CONTINENTAL AIRLINES AND ADVANTAGE RENT-A-CAR SUCK!!!!

The recent bad weather in the Northeast has stranded me in Dallas, TX . I was supposed to come home on Sunday, but of course, those flights were cancelled. Then I was supposed to go out on Monday, but they cancelled those flights as well. Now they have "conveniently" put me on their next available flight, which is Thursday at noon, which means I am now waiting five days to get home. FIVE DAYS!!!!

You can just imagine how angry this might make me. Especially since the Continental Airlines reservations lines are all tied up and they never answer. For the past 48 hours, no one answers their phones, and they basically tell you they can't take your call. When I finally got through, I was on hold for over an hour, before I decided to make a special trip to the airport to see if I could get something earlier. The very unhelpful superviser told me that the only way I might get on an earlier flight was to come to the airport at 6 am and wait around on stand-by for any available flight that might suddenly (and miraculously) open up. But of course, there was already a long line of twenty or more people on stand-by for every flight. And since I am not an Elite Class member, I have no clout over any of the people who are waiting ahead of me.

So I asked the very unfriendly Continental superviser on duty how I was going to be compensated for my wait. Would they pick up my hotel and rental car fees for the next three days? No, of course not. They take no responsibility for anything. No vouchers, no discounts, no future discounts on flights. They basically say "f*ck you" to their customers and don't really care.

The rental agency Advantage was also just as helpful, as they jacked up my rental car price more than 75% a day for extending my car until my plane flight on Thursday. Yes, the weather was not their fault...but their customer service experience is. And to guoge stranded passengers like that is really not showing any kind of Advantage. In fact, I will NEVER deal with this company again.

What recourse does the average flyer have? When did airlines become so impersonal and pathetic in their customer service? It makes me never want to fly again...or at least not on Continental airlines.

Sorry for the rant, but I needed to get this off my chest. Thanks for reading. And if you have a choice, NEVER USE CONTINENTAL AIRLINES or ADVANTAGE in the future.

Cat Clips -- Buccaneer Boots

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In this episode, Trey and Tuck carry out their plan to make Tipi suspicious of Boots' intentions. Please click on the photo above to watch this video.

Cat Clips -- Christmas Conspiracy

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In this episode: When Tipi and Boots sneak off to the basement to be alone, Tuck and Trey lament about their lack of Christmas spirit and romantic entanglements. To watch the video, please click on the photo above.

Don't forget to get order all your Cat Clips swag at http://shop.wizardofwit.com/

And remember, the Cat Clips Tipi and Tuck Treasure Hunt is still on. Five new prizes will be added each Friday until the end of the year. To find out how to win, be sure to watch Cat Clips #153.

Spiderman $65M Broadway Musical Needs A Hero To Save It

Last night I went to see the new mega Broadway musical "Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark," directed by Julie Taymor, with music by Bono. And despite all the bad press it was getting, I was very excited to see this huge $65 million dollar monster, and how they would bring this story to life.

Now granted, it was only the 8th preview (opening night is January 11th, I think), but this musical needs so much help, I'm not sure how long it will actually run.

Here's what I liked:

1. The design elements and the visual look of the show are stunning. The use of huge, hydraulically lifted set pieces was impressive and the masks and exagerrated costumes are incredible.

2. The flying sequences over the audience are thrilling.

Here's what I didn't like:

1. The use of four obnoxious teenagers to narrate the entire show. You know you're in trouble when the classic story of Spider-man needs to be narrated. Whoever came up with this concept should be shot. Every time they came on to move the so-called plot along, you could feel the audience give a collective groan. (Even with the presence of a recent Amazing Race alumni as one of the four, I couldn't stomach their constant interruption.)

2. The music by Bono is slow and tiring, and by the time the 10th ballad is sung in the second act, most of the kids around me were asleep. Has Bono ever seen a musical? Has he ever written a funny lyric or an upbeat tune? Because this score is so depressing that I don't think anyone into Broadway musicals will want to buy this album. It's particularly "telling" when none of the songs got much applause when they were over, and some didn't get any. I think the audience was just confused. Were we watching Spider-man or a Bono concert? (Did I mention all the self indulgent and unnecessary ballads?)

