ich Kalliope: Tina and Me

I have found a kindred spirit in the comedienne and actress Tina Fey. I've always been a fan of hers, but the deep connection I felt towards her after watching the opening skit of last week's SNL for the fifth... ok, sixth time was very strong. We have so much in common, really. I think we might be related.

FOUR THINGS KALLIOPE HAS IN COMMON WITH TINA FEY

1. GREEK-AMERICANS, you thought I was kidding with the related thing huh? We're both of Greek descent. Her middle name is Stamatina. I think I had a great aunt named Stamatina.

2. FUNNY, I'm not fond of the spotlight, although I'm pretty comfortable with a microphone in front of a group, and I've been told I'm pretty funny. I'm no star, but I can make people laugh.

3. SARAH PALIN, the day after Black Friday when Palin was announced as McCain's running mate, I put my hair up at the start of the flat ironing process, grabbed my not-so-designer glasses and saw an uncanny resemblance to a certain Veep candidate from Alaska. My husband, and a couple of friends thought that I had a good chance of getting the part of Palin on SNL. Yes they did... they said it! The fact that I lost the part to Tina, is well-known now in most circles. And I don't begrudge her success, although my dear friend still says I would have done a better job. I love her for that!

4. WE LOVE OUR COUNTRY, we really do. In an interview this past Sunday, after winning three Emmy awards and being praised for her uncanny portrayal of Palin on the SNL season opener, Fey responded with the following:

"I want to be done playing this lady Nov. 5," she said. "So if anybody can help me be done playing this lady Nov. 5, that would be good for me."

I'm here to help Tina!! I want you to stop playing that lady too. I hope that on November 5, 2008 that you and I only have THREE THINGS IN COMMON, unless it turns out you're my sister.