Help Me With Blogger Anyone?

Uh, for some reason when I go to post now I don't see the Edit HTML button or the Compose button or the little icons for me to upload pictures, make works bold, italic, etc. In other words I am only getting a blank page. If anyone can tell me what I should do to get these back I will appreciate it. I contacted blogger but figured maybe someone can help me in the meantime. I needed to post something with a picture and I'm frustrated because I can't get these buttons since last night. Thanks in advance.

Sad Saturday

I'm a little depressed today. My anxiety level is up. It gets like that from time to time. I have high anxiety about almost anything but I work at it to make it better. I am feeling a little negative today so I have to channel into something positive. As some of you know, I am trying to be more positive these days. Still, it gets hard. I made a vow not to worry about things so much anymore but since I am a worrier at heart it makes it harder to not worry about things on certain days.

Mom says it's a part of growing up. I agree. People say that the twenties are the hardest part of your life. Almost everyone I've met said they weren't truly happy until they hit their thirties. Things just balanced out at that point. You're more content and comfortable with your life and who you are. I am much better at dealing with things compared to a couple of years ago. When I was 23, 24 and 25, I was so depressed and stressed out I thought I'd die from the pressure. I'd had enough of depression from childhood. I don't want to go back to that again.

Now don't worry. I am a little down today but it's nothing serious. It is nowhere near how it used to be. It's just sometimes, everyone, no matter how positive they are get these ' down days ' as us females call it. You have to understand that there is so much that goes into a woman's system that is impacted by our emotions. Like today, hormones may be the reason I am down. Who knows? For us women, we can't always be sure. We go through a lot of down days and sometimes, no matter what you do to get yourself up again, you can't. It's just the make-up of a woman.

So how do I get myself up today? Well I'll work on some of my stories. Then, I'll watch Grease 2 again. Yes, I loved Grease 2 better than Grease by the way. It is one of my favorite films. Don't laugh at me. A lot of people make fun of Grease 2 for some reason but I liked it much better than the first. Then I will probably watch some Madonna videos. That will perk me up. I might pop in a horror DVD because we all know the television networks haven't shown any decent scary movies this year. What a waste. I might even clean up. You know housework helps when you’re down. Not only is it good exercise but it keeps you busy and your mind off of the problems you thought you had. I am sure that by late evening I will feel better.

By the way I plan to take some more landscape photos soon. As you know I am also a landscape photographer so I will try to share them with you soon. Anyone want to see a sample of my work go to the Biography Page of my website. I have some on my blog too but you have to search the past posts and since my blog is so big it won't be easy, LOL.
I was going to take some more pictures this weekend but things happened that I wasn't planning on. So we all know what that's like.

Anyway, I am wishing you all a good weekend. I may blog again tonight if I have something important to say. I just wanted to wish everyone a good weekend and hopefully you party animals out there will stay safe this Saturday night. I never lived the fast life but for those who do, take care.

The photo is Madonna of course. This is one of my favorite Madonna photos. It's from the cover of her Truth or Dare movie. She was so pretty back in those ' Vogue ' days. The splitting image of Marilyn Monroe.

For those who haven't and are interested, go to my site http://www.stacy-deanne.net and sign up for my new mailing list. And help spread the word about my latest contest if you know someone who'd make a good participant! Sign the guest book while you’re there!

Ciao! Bootsy

Perverts Love Me

Got an obscene phone call yesterday. It was so weird to me because I didn't think people still did that. He didn't say anything it was just one of those ' breathers '. His television was loud as hell in the background. We keep our answering machine on but I answered the phone because I was expecting a call. At first he said nothing but I saw his number on caller ID so if he calls again there is going to be trouble.

Basically no harm was done. He just kept breathing heavy every time I asked who it was. I would have hung up sooner but I thought the breathing was static at first. Once I realized it was a major league pervert, I hung up. He apparently had a good time with me from the sound of his breathing.

I was amazed because you'd think with the Internet, you wouldn't still have obscene phone callers. I mean there is so much they could be doing with their computers if they really want to harass but…I guess this is what rocks their boat. But with everyone having caller ID these days, you'd be pretty stupid to do such things. Obscene phone calls can land you in jail. It's not like it was twenty years ago when you could scare a woman half to death before she could take action. At least that's good to know.

