Orange County, CA September 28, 2010
Horror and disbelief swept through the greater LA/Orange County area this afternoon as a minor and spotty power-outage caused by extreme heat and a stressed utility grid turned the area into a virtual war zone, and local residents struggle to deal with the devastating aftermath.
The outage struck at 1:38pm, during the busy afternoon coffee and Pilates rush hour. Traffic lights fell dark, local gyms and sushi restaurants were without power for nearly 30 minutes and many businesses were illuminated only by the light of the sun and its blistering 90 degree heat. "It was horrible," said out-of-work actor and voice-over artist Debbie Hussong. "I was at Jamba Juice on Melrose when it hit and the blenders simply shut down! A woman lunged for my Berry Lime Sublime and after that, well, it got pretty ugly."
In the ensuing panic, local radio stations broadcasted conflicting reports as to exactly which local businesses would be offering relief supplies.
Almost 100 people flocked to the Starbucks at Santa Monica and La Brea only to find helpless baristas, no hot coffee and a totally meager selection of baked goods. "My mother is 83 years old and we heard on the radio that this Starbucks was going to be up and running. If she doesn't get a venti Arabian Mocha Sanani I don't know what's going to happen to her," said Ginette Rodeos of Marina Del Rey. To make matters worse, those few people who did get coffee were further thwarted by a total lack of artificial sweeteners on site. "Sugar in the Raw? Are you friggin' kidding me?" sobbed local homosexual and avid salsa dancer Enrique Santoro. "I'm on the South Beach Diet and my insulin levels are going to go crazy if I use this. Why isn't the rest of the country doing something??"
Deteriorating conditions will force authorities to evacuate the thousands of people at local Quiznos, movie theaters and upscale shopping centers, including Fashion Island in Newport Beach, where a policeman told CNN that unrest was escalating. The officer expressed concern that the situation could worsen quickly after patrons defaced multiple "Dancing With The Stars" posters, looted a Baby Gap and demanded free makeovers en masse at a MAC cosmetics store during the afternoon.
At least 2,000 refugees, a majority of them beautiful, will travel in a bus convoy to Laguna Beach starting this evening and will be sheltered at the 8 year old '7 Crowns' on North Canon Drive where soft omelettes with confit bacon and Hudson Valley foie gras was being airlifted in by the National Guard. Thank heavens. Laguna Beach mayor Christina Winthorpe told a group of embedded reporters at a Koo Koo Roo chicken restaurant on Palm Canyon that "The scope and scale of this disaster is almost too much to comprehend. Local carwashes are at a stand-still, and apparently the tram at Disneyland has been on hold for almost an hour now!" She said she had also met a woman earlier that had been waiting for a rotisserie leg and thigh with a side of green beans for upwards of 15 minutes. "This truly is our tsunami", said Winthorpe.
In Los Angeles, Mayor Villaragosa said he wants "to accommodate those people suffering in the Beverly Center as quickly as possible for the simple reason that they have been through a horrible ordeal."
"We need water. We need edamame. We need low-carb bread," said Martha Owens, 49, who was one of the thousands trapped in the Beverly Center when the escalators stopped moving. "They need to start sending somebody through here."
Along the coastline in Huntington Beach, the power simply surged, causing writers to lose upwards of a page of original screenplay material, causing DirecTV service to work only intermittently and forcing local residents to walk outside and look helplessly at the breathtaking Pacific from their ocean view decks. "I can hardly begin to put this experience into words," said seasoned Two and a Half Men writer John Edlestein. "I was just getting into the rhythm and making some real headway on a scene where Charlie Sheen parties with a busload of female volleyball players when my Power Book crapped out. I have nothing. Simply nothing."
Delivering his weekly radio address live from the White House, President Obama announced he was deploying more than 7,000 additional active-duty troops to the region. He comforted victims and praised relief workers.
"But despite their best efforts, the magnitude of responding to a crisis over a disaster area this sunny and trendy has created tremendous problems," he said. "The result is that many of our citizens simply are not getting the help they need, especially in Anaheim Hills, and that is unacceptable."
"Orange County is resilient though. I have no doubt they will bounce back like this never happened," professed Cellulite Reduction Specialist, Kim Bellevue. "The therapy sessions could reach an all-time high though."
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
How did I end up here??!
It's funny how I ended up here, in the blogesphere I mean. I was up late and felt the need to write an atypical Facebook post (for me anyway) and didn't realize until I was done (over 5,000 characters later) that the FB post limit is 420 characters. Good thing I'm not on Twitter. At any rate, rather than hacking up what I really wanted to say so that it would fit in FB world I decided to create a blog. Not sure where this new path will eventually take me. And I worry about that to tell you the truth lol.
