Safe Fashon!

2007-10-04T19:40:00.000-05:00

Condom Fashion Show in China - Models parade in outfits made of condoms during a fashion show at the 4th China Reproductive Health New Technologies & Products Expo in Beijing July 11, 2007. Condoms of all shapes and sizes were used to make dresses, hats and even lollipops. Models fought through extravagant soap bubble special effects to show off tight-fitting wedding gowns, scaly-looking evening dresses, outrageous bikinis and other garments made entirely of condoms. The show was held at the Fourth China Reproductive Health New Technologies and Products Expo and organized by China's largest condom manufacturer, Guilin Latex Factory, to promote the use of condoms in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It also marked World Population Day, organized annually by the U.N. Population Fund.

One more performance

2007-10-01T12:39:00.000-05:00

Only one more performance until we close The Glass Menagerie for good. We have had very good crowds each night (and day), some more responsive than others. All in all it was a great show. I am supposed to have pics to show y'all sometime soon. However I have yet to see them. Anyway, I have been off work for the past five days so I could do the morning performances. One more day till I have to return to real life. Woo Hoo........ Not much to say today, in fact I haven't felt like writing much at all lately as you can tell. I'll get back to it one day soon, but as for now I may just put up some pictures I've been working on. I dunno, maybe some pics in celebration of my favorite season......Well, anything scary.

Peace and Love to you all

Justin

How beautiful.........

2007-09-22T15:14:00.000-05:00

I stole this from my friend Amy, it brought me to tears. Beautiful is the only word I have for it.

Peace, Love, and Joyful Tears to you all

Justin

Where I work.........

2007-09-21T11:55:00.000-05:00

I thought I would show y'all some pics of the hotel I work at. The sign, it's very cool at night!
The Lobby
Entrance to a ballroom on the mezzanine level.
The fountain with the ducks.

Hotel restaurant.
On the skyline.
A daily gathering to watch the duck march.
One of the rooms (not a suite).
Skyway dance floor.

I just found these online and thought I'd share. It's a beautiful hotel!

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Peace, Love, and Proper Turn Down Service to You All!
Justin

I'm still - a - kickin!

2007-09-17T04:35:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, I'm still around. Just haven't felt like posting for a while. Rehearsals are going well, and we open on the 26. The show only runs for six days, but we have 13 performances. THAT'S A LOT! Well, to me it is anyway. I have the night off rehearsal tonight so I am looking forward to coming home after work and just relaxing. We did quite a bit of house work this weekend so it's not gonna be hard on me to keep it clean this week (thank goodness). Yup, everything is going well as of right now, nothing special, just the same ol' day in day out boring stuff we call life in our house hold. I SAY THAT, and when I come home I will find that some ceiling has fallen in or some such excitement. OH WELL! That's all for now. Have a great week and I will post some pics of rehearsals and the set and such soon.

Peace and Love to you all!

Justin

And that's when the other shoe dropped...

2007-09-05T00:11:00.000-05:00

Let me start by saying we live on a railroad track. We are about 30 to 40 feet away from the passing trains, and when they come through they tend to rattle and shake what's on the walls. You can absolutely forget about keeping a picture straight around this neighborhood, but I digress. It was a pretty good day today. I had the day off from the hotel, so I got up late, lounged around in my PJ's, played on the computer, paid the electric and cable bill online, and then ran to the office to make a few calls. After that I went to rehearsal at 7 and then came back home quickly to lie back down again in front of the television and veg out for the next several hours. Brad came home, brought me dinner, (how sweet) and then laid on the couch to wrap up the evening with a few episodes of "Who's the Boss" re-runs on channel 12. All was well with the world. Well, midnight rolled around and Brad decided that he needed to go to bed. So he kissed me goodnight and made his way down the hall to the bedroom. Within seconds he returned to the living room to tell me "The lights in the bedroom aren't working." "It's OK" I said, "I will pick some up in the morning when I get out." And then he turned to go back to the pitch black bedroom. I again reclined in my comfy spot and gazed at the "boob tube." As I play with the on-screen menu to see what episode of King of the Hill would be coming on later; I hear "WHAT THE HELL!!??" from the bedroom. I immediately think that Brad has probably stepped into a spot where an animal might have relieved it's self on the floor. BUT NO! Brad comes BACK into the living room to say "Well, I know why the lights aren't working in the bedroom, come here." There was no sense of urgency in his voice so I did not run. I stood behind him in the doorway looking into the darkened room waiting for my eyes to adjust so I could see what had happened. And then I saw it. The ceiling had collapsed. There is literally sheet rock, plaster, and insulation ALL OVER the bedroom. I ran to the other room to grab a flashlight. When I return I shine the light up on the ceiling, and I can see nothing but mounds of boxes resting on the exposed rafters, Christmas decorations, and an office chair that I had put up there a few years ago. It had finally happened. The vibrations from the trains has shaken the ceiling down. I looked in horror at the scene. When I realized what had happened I gasped (as sissies often do) and could instantly feel insulation dust line my throat. I could not believe it. We have been looking at the crack in the ceiling ( which was worse on my side of the bed) for months, and just as we started talking LAST WEEK about what we needed to do about it - it gives way. It must have happened while we were out this evening. Which is a good thing. The section that fell was directly over the bed where our heads lay. TALK ABOUT GOOD LUCK!! If it had happened just a few hours later we could have been in the hospital with serious injuries. As we backed out of the room that God smote - Brad giggled. I looked in amazement at him thinking "Uhhhhhhh, goober - how can you laugh at a time like this??!!" And he quickly replied "If ya don't laugh about it, ya gotta cry." We shut the door and came into the living room just in time for me to realize that all the clean sheets in the house were now underneath the pile of rubble, SO we will be sleeping on the couch tonight under a small throw (that I will wind up stealing in my sleep). So dear reader that is in fact when the other shoe dropped, and believe me the thud was probably heard around the block. LOL And it seemed like such a GOOD day today.

