Hooray for Self-Imposed Segregation!
RNN's E News Rundown poll question for today:
Gay High School: Good Idea or Waste of Money?
Now, everyone knows I'm a fan of all things gay, but I can't support gay high school. Just like women's and black colleges, learning institutions that manufacture a false society don't do anyone any favors. All adolescents struggle with sexual identity, and it's important to see differences in one's everyday life. Segregation, even that which is self-imposed, breeds a sense of superiority and/or intolerance of the "different" that flies in the face of any civil rights movement.
Besides, if all the gay boys are in their own high school, what will all the fag hags do?
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Monday, July 28, 2003
Bushfire
What exactly is wrong with George W. Bush? How does he have the nerve to ignore established black groups like the NAACP? Sure, he's giving a speech to the Urban League, but he's still not sitting down with them. He may be the president, but he needs to climb down off his high horse once in a while. He's obviously afraid of having his policies confronted or challenged. And now, making a speech before the Urban League, just to draw support for his 2004 campaign; that's just appalling.
The real kicker is, that the Democratic candidate with the most support is Jewish, and I have strong doubts about the US electing a Jew to the highest office, even in 2004. If Hillary threw her hat into the ring, she'd have more support, but she's already said she's not up for it. Gephardt may have a gay daughter, but this is really his last chance to get non-Missourians to know who the hell he is, and he hasn't been very successful so far. So, it looks like, barring some unforseen campaign acrobatics on the part of the Dems, that we'll be stuck with Hayseed W. Moron until 2008. Wow, I can't wait to see what happens in the unstable Middle East region during that time! I'm on the edge of my seat!
What exactly is wrong with George W. Bush? How does he have the nerve to ignore established black groups like the NAACP? Sure, he's giving a speech to the Urban League, but he's still not sitting down with them. He may be the president, but he needs to climb down off his high horse once in a while. He's obviously afraid of having his policies confronted or challenged. And now, making a speech before the Urban League, just to draw support for his 2004 campaign; that's just appalling.
The real kicker is, that the Democratic candidate with the most support is Jewish, and I have strong doubts about the US electing a Jew to the highest office, even in 2004. If Hillary threw her hat into the ring, she'd have more support, but she's already said she's not up for it. Gephardt may have a gay daughter, but this is really his last chance to get non-Missourians to know who the hell he is, and he hasn't been very successful so far. So, it looks like, barring some unforseen campaign acrobatics on the part of the Dems, that we'll be stuck with Hayseed W. Moron until 2008. Wow, I can't wait to see what happens in the unstable Middle East region during that time! I'm on the edge of my seat!
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Happy Birthday, You Freak
Tom Robbins celebrates his birthday today. He may or may not be 67. Tom Robbins is one of my all-time favorite authors. I'm really looking forward to his new book, Villa Incognito. Look at this, when I write about Tom, I come off like a moron. Check out this brief excerpt:
It has been reported that Tanuki fell from the sky using his scrotum as a parachute.
That is not so ridiculous when we take into account the unusual size of Tanuki's scrotum.
Happy birthday, Tom. You rock and roll and take no prisoners.
Tom Robbins celebrates his birthday today. He may or may not be 67. Tom Robbins is one of my all-time favorite authors. I'm really looking forward to his new book, Villa Incognito. Look at this, when I write about Tom, I come off like a moron. Check out this brief excerpt:
It has been reported that Tanuki fell from the sky using his scrotum as a parachute.
That is not so ridiculous when we take into account the unusual size of Tanuki's scrotum.
Happy birthday, Tom. You rock and roll and take no prisoners.
Oh, Fox, You Devil
I saw the funniest show on Sunday night. It's called Banzai, and it's a parody of Japanese game shows. At first I thought it was offensive, because the announcers have very thick accents, but you know what? It's just funny. It's very fast paced, and you don't even think about changing the channel. This show would be a lot of fun to watch with a group, because you bet on what the outcome will be, like, who can fetch a stick in the water faster, Todd Bridges or a dog? Or, how long will Bill Murray let a reporter shake his hand on a red carpet? It's awesome.
