Posted 11:30 AM by Ted
She's furiously funny, feverishly feminist, and fleetingly flabby... Margaret Cho played the Wiltern in Los Angeles' Korea Town this past Friday and Saturday night to huge crowds of gays and Asians. She was on her game! I laughed my ass off. She was hilarious and biting in her political commentary, a nice mix from her recent past shows. Now, I've seen Miss Cho perform every time she's here in LA. The last two shows (Notorious C.H.O. and Cho Revolution) were less then funny and more politically vocal. And while there is nothing wrong with that and I believe all artists have a right and a duty to speak out for their beliefs... I didn't pay for that. I paid to laugh. And really, she's preaching to the choir! People who bought tickets to her shows are probably in her political mindset anyway. So it's like beating a dead horse. :-\ But that was not the case AT ALL with her new show. The line of the night ... "You know Laura Bush's pussy tastes like Lysol!"

Then last night, Monday, we say the uber fabulous Shirley Manson tear it up with Garbage at the same theater. My boyfriend is a die hard Garbage fan; Tony and I are casual fans. It was great to see Larry going nuts at the show. He came right from work so he still had his dress clothes on. But he was not alone in his yuppie attire. I noticed clear cut delineation in the make up of the audience. There were the Rockers, the Goths, and the Gays (Oh My!). I was a little sad that they didn't play much from Beautiful Garbage, as I had committed that album to memory. But the new music they played from "Bleed Like Me” was pretty reminiscent of their first two albums. My friend Christopher said they could have just called this new album 3.0. The place was torn apart when Shirley busted out the "I'm Only Happy When It Rains” They turned the house lights on and we watched everyone go insane. It was quite an awesome sight!

This Friday Night (at the Wiltern again) is "Family Guy Live” A staged reading of a new Family Guy script featuring the original cast. The cheap tickets were 50.00 so we passed on this. Considering, with Cher in a couple weeks, then with Kylie and Mary Poppins in London, we're going to be seeing plenty of live staged excitement! However... just announced... is a Family Guy sound-a-like contest this Friday afternoon at the Grove. So if my Stewie is good enough, Larry and I just may be seeing Seth and company after all! "Victory Shall Be Mine!"

Posted 2:52 PM by Ted

Surreal adj.- Having an oddly dreamlike quality.

 Well that was certainly my weekend.  You see... for a while I have become, as my roommate Mandel, describes it,  "The Sacheen Littlefeather" of Disney.  Since accepting my new position here, I have been asked to go and accept awards given on behalf of the many different guilds and associations of various causes.  These evenings usually involve some sort of dinner, some drinks, some B level celebrity schmoozing and a gift bag.  Well, this Friday night, all that was topped as I approached the Highlands to accept the "Media Access Award for Positive Depiction of the Disabled in Television and Film" for episodes of Playhouse Disney's  Bear in the Big Blue House and Stanley.   First off let me say, having seen the winning episodes, I am very proud to be part of a company that produced these amazing works.  As a child of a parent with disabilities it meas a tremendous amount to know that issues like these are dealt with sincerity, honesty, and humor.  Now... having said that... let's get on with the surrealism of the evening. 

     As I crossed the walkway leading to the Highlands, I felt that masterful camera move that Hitchcock employed in Vertigo, where the camera makes an optical zoom, while the dolly is pulled back from the subject.  You know, they used the same move in Michael Jackson's Thriller!   Anyway... as I got closer to the door, I felt like I was moving in slow motion, because other guests and honorees in their Lark scooters and arm braces were ZOOMING by me to get to the check in table.  After, some pictures, and greetings, I entered the complex, and the first thing I see is a quadriplegic playing the guitar singing Greenday's "Time of Your Life."  

I immediately got a drink. 

   I walked to the back patio, so I could be with my thoughts... and my cell phone.  I called everyone who would appreciate my situation, and then, while talking to Larry... I paused, the sight of arriving guests on their scooters across the many levles and ramp ways of the Hollywood and Highland complex reminded me of Autopia at Disneyland.  Then I heard something; the first of many things crash throughout the evening - followed by a "sorry." 

