June 17, 2007 by MrRi¢h.

This past May while checking movie show times for another film franchise, Back To The Future I found out the same theater (Clearview Cinemas 10) would be showing Ghostbusters, not once, not twice, but 4x the weekend of June 14, 2007. When I saw the very familiar Ghostbusters poster and the multiple show times I felt excited. The kind of excitement I really haven’t felt about seeing Ghostbusters since I was 6 years old. Which showing a bit of my age was April 1984 I immediately called my friend Bill (ya know of GBNJ fame).

Prior to this past May, I wanted to have a screening of Ghostbusters around here (Northern NJ/maybe NYC) which I began to circulate with the interest factor first last August. For various reasons including my health of course the idea never moved past stage 1. Call it fate, call it luck, my old company Clearview Cinemas had it already planned to show Ghostbusters 4x over a late spring weekend. Naturally this would be the environment for a franchise/ghosthead gathering. I believe Bill agreed. I promoted it as a GBI/franchise/fan event, spread the word on the usual Ghostbusters forums, and it was a news item at Proton Charging.

I had envisioned more of an all out GB “convention” feeling, more like what I’ve seen in other parts of the US. As the screening was coming up it wasn’t shaping up that way. To the point where I had posted on the forums,

What I didn’t elaborate on, on the other forums is that if their is lack of interest (understandable for sure) about a gathering for a screening for Friday night, maybe the timing is off. If the timing is ever right.

I was feeling discouraged and until the day of the screening I didn’t even know if I was going.

After talking to Joe aka JCool, a “transplant” ghosthead originally from Jersey who was going to be back in The Garden State (the timing for him worked out nicely) I was feeling a little more like something could happen. I was still undecided if I was going to go. I hadn’t talked to Bill in a while and our plans hadn’t been finalized. Plus where the theater is (no surprise to me Crapview built a theater here) located, its too far to see a classic film normally.

Once I talked to Bill around when I thought I’d be leaving originally as we finalized the details, “this was definitely it” I was going to make every effort to go to the screening/event. With only 2 other people confirmed that we knew or would meet, I knew this wasn’t going to be the gathering I originally pictured. I hope it would be fun, first I had to drive there.

It would figure that the screening would be at the farthest location from home. For those who don’t know, I live in a suburb of Newark. The screening was in Succasunna, practically in the middle of nowhere in the mountains of Morris County. I certainly can’t complain about the distance as Bill was driving up from near Trenton. Joe drove up from Raleigh, NC. Bill and I on our separate drives were somewhat familiar with the area. Even after checking the “we’re not responsible if you get lost” MapQuest we still didn’t have the full scope of that area. I most likely drove the long way (although it was the shortest route) hoping to be at Clearviews Cinema 10 at 8:40. (estimated time from Map Suck) I’m driving through various towns on RT 10 W, seeing the town somewhere near (I think) the theater. When I was in Roxbury I also saw the shopping center where Crapview lists the theater near by. They don’t tell you that the theater is on the east side or that you can’t see the theater from the highway. For logical reasons I figured the next town would be Succasunna and I’d be seeing the theater very soon. It didn’t take long for me to realize Succasunna seems to have no entering town sign and that I had passed the theater. To the point where I was coming to a junction for RTS 46 and 80. Fortunately I was able to get over to the right to make a turn to go back onto RT 10 E. As it was probably nearing 9, I didn’t want to take the chance again that I would miss the theater. It had already been a long drive, it was getting dark, and I just wanted to be there already. I pulled off RT 10 E into what looked like the last mall in Northern NJ. I drove around a little to see if the theater was around there, of course it wasn’t. Seeing a Wal*Mart employee, I asked him for directions. Fortunately I was only a block or so away. Back to the highway where I drove to the Roxbury Shopping Plaza/Center. I now know if I had drove a little more, I could have turned into the parking lot right by the theater. At the time for whatever reason I was still relying on Map Suck. I spotted this odd circle/slight jug handle turn I’ve only seen in Central NJ. I took it, it didn’t seem like it would take you to the road that would go to the theater. Maybe it does, not knowing the area I couldn’t tell you. After driving around that twice, I might have made an illegal turn into a parking lot that I thought was for the shopping center, but wasn’t. It was easy to drive into the parking lot from there. What looked like the theater, wasn’t. For whatever reason, some part of the plaza had the top of the building lit up. The kind of lighting a movie theater would probably use. The kind of lighting most establishments don’t need to use. Some will, those white, icicle lights people buy at Christmas and leave up all year long. I knew the theater had to be close, where was it? Malls should have signs up, then again I wasn’t in a mall, if that makes a difference. While looking around for where I should turn, I saw these three women talking in the parking lot. Looking lost, I powered down my window and asked for directions. These people like most civilized people who will help a lost person out will give a person directions. Why do some people give 2 sets of direction out? Would it not be better to give out the best way first to get somewhere from where I am at that very moment? I was practically 2 lefts from the theater, the one woman also told me I could get back on RT 10 E, go one block, then turn. Maybe it was just me, it seemed easier to drive through the lot and make the two lefts. I had already driven from the suburbs of Newark to Roxbury.

