January 2008 Archives

I walked into the Doo Dah After-Party scanning the crowd, hoping to see my longtime friend Russ, who had caught my attention on the parade route. He wasn't there. Almost an hour later I was sitting at a table feeling a little blue about missing him and to my surprise in walked Russ and his friend Mark.

I grabbed Russ in a big hug and jumped up and down with excitement (not very regal, but who cares? I'm the Queen, I make the rules). A long Sunday night drive back to San Jose wasn't going to stand in the way of his chance to hang out with me!

We chatted and I introduced Russ and Mark to Louise and Valerie of my Official Entourage. Louise (in her long black dress) wasted no time dragging Russ out to the dance floor and Valerie (in pink)  mugged with him for the camera.

Left behind, my friend Roc and I looked at each other. Well? What the heck, we decided to dance too. 

Horses on Astroturf took the stage-- not changing over Snotty Scotty and the Hankies' banner for theirs. But no one cared. We were there to party and the music was good.

Finally I got my turn to cut the rug with Russ. I remember that he wasn't much into dances during our high school years, but he always was a lot of fun. Today, he knows how to move fairly well on the floor and we made up for a few lost years...

During the party, Russ told me that he was fan of Rev. Billy and quite enjoyed the Reverend's film, "What Would Jesus Buy." I imagine, no, I know that Russ delighted in seeing my "saving episode" with the larger-than-life Rev. Billy. You may recall Russ' e-mail to me: "But the last pic in the set is worth having!" Yeah, Russ, I'll bet you'll enlarge that photo and hang it on your office wall.. not!

Russ likes anything a little off-kilter. He and I spent way too many Friday and Saturday nights at the "Rocky Horror Picture Show." We drove to some out of the way mortuary to see its "Last Supper in Wax" (which was kinda creepy). I've even assisted Russ when he had to do surgery on his bunny during a visit- I was the one fretting, "I think he's waking up!" So Doo Dah was a perfect match for my buddy, still, I wondered how his friend, Mark, was faring.

"That was one of the best parades I've ever been to," Mark beamed. "Actually, I think it was the best ever."

Mark's OK by me. And I'll bet he and Russ had a lot to talk about on the long drive back to San Jose.

As for me, more adventures were already on the horizon!

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A tad more than half-way through the Doo Dah After-Party, the bands had already changed over a few times. Snotty Scotty and the Hankies were leaving the stage for Horses on Astroturf to take another turn and Tom Costen of the Light Bringer Project took the moment to introduce one of the guests of honor, Grand Marshal Rev. Billy of the Church of Stop Shopping. With a knowing grin, he handed the microphone to Rev. Billy asking for a few words.

A few words turned into a very creative sermon on "Stick Around." Rev. Billy intoned us to examine the true meanings of the words stick around and verbally explored the virtues of all that is sticky and most of what is round, while motivating anyone peeking at the clock to stay for the next band.

People came from throughout the venue to form a semi-circle on the dance floor around the animated Reverend. He fired us up and had us yelling "Doojalujah," "Sticky" and "Round" with gusto. His sermon was as good as any fire and brimstone I've ever heard... and in many ways, better. This man knows how to move and inspire people. He is not just a good speaker-- he is pure charisma!

At the end of his speech, Rev. Billy sank to his knees, then face down, crawling on the floor toward me. Before I knew what was happening, he had slipped his head under my skirt and flipped over on his back in a rightfully exhausted heap. I was ripe with emotions, feeling giddy, slightly shocked and strangely honored all at one time.

I handed my drink to Tom Costen, who was by my side, he passed it on to someone else and from there it disappeared into the crowd. But no matter, I was Rev. Billy chosen one for this moment. I knelt down and gently unwound my tulle slip and satin skirt from his body and cradled his head. Slowly, Rev. Billy sat up and I gave him a big hug, letting him rest on me. He had given it his all, the sweat on his brow proved it. Another party-goer came over and we helped the Reverend to his feet and he trudged off to find a seat to properly recover.

Later, I had an opportunity to dance with the refreshed Rev. Billy. Man, can he cut a rug! Looks, talent, intelligence-- what a renaissance man!  Plus, when he learned I made my dress, he was quick to compliment me (remember, he is anti-consumerism), so I couldn't help but be a little star-gazed.

