TurboTax sucks, so does Verizon and Toshiba

I've spent an hour and a half with a tech support guy from Toshiba this morning. I swear, my ear was numb. We never planned on being on the phone for that long so we never bought an "earless" phone. That would be o.k. if they would have been able to help, but alas...
M. spent at least two hours last night on the phone with Turbo Tax and Verizon people, due to the fact that he can't e-file our tax returns. You already know where I'm going with this, right?
Turbo Tax support said call Verizon. Verizon said call Toshiba. And Toshiba? Guess!
You're right, Toshiba said call Turbo Tax.
Idiots!
So I had to yell a bit at the Toshiba guy. And he caved in. Yelling usually works with tech people. I guess it scares them off. With M. it's just the opposite. So I would try not to use that technique on husbands.
Apparently, we have a problem with sending and receiving large files. I can't upload a video to my blog or You Tube. Or e-file taxes.
So we can call them again. Round and round we go. I bet they will keep transferring the responsibility to each other. Until one of them is lucky enough to figure out the problem. Yes, it's nuclear physics. Or whatever you guys say...

Becoming Jane

I've actually seen a movie recently that made an impression on me, and lingered with me for a while. I haven't seen Becoming Jane when it came out because The New York Times' review of it was just o.k. When there are so many movies out, you have to use some tools to sort them out and decide which ones are worth seeing in the theatre and which ones on your sofa. That's why we have Netflix.
But I do love Jane Austin. Especially movies made out of her books, such as an amazing Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice series with C.Firth. So, I was intrigued by Becoming Jane.
It turned out to be great! Again, McAvoy was very, very good, and the lead actress, Anne, was not bad as well. Not as good as him, but just fine. The story itself is interesting, romantic and you can't really predict what is going to happen at the end. Unless this movie is historical and you know of Jane Austin's life, as well as her novels.
It made me a bit sad though. And it made me think about life, and choices we make. And how they determine the rest of it. And do they? Or are they not ours to make at the first place?
Now, don't think I've told you how the movie is going to end. 'Cause I didn't. But you should see it. And then tell me what you think. And did it make you think.

Help them survive in our world

Last Friday was not a fun day for me. I was physically exhausted from being on a shoot for 12 hours, as well as spiritually down for not being braver and more aggressive in my acting career. So I've turned into a couch potato for at least half of that day. Luckily I had a dancing class I've already payed for so I had to drag myself out. But for about half an hour before I went to it, I've been switching channels, when my eyes got stuck on Oprah. It was about animals, who I love, and about shelters and euthanasia. So I switched to it.
It made me cry. For real. As it did Oprah.
Now, I don't watch Oprah usually but I do respect her. Sometimes she bring up important issues, such as the animal situation in the States. And she supports Obama. Wise woman.
The following sad and sobering event I saw that day on TV, I've never seen before. They showed a day in a shelter, when a worker has to decide which healthy dogs to euthanize, because, and only because,a lack of space. It broke my heart. They showed the whole thing, every step, every move, and as painful as it was to watch, and as it makes me sick to my stomach even now, I believe it was important to show, and see, because it is the truth, and because people need to see it, and remember when they are buying a dog or a cat from a breeder, or when they give up their own pet because of an inconvenience.
That picture of poor, cute, innocent dogs being put down to sleep, will stay with me forever. They said that millions and millions of dogs and cats are euthanized each year only because of the lack of space in the shelters. Really, how cruel are we?
Now, I feel sorry for the poor, destitute people. I really do. And I want to help. But I feel even more sorry for animals because they don't have our brains to make their good or bad choices and suffer consequences. They try to survive in our world. We won't let them roam our streets, but we don't necessarily put all of them in homes either. We kill them because there's no room for them?!I almost don't believe that. But it's true. Unfortunately.
What I did right away is give some money to ASPCA. Then I went to the Petco in Union Square and gave some more to the shelter that has cats for adoptions there. Then to Petco close to me today, to sign up for fostering.
I want to ask you to do whatever you possibly can, even if it's inconvenient, to help these poor animals stay alive. You can either adopt from a shelter, not from a breeder, or foster until that shelter finds a home for the animal. Or you can give them money, so they can have more room for more animals. And make sure your pets are spayed and neutered.
Please, just do it.