   I took my seat, and looked around the room, read my program, and played Tetris on my phone. I was stunned when acclaimed director John Landis took the stage as the shows host.  I guess Gerald McRaney was busy?!   The evening was surprisingly light hearted and good natured, with little people, blind people, and folks from all factions of the disabled community there to celebrate their contributions to the entertainment industry.  John Landis, who is surprisingly witty and a good speaker, kept the ball rolling and the mood good.  Then... they set up the awards for TV... "Who on earth could possibly be presenting?"  I said to myself.   "Celebrated Stand Up Comic, and regular on the hit NBC series the facts of life... Miss Geri Jewell!!!!"  I gasped, clutched my tie, closed the game of Tetris (that I was doing remarkably well with), and paid desperate attention to every word she said.

   I never thought, such an icon of my childhood would be calling my name to accept an award on behalf of a Disney series that I was involved with.  God Bless America!   I went up on stage, gave Geri a big hug, and graciously bestowed thanks onto the commission for honoring these two fine shows.  I fumbled my way off stage, made some chit chat with the director of two of my favorite movies, and then milled around for the rest of the evening, enjoying the hospitality and graciousness of everyone there.  What a night.

Posted 11:29 AM by Ted
So the year comes full circle. And we celebrated our third annual "Ted Larry and Mandel's Holiday Special." This year, unlike in the past, our special came pre-recorded and light up the living room with the warm glow of television specials past. The special started with a vintage commercial for Sunkist juice boxes, followed by the announcement that Archie Bunker's Place would not be seen tonight, in order that we may bring you the following special presentation.
The special then finds us in the office of Ebenezer Scrooge, where Bob Cratchet relays the traditional vacation schedule for the holidays... which leads into our new Holiday carol.

This Christmas, one thing was made abundantly clear... I love my friends! Looking over this group of people, I see some of the first faces I met in LA more than five years ago. I see new people who we've gotten to know better this year. And I see people who have made an imprint on me for the better. This video was a passionate collaboration of friends. Mandel's awesome music and my subversive lyrics could quite possibly be the novelty holiday song for the new millennium. John's patience and perseverance, moving 4" figures while I come up with more and more ridiculous things for them to do, deserves the Purple Heart for animation. Larry's dedicated choreography made some of our more rhythmically challenged friends look terrific. And while none of us are really singers, Tim's harmonies and awesome voice made us all sound good.
Davy let me put him in green fur, make up and false eyelashes, UHJeff let me dress him like Lucy, and Larry (God Bless Him) sat there so patiently while I attached icicles to his eyebrows and nose.

Christmastime also brings lots of fun presents too! Somewhere I found time to make a doll for Tony of Olivia Newton John's character from Xanadu- Kira. The doll came complete with Roller-skates, and played the movie's theme song when you pushed the button in the package.


Larry and I bought Mandel a RoboSapien, and demand that he teaches it how to clean up after him!

Davy got me the Justice League Watch Tower playset... which looks awesome surrounded by all of my Justice League Figures!

But the most spectacular gift came from the most spectacular person in the world. Larry got me the closest thing I'll probably ever get to a wedding ring in my life. I love that boy so much... there aren't words to describe it.


This was the BEST Christmas ever.

Now.. I'm off to Philly to spend the holiday with my Mom and Dad... be back before the New Year.

Posted 3:25 PM by Ted
If there truly is such a thing as hollywood royalty... I bowed in her graces last night. Disney has never been shy with their premier celebrations. From decking out a real active aircraft carrier for the premier of Pearl Harbor, to closing Disneyland for the premiere of Pirates of the Carribbean... Disney knows how to toot their own horn. Last night, in honor of the 40th anniversary of Mary Poppins, Disney threw it's first royal Hollywood re-premier. Closing off Hollywood Blvd, the walkway to the historic El Capitain theater was paved in red carpet. We walked along, waving to people, and posing for photographs. I was right behind Julie Andrews as she stopped to chat with E. the kleg lights twisted in the sky announcing that a true classic never dies.

As we got up to the theater, they had recreated a set piece wherein "chalk artists" showed their talent... surrounded by real penguins!


Upon entering the theater we were given our concessions and showed to our seats. Dick Cook, president of Walt Disney Films got up to say some kind words about the making of the film and then introduced the people responsible with the film who are still with us and still vertical. The Choreographers, Matte Painters, Animators, Designers, Songwriters and the cast. Karen Dotrice(Jane)looked elegant, a wheelchair bound Glynnis Johns (recovering from knee surgery) was giddy and exuberant on stage. Dick Van Dyke came marching out the way only he could, and Julie, looking stunning spoke lovingly about Walt and their first meeting... leading up to her being cast as Mary.