Photos by Ebb Eskew. For more, visit  www.flickr.com/photos/ebbeskew 

Learn more about Rev. Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping at www.revbilly.com

Tomorrow, read and see Doo Dah from another point of view...

......

After leaving the parade route, Tom drove the car back to the park. It was fun going through the city streets with all the decorations. Attticus and I still sat up high because I was unable to move from my spot without help. Carin and Tom were dressed in matching Grocho garb complete with cigars and Nikki, the cockatoo, was perched on the seat top in between them. We waved at everyone as we passed and grinned and laughed while waiting at stop lights. It was a hoot! The best part were the looks on people's faces who were obviously clueless about the parade- they didn't quite know what to make of us.

The police wouldn't let us re-enter the parade staging area to drop off until the last of the entries moved along the street, so Tom parked the convertible and we proceeded to wait. Gee whiz, there sure is a lot of waiting with parades.... hmmmm.... Carin decided to get out and go find her father, who was somewhere in the crowd. She wanted to also catch the last of the parade.

There we were- Tom, Nikkie, me and Atti sitting patiently. Tom is an amazingly patient man, who just relaxed and took in the scenery. Nikki, not so patient and definitely more nosey, worked her way around the car ending up next to me. Now I had Atti on one side and Nikki on the other, both leaning on me for a comforting cuddle as we waited.

Finally we were let through and, after dodging the streetsweeper several times, we parked safely near our original starting point. My Official Entourage found me and helped me out of the car. We also took the decorations off. Here, some of us parted ways. Carin, Tom, Nikki, Linda and a few others were heading home. Valerie, Cindy, Louise, Prince Andrew Duke of Doo Dah, Sir Rich of Music (from the Fret House in Covina) and others were going to meet me at the party.

Despite the complications of parking, let alone finding the place, we all ended up at the American Legion in East Pasadena for the Post-Doo Dah Party. Snotty Scotty and the Hankies were playing when I came in. They finished the song and then Scotty announced me and dedicated their next tune, "Little Queenie" (Rolling Stones), to me. I pinned one of my Doo Dah favors on him and joined him on stage for a little dancing. Scotty may not ever make it on "Dancing With the Stars," but he moves pretty well!

Next I worked my way through the room, thanking people who had helped me, greeting people who I hadn't seen earlier and talking with everyone. I also got out on the floor dancing with anyone and everyone. The Hankies traded the stage with Horses on Astroturf and the music continued. In between the bands I nibbled on nachos with chili and cheese and sipped a martini. But unbeknownest to me, my biggest surprises were yet to come....

 .....

The Doo Dah Parade helper signaled to Lafayette Hight, who was driving the Official Entourage car and he manuevered it into parade position. Tom Webb started up my convertible and Atticus sat up. We were finally rollilng - slowly, but we were moving!

There are no words to explain the mix of feelings that hit you when you take that first long look down the parade route. It's a blend of excitement, happiness and fear. There were so many people lining the streets and they were cheering and waving. It was surreal.

As we made our way down the road, I was able to pick out some people that I know- my mother, waving just like she did to see my school bus off each morning, the well-known society columnist Patt Dirrol standing fittingly in front of Tiffany's, my dear friend from high school, Russ Kriegel and his friend Mark, standing in front of Victoria's Secret (woo hoo), one of my most favorite co-workers Grace Reaza, plus another colleague cutie Todd Ruiz and so many others! 

Also along the way were many of my readers. How would I know that? you ask. Well, they were holding up the newspaper with my photo in it and waving it at me! Wow! Now that's an honor befitting of a Queen!

As we passed a balcony full of people, they cheered and tossed mardi gras beads down toward me. "These are for the Queen!" they yelled. And my faithful followers picked up the beads and passed them to me. It would be too involved to remove my crown, so I wound the beads around Atti's neck. He beamed, happy to be in the middle of everything.

Then the tortillas and marshmallows came flying past and at us. Atticus was a pro. He sat serenly by my side watching the incoming edibles without flinching. More intriguing was Nikki the cockatoo, who was also in the car. She was extremely calm and looked at all the things in the air as if to say, "That's your best aim?"

Time to time I would throw a marshmallow or tortilla back at the crowd with a big grin. I wanted to let them know that I was in on the fun. I managed to catch one tortilla and its thrower asked me to send it back. I planted a big red lipstick kiss on it and handed it to Deb, one of my ladies-in-waiting, to return to its rightful owner.