Peace, Love, and a Roof Over Your Heads (not in your beds) to you all!

Justin

What wonderful pictures......

2007-09-01T16:07:00.000-05:00

I was just lookin round the net the other day and I found these pics of Kids from Calcutta. I LOVE THESE PICS! These kids are so much poorer that we ever think about being but they seem to always be so happy. What wonderful pictures. Just thought I'd share.

Peace and Love to you all!

Justin

Remaking a classic.......

2007-08-29T15:18:00.001-05:00

I'm a little torn. On one hand i am so excited that they have remade the original because old stories need to be dusted off and slightly updated for a new generation IE Texas Chainsaw, The Fog, The Omen. They REALLY did those films justice with their remakes, and in some instances (TEXAS CHAINSAW) they fleshed out a lot of the storyline that we were never told in the originals. With that particular remake we were now told "why" those things happened instead of just being expected to "buy it" without explanation. HOWEVER, I am a little conflicted about the new Halloween remake, because they "say" that Rob Zombie completely reinvented it. That's what makes me nervous. If you are a longtime horror fan such as myself you grew up with this particular story story flying high above the rest. This is where Friday the 13 and A Nightmare on Elm street got their start, but the difference being HALLOWEEN never sold out. "With the exception of part three "Season of the witch" which had NOTHING to do with the Michael Myers storyline at all, but to be honest they did not know at the time they they were going to continue to tell that particular story. Halloween was the first of it's kind. It was the first movie where they centralized the story around the serial killer. IN FACT the original Halloween story gave hundreds of movie goers around the country the ability to cheer on "The Bad Guy." AND SO ON WITH MY POINT. I am afraid that they will stray too far from the original path with this new remake in trying to reinvent it. The old story was great the way it was. You just don't mess with a classic. HOWEVER I might be wrong, they might not have twisted the storyline to much. But, from what the "buzz" is stating they have completely made it into a new story. I truly hope not.

Peace, Love, and knife wielding Maniacs to you all!

Justin

CENSORSHIP.........

2007-08-28T02:42:00.000-05:00

I am a sucker for a good documentary, and I have discovered a good place to find a LOT of them on line where you can watch FREE streaming video with no interruptions, no adds, and they have a WIDE array of subject matter. http://www.moviesfoundonline.com/ Just so you know; they offer a whole lot more than just documentaries. They have TONS of movies, clips, cartoons, TV shows and a whole lot more. Anyway, I looked in on the site today to see if there was anything new to be found. AND LOW AND BEHOLD new material has arrived. There at the top of the new arrivals list was a docu-film called "This Film Is Not Yet Rated." I double clicked on the name icon and watched this 1.5 hr informational film on the schemes and scams of the MPAA (The Motion Picture Association of America) I was quite literally blown away by the material that it presented. I never knew that censorship was as prevalent in our society today as it was 50 years ago. But as this docu - film blatantly shows you the MPAA is more than just a stones throw away from being JUST THAT! I am not gonna go into great detail about this movie, but I will say that I was very shocked by a lot of the information I observed in this movie. For instance, you do not have to accept the rating that your movie receives by the MPAA, but if you don't accept the deemed rating your film is essentially black balled and it is seen to that your movie never receives a proper viewing. Tons of information, very well made, and attention drawn to an extremely sensitive subject. All in all I have to give it TWO THUMBS UP!

