I post my Blogs up here alot -but I also Post the Randi Rhodes Daily Newsletter - so keep checking for a Blog written by me -it happens -and it happens alot! In the meantime here is todays Randi Rhodes Newsletter for Thursday April 8th 2010
oxox Stacy
President Obama has signed a major arms control pact with Russia that will make us all safer... unless you happen to work for Massey Energy. In that case you don’t need a bomb shelter to die under the ground. It turns out that concerns about safety at the Upper Big Branch mine were raised on the very day of the explosion. But then that’s no surprise—it seems that concerns about safety at the Upper Big Branch mine were raised every day. At the time of the explosion a federal mine safety administrator was at the airport in Charleston, WV, on his way from Washington to discuss various Massey violations. From the number of violations, the Mine Safety and Health Administration should have just opened a branch office at Massey headquarters. Over the years Massey has accumulated so many violations that you could probably just burn those for fuel instead of coal. A lot of people in West Virginia are afraid to speak out against Massey. That’s how bad the economy is—people would rather risk their lives than risk their jobs. Massey puts profits ahead of worker safety. Hey, how else are they going to be able to afford to buy a West Virginia Supreme Court Justice? Those things don’t come cheap. It seems there’s more money in buying and selling West Virginia judges than there is in mining West Virginia coal.
If you’re safe from Massey Energy, you’re also safer from nuclear annihilation as of today, thanks to the new arms control pact. Of course now that President Obama is working to avoid nuclear holocaust, the Republicans have to come out in favor of nuclear holocaust. Republicans automatically oppose anything the President approves of. When President Obama pardons the Thanksgiving turkey, are Republicans going to call for its execution? Read the full blog...
FOX WATCHBECK IMAGINES HE PUTS POISON IN NANCY PELOSI’S WINE"I wonder what it would be like, seriously. I mean, if I could go, you know, to the speaker's shindig, wouldn't that be great? What would it -- oh, look, here she -- oh, she is -- wow -- you're so much prettier and flatter and shinier in the face than I expected. It's almost like you're two people at once." Full transcript and video here.
Gregory Guisti’s Mom Blames Fox News for Radicalizing Her Son"ELEANOR GIUSTI: Greg has -- frequently gets in with a group of people that have really radical ideas and that are not consistent with myself or the rest of the family and -- which gets him into problems. And apparently I would say this must be another one that somehow he's gotten onto either by -- I'd say Fox News or all of those that are really radical, and he -- that's where he comes from." See the video here.
MISCELLANEOUS / SPICEWHAT REALITY TV CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT YOUR BOSS"The bossman cometh! Reality TV now offers a glimpse at the professional ego heretofore unseen by the masses. Of course we already know, from our own workplace experiences, how the elite professional keeps up a winning streak indefinitely: By being an insufferable control freak, by demanding too much from underlings, by embracing the life of the workaholic, by staying busy at all costs, always assuming that busy-ness can offset any down-tick in importance, fame and/or fortune." Click here for more.
Tiger’s Dad, Earl Woods is Resurrected to Sell Sneakers. "Earl Woods asks his son a few questions before Tiger's return to golf." See the ad here.
Harris Poll Finds That Bush is Still Blamed for Meltdown"A Harris Poll has found that former President George W Bush continues to be blamed for the country’s economic troubles more than his successor, Barack Obama." Read the story here.
Click here to listen to today's audio comedy bit!
For more Randi content, be sure to check out her Daily Homework .
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Randi Rhodes Daily Newsletter Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Today we pay homage to the American Dream, which has become a little too much like a real dream--the dreams where you can’t seem to move your feet forward. Or worse, those dreams where you’re naked in front of your 5th grade class, except now you’re naked in front of your employer, as we will get to shortly.Here’s an American Dream wake up call: after being adjusted for inflation, real wages for real (nonsupervisory) people peaked way back in 1972. It’s hard to believe you were better off in 1972, especially when you remember what you were wearing. Yes, you were wearing a polyester leisure suit. But you did have more money. I don’t agree with what’s been done to our economy, but I still wouldn’t want to go back to 1972--mostly because I never want to hear “Seasons in the Sun” again. Meanwhile, the rich get richer while the poor get poorer. It’s not that we’re living in different worlds. We’re all living in a world that relatively few of us own. There’s a growing gap between the rich and the poor--and it’s swallowing up the middle class. Or what’s left of the middle class. The poorest ten percent of families actually had a negative net worth---more liabilities than assets. To put that in terms you can understand, I quote Tennessee Ernie Ford--you owe your soul to the company store. And the recent recession has just made things worse. The people running the economy killed the goose that was laying the golden eggs. That’s bad news for them, and worse news for us--we’re the goose!Finally, all this is happening in plain sight... of your boss. Employers can and do monitor internet access, read your email, and eavesdrop on your telephone calls. And there’s nobody you can complain about it to... without your boss finding out. Some judges have even upheld the “right” of employers to install secret monitoring cameras in bathrooms. So your boss knows your every move--even your bowel movements. Just one more reason to always wear fresh underwear. Read the full blog...
DOWNSIZING THE AMERICAN DREAM In The Post-WWII Era, Real Wages – Adjusted For Inflation – Peaked in 1972."Economic Trends and Data Charts and Stats - REAL WAGES 1947-2000 - For production or nonsupervisory workers on private nonfarm payrolls; average weekly earnings (in 1982 consant dollars.)" See the chart here. Wages and Benefits: Real Wages (1964-2004)"Average Weekly Earnings (in 1982 constant dollars) For all private nonfarm workers." Full details here.Do You Pay More in Taxes Than The Top US Corporations?"As you work on your taxes this month, here's something to raise your hackles: Some of the world's biggest, most profitable corporations enjoy a far lower tax rate than you do--that is, if they pay taxes at all." Full story here.
ECONOMYTHE ECONOMY: 6 REASONS TO BE HAPPY"Although the recession is still choking the US economy, optimism is seeping into the air. True, the jobless rate is hovering at 9.7 percent with over 11 million people still claiming unemployment benefits. True, the recession has been declared dead many times before, but an outbreak of good news is nothing to sneer at." Read the breakdown here.GOPRNC STAFFERS LOOKING FOR EXITS"In the wake of the resignation of Chief of Staff Ken McKay and departure of strategist Curt Anderson, a GOP consultant tells me that staffers at all levels of the RNC are eyeing the exits, frustrated by the latest in a series of debacles that have tarnished the committee's image and weakened its fundraising prowess." Article continued here.
GOP CANNOT WIN HEALTH CARE DEBATE"Consider the following argument: 'Now some folks say we should abolish slavery. But tell that to the little old lady from Savannah who's too weak to get out of bed in the morning, so she needs her house boy to fetch her breakfast'." Read more here.
Click here to listen to today's audio comedy bit!For more Randi content, be sure to check out her Daily Homework .
DOWNSIZING THE AMERICAN DREAM In The Post-WWII Era, Real Wages – Adjusted For Inflation – Peaked in 1972."Economic Trends and Data Charts and Stats - REAL WAGES 1947-2000 - For production or nonsupervisory workers on private nonfarm payrolls; average weekly earnings (in 1982 consant dollars.)" See the chart here. Wages and Benefits: Real Wages (1964-2004)"Average Weekly Earnings (in 1982 constant dollars) For all private nonfarm workers." Full details here.Do You Pay More in Taxes Than The Top US Corporations?"As you work on your taxes this month, here's something to raise your hackles: Some of the world's biggest, most profitable corporations enjoy a far lower tax rate than you do--that is, if they pay taxes at all." Full story here.
ECONOMYTHE ECONOMY: 6 REASONS TO BE HAPPY"Although the recession is still choking the US economy, optimism is seeping into the air. True, the jobless rate is hovering at 9.7 percent with over 11 million people still claiming unemployment benefits. True, the recession has been declared dead many times before, but an outbreak of good news is nothing to sneer at." Read the breakdown here.GOPRNC STAFFERS LOOKING FOR EXITS"In the wake of the resignation of Chief of Staff Ken McKay and departure of strategist Curt Anderson, a GOP consultant tells me that staffers at all levels of the RNC are eyeing the exits, frustrated by the latest in a series of debacles that have tarnished the committee's image and weakened its fundraising prowess." Article continued here.
GOP CANNOT WIN HEALTH CARE DEBATE"Consider the following argument: 'Now some folks say we should abolish slavery. But tell that to the little old lady from Savannah who's too weak to get out of bed in the morning, so she needs her house boy to fetch her breakfast'." Read more here.
Click here to listen to today's audio comedy bit!For more Randi content, be sure to check out her Daily Homework .
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Randi Rhodes Daily Newsletter Tuesday April 6 20010
Well, it’s Tuesday, and time for “Republicans Behaving Badly, Oddly, Or Just Plain Disturbingly.” First up: in the wake of the “Bondage Gate” scandal, RNC Chairman Michael Steele is saying that, as an African American, he is given a slimmer margin of error. I’d say you used up that slim margin, Michael. In fact, you’ve used up the slim, medium, husky, and extra-large margins of error. Now, it may be that Steele is in fact given a smaller margin of error. But at this point he’s clearly used up the margin of error that Republicans would give to a black man—or a white man. Hell, he’s used up the margin of error that Republicans would give to Ronald Reagan. And if you recall, that was pretty generous. In related news, Steele chose to take responsibility for Bondage Gate by firing somebody else. RNC Chief of Staff Ken McKay has resigned. Whenever there’s a sex scandal, you don’t want to have a job title like “Chief of Staff.” It should be pointed out that McKay did not get fired, he resigned. But dare I say, I suspect that his hands were tied. Next up: in a Newsweek interview, John McCain says “ I never considered myself a maverick.” Yeesh. Just how long before John McCain starts denying that he’s John McCain? Poor Sarah Palin evidently didn’t get the update. A month ago at a rally for McCain, Sarah Palin used the phrase “McCain the Maverick” four times in a 15-minute speech. John, why did you have to go and switch the “maverick” thing on Sarah Palin? She probably wrote it on her hand. I’m sure if you look there, it says “M-a-v-r-e-k.” But wait, there’s more! Rush Limbaugh has accused President Obama of “character assassination.” Oh? How do you engage in character assassination against a man who has no character? Read the full blog...
WOUNDED ELEPHANTSMichael Steele plays the race cardWatch the video here .
How RNC Chair Went From Decrying It To Playing It "When Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) last December compared opponents of health care reform to senators who supported slavery in the 19th century, RNC Chairman Michael Steele was apoplectic." Full post here. S teele: The Buck Stops With Me, So I’ll Fire That Guy "Republican National Committee chief of staff Ken McKay resigned Monday, becoming the highest-ranking official to depart the committee after revelations that the national party spent nearly $2,000 at California sex club." Story continued here.
OTHER IRS CAN’T FINE YOU OR SEIZE PROPERTY FOR NON PAYMENT OF HCR FINES "The Internal Revenue Service could tap individual tax returns to collect fines against people who fail to buy health insurance as required under recently enacted healthcare legislation, the U.S. tax commissioner said on Monday." Read more here.
WOMEN IN MAINE MARCH TOPLESS"About two dozen women took a walk down Congress Street topless Saturday, attracting a large crowd as they tried to preach that partial female nudity is not worthy of attracting a crowd." Bounce over here for more.