I also have to be very cautious. Authors or anyone in the public eye have to be extra careful. You never know if someone who has your number may turn out to be a stalker or even worse. Strange men approach me all the time through email and it’s a wonder I don't go insane. I know this is part of my career but you won't believe the kind of mail I get. Some men really expect me to meet them. Yeah, like I would meet a total stranger. I hope I don't look that stupid.

Most if not all of my fan mail has been from guys. Usually ladies give me props straight out. That's very sweet and I love it. Some guys write me lovely letters that I really appreciate. Others write only wanting one thing. Why they think they can get it from me, I have no idea. I appreciate the sincere ones and I do know those from the ones who are just looking to hook up. Then of course some will say they want to hook up straight out. I don't know about you but hooking up with someone who writes you an email isn't too smart in my book. Or is this the in thing as far as dating is concerned? LOL.

I always get a little nervous when I receive mail from a man because I have to wonder if it's going to be from a decent guy, jerk or a pervert. I have been proposed to by email. Guys I haven't even seen have asked me out on dates. Men have even written suggestive letters, not knowing that this will turn a woman off faster than a lamp. I have also been harassed by email. Yep, someone was trying to send me a virus but I keep everything up to date and so my computer stays safe. I know the person was targeting me specifically because they even forged my publisher's email address in hopes that I open the attachment. Must I repeat that I am not stupid? I know a forged email from a real email from someone I know. I also have a feeling that this person was a guy and probably a certain guy (I remember) that had been writing me love letters through email. I refused to respond because I knew the guy was loonier than tunes so I guess this was his way of getting me back. See the bull we have to put with? Wonder if male authors go through the same thing? Actually most women (even those not in public careers) get harassed by idiots more each day.

It's tough being a woman. We aren't safe on the streets, in our homes or even on our computers. When will it end?

I just wanted to share. But I can't tell you how shocked I am to see that people still breathe on the phone like that. It actually made me laugh. I was like, " Dude don't you have anything more important to do? " Well, obviously not huh?

Ciao!

Why do I feel like I'm about to really get harassed? Some pervert is not going to like this blog passage, LOL.

The Stacy Study: Today's Lesson: Bad People and How They Become This Way

Bad people mystify me. I'm not like other people. I can't just take something at face value. I'm one of those people who have to get behind the reason when something happens. If someone did a bad thing, curiosity gets the better of me. And hey, sometimes you just want to know what's wrong with people. There are different kinds of bad people in the world. Did you know that?

Do you believe people are born bad? I believe some are. I believe some aren't but I definitely think badness is imbedded in some from the start. Sometimes there is just no explanation or excuse you can give for a bad person and his or her actions. Let me take a moment to break down my theories then please comment and leave some of your own if you wish.

I am going to try to go through the different kinds of bad and put my explanations to them from what I've learned in life.

People Who Are Born Bad:
Note: These types of bad people almost always turn out to be vicious criminals.

Yes you can be born bad. If not, why do you think so many good parents end up with such bad kids that turn out to be evil adults? Why do you have those people who insist on being bad but no matter how hard you try, you can't figure out why they are like this? It's embedded in them. It's just their nature. You have good people and you have bad people. People who are born bad are probably the most dangerous of bad people because they don't have a conscience. You have to have a conscience to stop you from hurting others. That's the difference between bad people and good people. These people can do any vile thing imaginable and it won't ever matter to them. They can't bring themselves to physically care for other people. Think about your childhood in this case. Remember being on the playground? You know how you had that one kid (usually a boy) who just picked on everyone and did such horrible things? Then you'd meet his parents and wonder how could such well-mannered, nice people have such a little demon? Then you might here them tell the teacher, " We know the things he does. We have tried everything. We don't know why he insists on doing wrong. " Look at the cycle of this boy we all remember and see if it doesn't fit.

In elementary he picked on children.
In Junior High he beat up children.
In High school he raped girls.
And when he got into the real world, murdered someone then all hell broke loose.

I think that in the case of people born bad, they just can't be any other way. It's their make up. We either have to accept them as they are or stay the hell away from them. Usually the people born bad turn out to be ruthless criminals so you can't help but keep your space. I think that everyone, at one point or another has known someone who does horrible things over and over and we all have ended up saying, " God, why is he or she like this? Why are they so bad? " And yet we can't find an answer.