Then rolled the new digital print of the film which looked like it had been shot and edited last week. Pristine and glistening was the transfer and restoration. The songs in dolby 5.1 were magnificent and the 2 1/2 hour film breezed by.

We then exited the theater and, in a herd, crossed Hollywood blvd and went upstairs to the Highland complex where they had recreated some of the sets with the actual pieces from the movie including the original cyclorama backdrop from the "It's a Jolly Holiday" sequence, and the original park fountain.

There the had a delicious British feast all laid out including Bangers n' Mash, Bobble and Skweak, Sheppard's pie, fish and chips, roast beef and a plethora of delightful teas and cakes for dessert.

After supping on our English dinner, we then milled about the fair grounds where it was truly a cavalcade of old Disney. The love in that room could be felt miles away. Stars who hadn't seen each other in decades reminisced and talked of Walt. I was lucky enough to chat up some people who love Disney as much as I do. I spent about a half hour talking to flm critic Leonard Maltin, praising him for his commentary and introductions to the Walt Disney Treasures DVD series. We talked about things that have yet to see the light of home video and about the Disney legacy.

I also passed a few words with Richard Sherman, the younger brother of the songwriting team behind many of Disney's most memorable melodies. And I also got to meet my all time favorite animator. Andreas Dejas. His work on Gaston, Jafar, and Scar led him to be known as Mr. Villain. He truly brings a sumptuous evil to all of his vile characters. That was a true delight.
But of course the highlight of the evening, after bumping into the likes of JoAnne Woorley, Neil Armstrong, Larry Hagman, Rose Marie, and Lanie Kazzaan... was meeting Dame Julie Andrews.

She sat alone surrounded by press. I swigged some Chardonnay and sauntered on over to her table. I professed my love and admiration for her and all that she has done in entertainment. She was gracious and tender, and with a true, real-live twinkle in her eye, she touched my cheek and said "arent you sweet?". I then humbly asked if a picture was appropriate and she laughed and said Of course. She also moved the plate of roast beef out of the way so that the picture would be clear.

And as we exited, our gift bags (which included the DVD, some chalk, bird food, and a kite) in hand I reflected on this night as one that typifies what Hollywood is all about: Glamor, poise, elegance, class, talent, and magic. And I said it again, as I said throughout the evening... "they just don't make 'em like this anymore."

Posted 5:44 PM by Ted
Ted Tries

Christie is always saying... "Ted gets things because he tries." I think she says it lovingly, but sometimes it sounds like it's deprecating. But it's Christie. So who cares?! ;-) About a month ago we went to an event at the LA Gay and Lesbian center called the Mis Match Game. One of the delightful stagings from Dennis Hensley. The event is played like the classic TV show, with celebrity impersonators, and Marcia Wallace. Well we had such a good time seeing it, and our history of throwing Matchgame parties crawled under my skin and I wanted to be part of this great benefit for the Village. So I Friendstered him. I knew we had a couple people in common, so I figured it wouldn't be that big a deal. I let him know that I do some celebrity impersonations, including this fantastic plush person seen here.

Well, he loved it. and surprisingly called me up today to be a fill in this Saturday night! So come one come all and check out my LA stage debut:

Saturday, November 6, 8:00 p.m. Tickets $15 (cheap!) Call 323-860-7300

Posted 11:22 AM by Ted
Bleak Horizon

I've always considered myself a concerned citizen. Political? Probably not. But definitely concerned. When W. Was elected in 2000, I felt it expected. Clinton had pulled the liberal pendulum to the left, and the law of gravity would dictate that pendulum to naturally swing just as far to the right on it's initial release before it will eventually remain still in the center. When September 11, 2001 came around... My world was overturned. I was unsure why it happened. I was unsure who caused it, I was unsure what this meant for the future of the country and the world. I wanted someone to pay for it. I ignorantly jumped on the sheep wagon and believed that Iraq had something to do with 9/11. At which point, I was grateful there was a gunslinging cowboy in the white house. And then... Iraq became a disaster. I can't believe how W took the outpouring of support from the ENTIRE world after 9/11 and turned it to disgust and disdain.

