Hi everyone.

So, I've been doing a bunch of interviews over the past couple of months, and I realized something yesterday. I'm running out of things to say about myself because honestly, there isn't a whole lot to say. I'm simple folk, folks. I don't have a million stories, I don't get involved in drama, or Hollywood, or glamour. I'm really just some guy. If I hadn't grown up in LA, I probably would have ended up doing community theater somewhere in between my part time job, filling the Hawaiian Punch machine at the chuckle cheese factory. So, to talk about myself in great detail is just inherently strange for me and I don't think I'll ever get used to it.

There's no need to look up every interview I've done in the past 6 months. You're gonna start to see the same answers over and over again. Here's really all you need to know…

-I had fun working on Twilight, Joan of Arcadia, and Stargate.
-My favorite color is blue.
-I'm a drummer.
-I like movies and music.
-Acting is my life.
-I only watch sports during playoffs.
-I used to play poker.

Other than that, there's not a heck of a lot to say about myself. I have tons of things to say on other topics (just ask my girlfriend), like politics, but why would anyone want to hear me talk about that? To quote Jason Bateman, “I'm just a dumb actor who didn't go to college.” So where does this leave me? I'm lost here kids. I just want to act, hang out, and check in with you guys every now and then. Simplicity is the key to happiness. I don't need anything else.

And now, with your indulgence, a rant…

Celebrity culture has gotten so vapid and arbitrary. It seems that Hollywood has forgotten its role in the world. The priorities have shifted so far into a corporate system of meaningless “fame,” things like quality and substance aren't even in the vernacular of today Hollywood executive. And by the way, there should be a reason for being famous. Good marketing and white teeth don't qualify as talent (sorry LC).

Our JOB is to bring you stories that stimulate your emotional sensors in order to keep you thinking, feeling, and dreaming. Art is an important tool in keeping us alive, connected, and always searching for truth… Within that, our role as actors basically consists of dancing like monkeys for your viewing pleasure. This is why I don't approve of actor arrogance and a demeanor of self-importance. You're a monkey! Shut up and dance monkey!! You're not more valuable than anyone else. You should be grateful just to BE a monkey. It's a blessing…

Anyway, my point is this, and then we'll move on. There is a place in the world for The Hills, Tila Tequila, TMZ, and all the other forms of empty, escape entertainment. But there HAS to be balance. Emotionally and intellectually, that stuff is the equivalent of fruit roll ups, and who can sustain a long-term diet of fruit roll ups for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? It doesn't work. Somewhere along the line, Hollywood has a responsibility to stimulate brain activity and put something out into the public that isn't just a generic, moneymaking machine (i.e. Disaster Movie). It's not just about money Hollywood! We have a monopoly over public entertainment, and with great power comes… well you know.

Alright, enough of that…

Rehearsals for Speech and Debate are going extremely well. Tickets are on sale now at theblank.com. September 13- October 26. Four shows a week, Thursday- Sunday. Thursday and Sunday: $22. Friday and Saturday: $28. If you call before September 5th, $3.00 off if you use the code “postcard”. I'd love to see some of you there. You can meet the cast and crew after every show. It's going to be a blast, I promise you.

A very happy birthday to my brilliant webmaster Holly. And a good day to all of you. TWI-HARDS rule!!

-Michael

Hello cyber compadres,

First of all, did you see Michael Phelps and the rest of the Men's US Olympic Swim Team beat the trash-talking French in one of the greatest moments in sports history?! It was unbelievable. Now I love my Frenchies out there. When it comes to art, culture, food, healthcare, and clean energy, we all have a lot to learn from the French. But come on, even YOU have to give it up for my boys! Jason Lezak was almost a full body length behind Alain Bernard (the one who DID all the trash-talking) going into the last 50 meters. He pushed himself about as hard as a human being is capable of pushing, and just wouldn't let his team lose. Congratulations fellas! Only two more gold medals and our little 23-year old nice boy from Baltimore becomes the greatest Olympian of all time. I LOVE that stuff!

I just finished my first week of rehearsals on the play. It's going to be so freaking amazing, I really hope some of you get to see it. Check out the home page at michaelwelchonline.com for details. It's been very intense and quite an adjustment. I've gotten so used to working a certain way for film, television, and auditions, I forgot the process for theatre. We have a full six weeks of rehearsals to develop our characters and craft a show. It's a better way of working and I'm having a lot of fun.

I want to introduce all of you to my old friend Ryanne from Holland. She started my very first fan site. Now she's created a killer new site, michaelwelchmedia.com. She's got all kinds of crazy goodness over there. Check it out - it's one of a kind.

I also want to give a well-deserved shout out to Vee, Shadow, Izzie, and Anna or all that they're doing over at michael-welch.com, Shirley at the message board dazzlingstarz.com/michaelwforum, Holly, our webmaster at michaelwelchonline.com, and Larry Richman for his friendship and the help he does behind the scenes. Sheesh. I feel a bit spoiled. Thank you all.

That's it for now. I'll check in again when I can. Love to your mothers! Shalom.

-Me