Well, DUH!

Big news on the entertainment front - David Hyde Pierce of Frasier fame has had his "people" tell the world that he is, in fact, gay. Alrighty then - that's about as shocking as when Rosie let the world know. Thanks David, we already knew that.

On other entertainment fronts - is anyone watching "On the Lot"? I really am enjoying it (except for the awful host - what happened to the blond chick?); however, I thought it was interesting that all three who were booted last night were not originally from the good ol' US of A. Made me wonder whether they didn't have their friends and family calling in to vote b/c they aren't from here, is the reason they didn't have enough votes. I agree the two girls should have gone but Phil's video "Please Hold" I enjoyed. Also, I loved "Getta Rhoom" - that video was hysterical! So I'm glad the director was vindicated by being in the top three after he was slammed for being offensive by Carrie Fischer, Gary Marshall and the "Disturbia" guy.

Other shows I'm enjoying, or are going to enjoy are: Traveler, Big Brother, Real World Reunion: Las Vegas; Stargate SG-1; Stargate Atlantis; Doctor Who; Kyle XY, and more I'm sure. Anyone else watching these? And yes, I do plan on going to the pool too.

Ask Bean!

I want to start a weekly "Ask Bean" post from questions from my loyal readers. It's so you can get the "Beany" take on any question - nothing is too sacred, embarassing, silly or even intelligent. It can be a personal question (except not "what is my name on my birth certificate?" :) ); advice question; or anything at all you want to ask.

Now, don't get me wrong - I don't think I'm this insanely intelligent person who has all of the answers to everything - that's Mr. Bean's realm at SATURNdiary. I mean afterall, he is Dutch, old and Brilliant. It's just if you want the Bean perspective on anything.

So ask away at beansblog@gmail.com. I truly hope to hear from you!

A Whale of a Vacation.

Well, we all take family vacations. I enjoy Disney, Europe, the Caribbean - and actually my favorite place in the world is my annual jaunt to the Adirondacks to commune with nature and just relax.

It's my favorite thing to do and it's the same for a lot of other people as well.

And I guess whales like vacations too. Momma and Baby whale have decided they are sick of the ocean and wanted to visit of all places - Sacramento?

Granted, Mr. Bean has always wanted to go to Sacramento because he loves capitals of states and likes to visit the governmental buildings - but for most of us - BORING!

Why didn't they go to Hawaii? Or Santa Barbara? Heck, even Portland, Oregon would have been more interesting.

Maybe Momma Whale wanted to teach a history lesson to Baby Whale. That's something Mr. Bean would do. Reminds me of those summer vacations where my parents would take us to one fun place and one "educational" place so our brains don't totally melt during the summer break. Yuk, I hated the educational part. I bet Mr. Bean loved it.

So, Momma, good job on teaching Baby the intricacies of California government, say hello to Governor Schwarzenegger (but teach him Republicans are BAD); and I hope you make it back safely home.

I am me.

Well, although I only got two comments on my last blog (thanks Tigger and Niicelady - love you!), it appears my last blog and my comments on Mr. Bean's last podcast at SATURNdiary have gotten people up in arms. Funnily enough, however, I don't get to hear it - no one leaves a comment, no one emails me at beansblog@gmail.com, nothing.

Instead, my poor husband, Mr. Bean has to take the wrath.

Two things on that. First, Mr. Bean one hundred percent disagrees with my position of not having my "real" name out there. If you listened to the podcast, you would know that. So why are you taking it out on him?

Second, it's my opinion only. I haven't outed anyone else's name except Mr. Bean's that one time, (and if I'm wrong on that, please let me know and I will apologize profusely); and I just shared my opinion on this issue. I have no problem if others disagree with me - you have every right to do so and I applaud you for that. But don't be mad if I shared mine.

And third and most important - know I feel very fortunate to be a part of the blogging and podcasting world, a part of the Freak Network and the fact that I want to be known as the Bean in no way reflects any adversity in either arena or that I'm ashamed of being a part of it. It is solely b/c (1) I love my name Bean; and (2) of work and the issues I discuss.

And that's all I'm going to say on the subject.

Why I'm called the Bean.

There has been a lot of speculation, arguments, etc. about how people who use characters should, in a way, expect people to either not take them seriously, that they are not "real" in their blogging/podcasts or that they can be made fun of, mocked, whatever you want to call it. And it also appears to be a sport to "out" the person with their real name; and essentially being told that if they don't use their real name then, they must not be serious. I, for one, have been used as an example.