When I'm uninformed, I ask questions. I research and I read. I don't always take my friend's opinions as my own... But I take them as information. I have since come to the conclusion, that everything that George W Bush has done in his 4 years was a nightmarish debacle. It was a self serving, facade of morality, patriotism, and strength. It played on America's fears and faith. It manipulated the fundamental bastion of the world for his own self righteous mind.

Last night, as I sat there wondering what kind of person who would vote for a draft dodging felon who bought his gubernatorial seat and cannot form complete sentences... I thought about... Chickens. Chickens? Yep... Chickens. I thought about the free roaming fowl that will eventually find their way into a vat of 11 herbs and spices. These chickens followed a leader. They were fed everyday... Things that they wanted to eat. They had no clue that they were eventually going to be plucked, beheaded and cooked. Ironically... the people who raise chickens in midweastern and southern states will feel the same way when their re-elected Colonel Sanders has his way. And there is no one to tell him NO this time.

We haven't seen the darkest times yet. This country barely knows what it's like to suffer. We were barely kicked in the shins on 9/11. When W declares war on N. Korea, California is the easiest target (and that scares the crap out of me). So called morality is going to set this country back to the 1950's. With civil liberties melting away like chocolate in the sun. We are going to see an increase of domestic and social violence. Our global position will fade and we will be looked upon as a rouge nation heading for global domination... and someone in another country will get horrific the idea to do to us what we did to Iraq, and then where do we stand. In 2000 we could have said... Hey... We didn't vote for him! But now? We've sent a clear message to the world that this country supports this kind of leader.

I sit here as I read that the major reason to vote for George W. Bush was moral reasons. In my mind morality is NOT declaring an unprovoked war. Morality is providing and ensuring civil rights for all hard working contributing members of this country. Morality is upholding regulations on arms. Morality is not lying to the American public to get votes. Morality is not forsaking your nations economic stability for your own, personal, financial well being. Morality is not imposing your personal beliefs on the NATIONS laws.

I cannot see where morality played a part in George W Bush's campaign. He has been everything BUT moral this entire election. I weep for the future of this country. I've read the history books... I know how this is going to turn out. And it's not good.

Posted 1:32 PM by Ted
"That's What Friends Are For"

I have not had five minutes to update in over a month. So I'm making it a priority today to write an intriguing update of a months worth of events.... and keep it short enough not to bore anyone.

I guess formost is the update on my animated series. The day before labor day, I get a call from someone in the Disney legal department informing me that my projects had them quite perplexed. You see.. it's Disney corporate policy to not accept pitches from employees within. But the Senior VP of Original Programming was so impressed, that he had the legal department draft new release forms and proposals to allow my work to be seen. I had them reviewed them with my own laywer-in-training, and to our un-bar-sanctioned eyes they seemed to be in the best interest of both Disney and myself. Basically confirming that I am the sole creator of my work, and that no 3rd party will pop up later on and claim ownership, while maintaining that if Disney is interested they will negotiate with me.

The morning I submitted my release forms to the legal department, I get an email from the big guns "OK.. now that we got all the legal stuff out of the way... what else do you have before we start talking?" So. I set up a meeting with the Directors of Development for the Action Block, and pitched Tiki Quest!

Cut to... 2 weeks later, Friday Morning, September 26th, 11 AM. I had a Power Point Presentation, and a fantabulous looking handout (thanks again to Larry's amazing support). And I pitched. I pitched with all the heart and exuberance that I had... and.. they LOVED IT! I had these 3 knowledgable experts in their feild truly captivated by this idea. All day long as they ran into me, they would again compliment the work and originality of it. They had asked me to revise the two main characters slightly, and make them a little younger and more relevant to the target audience. So this Monday Morning, October 6th, I dropped it off... I'll keep you posted.


Now... onto the heart of this post. Friends. There's a running joke amoung my friends, that I'm a collectivist. I mean, I collect DVDs, Toys, CDs, Books, and Friends. Now by collecting them, it doesn't mean that I keep them locked up in a concrete room, chained to the wall, naked, and there for my sordid amusement.... per se! LOL... No.. it just means that I like to ammas a large varietey of various personalities, ideologies, characterizations, and appearances to diversify my own, small, slice of the world. Christie would like to say that I cast my friends using the WB's pool of on-air talent: hot, young, clean-cut, twenty somethings. Maybe theres a part of me that does.

But after I get past how cute all of my friends are, I realize that deep down, my friends are amazingly talented, brilliantly smart, and fabulously fun.