3. The main characters are bland. The guy playing Spider-man never moves past the pathetic wimpy stage, even after he gets super powers. You never feel anything for him, or for his equally dull girlfriend Mary Jane. (Do these people have any life in them, because it seems it was all sucked out by the giant set-pieces.)

4. The super villain costumes are very cool...but except for one, we never really see them do anything except pose on stage. Most of their "fight sequences" are implied, or illustrated with giant images of them exploding. (They are introduced in a "fashion show" runway --literally-- and that is about all we see of them.) The Swiss Miss costume was my favorite, as she looked like a gargantuan version of Grace Jones -- and who wouldn't be afraid of that?

5. The book of the show. It's like they spent all the money on dazzling special effects and design elements, and forgot the basic element of a show. The story. Without a compelling story and 3-dimensional characters, there's not much for the audience to hold onto. So instead, we just sit back and watch a three hour parade of overproduced spectacle that doesn't have much heart. (I even liked "Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakdown" better than this, and that has a whole bunch of problems as well. But at least it was funny, and you could actually hum some of the tunes as you left the theater.)

At the end of the show, no one in the audience stood up. No one even clapped that enthusiastically (except for the guy who played the Green Goblin, the only character with any flair). I think we were all trying to process what we just saw. Was this a show or a tax write-off?

I hate to sound negative or nasty, because there were actually elements of the show I liked. But the overall impression was that it was a lot of visuals with not much underneath.

As I said, they have a month to work on this show before it opens. So hopefully they will bring in a show doctor to help tighten it up. But unless they decide to throw out half of the score and completely rewrite the book, this musical should be retitled "Spider-man: Turn off the Set".

Cat Clips --The Social PETwork

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In this episode: As the relationship between Tipi and Boots get closer, Trey decides to use a different tactic to split them up. Meanwhile, Tuck decides to contact some old classmates. This episode also includes a special appearance from our Dialogue Contest Winner kelsi000. Well, actually her cat Misha. (To watch the video, please click on the photo above.)

Don't forget to get order all your Cat Clips swag at http://shop.wizardofwit.com/

And remember, the Cat Clips Tipi and Tuck Treasure Hunt is still on. Five new prizes will be added each Friday until the end of the year. To find out how to win, be sure to watch Cat Clips #153.

Cat Clips -- Bieber Bound Bengal

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In this episode, Trey helps Tuck try to make Tipi jealous, but the results are not exactly what was expected. To watch the video, please click on the photo above.

Need a stocking stuffer or present for that special someone?
Check out all the Cat Clips swag at http://shop.wizardofwit.com/ Great holiday presents for your favorite cat or comedy lover.

Cat Clips -- Real Housecats of NJ

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE! And what's Thanksgiving without a little drama, right? And for this little group of cats from Plainfield NJ, today is no exception. While Honey deals with a close encounter between Tipi and Boots, Trey finally tells Tuck about Tipi's new infatuation. To watch the video, please click on the photo above.

And remember, five new prizes are released throughout the Cat Clips videos every Friday from now until the end of the year.

Cat Clips -- Tipi and Tuck's Treasure Hunt

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It's time once again for a big Cat Clips contest to thank all our loyal viewers and subscribers. So click on the photo above and watch the video to find out how to participate. Five new prizes are added each week until the end of the year. Let the Great Tipi and Tuck Treasure Hunt Begin!

Cat Clips -- Feeding Frenzy

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In this episode: As their owner prepares for a meal, the cats gather around in the kitchen hoping for some discarded chicken. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Don't forget to check out the Cat Clips t-shirts and coffee mugs at http://shop.wizardofwit.com/

Cat Clips -- Pheromonal Activity

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In this episode: When the cats smell a strange odor on the second floor, Trey not only discovers the source of the smell, but something else that is possibly brewing as well.

Be sure to check out the cool Cat Clips t-shirts and coffee mugs for sale at http://shop.wizardofwit.com

Cat Clips -- As the Table Turns

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To celebrate their 150th episode, their 10,000th subscriber and their 1 Millionth view (not to mention their owner's birthday), the cats decided to do something completely different.

Be sure to check out the cool Cat Clips t-shirts and coffee mugs for sale at http://shop.wizardofwit.com

Mule Gibson Press Conference

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This breaking news story, outside the L.A. County Stableyard, as animal actor Mule Gibson answers questions about his recent deposition. Fellow animal actress Britney Deers is on hand to offer support. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips -- Zombie Bengal

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Part Two of a special Halloween adventure. After the Spider from the Dark Forces turns Tuck into a Zombie, the other cats try to figure out how to rescue Tipi.