I've been inspired and thinking about blogging for a while now thanks to three intelligent, passionate, visionary, and strong females who blog and I've been fortunate enough to call my friends. Thank you Darcie, Alyssa, and Christina. I may not compare and I might be faking it here at the starting line - in fact my jittery new blog fingers can't seem to find the correct keys often enough - but I think I'll be ok. If you like what you read or feel passionate on either side of the commentary you find along this path (however long or short it may end up being) always feel free to pipe in. But please at least be nice and diplomatic - I'm fragile, lol.
So here it goes... my first blog. The one that was prompted by a simple network tv show, a bit of insomnia, and an overweight Facebook post. Don't worry, they won't all be this deep.
WARNING: NOT THAD'S TYPICAL FACEBOOK POST.
This post is long - and it's late - I know. But I'm hoping that if you take a minute to read it that you just might feel a little differently when you're done. I'm glad you're here.
For some reason I wanted to tell you that I'm a little embarassed to say I teared up a bit watching Undercover Boss at home alone tonight. I know, I know ... go ahead and laugh. The stories of the people on the show are emotional of course, but I think it was due more to the fact that it hits home for me. You see, in the past few weeks I've been trying to do some soul searching (for whatever reason) which has prompted me to want to do a lot of "good" things for people for no reason other than the basic recognition of the common thread of the human need for recognition, love, and support. Some of these things have been done behind-the-scenes for people (some of whom I do not know) as well as trying to be more of a good and empowering friend to the few friends that I'm lucky enough to have. Helping someone realize how special they are is a really satisfying thing and to watch their face change and their shoulders strengthen because of what you've said, recognized, or acknowledged is awesome. I think that sometimes it's honestly because I too long for that more than I think I feel I receive it but nonetheless I still want to do more. (calling Dr. Freud)
When I watch a show like Undercover Boss or Extreme Home Makeover (et al) I get emotional. Not because of what I've seen on the tv but because I can FEEL the difference it just made to those people. Where has that feeling gone lately? Those of us that think we don't have the resources, or the time, or that it won't matter are WRONG. Giving someone just a little tiny boost can completely change their day and their heart, as it inevitably simultaneously changes yours as well. There's no way around it.
Have you been a little selfish or self-centered? I have. Do you have a friend or family member or someone that "knows" you love them but you haven't actually looked them in the eye and said it lately ... or given them a big smile and a hug for no reason? Have you forgotten to tell them how much you enjoy going to lunch with them or neglected to tell them how your day is so much better because they made you laugh? Well stop it! We've all been through a lot of shit the past few months and we need each other. Economic, political, religous, climate, petty differences and misunderstandings. Seriously - I know you feel it too. How 'bout a simple pat on the back, an arm around the shoulder, or a quick tug on their arm. And if your nose gets that all too unfamiliar "tickle" to it when you do this, then you know you're doing it right and you know it's been too long.
I'm suggesting you try this: Do one thing for someone tomorrow, selflessly, that you know there is no way you can be "paid" back for. Buy lunch for someone you know is going to be cutting it short because rent is due this week. And leave a little bigger tip for the server too - just a couple extra bucks than normal - (s)he works very hard for it and you can afford it (check your couch cushions or the car ashtray or don't buy that nice gum with the crunchy shell). Put some money in someone's parking meter that is about to expire. Take homemade cookies to work and share. Or call that toll-free number on your receipt and let Corporate know how good and pleasant the cashier was at that store. They'll never know it was you but boy it feels good to hear that after a long day at work. There are thousands of ideas and ways to pay it forward. Pick one!
Like I said, I've been trying to figure out how to be better and what it is that I'm supposed to be doing in life, and it probably isn't sitting up writing on Facebook at midnight when I have to work in the morning but dammit there's one thing I do know for sure... I didn't get here on my own. I have a great family and come from a great community. And each one of my facebook 'friends' - all 80 of you - had a little something to do with it too. Each of you is someone that has touched my life and you've each made your own impact. Trust me, I remember when I met EACH of you and I have memories of each of you too. And for that I thank you. I've never really been the one to show that very well. I've always felt a bit uncomfortable in my own skin I guess. Some people have really put me through some shit for whatever reason. But I'm going to try to change that and be better. You need me and I need you - otherwise we wouldn't both be on here reading about each others' happenings. And each of you know someone else that needs you too. Be there.
So remember ... tomorrow, choose just one thing to do for someone else who will never see it coming but will be so grateful you did it. You just might change their day ... and yours. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with me. I'm curious to hear about it. Thanks for hanging in there! Good night. :)
PS: Boy, wait until my new-hires see me tomorrow!!