Another Fox show I caught last week was American Juniors. I didn't catch the whole thing, but I saw enough to know that each of the contestants is more talented than most of the contestants on American Idol. Plus, Gladys Knight and Debbie Gibson are judges! Unfortunately, Ryan Seacrest is on it, (and looking more gay than ever) but what can you do?
I saw the funniest show on Sunday night. It's called Banzai, and it's a parody of Japanese game shows. At first I thought it was offensive, because the announcers have very thick accents, but you know what? It's just funny. It's very fast paced, and you don't even think about changing the channel. This show would be a lot of fun to watch with a group, because you bet on what the outcome will be, like, who can fetch a stick in the water faster, Todd Bridges or a dog? Or, how long will Bill Murray let a reporter shake his hand on a red carpet? It's awesome.
Another Fox show I caught last week was American Juniors. I didn't catch the whole thing, but I saw enough to know that each of the contestants is more talented than most of the contestants on American Idol. Plus, Gladys Knight and Debbie Gibson are judges! Unfortunately, Ryan Seacrest is on it, (and looking more gay than ever) but what can you do?
Age Ain't Nothin' But A Number
I just realized that Kobe Bryant is only 24 years old. His wife, Vanessa, whom people are calling a poised and elegant woman, is only 20. Who are these kids? Who gives a 24 year old a salary that allows him to buy a $4 million ring? I can't begin to imagine that kind of life. When I was 24, I was living in a crap apartment in Corona, Queens, making $22 K a year, up to my eyeballs in credit card debt. When I was 20, I was in college. I was a child! Yet Vanessa is married to a millionaire basketball player who has admitted to cheating on her and is being charged with rape. It's just too strange.
I just realized that Kobe Bryant is only 24 years old. His wife, Vanessa, whom people are calling a poised and elegant woman, is only 20. Who are these kids? Who gives a 24 year old a salary that allows him to buy a $4 million ring? I can't begin to imagine that kind of life. When I was 24, I was living in a crap apartment in Corona, Queens, making $22 K a year, up to my eyeballs in credit card debt. When I was 20, I was in college. I was a child! Yet Vanessa is married to a millionaire basketball player who has admitted to cheating on her and is being charged with rape. It's just too strange.
Communication Breakdown
I was out shopping yesterday when I heard about the shooting at City Hall. When I got to the bar around 4:30, they had it on TV. The story I was hearing was that someone let off 20 rounds, the guy who did it got away, and that it was considered to be random. How the hell does that story jibe with the actual story? If the whole thing went down at ten after two, how could they not know by 4:30 what had actually happened? Way to go, local news. And if this was a story fed to them by City Hall, what was the point? Were they embarrassed that Councilman Davis signed his own death warrant by skirting metal detectors with some apparent weirdo he'd just met two weeks ago? Did they want to wait to reveal that a police officer had done his job because theycan never be sure if NYPD officers are playing with a full deck?
I was out shopping yesterday when I heard about the shooting at City Hall. When I got to the bar around 4:30, they had it on TV. The story I was hearing was that someone let off 20 rounds, the guy who did it got away, and that it was considered to be random. How the hell does that story jibe with the actual story? If the whole thing went down at ten after two, how could they not know by 4:30 what had actually happened? Way to go, local news. And if this was a story fed to them by City Hall, what was the point? Were they embarrassed that Councilman Davis signed his own death warrant by skirting metal detectors with some apparent weirdo he'd just met two weeks ago? Did they want to wait to reveal that a police officer had done his job because theycan never be sure if NYPD officers are playing with a full deck?
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
A New Low For Broadcast News
So there I am, watching TV, and all day it's nothing but "special reports." Breaking news! Saddams's sons might be dead! Also, Pfc. Jessica Lynch is coming home! Also, Celia Cruz's funeral procession is going down the street! Hey, Saddam's sons are dead! Wow! Good thing you told me now. I sure couldn't have waited for the evening news or tomorrow's paper for this important news. There's no way I would have wanted to go about my day without this vital information. And what would I do without the new, flashy graphic on ABC, "Sons of Saddam"? How would I know what the story was about? The worst was when CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX and ABC had all finished their "special reports" on the confirmation of the deaths of Saddam's sons, UPN comes on with "breaking news"! Huh? This ain't news anymore, fools. How dare you interrupt Family Feud for a minutes-old story?
