Goldie Blogs You Better!

Just watched the inaugural speech at a lovely local joint in Little Italy. It was pretty wonderful to finally see Obama take the stage (and the torch) for the 44th presidency. It’s so unbelievably wonderful/amazing/brings a tear to my eye.

It inspires me.

I can’t help but that that we ARE the architects to our future. We design the blueprints, buy the materials and forge the designs that make our lives, constantly adding new pieces and parts and wishing for only the best possible outcome and becoming wonderfully surprised at new developments.

And for everyone who HASN’T seen Obama’s inauguration speech yet, here is Aretha’s fab hat.

If anyone out there has ever gotten headshots done, you know that either it goes reallllly smoothly and it’s pretty fun or it’s you forcing yourself to laugh about a bazillion times so you get that giggly happy shot in your headshot.

Thank goodness, I not only had my glamazon hottie friend, Hueiyen, with me, but the photographer, Molly Hawkey, was such a dear!

Anyhoodle, here’s the lovely view from our room in Glendale:

And here’s cute Hueihuei getting all fussed over and getting her very first headshots taken! (such a PRO)

We ended up getting hollered at a few times and changed in the car. All in all, a fun-filled weekend. Oh and we got to eat at HONEY’S KETTLE!!!

For all of you film and TV buffs out there, HBO is planning to film a new show called “Gentlemen of Leisure.” From what I can tell, it’s a story about a retiring pimp who lives in Oakland, and I’m sure, colorful characters and crime.

So what’s the issue?

Oakland is currently refusing to support the TV series. The points that they make are valid : Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, Oakland City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente, and District 2 Councilmember Pat Kernighan all want to keep the image of Oakland less-crime filled.

The irony here is that they will STILL FILM THE SERIES! They will just put it on a sound stage in LA or Long Beach if they can’t film on location in Oakland. So WHY would you NOT just take the opportunity given to you and simply invest the money in anti-crime procedures?? Other locals are speaking out against the decision, including many in the film and tv community.

Having grown up around Oakland (and mentioning it in passing when asked), I personally know that Oakland’s reputation is well, bad and scary. Refusing to allow a TV show that uses this image will not HELP Oakland’s image – once again, it’ll just be filmed on a sound stage in LA. Use the money and help realistically change the image and provide local businesses with new invigorating business.

So Oakland city council, please grow a pair, and let a decent project through for once.

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you have a lovely year full of wonderful surprises and unexpected twists and turns – and for you steadier folks, a year full of steady growth and positive choices.

Here’s one of the latest casino banners I was in, hooray!

Happy New Year again and the best to you and the people that you love.