I waved and blew kisses and smiled until everything hurt.. and continued waving, blowing kisses and smiling. All the way down the route.

Then I saw the end nearing. "It's almost over," I sighed.

Sir Ben of the Arts took my hand. "My Lady, it's not over, it's merely the beginning of another chapter of your life," he said. 

I had to agree.

At the end of the route the cars had to go one way, with the walkers going another. We hoped to meet up at Memorial Park or the after-party.  To find out who showed up and to see some of the fun, come back tomorrow....

 We were told that it was time to get in the cars and make any last minute preparations for our trek down the Doo Dah Parade route. I looked at Carin and Tom's classic Ford almost entombed with garlands and decorations and at my pouffy dress with its long train and wondered just how the heck was I going to get in the car?!?!

Problem solved. My Knights and their Pages served me well, helping me step up across the convertible's door, over the decorations and find my place. They handed me my scepter, sword and the guitar pinata Lady Louise of my Official Entourage gave me and I set them on either side of me. The Pages smoothed my dress across the trunk of the car and eased its train so it flowed all the way down the back. Then they handed up Atticus.

Atticus quickly made himself comfortable, sitting sweetly by my side. And so, we waited. It was warm. We waited. It looked like the parade was starting. Never mind. We waited.

Sir Ben, Knight of Art, suggested that Atticus might like a little walk in the park and asked for a plastic bag. He took Atti to sniff the trees and wiggle his toes in the grass. They returned a few minutes later. Sir Ben handed me back the plastic bag saying (almost sadly), "He didn't make any presents." I laughed and took Atticus in my arms for a big hug.  "Did you have a nice walk?" I asked. Atti wagged his tail. And we waited.

Atticus layed down next to me and stretched his legs to better catch the sun's warmth. Soon he was dreaming. How patient! And how smart!

And we waited....

Please enjoy more photos from Ebb Eskew, as well as few from a very cool Flicker photo sharing site.

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The sun was out and warming the world as we began the long wait to parade step-off. I spent most of the morning shaking hands, giving hugs, chatting and posing for photographs. Atticus couldn't have been more perfect- he wagged his tail at everyone and lapped up the attention with grace.

My brother Jason and several of my friends managed to find me in all the madness too, and took even more photos!

Tiring of the wait, I suggested that my Official Entourage, Knights and assorted Pages and Squires take a walk around the staging area so we could see the other parade entries. A bagpiper kindly offered his services to lead the way. Prince Andrew, the Duke of Doo Dah followed him to announce me. Then single-file came my Official Entourage- Cindy, Linda, Louise and Valerie. Sir Ben of the Arts gave me his arm and took Atticus' leash and one of his ladies carried the train of my gown. More pages fell in after us, as did Sir Gustavo of Fun and Frivolity and his Page, Miss Havisham, and Sir Fred of Sports. We made quite the procession! 

We were met with cheers and applause along the way, plus lots of smiles. Soon it would be time to get into my "carriage" (a 1962 Ford Galaxy Sunliner convertible) and face my loyal subjects.

Please enjoy a nice photo showing my gown's long train from Movie Lover at LAist.com, a photo of me waving from the convertible with Atticus by side from SignsonSanDiego.com and a collection of other parade scenes by Ebb Eskew. Just a tease to the next installment of my story.... 

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Friday night I did the final fitting and accessorizing for my big day. I donned my dress and crown and searched through my jewelry boxes for the perfect necklace and earrings (I already had bracelets from two of my friends and another was bringing me gloves and a huge bling ring for the car ride). Finally pleased, I set everything out so Saturday night I could relax.

I worked on Saturday covering NAMM, the music industry trade show, in Anaheim, then ate a good dinner. I went to bed early and couldn't sleep- my mind was filled with the sights and sounds of the day, as well as busy rechecking my list of the things I needed for Doo Dah. I finally decided to get up and have a cup of tea. Atticus, who was snoozing at my feet, came bouncing to the couch and pushed one of his toys into my hands. We played as I sipped. I sat up with only the light from the TV for about 45 minutes and then decided to try to sleep again. This time, Atticus curled up by my side as if to comfort me. It worked and I woke up just before the alarm rang.

