Wednesday, June 18, 2008

A Call To Arms (literally) for Amtrak

As you might think I'm getting a little worried that only me, DJ and and shakenbsis will be painting the Amtrak Station Saturday at 10:30. If you are coming it would ease my pain to know we will not be alone.

Anybody coming from Oshkosh? I received an email from
he/she is a regular blog reader.

PLUS - someone call the press about painting Amtrak. it's newsworthy - Columbus Citizens Take Matters Into Their Own Hands.
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The parents of Jack Taylor should be ashamed! "Taylor's parents tracked down his agent to make sure he'd get the hat". Good Grief. Nothing like begging right? So many more deserving kids would like that hat (and would wear it correctly).

I wonder if they did the work and stood in line for 14 hours like the rest of the parents with kids?
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OK - As we all know shakenbsis's birthday is Saturday and I found the greatest present for her.

This is an outstanding find. Betty - I called the place and said "I would love to have your 40 pound barn cat. Can you deliver it?" They said "SURE!! where to." I gave them the address and they asked "should we leave it in the driveway." I thought this was odd but I said "do you think it will get away?" They said "no, it's not going no where".

"SWEET" I said and they said "Yes it is". AND GET THIS!!! They have MORE! I don't know what they are feeding these cats but perhaps I'll start sending them to all of you. Maybe to everyone that orders postcards! HECK! Only $14.99!!! Can't beat that!!
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Remember that photo in the last blog with Blake under the steering wheel? We'll, small story about that. We had just gotten done with some really good pizza at Diggers and had decided to go see a sunset. However both DJ and I felt a little . . . . . growley in the bowley and a little rumbly in the tumbly. But we both knew where we were going was a convenient place to . . . . . go if things started to move (so to speak).

So I was out taking photos and there was thunder and the rain started and . . . . . things started to move . . . . . FAST!!! It's raining now and I go to hop in the car and there is Blake and HE WON'T MOVE!!! BLAKE - COME ON - I pull and push but he is unmoving! - BLAKE! I GOTTA GO. He would not budge. BLAKE NOW - THE CLOCK IS TICKING. AAAAGGHHHHHH!!!!!

Man that dog can be a pain sometimes.

We almost had to pick him up and move him manually!

The story had a happy ending.

I did get this photo.


The couple is unknown and I went up to them afterward and introduced myself and showed them what I took. I hope they contact me to get a copy. They had never been in Door before.

The next photo is behind where Blake had his ice cream cone. Funny thing is that after his ice cream cone he found a dead fish and thought he was now in heaven. Ice cream and dead fish! WOW - paradise.


This photo was from one of the many lookouts in Peninsula State Park. They is Green Bay on the left (the water part).


And before I forget. Michelle Martin Photography. It is not often you can watch a photographers career take off and I look forward to seeing her do outstanding things in the coming years. She is a budding photo star and I can't wait to see what happens next!
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What's all this stuff I'm hearing about Columbus and it's Firemen. Someone want to give me the low down from both sides??
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Off to Menard's to get garage shelving.
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I am SO out of touch with Public Enemies!!

Rod M

69 comments:

  1. Yes I too am curious to know what happened with the firemen. I have heard from a few people that the whole situation down there the past week was poorly run and managed.

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  2. fireman? What's going on?

    I agree... How pushy and rude of that kid's parents... Geez... JD was sweet enough to say sure!! Yet they push the issue!!
    But I'll play devils advocate here.. If his parents didn't contact the agent... How would have he gotten it? Did he give jerry his address? Anyone know?

    And seriously, if JD gave me a hat, heck anything.. LOL I wouldn't wear it!

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  3. All one would have to do is a little research to find out that his sister is his assistant and go from there. The 'net is aplenty with information, you just have to know how to look for it. Obviously they wanted the thing bad enough to look and pursue. Shame on them. But props to JD.

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  4. Hi Rod!

    Great Pics today. The people watching the sunset is just DARLING! I hope they contact you.

    As for Public Enemies:

    They finished filming in Milwaukee as you prob. know, then went down to Chicago last week Friday. This week they are filming prison scenes in Joliet, Illinois...then after that it is rumored they are going back to Chicago. Dates unknown on that one.