53 BECK HEADS DUPED BY FRATERNITY"They may have begun the night angry at our government, but last Saturday, 53 Glenn Beck fans got a new insidious and possibly corrupt faction to hate: a small towing company in Central Florida! (cue dramatic music)" Click here to read more.
Click here to listen to today's audio comedy bit!
For more Randi content, be sure to check out her Daily Homework .
WOUNDED ELEPHANTSMichael Steele plays the race cardWatch the video here .
How RNC Chair Went From Decrying It To Playing It "When Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) last December compared opponents of health care reform to senators who supported slavery in the 19th century, RNC Chairman Michael Steele was apoplectic." Full post here. S teele: The Buck Stops With Me, So I’ll Fire That Guy "Republican National Committee chief of staff Ken McKay resigned Monday, becoming the highest-ranking official to depart the committee after revelations that the national party spent nearly $2,000 at California sex club." Story continued here.
OTHER IRS CAN’T FINE YOU OR SEIZE PROPERTY FOR NON PAYMENT OF HCR FINES "The Internal Revenue Service could tap individual tax returns to collect fines against people who fail to buy health insurance as required under recently enacted healthcare legislation, the U.S. tax commissioner said on Monday." Read more here.
WOMEN IN MAINE MARCH TOPLESS"About two dozen women took a walk down Congress Street topless Saturday, attracting a large crowd as they tried to preach that partial female nudity is not worthy of attracting a crowd." Bounce over here for more.
53 BECK HEADS DUPED BY FRATERNITY"They may have begun the night angry at our government, but last Saturday, 53 Glenn Beck fans got a new insidious and possibly corrupt faction to hate: a small towing company in Central Florida! (cue dramatic music)" Click here to read more.
Click here to listen to today's audio comedy bit!
For more Randi content, be sure to check out her Daily Homework .
Friday, April 2, 2010
Roy always Scares the Crap Out of Me!!
I get scared easily -Roy can walk into room -always scares me by him suddenly walking into room without me seeing, talking, loudly, sharply, yelling or sneaking up behind me.Hate 2be scared -I mean I REALLY HATE it -sometimes I feel like my heart stops -& takes 4ever 2be back 2normal -feels like a rock in chest.Usually I drive hubby 2 & from work -I aready drove Roy to work earlier - Im doing my daily routine -I assume Roy is still at work - I am alone in apt. taking shower -door closed 2bedroom with heater on....as l get out of shower -bedroom door opens and thru the shower fog l see man coming in -l scream bloody murder -the loudest longest scream ever.as l scream -l finally focus thru fog that it is Roy -even though I am relived -I still scream -my heart feels like a wet hard potato -beating so hard & loud -l`m shakingRoy just turns around & leaves -he gets sooo mad when I get scared -& I get mad that he continues 2do this -I have warned him several times.Ive told him 2make sound 1st b4 entering -besides -I didn`t expect him home yet -my heart is still pounding -it made me cry l was so scared!When I get scared I swear alot -I said WTF? Why you always do that -etc -etc- lots of swear words -I said a lot of things - Didn`t mean them -the scared was talking.Roy got all huffy -and went to gym -I guess he got a ride home from work & came home early -but decided not 2 tell me -OMG -I need a mimosa!
Randi Rhodes Newsletter for Friday April 2 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good news (unless you’re a Republican politician). New employment figures for March show that the economy added 162,000 jobs last month. And I assume the March figures include the RNC employee who got fired over the bondage club scandal. Hey, if that RNC staffer hadn’t screwed up, we would have a net gain of 162,001 jobs. In any case, that’s 162,000 people who don’t have to worry if Jim Bunning is going to block their unemployment checks.
48,000 of the new jobs were census worker jobs. If you believe Michelle Bachmann, there must also be a lot of jobs for people setting up those internment camps, but I assume those are off the books. But even without the 48,000 census jobs workers, private employers added 123,000 jobs—jobs that I assume Congresswoman Bachmann has no problem with. It would be difficult for conservatives to say that the census hiring skewed the numbers, because then they’re essentially saying that a government program worked—and it wasn’t even intended to be a jobs program. If you’re looking for a reason jobs figures aren’t even better, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that U.S. corporations, reluctant to expand in an uncertain economy, are sitting on $1.6 trillion in cash reserves. Hey, who needs to expand when your bank account is expanding anyway? Companies evidently feel that cash is better than employees. Cash doesn’t ask for health insurance. The CEO’s of these companies should have signs on their desks that say “The recovery stops here.” To go into the weekend on a lighter note, the RNC sent out a mailer this month that accidentally listed a phone sex number as the RNC’s number. Hey, if the RNC actually gave phone sex, it would be an improvement over what they’ve been offering their donors up until now. As it stands, all the RNC offers its little donors is the chance to fund bondage club outings for RNC staffers and the big donors. Read the full blog...
AND THE RICH EAT YOU
Many Companies Have the Cash to Hire, but Instead are Hording it."The U.S. economy added 162,000 jobslast month while the unemployment rate remained steady at 9.7 percent, the U.S. Labor Department reported this morning, adding evidence that the recovery from the tailspin set off by the economic crisis is well under way." Article and video here.
Wall Street Driving up Oil Prices – Again."Oil consumption has fallen, demand from U.S. motorists for gasoline is flat at best and refiners that turn crude into fuel are operating well below capacity. Yet oil prices keep marching toward $90 a barrel, pushing gasoline toward $3 a gallon in many markets, and prompting American drivers to ask, 'What gives?'" Read more here.
Job Market Brightens as U.S. Payrolls Surge in March"After more than two years in which more than 8 million jobs were lost, the country’s nonfarm payrolls surged in March." Full story here.
MISCELLANEOUS / SPICE
Dr. George Tiller’s Killer Gets 50 Years"It took only 37 minutes to convict Scott Roeder of murder in January; it took nine hours Thursday to sentence him." Post continued here.
Bill O’Reilly’s Jihad Against Dr. George Tiller"Since 2005, Bill O’Reilly has waged jihad against Dr. George Tiller, dedicating 29 segments of his show to demonizing and dehumanizing Tiller, who he invariably called 'Tiller the baby killer'." Watch the video here.
RNC "Census" Mailer Offers Phone Sex Number"The Republican National Committee sent a fundraising mail piece earlier this month with a return number that leads to a phone-sex line offering 'live, one-on-one talk with a nasty girl who will do anything you want for just $2.99 per minute'." Full post here.
Click here to listen to today's audio comedy bit!
For more Randi content, be sure to check out her Daily Homework
Good news (unless you’re a Republican politician). New employment figures for March show that the economy added 162,000 jobs last month. And I assume the March figures include the RNC employee who got fired over the bondage club scandal. Hey, if that RNC staffer hadn’t screwed up, we would have a net gain of 162,001 jobs. In any case, that’s 162,000 people who don’t have to worry if Jim Bunning is going to block their unemployment checks.
48,000 of the new jobs were census worker jobs. If you believe Michelle Bachmann, there must also be a lot of jobs for people setting up those internment camps, but I assume those are off the books. But even without the 48,000 census jobs workers, private employers added 123,000 jobs—jobs that I assume Congresswoman Bachmann has no problem with. It would be difficult for conservatives to say that the census hiring skewed the numbers, because then they’re essentially saying that a government program worked—and it wasn’t even intended to be a jobs program. If you’re looking for a reason jobs figures aren’t even better, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that U.S. corporations, reluctant to expand in an uncertain economy, are sitting on $1.6 trillion in cash reserves. Hey, who needs to expand when your bank account is expanding anyway? Companies evidently feel that cash is better than employees. Cash doesn’t ask for health insurance. The CEO’s of these companies should have signs on their desks that say “The recovery stops here.” To go into the weekend on a lighter note, the RNC sent out a mailer this month that accidentally listed a phone sex number as the RNC’s number. Hey, if the RNC actually gave phone sex, it would be an improvement over what they’ve been offering their donors up until now. As it stands, all the RNC offers its little donors is the chance to fund bondage club outings for RNC staffers and the big donors. Read the full blog...
AND THE RICH EAT YOU
Many Companies Have the Cash to Hire, but Instead are Hording it."The U.S. economy added 162,000 jobslast month while the unemployment rate remained steady at 9.7 percent, the U.S. Labor Department reported this morning, adding evidence that the recovery from the tailspin set off by the economic crisis is well under way." Article and video here.
Wall Street Driving up Oil Prices – Again."Oil consumption has fallen, demand from U.S. motorists for gasoline is flat at best and refiners that turn crude into fuel are operating well below capacity. Yet oil prices keep marching toward $90 a barrel, pushing gasoline toward $3 a gallon in many markets, and prompting American drivers to ask, 'What gives?'" Read more here.
Job Market Brightens as U.S. Payrolls Surge in March"After more than two years in which more than 8 million jobs were lost, the country’s nonfarm payrolls surged in March." Full story here.
MISCELLANEOUS / SPICE
Dr. George Tiller’s Killer Gets 50 Years"It took only 37 minutes to convict Scott Roeder of murder in January; it took nine hours Thursday to sentence him." Post continued here.
Bill O’Reilly’s Jihad Against Dr. George Tiller"Since 2005, Bill O’Reilly has waged jihad against Dr. George Tiller, dedicating 29 segments of his show to demonizing and dehumanizing Tiller, who he invariably called 'Tiller the baby killer'." Watch the video here.
RNC "Census" Mailer Offers Phone Sex Number"The Republican National Committee sent a fundraising mail piece earlier this month with a return number that leads to a phone-sex line offering 'live, one-on-one talk with a nasty girl who will do anything you want for just $2.99 per minute'." Full post here.
Click here to listen to today's audio comedy bit!
For more Randi content, be sure to check out her Daily Homework
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Tea Baggers -Re-joyce!!
Good News for anyone who does not Like or Want America`s New Health Care System!! Anyone who does not want anything to do with it, all you got to do is, go to: http://stopmybenefits.com/site/ -fill out the forms & tada -you are Free from it!! Yippee - now we all can get over this & move on - yeaa!!!
Randi Rhodes Daily Newsletter April 1, 2010
In honor of April Fool’s Day, let’s do a quick roundup of some of the right wing’s current pranks. We only wish that these were jokes. The GOP started a few days early with a brilliant hoax that they could have healthcare reform declared unconstitutional. The problem is finding anyone whom was fooled by that one. The University of Washington held a debate on the constitutionality of healthcare reform—and were unable to find a single credible expert who believes it’s not constitutional. I say that means the debate is over. Hey U of W, why not have the debate mirror reality? Have an expert present the pro-healthcare argument, and then for the other side have a bunch of angry idiots yell about socialism. And now a lot of Republicans are starting to worry that the whole “repeal” strategy may end up being a joke on them. There are only two things wrong with the “repeal” strategy—repeal is a dumb idea, and it’s impossible to pull off. So in a sense they cancel each other out. That would make a nice campaign slogan: “Vote Republican! There’s no way we can actually do the crazy stuff we’re talking about doing!”It’s no laughing matter for those who won’t go along with the joke. Conservative lawmakers in Georgia are trying to impeach the state’s Attorney General because he won’t file a pointless lawsuit to try and block healthcare reform. What are they going to impeach him for? “Willful and deliberate execution of his duties”? Personally, I think the King of Fools should be John Boehner for his reaction to President Obama’s plan to expand offshore oil drilling. Boehner said “the Obama Administration continues to defy the will of the American people” by not drilling EVERYWHERE. NOW! But then Republicans wouldn’t be satisfied if President Obama issued an executive order that literally said “Drill, baby, drill!” Read the full blog...
