Michael & Me, Part 2

Filmmaker and author Micheal Moore made the only Texas stop on his book tour right here in Houston, Friday, November 4. I hadn't talked him to him since he was on Larry King's radio show in 1990. Much has happened in the world since, not to mention that he's now a mega star. So, yeah, I just had to be there.

I got to Brazos Bookstore at 5:15. Passes for autographs were issued beginning at 5, and all the seats were already taken. I purchased a copy of the new "Here Comes Trouble," and slid into standing-room-only, waiting for his 7:30 arrival. I met a few folks, and chatted with them about politics in general, and Mr. Moore, specifically. I was wearing my "Radio Free Flint" shirt that momma got me last Christmas. Some lady across the store saw it, and turned her camera at me. More on her, later.

Most folks were old folks like me, or even older. I did meet a 23 year-old young man, who is part of a socialist organization. Other than that, not much young activism going on, there. Maybe the youngsters were all down at Occupy Houston.

The general manager of the bookstore told me that Moore had contacted him for the appearance, and of course they obliged. It wasn't the store who contacted Moore. I remarked that that was clearly a statement about his store. Indeed it was. The place had about 200 people jam packed into a tiny space. Aside from this one indy bookstore making some money, Moore donates his proceeds to local libraries on all of his book tour stops.

The clock finally struck 7:30, and in marched Micheal, along with his two body guards (needed ever since the Farenheit film), and a small entourage. The gathered crowd stood and cheered, and held up their camera phones like some discount amateur paparazzi.

Turning the tables, Micheal proceeded to interview the general manager, and then of course, make fun of him. Mocking Houston, Michael said, "I got news on my way here that all copies of the book have been sold out! Of course, they didn't order enough copies! 'Uh, yeah, just order a dozen of 'em. It's in Houston, and nobody will be there. And they can't read, anyway!' "

Micheal later Tweeted that, because there were not enough books, he had to sign arms and napkins. I made my way through the line, and talked with a nice lady standing next to me. We decided that we would both take photos of each other with Mr. Moore, once we got up there. That was a good idea, if I may say so, myself.

When I reached the signing table, I muttered, "Hi, Mike. You won't remember, but in the early 80s, I used to work in a certain Pizza Hut on Dort Highway."

"I know the place well!" he said. "By Atherton Road, right?"

"Yes," I answered. "You used to come to the drive-through on Saturdays, and we'd talk about what was going on." He looked straight at me, as if conjuring up those old days. He smiled, seeming to remember, or, at least, I think he remembered, and he shook my hand, and said, "Wow! Where'd you get that shirt?" He pointed it out to his wife, who was sitting off to the side of the store. She'd already seen it, she said. I realized it was her who was taking a picture of me, earlier.

I told him I got it from my mom last Christmas. "Where?", he still wanted to know, but I suggested that it was probably online. (Thanks for the shirt, mom!)

I said, "Thanks for everything you've done over the last 30 years or so."

He shouted back with "Hey, thanks for the pizza!"

Said the nice lady who took the photo of me, as were were walking out: "I'm gonna have to tell this story, you know. I stood in line next to the guy who made pizza for Michael Moore."

Yeah, I kinda like the story, too.

See Michael & Me (Part 1), by clicking here:

Go Go Girls Gone Wild!

With hits like "We Got The Beat," and "Our Lips Are Sealed" from 30 years ago, the Go Go's are back this summer for their reunion tour. The girl group -- Belinda Carlisle, Charlotte Caffey, Gina Schock, Jane Wiedlin and Kathy Valentine -- visted Houston's House of Blues last night, for an awesome trip down memory lane.

Lisa and I got in line in the heat early, just so we could get an up-close view of the legends in the flesh. Kathy and Jane were just inches from us, the whole night, and I have to say, they are the fun-sters in the group. Oh, sure, Belinda ain't bad to look at (even now), but Jane, with her wacky wit, dead-panning quips like "That was the Rolling Stones..." after a classic cover of "Mother's Little Helpers," made me laugh out loud. Duh! (And how could we not note the appropriateness of Belinda singing the words to that song?)




It was also evident standing nearly on the stage, that the gurls are really friends. Many smiles and jokes were shared by the band, who seem to be getting along just nicely, in their grown-up days. Kathy Valentine even brought on her daughter during one of the encores, calling her a "future Go Go."




We had a great time, naturally, with all the hits and then some, and lots of guitar-heavy pop. Belinda's solo hits made the set, too. Yup, we were Head Over Heels.

House We Used To Live In

This is the house we used to live in
This is a place in our green town
This is the house we used to live in
One look before they tear it down

The Smithereens, "House We Used To Live In"

I lived in this old house for 15 years, and the county flood control folks said it was no longer in their best interest to continue rebuilding after floods. I was most certainly in agreement, and took them up on their offer to buy me out. It took about two years to make it all happen, but I am thankfully ensconced in a nice new home. The above photo was taken the day I moved out. Below is what's left of the old home, now.

Birthday Booty!

I tell ya, I sure am a lucky guy. The lovely Lisa gave me this very nice birthday gift! It plays CDs, cassette tapes and records. It also has a radio, and I can even plug my Ipod into it. While it's true that I already had a fancy-schmancy, thunderous audio system in the living room, this one is a great addition to my media room. (Oh, the convenience of a man cave... I mean, ...library.)

Home Sweet Gnome

OK, so here's the new house! Aside from the landscaping which I had nothing to do with, there is just one decoration. His name is George. And if you don't know why, well, you probably don't know me very well.

Some musician guy named George Harrison had them around his house (which just happened to be a little bit nicer than mine, being a castle, and all.)

I'm kinda settled in, and I'll keep you posted on what's inside, soon enough. The old house is still standing, as of the last time I checked. We'll visit there, too, just to track it's progress. All things must pass, indeed.

Shelf-ish Me

I bought one of these "bookcases" at IKEA, today. It measures aprroximately 6 ft. x 6 ft. It's called the "Expedit."

Why? Well, take a look at another picture, below.

I've got some work to do, firstly, putting it together. I also picked up some nice bookshelves (for actual books!),too. Gotta get the media room in order. I'll keep you posted! (Give me a few days!)