Those two turns didn’t quite seem right, I finally saw Crapview’s Cinemas 10. I found a parking lot and once I was situated I called Bill to see if he was close to the theater. While talking to him, Joe spotted me (Ghostbusters shirts, always in style) and came over to me. “Where you from originally?” Joe was from Succasunna and was able to help Bill out a couple of times. While we waited for Bill and his friend Sara, we hung out in front of the theater, talking about Ghostbusters, the fan base, and ourselves.

If you were wondering the level this gathering could have had. I was prepared to wear my costume. I didn’t bring the pack because I knew I wouldn’t be wearing it and no one else would be wearing one either. JCool brought his costume too, based on various factors, wearing GB t-shirts while hanging out was just fine. In hindsight it probably was for the best. If and that’s a big IF there are future screenings, suiting up may be more appropriate. I was thinking long after the fact I should have wore the ecto goggles.

Once Bill and Sara had arrived, we hung outside a little longer, then went inside the theater. We heard some smart ass remarks about what movie we were going to see. This is the kind of thing about why I call these theaters Crapview. Its a little inside, as someone who worked for the theater chain, its also a certain negative attitude, some which reflects on the demographic the theaters are aiming for.

After getting our tickets and a little snack, we headed into theater 3. I think it was theater 3. Either way, is that too much detail? I fully expected Ghostbusters would be shown on a smaller screen. I knew they weren’t using a bigger theater to show a 23 year old movie when Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer just came out. I will give Crapview an additional compliment about there seating. Definitely not stadium seating, they do have the kind of tall movie seats that recline slightly. We’re all sitting, talking as we see more people arriving. The crowd was decent, I don’t think anybody else was there for the gathering. While we continue to talk, a theater employee gave out the standard red raffle tickets. I asked what it was for and were told something about winning a prize. When the screening was about to begin, a theater manager and an employee arrived.

They thanked us for coming to the classic screening of {insert name of movie here} oh right GHØSTBUSTERS. We were told if people continued to support the classic films, they could keep showing them. I’m a little fuzzy on the whole support thing. We’re looking at them and the manger said they were giving away prizes, sponsored by WDHA (NJ’s only ROCK station) with a signal that barely reaches outside of Morris County.

I feel so funky, the theater manager might have told us Ghostbusters trivia first. Oh no, we were just having fun. Joe, Bill, and I looked at each other. If they had let us tell some trivia, well we might still be at the theater. He told us the following: Gallons of shaving cream were used for the marshmallow exploding. Only one? Did we know that there were 3 Stay Puft costumes, all were destroyed during filming. I question that fact slightly. The whole time I had a feeling at about 9:57 someone jumped on IMDB.

Was it time for the movie? Not quite, we, uh the manager was anticipating our excitement about the 3 prizes (gotta love Crapview) they gave away. First up, a promotional hat for Live Free or Die Hard. A raffle number was called (was this fixed?) and a guy won the hat. Next up, a Concession certificate (Clearview cash?) for a small soda. That’s it, a small soda!? I thought this was sponsored.:shock: I was 1 or 2 numbers off from winning that. Wow. Finally, the grand prize. 3 passes for Crapview Cinemas. With no dramatic climax, the raffle number was called. I was 1 or 2 numbers away from winning. Who did win?

If you said someone within the gathering, you guessed right. Bill Malkin, the numero uno winna! Their was definitely applause from us. I think the management thanked the crowd again and told us to enjoy GHØSTBUSTERS.

From the time I found out about the screenings, I had wondered if the theater would show a Ghostbusters DVD (hopefully the ‘99 edition) or have an actual print. As the film was beginning, it was obvious to us it was a print. Might have been a copy from one of the originals, still it was a print. That also made the actual movie experience better. Up to that evening, I hadn’t watch Ghostbusters all the way through and not at all in months. Its coming up on 2 years, I still haven’t watched the gift set version. It was enjoyable watching a movie that has meant so much to me since childhood with friends and presumably other fans. We all seemed to laugh at the right times and most people were good about not quoting the movie out loud. I was one of the fans who did say a line out loud, like under my breath. Nobody was so loud that it was rude or distracting. As can be the case, watching Ghostbusters all the way through is over all too fast.

After the screening, Bill gave me his passes. I don’t think there are any CCs (lucky for them) in his part of Jerz. Joe couldn’t use them living in Raleigh. Not that I’m a fan of CC, I’ll be able to use them. Mostly after that I’m going back to A.M.C, (Awesome Movie Chain) not just Another Movie Chain Crapview. We wrapped up our gathering and headed our separate ways. When I got back to my car, someone wrote a certain 4 letter word + you in the moist rear window. Nice. Here is it about midnight and I’m wiping away the first letter.

The drive home felt very long as I was tired and in pain. It seemed to take much longer then the drive up. I was parking my car a little after 1 AM. I’m satisfied that I and my friends could meet up for the classic screening. Its a long long way to go to see any classic movie. I sorta took it as an experience, maybe a once in a life time thing. The big if that it could happen again. Hopefully at that time a gathering will be more organized, the theater will be closer, and you can see the theater from the highway. I love this movie!