Mean & Hateful Bad:

Oh you know the kind. You really never notice that these people (relatives mostly) are as mean as they are until they're old. You'll walk around going, " Momma, why is Uncle Harper so mean? Why does he do such mean things? " And she replies, " That's just the way he is ". Want to know the difference between people who are mean and hateful bad and people who are born bad? Mean and hateful bad people are like this due to life experiences. Usually they have felt slighted all their lives. It may have started with how they viewed their childhood. They may have seen their siblings getting more attention, or see the other kids around them with more privileges. They may see every ounce of failure they have as a permanent roadblock which leads them to stop trying. These people can never celebrate your accomplishments. They see your good deeds as a personal knock to them. Did you know that a lot of mean and hateful bad people are uneducated?

A lot of these people have dropped out of school at one point and find that they can't get decent jobs or feel they didn't have the same opportunities as others. Of course they did but they choose to use it as an excuse. If you're fifty and you don't like your life, don't blame the world. Hey, the local university takes 100-year-olds. I think it will take you too. We can't blame our lives on other people. Mean and hateful bad people are easy to spot. They are very unhappy and usually very lonely. They blame their limited lives on everyone else. They use this as an excuse and crutch. Funny, most of these kinds of people never try to do anything for themselves.

Made-to-be Bad People:

Okay I could stay on this topic forever but let me wrap it up with this one. You have people who are bad because of who they hang around. Some people are so weak they can't do anything unless they feel they have others' acceptance. This is the mentality of millions of school children. They fall into this trap and it mostly leads to a life of crime. Before they know it their lives have taken a turn they can't get out of. I've read millions of articles on peer pressure over the years. Did you know it's mostly with boys? Boys crave acceptance from their male friends and I believe it has something to do with society. Males are bred from the start, knowing that it is their responsibility to be a certain way in society. Of course these days a lot of men are falling short. Made to be bad people aren't the smartest folks in the world if you notice. If they were they wouldn't let others pressure them into doing such stupid things. I always think of this old saying,
" If Tommy jumped off a building would you do it too? " Made to be bad people would. That's why they get into so much trouble. It's no excuse either way. If you're dumb enough to let people lead you by the nose and into a life of degradation, I can't feel sorry for you. I pity your lack of self worth. But I can't feel sorry for you. And who should if you're hurting people in the process?

Then you do have another kind of bad. You have people who aren't really bad but do bad things. I have yet to figure out why. I haven't read much on this one.

My theories are developed from what I've seen and what I've read from doctors' articles dealing with the psychological state behind bad people. I agreed with them and what I always thought has turned out to be good theories. I tell you, it's all amazing when you think about it.

Bye

Stacy's Fall Look A Like Contest! Enter for fun and great prizes!

The Stacy-Deanne Fall Look A Like Contest: Are You Stacy's TWIN?
Do you look like author diva Stacy-Deanne? All people who feel they look like Stacy are invited to enter the Stacy-Deanne Look A Like Contest!

All applicants (fitting the age requirement) are welcomed regardless, race, size or gender. Stacy's twin could even be a guy! Everyone can join in the fun!

Age: 18-35

This contest requires no fees to participate.

To enter:

NOTE: Due to viruses from attachments, contest participants MUST send photos and submissions by postal mail only. Do not send emails with attachments they will be deleted. This contest is valid through regular postal mail only.

1) Send a copy of your best, clear photo. Head shots or full-body photos are fine. Show that beautiful smile! No nude or obscene photos allowed. Photos may be in black and white or color. Please send the most recent photo you have. Do not send your original photos! Materials will not be returned.

2) Send a brief biography about yourself. What are your hobbies? Your favorite books, movies and music? What do you like to do? Type your submission or write legibly please. Specify whether or not you would like your picture posted on Stacy-Deanne.net if you win.

Include your return address and email with submission.

Winner Receives:

1) A copy of ' Divas of the New Millennium " autographed by Stacy!
2) A copy of Donna Hill's novel, " Getting Hers " autographed by Donna Hill!
3) Your picture (if you agree) posted on Stacy-Deanne.net for a limited time!
4) An autographed picture of Stacy-Deanne!

* View the featured contest picture of Stacy on her Contest Page at http://www.stacy-deanne.net to see if you're a look a like!

Good luck, folks! Only one will win!

Send Your Photo and Submissions To:

Stacy-Deanne
PO Box 451261
Houston, Texas 77245

Begins: October 24, 2005

Ends: January 9, 2006

Special thanks to author Donna Hill and everyone else for their aid with this contest.
If you haven't already, join Stacy's mailing list. Go to her site to see how.
Spread the word!

Adios...for a while!