To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Don't forget to check out the Cat Clips t-shirts and coffee mugs at http://shop.wizardofwit.com/

Cat Clips #148 -- Spider House Rules

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Part One of a special Two Part Halloween Special. In this episode, as the cats prepare to play their annual Halloween game, a mysterious stranger lurks in the attic above. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Don't forget to check out the Cat Clips t-shirts and coffee mugs at http://shop.wizardofwit.com/

Cat Clips -- A Hard Trey's Night

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In this episode: When the cats surprise Trey with a birthday party, the results do not go as planned. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Don't forget to check out the Cat Clips t-shirts and coffee mugs at http://shop.wizardofwit.com/

Cat Clips -- Birthday Battle

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In this episode, Honey, Tipi, Tuck and Boots try to make plans for Trey's upcoming birthday. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Don't forget to check out the Cat Clips t-shirts and coffee mugs at http://shop.wizardofwit.com/

Cat Clips -- Stupid Squirrel Stakeout

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Just in time for National Squirrel Awareness Week (Who knew?), this episode of "Cat Clips" shows what happens when the cats discover a rebel band of Ninja squirrels staking out their house. But why? Find out by clicking on the photo above.

Don't forget to check out the Cat Clips t-shirts and coffee mugs at http://shop.wizardofwit.com/

Cat Clips -- Haunted Homecoming

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In this episode: Now that Honey has returned as a ghost, the cats all bombard her with questions about what it's like. Later, Boots is forced into making another confession. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Don't forget to check out the Cat Clips t-shirts and coffee mugs at http://shop.wizardofwit.com/

Dear Tipi -- The "Tippy One"

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In this episode, Tipi answers questions about maintaining a shiny coat, her career paths of choice, and how she got her name. To view the video, please click on the photo above. And don't forget to check out the Cat Clips t-shirts and coffee mugs at http://shop.wizardofwit.com/

Cat Clips -- The Feline Phoenix

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In this episode: Trey, Tipi, Tuck and Boots finally figure out a way to get Honey's ghost out of the plumbing. To view the video, please click on the photo above. And don't forget to check out the Cat Clips t-shirts and coffee mugs at http://shop.wizardofwit.com/

Dear Tipi -- Heroines

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This episode features Tipi answering questions about her favorite heroines, what she thinks of Honey and the other cats, and whether biting humans is "the solution." To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips -- The Meaning of PLUM

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In this episode: Trey, Tipi, Tuck and Boots finally discover where the mysterious noises are coming from. Now if they could only figure out what to do about them. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips -- Tea with Honey

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In this episode: When the cats discover a collection of Honey Memorial Mugs in the basement, Boots suggests reading the used tea leaves to discover the truth about the mysterious noises in the house. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips -- The Buttcracker

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In this episode: As Tipi tries to get out of her ever-tightening tutu, mysterious noises in the house cause everyone to question who might be making them. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Dog Days #14-- Diaper Dog Ditty

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In this episode: When Sugar is forced to wear a diaper during a family party, Bailey suggests she try singing for some food in order to fill it. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips -- Boots and Ladders

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In this episode: While Tipi works on her exercise routine, Boots finally reveals to Tuck the reason he has come to Plainfield. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips -- Spa Day

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In this episode: After weeks of mourning, the cats enjoy a day of pampering. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Dear Tipi -- CheezbugerZ?

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In this episode, Tipi answers questions about her favorite vegetarian dish, whether she likes cheezbugerz, what she would do in the house alone, and more. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips -- Find Your Way

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In this episode, Tuck and Tipi try to get Trey to open up about his feelings by singing him an upbeat musical number, "Find Your Way". To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips -- Bits-O-Honey

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In this episode: Still recovering from the loss of their close friend, Trey, Tipi and Tuck all reminisce about Honey. And Trey finally reveals how he got his name. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Got Elk?

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Another venture into uncharted territories here. I filmed these two Elk during a recent trip to the Grand Canyon. Thought it was cool that I could get so close with my camera and not disturb their ongoing eating. It was right at dusk, and no one else was around, so it was a pretty cool moment. Of course, I had to add voices. So these two elks are actually debating the value of YouTube, Facebook and Twitter in the Elk community. What else would they be talking about?

