upgrading my technology...and Diet Dr. Pepper

One of the true pains of being a struggling artist is finances.

Especially nowadays, when the internet plays such a vital role in worldwide instantaneous communication.

Working, as I am, with a 333mHz iMac (or, when I slip up to my Dad's machine a ::gasp:: 400 mHz Mac) it is amazing I get anything done.

So, in addition to figuring out how to catch up on all my old bills (now that there is no longer a drain pipe attached to my wallet) and some bills that aren't really mine, but I promised I'd take care of, and just day to day functioning, I'm left with the predicament of figuring out how to move up, to upgrade the situation.

I could always trade on my name, but somehow I don't think Apple would ship a new machine just for the promotional opportunities involved in being able to say the "Romantic Poet of the Internet" creates his works on a Macintosh. You never know, though...then my brain meanders to the issue of endorsements.

If I was asked to endorse a product, would I?

A lot depends on if I see value in it and actually use it. I might change brand of sodas for a check with the same number of digits left and right of the comma. But I wouldn't start eating crap I don't normally eat, just for a buck. That's dishonest and just plain wrong, and I've made enough mistakes in this life for my children to lose respect for me for. Bad enough of pop stars are little more than pornstar clones with echo chambers...someone has to hold the line.

So, if I was told I could endorse any products, what would I endorse...hmmm...

Penguin mints...if you haven't tried these babies...they're like Altoids, just caffeinated...fantastic accessory in the office, or on the book tour.

Diet RC...except the company that makes it, DPSU (That's Dr Pepper - Seven Up) shelved this original Splenda based diet cola...and it tasted good, too..

Diet Dr. Pepper - If I have to quaff Aspartame, at least let me die happy.

Apple computers - If I have to tell you why, you don't deserve to know (and I teach Microsoft applications for a local school board)

Fructis shampoos and conditioners...for someone like me, with long hair, these are what you need. Incredible stuff.

Wendy's hamburgers - Yeah, I am fond of Hardee's - especially since they started selling the Carl's Jr. line under their name...but Wendy's is my second favourite place to go, on the planet, for food.

Long John Silvers - Yum. Fish and fries.

Of course, I have preferences in other areas, from writing implements to TV shows to condoms, but I've beat this horse enough.

Anyway, I don't expect anyone to come look me up and offer me money for my endorsements, but I figured I'd be honest and say what I like. Aside from leggy, brilliant women.