Diocese of Jefferson City

Bishop Gaydos liked sitting next to me because he got free M&M's.

Awkward Ozarks

What the hell kind of giant zombie squirrels do they have here at the Lake of the Ozarks?

 

Social Media Killed My Blog

I don't think I have written a thought over 140 characters in the past year.
Social Media has killed my creative process.  I use to write my ideas out on my blog until they blossomed into a beautiful comedic cornucopia.
But now I am limited to 140 characters.
You see I have to be smart, funny and timely in 140 characters in order to Tweet on Twitter which is then published to my Facebook which is then ingested by my 2,138 Facebook friends and my 1,980 "likes" on my Judy McDonald Comedian page.  The responsibility to create that is very heavy on my petite yet muscular shoulders.  By the time I spend my funnies on that 140 characters I am just exhausted and must sit down as I am light headed leaving no time to write a hilarious blog for you the loyal blog reader.  So you see, I want to write comedy gold but social media is robbing me from you. I promise that I will add 10 characters a day and build myself back up to a full fledged blog.  I promise.

Es OK, I'm Still Funny

I just found out that if I don't raise enough money they give me a "service cat". 
No me gusta, no me gusta at all! 

Little Angel Help

This is a hard blog to write because I don't like asking for help; but before you crumble this paper up and play wastebasket basketball, please take a few minutes to read it (jokes on you because this is on the screen and if you really want to crumble it up your going to have to shell out money for a new computer, so just read it). 

Even though comedy is my profession, this blog and my request are not a joke.

Perhaps this will come as a shock to you, but a few years ago I was diagnosed with clinical depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). You know what clinical depression is, but perhaps PTSD is a mystery. Sure, we see it on the news that our military has been coming back from war with it for years. It is also called “shell shock.” People are often described as having a “thousand-mile stare.” But it's not just soldiers who get it, comedians do too (really, anyone can). I was reluctant to share my challenges with many people, but now I need your help.

At times I am unable to leave the house because of all that comes with clinical depression and PTSD. You can imagine how these challenges can be a hindrance for someone who travels full time as a stand-up comedian. This letter is my way of letting more people know about my daily struggles and also an opportunity for me to ask for your help (which, again, is something that I hate doing!).

Recently, I discovered a company in the San Diego area that trains service dogs for people with PTSD and other physical and psycho-social challenges. Little Angels Service Dogs has an approval process, and I have been approved to receive one of these very special dogs! The dogs are typically Labradors that have been bred for this work. They are trained in foster homes from the moment they are weaned. The foster families do a fantastic job of getting these pups used to unusual circumstances at an early age. Once the dogs are mature enough, they are brought back to the training facility for specialized training. When all is said and done, the dog will have received more than 600 hours of training. In my case, training for my dog would include advanced obedience for public access, as well as deep pressure therapy, boundary control, and initial alert training. Included is additional training with me to help me deal with panic attacks, flashbacks and nightmares. This means that my dog would be able to interrupt my panic attacks,flashbacks and nightmares.

It will be such a relief to have this type of support at home and on the road. Little Angels Service Dogs is a non-profit agency, and every dog it provides is paid for by tax-deductible donations. The expense of training a dog so skilled is high, so people like me (who will use the dogs), as well as many others, work as volunteers to help raise some of these funds. As a recipient of a dog I will make a commitment for the duration of the dog’s life, and will be required to check in routinely with Little Angels Service Dogs to monitor the animal’s performance and the impact on the quality of life for the human companion (that’s me). 

The faster I meet my fundraising goal, the more quickly I can bring my service dog home.

This is the part where I ask for your help. My goal is to raise $10,000. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Little Angels Service Dogs on my behalf. Any amount is appreciated and will bring me closer to my goal.

If you have any questions about the program or anything else, please give me a call. There is also really great information on the Little Angels Service Dogs website. I cannot thank you enough for your consideration of my request!