I'll be gone for a bit. I also notice that I am not the only writer taking breaks right now. A lot of the other authors don't blog as much anyway. They blog mostly like once a month here and there. I completely understand that. I just like it so much I try to update as much as possible. As far as authors go, everyone's trying to meet those fall deadlines or just writing or whatever. I also notice other people not blogging so much now. I suppose it's easier to blog in the summer. People always become busier in the fall and winter.

I'll pop on ASAP if I have something I really want or need to say. I got a lot of things to do right now. I am editing a manuscript and writing the sequel to it at the same time. I am searching for an agent, in which I've mentioned before. I am also getting ready to start my next contest. I will post the details soon. I need to shift my priorities and time to get these things done. Plus I really don't have much to say on the blog right now, LOL.

I will be back soon, don't worry about that. I love blogging so I try not to stay away too long. I'm just so tired and I got so much work to do. I need to put my full time into it. Feel free to comment on this post if you'd like. I will be popping into to read comments on my posts here and there.

In the words of the Terminator, " I'll be back. "

The photo is the book of course! You haven't gotten it I suggest you do. And it's in high demand so if you want it by Christmas as a gift or for yourself you'd better get moving. Believe me it's flying off the shelves online and off as fast as they come!

Take care,
Stacy

7 Things About Me

7 Things I Plan To Do Before I Die:

Record a rock album
Have my own magazine
Become world famous
Meet Madonna
Have my own clothing design for tall women
Live in England
Travel as much as possible

7 Things I Can Do:

Sing
Write
Pick up things with my toes
Do make-up and hair
Give great advice
Lean on my upper back with my legs straight up in the air (and hold the position for a long time)
GET IT OUT THE GUTTER!
Be a positive role model

7 Things I Cannot Do:

Go to very crowded places
Overcome some of my biggest personal fears
Go to the doctor
Understand women who give men money
Pity weak people
Make excuses for people who do bad things
Stop being so shy

7 Things That Attract Me To The Opposite Sex:

Good Manners
Good Hygiene
Good breeding
Intelligence
Good looks (which means people who look good in their own way)
A man who dresses neat and with class
A man who doesn't curse

7 Things That I Say Most Often:

As I was saying
Can I tell you something?
Goodness gracious!
Oh please!
Stop gazing!
It's hot in here
Boy I'm tired

7 Celebrity Crushes:

Stephen Dorff (Love of my life!)
Mikei Pheiffer (I know I probably spelled his name wrong)
Antonio Banderas (Oooh mama!)
Jackie Chan (Hey Jackie's cute!)
Sean Patrick Flannery
Ryan Gosling
Balthezar Getty

(I'm in love with Stephen but I like a lot of these other guys even though I wouldn't necessarily call it crushes. But they are all great actors.)

7 People I Want To Do This

(I guess the first seven who comment or either I may tag someone if I'm not too lazy to get back on today)

The photo is one of Stephen's old magazine pics! I swear I can't get enough of this man. Hope he doesn't read this...LOL!

My Nick Names

Just taking a quick moment to blog about my nicknames, how I got them and what they mean. Seems like they strike interest with a lot of people and I wanted to explain them. Believe me, they don't make sense to me either. With nicknames it's not important what you think of them, it's about what others have thought of you. That’s how people get nicknames. Some can be hurtful because they promote teasing. Others are funny. Others are flattering because they either come from loved ones or friends. No matter who we are, we all have a nickname or like me, more than one.

Growing up, I had enough nicknames to fill a book. Most of them came from school. I don't remember half of them. And the ones I remember didn't stick into adult hood. Well, maybe one did. Most of my nicknames mean a great deal to me because they came from people I care about. They are also quite flattering but even I don't always know what they mean. So below I will try to explain them the best I can. But beware, it won't be easy for some. I've numbered them by the oldest and the ones that mean the most of importance to me.

1) Bootsy, yep no surprise huh since you see it on the blog enough right? This is my oldest nickname. Ever since I popped out of my momma in '78 they called me Bootsy. Even the doctor I believe. My father and mother called me that religiously. They don't call me that as much now but I refer to myself as Bootsy all the time and every so often someone from my past will call me that and I end up surprised and pushed into the more pleasant moments of childhood. People ask me what it means. I don't know what the hell it means. I'm pretty sure it's not in the dictionary and if it were I wouldn't want to know about it. For some reason people look at me and call me " Bootsy " so for that reason, I suppose it fits.

