We are happy to Announce
The Professor and his wife Connie will, once a month, pick either their favorite books, music (by extremely talented, cool, worthy musicians, some who are new on the scene,
some who are classics) OR their favorites in film, video, and independents, old & new.

The Johnsons have an uncanny ability to discover outstanding talent sometimes years
before they hit it big. Talent like Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Diana Krall, Aimee
Mann and Moby to name just a few. That's a pretty glowing recommendation, right?

You bet it is! Remember, the Professor always had keen powers of observation, a talent
he and Connie share, and the two of them are thrilled to introduce you to brand new
up-and-comers as the PROFESSOR PICKS this month's favorites in BOOKS and ROCK.

 After a long while The Professor Picks takes enormous pleasure in
presenting our favorite new childrens' book, "Melonhead" written by
Michael deGuzman about the most unlikely, unique young hero.
(Melonhead can be found at Amazon.com as well as bookstores everywhere) It's shining subject is Sidney Mellon (Melonhead), an unusual looking boy of 12 years
with a huge head and a shock of stick straight carrot red hair and a perpetually flushed
face. The way he looks has plagued him everyday of his young life. He is abused by his
stepfather and stepbrother and overlooked by his unhappy, fearful mother who rather than
confront his stepfather sends Sidney to Hollywood to his handsome, irresponsible father.

Sidney (Melonhead, the name he is so cruelly called) is tired of being abused, sent back and
forth between Seattle and L.A. by fueding parents, not really wanted by either, or so he
believes. He finds an opportunity to get on a bus and go across the country. What ensues, is
the most heartrending, funny, thought provoking adventure that will inspire the spirit. On his
amazing journey, Sidney (Melonhead) meets and gets to know a world of interesting people
like Moses Longfellow, a 101 year old Navajo Indian and Shamus Flowers the wheeler dealer
to Mona Lipp, a onetime great beauty fallen on hard times. There are more outrageous
characters, some funny, some dangerous. Sidney learns to be his own person in the process.

We fell in love with Sidney and his generous spirit, and so will you. He proves that heroes
come in all shapes and colors, sizes, ages and size of head. We readers are fortunate
that wonderful writers such as Michael deGuzman  enrich our lives and imaginations.
This book is for readers 10 years to 101. We would love to see a film made of this book.

With Love,
Connie and Russell Johnson

Gray Matter Band Debut CD - "tastes like chicken"  He is Gray Pender . . . Here is a great guy we have known since he was born.
His mother Mercedes Shirley Pender was a dear friend and world renown drama
coach and actress, who not only ran, but taught at the prestigious
Stella Adler School of Acting in Hollywood, CA..

Gray was so low key about his talent that when he sent us his first CD, one that he
and his band made in his living room (well, at least some of it), we didn't know
what to think. We just prayed it would be good because a close friendship doesn't
necessarily guarantee a high recommendation from us. Well, Gray's CD has,
as a matter of fact, inspired us to finally add this web page that has been
baking in the back of our minds since the inception of this website.

Well, we played Gray's CD and we were astounded. It is Brilliant! His music and lyrics
are 1st class. The guy plays amazing guitar. His lyrics, like his band, are touching,
original, witty - some are gritty. Believe us, it's worth a visit to his website, where
you can listen to Gray's music before purchasing this remarkable CD!
Just click on his CD cover above.