I jumped in the shower and prepared as much as possible- selecting sweat pants to wear during my drive to Pasadena so my skirt wouldn't get squashed. It was sooo early when I got to the park that nothing was open and I had to do a Girl Scouts' change in the parking structure. For those of you who were not Girl Scouts, this is changing your clothes in your sleeping bag or by layering and peeling various items of clothing so you don't surprise anyone passing by and keep your tushie warm if you're camping. Of course, Atticus didn't have to do this, but he stood nice and still as I tied on his cape.

We made our way to Memorial Park and met the news crew. During almost every break throughout KTTV's newscast from 7-8 a.m., we were on camera. It was sooo cold in the park that, in between, I wrapped Atti in my coat to keep him warm. After the broadcast, most of our entry (my Official Entourage and Drivers) had arrived and we went en masse to the Senior Center to enjoy the pancake breakfast.

More on my adventures tomorrow, but if you'd like a sneak peek, visit

http://sgvtribune.mycapture.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=412366

                                                                               I'm extremely tired after my big day yesterday. It began at 5 a.m. and didn't end until almost midnight!! But as royalty, I must not complain- it was an opportunity for all my loyal subjects to pay homage at one time and enjoy a beautiful - and wacky - day. Thank you to everyone for their love and support. More of my Doo Dah thoughts and experiences throughout the week...

'Til then, here's a lovely photo taken by my new friend Marlyn of me with her sister, Joanne, and the Royal Dog Atticus at Memorial Park before the parade. Enjoy!  

Have you been practicing your etiquette? Your curtsey or bow? I hope so because on Sunday I will be finally making my way down the streets of Pasadena for the 31st Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade and I expect - no - command you to be there.

It's going to be the biggest party ever, plus there's breakfast at the Pasadena Senior Center and all kinds of other eateries in the area. Later, if you don't want to hit the pubs or the after-parties, stretch your legs and shop - window or otherwise. Pasadena is a wonderful city with many treasures waiting to be found.

Because I will not be available to blog tomorrow, I will now make a ROYAL PROCLAIMATION:

Here ye! Here ye! Her Royal Majesty, Queen Naughty Mickie, requests the presence of her loyal subjects for a day of frivolity and happiness. She asks that Her loyal subjects bathe in Her sunshine and sparkles as She and Her Royal Court make their way down the unofficial route. She also gives permission to said loyal subjects to approach her with any requests, honors and so forth. Her loyal subjects may also pet the Royal Dog, Atticus.

Carry on, as you were...

For more information, please scroll further down my blog or visit www.pasadenadoodahparade.info. 

Dear Readers,

My mommy, who you know better at Queen Naughty Mickie, left her computer on, so I'm sneaking the opportunity to write on her blog! Shhh... don't tell!!  She told me that I'm going to have a very exciting day on Sunday, but I'll have to wake up very early. This isn't a problem because I like to watch the sunrise and listening to the birds chirping as they stretch their wings. Then, if my mommy is sleeping on her back, I crawl on to her chest and stare into her face until she wakes up so I give her a big "happy morning" kiss! Oh, but I'm rambling...

Sunday I get to wear a cape that matches my mommy's dress. It has jewels and glitter and tiger fur on it. I will meet all the people at the Pasadena Senior Center and in Memorial Park having fun before the parade. Do you think they will let me eat pancakes at the senior center's breakfast?  How many pancakes do you think I can eat?? The correct answer is-- all of them!

I understand that I will also have to behave because the people from television and newspapers will be there to talk to me. I hope the Food Channel people come and bring me some samples from their barbecue show. Oooo and the Animal Planet people and the friendly folks from the "Dog Tales" show- they feature lots of heroic and smart dogs on their shows and I'm smart and heroic, plus I'm very cute! Mommy said that KTLA is going to interview us between 7 and 8 a.m. on Sunday and there will be some of her reporter friends there too.

Later I will get to ride in a convertible (I love the wind in my face!) and smile at all the people on the sidewalks. I would wave, but I need to keep my balance while the car is moving, I hope the people will understand that tail wags are twice as good as paw waves!! But you can wave back with your paws- OK?!

I think mommy's remembered about the computer so I have to go. See you Sunday!!

Paws up,

Atticus 

I think my gown is done. What I mean is that you can never be too sure~ it might need more glitter (you can never have too much glitter!) or a tad more fitting...  but I could wear it today if I wished. I did, however, select to don more business-like attire so as to not appear too comeuppety to my co-workers.