2) Bozo the Clown, yep from the " real " Bozo the Clown ". Please don't ask why I was called this growing up. My father called me Bozo the Clown then it turned into just Bozo. Funny I don’t remember playing tricks on people around the house but who knows? Like I said, nicknames are for the purpose of others and we can't help how they see us. I like Bozo because it's as old as Bootsy. But I never will understand why my father called me that. But…whatever rocked his boat huh?

3) Doodlums, strictly a name my mommy calls me out of love. And because of that I love it. She calls me her " Little Doodlums ". Once again I don't know what it means but I get goose bumps when she calls me that. This is very new. She recently started this about two years ago. I think it has something to do with her facing that her little girl was growing up. What a sign of love.

4) Little Babe, this one is self-made. I used it when I searched Yahoo groups and message boards about four years ago and the more I chatted with the people, the more I became known as " Little Babe ". It's cute because I'm not little at all but that's part of the magic behind the name. It doesn't mean anything in particular I guess except that I'm a babe, LOL! For that reason alone I love it. Funny how you love the nicknames you make up for yourself huh?
…and last but definitely not least.

5) Sexy Mama, a guy gave me this name. Big surprise huh? Leave it to a man to attach sexy to anything dealing with a woman. But who can blame him huh? I am the cat's meow. A guy called me this, then another guy called me this, then another and…well it passed around faster than prune juice through an eighty-year-old. Men think I'm sexy I guess because of my style, tiny voice and height. Oh yeah and don't forget these dangerous curves. And I do know how to use them. Hence, this is one of my favorite nicknames in the world! It just means I'm a sexy mama doing her own thing. Pretty neat huh?

I wish I could share all my nicknames but I've forgotten most of them. It's funny how the things you hated growing up become things you appreciate once you get a little older.

The photo is of me or rather my boobs in my Sexy Mama shirt. Hope you enjoy it. Ciao!
If you want to comment, please share your nickname if you want to.

It All Comes Back

" Payback is a mother…"

Wasn't it James Brown who said that? I don't remember. Whoever said it was right. Payback is a mother and it all comes back.

Let me tell you the kind of person I am. I believe in fate. I believe that no one makes his or her own choices. I believe that we were predestined to be and do whatever happens. In my world, people are just chess pieces being controlled by a larger power. I also believe big time in Karma. But you don't have to believe in Karma to know that it happens every day. You best believe me. You do something bad to someone or hurt someone it all comes back with a vengeance so you'd best to get ready.

Payback IS a mother. You rape someone on a date in high school or in college then walk away like you're the big man on campus? That crap comes back. It may come in the form of you not being able to get an important job. Or the deal on your new car or house falls through and you go bankrupt. It'll come in the form of something you needed being stripped away until you have no clue what you do. Oh yes, it comes back.

I was tormented terribly in school. I was teased until I got in high school then I was kind of popular. You bully or tease someone in school to the point where you scar him or her emotionally then it comes back. You make fun of how someone looks or the lack of money they have, it will come back. It may come back in the form of your child being retarded. It may come back in the form of you never accomplishing your dreams. You probably wanted to go to college, play pro ball or become an actress or actor. If you find yourself wondering why nothing seems to go right for you no matter how hard you try than check your past. You may have done something to deserve it. It all came back.

You sleep with your best friend's wife, husband, girlfriend or boyfriend? You best believe it comes back. You cheat on your lover? It comes back. You abandon your kids and your spouse. It comes back. You treat someone wrong on the basis of his or her skin color, gender or sexual preference it comes back. You pretend to love someone only to use them, oh most definitely that comes back.

Everyone in this world can tell you that if you do something bad you will regret it. You may not know why things are happening to you at a certain point but if you did something horrible to someone then that's the main reason. I assure you. I've already won the battle with the people who tormented me. I became something they never will and never could. And where are those people? Sitting around somewhere, reading my book and telling people they knew me in school. Yeah but are they telling them how they teased me? Are they telling them how horrible they made me feel day after day? No. Because they probably don't remember all that but they feel pangs of jealousy whenever they see what I've accomplished and realize their lives, pitiful as they are, are what they deserve.

You beat on your wife or children? It all comes back. Tina Turner is the perfect example. After all the hell Ike put her through she rose above and became someone bigger than he could ever be. You don't think he sits around full of jealousy and resentment? Think again. He made his bed let him lie in it. See it all comes back?