    Some people have said this week Friday/Sat, others next week. Anyone know which days?

    Poor Blake! He is scared of thunder and lightning. So are my dogs. They hide in the closet, or under the computer table. I have told them many times that under the computer is NOT a safe place in a storm LOL

    Vicky

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  5. Rod,
    Not to be picky and I understand. No hard feelings.
    Angel is a girl or at least last time I checked I was a girl which was this morning. I think my mother was nuts to name me Angel when my last name is Elmer. It really does throw people off.

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  6. Betty is getting a 40 lb cat Saturday? Woohoo! Can't wait to see that introduction. (Note to self: If getting Betty a b-day present, make it Iams)!

    I'll come down for a little while to help on Saturday, but it's the middle of my heavy work week, so I can't stay all day.

    Awesome pic of the couple and the sunset!

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  7. Hey Rod,

    I want to come help, and so do some of the other whoosies, but I have to work until 1:00. Will you still need help after that? If you do, then I'll be there, and maybe bring some friends!

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  8. I heard the hat story first on people.com, then came here to find out the REAL story.

    http://tinyurl.com/5oq7kq

    People magazine didn't mention anything about the parents contacting the agent, so the story was much sweeter. What a difference a sentence makes.

    Also, speaking of the Depp family connection, Johnny has a half-brother, Daniel, who will publish his debut novel next year:

    http://tinyurl.com/5cxwyq

    sam

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  9. According to WKOW TV they were stealing shovles but that is all it would say. The Johnny Depp hat story was also on TMZ's web page yesterday. Wonderful pictures Rod


    Shannon-Fall River

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  10. Rod,
    Krisx and I will be there on Saturday.

    One other thing. I'd like to encourage Columbus residents and visitors to support the local businesses (especially now). Some of us have lost possessions in the flood but their livelyhoods have been affected. Mullin's (who is still probably bailing out) and ABC Lettering to name just two of the business severely affected by the waters.

    I'd also like to put in a plug for the Red Bud Bakery and Bistro. They opened just prior to the filming and flooding and haven't had a fair shake at getting established.

    By the way, how is (Kurth) Friday looking? We could really use beer.

    LHL

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  11. Rod,
    Count me in on the painting!!!!!
    Should we bring anything?

    A 40lb Barn Cat!!!!
    WOW!!!!! Is Right!!!!
    Shaken will be happy with that B-Day Present!heehee!!!!!

    ~robbi

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  12. I could use a Kuth greatly, however it might be a trip to Chicago to see Mr Depp and demand his sperm and pester all his agents to make sure he follows through and then go on television about it never happening.

    I was also planning on painting, but agian that depends on the -sperm- I mean filming schedule. And Vicky and Rachel.

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  13. I'll be Kurthing - RIGHT after walking 18 holes so I might fall asleep.

    Mullins is a great place - go there a lot.

    BTW - do any of you know what a "Barn Cat" really is ? LOL

    Angel - HA - never put 2 and 2 together. The last name through me!

    I BET we are still paining at 1:00 - if not there will be food I bet.

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  14. LHL!!!! How did you and Kris fare from the flooding??? We haven't heard from you guys for awhile?!?!?!

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  15. Okay, I googled it. 40 lb "barn cat" is cat food. LOL!

    Good to see you checking in LHL! I can afford two beers and will be at Kurth's in my usual late fashion. :D

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  16. here is an article about where PE is filming today..
    http://tinyurl.com/5cmhso

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  17. Wow Rod! Thanks for the props on your blog. I appreciate the good word. :)

    I will be there Saturday with my painting apron on!

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  18. Hi Rod & all, for those of you who didn't get to Madison for filming in May...I put up a little video clip on my blog for you. Those of you that were there...have a quick stroll down memory lane!

    http://tinyurl.com/4aw7xn

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  19. So it looks like for the painting party so far we have:

    Rod, DJ, Jenny(until 1:30), Shaken, Krisx, LHL, Michelle, Suz, Robbi, Osh(Maybe), and Cassie & Friends(after 1pm).

    Anyone else coming?

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  20. Thanks SO much Maegen! I'm heading out in about 30 min! Wish me luck!