BULLYING
Teen Bullying: Special Series"As nine Massachusetts teens face landmark charges for harassing 15-year-old Phoebe Prince so brutally she killed herself, The Daily Beast’s Lucinda Franks reports on the startling trend of bullying in a three-part investigation." See the posts here.
50% of People Age 14-24 Have Experienced Digitally Abusive Behavior, 3 in 10 Young People Report Having Been Involved in Some Type of Naked Sexting, and Other 21st Century Must-Knows."As part of its multi-year public affairs campaign to address the emerging issue of teen digital abuse, MTV partnered with the AP on a study that provides an in depth look at the prevalence of digital abuse among young people today. This research was designed to quantify how young people are affected by and respond to issues like sexting, digital harassment and digital dating abuse." Read the results here.
Bullying and Child Abuse Decline Dramatically"There’s been a sharp drop in the percentage of America’s children being bullied or beaten up by their peers, according to a new national survey by experts who believe anti-bullying programs are having an impact." Full post here.
MISCELLANEOUS / SPICE
Tea Party – Too Small, Broke and Disorganized to Warrant the Attention Heaped Upon Them."For all the fountains of vitriol and frantic media coverage aimed at the Tea Partiers, the movement doesn’t have the money or sophistication to win anything, much less roll back the new health-care law." Article continued here.
Toby Keith Joins LL Cool J in Shock at Being Used for Palin’s Fox News Show"Fox News has been promoting Sarah Palin’s first episode of 'Real American Stories', set to air on Thursday, with 'In Their Own Words' segments featuring celebrities talking about their lives. Last night on Twitter, rapper LL Cool J objected to being included in the show, saying that Fox was 'misrepresenting' one of his interviews from 2008 (which was not conducted by Palin). LL Cool J’s spokesperson said that the interview 'was being repurposed without LL’s permission'. Fox ended up cutting LL Cool J’s interview out of Palin’s show." Click here for more.
The Other America – How to Make $4 Billion Dollars Off a Crippling Recession. "The Lazarus-like recovery of the nation’s big banks did not benefit just the bankers — it also created huge paydays for hedge fund managers, including a record $4 billion gain in 2009 for one bold investor who bet big on the financial sector." Read more here.
Click here to listen to today's audio comedy bit!
For more Randi content, be sure to check out her Daily Homework .
Randi Rhodes Daily Newsletter April 1, 2010
In honor of April Fool’s Day, let’s do a quick roundup of some of the right wing’s current pranks. We only wish that these were jokes. The GOP started a few days early with a brilliant hoax that they could have healthcare reform declared unconstitutional. The problem is finding anyone whom was fooled by that one. The University of Washington held a debate on the constitutionality of healthcare reform—and were unable to find a single credible expert who believes it’s not constitutional. I say that means the debate is over. Hey U of W, why not have the debate mirror reality? Have an expert present the pro-healthcare argument, and then for the other side have a bunch of angry idiots yell about socialism. And now a lot of Republicans are starting to worry that the whole “repeal” strategy may end up being a joke on them. There are only two things wrong with the “repeal” strategy—repeal is a dumb idea, and it’s impossible to pull off. So in a sense they cancel each other out. That would make a nice campaign slogan: “Vote Republican! There’s no way we can actually do the crazy stuff we’re talking about doing!”It’s no laughing matter for those who won’t go along with the joke. Conservative lawmakers in Georgia are trying to impeach the state’s Attorney General because he won’t file a pointless lawsuit to try and block healthcare reform. What are they going to impeach him for? “Willful and deliberate execution of his duties”? Personally, I think the King of Fools should be John Boehner for his reaction to President Obama’s plan to expand offshore oil drilling. Boehner said “the Obama Administration continues to defy the will of the American people” by not drilling EVERYWHERE. NOW! But then Republicans wouldn’t be satisfied if President Obama issued an executive order that literally said “Drill, baby, drill!” Read the full blog...
BULLYING
Teen Bullying: Special Series"As nine Massachusetts teens face landmark charges for harassing 15-year-old Phoebe Prince so brutally she killed herself, The Daily Beast’s Lucinda Franks reports on the startling trend of bullying in a three-part investigation." See the posts here.
50% of People Age 14-24 Have Experienced Digitally Abusive Behavior, 3 in 10 Young People Report Having Been Involved in Some Type of Naked Sexting, and Other 21st Century Must-Knows."As part of its multi-year public affairs campaign to address the emerging issue of teen digital abuse, MTV partnered with the AP on a study that provides an in depth look at the prevalence of digital abuse among young people today. This research was designed to quantify how young people are affected by and respond to issues like sexting, digital harassment and digital dating abuse." Read the results here.
Bullying and Child Abuse Decline Dramatically"There’s been a sharp drop in the percentage of America’s children being bullied or beaten up by their peers, according to a new national survey by experts who believe anti-bullying programs are having an impact." Full post here.
MISCELLANEOUS / SPICE
Tea Party – Too Small, Broke and Disorganized to Warrant the Attention Heaped Upon Them."For all the fountains of vitriol and frantic media coverage aimed at the Tea Partiers, the movement doesn’t have the money or sophistication to win anything, much less roll back the new health-care law." Article continued here.
Toby Keith Joins LL Cool J in Shock at Being Used for Palin’s Fox News Show"Fox News has been promoting Sarah Palin’s first episode of 'Real American Stories', set to air on Thursday, with 'In Their Own Words' segments featuring celebrities talking about their lives. Last night on Twitter, rapper LL Cool J objected to being included in the show, saying that Fox was 'misrepresenting' one of his interviews from 2008 (which was not conducted by Palin). LL Cool J’s spokesperson said that the interview 'was being repurposed without LL’s permission'. Fox ended up cutting LL Cool J’s interview out of Palin’s show." Click here for more.
The Other America – How to Make $4 Billion Dollars Off a Crippling Recession. "The Lazarus-like recovery of the nation’s big banks did not benefit just the bankers — it also created huge paydays for hedge fund managers, including a record $4 billion gain in 2009 for one bold investor who bet big on the financial sector." Read more here.
Click here to listen to today's audio comedy bit!
For more Randi content, be sure to check out her Daily Homework .
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Randi Rhodes Daily Newsletter March 31, 2010
Ok - I may have to create a New Blog just 4 My Polical Rants. If you scroll down you will see many Blogs wriiten by Me. In the meantime here is another Daily Newsletter From Randi Rhodes.
Randi Rhodes Newsletter for Wednesday, March 31, 2010
We spend so much time being aghast at what the other side is doing, that things our own side does can surprise us. It turns out that President Obama plans to open vast tracts of the coast to offshore drilling. Curious. Maybe it’s a ploy in the larger game of reforming energy policy, kind of like during the health insurance debate when we traded away a public option in exchange for… I forget, how many Republican votes? Under Obama’s offshore drilling plan, the coast from New Jersey north is still closed to drilling. I guess the President didn’t want to hear the outcry if he did anything that could mess with “The Jersey Shore.” And I mean the show “The Jersey Shore.” Why would he have a problem messing with the actual Jersey shore otherwise? He seems to have no problem risking the Maryland shore, the North Carolina shore, or the Florida shore. Those are all open to oil and gas drilling. But there will be no drilling off of the Jersey Shore! It’s one thing to piss off environmentalists. But you don’t want to piss off Snooky and The Situation. Step back, Exxon-Mobile. If anyone is going to pollute the Jersey shore, it’s going to be the cast of “The Jersey Shore”! Of course now that the Obama Administration is in favor of offshore drilling, the Republicans have to strenuously oppose it. Maybe that’s his secret plan. Speaking of questionable decisions, photos have surfaced of Sandra Bullock’s husband, Jesse James, posing as Hitler. I’m not surprised—I saw “Speed 2.” And if I paid to see that, I’m capable of some pretty bad choices myself. The only difference between Speed 2 and Sandra Bullock’s decision to marry Jesse James is that her choice of husband didn’t cost me 10 bucks and two hours of my life. She should have known. Could the name “Jesse James” have been any clue at all? Just what kind of upbringing did a person have if their parents’ first act was to name them after a notorious outlaw? Don’t name your kid Jesse if your last name is James. I would go even further. Read the full blog...
OBAMA ENERGY HEALTH CARE STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM
Wall Street Drives up Oil Prices"Oil prices have risen steadily over the last year, and experts are worrying further increases could snuff out an already-fragile global economic recovery. President Barack Obama announced Wednesday his plan to open oil and natural gas drilling off the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico. The proposal aims to reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign oil, which theoretically could hold down prices for U.S. consumers." Read more here.
Obama Gives Green Light to Offshore Drilling "The Obama administration is proposing to open vast expanses of water along the Atlantic coastline, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the north coast of Alaska to oil and natural gas drilling, much of it for the first time, officials said Tuesday." Click here for more.
Obama to Unveil Offshore Drilling Plans for Oil, Natural Gas "The proposal through 2017 will open new areas of the mid-Atlantic region, Alaska and the eastern Gulf of Mexico for production but prohibit moves off California, Oregon and Washington." Details here.
GOPIS THE PARTY OVER FOR MICHAEL STEELE?"The responsible committee staffer has been fired for authorizing donor reimbursement to cover a night out for some 'young donors' to the forever-grateful Voyeur, a West Hollywood lesbian bondage-themed nightclub for the discriminating diner. That is, one who finds gustatory stimulation in the presence of, for example, a woman with a horse's bit in her mouth being strapped to the wall by another woman." Full story here.
LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX (SCANDALS)"What better way to end March than with Michael Steele answering questions about an RNC member’s expenses-paid $2,000 night at a Los Angeles bondage club. Earlier in the month, Kevin Garn, Republican majority leader of the Utah state senate, admitted that he once skinny dipped with a 15-year-old girl and paid her $150,000 to keep quiet, and California State Senator and Republican family-values defender Roy Ashburn was arrested for driving drunk in a state-owned vehicle after leaving a gay nightclub with a new companion." Article and video here.Big donors Turn Their Noses up at Michael Steele’s RNC, Others Pile on With Charges of Lavish Travel, etc."Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele has had no trouble attracting media coverage, but holding onto the party’s biggest donors has been more difficult." Read more here.
Click here to listen to today's audio comedy bit!
For more Randi content, be sure to check to check out her Daily Homework .
