Very, Very Spooky

What are you most scared of? Me? I fear spiders. Nile crocodiles. Cuba Road. Do you believe in ghosts? Are you afraid of ghouls? Goblins? Republicans? Spirits? Hauntings? Witches? Getting lost in Walmart? Men over seven feet? Bloody band-aids in public swimming pools? Long hairs in public swimming pools? College sports fans? Monsters? Aliens? Cockroaches? Polar bears? Scorpions? Nose whistling? Being homeless? Gas station cologne? Elves? Demons? The devil? The dark? The night? The unknown? What really, really spooks you?

I want to know. So, please write. Comment. Let me know what gets you going. I'd love to hear. Oh, yeah...

Happy Halloween, everyone! It's already mid-fall, getting chilly (not so much in Los Angeles, but...), and Halloween is tomorrow, or today depending on when you read this. A lot of people are going to kick ass Halloween parties where everyone dresses up and pretends to like each other's costumes... and each other. But, I know that some of you waited until last minute to shop for a costume and time has run out, so I have some ideas...

This one is for women only. Go to Walgreens, CVS or any drug store or grocery store and buy a pair of rectangle framed glasses. Put those glasses on, ladies. Then, tear through your closet and find your most expensive clothes, preferably designer clothes - Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, anything purchased at Barney's New York - and put those on. Then, blow dry your hair and style it just right. Put on some nice earrings and lipstick and head out the door. What are you going as? No. Not Sarah Palin. You're going as CLAIR HUXTABLE... when she has a really important case (she was an attorney, remember?). But, remember to help Theo with his dyslexia.

This one is for men and women. Go to the grocery store and ask for a paper bag. When you get home, poke two holes in the paper bag so you can see out of it. Put the paper bag on your head. And, go out. What are you going as? No, not the Unknown Comic from The Gong Show. You're going as THE UGLIEST MAN ALIVE or THE UGLIEST WOMAN ALIVE. But, Brian, beauty is on the inside. I know, I know. I'm sorry. Will you ever forgive me? Remember to recycle the paper bag on Nov. 1.

This one is for men only. Go to the grocery store and ask for a paper bag. When you get home, fill the paper bag with a smaller bag of water. And, go out. What are you going as? A DOUCHE BAG. PS - Most guys don't have to even bother with the bag or water. Just go out in your normal clothes, act how you normally act, and bam!, you'll win best costume.

Ah... Halloween. It brings out the worst in all of us. But, in a good way. So, I want to leave you with a Halloween riddle:

What do you get when you cross a black cat with a lemon?

He Hit The Nail Right On The Head... for me

These are the lyrics to John Lennon's song "God" (I've changed only a couple of lines as if I've written the song):

God is a Concept by which
we measure our pain
I'll say it again
God is a Concept by which
we measure our pain
I don't believe in magic
I don't believe in I-ching
I don't believe in Bible
I don't believe in Tarot
I don't believe in Hitler
I don't believe in Jesus
I don't believe in Kennedy
I don't believe in Buddha
I don't believe in Mantra
I don't believe in Gita
I don't believe in Yoga
I don't believe in Kings
I don't believe in Elvis
I don't believe in Zimmerman
I don't believe in Beatles
I just believe in me... Tiffiny, Jack and me
That's reality

The dream is over
What can I say?
the Dream is Over
After Yesterday
I was the writer
But now I'm just dyin'
I was the maker
But now I'm Brian
and so dear friends
you'll just have to carry on
The Dream is over

Without being crazy, I think this song pretty much states my exact opinion about the same subject. *Notice one of the first lines of the song - it reflects last week's post... for me* I know he wasn't speaking to me, obviously. But, truly great artists will make work that speaks to many people on different levels. The Seinfeld Show spoke to the truths about all of us. The Dark Knight showed America it's own alter ego. With "God", John Lennon told a story about his view about God... which happens to say what I want to say about the subject better than I can say it.

Do any of you have songs or movies or TV shows that tell your truth? Please post.

** I know this post might offend some people... but, it shouldn't. My opinion about the subject should be like me writing "My favorite color is blue". You might disagree, but it doesn't make me wrong. Or bad. You could like red, green or black the most. Good for you. I shouldn't have to even write this last part, but there's always an asterisk in life. **

Question Of The Day

I don't have an essay to offer up this week. I've been clear headed for the majority of the last seven days. I do, however, have a question to ask you all. And, I'd like to have an answer as soon as possible. It's a general question with plenty of overtones, but I want you to answer it in whatever way you feel comfortable. I want you to think about, though. Think about what it means to you. Not to me. To you. How does it speak to you? What does it symbolize to you? Then, you'll have the correct answer... I think. So, without further ado, here's the question:

Do you believe in magic?

Only In America

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North America's Best = Chicago

Not the movie based on the musical. Not the misspelling of 'chicano.' The city.

I love Los Angeles for the buzz. You can go basically anywhere in the city and surrounding towns and see movie stars, film sets, musicians... It's got a creative buzz there that you can feel. And, it's challenging. A little too challenging for most, but what's life without a challenge?

I love Toronto for it's cleanliness. I don't think that there's one single piece of garbage on the ground. And, the people are very friendly. If you ask someone abOOt the weather, they'll tell you all abOOt the weather. Yah! They will indeed.

I love Las Vegas for the nightlife. Because the city doesn't sleep, you can do anything at anytime. It's a perfect place to conceive a child.

I love San Francisco for the diversity and acceptance. It's a progressive city that's always ahead of the curve on everything from gay rights to environmentalism. And, if you go there, you'll meet a guy by the name of Escape Man. He will change the way you think about EVERYTHING.

I love Fort Lauderdale for the relaxation and beaches and boardwalk. It doesn't have the bloated ego of Miami, but it has the warm sun and good times... without the constant judging.

I love Ensenada and Cozumel for the Papas and Beer and dolphins.

I love Negril, Montego Bay and Ochos Rios. For a third world country, Jamaica me crazy for Jamaica, mon! Everytin dere's aiyree...

I love Cleveland for LeBron James. And, the Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame. And, my brother from another mother Branson Wright.

I love Washington, Boston and Philadelphia for the history and sports teams.

I love New York for the... nobody loves New York except for Carrie Bradshaw.

I love all these cities in North America. But, the best city in this great land is Chicago. And, I'm not just saying that because I've packed up all my belongings and moved here to start my family and make films. No. Not at all.

Look:

http://www.insideyourchicago.com/images/purple_chicago_skylineresized.jpg

Listen:

http://www.670thescore.com/

Learn:

Sports = Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks
Music Venues = The House of Blues, The Aragon Ballroom, The Metro
Pizza = Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, Gino's East
Bars/Pubs/Clubs = Emmitt's, Club 720, Soundbar
Museums = do your own google search

I challenge you to name another city that's better. And, please state why. Hunter S. Thompson said it best: "Every time I go to Chicago I come away with scars." Yes. You can't DO Chicago without getting a little dirty. So, roll up your sleeves and get to it. I'll see you here.