So there I am, watching TV, and all day it's nothing but "special reports." Breaking news! Saddams's sons might be dead! Also, Pfc. Jessica Lynch is coming home! Also, Celia Cruz's funeral procession is going down the street! Hey, Saddam's sons are dead! Wow! Good thing you told me now. I sure couldn't have waited for the evening news or tomorrow's paper for this important news. There's no way I would have wanted to go about my day without this vital information. And what would I do without the new, flashy graphic on ABC, "Sons of Saddam"? How would I know what the story was about? The worst was when CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX and ABC had all finished their "special reports" on the confirmation of the deaths of Saddam's sons, UPN comes on with "breaking news"! Huh? This ain't news anymore, fools. How dare you interrupt Family Feud for a minutes-old story?
Thursday, July 17, 2003
Old People Get All The Breaks, If Not The Brakes
What the hell is up with this old man, plowing into dozens of people, killing nine of them, and getting off scot-free? That really disturbs me. Sure, he's old, but it's still some kind of vehicular homicide. There has to be some penalty, even if the car malfunctioned. Someone has to send a message to the old people of the world to stay off the road and get a bus pass. Where are the ice floes when you need them, eh?
What the hell is up with this old man, plowing into dozens of people, killing nine of them, and getting off scot-free? That really disturbs me. Sure, he's old, but it's still some kind of vehicular homicide. There has to be some penalty, even if the car malfunctioned. Someone has to send a message to the old people of the world to stay off the road and get a bus pass. Where are the ice floes when you need them, eh?
Wednesday, July 16, 2003
The Onion Tells My Future
The sad part was, I started nodding when I hit the part about buying stamps.
The sad part was, I started nodding when I hit the part about buying stamps.
Things The Government Doesn't Want You To Know About
You may not know this, but New York City has brought back curbside recycling for plastic, and glass will be back in April of next year. Haven't seen anything about this on the news? No posters in your building's vestibule? Of course not! The city says it can't afford a similar publicity campaign to the one they used to stop plastic and glass recycling, just one short year ago. Oh, really? It wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that Mayor Bloomberg is embarrassed that the action he pushed for, under the auspices of saving the city money and finding better ways to recycle, has been recinded? Sure, they say it's due to a "better recycling program," but if the mayor had really created such a program, why is there no fanfare? He desperately needs some good press, and this would be it. What's the deal?
Speaking of our less than illustrous billionaire mayor, one of his least popular policies will be challenged on Thursday, July 24. There will be a rally in front of City Hall at 1 pm to protest the smoking ban. Now that it has been in effect for a few months, the city has seen its ill effects, and I predict there will be a bigger turnout than at previous protests. Bar owners who did not speak out before are becoming increasingly concerned with this bogus law. Even non-smoking patrons have seen the negative effects of this radical "solution" to secondhand smoke. Residents have been subjected to crowds of smokers on the sidewalk, and they can't be happy. What are the problems? First, the aforementioned crowds on the sidewalk. Some bars try to keep them under control, put out ashtrays and have bouncers shush the patrons, but that's not only annoying, it's not widespread. Second, when someone wants to go out for a smoke, but they still have a drink, there are a few things that can happen. You leave your drink on the bar and the bartender watches it or puts a napkin over it, you either lose your seat or piss off incoming patrons who stare at your empty stoll for ten minutes, wondering if you'll ever come back, and finally, take that chance that someone might slip something in your drink. This is no good. Not to mention, bars are having problems with people falsely claiming that their drinks were bussed while they were smoking, scamming free drinks; underage kids are sneaking in with the smokers, and people are just skipping out on their tabs with the old, "just going outside for a puff" line.
I've said it once, and I'll say it again: "No more fucking ABBA." Oh, wait, I mean: tax breaks for bars that voluntarily go non-smoking, and for bars that install better ventilation systems. This way, there's a choice for bartenders, making the workplace non-discriminatory. Ta-da! Alexia for mayor!