Randi Rhodes Newsletter for Wednesday, March 31, 2010
We spend so much time being aghast at what the other side is doing, that things our own side does can surprise us. It turns out that President Obama plans to open vast tracts of the coast to offshore drilling. Curious. Maybe it’s a ploy in the larger game of reforming energy policy, kind of like during the health insurance debate when we traded away a public option in exchange for… I forget, how many Republican votes? Under Obama’s offshore drilling plan, the coast from New Jersey north is still closed to drilling. I guess the President didn’t want to hear the outcry if he did anything that could mess with “The Jersey Shore.” And I mean the show “The Jersey Shore.” Why would he have a problem messing with the actual Jersey shore otherwise? He seems to have no problem risking the Maryland shore, the North Carolina shore, or the Florida shore. Those are all open to oil and gas drilling. But there will be no drilling off of the Jersey Shore! It’s one thing to piss off environmentalists. But you don’t want to piss off Snooky and The Situation. Step back, Exxon-Mobile. If anyone is going to pollute the Jersey shore, it’s going to be the cast of “The Jersey Shore”! Of course now that the Obama Administration is in favor of offshore drilling, the Republicans have to strenuously oppose it. Maybe that’s his secret plan. Speaking of questionable decisions, photos have surfaced of Sandra Bullock’s husband, Jesse James, posing as Hitler. I’m not surprised—I saw “Speed 2.” And if I paid to see that, I’m capable of some pretty bad choices myself. The only difference between Speed 2 and Sandra Bullock’s decision to marry Jesse James is that her choice of husband didn’t cost me 10 bucks and two hours of my life. She should have known. Could the name “Jesse James” have been any clue at all? Just what kind of upbringing did a person have if their parents’ first act was to name them after a notorious outlaw? Don’t name your kid Jesse if your last name is James. I would go even further. Read the full blog...
OBAMA ENERGY HEALTH CARE STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM
Wall Street Drives up Oil Prices"Oil prices have risen steadily over the last year, and experts are worrying further increases could snuff out an already-fragile global economic recovery. President Barack Obama announced Wednesday his plan to open oil and natural gas drilling off the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico. The proposal aims to reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign oil, which theoretically could hold down prices for U.S. consumers." Read more here.
Obama Gives Green Light to Offshore Drilling "The Obama administration is proposing to open vast expanses of water along the Atlantic coastline, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the north coast of Alaska to oil and natural gas drilling, much of it for the first time, officials said Tuesday." Click here for more.
Obama to Unveil Offshore Drilling Plans for Oil, Natural Gas "The proposal through 2017 will open new areas of the mid-Atlantic region, Alaska and the eastern Gulf of Mexico for production but prohibit moves off California, Oregon and Washington." Details here.
GOPIS THE PARTY OVER FOR MICHAEL STEELE?"The responsible committee staffer has been fired for authorizing donor reimbursement to cover a night out for some 'young donors' to the forever-grateful Voyeur, a West Hollywood lesbian bondage-themed nightclub for the discriminating diner. That is, one who finds gustatory stimulation in the presence of, for example, a woman with a horse's bit in her mouth being strapped to the wall by another woman." Full story here.
LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX (SCANDALS)"What better way to end March than with Michael Steele answering questions about an RNC member’s expenses-paid $2,000 night at a Los Angeles bondage club. Earlier in the month, Kevin Garn, Republican majority leader of the Utah state senate, admitted that he once skinny dipped with a 15-year-old girl and paid her $150,000 to keep quiet, and California State Senator and Republican family-values defender Roy Ashburn was arrested for driving drunk in a state-owned vehicle after leaving a gay nightclub with a new companion." Article and video here.Big donors Turn Their Noses up at Michael Steele’s RNC, Others Pile on With Charges of Lavish Travel, etc."Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele has had no trouble attracting media coverage, but holding onto the party’s biggest donors has been more difficult." Read more here.
Click here to listen to today's audio comedy bit!
For more Randi content, be sure to check to check out her Daily Homework .
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Randi Rhodes Newsletter Tuesday March 30th 20010
Ok - I may have to create a New Blog just 4 My Polical Rants. In the meantime here is another Newsletter From Randi Rhodes -Remember -you can sign up for her FREE Newsletter yourself @ http://www.randirhodes.com/
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Just when you thought political shenanigans couldn’t get kinkier than Eric Massa’s tickle fights, the Republican National Committee under Michael Steele ups the ante. It turns out the RNC reimbursed a marketing firm honcho named Erik Brown $1,946 for a trip in which Brown took a group of potential donors to Voyeur, a bondage-themed club in Hollywood. Was he planning on beating money out of them? I guess that’s one way to get donors to contribute to Republicans. “Now I want you write out a check to Darrell Issa’s campaign, or Gretchen is going to have to tighten up those nipple clamps…” And how do you spend nearly $2,000 on bondage? How much are ball gags going for these days, anyway? And do you have to get the top-of-the-line gear? You’re spending the RNC’s money. Maybe you should keep your bondage purchases confined to clothesline rope and duct tape—just like the regular folks out there do. (You would never find Democrats at a leather-themed bondage club. I mean, leather is SOOOO politically incorrect. It’s strictly rubber and latex for Democrats. We can engage in kinky sex without having a cow die to supply our cinch-up corsets, boots , and masks, thank you very much.)
Yeesh. Remember the good old days when Republicans were satisfied with sealing their unholy deals on illegal lobbyist-paid golf outings? Well, they’ve gone from golf to bondage-themed nightclubs. The only thing those two have in common are the ridiculous outfits. OK. On the whole, the bondage outfits are slightly less ridiculous than golf clothes. Nobody is so into S&M that they’d be willing to put on a pair of plaid pants with a striped shirt.
The trip was listed on the disclosure forms under “meals.” To be fair, I doubt there’s even a place on the official forms to check off “sadomasochistic themed strip clubs.” The good news for the RNC is that all the uproar over the outing to Voyeur has obscured the fact that the rest of the FEC filing was full of charges for luxury jets, limos, and posh hotels. In February alone, the RNC spent $17,000 for travel on private jets, and another $12,000 for limousines and cars. Read the full blog...
The Voyeur Club in West Hollywood and the RNC
Fox News Porn Girl Gets it Wrong and Gets Spanked by RNC Spokesman…"The Republican National Committee say it's getting back nearly $2,000 that it reimbursed to a member for a night out at a bondage-themed night club in West Hollywood." Article and video here.
GOP FEC Report: $1,900 to Bondage Club"Amid expenses for luxury jets, limousines and posh Beverly Hills hotels, the Republican National Committee's latest Federal Election Commission filing includes nearly $2,000 to a West Hollywood nightclub at which topless dancers wear bondage gear." Full story here.
It Was an AFTER Party for YOUNG Republicans. What’s That Like 64 Now…Pre Medicare?"A $1,946.25 bar tab at a bondage-themed Hollywood nightclub financed by the RNC was part of a night of cultivating young Republican donors, The Daily Caller learned Monday after first reporting the expense that showed up on recent FEC filing." Click here to read more.
OTHER
POLL: 50 PERCENT OF AMERICANS WOULD SUPPORT OPENLY GAY U.S. PRESIDENT"Fifty percent of respondents to the latest '60 Minutes'/Vanity Fair poll said they would support an openly gay person to serve as president. Forty-four percent said they were opposed." Article continued here.
Ricky Martin: I’m Gay."In a statement posted via Twitter in both Spanish and English, and later confirmed with his representative, Martin said: 'I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am'." Read on here.
Insurers Back Off Their Loop-Hole Hunt to Screw Sick Kids."After battling President Barack Obama's health care overhaul the better part of a year, the insurance industry said Monday it won't try to block his efforts to fix a potentially embarrassing glitch in the new law." Get more here.
Click here to listen to today's audio comedy bit!
For more Randi content, be sure to check out today's Daily Homework .
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Just when you thought political shenanigans couldn’t get kinkier than Eric Massa’s tickle fights, the Republican National Committee under Michael Steele ups the ante. It turns out the RNC reimbursed a marketing firm honcho named Erik Brown $1,946 for a trip in which Brown took a group of potential donors to Voyeur, a bondage-themed club in Hollywood. Was he planning on beating money out of them? I guess that’s one way to get donors to contribute to Republicans. “Now I want you write out a check to Darrell Issa’s campaign, or Gretchen is going to have to tighten up those nipple clamps…” And how do you spend nearly $2,000 on bondage? How much are ball gags going for these days, anyway? And do you have to get the top-of-the-line gear? You’re spending the RNC’s money. Maybe you should keep your bondage purchases confined to clothesline rope and duct tape—just like the regular folks out there do. (You would never find Democrats at a leather-themed bondage club. I mean, leather is SOOOO politically incorrect. It’s strictly rubber and latex for Democrats. We can engage in kinky sex without having a cow die to supply our cinch-up corsets, boots , and masks, thank you very much.)
Yeesh. Remember the good old days when Republicans were satisfied with sealing their unholy deals on illegal lobbyist-paid golf outings? Well, they’ve gone from golf to bondage-themed nightclubs. The only thing those two have in common are the ridiculous outfits. OK. On the whole, the bondage outfits are slightly less ridiculous than golf clothes. Nobody is so into S&M that they’d be willing to put on a pair of plaid pants with a striped shirt.
The trip was listed on the disclosure forms under “meals.” To be fair, I doubt there’s even a place on the official forms to check off “sadomasochistic themed strip clubs.” The good news for the RNC is that all the uproar over the outing to Voyeur has obscured the fact that the rest of the FEC filing was full of charges for luxury jets, limos, and posh hotels. In February alone, the RNC spent $17,000 for travel on private jets, and another $12,000 for limousines and cars. Read the full blog...
The Voyeur Club in West Hollywood and the RNC
Fox News Porn Girl Gets it Wrong and Gets Spanked by RNC Spokesman…"The Republican National Committee say it's getting back nearly $2,000 that it reimbursed to a member for a night out at a bondage-themed night club in West Hollywood." Article and video here.
GOP FEC Report: $1,900 to Bondage Club"Amid expenses for luxury jets, limousines and posh Beverly Hills hotels, the Republican National Committee's latest Federal Election Commission filing includes nearly $2,000 to a West Hollywood nightclub at which topless dancers wear bondage gear." Full story here.
It Was an AFTER Party for YOUNG Republicans. What’s That Like 64 Now…Pre Medicare?"A $1,946.25 bar tab at a bondage-themed Hollywood nightclub financed by the RNC was part of a night of cultivating young Republican donors, The Daily Caller learned Monday after first reporting the expense that showed up on recent FEC filing." Click here to read more.
OTHER
POLL: 50 PERCENT OF AMERICANS WOULD SUPPORT OPENLY GAY U.S. PRESIDENT"Fifty percent of respondents to the latest '60 Minutes'/Vanity Fair poll said they would support an openly gay person to serve as president. Forty-four percent said they were opposed." Article continued here.
Ricky Martin: I’m Gay."In a statement posted via Twitter in both Spanish and English, and later confirmed with his representative, Martin said: 'I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am'." Read on here.
Insurers Back Off Their Loop-Hole Hunt to Screw Sick Kids."After battling President Barack Obama's health care overhaul the better part of a year, the insurance industry said Monday it won't try to block his efforts to fix a potentially embarrassing glitch in the new law." Get more here.
Click here to listen to today's audio comedy bit!
For more Randi content, be sure to check out today's Daily Homework .