You can send donations in check form to:

Little Angels Service Dogs
Little Angels Service Dogs
PO Box 219
Jamul, CA 91935

Your check should be written out to “Little Angels Service Dogs,” and the Memo for the check should read "PSDA1"

Little Angels Service Dogs is a 501c3 organization. Tax ID # 27-3515067

Thank you again for your help! I will keep all donors up-to-date about my dog. I cannot do this without you.

Pax,

Judy

Mac

 

I lost my best friend on September 12, 2012. His name was Mac and he was a 12 year old golden retriever. Mac was a water boy. Almost everyday summer, winter, rain or shine he would be in the pool. In the last 6 years or so he didn't swim as much as he just sat on the step soaking it all in. I sometimes would think I would look out and see him drinking a cup of coffee or reading the paper when he was out there, but that only happened twice. 

Mac wasn't always a golden boy. 

 He was very protective of me and bit his share of nieces and nephews who he thought got to close to me.
Once he even snapped and caught his tooth in my thumb. The was very apologetic about the whole thing and now I look down at my indelible "Mac Mark" and can smile.

He was horrible at posing for Christmas pictures but was one hell of a gift wrapper.



He hated when the suitcase came out when I would leave for a show and would pout and make me feel guilty. But all was forgiven as soon as I walked back in the door

We are pretty sure towards the end he got doggy dementia and forgot he was mean.
 Mac was a reminder to me of what a loyal friend should look like.
Always excited to see me when I walked in the door after a long trip or just from an errand. Constantly by my side sick, healthy or otherwise.
A good drinking buddy.

COMING SOON: How to Survive a Neil Diamond Concert

Greenvile, NC Mission Trip: Pittsburgh

Sunday ~ Joy-filled Laughter! What a blessing this day has been! Our Sunday morning began with a beautiful Mass in St. Paul of the Cross Monastery Church where we were warmly welcomed by both the congregation and the Passionist priests. After a quick lunch, the group headed over to Sandcastle Waterpark for a joyful day filled with laughter, community, and water slides! And the laughter did not stop there. We were treated to a fantastic evening by Judy McDonald, a phenomenal Catholic comedian. She had us rolling with jokes about everything from hairballs to Confession to her dad's cellphone. Without a doubt, the laughter and joy in that room was contagious. :) We closed the night by meeting with our family work groups in preparation for tomorrow, the first day of work. While that sums up the day, I couldn't finish this without telling you how proud I am of these teens. Their love and kindness and thoughtfulness has truly touched my heart. On several different occasions I have witnessed one teen reaching out to another, extending a loving arm even when it took them outside of their comfort zone. We are without a doubt building the Body of Christ here in Pittsburgh, and I am thrilled to be a part of it all! Thanks for your prayers and support! We send our love and prayers your way. In Christ, Dani Moloney

Judy McDonald - Women's Session - Mid-America 1

Fun in Fortworth

Short video of my friend and speaker, Roy Petitfils getting PUNKED by Bishop Vann of Fort Worth. Roy returned from the restroom noticing that the Bishop switched seats with him. His facial expression is saying "The Bishop is eating my dinner. We may have to have words...and I'll be excommunicated." Bishop Vann is GREAT sport.

On the Road Again...and Again: St. Louis

Judy lightened the mood of Saturday night by sharing some stories and jokes from her life. She shared about her dogs and about her family. She transitioned from joking about her family to sharing about her and her family’s devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Pictures of the Blessed Mother were all over Judy’s house, from the refrigerator to plates with Mary’s image. But the most startling and inspirational aspect that Judy touched on was Mary’s “YES” to God. She said, “There is never a best time for an angel to show up and say you’re going to give birth to the savior of the world.”
Mary embraced the role that God had for her. As Judy shared “Mary is human. Mary has free will, just like I have free will.” She stressed that Mary trusted God with everything.
Judy used this image to challenge the teens to be strong in their YES to God.
“Let your YES mean YES. Have a strong YES.”
Amen!