By the way, since the smoking ban, I smoke just as much and have less fun. Woo-hoo, way to go, Mike.
You may not know this, but New York City has brought back curbside recycling for plastic, and glass will be back in April of next year. Haven't seen anything about this on the news? No posters in your building's vestibule? Of course not! The city says it can't afford a similar publicity campaign to the one they used to stop plastic and glass recycling, just one short year ago. Oh, really? It wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that Mayor Bloomberg is embarrassed that the action he pushed for, under the auspices of saving the city money and finding better ways to recycle, has been recinded? Sure, they say it's due to a "better recycling program," but if the mayor had really created such a program, why is there no fanfare? He desperately needs some good press, and this would be it. What's the deal?
Speaking of our less than illustrous billionaire mayor, one of his least popular policies will be challenged on Thursday, July 24. There will be a rally in front of City Hall at 1 pm to protest the smoking ban. Now that it has been in effect for a few months, the city has seen its ill effects, and I predict there will be a bigger turnout than at previous protests. Bar owners who did not speak out before are becoming increasingly concerned with this bogus law. Even non-smoking patrons have seen the negative effects of this radical "solution" to secondhand smoke. Residents have been subjected to crowds of smokers on the sidewalk, and they can't be happy. What are the problems? First, the aforementioned crowds on the sidewalk. Some bars try to keep them under control, put out ashtrays and have bouncers shush the patrons, but that's not only annoying, it's not widespread. Second, when someone wants to go out for a smoke, but they still have a drink, there are a few things that can happen. You leave your drink on the bar and the bartender watches it or puts a napkin over it, you either lose your seat or piss off incoming patrons who stare at your empty stoll for ten minutes, wondering if you'll ever come back, and finally, take that chance that someone might slip something in your drink. This is no good. Not to mention, bars are having problems with people falsely claiming that their drinks were bussed while they were smoking, scamming free drinks; underage kids are sneaking in with the smokers, and people are just skipping out on their tabs with the old, "just going outside for a puff" line.
I've said it once, and I'll say it again: "No more fucking ABBA." Oh, wait, I mean: tax breaks for bars that voluntarily go non-smoking, and for bars that install better ventilation systems. This way, there's a choice for bartenders, making the workplace non-discriminatory. Ta-da! Alexia for mayor!
By the way, since the smoking ban, I smoke just as much and have less fun. Woo-hoo, way to go, Mike.
Monday, July 14, 2003
What Makes You Happy Isn't Always Good For You
Balance is hard. I had the most amazing weekend with my sweetheart, but I forgot to go to my unemployment insurance meeting, and I overslept this morning because I was freaking out about it. I need to balance. I need to get the things on my list done.
But I did have a fantastic time on Sunday. We went to Coney Island and did a little bit of everything. We lay out on the beach for three hours, has a couple of beers at Ruby's, ate hot dogs an corn on the cob, rode the Wonder Wheel and the Cyclone, played Skee-ball, and saw two guys ride motorcycles inside a spherical metal cage with a lady standing in the middle. Then we had dinner at a nice Indian restaurant in Manhattan. It was lovely. I haven't been this happy in a long time, and I don't want to let a little bit of stress get in the way of it. So I'll just get what I need to do done, and enjoy the rest.
Balance is hard. I had the most amazing weekend with my sweetheart, but I forgot to go to my unemployment insurance meeting, and I overslept this morning because I was freaking out about it. I need to balance. I need to get the things on my list done.
But I did have a fantastic time on Sunday. We went to Coney Island and did a little bit of everything. We lay out on the beach for three hours, has a couple of beers at Ruby's, ate hot dogs an corn on the cob, rode the Wonder Wheel and the Cyclone, played Skee-ball, and saw two guys ride motorcycles inside a spherical metal cage with a lady standing in the middle. Then we had dinner at a nice Indian restaurant in Manhattan. It was lovely. I haven't been this happy in a long time, and I don't want to let a little bit of stress get in the way of it. So I'll just get what I need to do done, and enjoy the rest.
