Lint Trap, part 1

There's so much I've wanted to write about that I won't have time to get it all in before I go to work, so here's part one.

Yes! That was me you heard (if you were listening) on The Rush Limbaugh Radio Program this Friday! I've been listening to the show for 14 years (half my life) and this was my first chance to talk to the Maha Rushie. I had a lot to say and I waited on hold for over 2 and a half hours to say it before the call screener came on and told me there was very little time and to keep it short. No hellos, no greetings, nothing. So I tried my best and I'm afraid my point was missed.

For those of you who don't know, the Chicago City Council continues to its oppressive regime on a daily basis. In addition to banning cell phone use while driving, public smoking, and foie gras (fattened goose or duck liver), they have tried at every turn to prevent Wal-Mart from opening any stores in the city. Most recently, they have decided that Wal-Mart (and other "box mart" retailers) should have to pay employees a minimum of $10/hour, what they deem a "living wage". I think this is profoundly ridiculous for a number of reasons.

First off, $10/hour in Chicago is not a "living wage"! I make $10/hour and can't afford to live IN Chicago, so I live two blocks north. The public transportation I take to work is regularly increased, but it seems to take me longer and longer to get there. If I drove, there'd be nowhere affordable for me to park. I'd have to use a meter (for a 6-8 hour shift) or a garage (HA!), not to mention the gas (and it's still quite a bit of travel time). The other day I went to see a $5 show and had planned to park on the street where I parked for free for 2 and a half years while in Tony n' Tina's Wedding. That whole street is permit only now and the nearby meters stop at 9pm, when it used to be 6. Since I had no change, my cheapest option was to valet for $10. That's twice as much as the show!!

Anyway, let's just say that between rent and standard bills, and travel, there is virtually nothing left for "living". I'm just the kind of person who could use the low, low prices of a Wal-Mart to help myself out. But if Wal-Mart has a higher minimum wage than everyone else, what savings will they pass along to me?

Additionally, the types of jobs available for minimum wage (and no, I don't agree with House Republicans who wish to raise minimum wage nationwide) are not meant to be someone's "career"! These are the entry level, unskilled laborer jobs that you start out at so that you can improve yourself and move onto bigger, better things. Even if it is your life's dream to rip the tickets at a movie theatre, if you do your job well, eventually they'll give you a raise! No one should want to make the minimum! You should always be in pursuit of something better!

Mr. Snerdley (he's a program observer or something on the radio show) was "about ready to blow his top", thinking that I was complaining about my situation. I'm not. I made the choice to pursue this acting career of mine. I don't plan to be a singing cupcake decorator for very long. My complaint is that politicians on a local and national level want to make what is minimum comfortable. And it should never be! (Unless we're talking about the minimum amount of discomfort.)

Anyway, I wish I'd had time to talk more with El Rushbo. Those who heard it said the greatest part of the conversation was the long pause (known as dead air) after I told him what I do. "I'm a singing cupcake decorator!" Looooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggg pause. Then what came next was my favorite part. This great conservative man, who hobnobs with celebrities and world leaders, said the words, "Singing cupcake decorator?"

Brilliant!

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I'm not new to radio call ins. Just the day before, on Thursday, you might have heard me on Mancow's Morning Madhouse. I shouldn't get into too much detail because I play characters, not myself, and that would ruin the facade. Let's just say I've spent 7 and a half hours on hold for radio shows this week. Whew!

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If I haven't told you, earlier this summerI gave up watching the Cubs (but not rooting for them and still following them) because I have too many things to do to waste my time watching a losing effort. I will watch them again when they've won four games in a row, a feat they have not accomplished this whole season. They currently have a two game win streak against the Cardinals (yea!!!) and play the Redbirds two more games. How sweet would that be? Go Cubs!

In more baseball news, the Milwaukee Brewers have added chorizo to the sausage race. A oversized "chorizo", known as "El Picante" will run with the Italian, Polish, hot dog, and bratwurst on Saturday in the sausage race held during each Brewers home game. After that, he'll be sent to the minors to earn his chops. Ain't that America? Lure the Mexicans here with hopes of great things, then send them to work in the farms. I wonder if the "El Picante" is legal?
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More to come...I have to go to work