Here is the link:

http://www.moviesfoundonline.com/this_film_is_not_yet_rated.htm.

ENJOY

Love Peace and Chicken grease!

Justin

2007-08-24T23:30:00.000-05:00

Schedule for the weekend.

SATURDAY

9:00AM Be at the Creative Arts Center to finish setting up for the Festival of Hathor.
6:00PM Get showered and shaved and go to the festival.
8:00PM Run the spotlight for the Festival and have a cocktail.
8:15PM Have another cocktail.
8:30PM Have another cocktail.
9:00PM Sing ass off at Karaoke after the Festival.
9:01PM Continue with the drinking of cocktails till around 11:00.
11:00PM Ask hubby to drive me home cause I've had to many cocktails.
11:30PM Pour myself into bed.

SUNDAY

10:00AM Rise and Shine!
10:01AM Take 2 ibuprofen to recover from last nights cocktails.
10:02AM Lay on couch and groan for the next 15 min.
10:03AM Coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee!
11:30AM Go to Genes and have a few cocktails.
3:00AM Go home and get showered and shaved for the Ostrander Awards.
4:00AM Meet Marques at the Theater and practice song for the Ceremony.
6:00AM Go to the Botanic Gardens for the Awards Ceremony.
6:30AM Ostrander Cocktail Hour begins.
6:45AM Rehearse song with back-ups on stage.
7:00AM One more cocktail before the show.
7:30AM Begin the ceremony.
7:31 - 9:30AM Watch the awards and be prepared to sing.
9:45AM Call hubby and ask him to give me a ride home AGAIN!
10:00AM Arrive home and lay on the couch.
11:00AM Pass-out from weekend exhaustion, and cocktails.

It's gonna be busy here! Hope y'all have a great weekend! Have fun and be safe!

Peace Love and Cocktails to you all

Justin

Guess what............

2007-08-14T14:36:00.000-05:00

Fun signs.......

2007-08-14T09:13:00.000-05:00

Hmmmmmmmmmm...
A TRUE CONFLICT!
A COW PATTY'S DREAM!
THAT SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD DEAL!
I HATE TO PULL FORWARD!
FALLING PATTY'S

I would have eaten free all the time!
I'M LOVIN THIS!
JUST MY LUCK!
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Peace and Love to you all!

Justin

LONG STORY SHORT..........

2007-08-12T20:51:00.001-05:00

1.) I started a new job last Monday at the Wolfchase Mall as a Co-manager for express.

2.) My friend is the actual store manager.

3.) Retail is OK but it's not my cup of tea.

4.) PAPER WORK OUT THE ASS!!!!!

5.) As a fluke I put in an application for a concierge position at the Peabody Hotel.

6.) They called immediately and asked if I could come in for an interview, and I agreed. I WOULD LOVE THIS JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7.) My interview is on Tuesday, and I am feeling REALLY good about it.

8.) If I get the job at the Peabody, I am not looking forward to telling my friend I am not gonna stick with this position. Ewwwwww. ROCK AND A HARD PLACE!

Peace, Love and Gainful Employment to you all!

Justin

SOMEONE gets it!!!!!!!! Thank you.

2007-08-05T11:53:00.000-05:00

Words

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Words Hurt

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Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words hurt more than anything.
Peace and Love to you all.

Justin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BABY!

2007-08-03T10:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday Dear BRAAAAD!

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday baby, I love you so much. Thank you for sharing another year of your life with me. You are truly my best friend. I love you

EVERYONE RUN OVER TO BRAD AND GIVE HIM HIS BIRTHDAY LICKS!

Justin

Tragedy.........

2007-08-02T11:04:00.000-05:00

I have always had a fear of bridges, (at this day and age I tend to have a fear of everything) since I saw the Golden Gate Bridge sway in the air like an erratic snake during the 1989 California earthquake. As a matter of fact when I drive home to my mothers house I have to cross the large bridge that crosses over the Mississippi River that leads into Arkansas, and when I do (without fail) I take off my seat belt and roll down my windows. I DONT CARE IF IT IS AGAINST THE LAW! I think it's more compulsory than anything, but for as long as I can remember it's what I've always done. EACH TIME I make it across I say a little prayer and thank the Lord that I was able to make it over safely. It makes me wonder if some of the people on the bridge in Minneapolis had similar rituals. What a tragedy. So many people there will be mourning the loss of their loved ones, visiting the lucky survivors in the hospitals, or waiting in uncertainty for any kind of news about their missing friends and family. Remember them in your prayers, and know that you have been blessed with another day.

The collapse.
The kindness of strangers. An unknown man comforts a victim from the collapse.
Peace, Love and Life to you all!

Justin