Mc-Microdiscectomy

On Friday I had a repeat trip to the ER for my back and to my surprise they kept me over night and preformed a microdiscectomy on me Saturday morning.  The surgery took about an hour and the surgeon removed a large part of my disk that was protruding out onto my spinal nerves which was causing my leg pain and other problems.  I was in recovery for about 4 hours because I kept coughing up blood and was having trouble breathing. When they got me back to my room that's when the anesthesia started to play it's nasty tricks on me and I began hours of vomiting (are you grossed out yet?) accompanied by the worst headache I have ever been graced with.
Needless to say they kept me for a second night and I finally was released Sunday around 11am.
I am not allowed to bend, lift or twist for at least 2 months (goodbye salsa dancing while helping people move) and no driving for 1 to 2 weeks.  I have been advised to stay down so you won't see me this week but I might sneak out by next week as I start to get cabin fever. I am also on drugs that could knock out a horse so I am surprised that I could even turn on my computer much less write this blog.
Speaking of drugs I must go now because the elephants I keep seeing need their breakfast.

Donde Jude?

I have had a busy few months and my bum has been molded into air plane seats. Here is my schedule since March:

• March 22 The Los Angeles Religious Education Congress 
• Youth Day March 24 Scottsdale, ARIZONA 
• March 26 Seton Catholic Preparatory Chandler, ARIZONA 
•  March 31 Warrior Dash 
• April 13 -14 Amarillo TEXAS 
• April 17 Purdue University, West Lafayette, INDIANA 
• April 23 Clarksville, MARYLAND 
• April 27 Diocese of Portland, OREGON 
• May 4 - 5 Youth Day Archdiocese of Vancouver

I got to eat rocky mountain oysters, Run over fire, eat gilato in Indiana AND Canada, see my sister, talk to over 4,000 people about Jesus and got 5 new youth ministry t-shirts that I will never ever wear. All in all a good few months. I am now grounded until June 18th and am very happy about it.

Go Canucks

Going North

Here I Go

New Mexico bound. I would try to spell Albaquerkieeeee but who would I be fooling?

COMING SOON

STICKERS!
Soon you can show your love of Jude and sheep by putting stickers all over your car, your neighbor's truck, your mom's van and grandpa's scooter, hooray!



COMING SOMEDAY SOON...REALLY COOL STICKERS!

15 Years Ago

15 year ago I was the assistant to the Production Manager for the Academy Awards.  Billy Crystal hosted then just like last night.  I'm sure he misses me.

Ash Wednesday...Once Again

My Friend Tam

Orland N. Tamburri April 1, 1921 - February 10, 2012


Mr. Orland N. Tamburri, a native of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at his home in V i s t a, California, just north of San Diego, w h e r e he retired following a long a n d illustrious career in the t e l e v i s i o n industry during the 'Golden Age of TV'. He was 90 years old.
The son of Luigi and Maddalena Vitti Tamburri, he was a graduate of Uniontown's South Union High, Class of 1939.

Following high school, he worked at several local Pittsburgh area radio stations before enlisting in the Navy Air Corps during World War II, where he served in the Pacific theater guiding radio controlled aircraft over enemy targets, the precursors of today's modern drone technology.

It was also while in the service that he met the love and inspiration of his life, Dorothy Caldroney, a Navy Nurse. They were happily married from 1947 until Dorothy's sudden death on December 19, 2002.

He and Dorothy had two sons, Ken Tamburri and Don Tamburri. Sadly, both are deceased.

Driven by a keen technical mind, a desire to succeed and a strong work ethic inherited from his Italian immigrant parents, he was encouraged by his mentors in the radio business after the War to travel to New York City to pursue his dreams.

It was in New York where Orland began a distinguished career as a Technical Director for the National Broadcasting Company (NBC). His career with NBC took him around the globe. He was the recipient of three Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards and also 24 Nominations for his work as Technical Director on shows ranging from major sporting events, sitcoms and space launches, to popular game shows, political conventions and the highly acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame series.

His many TV credits include such popular hit shows as The Golden Girls, Sanford and Son and The Johnny Carson Show. His name can still be seen in the credits of many of the re-runs of these popular shows, listed as 'Technical Director: O. Tamburri'.

