Abandonment Issues?
Change is all we really have so why do I let it get to me?  Because something in me wants stability, but it is never stable, is it?  So 2007 was full of change “as expected”.   To contrast the wonderful addition of a new spouse, I’ve had a few longtime employees move on and pass on.   It’s difficult for me because they’ve been such a big part of my life and my day-to-day routine for so long.  I am grateful for the support and all the work they’ve done for me over the years, and for their trust and friendship.  I, of course, wish them well, and although the transition might be a bit bumpy, things will work out.  They always seem to work out when I get out of my own way.

My long time assistant Stacey is moving to be closer to her family…the best of all reasons to move on.
My dear friend, Hallie, (my make-up artist) passed away last month.  It was quite a shock to all, and I still can’t seem to understand why such things happen.  She was a wonderful and unique soul and I will miss her dearly.

Wild Hogs
Saw the finished edited cut of the movie and really enjoyed it.  And now, we’re back in the promotional saddle with Wild Hogs.  Last week, Disney assembled the male quartet to shoot promos, and after, we all appeared on Oprah (which should air this week – Feb 6???).  Doing Oprah was great fun because it’s like sitting with a very fun Queen.  Nearing the end of the month, I’ll be appearing on Regis, Ellen and the Tonight Show so be sure to tune in see if I remember to wear pants.

Your Queries
I know you guys ask me a lot of questions on my forum (The Idea Exchange), so I thought I'd compile some and answer them here.

Question:   When you are seventy, do you still want to be involved in the media, or do you want to retire, like most Americans?
Answer:   “You retire, you die” I once heard someone say.  I love to entertain folks so I would love to continue doing that -- but I have many interests as well.   I suppose expanding my perspective is never ending.

Question:   If you could star in any kind of movie, what would it be and what would it be about?
Answer:   I would love to play a father who deals with his kids, or with animals -- or maybe even play a holiday icon.  Oh ..just a…. wait a minute… why you…  How ‘bout one of those wonderful really bad B-movie sci-fis from the fifties?  Although I think I’m fifty years too late for that.  Seriously -- I would love to be involved in a feature that moves me emotionally and tests my intellect.

Question:   How are you?
Answer:   How am I?  A simple question with a simple answer.  I am grateful.  

Question:   What dorm did you stay in at WMU? (I hope it's Smith-Burnham...ha...that's where I am)
Answer:   By the time I left Central to attend WMU I was living off campus over on Minor Street.  Now get back to studying!

Question:   Since you have recently done Shaggy, if you had to be something else for its lifetime, beginning through the end, what would it be? Why?
Answer:   Something else?  An animal?  I’m assuming that‘s what you mean. The grander animals intrigue me.  Orca whales are so cool to look at and have such a vast territory to explore.  I’d like that, or an Eagle, with its amazing vision and flight abilities.

Question:   Boxers or briefs?
Answer:   Whatever is clean.

Question:   Do you have any techniques to relax between shooting scenes.
Answer:   I love to organize my bus, tweak my equipment, and read. But honestly, relaxing is hard for me.

Question:   Do you ever become nervous before a live appearance?
Answer:   I have never gotten any better at managing my stage fright.  Love it on stage once I get it going, but back stage I pace and sweat.

Question:   Do you follow any of the California sports teams?
Answer:   Love California and respect the teams here, but I am from Denver and Detroit.  Even as a boy in Colorado I liked the Lions and Giants. I keep the Broncos in my heart, but the sad-ass Lions are my team.

Question:   My question would be, what do you enjoy more-  acting? Writing Books? Writing movies/TV?  Producer?  Building stuff?  Racing cars?  I know the most important job would be, being a parent, but what about a paying job. If you had to only do one what would it be?
Answer:   I enjoy them all as they each have their own creative challenges, but if I had to pick one, it would be a comic.

Question:   Wanna come to Austria for a skiing vacation?
Answer:   I'll ask my kid.

Question:   Tea or coffee?
Answer:   For the most part -- coffee, but when traveling with the Formula One teams years ago, I tasted strong English Tea and loved it.  Less bite than coffee but so much stronger than Lipton Tea Bags.

Question:   I think I would ask him if he ever has or does want more kids?
Answer:   In a perfect world -- probably yes --
….but in this world -- with great reservations.
 
Question:   What he thinks of all the woman fans that think he is sooo hot?
Answer:   Please send photos to....just kidding.  It’s an odd thought for me.  I was popular as a teen for my humor, but never for my looks.  After the skin cleared up the looks adjusted – although it’s still an odd notion -- but one I’ll gratefully embrace.  Excuse me while I take a peek at myself in the mirror.

Question:   After seeing all the snow globes in Santa Clause 3, just wondered if you collect them yourself?
Answer:   Without invitation, people have generously sent me Santa figures and snow globes.  I set the best out for the holidays.

Question:   Mr. Allen, whose your favorite actor/actress other than yourself? Can you give us your Top 3?
Answer:   Living:  Russell Crowe, Kathy Bates and Denzel Washington
Past:  Robert Mitchum, Myrna Loy and Peter Sellers

Question:   What or who made you happy today?
Answer:   There was a moment today I connected to another in deep conversation and I felt the triumph, courage and dignity of man.

Question:   If you could teach a one-day class, what would you teach?
Answer:   Design.