Getting To Know You
My friend David sent me one of those chain e-mails where you tell your friends things they may not know about you. I've done a bunch of these, and don't remember which of my friends I've sent them to, but I don't want to disappoint David. So, I'm sending him my responses and posting them here. If you want to pick up the chain, my e-mail address is alexia@narcissa.com. In the meantime, here's some boring personal information about me.
{Okay, here's what you're supposed to do ... and try not to be LAME and spoil
the fun! Just give in. Copy (not forward) this entire e-mail and paste it
into a new e-mail that you can send. Change all of the answers so that they
apply to you. Then, send this to a whole bunch of people you know INCLUDING
the person who sent it to you. The theory is that you will learn a lot of
little known facts about your friends. It is fun and easy.}
1. WHAT IS YOUR FULL NAME?
Alexia Christine Henke
2. WHAT COLOR PANTS ARE YOU WEARING?
Blue, light blue, gree, light green, red, orange and white striped (horizontal)
3. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Saved By the Bell coming from the TV
4. WHAT ARE THE LAST 4 DIGITS OF YOUR PHONE NUMBER?
9272, which I think is fun to play with. You know, 7 plus 2 is 9, and there are two 2s, etc... It gets weirder with the other numbers.
5. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
a slice of key lime pie
6. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Magenta
7. HOW IS THE WEATHER RIGHT NOW?
72 degrees and sunny, according to AOL. I haven't been outside today.
8. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
my boyfriend, two nights ago
9. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT THE OPPOSITE (OR SAME) SEX?
body language
10. HOW MUCH DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT YOU THIS?
thiiiiiiiis much! although we don't see each other very often.
11. HOW ARE YOU TODAY?
post-weekend morose
12. FAVORITE DRINK?
Dr. Pepper
13. FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK?
Tanqueray and Tonic
14. FAVORITE SPORTS?
none, because everyone says rhythmic gymnastics isn't a sport
15. EYE COLOR?
green hazel
16. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
occasionally
17. SIBLINGS AND THEIR AGES:
sister 37, sister 36, stepsister 31, stepsister 28, brother 27
18. FAVORITE MONTHS?
October and July
19. FAVORITE FOOD?
beef, in almost any way, but especially filet mignon
20. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Pirates of the Carribean
21. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR?
my birthday
22. ARE YOU TOO SHY TO ASK SOMEONE OUT?
Almost, it takes a lot of preparation
23. SCARY MOVIE OR HAPPY ENDINGS BETTER?
scary movie
24. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Definitely summer
25. HUGS OR KISSES?
can't I have both?
26. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?
relationship, please, I'm too old for all that funny business
27. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA?
twist, and throw in some strawberry
28. DO YOU WANT YOUR FRIENDS TO WRITE BACK?
Sure!
31. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS?
Roommate, no doors, and a cat
32. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?
Ugh, none at the moment
33. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Oriental rug design
34. FAVORITE BOARD GAME?
Trivial Pursuit, Original
35. WHAT DID YOU DO LAST NIGHT?
had Indian food with my boyfriend, took the train home and watched "Fakin' It" on TLC with my roommate until 11 pm
36. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Stargazer lilies, Coppertone, chimney smoke, barbecue grills, and frying chicken
37. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING?
Who am I? Where am I? What time is it?
38. WHAT WAS YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE CONCERT?
The Artist, 1997, Jones Beach
followed by Pink Floyd, 1993, Vanderbilt Stadium
39. IF YOU COULD ONLY LISTEN TO ONE MUSIC CD FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT
WOULD IT BE?
Prince, Hits and B-sides
My friend David sent me one of those chain e-mails where you tell your friends things they may not know about you. I've done a bunch of these, and don't remember which of my friends I've sent them to, but I don't want to disappoint David. So, I'm sending him my responses and posting them here. If you want to pick up the chain, my e-mail address is alexia@narcissa.com. In the meantime, here's some boring personal information about me.