I want to encourage all of you to join me Sunday for my big day. To show you how much fun it will be, look at this photo of me and Sierra Madre Sue at Gem City Grill in Monrovia during the Pre-Doo Dah Party. See? That's just the start of fun, so you know that there's even more to follow! Here's the day's itinerary:

8-11:30 a.m. All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast

Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St.

$6, includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, juice and coffee

www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org

11:30 a.m. 31st Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade

Steps off from the corner of Raymond Avenue and Holly Street, proceeds south on Raymond, then west on Colorado Boulevard to Pasadena Avenue.

 OFFICIAL DOO DAH PARADE AFTER-PARTY

 hosted by the Light Bringer Foundation, featuring live music from SNOTTY SCOTTY & THE HANKIES and HORSES ON ASTROTURF, immediately following parade.

AMERICAN LEGION HALL, 179 N. Vinedo Ave., East Pasadena

 $5 admission, 21 & over. CHEAP food & drinks, raffles, more Doo Dah fun!

The Queen will be in attendance at all these events, as well as other places throughout Pasadena during the day.

As I had mentioned yesterday, I had a wonderful time seeing off Esotouric's Black Dahlia Crime Bus Tour from Vroman's in Pasadena. Esotouric owners and extraordinary tour hosts, Richard and Kim, have now made a series of photos from the tour available for all to see, visit

http://blackdahliavromans1-13-08.notlong.com/

For more info on Esotouric and its upcoming adventures, visit www.esotouric.com

I also recently told you that I had given up searching for the "perfect gown" and have decided to make one myself. Here's some photos of a few of the many steps I am going through. I selected lush fabrics, lots of ribbons, some hefty handfuls of jewels, a swish of sequins and other embellishments. I used my serger (overlock sewing machine) to put the dress together and am doing the rest by hand. I made Atticus' matching cape over the weekend. Now you know to look for a smiling woman in a coppery skirt with a cute dog... but the final style is still secret!

Enjoy!!

....... ......

Before I launch into my lesson-for-the-day, I would like to thank everyone who came out for the Pre-Doo Dah Party Saturday night. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed dancing during my set, on stage with Aluminum Marshmallow and throughout the night. Seeing off Esotouric's Black Dahlia Crime Bus Tour from Vroman's Sunday was also a blast. The riders got my jokes and seemed genuinely interested in the facts I dug up about 1947.

 My last thank you goes to Bill Cagle and his friends who sent me some photos from the Open Mic Night at the Fret House in Covina. Bill's the cutie with the guitar who I'm cuddling (I hope his wife doesn't mind!). The other gentleman offered up some nice solo guitar stylings and then had his banjo/harmonica playing friend join him on stage for an upbeat tune that got the crowd going.

Now for the lesson... Many people have asked me why I kept returning to audition for queen and participate in the Doo Dah Parade. Once I learned what the Light Bringer Project does with the money it earns from the event, I was hooked. Here's a little write-up on how the parade helps the community that may have you looking at the parade in a whole new way:

We’d like to extend our appreciation to THE GAS COMPANY for their continuing support of our Parade’s VIP Reception. THANK YOU FOR COMING AND HAVE A GREAT DOO DAH DAY!!

I have a nice full weekend and I'd love to share it with you. Well, not tonight because I'm meeting with Miss Louise of my Official Entourage to work on decorations for the parade... but you can see me Saturday and Sunday. I'll be happy to chat with you and even give you my autograph and some advise if you wish at either of these two must-do events:

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Prince Andrew's Birthstravaganza & Pre-Doo Dah Party

As the big Doo Dah day draws near, I need select the perfect gown. I have consulted with vendors, designers, my friends and my mother. Many have great ideas, some have outrageous ideas and some have blah ideas, but in all cases the ideas are expensive- still, spare no expense for my day in the royal sun, I say.

Miss Cindy of my Offiicial Entourage graciously invited me to her home last night to look over and try on some of the outfits submitted by the Official Court Seamstresses (I think they're actually little gnomes. Like garden gnomes, but with needles and thread, tiny sewing machines and enormous bad taste). Unbeknownist to me, Cindy has two fashion experts in residence- her dogs, Zeke and Kujo. These pups have their paws on the pulse of style!... And they aren't shy about letting you know that a dress simply is not for you.