Monday, March 29, 2010
Randi Rhodes Daily Newsletter March 29, 2010
This weekend Michelle Bachmann was on Face the Nation. Wow. If this is what’s facing the nation, I am very worried. It’s long been known that numbers can be carefully manipulated to misrepresent the facts. But why bother doing that when you can just make them up out of thin air? Well, yesterday Michelle Bachmann was offering up a lot of very big numbers. And by “offering up” I mean “making up.” And by “big” I mean “fabricated.” Here’s just one of Michelle’s statistical fantasies: “Now we have the federal government taking over ownership or control of 51 percent of the American economy. This is stunning. Prior to September of 2008, 100 percent of the private economy was private.” OK. I think Michelle Bachmann’s goal is to make the rest of us as confused as she is. On their website, CBS felt obliged to say “Ms. Bachmann offered no facts to back up her assertion that the g overnment owns or controls 51 percent of the U.S. economy.” That would because the numbers have nothing to do with the facts. Michelle’s numbers need an asterisk beside them. And if you look up the note with the asterisk it will say “numbers based on whatever was flitting around inside Michelle Bachmann’s skull.” But she was just getting warmed up. Then she threw this one out there: “Just this week we saw American businesses announce that Obamacare will cost them 14 billion dollars.” Really, how are you going to refute that seemingly random assertion? Call up “American businesses” and ask if they really made such an announcement? I checked their website. According to them, they don’t exist. But there’s more! Bachmann said “The New England Journal of Medicine released a survey the week that President Obama signed Obamacare stating that over 30 percent of American physicians would leave the profession if the government took over health care.” Really, Michelle, if you’re just going to make this stuff up, why stop at 30 percent? Why not just say all of them? Heck, why not just say “If the government takes over healthcare, 100 percent of physicians will leave the profession, take up arms, and roam the country like the biker gangs in Mad Max.” Then let someone try and conduct a study refuting that projection. Read the full blog...
TEA PARTY
With No Jobs, Plenty of Time for Tea Party"When Tom Grimes lost his job as a financial consultant 15 months ago, he called his congressman, a Democrat, for help getting government health care." Read more here.
Former Militiaman Unapologetic for Calls to Vandalize Offices Over Health Care"'To all modern Sons of Liberty: THIS is your time. Break their windows. Break them NOW'. These were the words of Mike Vanderboegh, a 57-year-old former militiaman from Alabama, who took to his blog urging people who opposed the historic health-care reform legislation -- he calls it 'Nancy Pelosi's Intolerable Act' -- to throw bricks through the windows of Democratic offices nationwide." Full story here.
GOP Lawmakers Fanning the Flames With Violent Rhetoric"Yesterday, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) falsely charged that his office was 'directly threatened' in a gun attack. Cantor used the incident to provide partisan cover to his unruly GOP colleagues, who have been pandering to tea party activists with increasingly unhinged and extreme rhetoric." Article and video here.
MISCELLANEOUS / SPICE
Insurance Companies Already Looking for Loopholes to Deny Sick Kids Coverage."Just days after President Obama signed the new health care law, insurance companies are already arguing that, at least for now, they do not have to provide one of the benefits that the president calls a centerpiece of the law: coverage for certain children with pre-existing conditions." Click here to read more.
What Does the New Law Say?"Health Care Reform Bill Summary: A Look At What's in the Bill." Check it out here.
YOUR JOB LOSS IS CORPORATE AMERICA’S GAIN"Don Carroll, a former financial analyst with a master’s degree in business administration from a top university, was clearly overqualified for the job running the claims department for Cartwright International, a small, family-owned moving company here south of Kansas City." Full post here.
Click here to listen to today's audio comedy bit!
For more Randi content, be sure to check out her Daily Homework .
http://www.RandiRhodes.com
TEA PARTY
With No Jobs, Plenty of Time for Tea Party"When Tom Grimes lost his job as a financial consultant 15 months ago, he called his congressman, a Democrat, for help getting government health care." Read more here.
Former Militiaman Unapologetic for Calls to Vandalize Offices Over Health Care"'To all modern Sons of Liberty: THIS is your time. Break their windows. Break them NOW'. These were the words of Mike Vanderboegh, a 57-year-old former militiaman from Alabama, who took to his blog urging people who opposed the historic health-care reform legislation -- he calls it 'Nancy Pelosi's Intolerable Act' -- to throw bricks through the windows of Democratic offices nationwide." Full story here.
GOP Lawmakers Fanning the Flames With Violent Rhetoric"Yesterday, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) falsely charged that his office was 'directly threatened' in a gun attack. Cantor used the incident to provide partisan cover to his unruly GOP colleagues, who have been pandering to tea party activists with increasingly unhinged and extreme rhetoric." Article and video here.
MISCELLANEOUS / SPICE
Insurance Companies Already Looking for Loopholes to Deny Sick Kids Coverage."Just days after President Obama signed the new health care law, insurance companies are already arguing that, at least for now, they do not have to provide one of the benefits that the president calls a centerpiece of the law: coverage for certain children with pre-existing conditions." Click here to read more.
What Does the New Law Say?"Health Care Reform Bill Summary: A Look At What's in the Bill." Check it out here.
YOUR JOB LOSS IS CORPORATE AMERICA’S GAIN"Don Carroll, a former financial analyst with a master’s degree in business administration from a top university, was clearly overqualified for the job running the claims department for Cartwright International, a small, family-owned moving company here south of Kansas City." Full post here.
Click here to listen to today's audio comedy bit!
For more Randi content, be sure to check out her Daily Homework .
http://www.RandiRhodes.com
Friday, March 26, 2010
Love Letter to my Playboy Peeps & To All My Other Peeps as well!!
I don`t know if you heard but the Other Day, Robert Culp (I Spy, American Hero, etc) Died -I had the honor of knowing him -I was a fan of his b4 I met him over 8yrs ago -he was a regular frequent guest of The Playboy Mansion & a really good friend of Hef`s. He was a really kind, charming, sweet man. He would drink his Oduls (non-alcoholic beer) and talk about his animal rights activity -I regret not talking to him more. Just like Don Adams of Get Smart -Don would always comment on how much food I could eat -he thought it was disgusting -he was funny & witty -LOL! I feel so blessed on knowing the people I know -I love them all -they have such interesting & rich histories. I really need to ask more questions & Talk to them more. I can learn alot from their experiences.
I put my foot in my mouth alot though. Once I watched a movie Called 'Cat Ballou' with Rachel Welch -I made the mistake of gushing about how much I moved this B-Movie - well - I did not know it at the time that I was talking to Elliot, who Directed the Film and he quipped back at me that it WAS NOT A B-movie -oops....I was soooo ashamed -I really didn`t mean any dis-respect -I just always thought that Rachel Welch ONLY made B-movies -it wasn`t a put down of the movie. That made me learn to be more careful on what I say & to be more aware on who I am talking to. You can imagine that OJ, Robert Blake, Michael Jackson etc... maybe a poor subject matter as well @ The Playboy Mansion. Egg Shells indeed.
However with these past deaths-this is a reminder that I really need to show my appreciation more to the people in my life!
I just never want to 'bug' anyone or be like a Fan or stalker -but I am very interested in their stories. Some of the people that go to the mansion -I have no idea what they do for a living. I am so bad at recognizing people and there is a lot more people that work behind the scenes to where their looks or names would never be recognized. For the past 9 years I have just been on the surface of things . I am terrible at remembering names -I even forget names of the guests & Playboy Employees that I a very close to. I feel embarrassed to ask knowing that it might offend them since we are so close and for so many years. I need to get over that and just come clean.
I need to be a better friend. I need to pay more attention. I am tired of being just an 'extra' in life. Time to get involved, ask questions, learn, live, love, etc, More. I do not want to regret anything. I am tired of letting being shy, self-conscious, or even a having a poor memory as an excuse. I need to stop taking my blessings for granted!
For all the people that are in my life reading this - I may not show it at times - I may seem aloof -I may act like a brat -I maybe Quiet -I may say or do stupid things- I may even forget your name -which is Bad - but no matter what - I want you to know that I do appreciate you, I love you and I am soooo soooo Very Happy to know you & have you in my life!!
oxox Stacy
March 28th 2010: I just got back from the Playboy Mansion -Johnny Crawford came up & told me -that it was NOT Rachel Welch but it was Jane Fonda in the movie Cat Ballou!! OMG -I slithered fro the mansion pronto -to much egg on my face to stay -I apprecite Johnny telling me -OMG - I can`t believe That!!!!
I put my foot in my mouth alot though. Once I watched a movie Called 'Cat Ballou' with Rachel Welch -I made the mistake of gushing about how much I moved this B-Movie - well - I did not know it at the time that I was talking to Elliot, who Directed the Film and he quipped back at me that it WAS NOT A B-movie -oops....I was soooo ashamed -I really didn`t mean any dis-respect -I just always thought that Rachel Welch ONLY made B-movies -it wasn`t a put down of the movie. That made me learn to be more careful on what I say & to be more aware on who I am talking to. You can imagine that OJ, Robert Blake, Michael Jackson etc... maybe a poor subject matter as well @ The Playboy Mansion. Egg Shells indeed.
However with these past deaths-this is a reminder that I really need to show my appreciation more to the people in my life!
I just never want to 'bug' anyone or be like a Fan or stalker -but I am very interested in their stories. Some of the people that go to the mansion -I have no idea what they do for a living. I am so bad at recognizing people and there is a lot more people that work behind the scenes to where their looks or names would never be recognized. For the past 9 years I have just been on the surface of things . I am terrible at remembering names -I even forget names of the guests & Playboy Employees that I a very close to. I feel embarrassed to ask knowing that it might offend them since we are so close and for so many years. I need to get over that and just come clean.
I need to be a better friend. I need to pay more attention. I am tired of being just an 'extra' in life. Time to get involved, ask questions, learn, live, love, etc, More. I do not want to regret anything. I am tired of letting being shy, self-conscious, or even a having a poor memory as an excuse. I need to stop taking my blessings for granted!
For all the people that are in my life reading this - I may not show it at times - I may seem aloof -I may act like a brat -I maybe Quiet -I may say or do stupid things- I may even forget your name -which is Bad - but no matter what - I want you to know that I do appreciate you, I love you and I am soooo soooo Very Happy to know you & have you in my life!!
oxox Stacy
March 28th 2010: I just got back from the Playboy Mansion -Johnny Crawford came up & told me -that it was NOT Rachel Welch but it was Jane Fonda in the movie Cat Ballou!! OMG -I slithered fro the mansion pronto -to much egg on my face to stay -I apprecite Johnny telling me -OMG - I can`t believe That!!!!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
I am in a bit of a Tuff Spot
a Little update on my past blogs. You know that neighbor that gets into fights with her boyfriend? -The one that screams 'help me -help me - he is trying to kill me' and then I call the cops for her - but she drops charges and takes the guy back? Well he lives with her now & I see them all the time acting like the perfect little family -going to the beach with her 2 kids from her last relationship.
Not a big deal -but I do not know what I am gonna do the next time there is a Physical Fight and she screams for help. I know I will probably call the cops again - because I really do not want her to get hurt -but at the same time -I know they will just get back together and it doesn`t make for good neighbors -I mean -I am sure he doesn`t like me to much since I call the cops on him. However to be fair -Other neighbors have called the cops -But he knows for sure that I have and will again....so I am in a bit of a tight spot. I do not feel right saying Hi to him when passing by & acting like everything is okay - but I don`t want to act like I have an grudge against him -because I do not -he has nothing to with it -I would call the cops no matter who needs help -but still I am in a tough Spot.