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  21. I would love to come and paint, but it depends on if Osh and Rachel and I are going to Chicago. We are waiting to hear what's going on with pE filming. If we do not go, then I will be at the Kurth, and at the painting. I may also be bringing a surprise guest (Sir Jack) LOL

    vicky

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  22. Good luck Becky! If I knew where Lockport (or whatever the town name is) I would go as well.

    Sounds like it is going to be a fun shoot! How could JD, and an italian restaurant NOT be fun!!!

    vicky

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  23. I google maped it... seems really close to Joliet... come on... let's go! =)

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  24. i would totally go if i could.. too far!

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  25. yeah it's like a 4 hour drive for me :(

    Otherwise I would totally go.

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  26. Aww... 2 hours for me... ok.. well, thanks again for the info.. hopefully I'll see something, not like Monday.

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  27. I hope when the new wears off and the stories are silent that "THE HAT" doesn't show up on eBay. :(

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  28. Here is the news story on the suspension of the deputy fire cheif, emergency management director, and firefighter...

    http://tinyurl.com/4azo8c

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  29. All I know is that emergency management director Bob Zapotocny would be the one that ordered people to leave their pets behind!

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  30. I'm still mad at the firefighter who told Josh to turn off our electricity. They said we should go in and turn it off because they were gonna shut down power to the entire block. So we turned it off right before we evacuated. So then our sump pump had to stop running. We come to find out later that they never turned the power off to our block. So we could have had the sump pump running the whole time and maybe we wouldn't have gotten 4 ft in our basement!

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  31. I am still planning on coming to paint. Is there anyone who is even remotely close to Oshkosh if not in Oshkosh how I can ride/drive with. I don't mind driving but I would rather not drive alone.

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  32. um, the Tim Russert Memorial Service is making me cry.
    In case y'all were wondering.

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  33. Angel, I am in Oshkosh...depending on if some of us go to Chicago depends on what time I show up to paint...I would be more than happy to have you ride along. My email is on my profile page.

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  34. HOPE THIS HELPS


    Five more counties, including Winnebago, declared disaster areas
    MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin Emergency Management says five more counties have been declared federal disaster areas because of storms and flooding.

    Spokeswoman Lori Getter says President Bush has added Dodge, Green, Waukesha, Washington and Winnebago counties to the list.

    The declaration frees up Federal Emergency Management Agency grants and low interest loans to help people recover from a series of thunderstorms that dumped 6 to 12 inches of rain across much of southern Wisconsin last week.

    The National Weather Service says some areas got 16 inches of rain. Late last week, Bush declared seven counties disaster areas: Crawford, Columbia, Milwaukee, Richland, Racine, Sauk and Vernon

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  35. I was just in Joliet a few hours ago. There wasn't much at the Joliet Prison that we could see so we attempted to turn on the road (with all the security. As expected they asked us to turn around. However they allowed 3 or 4 trucks/cars out of the prison first. We followed them and ended up at what I believe was the Statesville prison. We continued acting like we knew where we were going, and ended up on some set of a gas station. It was a very neat set (and we were definitely not supposed to be there). I attempted to inconspicuously snap some pics, and I will send Rod the best of them later.

    After talking to Becky and hearing about the Lockport scene I'm thinking I may drive back there soon. Mapquest is saying it should only be 30 min.

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  36. I will be there with cookies nad BYOPB, and Rick and our kiddies will be there also if I properly bribe them!

    Awesome photo of the sunset.

    That article about the fire dept. & emergency guy tick me off! I hope none of it is true...stealing shovels! Come on, really?

    My lips are smacking for a Kurth night right now and it's only Wednesday. Betty, are you coming this way?

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  37. The postcards are flying out of the West James Gallery...another local business that features local and area artists (sorry for the plug) We could use some pictures in here, too, to sell.
    And if anyone is interested in revitalizing the downtown we are having a presentation next Tuesday the 24th, 5:30pm, Columbus Senior Center. Put on by Main Street and the City, the talk will be given by Tim Anderson of Shreider/Anderson Assoc.- they helped the physical and economic revitalization of the Schenk Atwood business district in Madison- a very cool neighborhood and shopping area.
    RSVP to Kim at 920-623-5325
    Snacks will be served...gotcha!

