2010 a New Year, a New Decade- May it bring 'real' hope and change, because miracles DO happen!

2009 was a rough year and, admittedly, I will be happy when it's finally over. When I lived in Ecuador (for 2 years during high school), on New Year's eve they had a major block party on one of the major drags. Up and down Amazonas boulevard, live bands played music and effigies representing the old year were burned. I haven't thought about that in a long time, but this year I might do something similar as a symbolic gesture for out with the old, because it really sucked.

The economy has taken its toll on many, including me. Arts funding is usually the first to go in challenging economic times, so many theatres have shut down, the work has dwindled, and it might be time to search for another career. I also battled health problems for the best part of the year, and am only just starting to feel normal again, if that's possible when you have 2 chronic ailments. I have been sick since March, but since the beginning of May (when I finally decided to go to a doctor) I have been trekking to MDs and acupuncturists anywhere from 2 to 4 times a week. Because of lack of work, I did not get enough weeks to qualify for my union health insurance, so I will be paying over $2,000 per quarter in Cobra payments. At least I have that option. But 2010 is a new year and the start of a new decade, and I am ever hopeful- because miracles happen.

On the national level, we saw the election of our first black president, which would have been wonderful had it been the "right" black president. I blogged about what a disaster it would be to vote for Obama, and how a no vote or a vote for a 3rd party candidate was essentially a vote for Obama. People did anyway, and now many regret the decision. I'd like to say I told you so, but what would I gain from that. I just hope people remember, and vote the right way in 2010 and 2012. And though it seems that Obama could lay waste to this precious country in 4 short years, 2010 is a new year and the start of a new decade, and I am ever hopeful that things can change, for the better. And not Obama's vacuous claims of "hope and change." Real hope and change- because miracles happen.

We've seen more violence and more craziness around the world, with an increase in radical Islam (and the ultimate goal of global domination by extremists), but on the other hand we've also seen Muslims against terrorism and shariah become more vocal in their condemnation, both here and abroad. We are also witnessing that there are those in the Middle East who truly want democracy and will fight to achieve that goal, and so we need to pray for the Iranian people who are fighting on their own for freedom. All they want is moral support. Let's give it to them. Maybe more will follow suit, though that's highly unlikely. So, in spite of the mess our sad little world is in, 2010 is a new year and the start of a new decade, and I am ever hopeful that 'good' will win over 'evil'- because the good guys always win, and miracles do happen.

And if you don't believe in miracles watch this




Wishing everyone a blessed, prosperous and Happy New year. May it bring many miracles into all of our lives.

GOD bless this country and all freedom-loving people of the world.

Cross posted at Mind, Body, Spirit

On Interviews And The Liberal Agenda

I've often been interviewed for projects I'm involved with, both on radio and print; it's free publicity and a great marketing tool that most theatres try to avail themselves of, and actors are always happy to oblige. But being interviewed on the "The Hoffy & Nuño Show", today, was a totally new experience, and one I'm not too keen to revisit. I'm not quite sure how to categorize the show, but it's on a predominantly sports-oriented radio station in Houston (1560thegame) that focuses mostly on, you got it, sports. So when I received an email from David Nuño, I was a little stumped as to why they would want me, regardless of David's interest in the closet aspect of my republicanism. Karen (Pondering Penguin) who is familiar with Ken Hoffman, forewarned me that he is a liberal, but she had no clue about David. I wanted to make sure I was prepared before being potentially ambushed, as liberals love to do, so I emailed David asking if he, too, was a liberal, and was assured that Ken was a bit liberal but open, and that he was conservative but very open, and that the show was not a political talk show, but rather a pot pourri of conversation from sports to movies to social issues. I thought, why not. It could prove interesting.

So, today, I juiced up my cell phone and waited for the call. At five minutes to two, someone from the station kindly phoned to inform me that my interview time was pushed back half an hour because the interview with some sports figure was running late. Fine, this was a sports station, after all, no problem.

They eventually called and we chatted for a while. The interview itself was okay, in spite of the usual skepticism and defensiveness that liberals display when confronted with their exclusiveness and lack of tolerance. Unable to deal with the fact that they are considered, by many, to be some of the most close-minded, belligerent and patronizing folk, they usually turn petty, which is what happened with Hoffy, particularly after I hung up. Although I was not privy to that part of the conversation, Karen was. Apparently it deteriorated into a bash the republican actress fest. Rather than admit that liberals can be downright nasty, and are capable of blackballing those who don't toe the same party line, Ken Hoffman decided to disparage the fact that I am what is considered a regional actress, and not a famous star. In his opinion regional actors are not much better than high school performers, which just proves how elitist liberals can be. Only Hollywood stars are taken seriously. I have a degree in theatre, have performed on stages throughout the country, am a member of all 3 actor's unions and have won awards. I have done commercials and a little TV and film. I might no have my name in lights, but I am a working, professional actress, and I'm proud of it.

I know David's heart was in the right place, and he was truly interested in my situation, but Hoffman's attitude and demeanour is exactly why I keep my politics to myself. He proved my point without meaning to: that liberals have zippo tolerance for anyone who does not share their beliefs, and at their core they are snobbish and mean-spirited.