Have any of you been in that situation? What happened?
Not a big deal -but I do not know what I am gonna do the next time there is a Physical Fight and she screams for help. I know I will probably call the cops again - because I really do not want her to get hurt -but at the same time -I know they will just get back together and it doesn`t make for good neighbors -I mean -I am sure he doesn`t like me to much since I call the cops on him. However to be fair -Other neighbors have called the cops -But he knows for sure that I have and will again....so I am in a bit of a tight spot. I do not feel right saying Hi to him when passing by & acting like everything is okay - but I don`t want to act like I have an grudge against him -because I do not -he has nothing to with it -I would call the cops no matter who needs help -but still I am in a tough Spot.
Have any of you been in that situation? What happened?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Death of a Small Timer -The Story of Hal Guthu -Last of the Good Old School Honest Hollywood Agents
Don`t know if anyone heard of Hal Guthu -one of the last really good honest Hollywood agents for starletts -when I met him -he would send me out for Cheesecake, Glamour Fetish & B-movies. He has a great history & he was awesome. He really cared about us -if we had a problem with someone -so did he. Hal was very protective and a father type figure. He never wanted no harm to come to any of his girls -money was not important enough. He didn`t want to be involved with bad business -only on the up & up.
His death was a Mystery. They made a few of those Murder Mystery TV Shows with his story in which I am in. I even worked with the police to try to solve Hal`s Mysterious Death. I remember being interviewed alot -I never got to see some of the articles -but I was sent this article 10years after Hals Death.
Hal Guthu sure was a character. I would love it if someone good wrote a book or made a movie about him. I was so lucky to meet & work with the last of the Good Old School Hollywood Agents. I sure miss that guy!
oxox Stacy
Please read article: Death of a Small Timer by John H Richardson
http://johnhrichardson.com/html/pdfs/death_of_a_small_timer.pdf
Forensic details about Hal's death are explored in "The Bird's Tale",an episode of Court TV's "North Mission Road" program
Hal Guthu responsable for 'The Runaways'?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Boleyn_(singer)
Models/Actreses Rembember Hal:
I always adored Hal...
I read these thoughts on Hal and the description about the polaroids. He was such a creature of habit - living in a time warp almost. Just a year or so ago I took J. by to see him and to look at his books. At the time I was struck by the fact that every single detail - his office, Max [his bird], how he dressed, the studio, what he wanted to talk about - everything was exactly the same as it had always been. And after that visit, I got several calls from him saying "Hey! I gotta job for ya! Are you interested?" in his usual positive, upbeat style.
I'll miss him...
Danni AsheVB Productions
I am one of Hal's girls...
Hal was the last of the good guys in Hollywood! He was so nice, so trustworthy... that is rare nowadays. He took the model's word as gold. If you had a problem with someone that he sent you to, he would not work with that guy again. His reputation was spotless. He was a gem! I wish I told him how I felt, I wish I could tell him how much he was appreciated and how much I appreciated him. He was loved by so many people.
Stacy Burke Actress/Model
This is such a shock. He was so wonderful.
Simone DevonDevonshire Productions
"Remembering Hal"
Remembering what it was like to barely have enough money to eat every day -- driving through McDonalds or Carl's Jr. Scraping up change abandoned by my family to get a hamburger. I was in desperate need of money. A friend of mine was telling me about an agent, Hal Gathu. An honest man with a heart of gold -- a legend in his own right, and if he likes you -- he'll help you like no other.
I can still feel those emotions today -- young, shy, and scared, I drove around searching for a number I had on a piece of paper. Hmmm, this must be it. No windows, just an address -- 7428 Santa Monica. I knocked on the door and Hal, an older man in great shape with glasses, greets me. I'll never forget -- "Hi Hon!! Oh, this is Max," (chuckling) "he won't hurt you! (A huge bird -- red and blue, never ever left Hal's side) "Really Hal, birds scare me!" "That's what he's trying to do -- intimidate you. Honest, hon -- he won't hurt you -- he loves to draw on polaroids."
Another thing that Hal was great at -- taking polaroids. The directors love to see what the girls look like when they are natural in polaroids. (Did I ever tell you how much I loathe polaroids?) "Come on" (as he guides you to the studio in the back). "Hon -- change into a bathing suit or lingerie and stand over there" -- snap. "Yuck! These are the worst pictures I've ever seen of myself." "No hon, they'll love you -- honestly."
There I was, in a huge photo album -- one among many. One face among thousands of blondes, brunettes, red heads, dark, light, bleach, asian -- everyone seemed to be in Hal's books. But, what would make me different? Why would I stand out? Beautiful girls everywhere, yet with Hal's help and encouragement, I was constantly getting calls day after day and job after job. Working with David Lynch, little parts in movies, lingerie ads, music videos -- on and on and on -- the list is endless.
I'll never forget the phone calls -- "Hi hon, it's Hal -- there's a producer here and he wants to book you." No porn and he was proud of that fact (that would be XXX, for those who don't know) and always watching out for his girls' safety. That was Hal.
This was the beginning of my career -- these are memories that are untouchable, priceless, and gratitude that can't be matched. This is the person I have to thank -- sadly, I never had the chance because Hal's life ended Sunday -- with Max, his beautiful and long time companion... He made dreams come true, built legends -- a simple non-pretentious man. I am left (as many others) with pain, sorrow, and feelings that can't be written about nor described. It's hard to imagine Hal anywhere else, but still sitting behind his desk with Max and his photo albums and all his girls. Yep -- I bet he's in heaven -- writing it all down. Goodbye Hal -- thank you for everything -- I wouldn't be Ashley if I never met you.
Ashley Renee
I met Hal & Carole in the late '60s. Back then it was Carole Hal & Nick, but never mind Nick, he was just passing thru I guess. I was young naive and tired of waitressing. Thank God I went to Hal's agency instead of some other. It was on Beverly Blvd then. I have many fond memories of days spent there. Carole had a Gibbon ape, Tyla? And one day even brought in a red fox, which we all ended up chasing down the middle of Beverly Blvd. Never a dull moment, and never a bad experience. Hal did a wonderful job of weeding out the questionable photographers and only sending us on shoots he knew were safe. I will remember him as one of the most honorable people I have ever met.
Bonnie Smith Former Model
Memories of Hal Guthu Contributed by Producers, Directors & Photographers
HAL GUTHU: A FEW MEMORIES
Soon after I arrived in Los Angeles 15 years ago to work for Harmony Concepts, Robert Harmon sent me to the CHN Agency. When I entered that nondescript building on Santa Monica Boulevard, I was a very green newcomer who knew that Hal Guthu was something of a legend in our part of the world. Hal greeted me with brisk friendliness, introduced me to Max and pushed a pair of huge, photo-filled binders across the desk. As I turned the pages of his fabled model books, Hal could probably tell I was a bit dazzled! He was a kind and informative guide to the new world I was entering.
Throughout the '80s and into the '90s, I returned many times to look through Hal’s books. New faces appeared, others dropped out, but Hal never seemed to change. He enjoyed life, took pleasure in his work and cared about his girls. And, as I worked with so many ‘Hal models’ over the years, I learned that they cared about him too.
From time to time, I booked the CHN studio for video shoots. Working there was like taking a trip into Hal’s past: he hadaccumulated a wealth of props, lights and furniture over the decades. He also constructed the sets preserved in so many videos and photographs. It was Hal’s fantasyland, populated when the lights went on by the girls who were like family to him.
Time didn’t seem to make much of a dent in Hal. I didn’t visit CHN as often in the late '90s, but when I did see Hal or talk to him on the phone, he was always a hearty and vigorous presence. Yet time does have the last word, no matter how vital its human adversary. None of us can ever know what Hal was thinking on the day he made his final decisions, but there’s no doubt he was an unusually proud and independent humanbeing. If Hal made his choice to cut short the ravages of time, it was the final act that defined him as the man he was.
Eric HolmanFM Concepts
I was encouraged by Eric [Holman] to visit Hal in early 1988. The word was that Hal was the man to go to for models.
My handful of appointments with Hal over the course of the next two years were strictly business, and good business at that. He was always friendly, professional, and worked hard for his models.
He was a good agent. I always walked out with more good model leads than I could ever hope to work with.
I was afraid of his bird.
Michael KeyeBonVue Ent.
I met Hal Guthu in 1977. I needed an agent who could provide models and he was one of two who was highly recommended. I really don't remember who recommended him.
I liked him immediately, as anyone would. He was wonderfully old-fashioned and genuine, and very up-front about the way he wanted to conduct business, and helpful -- a throwback agent in every respect and it was hard not to wonder about his history... what he had seen and heard and done in his decades of agenting, what stars he had known and represented, what stories he could tell. As nice as he was, he was firm and inflexible about certain rules -- call him at very prescribed hours and not at any other time -- and I admired him for that. Above all, he was on your side and non-judgmental.
There was an elderly parrot in his office which occasionally distinguished itself by squawking out a line or two of agentese: "I'll get back to you Mort" or "Bob's greenlighted on his project" or "She was born for the part." I heard Hal eventually gave in and gave the parrot to one of his clients -- an insistent ingenue who had just nailed the lead role in a series thanks entirely to Hal.
I'd speak occasionally to him down thru the years, and he was always upbeat. Friends of mine tried to get him to sell them the agency and he would dance with the idea for awhile, then back off: "I sell this and I've got nowhere to go and nothing to do." The agency was very much his life.
I've heard that his death has caused understandable grief among just about everyone who knew him. Why not? He was a decent and dear man and worthy of inclusion in all of our prayers tonight. Say a prayer for him and, if he can, he'll probably say one for you.
Robert Harmon HCI
I first met Hal back in 1985. Since then I have booked and shot hundreds of models through CHN. These models always spoke of Hal in glowing terms, and it was obvious that he was a father image to so many, including myself. Moreover he was my mentor... and was always a gentleman to everyone. Hal was more than just a grandfather to our industry... he was and will always be an icon to all those who knew and loved him. We all will miss him dearly!
Ken Kirk Napali Video Productions
I only had the pleasure of meeting Hal once, when FM did a shoot at CHN. He was warm, friendly, engaging and entertaining. Even after all his years in the business, he seemed so pleased and excited to have us there. It was like being welcomed into the home of a favorite uncle that you hadn't seen in awhile. It's important for me to make clear to everyone that this man deserves "Legend" status, just for the number of all-time favorite models (far too many to list!) that he introduced to this industry. He will be deeply missed.
Chase Brocco FM Concepts
I am deeply saddened by the news of Hal Guthu's death. There's hardly a month that goes by that I don't remember his professionalism, consideration, and even kindness -- three attributes that were hard to come by.
Bishop and I were able to complete, together and separately, hundreds of photo and video shoots over the years because of Hal's expertise and judgement. He knew all his actors -- male & female -- and knew which ones would be perfect for us, creating an atmosphere that was fun and productive for both model and photographer alike.
