Freshman 15 for Martin Sheen?

Ramon Esteves a.k.a. Martin Sheen beings class this Fall at the National University Ireland (NUI) to study English literature and oceanography. No, I'm not joking. The 66 year old actor will initiate his 4 year degree as a freshman, a slot usually reserved for those aged 18 or 19. Why? According to CNN the actor and liberal bull dog "has been quoted as saying he wanted to finish his education when he retired from acting as he never got his high school diploma." Hmmm, apparently you don't need to finish high school or even take entrance exams to attend University if you're Martin Sheen. To prove my point, NUI has already "conferred an honorary degree on Sheen... for both his acting and 'his consistent and meaningful engagement with civil society.'" Excuse me? What? Did you say civil society? This is Martin Sheen, the guy who's been arrested more than 60 times. He's been running amok for years spouting his opinions, yapping 'till he's blue in the face on issues and he doesn't even have a high school education. Come on, people! Not to mention the fact that he almost killed himself popping pills and binge drinking on the set of Apocalypse Now. What kind of role model is that? Then again, I'm sure he'll be popular with his future peers at NUI. He'll show them how funneling and throwing keggers really gets done. After all, he's had 50 years experience.

"Rome"

My Dad and I have almost finished watching the entire first season of HBO's "Rome." I know embarrassingly little about the Roman Empire pre or post Julius Caesar which is why this series is innately fascinating to me. In addition, it's entertainment value is also very high.

"Rome" begins with Julius Caesar's conquer of Gaul and follows him thorough his conflict with Pompey Magnus, his affair with Cleopatra in Egypt and his rise to power as Emperor. The series focuses primarily on the lives of two other main characters, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, soldiers in the Roman Army and best friends. Of course, Brutus, Mark Antony and other historical figures are also present.

Blood lust, heroism, male frontal nudity, and female vengeance. It doesn't get much better than this!

Happy Birthday, Dear Jamie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Roxie, Marc and Jamie

I love you, you Australian beauty! I thought about posting the pash night photo of us but talked myself out of it. Perhaps the internet is not the place for such "intimate moments"!!!

HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY! I love you to pieces.

Love Your Dimensionless Perspective

Or, in my case, don't. I have just said goodbye to the past year by deleting all phone numbers from my address book belonging to folks that, yes, I've learned from, but not because of their infinite wisdom. Instead, I'm drawing the poison out of my veins through a non-invasive detoxification program. Step one was deleting all phone numbers. Step two involved deleting my text message inbox and outbox (which was a big step). Step three meant physically removing myself, the moth, from the flame.

Sounds like a drug addiction, doesn't it? Well, it was. But my drug was not liquid, nor rock, nor powder. It was a superficial need for companionship and acceptance that I embraced at any cost. I accepted it from the wrong people, in the wrong environment for the wrong reasons.

God help me, I've now pulled through and my hope is that the bruises and cuts will heal quickly. I'm one of the lucky ones.

The Death of a Queen

Maori queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu has passed at the age of 75. She had been queen of New Zealand's Maori people since 1966. She was a beloved figure in NZ and I remember passing by her home on the North Island when I visited in 2005.

The Maori continue to fascinate me with their unique traditions and relatively seamless ability to co-exist with New Zealand's non-indigenous population. The Maori are respected unlike the Aborigines of Australia who have been subjected to cruelty and social ostracism for centuries. Of course, my statements here are very general and there is a great deal of history behind each instance. However, I believe that, in comparison, New Zealand's and Australia's policies towards indigenous peoples can teach us a lot about ourselves and how we perceive difference.

Happy Birthday, Paul!

See how nice I was? I didn't post a picture of you 'cause I knew you'd kick my butt. Happy Birthday!!!

Thank you!

My Aunt Catherine has dedicated her latest novel to me! The dedication reads:

"To my delightful niece Roxie DeAngelis: You light up the world."

Thank you so much, it's a lovely dedication and I am very grateful!

Say it ain't so...

How did Mel Gibson "find Jesus" and then turn crazier than a shit-house rat? This whole thing is thoroughly depressing. I could forgive him for being a drunk bastard, but not for becoming a religious zealot who rejects Vatican II, is a homophobe, an anti-Semite and a sexist, to boot. He thinks his wife is going to hell, for God's sake, 'cause even though she's "a better person than [he is]," she's a Protestant and only members of the Catholic faith are destined for heaven, no matter how shitty they are. Yes, he made this statement about a woman who gave up her acting career to birth and raise 8 children 'cause Mel didn't believe in birth control! If I were her, I'd shove my foot up his ass, kicking his head out of the way on the way up.

I loved you, Mel. You were one of the Hollywood greats. But, now, you're screwed.

Oyster Bay, NY 2006