The message of this post is to remember that treating people wrong is not worth it. If you walk around stepping on people's toes then be prepared to pay for that at a later date. Believe me fate works in mysterious ways. And it gets you every time. You can't run from fate. So don't even try. Just watch your back because in this life, everyone pays for his or her misdeeds. If this hits close to home then be prepared to pay for yours.

Look at Tina in the photo, y'all! Women empowerment at its best! You go girl!

Horror Classics: Christine (1983)

Part of my dedication to October and Halloween is to recommend film classics that are sure to get you fright fanatics in the spirit. It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you my first recommendation, a horror classic of all classics, John Carpenter's Christine.

Coming from the remarkable mind of horror genius Stephen King and the direction of John Carpenter, Christine brings the idea of " true love " to an entirely different meaning.

Arnie Cunningham (Keith Gordon) is a seventeen year-old geek who would like nothing more than to forget his existence. One day after a terrible beating at school, Arnie meets his fate and the answer to all of his prayers when he and his best friend, Dennis (John Stockwell) meet
" Christine ". From the beginning of their relationship, Arnie and Christine share a bond like no other. All Arnie ever wanted was to be accepted. Now he has love. Christine is not only devoted to him but makes his inner dreams come true. She changes everything for him and soon Arnie's walking on a cloud. Suddenly Arnie even catches the attention of a beautiful new student, Leigh (Alexandra Paul). It isn't until Arnie's getting everything he wants that Christine begins to show her true colors.

You see Christine is not a leggy, curvy blond, brunette or red head. She's not even human. She's a 1958 red Plymouth Fury obsessed with old 50's tunes and apparently her new owner, Arnie. Christine is not your average car. They say some women run over men when they get upset. Christine does that and even more. She'll do just about anything to make her master happy…even if that means murder.

This film is not so much frightening as it is mysterious. It's the idea behind Christine that makes the film so compelling. You probably won't jump out of your seat. You probably won't scream at the top of your lungs. But the amazing idea of a car with a mind and heart of its own is one of the scariest things ever put to film or in a book. Coming from the sadistic mind of Stephen King is a story like no other. King is the master and he's become the master because of his ability to take the most harmless of things, cars and even cuddly dogs (Cujo) to scare the hell out of us.

In the end Christine and Arnie's bond turns into a " take on the world " type attitude. As Christine slowly starts to possess his soul, Arnie's mind changes as well as his personality. Soon the real Arnie is just a memory and it's up to Leigh and Dennis to save their friend. But they have to stop Christina first. And this is one car that always gets her man.

Horror fans appreciate this film. I'm not a horror buff but I like Christine. It's very light weight if you like wall to wall violence. I don't even remember blood being in this movie. I'm sure almost everyone has seen it but it should still be at the top of your list. You can't throw a true Halloween film party without this tasty " vehicle " to get you in the mood.

Enjoy.

ABC's NIGHT STALKER

I wanted to blog about this new show I've been watching, Night Stalker. It has the makings of a decent show but because of my history with television, I try not to become attached to any new shows. The reason is because every time I start to like a new show it's the first one to get cancelled and I was sick of it. But sometimes a show hits you and you wonder what it's about. I vow not to get attached to Night Stalker for the fear that they will probably cancel it. Then again it has that frightening/supernatural vibe going on that has helped other shows survive in the past. In case you've missed it, let me give you a little run down.

Premise:
Stuart Townsend (Carl Kolchek) and Gabrielle Union (Perri Reed) star as reporters for The Beacon. Their mission is to conquer supernatural and somewhat odd and frightening cases. Seems interesting enough right? I started watching the show because I wanted to see the job Gabrielle Union would do on television. She's pretty good in the show but there are some major problems.
What I like about the show is the stars' chemistry, which I am convinced, will lead to more. I would love to see Townsend and Union's characters embark on a romance but not too soon because the show needs to establish a setting first. But they have super chemistry. The problems include the script. The dialogue isn't that wonderful. In fact it's bland and even boring. The characters talk in monotone like Dragnet. They need to " kick it up a notch " as Emeril would say. I don't care how much I like a show, bad dialogue and bad writing will turn me off in a moment. It's not that bad but it needs work.

The show also needs to work on its pacing. In scenes where the story should move fast it moves slow. In scenes when they need to take more time with something, they move too fast and you get lost. The camera direction sucks. I swear a blind or deaf man is operating this camera. It cuts to other people before the current person finishes talking. If Gabrielle is speaking, why the hell am I looking at Stuart Townsend for five minutes? If you can't work the cameras, get another job. The show is also too dark, which leads to bland scenery. Everything is green, gray and brown. They need to brighten up the set in order to keep people's interests. This may seem like minor flaws but believe me they can hurt a show in the long run.