I don't fault these people for thinking that way; and I harbor no hard feelings and still love them. However, I think they misunderstand me. And I cite two specific reasons why.

First, I consider Bean my name. No, it's not my official, on my birth certificate name. It's even more important to me because it's a nickname my husband gave me when we first started dating more than 12 years ago. In fact, if he calls me anything other than Bean, it sounds weird to me; and I don't like it. Do other people call me this? No; and in fact, not many even know I have that name. It's Mr. Bean's name for me - and I love that he chose it for me and it holds a special place in my heart. So, by using that name here, it's an homage to him - AND IT'S A NAME I CONSIDER REAL TO ME.

Second, I use Bean and not my "official birth certificate" name because I talk about things here that I do not want getting out - especially because of the profession I am in; and because of the issues I discuss. I would never have been able to talk about the adoption if I had to use my real name because, although we didn't give out specific information, if our real names were used, things may have been able to get back to people we don't want it to - and in fact, it could hurt us. And professionally, although I say nothing bad about them (and I wouldn't b/c I love the people I work with), I'm not really in the profession that looks highly on doing things like this. And hence, not my "real" name.

So I don't think I should be looked down upon for it; and I make no excuses because I have nothing to make excuses for. If you choose to believe it's not the "real" me because of the name, honestly it's your loss and those who do know me in real life and who I trust to tell about this site know in fact it is the REAL me.

And for those who I've entrusted with my "real" name in other avenues, please don't "out" me on other sites. I trusted you with the information and feel that this was done without my permission. I have not done so myself and was surprised to see it done by others.

That being said, I sincerely hope you all will still enjoy my blatherings; and I will try to get back to less serious, more beanie-like things. Thanks!

OMG, I'm SOOOO Honored!

Don't know where the heck I've been, but I missed a VERY important comment on a previous post - I have been added to the "Women in Podcasting" website! I can't believe that I've been added there - it means so much to me! Thank you, thank you, thank you for adding me to the list! it means a lot to me! Marina, you are the best! And no, I'm not a part of Me and the Bean - I'm a totally different legume!

And to everyone who hasn't checked it out - run, do not walk, over there and check it out - "Women in Podcasting". There's some great stuff over there, even if I'm dumbing down the list!

THANK YOU TANGO!!!!

I just want to send out a big THANK YOU to Tango - because you dumped New York on the reunion after "I Love New York", I now get to watch "Train Wreck II", I mean "I Love New York 2".

I just can't stop watching it. I think I need counseling for this.

Finally, Pix of my New "Do"

Courtesy of Mr. Bean.

So What do you think?

Is he right - too short

or do you like it?

Ode To Jefferson Dog.

When we got you in 1997,

We were in puppy heaven.

You only cost us twenty-five,

And it was the best deal of our lives.

Now, it is 2007 and what a year,

You still think you are a puppy, but in reality you are ten.

J, you now have a big problem in your right ear,

so the deal of 1997 will now cost us two thousand.

All we hope is that your infection in your ear will get better,

And your pain will go away,

We don't care it if costs two thousand or more,

Just know that we love you; and you're worth it anyway!

Mr. Bean Hates My New Hair.

Well, today's post is going to be personal and probably boring (as you may think all of my posts are, quite frankly). But I'm a little bummed today because I wanted to do something a little different because of all that's going on lately.

I'm REALLY into changing my hair, especially when I'm sad about something. I've been brunette, blond (yes, Bob, I know I owe you a picture!), blonder, red head and almost black hair. I've had highlights, low lights, really long, really short, curly (YUK!), etc. Now, because of my "profession", I can't get as crazy as I want to be, which would be with burgundy or purple highlights. So yesterday, I continued with the REALLY dark hair; however, I made it REALLY short in the back with kind of a "shelf" look in the back. It looks kind of like the picture above but a bit shorter. And yes, I can hear you, why aren't you putting your own picture Bean? I promise I will this week, if I can figure it out - I'm a bit slow that way.

And I get home, all happy with my haircut and the first words out of Mr. Bean's mouth? "I hate it." Now granted, I know Mr. Bean is not a fan of short hair, but it's not THAT short; and it looks sexy and professional and it is on me - so for that alone, he should like it! And what is it with guys and loving long hair? Talk about annoying!

So your thoughts?