The true Mr.Big

Yes, yes, I know you really wanna know stuff about Mr.Big.
Well, he's a goofball, in the best sense. He was joking all the time he was on the set.
Mostly with the show's producing team, but once with us, background actors. There were couple of actors-speakers on the podium of this amphitheatre, and he was joking by inciting a protest against what they were allegedly saying. It was kind of funny.
He did got angry once, and swore for messing up a scene, and stoped acting while they were still rolling. "Chris, you know we're still rolling," the director, Norberto Barba said. "Yes, I know we're still rolling but I_________, so there's no point of continuing when I__________." So, he's passionate about his work. Of course. Who wouldn't be.
He also threw a bottle of water to a friend/colleague/team member, half way across the theatre. It flew a long way. It could've hit something and burst, or someone, with people all around and cameras....Goofy. I told you.
But he was smiling a lot. And he looks a bit older than on TV. But still good. Really good.
I'm a big fan.

Mr. Big in the same scene as me!

I was really looking forward to being a part of such a huge show like Law and Order:Criminal Intent, even if I just appear in it for a few seconds. I was looking forward to it for the experience, for the prospective contacts and for shallow reasons, like meeting Mr.Big.
What I actually got out of it is no contacts, exhaustion and bitter-sweet aftertaste.
The beginning was great! I got picked to walk into the couple of scenes. In one, I was just in front of a principle actor...I was jumping up and down within, like a little girl. And I kept staring at Mr.Big, like one as well. Hey, I'm a big Sex and the City fan. And Mr.Big made that show what it is.
After about eight hours into the shoot, I got so tired and nervous about not really having a good chance to actually meet Chris Noth. Yes, he passed me several times but I was too much of a prude to get up and stop him or something. Also, I didn't wanna be thrown out of the shoot. That would be so embarrassing. So I did nothing. Unfortunately.
I could've given my postcard to other actors or assistants as well, but I kept waiting and waiting until it was too late. It was my fear that was keeping me down.
By the time we were leaving the set, after a 12 hour day, I was too dead to do anything.
So, yes, I saw them. And yes, I'll be in the same scene with them. And I can put it on my resume. But I didn't do what I really wanted--try to open the door for getting a bigger part.
I feel so little today. Even though I didn't really lose anything. Except a possibility of a great opportunity. I might never have another one:(

Long night for Criminal Intent

So you know I've registered with several background talent agencies in the city, right? That's how I got the call for Law and Order in January, while I was, unfortunately, in Aruba. Well, I did have a great time. Something's gotta give.
The same agency advertised for someone I can be the other day. So I called them. And they said:" Are you available on Thursday?" I was thinking for just a second. "Yes," I said. I lied. "All day?" "Yes" again. I lied again. Well, not really. I just thought, I'll postpone the dance class I should have had tomorrow.
And then she said to call her back today. I did. Then she told me what to wear and not to wear, and to call again tonight, for my directions and time. Nothing about the tiny part, if you can even call it that, or the money...Never mind, really.
But, it's midnight, I'll turn into a pumpkin and they still don't know the time and the place of shooting Law and Order: Criminal Intent tomorrow?!
So I have to stay awake and wait. If I wanna do it. And I do.

Evaluation or presentation?

I had that half an hour private evaluation class at the ballroom and Latin dance club today. It wasn't at all what I expected. This Russian instructor, obviously a pro, was more trying to impress me with what he can do, than focus on what I can do. He has a really big ego, I must say. All he made me dance, for just a bit, was cha-cha-cha and samba. And there are 10 dances I use to know.
Samba I couldn't really remember. It looked familiar and I could remember doing some steps a long time ago, but I couldn't remember the technique then and there. He didn't give me much time anyway. Cha-Cha I did remember, and I did dance a bit, but he found many flaws in my moves--posture, hand movements, hip movement.
Well, you can imagine, I wasn't happy about that.
Then he offered private lessons. I said I was interested in the group ones. Then he said he'll write that I was level I. Level I?! That's a beginner, I said. "Not necessarily," he defended himself. But he put in level II. There are five levels. Five is professional.
So after that, he went with me to register. Thursday works best for me this month, so I let him and another person talk me into taking a Level I class of Samba and Cha-Cha. It's with a great teacher, they said. I guess I do need it for Samba. But for Cha-Cha? Will see.
Anyway, I might try to switch to Level II Rumba on Fridays. It seems to make more sense. But then again, I won't know how fast and how useful these classes really are until I try one.
Also, I might have an acting gig on for Thursday. I don't want to get my hopes up yet though. I'll find out tomorrow. And let you know, of course. Keep your fingers crosses. Pleeease?