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  38. ooops- that last post was really me- Michelle was in here-the Gallery-and I didn't see that until I posted it...

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  39. somebody just rang our doorbell asking if they can have all the wet stinky carpet that reeks that we had to put on the curb.
    I don't understand why somebody would want moldy flooded carpet.

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  40. Ewww Osh! Someone asked us if they could have our back door once. Problem was...it was still attached to the house LOL

    Guess they must have really liked it!

    vic

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  41. I would come help with the painting, but alas its a LONG drive and gas prices are just too high in Cali! =0P I will be there in spirit! ;)

    Rod... awesome sunset couple pic!!!

    And.. uh.... glad to hear you got the dog moved in time =)

    On the JD hat thing.... does anyone know if the parents were told to contact someone, or did they just "chase" it down on their own? Either way, just goes to show, yet again, how caring JD really is!!!

    Happy Wednesday to everyone!!!

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  42. Osh - Maybe they wanted it so they could show it to their insurance agent and tell them that their carpet was ruined and they need to replace it.

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  43. oh..jenny...smart thinking...
    probably someone wanting to scam their insurance company....

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  44. OMG!!! I haven't read any comments yet! Just had to say I'm STILL trying not to pee my pants I'm laughing soo hard!!! Rod you are VERY naughty!!! (but thanks for thinking of me!) LMAO! still...

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  45. wow Jenny, maybe you are right.
    Assholes are jusat running rampant aren't they.
    I can say assholes, right?

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  46. I'm sure thinking about the Kurth! I could use one right now... My hand is throbbing after working all day (felt pretty good this am) going to find some Motrin and mull it over...

    If Chez Suz is still available I may make it an overnighter! = )

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  47. Thanks for the update Marcella!

    Let us know how it goes if you make it to the filming tonight!

    Anyone heard anything about Chicago this weekend? Day or night shoot??

    Sorry your hand still hurts Shakes....my leg has seen better days!

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  48. Shakes - I hope your hand feels betteh!

    Vicky - I hope yer leg feels betteh!

    On a lighter note... We finally heard from our insurance company. A claims adjuster is coming Friday afternoon to assess our property. But with the luck we've been having lately, he'll probably tell us nothing is covered :P

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  49. Sorry you're still gimping Vicky =(

    Jenny! I cannot believe they still haven't been to Your place!!! That makes me soo stinkin MAD!

    FEMA was in Beloit (Rock Co) today...

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  50. Alright, back from Lockport. I got a chance to meet Becky but sadly not much else was going on. The scene at the prison went late and they had to cancel the scene they were supposed to be shooting in Lockport. It was a day scene and they were far from being set up. There was no way it could have happened.

    I did ask one person on the crew if he knew anything about Union Station tomorrow. At first he seemed like he had no idea what his plans were, but after a little thinking he said, "you know we might actually be at Union Station tomorrow... ". This doesn't necessarily mean anything, sometimes the crew seems even more out of the loop then we are. I thought it was funny I might know his schedule better than he does :)
    Whether or not it's true I thought I would pass it along anyways.

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  51. Chez Suz is always open to you, Betty-Bopper. And since it's your birthday, I'll let ya stay free! ;)

    I was actually thinking Shaken should come for beer and stay for paint! We'd twist your arm, girl, but seems you already twisted your hand. :p

    Can we listen to "Saturday at the Seventies" while we paint? Pleeeease?

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  52. Thanks for the info Marcella!

    Sorry you didn't get to see anything, but at least you got to meet up with becky!

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  53. Thanks Suz!! I might be able to swing it if momma can come too...

    (she's getting better in the truck)
    = )

    maybe you can twist it back the other way!!!

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  54. Course Momma can come too! :)

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  55. Hey Suz - at least when I show YOU her incision I know you'll be interested! LMAO!! I showed everyone who turned up on the job today, most were not impressed nor even interested!

    Momma wasn't particularly thrilled with it either...

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  56. Jenny!!!

    Thanks for asking about us. We've been cleaning up and sorting through lots of stuff. We had a lot of special things (family keepsakes) in the basement. We survived the flood of '93 so we thought we were safe. We (over)filled a 20 cubic yard dumpster (the BIG one) with stuff we couldn't salvage.