{Okay, here's what you're supposed to do ... and try not to be LAME and spoil
the fun! Just give in. Copy (not forward) this entire e-mail and paste it
into a new e-mail that you can send. Change all of the answers so that they
apply to you. Then, send this to a whole bunch of people you know INCLUDING
the person who sent it to you. The theory is that you will learn a lot of
little known facts about your friends. It is fun and easy.}
1. WHAT IS YOUR FULL NAME?
Alexia Christine Henke
2. WHAT COLOR PANTS ARE YOU WEARING?
Blue, light blue, gree, light green, red, orange and white striped (horizontal)
3. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Saved By the Bell coming from the TV
4. WHAT ARE THE LAST 4 DIGITS OF YOUR PHONE NUMBER?
9272, which I think is fun to play with. You know, 7 plus 2 is 9, and there are two 2s, etc... It gets weirder with the other numbers.
5. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
a slice of key lime pie
6. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Magenta
7. HOW IS THE WEATHER RIGHT NOW?
72 degrees and sunny, according to AOL. I haven't been outside today.
8. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
my boyfriend, two nights ago
9. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT THE OPPOSITE (OR SAME) SEX?
body language
10. HOW MUCH DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT YOU THIS?
thiiiiiiiis much! although we don't see each other very often.
11. HOW ARE YOU TODAY?
post-weekend morose
12. FAVORITE DRINK?
Dr. Pepper
13. FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK?
Tanqueray and Tonic
14. FAVORITE SPORTS?
none, because everyone says rhythmic gymnastics isn't a sport
15. EYE COLOR?
green hazel
16. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
occasionally
17. SIBLINGS AND THEIR AGES:
sister 37, sister 36, stepsister 31, stepsister 28, brother 27
18. FAVORITE MONTHS?
October and July
19. FAVORITE FOOD?
beef, in almost any way, but especially filet mignon
20. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Pirates of the Carribean
21. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR?
my birthday
22. ARE YOU TOO SHY TO ASK SOMEONE OUT?
Almost, it takes a lot of preparation
23. SCARY MOVIE OR HAPPY ENDINGS BETTER?
scary movie
24. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Definitely summer
25. HUGS OR KISSES?
can't I have both?
26. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?
relationship, please, I'm too old for all that funny business
27. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA?
twist, and throw in some strawberry
28. DO YOU WANT YOUR FRIENDS TO WRITE BACK?
Sure!
31. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS?
Roommate, no doors, and a cat
32. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?
Ugh, none at the moment
33. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Oriental rug design
34. FAVORITE BOARD GAME?
Trivial Pursuit, Original
35. WHAT DID YOU DO LAST NIGHT?
had Indian food with my boyfriend, took the train home and watched "Fakin' It" on TLC with my roommate until 11 pm
36. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Stargazer lilies, Coppertone, chimney smoke, barbecue grills, and frying chicken
37. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING?
Who am I? Where am I? What time is it?
38. WHAT WAS YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE CONCERT?
The Artist, 1997, Jones Beach
followed by Pink Floyd, 1993, Vanderbilt Stadium
39. IF YOU COULD ONLY LISTEN TO ONE MUSIC CD FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT
WOULD IT BE?
Prince, Hits and B-sides
Thursday, July 10, 2003
The Right Opinion
I just read a review of Pirates of the Carribean that was very negative. I really enjoyed the movie. Could I be wrong?
Maybe it's an anti-Disney thing. To wit, the reviewer describes the movie as an "F/X-rattling Disney feature based on the Disney theme-park attraction and founded on the Disney notion that American character is best strengthened by exposing children to the horrors of computerized skeletal buccaneers." That just seems biased to me.
I didn't go into the movie expecting more than a fun flick about pirates, and that's what I got. I don't know what the reviewer was expecting, but "A boom-blast-blare score by ''Gladiator'' cocomposer Klaus Badelt proves that if suspense takes place without drums and horns to announce it, it don't mean a thing" sounds like the writing of someone who doesn't like action films or pirate films at all. I also didn't feel cheated or ignored the way the reviewer did: "There may be nothing more fun for actors than experimental exaggeration, especially when filming on a Caribbean island. But there's nothing that makes an audience feel less welcome than not being in on the joke." Huh? You're talking about Johnny Depp, here. And Bruckheimer and Disney. I saw a film about pirates that used pirate movie conventions, some slightly anachronistic jokes (but thank goodness, nothing outright out of place) and actors who acted like you want pirates to act. Sure, Jack Sparrow is eccentric, but the characters openly note that in the film, so where's the sly wink?