If you’re apart of a franchise or are a fan who was at the Friday night screening, feel free to let us know by either leaving a comment (vulgarity, disrespect, and spam will not be tolerated) here or in this thread at the GBI forums. Registration is required to post, it is free.

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August 4, 2006 by MrRi¢h.

One of the nice features about having a blog through my hosting company 1&1 is the ability to make separate pages from the main blog one. A common new page would be to talk about oneself in detail. Instead of just calling that section About or About Me I went with My 2¢. Keeping with the whole rich theme. Get it?

Last night when I could have been writing Its Technical Pt. 2, I rewrote my short autobio. “Why couldn’t he spell out autobiography?” - You If you don’t know me, you’ll learn quite a bit about me. And if you do know me, maybe you’ll learn something new. Either way, its all about me and you can read it by clicking on the My 2¢ tab in the menu.

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August 4, 2006 by MrRi¢h.

About two days ago I had the brilliant idea to revive my blog. To do that, it couldn’t just be simple. Oh no. I mentioned yesterday how I had an old blog (imported here) which I hadn’t updated since last December. I could have just posted a new entry at my old blog which probably would have been the case. I put it off, only changing the template. Then I found out my excellent hosting company has a blog feature. Nice. I figured on Wednesday I could at least set up this blog account. Putting it on a very recognizable domain name. After all, I am paying for it. What I didn’t realize was that the blog’s url would be the same as my (ours if you’re a member of GBI) infamous RPG club. No matter what part of the site you went to, my blog seemed to have overwritten my entire site. Something my friend Kev alerted me too. Before I had a break down in this extreme heat, I thought about it, checked the site directory and figured out the easy mistake I had made. The solution was simple enough. Move my revived blog to another domain name, one that was meant for my business at one point. And just in case upload the index file.

If that error hadn’t happened, I could have posted these latest blogs mid week and we could have moved on by now.

Then yesterday I spent 45 minutes researching a log in issue for our infamous message board. Fortunately my research paid off and the solution was also simple enough. I could have spent 45 + minutes doing something else had I not accidently caused part of the log in issues earlier this week.

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August 3, 2006 by MrRi¢h.

This wasn’t quite the blog post I had imagined the other day. If you had visited my (old) blog even 1/4 reguarly you know that I hadn’t made an update since last December. I never intended to not write all this time, life happens. And its not always blogged about.

I make no promises that this will be updated on a regular basis, I think I can manage more then one blog posting before another year goes by. I do have have some ideas about blogging which I probably ripped off (”I invented blogging Robin.”) from just about everyone else. And they’re probably executing those ideas better then me. Who cares, they don’t know me and since only 1 of me exists so far in this reality, I’m perfectly within my rights to talk about the same topics in my own unique way. Sure I don’t get paid for my drivel, some may find what I have to say to be an essential part of there day or night.

With that I welcome you to my new blog, That’s Ri¢h. Such a clever title, I know.

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December 1, 2005 by MrRi¢h.

Last night I did a couple of things I don’t make an annunal tradition out of. The first was to watch a Christmas special. I don’t dislike Christmas specials, its just over the last few years, we’re being subjected to lame newer Christmas specials starring an actor or two who couldn’t keep a show of their own probably. And these Christmas specials only air on ABC Family, probably because of the familiness of such shows. I’m definitely not talking about the classic Christmas specials which even though they’re being aired throughout this month, you can get on DVD avoiding commercials all together. You probably selfishly know what you want for yourself anyhow. Or what you were going to buy for your friends and loved ones. And if you’re watching a Christmas special two-three days before Christmas, the commercials aren’t going to help anyway.

Which also brings us to last night, I’ll get to that too. With what I’ve been going through my health all month along and having to have a third treatment yesterday with not the greatest of news, I thought I’d try to get a little more into the spirit, kinda prepare for the holidays. (sans commercialism where possible) The other thing I did which I usually don’t is to watch NBC’s Christmas Tree special with my 90 year old neighbor who is kinda like a grandma to me. Let me tell you, it brings a different experience and perspective to television watching.

Almost right off the bat I realize why I don’t watch any of these live Christmas specials. You’re watching a Today Show host and *insert this year’s “available” celebrity* here. And the “chemistry” between them is fake and why do they have to set up this “storyline” of a SO fake romance involving buying presents. Just announce the musicial acts, maybe give out some facts, and let us all get into the spirit of Christmas.

Which will only last so long because we have to watch “the romance” sketch. And those commercials. Without even mentioning where to get it, Al Roker comes through with the gift which they had been setting up all night. “Will & Grace” star Megan Mullally doesn’t. Her gift later in the show to AL was a rock which lamely set up the next “rock” act. If I could have rolled my eyes by the same lame set up, I would have. And if I have to say lame and special again, it will be be too soon. Hopefully limited to just this blog entry.