  As I played dress-up, Cindy kept her camera clicking so we could share the moment with you. Please note my Cuddly Courtiers in two of the shots. Kujo, the setter/Dalmation/pointer wonder dog, admits that he has an affinity for spots, particularly animal print spots, but thought this little leopard number was dated. Zedd, the Labrador/mystery mix, convinced me that style searching can be taxing, so it's always good to take a little break for play-- it keeps the mind fresh.

Unfortunately this little fashion foray proved fruitless, so I now have plans to take the matter into my own hands and make my dress. Let's see what Kujo and Zedd have to say about that! 

The Doo Dah Parade's select and savvy committee chooses a "Thorny Rose" for every run down the route. This year, they have decided that Wayne Lusvardi (scourge of Measure D and chairman of Citizens for Responsible Government) makes the grade and, perhaps not so surprisingly, is a bit disgruntled about receiving the honor.

Read more about Lusvardi and the "Thorny Rose" in a story by my fellow staff writer, Janette Williams:

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_7923062

Personally, I think Lusvardi is in dire need of a sense of humor. Too bad he will miss all my good jokes on Doo Dah day!!

Local author, newspaper columnist and women's rights activist Ellen Snortland and her fiance, Ken Grumberman, will celebrate their upcoming nuptials at the Doo Dah Parade with the GruberSnort Wedding Shower. I called Ellen and spoke with her about the engaging entry- she was delightful!

Ellen said that their parade entry will feature her and her beloved in a shower set up on a flatbed truck followed by more than 30 guests in bathrobes and towels. Sounds like fun to me! I was doubly charmed when Ellen asked for my advice as to what she and Ken should wear behind their shower curtain~ it may be a little too chilly to go au natural. I offered a few suggestions and told her that I would be happy to drop by and bless their union, as only the Doo Dah Queen can. Please cheer loudly for the Gruber Snorts as they pass you on the route. Hip, hip, huzaa!

To learn more about the intriguing Ellen, visit www.beautybitesbeast.org, a site for her documentary film in progress. From here, you can visit her links and discover all her secrets!

The man in black keeps showing up at many of the same places around town that I do. No, he's not Johnny Cash. No, no, he's not the Grim Reaper. No and no again, he's not some goth dude! He's none other than Eagle, a true gentleman down to the boots and the hat. Eagle sent me an e-mail today, asking me if I would help spread the word for his group. After looking at the photo of me and Valerie at McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World in Altadena that he sent, how can I resist?

Here's the plea from Eagle:

We need more men volunteers who what to be in The Country Gentlemen group for the DooDah parade.  The group is 12 Country Gentlemen, we have 4 at this point, that would make a need for 8 more, but we would like to have a back up of 2.  So, that makes 10 needed.

Here are the qualifications.

1.  Must look in reasonably good shape and have a little rhythm.  Race and age is not a big factor, however we would prefer 30+
2.  Must have black regular cowboy boots and black slacks, not jeans.
3.  Must we willing to rehearse some evenings and sunday afternoon and every evening the Monday before the parade.
4.  Must be willing to help with the parade staging and arrive at 8:00 AM parade day.
5.  Pay $30 for the custom embroidered CG shirt.  The fifty ($50) dollar CG Wilton hat will be theirs to keep, if they show up parade day.
6.  Most important... must be a "gentleman."

*** NEWS FLASH ****

Queen sightings expected throughout Saturday

with intermittent showers of smiles, flashes of photos and an outpouring of happiness.

Yes, it's really true! You have two opportunities to meet me tomorrow. I will be armed with 5"x7"s to autograph for you and flyers with Doo Dah Parade info. I'll also be happy to pose with you for your own photos and chat with you on almost any topic. Here's where you can meet me:

 APPEARANCE 1:

Body Art Expo at Fairplex, Pomona.

11 a.m.- around 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5

See and meet tatto  o and body modification artists, shop for clothes and gifts and more. You can meet my Official Entourage Valerie here too!

www.bodyart.expo.com

APPEARANCE 2:

Open Mic Night at the Fret House, 309 N. Citrus Ave., Covina

7:30 p.m.- end of show, Saturday, Jan. 5

Performers: sign-ups are at 7:30 and the show begins at 8. You have two songs or 10 minutes.

This is a very family-friendly, performer-supportive venue that offers a unique opportunity to enjoy emerging and established talent.