My biggest beef was that the girl never got sweaty or dirty (one forehead smudge doesn't count) and her manicure was perfect.
I recommend the film, for fun. See it in the theater, because it's loud and flashy and exciting. Plus, Johnny Depp looks so much better on the big screen.
I just read a review of Pirates of the Carribean that was very negative. I really enjoyed the movie. Could I be wrong?
Maybe it's an anti-Disney thing. To wit, the reviewer describes the movie as an "F/X-rattling Disney feature based on the Disney theme-park attraction and founded on the Disney notion that American character is best strengthened by exposing children to the horrors of computerized skeletal buccaneers." That just seems biased to me.
I didn't go into the movie expecting more than a fun flick about pirates, and that's what I got. I don't know what the reviewer was expecting, but "A boom-blast-blare score by ''Gladiator'' cocomposer Klaus Badelt proves that if suspense takes place without drums and horns to announce it, it don't mean a thing" sounds like the writing of someone who doesn't like action films or pirate films at all. I also didn't feel cheated or ignored the way the reviewer did: "There may be nothing more fun for actors than experimental exaggeration, especially when filming on a Caribbean island. But there's nothing that makes an audience feel less welcome than not being in on the joke." Huh? You're talking about Johnny Depp, here. And Bruckheimer and Disney. I saw a film about pirates that used pirate movie conventions, some slightly anachronistic jokes (but thank goodness, nothing outright out of place) and actors who acted like you want pirates to act. Sure, Jack Sparrow is eccentric, but the characters openly note that in the film, so where's the sly wink?
My biggest beef was that the girl never got sweaty or dirty (one forehead smudge doesn't count) and her manicure was perfect.
I recommend the film, for fun. See it in the theater, because it's loud and flashy and exciting. Plus, Johnny Depp looks so much better on the big screen.
Wednesday, July 09, 2003
Crazy Dreams
OK, these were weird. I dreamed I was trapped inside a store full of non-human humanoid creatures that were not very smart, but could communicate. It reminded me of Day of the Dead. It so happened that it was a toy store, and everyone was dressed up in costumes and playing with toys and fooling the creatures into following them around. The idea was to draw them out and distract them for some reason. I was wearing a big dress and hat with a feather in it (I saw Pirates of the Carribean last night, but I was supposed to be Cinderella, there was a whole lot of dialogue here that I don't really remember, except that it had to do with fooling the creatures and names), and a teddy bear back pack with a little boom box in it. I also had a horse head with a stick in it (you, know, the plush toy?) and I was riding the horse around the store. Finally, I saw my chance and I dashed out the door and ran down the street.
Then the street was full of people who seemed to be in pain from my presence. One woman was kneeling on the ground, clutching her head and making warding off gestures toward me, so I threw my horse at her, and it came apart. I was sad, because I liked the horse. Other people with toys were throwing them away, and I realized that for some reason, toys were hurting people. I ducked into an electronics store with a toy store in the basement, and they were identifying and collecting toys. I ditched the hat and the dress (I was wearing my white tennis dress underneath), but the store guy said I could keep the backpack because it was functional and wouldn't hurt people.
In my next dream, I was Jasmine Guy in the 50s. I was also a convicted murderer who had survived hanging and been set free. However, I couldn't deal with life on the outside world because I was crazy. So I killed someone else so I could get the death sentence again. The judge and the doctors all loved me, because even though I was crazy and a killer, I was beautiful and sad and sympathetic. Before they hanged me the second time, I gave all my jewlery (my fire opal ring, charm bracelet and watch) to some young girl who was a friend. The noose came down and I held it around my neck and then there was just white and the sound of my own thoughts saying that I just wanted to die, please let me die, and then there were people saying "Hold on, Stop!" We've got her back!" and I was alive and very unhappy about the fact. The judge said that since I had such a tendency to survive or come back from hanging, that they were going to try this new fangled injection. All my jewelry and personal effects were on his desk. Then I was in the doctor's office, and he was explaining the procedure to me and my family. For some reason, I was sitting on a ledge above him and I had my foot on his leg. I was terribly despondent. The next thing, I was back on the street and realizing that I had somehow survived the injection and escaped from the morgue, but this time the auhorities didn't know. I ran into a pretty blond woman in a black dress and high heels and I told her my story. She suggested I not tell the police and start all over. I was upset that I wouldn't have my ID and personal effects. Then I realized that she was a dominatrix from something she said, and we went to a strange bar.