The redeeming qualities of watching such a Christmas special was that my 90 year old neighbor was making comments, which weren’t all family friendly. See AL, this is not a family show, no matter what you say. Ms. Mullally “fantasizing” about Rod Stewart too was enough to make any of us sick. Long before that as the show is starting and a choir is singing “O’ Christmas Tree,” my neighbor makes a racist remark because the choir was “multi-cultured” as my mom put it. The 90 year old neighbor was talking about black Americans. Wow, its easy to forgot how various generations were raised, how the times were. I know other people can relate, fortunately she’s not my real grandma so I would not have to deal with this embarassment all the time. Sometime after this where I’m not feeling so uncomfortable she, my mom, and I are enjoying the Christmas songs (not so much all the acts) and my 90 year old neighbor “has jokes” on some people’s singing and people’s hair styles. Especially Rod Stewart. It was funny because by now you just don’t know what an old lady is going to say. It had me laughing enough to crack on how Rod’s wearing a wig or birds are nesting in there. She’s just acting like a woman of her time and a grandma and saying, “why can’t he get a normal, nice hair cut.” I suspect because guys like Rod and Brian Setzer need to live the rock n roll life style. Whatever that means. Even though Rod and Sting (who wasn’t there) are old enough to be grandparents. I’m not positive about that, it seems plausible.

It takes 30 seconds or less to light the 9ft tree. As its Christmas time anyway, why not do something caring, meaningful, to pull at the ‘ol heart strings. Hopefully the good tidings and good will, will go long beyond Christmas time. NBC teamed up with the Marines who were already charaity situated with Toys For Tots. The goal for T.F.T is to give gifts to children whose families are deployed. Plus to give gifts to children of families who lived in hurricane ravished areas. In fact prior to this special airing, my mom and I were already involved with Toys For Tots.

By the time you can let your heart melt, NBC has to go to commercial as they tease the next act and perhaps the lame setup. This year if I remember the tree lighting special was sponsored by The Puerto Rico Tourism bord, Ford, this lodge in The Poconos, American Express, and at least one drug company. With the exception of the drug company, the other commercials aired pretty much in order every break. By the time we saw the same commercials 5x, my 90 year neighbor was making more jokes. I don’t think 90 year women intentionally try to be funny, they just can be. For example, when they’re showing a guy on vacation getting a massage and his nails done she said, “He’s a sissy.” Wow.

Long before the show ended we find out the 9ft tree came from my “backyard,” Wayne, NJ. Where my 90 year old neighbor and I commented on how much gas it took to get the tree cut and haul the tree less then 12 miles to NYC. Supposedly this tree is nicer then some of the previous ones according to other comments I heard and read. How can they tell?

I’m sure the tree lighting special (ahh!) is great to see live, (maybe I wouldn’t have to see the “sketches”) would I watch it again on TV, not if I could help it. I guess too it would depend on who I was watching it with.

Now its December 1st and I have all month to watch something better, Christmas movies.

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November 14, 2005 by MrRi¢h.

Its more like month 3, but its week 3 or so since I’ve been seeing my new doctors. I had an appointment with them last Thursday afternoon. I gotta tell you it was one of the most interesting doctor’s appointments I ever had. See when I had been in the hospital late last month and had to discuss my health with everyone until I was sick of it, one of my Drs. decided to do something different, get to know me. Turns out we have some simliar interests and we had some interesting conversations. One was about pro wrestling which would carry over to this past visit. We both have old skool replica wrestling belts and he thought it would a fun thing to take pictures and show them off. I didn’t forget about it, neither did the good doctor. Though he didn’t bring his belt in. Ah well. In the middle of my appointment we stopped to take pictures and show off. It was fun, especially considering where we were. I do have the photos and will probably edit this post to include at least one.

Once the fun was over, it was back to business. While its great that my doctor can be a fun guy, its very reassuring to know when its time deal with his business, um me I know he’s serious. With that, my platelet count is making progress. (67,000. Normal is 140,000-150,000) Its not where they thought it would be by now. So they’re slowly weening me off my medicine. We discussed new treatments and what ifs long term. “What ifs” would be the worse case scenario and I pray I never have to think about it or ever come to those cliched bridges.

This Wednesday morning I’m suppose to begin my new treatment. Which I admit feels scary. Its brand new for me. Believe it or not its a type of chemo thearpy drug without the radiation. Unlike my current medicine there shouldn’t be any side effects, except for the acute ones. That’s where I guess I might be scared. The first couple of hours will be pretty important. The doctors and there staff will be monitoring me and doing what they can so I can avoid any acute side effects all together.

Now I’m not totally sure if I will have my first treatment this week. Unfortunately over the past two weeks both my parents caught colds. Being home and being on a drug that weakens your immunue system, I caught a little something too. This made my weekend suck as any plans I originally had and wanted to have pre mid-week treatment had to be postponed. Though If I feel better tomorrow I may try to get out. If you can believe it, I feel worse being sick with some common sinus cold then a blood disorder that could have killed me. If that’s not up there for irony, I’m not sure what is.