(626) 339-7020 or www.covina.com/frethouse

Upcoming appearances:

8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 Prince Andrew's Pre-Doo Dah Party & Birthstravaganza at Gem City in Monrovia. $1 cover, which will be donated to Tree People USA. I will not only appear, but I will dance with my swords! Watch here for additional details.

11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 Esotouric's Black Dahlia Crime Bus Tour leaving from Vroman's Book Store in Pasadena. I will be assisting with tourist check-in, giving a short historical talk and officially launching the bus for a safe trip. This is a great tour for crime and history buffs alike. Visit www.esotouric.com to join the fun.

I hope to see you at one or all of these events!!

  Sometimes good things take patience and sure enough, I have just received some photos from my appearance at Mr. T's Bowl in Highland Park on Dec. 21. As you know, I proclaimed Gus Hudson the Knight of Fun and Frivolity during the show that evening and photographer Patti Morrison was kind to record the goings-on. Her first photo shows me with the event's emcee, Andrew of the band Andrew's Bad Stuff. He is also known as Prince Andrew, Duke of Doo Dah and it is his job to take care of the queen during the parade. I intend to make him work hard- "Get me some more champagne," "Please take Atticus for a little walk on the lawn," "Is my Official Entourage hungry?," etc. etc. Oh yes, Doo Dah will be so much fun! ... For me, at least....

The rest of Patti's photos show me knighting Sir Gus, him kissing my hand (as it should always be) and the two of us grinning for the camera. Thank you, Patti!!   Enjoy!

I'll admit it. I spent part of yesterday morning watching the 119th Rose Parade on my television while in my pajamas and sipping a mimosa. Still, I wonder what's all the fuss. Sure it's beautiful and, yes, it's statistically stunning, but it's almost the same every year. But the Doo Dah Parade takes the phrase "expect the unexpected" to heart. To further make my point, let's have some fun and compare the two:

PARADE LENGTH

Rose: 5.5 miles

Doo Dah: 5+ blocks

FLOATS

Rose: 46

Doo Dah: Unknown until the last minute

PRIZE WINNING FLOATS

Rose: 24

Doo Dah: Prizes?! We don't need no stinking prizes.

FLOATS TOWED

Rose: 4 (Sierra Madre, Portuguese-American Community, Cal Poly Universities and Glendale)

Doo Dah: Who needs a tow? Just push the entry down the home stretch!

BANDS

Rose: 23

Doo Dah: Snotty Scotty and the Hankies for sure, then whatever bands that have survived the party the night before and managed to wrangle a flatbed truck and set up their gear.

BAND MEMBERS TREATED AT PARADE END FOR NAUSEA, VOMITING AND BLISTERS

Rose: 25-30

Doo Dah: Before or after the bars open?

EQUESTRIAN UNITS

Rose: 18

Doo Dah: Do dachshunds, beagles and pugs count?

HORSES SPOOKED BY FLOAT FIREWORKS

Rose: 3, including the USC Trojan mount

Doo Dah: None. Musicians with hangovers don't like loud fireworks

DANCERS TREATED AFTER BEING STEPPED ON BY A HORSE

Rose: 1

Doo Dah: None. Although my lap might get bruised from my dog Atticus jumping up and down on me as we ride down the route in our classic convertible

OVERNIGHT ARRESTS

Rose: 22

Doo Dah: How many bands showed up intact for the parade? Headcount please...

LAW-ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ASSIGNED

Rose: 1,200

Doo Dah: Just enough to keep things safe without ruining the party

WEATHER

Rose: sunny; overnight low 45, high 75

Doo Dah: guaranteed to be sparkly!

GRAND MARSHAL

Rose: More than 100 "Bam" signs waved when Grand Marshal Emeril Lagasse's car swung on to Colorado Boulevard

Doo Dah: At least one Starbuck's that must be avoided when Grand Marshal Rev. Billy swings on to Colorado Boulevard.

ATTIRE

Rose: 5 Beijing Olympics characters in costume

Doo Dah: Hundreds of characters in costume (even some that dress that way every day)

DEMONSTRATORS ARRESTED FOR PROTESTING

Rose: 1 against China's Olympic float (for carrying a placard that blocked spectators' view)

Doo Dah:  None- they're in the parade

WEIGHT OF THE QUEEN'S CROWN

Rose: 2 pounds

Doo Dah: just shy of 2 pounds, but even more sparkly!

Don't miss the 31st Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade Jan. 20. Visit www.pasadenadoodahparade.info for all the details!