It's that time again, yes time to say HELLO to all of the people who visit this Krazy Korner to see What's Up! Personally, I am making aLOT of great changes. (No, I am NOT quitting the Post Office though, as I still have the best route in the US!). I am writing to you from PORTFOLIO's CAFE on 4th and Junipero. It is waaay early in the morning on the 4th of July, and I believe I just strolled past THEO DOUGLAS of the PRESS TELEGRAM having coffee with a friend outside.

Yes, PORTCAFE.com is a cool convenient place if you are looking to hop online ($1.00 per ten minutes) and check out some local artwork. I must say, the current exhibit is "LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON" and is mixed media from DARCY and RICHARD BARTOLETTI. I remember my personal tour of Richard's personal studio down the street and must say this exhibit is quite different, an unexpected surprise. Check it out!

If you are visiting PORTCAFE for the first time, don't fret if you have to be the first to speak (in most places the server welcomes you with some sort of greeting, but the help at this coffeeshop has always seemed a little "reserved"). If you listen to THE PRIME SPOT Radio Show on CSULB's kbeach.org (also heard over local cable TV) Fridays 9-11pm, call in when prompted to win a gift certificate. Unfortunately tis NOT the season for those awesome, scrunptious Pumpkin Bars I love with all of my heart and tastebuds!

Ah, yes, JULY 4th. Celebrating the FREEDOM to write whatever the heck I want. I am actually working EXPRESS MAIL on July 4th. Yep, in a matter of 2 hours I could be knocking on YOUR door, handing you a package or important letter. (EXPRESS usually means Good News!). Most people are not aware that LONG BEACH (and CARSON) are two places I know of that has EXPRESS MAIL SERVICE EVERYDAY, including Sundays and Holidays!

For those of you who have attended or watched the recent city council meeting where they addressed the Medical Marijuana issue AND gave nineteen (19) Art organizations recognition, please be reminded that LONG BEACH ARTS, which turns 80 this year, should NOT be forgotten. WALTON McNULTY (who can tell you about the ol' WAYSIDE COLONY in which is now refered to as the EAST VILLAGE ARTS DISTRICT) told TPSradio listeners the history AND previous locations. Their NEW LOCATION is right across from the parking structure y'all park at to visit the downtown library or city hall (Ever pay your parking tix in person? This is the place!). Yes, LBA (www.long-beach-arts.org) is in that building that I STILL consider modern architecture even though it's been around a while; if you JOIN LONG BEACH ARTS, you could possibly help make this their "permanent" home!

Speaking of homes, here again I drift from "THE BARRACKS" (the place I have been staying with six guys for the past six months). My NEW place on Ocean Boulevard is waiting for me (ah, that CLEAN kitchen and bathroom are so inviting!) but when I called the electric company on Friday, they said the soonest I can get connection is July 8th! (Glad I don't have to pay a deposit, I guess my credit check went okay). I asked the gal on the phone, "What is the average monthly bill for people in my complex, it's been YEARS since I paid utilities." She replied $60-$80 per month in summer. Could this be true? I guess I'll find out. I have to turn on the phone and gas, but those calls won't go through until Tuesday. Oh well. To quote an old neighbor GEORGE (a.k.a. MARLAYNA), "The wait is bitter but the fruit is sweet." Can't wait until I can cook again. Yes, it's about time I start taking care of myself!

GGGGreat News regarding THE PRIME SPOT Radio. CERRITOS COLLEGE invited MO & I to do a show, looks like it will be three (3) hours on MONDAYS. Of course I have to get settled in and organized at home before this happens. In addition to our FRIDAY Show on CSULB's kbeach.org and MONDAYS at wpmd.org (That's NOT the official site, but what the heck), we are also going to cover other areas besides LONG BEACH & SIGNAL HILL on Cerritos' -> AM frequency. <- I want this show to play daily at 5PM and I want it to include YOUR VOICE! How? I just bought a stereo microphone from my pal CHUCK ALDERSON so with that hooked to my minidisk, I can prerecord YOU telling people The Scoop for DOWNEY, CERRITOS, NORWARK, PARAMOUNT, HAWAIIAN GARDENS, etc. I want it to include the events that repeat weekly/monthly along with directions on how to get their. For instance, doesn't WHITTIER have a monthly Art Walk? I have alot of investigating to do once I'm online again! My plan is also to include information on MASS TRANSIT and CARPOOLING. If YOU ride to work either way, I WANT YOUR VOICE on "AM" radio, please leave me a message on THE PRIME SPOT Hotline at 562-804-5625. This is going to be fun!

I really can't go on and on about What's Happening in the LBC at this point, like I mentioned, I have to log off and put on that blue polyester uniform. If you see me out and about on this fine holiday, don't give me those wierd looks like I'm driving a stolen vehicle. And when I hand you that package you have to sign for, may you hear my silent Thank You for keeping me employed!

Until Next Time,

KaRi

KaRi is a nonDisgruntled Postal Worker who has written this column exclusively for www.LONGBEACHONLINE.net cc: www.theprimespot.com Don't forget to request "It's Always Sunny in Long Beach" by MAX WEST on TPSradio on kbeach.org and wear your sunscreen!