Posted in Health | 1 Comment »

November 8, 2005 by MrRi¢h.

A week ago was THE day FINALLY to see my hopeful new doctor. I had made it another week with no emergencies and all I had to do was wait until the afternoon to pick up an “approved” form and see the new doctor. Not so fast because that would be too easy.

My mom and I go down to the hospital and go to patient services/admitting. The same receptionists are there. I tell the same one who had no idea who I was (yet I had spoken to her previously) why I was there and whom I needed to speak to. Unfortunately my advisor I guess was at lunch. Fair enough, I was 20 minutes early. So mom and I waited…and waited. Supposedly the same receptionist was trying to get a hold of my er advisor. Now its almost 2:45 PM and my appointment with my new doctor is at 3:00. I’m about to make a plea when I see the advisor and almost with a quickness that would otherwise prove I’m not sick I go over to her. Turned out the WHOLE time all the receptionist had to do was go into the office, get my approved insurance paper and take my paper. I waited 45 min or so. When once I met up with my advisor, the whole ordeal took like 30 seconds. I told her, “this is why you have your job and she has hers.” I thanked her for all her help and we were on our way upstairs.

I didn’t have to wait too long in the waiting room. However I had to fill out what I would call the SATs of medical questionaires. Plus talk basically to a team of doctors. This was one reason I wanted to go to a group practice like this. You’re not always dependent on one doctor who only knows your case. I didn’t get to see my doctor until the end when we were trying to figure out “the plan.” Now I understand why. Part of it is that my doctor is the head of the department. Only the best for me!

Before I get into that as she and I are talking, I come to find out that their office staff never bothered to make a copy of my then, newest, low blood count. Otherwise this whole blog post would be different, well maybe. We, well basically she decided to admit me. I would have preferred not to have been, knowing my body and past treatments. While I didn’t like this, I had a feeling I wouldn’t be in the hospital long. Naturally my good attitude and humor came into play immediately.

That night I got my own private room (almost on par with a hotel room) and got situated. I was prepared to be there, at least for one night. My only real problem last week? Getting dinner after the kitchen closed. Someone was able to round up a passable turkey sandwhich, I still couldn’t wait until a real meal would come from home the next day.

At any rate I was giving a steroid I’ve been on before, except in a much high dosage. Blood tests were ordered and thank God, the low blood count had made a signigicant increase. It had better since I was admitted and the freakn medicine may have given me a low grade fever which made part of my night uncomfortable. If it wasn’t for such nice medical personnel and my loving, caring girlfriend, I’m not exactly sure how I would have got through it.

I was discharged the next day in the evening. You would have thought it would have been a longer day dealing with doctors, getting info, treatments, etc. It wasn’t that bad. The staff was friendly and both my doctors are great. One’s a guy who after having to talk to me about my health more times then he even wanted to, he began to get to know me. A welcome relief. Turns out we have some things in common and I think I might have made a new friend. After “hanging” out with the doc, my head doctor would come in the room to talk to my parents and I. She gave us more good news about my health improving and how we’ll proceed next. The doctor felt if I was feeling alright (interesting way to put it considering where I was) I could be treated as an outpatient.

So it began. Unlike back in August I’m in the right place and have the right doctors. For the most part the new, high dose of medicine has been working. Except for yesterday which was the worse for the side effects. Thankfully, that particular side effect has passed. I would never want that to come back.

I see my doctors on Thursday afternoon. So hopefully as it is a gradual process, I’ll begin to get off this steroid. And if works long term, no new medicines. Or if it doesn’t, they’ll continue to discuss new advances in ITP. With no side effects. Now that’s what I’m talking about.

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November 8, 2005 by MrRi¢h.

What the heck is the big blog update…volume 1? I think it will be the start of a multi or big blog update when I could have or couldn’t have made multiple postings.

We’ll begin with Saturday, October 29th, 2005. Originally (think from April 2005) my friend Bill and I were going to Chiller Theater Expo in East Rutherford, NJ. (Their will be no links in the BBU! Ha Hah). Chiller runs this expo with has been celebs (except for Ernie Hudson) and more 3x a year. It can be a heck of a lot fun, especially when you’re representing Ghostbusters like nobody else’s business in NJ. Unfortunately this year was not my year for any of the Chillers. With my health “situation” and on the verge of my final first appointment with my doctor, I was probably bummed that we’d miss out on the last one. I did think of what Bill told me, how they’d be running 2-3 more next year. Good point.

I still wanted to make some good on Halloween weekend and thought hey maybe some Halloween type movies would do the trick. First up Constantine. I admit that in a generation of “younger” actors, I like Keanu Reeves too much. Not that I go out of my way to see his new films or even make that kind of time to watch his DVDs. Thankfully, I do not own his CDs. I am probably sad for knowing the name of his band, Dog Star. Despite all this I assure you I am comfortable with my “straightness.”

Going back to when Constantine was first out. I had tried to get a copy of the movie in a way I wouldn’t condone. It was awful watching part of it on my iBook and so I bailed. When the 2 disc DVD came out with comic book (extras are usually gooder) I got it. For some reason never watched any of it until Saturday.