He is survived by his sister, Edie Tamburri Paul of Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

He will be fondly remembered as a true gentleman considerate, selfless, generous, accomplished, genuine and humble. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

May he rest in peace in the comforting and waiting arms of his beloved wife, Dorothy, and sons, Ken and Don. We love you and we miss you!

Tam's Filmography

The Golden Girls (TV series) (technical director - 123 episodes, 1985-1990) (technical manager - 1 episode, 1989)

See all 123 episodes »

 

1988 Empty Nest (TV series) (technical director - 1 episode)

– Pilot (1988) (technical director)

 

1985 Santa Barbara (TV series) (technical director - 2 episodes)

– Episode #1.209 (1985) (technical director)

– Episode #1.208 (1985) (technical director)

 

1984-1985 Punky Brewster (TV series) (technical director - 3 episodes)

– My Aged Valentine (1985) (technical director)

– Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1984) (technical director)

– Punky Finds a Home: Part 1 (1984) (technical director)

 

1983-1984 Jennifer Slept Here (TV series) (technical director - 12 episodes)

– Take, Jennifer Please (1984) (technical director)

– The Tutor Who Came to Dinner (1984) (technical director)

– Life with Grandfather (1984) (technical director)

– Do You Take This Ghost? (1984) (technical director)

– Risky Weekend (1984) (technical director)

See all 12 episodes »

 

1982 Ain't Misbehavin' (TV movie) (technical director)

 

1982 The Sound of Murder (technical director)

 

1981 The People vs. Jean Harris (TV movie) (technical director)

 

1980 Blockbusters (TV series) (technical director)

 

1980 The Hollywood Squares (TV series) (technical director - 1 episode)

– Episode dated 20 June 1980 (1980) (technical director)

 

1980 Solid Gold (TV series) (technical director - 1 episode)

– Pilot #1 (1980) (technical director)

 

1979 Skinflint: A Country Christmas Carol (TV movie) (technical director)

 

1979 All Star Secrets (TV series) (technical director - 1 episode)

– Episode dated 9 April 1979 (1979) (technical director)

 

1979 Password Plus (TV series) (technical director)

 

1978-1981 Card Sharks (TV series) (technical director)

 

1976-1977 C.P.O. Sharkey (TV series) (technical director - 3 episodes)

– Natalie's Ultimatum (1977) (technical director)

– Operation: Frisco (1977) (technical director)

– Oh Captain! My Captain (1976) (technical director)

 

1977 Our Town (TV movie) (technical director)

 

1972-1977 Sanford and Son (TV series) (technical director - 23 episodes)

– School Daze (1977) (technical director)

– The Lucky Streak (1977) (technical director)

– When John Comes Marching Home (1977) (technical director)

– Aunt Esther Meets Her Son (1976) (technical director)

– The Hawaiian Connection: Part 2 (1976) (technical director)

See all 23 episodes »

 

1975 Grady (TV series) (technical director - 2 episodes)

– The Driving Force (1975) (technical director)

– Be It Ever So Humble (1975) (technical director)

 

1975 Welcome Back, Kotter (TV series) (technical director - 1 episode)

– Whodunit? (1975) (technical director)

 

1973 Tomorrow Coast to Coast (TV series) (technical director)

 

1973 Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - Rehearsal Concert (TV movie) (technical director)

 

1973 Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii (TV special documentary) (technical director)

 

1973 Mitzi... The First Time (TV movie) (technical director)

 

1968 Flesh and Blood (TV movie) (technical director)

 

1966 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the White House (TV documentary) (technical director)

 

1964 The Fantasticks (TV movie) (technical director)

 

1962 Arsenic & Old Lace (TV movie) (technical director)

 

1951-1954 Martin Kane (TV series) (technical director - 15 episodes)

– The Milk Bottle Burglar (1954) (technical director)

– The Shoeshine Murder (1954) (technical director)

– Trip to Bermuda (1953) (technical director)

– The Comic Strip Killer (1953) (technical director)

– Black Pearls (1952) (technical director)

See all 15 episodes »

 

1952 The Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse (TV series) (technical director - 1 episode)

– The Last Hour (1952) (technical director)