    Don't get us started about insurance. We have flood insurance which covers "contents in basement and above ground levels" which we've paid about $1500 per year for the last 19 years. Unfortunately the only "contents" covered in the basement is the furnace, waterheater, and freezer. Grrrr.

    But everyone is safe, the house is still standing, and the Kurth Brewery is still serving beer on Friday nights so life can't be all that bad.

    -LHL

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  57. The Ins stuff really is getting to everyone....
    Specially when you think you are covered and find out you are not...
    I will be shopping for ins that covers personal property and hope to find one....
    I will let everyone know if I do...


    Kurth sounded good two days ago!!!!\
    and to think we would have to wait two more days..
    well a little over a day now...

    Shaken~ sorry your hand hurts, hopefully it will be better soon...

    Vicky~ hope your leg is feeling better soon !!!!

    ~robbi

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  58. Did I miss a Prince Story??? What's up?

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  59. The moon kinda looked like this last night....
    http://tinyurl.com/6jfook
    Wifey is out of town.....and no kids...and the best thing i could find to do was drive around and look for moon shots!
    Arghhhh!

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  60. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  61. cool picture J^P. That would have been fun to watch. Instead on was enjoying this phenomenon called sleep for 20 minutes and lay awake for 4 hours.

    Interesting tidbit to me anyway (and the words (tips hat were used IHO of me)

    go here and read to (hat tip)
    http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowldc/
    It is under the Maria Shriver part

    I pretty much bawled and never stopped when I saw that on live TV.

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  62. Great photos, Rod. I hope that young couple contact you!
    I ordered postcards, but I'll pass on the 40# kitteh; thank you! They must be good mousers though!
    It would be interesting to read
    "Losers Town" to see if Johnny's half brother has any talent or is just getting published because of his famous brother!
    Osh, that poem is AWESOME!! Thanks for posting it!
    I'm planning on coming to help paint for a while on Saturday.
    Jenny, I contacted our insurance agent yesterday (was certain we don't have any coverage for the damage we had, but thought the $$ amount should be added to the county's). I was told that they are telling their clients to file a claim even if their policy doesn't cover flood damage and if/when we are sent a denial letter we will have that for FEMA
    claims. They are sending out a claims adjuster to see our damage (she wasn't sure how soon). Our company is American Family.
    So even if you don't have coverage, you may get help in the long run.
    A sweet story on the news (channel 6) last night said that some students (from Milwaukee, I think) with the help of their teacher sent a list of questions to Johnny. He replied to each question!! They then set up a "mock" interview with one of the students playing Johnny and another being the news reporter. Johnny also sent autographed photos to them! I'll see if I can find a video or article.

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  63. Here's that article Robbi!
    http://tinyurl.com/6lttrs

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  64. That was a pretty cool clip...
    the students are beaming!!!!

    ~robbi

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  65. here is a link to the questions
    no idea what it says, I can't hear it...anybody want to help a deafy out and translate?

    http://tinyurl.com/4crg5c

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  66. PS
    J^Ps most awesome moon picture is on my blog...
    It really is a beautiful picture.

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  67. reporter: Okay, I'm jealous. Some other reporters [video of kids] got an exclusive interview with Johnny Depp. But they let me in on it and here's the scoop...
    [I'm going to summarize the rest]
    The kids from the elementary school sent a bunch of questions to Johnny (or his publicist, actually), and Johnny mailed back answers. The librarian (or "library specialist") said that one of the teachers is married to a director, who gave them the publicist's address.

    The kids then "reinact" the interview, one kid playing the reporter, one kid playing Johnny.
    They only had one question from the interview:

    Q: How old were you when you realized you wanted to act?

    A: I'm not sure I ever realized I wanted to act. I'm still not sure I want to act. Although, I have had a lot worse jobs in my life.

    Johnny also sent back 21 autographed photos (one for each kid, and one for the school). They're currently hanging in the school office, but the kids will take them home, and the last one will hang in the school hallway in a place of honor.
    Reporter: The kids said getting these pictures was almost as good as the last day of school. Almost.

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  68. Thanks for sharing..........


    ___________________
    Julie
    "BEST PRICE for the BEST ENTERTAINMENT"

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