There was no ego, prima donna behavior, lateness, or substance abuse at our shoots. Hal could spot the troubled ones and steer us away from that scene. I can attest that Hal was the king, and how often I spoke of him with admiration and appreciation.
Geoffrey MerrickHOM/The Tyler Files/Memoirs
Hal Guthu was a very enthusiastic and supportive kind of guy. We did a couple of shoots at CHN, I remember during our first tour of the studio, he was very proud of the backlighting on his sets, in addition to the large collection of props.
God help any model that failed to shut the back door before going outside to light up a cigarette! It's the only time I ever saw him in cranky-mode.
Tony ElkaShadow Lane
I'm saddened by this news and feel the need to tell you a little bit about my memories of Hal.
Hal's studio was a warehouse-like building tucked snugly into the rows on Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood. The main door was somewhat incognito and led into a little front office. There Hal would be sitting behind his little desk with his big bird -- a macaw -- hanging out on his desk. The bird was big enough to be a bit scary, but Hal would welcome and greet you jovially, and you'd sit down to see the books.
Hal had a collection of 3-ring binders containing info on all the actors and models he represented. A lot of the pages were pasted-up polaroids that Hal had shot himself, of people fresh into town who had no portfolios or print photos with which to advertise themselves yet. As you looked at the pages, Hal would tell you a little bit about each person -- what they were like or what their talents were.
Hal was proud of his studio. It mostly consisted of two long rooms with sets at both ends. He was especially proud of the sets he'd put together. He was also really proud of all the props he'd bought over the years. It was almost a shame because he had more props than you could use in a lifetime, and a lot of them were simply piled sky-high, not getting used.
A few special details I remember about Hal:
Hal once told me that years ago he shot a bunch of 3-D color slides of a pretty little brunette, all cheesecake, but then the slides sat around for some years until he tired of holding onto them. He sold them to some other guy, and later he really regretted that decision -- when the world re-discovered Betty Page and those 3-D color pictures wound up released as a comic book and used for other lucrative Betty products!
Hal ran the camera for Ed Wood Jr. during the making of Glen or Glenda. You can see an actor portraying him in Tim Burton's Ed Wood movie. The scene where they're shooting "Glen" looking in a storefront window, then the whole crew grabs the equipment and runs off so they won't get caught for shooting without a permit -- that event occurred on Santa Monica right near Hal's studio, all those years ago.
Even after Hal reached retirement age, he didn't stop running his modeling agency. He kept plugging away and keeping his model books going. I feel sad that he didn't get to enjoy some retirement years -- he certainly had earned it after all this time.
Lorelei Smith Open Mind Media
His death was a Mystery. They made a few of those Murder Mystery TV Shows with his story in which I am in. I even worked with the police to try to solve Hal`s Mysterious Death. I remember being interviewed alot -I never got to see some of the articles -but I was sent this article 10years after Hals Death.
Hal Guthu sure was a character. I would love it if someone good wrote a book or made a movie about him. I was so lucky to meet & work with the last of the Good Old School Hollywood Agents. I sure miss that guy!
oxox Stacy
Please read article: Death of a Small Timer by John H Richardson
http://johnhrichardson.com/html/pdfs/death_of_a_small_timer.pdf
Forensic details about Hal's death are explored in "The Bird's Tale",an episode of Court TV's "North Mission Road" program
Hal Guthu responsable for 'The Runaways'?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Boleyn_(singer)
Models/Actreses Rembember Hal:
I always adored Hal...
I read these thoughts on Hal and the description about the polaroids. He was such a creature of habit - living in a time warp almost. Just a year or so ago I took J. by to see him and to look at his books. At the time I was struck by the fact that every single detail - his office, Max [his bird], how he dressed, the studio, what he wanted to talk about - everything was exactly the same as it had always been. And after that visit, I got several calls from him saying "Hey! I gotta job for ya! Are you interested?" in his usual positive, upbeat style.
I'll miss him...
Danni AsheVB Productions
I am one of Hal's girls...
Hal was the last of the good guys in Hollywood! He was so nice, so trustworthy... that is rare nowadays. He took the model's word as gold. If you had a problem with someone that he sent you to, he would not work with that guy again. His reputation was spotless. He was a gem! I wish I told him how I felt, I wish I could tell him how much he was appreciated and how much I appreciated him. He was loved by so many people.
Stacy Burke Actress/Model
This is such a shock. He was so wonderful.
Simone DevonDevonshire Productions
"Remembering Hal"
Remembering what it was like to barely have enough money to eat every day -- driving through McDonalds or Carl's Jr. Scraping up change abandoned by my family to get a hamburger. I was in desperate need of money. A friend of mine was telling me about an agent, Hal Gathu. An honest man with a heart of gold -- a legend in his own right, and if he likes you -- he'll help you like no other.
I can still feel those emotions today -- young, shy, and scared, I drove around searching for a number I had on a piece of paper. Hmmm, this must be it. No windows, just an address -- 7428 Santa Monica. I knocked on the door and Hal, an older man in great shape with glasses, greets me. I'll never forget -- "Hi Hon!! Oh, this is Max," (chuckling) "he won't hurt you! (A huge bird -- red and blue, never ever left Hal's side) "Really Hal, birds scare me!" "That's what he's trying to do -- intimidate you. Honest, hon -- he won't hurt you -- he loves to draw on polaroids."
Another thing that Hal was great at -- taking polaroids. The directors love to see what the girls look like when they are natural in polaroids. (Did I ever tell you how much I loathe polaroids?) "Come on" (as he guides you to the studio in the back). "Hon -- change into a bathing suit or lingerie and stand over there" -- snap. "Yuck! These are the worst pictures I've ever seen of myself." "No hon, they'll love you -- honestly."
There I was, in a huge photo album -- one among many. One face among thousands of blondes, brunettes, red heads, dark, light, bleach, asian -- everyone seemed to be in Hal's books. But, what would make me different? Why would I stand out? Beautiful girls everywhere, yet with Hal's help and encouragement, I was constantly getting calls day after day and job after job. Working with David Lynch, little parts in movies, lingerie ads, music videos -- on and on and on -- the list is endless.
I'll never forget the phone calls -- "Hi hon, it's Hal -- there's a producer here and he wants to book you." No porn and he was proud of that fact (that would be XXX, for those who don't know) and always watching out for his girls' safety. That was Hal.
This was the beginning of my career -- these are memories that are untouchable, priceless, and gratitude that can't be matched. This is the person I have to thank -- sadly, I never had the chance because Hal's life ended Sunday -- with Max, his beautiful and long time companion... He made dreams come true, built legends -- a simple non-pretentious man. I am left (as many others) with pain, sorrow, and feelings that can't be written about nor described. It's hard to imagine Hal anywhere else, but still sitting behind his desk with Max and his photo albums and all his girls. Yep -- I bet he's in heaven -- writing it all down. Goodbye Hal -- thank you for everything -- I wouldn't be Ashley if I never met you.
Ashley Renee
I met Hal & Carole in the late '60s. Back then it was Carole Hal & Nick, but never mind Nick, he was just passing thru I guess. I was young naive and tired of waitressing. Thank God I went to Hal's agency instead of some other. It was on Beverly Blvd then. I have many fond memories of days spent there. Carole had a Gibbon ape, Tyla? And one day even brought in a red fox, which we all ended up chasing down the middle of Beverly Blvd. Never a dull moment, and never a bad experience. Hal did a wonderful job of weeding out the questionable photographers and only sending us on shoots he knew were safe. I will remember him as one of the most honorable people I have ever met.
Bonnie Smith Former Model
Memories of Hal Guthu Contributed by Producers, Directors & Photographers
HAL GUTHU: A FEW MEMORIES
Soon after I arrived in Los Angeles 15 years ago to work for Harmony Concepts, Robert Harmon sent me to the CHN Agency. When I entered that nondescript building on Santa Monica Boulevard, I was a very green newcomer who knew that Hal Guthu was something of a legend in our part of the world. Hal greeted me with brisk friendliness, introduced me to Max and pushed a pair of huge, photo-filled binders across the desk. As I turned the pages of his fabled model books, Hal could probably tell I was a bit dazzled! He was a kind and informative guide to the new world I was entering.
Throughout the '80s and into the '90s, I returned many times to look through Hal’s books. New faces appeared, others dropped out, but Hal never seemed to change. He enjoyed life, took pleasure in his work and cared about his girls. And, as I worked with so many ‘Hal models’ over the years, I learned that they cared about him too.
From time to time, I booked the CHN studio for video shoots. Working there was like taking a trip into Hal’s past: he hadaccumulated a wealth of props, lights and furniture over the decades. He also constructed the sets preserved in so many videos and photographs. It was Hal’s fantasyland, populated when the lights went on by the girls who were like family to him.
Time didn’t seem to make much of a dent in Hal. I didn’t visit CHN as often in the late '90s, but when I did see Hal or talk to him on the phone, he was always a hearty and vigorous presence. Yet time does have the last word, no matter how vital its human adversary. None of us can ever know what Hal was thinking on the day he made his final decisions, but there’s no doubt he was an unusually proud and independent humanbeing. If Hal made his choice to cut short the ravages of time, it was the final act that defined him as the man he was.
Eric HolmanFM Concepts
I was encouraged by Eric [Holman] to visit Hal in early 1988. The word was that Hal was the man to go to for models.
My handful of appointments with Hal over the course of the next two years were strictly business, and good business at that. He was always friendly, professional, and worked hard for his models.
He was a good agent. I always walked out with more good model leads than I could ever hope to work with.
I was afraid of his bird.
Michael KeyeBonVue Ent.
I met Hal Guthu in 1977. I needed an agent who could provide models and he was one of two who was highly recommended. I really don't remember who recommended him.
I liked him immediately, as anyone would. He was wonderfully old-fashioned and genuine, and very up-front about the way he wanted to conduct business, and helpful -- a throwback agent in every respect and it was hard not to wonder about his history... what he had seen and heard and done in his decades of agenting, what stars he had known and represented, what stories he could tell. As nice as he was, he was firm and inflexible about certain rules -- call him at very prescribed hours and not at any other time -- and I admired him for that. Above all, he was on your side and non-judgmental.
There was an elderly parrot in his office which occasionally distinguished itself by squawking out a line or two of agentese: "I'll get back to you Mort" or "Bob's greenlighted on his project" or "She was born for the part." I heard Hal eventually gave in and gave the parrot to one of his clients -- an insistent ingenue who had just nailed the lead role in a series thanks entirely to Hal.
I'd speak occasionally to him down thru the years, and he was always upbeat. Friends of mine tried to get him to sell them the agency and he would dance with the idea for awhile, then back off: "I sell this and I've got nowhere to go and nothing to do." The agency was very much his life.
I've heard that his death has caused understandable grief among just about everyone who knew him. Why not? He was a decent and dear man and worthy of inclusion in all of our prayers tonight. Say a prayer for him and, if he can, he'll probably say one for you.
Robert Harmon HCI
I first met Hal back in 1985. Since then I have booked and shot hundreds of models through CHN. These models always spoke of Hal in glowing terms, and it was obvious that he was a father image to so many, including myself. Moreover he was my mentor... and was always a gentleman to everyone. Hal was more than just a grandfather to our industry... he was and will always be an icon to all those who knew and loved him. We all will miss him dearly!