Now, the fright factor is pretty heavy on Night Stalker. The show is a remake of an old 70's drama and the cases so far have been very interesting and unique. I consider the show a cross between films The Sixth Sense and The Ring meets The X Files. It has a ton of different supernatural elements rolled into one. Because of this I am sure the show will develop a cult following in no time. Another major issue that should be dealt with is how the pilot lacked to fully introduce Union's character. We know nothing about Perri Reed's personal life or even her interests. Perri's family life hasn't been established. This should have been disclosed in the pilot. We know that Carl lost his wife in an accident in which people believe he was the cause, but we know nothing of Perri's family or history. Are her parents alive? Was she ever married too? We need to know more about her right now before the show moves on. I was surprised this was neglected.

If I had to rate this show from A-D with D being the worst, I'd give it a C. Like I said, it's a good show but can be even better if focused on certain elements. Hopefully it will be able to in the future. I could really dig this show and I am rooting that it comes out on top. It may be building a solid fan base now but it needs a lot of work if it intends on keeping an audience. I think the cast is pretty good. I love Union and Townsend together. I can't believe the chemistry they have. With such a good cast, it would be a shame if Night Stalker didn't get the chance it deserves due to small mishaps.

So if you're not watching this show yet, check it out. It comes on ABC on Thursdays at eight p.m. in Houston, of course check your guides where you live. If you are watching, maybe you have the same dislikes and likes about it as I. Like I said, it's not bad at all but it needs a lot of work.

The photo is of Gabrielle Union. Isn't she luscious, y'all? And that outfit's given me an idea for my next photo shoot. Look out, Gabrielle. You ain't got nothing on me, girl!

I Love Being Tall

At 5'11 I stand taller than most

Which leaves an ample amount of reason to boast

When I walk into a room, people stop and stare

But not just at my bright smile or pretty hair

Sometimes I'm amazed at the attention I get

While riding in cars or standing in crowds I see easily without breaking a sweat

In the past I was one of the tallest in school

I wasn't comfortable until I realized tall people rule

I love my height more than anything else

It empowers me, guides and allows me to be myself

Even if I had the choice I wouldn't want to be short

Because tallness brings confidence which is now my best sport

When I look at myself I can't help but be pleased

I make an impression and glide through the crowds with ease

My height helps me through all kinds of weather

It's the glue for my self-assurance that keeps it all together

I never knew being tall was such a treat

Until I come face to face with the people I meet

I love being tall, turning the world onto myself

For if I wasn't tall, I might as well be someone else


Just a little something I made up on the spur of the moment. Everyone should take the time to appreciate something that makes you special. Most of us drown ourselves in so much negativity it's good to be positive about who we are. So remember what makes you special and pick a moment to fully appreciate that.

Under The Bed

Ever wondered how all that mess accumulates under your bed? You know what I mean. I don't care how clean someone's house is everyone is going to have something under their bed. Last night I lost something and I was looking all around my bedroom trying to find it. Of course that resulted in, you guess it, me getting on my knees and looking under the bed. I have a skirt on my bed and thank goodness for that after the stuff I saw under there. Now I expected the dust. No matter how much we clean dust in my house that's just how our home is. I believe everyone's is dusty in spots to a point and some people's homes are dustier than others are. It has a lot to do with where you live. Houston is a place with construction everywhere and things like construction lead to dusty homes, etc.

Anyway, so I got on my knees and…(okay you men get it out of the gutter), I started moving my hand underneath the bed. Now I had no business trying to search without a flashlight. After what I saw at the edge of the bed I was glad I hadn't gotten one. Who needed help to see all of that? It wasn't that it was very dirty under there, it's just that I'd just cleaned under my bed and I became shocked at what I found. I'm talking about wall to wall crumbs and I don't even eat in my bedroom that much. I found a Cheetoe. Now I can explain that because I had some last week. I saw clumps of lint. Some old cassettes tapes, cassette tapes now! Now how the heck did that happen seeing how I just got rid of a lot of cassette tapes a month ago? I was holding onto them for historic purposes all these years. I didn't want to get rid of them but I needed the space so I threw them out months ago. And with my luck cassette tapes will probably be worth a billion dollars soon but…I had no choice.