I've been inspired and thinking about blogging for a while now thanks to three intelligent, passionate, visionary, and strong females who blog and I've been fortunate enough to call my friends. Thank you Darcie, Alyssa, and Christina. I may not compare and I might be faking it here at the starting line - in fact my jittery new blog fingers can't seem to find the correct keys often enough - but I think I'll be ok. If you like what you read or feel passionate on either side of the commentary you find along this path (however long or short it may end up being) always feel free to pipe in. But please at least be nice and diplomatic - I'm fragile, lol.
So here it goes... my first blog. The one that was prompted by a simple network tv show, a bit of insomnia, and an overweight Facebook post. Don't worry, they won't all be this deep.
WARNING: NOT THAD'S TYPICAL FACEBOOK POST.
This post is long - and it's late - I know. But I'm hoping that if you take a minute to read it that you just might feel a little differently when you're done. I'm glad you're here.
For some reason I wanted to tell you that I'm a little embarassed to say I teared up a bit watching Undercover Boss at home alone tonight. I know, I know ... go ahead and laugh. The stories of the people on the show are emotional of course, but I think it was due more to the fact that it hits home for me. You see, in the past few weeks I've been trying to do some soul searching (for whatever reason) which has prompted me to want to do a lot of "good" things for people for no reason other than the basic recognition of the common thread of the human need for recognition, love, and support. Some of these things have been done behind-the-scenes for people (some of whom I do not know) as well as trying to be more of a good and empowering friend to the few friends that I'm lucky enough to have. Helping someone realize how special they are is a really satisfying thing and to watch their face change and their shoulders strengthen because of what you've said, recognized, or acknowledged is awesome. I think that sometimes it's honestly because I too long for that more than I think I feel I receive it but nonetheless I still want to do more. (calling Dr. Freud)
When I watch a show like Undercover Boss or Extreme Home Makeover (et al) I get emotional. Not because of what I've seen on the tv but because I can FEEL the difference it just made to those people. Where has that feeling gone lately? Those of us that think we don't have the resources, or the time, or that it won't matter are WRONG. Giving someone just a little tiny boost can completely change their day and their heart, as it inevitably simultaneously changes yours as well. There's no way around it.
Have you been a little selfish or self-centered? I have. Do you have a friend or family member or someone that "knows" you love them but you haven't actually looked them in the eye and said it lately ... or given them a big smile and a hug for no reason? Have you forgotten to tell them how much you enjoy going to lunch with them or neglected to tell them how your day is so much better because they made you laugh? Well stop it! We've all been through a lot of shit the past few months and we need each other. Economic, political, religous, climate, petty differences and misunderstandings. Seriously - I know you feel it too. How 'bout a simple pat on the back, an arm around the shoulder, or a quick tug on their arm. And if your nose gets that all too unfamiliar "tickle" to it when you do this, then you know you're doing it right and you know it's been too long.
I'm suggesting you try this: Do one thing for someone tomorrow, selflessly, that you know there is no way you can be "paid" back for. Buy lunch for someone you know is going to be cutting it short because rent is due this week. And leave a little bigger tip for the server too - just a couple extra bucks than normal - (s)he works very hard for it and you can afford it (check your couch cushions or the car ashtray or don't buy that nice gum with the crunchy shell). Put some money in someone's parking meter that is about to expire. Take homemade cookies to work and share. Or call that toll-free number on your receipt and let Corporate know how good and pleasant the cashier was at that store. They'll never know it was you but boy it feels good to hear that after a long day at work. There are thousands of ideas and ways to pay it forward. Pick one!
Like I said, I've been trying to figure out how to be better and what it is that I'm supposed to be doing in life, and it probably isn't sitting up writing on Facebook at midnight when I have to work in the morning but dammit there's one thing I do know for sure... I didn't get here on my own. I have a great family and come from a great community. And each one of my facebook 'friends' - all 80 of you - had a little something to do with it too. Each of you is someone that has touched my life and you've each made your own impact. Trust me, I remember when I met EACH of you and I have memories of each of you too. And for that I thank you. I've never really been the one to show that very well. I've always felt a bit uncomfortable in my own skin I guess. Some people have really put me through some shit for whatever reason. But I'm going to try to change that and be better. You need me and I need you - otherwise we wouldn't both be on here reading about each others' happenings. And each of you know someone else that needs you too. Be there.
So remember ... tomorrow, choose just one thing to do for someone else who will never see it coming but will be so grateful you did it. You just might change their day ... and yours. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with me. I'm curious to hear about it. Thanks for hanging in there! Good night. :)
PS: Boy, wait until my new-hires see me tomorrow!!
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