Ken Kirk Napali Video Productions
I only had the pleasure of meeting Hal once, when FM did a shoot at CHN. He was warm, friendly, engaging and entertaining. Even after all his years in the business, he seemed so pleased and excited to have us there. It was like being welcomed into the home of a favorite uncle that you hadn't seen in awhile. It's important for me to make clear to everyone that this man deserves "Legend" status, just for the number of all-time favorite models (far too many to list!) that he introduced to this industry. He will be deeply missed.
Chase Brocco FM Concepts
I am deeply saddened by the news of Hal Guthu's death. There's hardly a month that goes by that I don't remember his professionalism, consideration, and even kindness -- three attributes that were hard to come by.
Bishop and I were able to complete, together and separately, hundreds of photo and video shoots over the years because of Hal's expertise and judgement. He knew all his actors -- male & female -- and knew which ones would be perfect for us, creating an atmosphere that was fun and productive for both model and photographer alike.
There was no ego, prima donna behavior, lateness, or substance abuse at our shoots. Hal could spot the troubled ones and steer us away from that scene. I can attest that Hal was the king, and how often I spoke of him with admiration and appreciation.
Geoffrey MerrickHOM/The Tyler Files/Memoirs
Hal Guthu was a very enthusiastic and supportive kind of guy. We did a couple of shoots at CHN, I remember during our first tour of the studio, he was very proud of the backlighting on his sets, in addition to the large collection of props.
God help any model that failed to shut the back door before going outside to light up a cigarette! It's the only time I ever saw him in cranky-mode.
Tony ElkaShadow Lane
I'm saddened by this news and feel the need to tell you a little bit about my memories of Hal.
Hal's studio was a warehouse-like building tucked snugly into the rows on Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood. The main door was somewhat incognito and led into a little front office. There Hal would be sitting behind his little desk with his big bird -- a macaw -- hanging out on his desk. The bird was big enough to be a bit scary, but Hal would welcome and greet you jovially, and you'd sit down to see the books.
Hal had a collection of 3-ring binders containing info on all the actors and models he represented. A lot of the pages were pasted-up polaroids that Hal had shot himself, of people fresh into town who had no portfolios or print photos with which to advertise themselves yet. As you looked at the pages, Hal would tell you a little bit about each person -- what they were like or what their talents were.
Hal was proud of his studio. It mostly consisted of two long rooms with sets at both ends. He was especially proud of the sets he'd put together. He was also really proud of all the props he'd bought over the years. It was almost a shame because he had more props than you could use in a lifetime, and a lot of them were simply piled sky-high, not getting used.
A few special details I remember about Hal:
Hal once told me that years ago he shot a bunch of 3-D color slides of a pretty little brunette, all cheesecake, but then the slides sat around for some years until he tired of holding onto them. He sold them to some other guy, and later he really regretted that decision -- when the world re-discovered Betty Page and those 3-D color pictures wound up released as a comic book and used for other lucrative Betty products!
Hal ran the camera for Ed Wood Jr. during the making of Glen or Glenda. You can see an actor portraying him in Tim Burton's Ed Wood movie. The scene where they're shooting "Glen" looking in a storefront window, then the whole crew grabs the equipment and runs off so they won't get caught for shooting without a permit -- that event occurred on Santa Monica right near Hal's studio, all those years ago.
Even after Hal reached retirement age, he didn't stop running his modeling agency. He kept plugging away and keeping his model books going. I feel sad that he didn't get to enjoy some retirement years -- he certainly had earned it after all this time.
Lorelei Smith Open Mind Media
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
I think I maybe the Neighborhood Narc!
I have always been one to stick up for what I believe is right -no matter how popular. I have spoken my mind lots of time -in scary situations -where I do not know how I survived.
I have yelled at a bunch of Chicano Gang Members waiting to beat up on one guy. I have pulled out a Fake gun to get away from a mob of people trying to car-jack me. One time a Gang member flashed his gang sign at me and so I flashed him my gang sign -which was my Middle Finger. A bunch of Crack heads stole my Lion statues- so I knocked on their door and would not leave until I got the statues back -so they beat me up -I got a little bloody -but I did not leave until I got my Lions Back. Oh -soooo many stories. Someday I might tell you more. I am not tough -no way - I just have a smart mouth -I do not know when to shut up -it gets me into trouble at times -but so far -It has not hurt me yet -(looking for wood to knock on)
This weekend I have called the cops 4 times. 3 times in one night on Saturday Night because my upstairs Neighbor & her Boyfriend like to get into major knock-down fights. She will yell help he is killing me -I will hear broken Glass -etc. I call Cops -Guy runs away -Cops Come -She says it is not a big deal to cops -saying it is a mis-understanding -cops leave -Guy comes Back -Fight breaks out again - She yells for Help -I call Cops -Guys runs Out -Cops Come -She says no big Deal -Cops Leave -Guy Comes Back -Repeat several times -Get no sleep -Get the hang of it?
I have ANOTHER Neighbor. It is a House -he owns it. He has 2 other guys, his elderly Mom & his Mom`s Nurse live there. He has a few Old Loud Cars/Trucks/Motorcycles that he works on. He revs them up -pretty loud -but all in all not a big deal. For some reason -I get a bad 'vibe' from him -but nothing to back it up. Whenever I get a bad Vibe -it takes awhile -but something always backs up & Validates my Vibe.
Let me paint a picture of my street. It is a small one way street. I live in a tiny beach community. Kids on Bikes, Kids running back & forth from beach Cats Dogs, Joggers, lots of Bikes, people walking their dogs, elderly taking a stroll, etc.
Tonight the Big 'Uncle Jesse' Looking Neighbor was revving up his powder blue pick up truck. then he burnt rubber -the whole street filled with smoke. He fish tailed down the street racing it like he was in the Grand Prix! He did not do this just once -but several times -barley stopping, screeching thru out little one way street neighborhood around the time people are coming from work -6pm.
I had to take the trash out -so I went to the alley to throw it away. All of a sudden he comes fish-tailing speeding thru my alley -barley stopping in time before he hit me!!
I blew up!! I yelled at him to Stop it -Stop it now -this is not the place to be doing that -that it is not safe -he came running up to me -got into my face and yelled back at me that he owns his house and he can do what he wants -I yelled back so- I own things to -that does not make it right and that he did not own the streets and that he was being a danger to his neighborhood. I told him I was gonna call 911 -he yelled back go ahead 'Cunt' and ran up to me and got right in my face and kept yelling at me -calling me names and getting down right scary -I thought he was gonna hit me -I said -you bet I am calling 911 -I had my cell phone on me and called 911 -by this time the neighborhood was out watching. He went back to his house -which is 2 doors down. I was talking to the cops -telling them what happened. The other neighbors were all around me giving me support -They told me his name is Doug & they told me that this is not the 1st time that this guy had 'run-ins' with his neighbors.
The cops came -talked to me -I told them my story. They said good -if you see something wrong -please call. I said I always do. The cops went to go talk to him -but there was nothing they could do. They did not see him do it -even though the rubber marks are all over the street -so they probably just reprimanded him & left.
Roy was at the Gym. When I told him what happened -OMG - He is sooo mad -but I told him Not to start Trouble -I do not want Roy in trouble.
Damn -Busy weekend huh? I don`t wanna be the neighborhood narc -but damn -is the world going crazy?? I guess I will forever stand up what I believe in -no matter how un-popular.....I guess I will never learn!!
I have yelled at a bunch of Chicano Gang Members waiting to beat up on one guy. I have pulled out a Fake gun to get away from a mob of people trying to car-jack me. One time a Gang member flashed his gang sign at me and so I flashed him my gang sign -which was my Middle Finger. A bunch of Crack heads stole my Lion statues- so I knocked on their door and would not leave until I got the statues back -so they beat me up -I got a little bloody -but I did not leave until I got my Lions Back. Oh -soooo many stories. Someday I might tell you more. I am not tough -no way - I just have a smart mouth -I do not know when to shut up -it gets me into trouble at times -but so far -It has not hurt me yet -(looking for wood to knock on)
This weekend I have called the cops 4 times. 3 times in one night on Saturday Night because my upstairs Neighbor & her Boyfriend like to get into major knock-down fights. She will yell help he is killing me -I will hear broken Glass -etc. I call Cops -Guy runs away -Cops Come -She says it is not a big deal to cops -saying it is a mis-understanding -cops leave -Guy comes Back -Fight breaks out again - She yells for Help -I call Cops -Guys runs Out -Cops Come -She says no big Deal -Cops Leave -Guy Comes Back -Repeat several times -Get no sleep -Get the hang of it?
I have ANOTHER Neighbor. It is a House -he owns it. He has 2 other guys, his elderly Mom & his Mom`s Nurse live there. He has a few Old Loud Cars/Trucks/Motorcycles that he works on. He revs them up -pretty loud -but all in all not a big deal. For some reason -I get a bad 'vibe' from him -but nothing to back it up. Whenever I get a bad Vibe -it takes awhile -but something always backs up & Validates my Vibe.
Let me paint a picture of my street. It is a small one way street. I live in a tiny beach community. Kids on Bikes, Kids running back & forth from beach Cats Dogs, Joggers, lots of Bikes, people walking their dogs, elderly taking a stroll, etc.
Tonight the Big 'Uncle Jesse' Looking Neighbor was revving up his powder blue pick up truck. then he burnt rubber -the whole street filled with smoke. He fish tailed down the street racing it like he was in the Grand Prix! He did not do this just once -but several times -barley stopping, screeching thru out little one way street neighborhood around the time people are coming from work -6pm.
I had to take the trash out -so I went to the alley to throw it away. All of a sudden he comes fish-tailing speeding thru my alley -barley stopping in time before he hit me!!
I blew up!! I yelled at him to Stop it -Stop it now -this is not the place to be doing that -that it is not safe -he came running up to me -got into my face and yelled back at me that he owns his house and he can do what he wants -I yelled back so- I own things to -that does not make it right and that he did not own the streets and that he was being a danger to his neighborhood. I told him I was gonna call 911 -he yelled back go ahead 'Cunt' and ran up to me and got right in my face and kept yelling at me -calling me names and getting down right scary -I thought he was gonna hit me -I said -you bet I am calling 911 -I had my cell phone on me and called 911 -by this time the neighborhood was out watching. He went back to his house -which is 2 doors down. I was talking to the cops -telling them what happened. The other neighbors were all around me giving me support -They told me his name is Doug & they told me that this is not the 1st time that this guy had 'run-ins' with his neighbors.
The cops came -talked to me -I told them my story. They said good -if you see something wrong -please call. I said I always do. The cops went to go talk to him -but there was nothing they could do. They did not see him do it -even though the rubber marks are all over the street -so they probably just reprimanded him & left.
Roy was at the Gym. When I told him what happened -OMG - He is sooo mad -but I told him Not to start Trouble -I do not want Roy in trouble.
Damn -Busy weekend huh? I don`t wanna be the neighborhood narc -but damn -is the world going crazy?? I guess I will forever stand up what I believe in -no matter how un-popular.....I guess I will never learn!!
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