The good thing about going under the bed was I found some things I lost recently. But it was the weird assortment of food particles that surprised me. I found a watermelon seed. Now how did I miss that? I hadn't had a watermelon in a long time. Then there was a button from something I don't even remember having. I can explain the bobbie pins because I wear them all the time. I found a picture of someone (I guess from back in school) because I didn't remember how it even got under there or who the person was. Forget Spring Cleaning, Fall Cleaning is what I need to do! I had to stop looking under there because it was getting depressing. I think I found a biscuit under there too. I was scared to keep going. I was afraid I'd find Jimmy Hoffa and Amelia Earhart if I dug long enough. Shoot maybe Bin Laden's under there. Shoot I'd settle for Bin. At least that would be one man in my room. Hasn't been one in there since the cable guy. (I mean to fix my cable, see? Get it out of the gutter you perverts!) Then again Bin would only bring me trouble. Dating a terrorist isn't too appealing you know? All I need is for the government to be on my ass.

But under that bed…whoo! Man I'm talking enough food that could have been meals if I put all the crumbs together. Needless to say Bootsy needs do some cleaning.

The photo is…now come on. If you don't know who that is I can't help you.

The King of Scream: Jason Voorhees

Okay y'all (yes " y'all ", remember I'm from Texas). In case you're wondering what's with the sudden shift in my blog to all things frightening or supposedly frightening, I'm doing this on purpose. Since it is October I thought nothing would better fit the month or the mood than to dedicate some passages of my blog to the month of Halloween. Like I said, just thought it would be fun.

I couldn't do that without speaking of the king of scream himself, Jason Voorhees, better known as the masked killer in Friday the 13th. Do you have any idea how popular this character is? He is so popular that for as long as twenty years people have devoted their time to " becoming " Jason. That's right. Jason has a cult following like you wouldn't believe. People have named their children after him, made sculptures of him, dedicated horror shrines to him, had toys made of him, opened shops selling Friday the 13th merchandise and the list goes on. People are totally obsessed with Jason Voorhees. Did you know that his cult following spans to overseas? Some people can't speak English but they can spit out " Jason Voorhees " in a heartbeat.

No wonder he keeps coming back.

So why is Jason such a legend in horror cinema? Simply put, he is the king. You challenge that? You shouldn't because it can't be done. Jason brought slasher films to a popularity they never experienced, targeting audiences that were so enthralled by him they forced the film industry to succumb to their needs. Out of all the famous villains of cinema Jason has acquired something others never have: respect. No, not respect for killing but respect for the horror genre. People make fun of most slasher flicks but for some reason Friday the 13th stands on its own. It's the film everyone else tries to duplicate. The film everyone else tries to rewrite. The film every director wishes their latest slasher wannabe will become. Of course it will never happen because Jason's fame is untouchable.

Jason has been around for over twenty years. He's managed to successfully wreak havoc for generations. In 1980 when the films began Jason was just a character. Now a legend, he has put horror films in a world of their own. No movie has ever or will ever accomplish the success Friday the 13th has. No other trilogy could even try. You see Jason is not a " thing ". He is not something spawned from hell to steal someone's nightmares. He's not a molester or a man whose soul has been trapped inside a demonic doll. Sound familiar? He is not a figment of one's imagination either. Jason was just an innocent little boy who spent his childhood being terrorized by an abusive mother. He was teased. He was bullied and he was unloved. Though killing cannot be tolerated even in movies, you can't help but feel sorry for the big guy. While he swings his machete, you can't help but see the pain behind it.

Jason is real. And that's why he stands above the rest. Unlike other villains he is human. He's gone through pain and instead of learning how to deal with that, he acts in violence. When you look at it, it's amazing how real Jason is. His life depicts every emotion you can think of: anger, sadness, resentment, loneliness, hopelessness, jealousy and fear. Out of all the times I've seen the " Friday the 13th " films I've never cared to analyze this man before. I only saw him as some worthless character. Now I see him as much more. It's weird how your mind works when you become an adult.

So all hail to the king of horror cinema, Jason Voorhees. Catch Friday the 13th or catch all thirteen sequels in honor of Halloween. They sure as hell don't make a lot of sense. But you will definitely enjoy them.

By the way, my momma bought me a Jason mask years ago and I still have it. I wore it to school one Halloween and scared everyone to death. Gave a couple of teachers some heart attacks, those were the days. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Ooh I love being evil! But for real, can't they give Jason a woman? The man's uptight because he needs to get laid! I think that would solve most of his problems don't you?