Now I don’t know anything about the comic unless the film has the same type of set up. Besides liking Keanu Reeves (yes Rich, we know, you went over this) the movie’s storyline interests me. Its sorta science fiction, it also involves us humans against higher powers. I’m a Christian (was raised Catholic) so the good vs evil vs man thing definitely peaked my interest. I don’t quite totally understand this film. A few more viewings, maybe checking out the extras will help. Just the idea that Keanu Reeves was sorta “the one” (think The Matrix) who acted like a ghostbuster with his cross “nutrona wand” who wanted to go to Heaven (think ala Devil’s Advocate) also sold me on wanting to see this. It also stars Rachel Weisz who is also kinda the one. Plus she fought mummies in ancient Egypt.

Maybe in the future I will review DVDs and movies I see. For now with Constantine I’ll say if you’re into the stuff that makes up this film, check it out if it interests you.

After watching the movie I thought I was going to watch a classic like Ghostbusters. For whatever reason that never happened. I think it might have been dinner time or around it. Either way I did something else.

We skip Sunday which brings us to Monday, October 31, 2005. Now since I was 10 years old (at least) I’ve been a Ghostbuster. My “obsession” is well documented on sites like ghostbustersinternational.com which I run. And I’m apart of my friend Bill’s “franchise” site, Ghostbusters-NJ. Again because of my health (with my hopeful, final first doctor’s appointment only 1 day away) I couldn’t do much. I still decided I’d try to don my black flightsuit with black pistol belt and black tactical boots. Not the combat ones, these are actually what the SWAT team would wear. Keep this visual in mind. It’ll come in handy soon enough.

On Halloween my mom and I went out to run some errands. The most noteable place was the one Shop-Rite I don’t like. While waiting in the express line for an only mom type of price check, another cashie saw my costume. I couldn’t expect everyone to know that in GB2 the characters had darker jumpsuits as well. This woman says to me after trying to figure my costume out, “Are you a security guard?” Now I expected something like this. Ghostbusters never seem to get the right “respect” at first on a new job. Especially when the gear is not in tow. Its Halloween, I usually have fun with this stuff. I continued to. “Security guards can’t catch ghosts or perform spook checks. I’m a ghostbuster. Didn’t the “no ghost” logo at least give it away?” Personally she couldn’t have cared less, she humored me for the moment. And while waiting for mom that brightened the day for the time being. What made being at Shop-Rite worth it, at least for mom was we got the item free. You advertise a sale price, the computer marks it up wrong, make good on it. And they did.

Later on Halloween, in the afternoon I couldn’t run up and down from the second floor of my pilatious estate. Of course this Halloween had to be warm and humid. At least it felt that way to me. Then again I was “sick,” so who knows. By then I wasn’t wearing the no ghost logo, but I did sit on my porch to give out candy until dinner time practically. Costumes and moments of note:

- My neigbor’s 3 year old grandson who was 60s style Adam West’s Batman. The little guy and I are close. We shared some bat stories and I took some pictures.

- Elementary/Middle school kids who were Giants. One kid was dressed as one of the team owners who had recently died. His friend was suppose to be a football player. Wasn’t wearing the costume because he was tired. I teased him about how much candy he would get. I made good.

- Other costumes from baby girls and girls were princesses and babies.

We had more children then the last couple of years. I guess that’s good. It also felt good to do something other then let my mind wander about the “what if” about my health. Which is coming up in BBU, Volume 2!

Posted in Movies | 1 Comment »

October 28, 2005 by MrRi¢h.

Healthcare, HA Hah! More then two weeks ago I had to make an appointment to see a new hematologist. For those who don’t know and are too lazy to Google it, a hematologist is a blood doctor. I need to have a regular one because of my blood disorder, ITP. That’s the short form of a long word that will have any spell checker freaking out. While I’d rather not get into the specifics of my illness, I will say these “specialized” doctors and insurance companies have caused me, a “sick” person more negative emotions then I need right now. And same goes to those who are close to me.

First it was a doctor who wouldn’t take my check and so wouldn’t see me. To be fair, it was his nurse who turned me away because I didn’t have cash. What kind of doctor doesn’t accept checks? Those close to me and I feel something is shady about that. When I am well its something I may look into more.

Thanks to him, I would have to “waste” time until I could see a new hematologist who works for a hematology center in a hospital. She only sees new patients on Tuesdays which in short brings me to this past week. When I made my original appointment about two weeks ago, I wasn’t aware I had to have my new, separate charity care before seeing this new doctor. Logically the one I already have should work since this hospital is owned by the same administration. That would be too easy. We know the government and insurance companies can never do anything the easy way.