Cat Clips -- Parting Shots

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In this episode, Tipi, Tuck and Trey try to persuade Honey to move from her favorite spot at the back door. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips -- Mental Madness

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In this episode, Boots confesses to Trey the reason for his presence in the house. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Butterfly Ballet

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And now for something completely different. I took this footage in my backyard. I was surprised at all the butterflies that were playing around our butterfly bush. So I wrote some music to go along with the footage. To watch the video, please click on the photo above. Enjoy!

Cat Clips -- Mission: Improbable

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In this episode, Trey creates a training course for Tuck, to help ramp up his skills as a potential Guardian of the Magic Wand. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips 2010 T-shirt Collection

The 2010 Cat Clips T-shirt collection is finally here. 8 new designs. 5 Different cats. To view the collection, please click here. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips -- Honey's HORRORscope

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In this episode, Honey gets a foreboding horoscope, and Boots experiences a big surprise. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Dear Tipi --Funny or Furry?

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In this episode, Tipi answers your questions about songs, hole foods, global warming and past times. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips Dialogue Contest RESULTS

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I recently held a contest on my YouTube channel (ScoobyHubby) for subscribers to watch some footage I shot of my cats and then write dialogue for it, giving them a chance to feel what it's like to write an actual Cat Clip. I was overwhelmed with the responses, and didn't feel I could actually pick a winner out of the many entrees. So I narrowed it down to five, and am now letting all my viewers help pick the winner.

If you would like to help as well, please click on the photo above and watch the first short video. Then when you are at my YouTube channel, you will see the other four videos in the series. After watching all five, feel free to cast your vote for your favorite. And if you're not already a subscriber, please consider subscribing as well. I can always use more support. (You'd have to sign up for a YouTube account, of course...which is FREE, very easy, and only takes a minute.)

Mule For Love

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During a trip to the Grand Canyon and Arizona in April, I spotted these two mules having a little love connection. Naturally, I had to "voice their opinions" for the camera. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Dear Tipi -- Hot Chocolate!

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In this episode, Tipi answers questions about Hot Chocolate, What TV show she would like to guest star on, and what YouTube celebrity she likes the most. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Freaky Ninja Squirrel

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Here's a very short 30 second video of a squirrel playing in my front yard. First he strikes a Ninja pose and then he freaks out when he hits a dirt patch, and does a jumping twist into the air. To watch the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips - - Driving Miss Crazy

In this episode, Tipi tries to persuade Trey to help her practice an audition piece by challenging him to portray a famous role by Morgan Freeman. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips -- Puss in Boots...LITERALLY!

In this episode, Boots and Tuck discuss the recent discovery of Russian spies in New Jersey. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips -- Beach Baggin' Bingo

In this episode, Trey discovers a place where he can hide from Tipi and Tuck, in a black and blue beach bag. Or does he? To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips -- Catnip Carnivore

In this episode, Trey watches with amusement as Honey becomes intent on consuming an entire pile of catnip. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips --Testing the Secret

In this episode, Tipi persuades Tuck into helping her use "The Secret" to land them a spot on Ellen, Bonnie Hunt or in Perez Hilton's blog. To view the video, please click on the photo above.

Dog Days -- Nothing Like A Dane

In this episode, a couple of Great Danes discuss their non-existent social life. To watch the video, please click on the photo above.

Bird Bits -- Tar Trek

In this video, several birds react to the tar balls forming on their beach because of the BP oil spill. To watch the video, please click on the photo above.

Cat Clips -- DIALOGUE CONTEST

In this episode, the cats hold a contest to challenge their subscribers to write dialogue for one of their scenes. To view the video, please click on the picture above.

To enter the contest, you must be a YouTube subscriber to ScoobyHubby. Please watch the video and follow the instructions on how to write the dialogue. (AS YOUTUBE DOESN'T ALLOW MUCH ROOM FOR COMMENTS, IT MAY BE EASIER TO SEND YOUR DIALOGUE TO FEEDBACK@WIZARDOFWIT.COM) You can enter as many times as you like, but the contest ends on July 15th. Prizes will be announced later in July, and the winning writer will get his/her dialogue spoken by the cats in a future episode. Other cash and prizes are revealed in this video. Good Luck!