I was not born on the 4th of July, sadly.

I have always dreamed of having my birthday be declared a national holiday. It would be a time for everyone to take a break from working, sit back, relax, think about how great I am, then call or write me to tell me about it. The chance of this happening is pretty slim to none, especially due to the fact that most holidays instated in honor of an individual are established after they die.

I am, however, very envious of those whose birthday happens to fall on a national holiday! And what a better holiday to be born on than the 4th of July! EVERYONE you know doesn’t have to work. You get to eat tons of hot dogs. A picnic with a pool or slip and slide is usually involved. If that isn’t enough, at the end of the day you get to celebrate the wonderful time you had with fireworks. Pure awesomeness.

There are some truly lucky individuals who get to share their birthday with America. They include: Nathaniel Hawthorne (though I am not sure he was around to experience the true joy of a Sahlen’s hot dog),  Ulysses S. Grant (he may have had one hot dog too many),  Ann Landers (I bet her picnics were very proper), Abigail Van Buren (a.k.a Dear Abby, must be a polite day),  Geraldo Rivera, KoKo the Gorilla, and Becki Newton (of Ugly Betty fame).

If your birthday happens to fall on the 4th, you have my eternal jealousy! If not, then have some fun celebrating America’s birthday, I plan on it!

‘Til next time, from the land of the free,

Allie Doodle Dandy

For years I have been a fan of Dustin Hoffman. I admire the roles he takes, the depth of his talent, his ability to laugh, even at himself. I have always hoped to one day achieve the success and respectable career that Mr. Hoffman has earned.

If we are really going to trace my affinity for him back, it began with Hook. The scene with the “boo box” spurred an admiration so great, my 5 year old mind was overwhelmed.  About fourteen years later I was sitting in my basement, dreaming of critical acclaim and Oscar nominations and watching The Graduate, when I realized, not only do I identify with Benjamin Braddock (the one who has graduated), I hoped to one day identify with Dustin Hoffman.

I became enthralled by his entire career. I checked out every book from my University’s film library on his life as an actor (and racked up about $200 in late fees). I rented every film of his and watched each one tirelessly. I managed to write a paper on Dustin Hoffman’s career and propose it as an alternate topic for a final essay. I was a woman obsessed.

During this time he was filming Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium not far from my apartment in Toronto. I would walk down the street and imagine how I might initiate a conversation with him. Chance encounters with celebrities are not uncommon in Toronto, so these scenarios where not wholly ridiculous. Weeks earlier I had bumped into Christopher Walken and managed to spill the bag on M&M’s I was eating all over the sidewalk in a statement of shock, thus making an amazing impression. I had decided I would be much cooler when I eventually bumped into Mr. Hoffman.

The closest I ever came was a missed encounter in a mall. I had a friend who worked at an athletic store and used to exploit her discount shamelessly. I was trying on pair after pair of unnecessary yoga pants and eventually sauntered my way to the checkout. As I plopped my pile of pants down, my friend excitedly told me that the person checking out ahead of me was none other than Dustin Hoffman expanding his loungewear collection. Despite running out of the store and into the hallways in a desperate attempt to impress my idol, he was nowhere to be found.

My admiration for Mr. Hoffman continues to this day. I find myself watching Tootsie on days when I need a little encouragement, All the President’s Men on days when I feel accomplished, and Rain Man on days when I am annoyed by Tom Cruise.

This summer The Rivera Theatre has decided to cater directly to me and host a retrospective of Dustin Hoffman’s film career. It begins on July 1st with The Graduate and continues every Thursday until Spetember 2nd. Should the Square be rainy, or you find yourself in need of a little inspiration, I recommend heading to North Tonawanda for a little Hoffman magic. I most likely will!

‘Til next time, definitely next time, definitely definitely next time,

-Allie

Hello all!

Today I filmed a segment for By the People, a public service show that airs on Channel 4 . I have to admit I was a teensy bit nervous, and I might have had a fitful night of sleep (dreams about forgetting to wear your pants on TV are no laughing matter!), but due to the fact that we have wonderful producers and I was lucky enough to have some wonderfully eloquent guests, it went off without a hitch!

I was actually very intrigued by the topic my guests discussed. At the Karpeles Manuscript Library, Canisius College is hosting an exhibit about Pope John Paul II and his relations with the Jewish Community. I feel it sends a wonderful message of respect and admiration for other cultures. Buffalo being such a diverse city, can really relate to this message and easily apply it to every day life.

So overall, a good Saturday morning! A seamless first attempt at a show, plus I learned something new about an amazing cultural event in Buffalo, BONUS POINTS!

‘Til next time, with more worldly knowledge,

Allie

This past Sunday was the 2010 Buffalo Marathon, and I was one of thousands who ran it! I know what you’re thinking: “Gee whiz Allie, 26.2 miles sure is a lot, however did you do it?”

Well, I didn’t. I chose to run the equally daunting 13.1 mile Half Marathon, and believe it or not, it was fun!

My cousin came to a family party a few months ago and announced she was running the half and invited anyone who wished to join to tie up their runners and come along! I was the only one to really jump at the offer.

I have been running for a few years now, I was on the track team in High School, but mostly stuck to sprinting (the idea of running three+ miles at top speed was too much for me to handle in my adolescence). This past November I ran the Turkey Trot, and was not in any condition to be doing so, but I still had a blast. Now seemed like a good time to push myself a bit (or a lot) further.

I trained hard for a little over a month, and trained less hard for a few weeks after that (life just always seems to get in the way!). By Sunday I was more or less ready!

The race itself was amazing. The energy created by everyone running was truly unique. Much to my surprise, I felt GREAT! I mean that. I honestly felt like a couple million bucks, a runner’s high is no joke! By no means am I chomping at the bit to run the full marathon, but I am already making plans to run another half in October.  If my legs would quit their protest on all movement, I’ll be out running again soon.

For anyone considering running the marathon next year, I HIGHLY recommend it.  It is surprisingly fun to push yourself and accomplish something, especially before 10am!

You can check out my very professional form in this photo and at sportphoto.com.

I HEART RUNNING

Til next time, with less lactic acid,

-Allie