My thinking wasn’t tuned to theirs and hopefully never will be. I arrive for my appointment early and I wait until I’m called. When it is, my time with a social worker? didn’t last more then ten minutes. Without approval on the new charity care I knew I’d get, I couldn’t be seen by the doctor. I had to explain how almost critical my health situation is. Either sympathizing or taking pity on me, she said she would speak to the doctor. While I’m explaining this to my parents for a few minutes, the social worker would return to tell me that without my “insurance” I’d have to reschedule my appointment. Which I have for next Tuesday afternoon. In the meantime the doctor will look over my new medical records. That’s the positive, because 3 days ago while I was at the hospital, there were no positive feelings. I really wish I had written this entry then. Because it would have been have one of the rare times you would see my dark side. lol

After rescheduling and while I was fuming I had to try to go see about applying for new charity care. Sounds easy right? Remember this is the government and the insurance companies we’re talking about. In order to even speak to someone about applying, you have to make an appointment. For some dumb, stupid (how kiddiesh of me) reason, you can’t have an appointment with patient services the same day you have a doctor’s appointment. Technically I no longer had an appointment. This doesn’t matter to them. I had to make an appointment with patient services for the following morning. Which again is stupid. I’m already there, why can’t I just settle this now? How busy can patient services be at 3:30 PM? Now I had to take my “sick” self back there.

Again, this is not racially motivated, a black receptionist, (I only said her skin color in this case because I think her thinking of my situation was stereotypical. Don’t give me that we’re all people, we’re all the same. We can all be Americans and still have different types of “cultures,” depending on our upbringing and at least where we’re from) is telling me step by step what I need to do when I come back and if I have an emergency step by step how they (the hospital) will take care of me. Even telling me at a mile a minute how they’ll get me a wheel chair. Shut up! Like I wasn’t nervous enough going to the hospital that day. That’s really what this part comes down to, how people I don’t need to comfort me are trying to.

The following day was a lot better given the situation. I returned to the hospital, met with someone from patient services, and was approved for my new charity care. The only thing I could have ranted about is how even though I’m approved, the way the document words it, I’m denied until my appointment day. This is when I’ll pick up another document (actually, just a carbon copy of the original) from the same person in patient services. Confused? Yeah me too.

Now we’re all hoping as of Tuesday, November 1, 2005 I’ll be able to be treated as an outpatient. My health (hopefully not the insurance stuff so much) is an ongoing “thing.” At this time it feels more like an inconvience then anything else. While it ain’t fun, reading about those around me (these outsiders) could be. Like crazy, blamed my mom for moving her stuff when my mom didn’t lady. This is why I gotta to try to write these posts on the same day as this crap happens.

Posted in Health | 2 Comments »

October 24, 2005 by MrRi¢h.

Today was one of those rare times when I went shopping for something other then what would fall into the category of entertainment. Not only did I go clothes shopping, (rare in itself) I actually found clothes that fit and bought them. Here’s the thing. I’m 5′7 (and a 1/2) when I don’t slouch. I’d describe myself as a “big dude” who has broad shoulders. When I was six years old, the rec league wanted me to be a quarter back for the kiddie football team. It also runs in the family. The broad shoulders, not playing kiddie league football.

So when I want or need “nice clothes” I usually shop at places like The Mens Wearhouse. Never giving a lot of thought to any franchise clothing store. Even though most places are preparing for winter, I’m still considering my er Fall line which will be great for Spring and maybe summer. Sure, if summer is spent inside an air conditioned environment. Being the GQ…no, Esquire kind of guy I am, I’ve been wanting to buy these casual, long sleeve sport kind of shirts.

After not finding these types of shirts that fit at Kohls last week, I remembered yesterday thanks to Rachel showing me some on-line one night that Old Navy sells them. Great, another store to check out. Usually when I know what I’m looking for, I’ll use the store’s website to make shopping easier. Or as an option in case the store doesn’t have the item in stock. Yesterday I go to oldnavy.com and it tells me the website is closed. WT Freak? I never heard of a website as being closed. I knew it’d be back. I checked back today before leaving to shop and the website reads something like how its not Mac compatible. If you’re a Mac owner, you understand how this makes me feel. I don’t hate Microsoft and I could care less if people think a “PC” is better then Macs. This is a debate and a rant that can go on. It might come up sometime, not in this post. I went shopping and felt good about my purchases.

Leaving Old Navy’s site behind to barely work even on an old outdated, no longer updated version of IE (what exactly are we exploring?) I went out to spend a nice afternoon with my mom. My mom and I are pretty close. Its not uncommon for us to go out, even if its just to run errands. Also in this case, I needed her to go with me because of my health. Another subject for another post. Coming sooner then we’d like.

We went to this shopping center (way better then yesterday’s Wizard Of Oz analogy) on this highway. Which was also near a few other stores we wanted to go. Once we were in Old Navy, it was almost the same old with these stores. I knew a “vintage” shirt wouldn’t fit, I was still hopeful. Thankfully a “regular” one did. It fit well and felt good to wear too. I was feeling pretty good. I ended up getting 2 of those. I would have liked to have gotten more, however the choice of colors in my size wasn’t the best. Think if someone tripped while applying paints. You can get away with that when you’re Picasso, not Old Navy.

I also needed jeans. I had bought 2 pairs last week at Kohls, unfortunately the “styles” of jeans didn’t fit. I’m not one to really try on clothes with the mentality that any item in my size should fit. That was the case last week. Now those need to be returned. I picked out 4 different styles of jeans and tried them on. I know you’re really interested in how well those fit around my bod, however I need to comment on the dressing rooms.

Sure “high end” snooty stores at the mall might have dressing rooms strategically placed where you need to have an employee unlock it. Then ask you if everything is ok like you’re in a bathroom for too long. Or kiss your butt by telling you how good you look when you know there clothes don’t fit right and are over priced anyway. Now Old Navy, it just seems they added dressing rooms as an after thought. By sticking what may as well be a unisex bathroom in the corner, at the back of the store. In order to try on clothes, you have to walk into the girls section of the store. I wasn’t uncomfortable and I’m not “sick in the mind,” doesn’t anyone else feel Old Navy made an error in judgement? Maybe they just thought more about parents and kids. To a 27 year old guy who wants to try on jeans and shirts, it doesn’t feel right.

If it matters at this point the jeans fit or were kinda baggy even though they all fit. I picked the “best” two.

Also of note, I’m normally a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy. Sometimes I gotta be “fancy” and for Fall 2005 I’m off to a decent start.

Posted in Shopping | 1 Comment »

October 23, 2005 by MrRi¢h.

Here’s a good way to start off my own blog. Never thought I’d be saying that and maybe more on that another time. Today, about mid afternoon my lunch wasn’t that great (this is what we’re going to read about, food?) so my mom and I decided we’d get something quick with empty calories. The decision, McDonalds. Who has the most amount of fast food restaurants around here. I just figured on the day of the Heart Walk where the sponsor Subway couldn’t come through, we head to McDonalds. It wasn’t even for the most basic of fast food, cheese burgers. I just wanted those Best Buy bucks. Yeah, what a deal. A few bucks for a large fries just maybe to get $3 from that promotion.

The real point of this post is to share my, “I’m a mark” story. No surprise that this McD. (like so many was busy and had the usual slow service) isn’t that far from Newark. The shopping center where McD is has a good, “nice, suburb side” and almost at the end where the fast food giant planted yet another golden arch is the more city, almost ghetto side. Just envision when The Wizard Of Oz goes from black and white to color.

While mom and I are waiting in the middle of what could be a line to the register, a black gentleman approaches me. I know a lot of you don’t know me yet. This isn’t a racist thing. I’m a nice guy and its my way if I can help, I’ll try. It could be too just to avoid conflict. It isn’t until later where I reget my decisions and/or actions. Which wasn’t quite the case today.

There we are waiting and this guy with coke bottle glasses says to me hello. My mistake maybe was to say hi back. You never know in that instant how not saying hello can make matters worse. He continues with, “I have diabetes and I’m homeless.” I’m thinking he’s gonna ask me for money. Oddly enough, in a different McDonalds in a train station, I was asked by a homeless guy for pennies so he could buy a cheeseburger years ago. I give this guy a once over trying to decide (by some criteria to me) if he is indeed homeless. By his Giants jacket and what seemed like his cleaniness, I really didn’t think he was homeless. Maybe something not right about him? Very possible. Yet, still in my mind, the nice, caring part of me, the part that wants to help is already thinking, ‘alright, I can give the guy two bucks. We’re suppose to help those less fortunate then us.’ That also depends on the situation which can be broken down, in a way what I’m doing now. Before I can say anything, he tells me, “I’m not asking for money.” The next moment happened so fast, I just knew he wanted me to buy him food.

The whole time, my mom was to my right watching, monitoring closely. I knew she didn’t want me to do anthing for him. She knows my heart was in the right place as was my intention. For once, that I shouldn’t be taken off guard. Maybe she knew the situation could become dangerous. I didn’t sense that yet. Get this. Where I’m still considering buying the alleged homeless guy an awful cheeseburger, he tells while acting appreciative he wants a quarter pounder with cheese. Are you kidding me? I don’t even buy my own family those. My next reaction would be crucial. Thankfully I kept my emotion in check. I told him something like that was too much. Again, my mom is giving me signals that I don’t need to give him anything. The guy moved closer as we were approaching the register. Someone else was watching us too, one of the golden arches’ managers.

The homeless guy gave us more space as the manager was dealing with him. Not that it would do any good long term today in that hour. The guy walked away, acting like he was staying to enjoy his meal. By then we had ordered and for a few minutes I didn’t see the alleged homeless guy. My mom and I were talking. I don’t know about my mom, I know I felt really uncomfortable, turning my neck to keep an eye out. It seemed to take forever to get our empty calories meal. Once we had it, we walked out the door, not looking right at him. The alleged homeless guy may or may not have seen us. He turned around to walk into the dining area.

Once mom and I were in our car, I locked all the doors. Staying locked until we drove home where my neighborhood is more shades of gray then Wizard Of Oz color.

And for my troubles, I didn’t even get any Best Buy bucks.

Posted in Food | 2 Comments »