Later, there was a gay pride march coming out of my friends' house, glass tables, sex wih my boyfriend, my brother with weird flavored jelly beans and me going back to jail with the 20 pounds of jelly beans.
Beat that for weird!
OK, these were weird. I dreamed I was trapped inside a store full of non-human humanoid creatures that were not very smart, but could communicate. It reminded me of Day of the Dead. It so happened that it was a toy store, and everyone was dressed up in costumes and playing with toys and fooling the creatures into following them around. The idea was to draw them out and distract them for some reason. I was wearing a big dress and hat with a feather in it (I saw Pirates of the Carribean last night, but I was supposed to be Cinderella, there was a whole lot of dialogue here that I don't really remember, except that it had to do with fooling the creatures and names), and a teddy bear back pack with a little boom box in it. I also had a horse head with a stick in it (you, know, the plush toy?) and I was riding the horse around the store. Finally, I saw my chance and I dashed out the door and ran down the street.
Then the street was full of people who seemed to be in pain from my presence. One woman was kneeling on the ground, clutching her head and making warding off gestures toward me, so I threw my horse at her, and it came apart. I was sad, because I liked the horse. Other people with toys were throwing them away, and I realized that for some reason, toys were hurting people. I ducked into an electronics store with a toy store in the basement, and they were identifying and collecting toys. I ditched the hat and the dress (I was wearing my white tennis dress underneath), but the store guy said I could keep the backpack because it was functional and wouldn't hurt people.
In my next dream, I was Jasmine Guy in the 50s. I was also a convicted murderer who had survived hanging and been set free. However, I couldn't deal with life on the outside world because I was crazy. So I killed someone else so I could get the death sentence again. The judge and the doctors all loved me, because even though I was crazy and a killer, I was beautiful and sad and sympathetic. Before they hanged me the second time, I gave all my jewlery (my fire opal ring, charm bracelet and watch) to some young girl who was a friend. The noose came down and I held it around my neck and then there was just white and the sound of my own thoughts saying that I just wanted to die, please let me die, and then there were people saying "Hold on, Stop!" We've got her back!" and I was alive and very unhappy about the fact. The judge said that since I had such a tendency to survive or come back from hanging, that they were going to try this new fangled injection. All my jewelry and personal effects were on his desk. Then I was in the doctor's office, and he was explaining the procedure to me and my family. For some reason, I was sitting on a ledge above him and I had my foot on his leg. I was terribly despondent. The next thing, I was back on the street and realizing that I had somehow survived the injection and escaped from the morgue, but this time the auhorities didn't know. I ran into a pretty blond woman in a black dress and high heels and I told her my story. She suggested I not tell the police and start all over. I was upset that I wouldn't have my ID and personal effects. Then I realized that she was a dominatrix from something she said, and we went to a strange bar.
Later, there was a gay pride march coming out of my friends' house, glass tables, sex wih my boyfriend, my brother with weird flavored jelly beans and me going back to jail with the 20 pounds of jelly beans.
Beat that for weird!
Tuesday, July 08, 2003
I Know You Are, But What Am I?
If you have ever been called a geek, or consider yourself a geek, do yourself a favor and take this test. It's hilarious. I am 25.24655% geek, otherwise known as a Total Geek. I'm so proud!
If you have ever been called a geek, or consider yourself a geek, do yourself a favor and take this test. It's hilarious. I am 25.24655% geek, otherwise known as a Total Geek. I'm so proud!
Ego TV
Spike Lee has seen the light. Of course, you must have heard that in an effort to remain in the public's immediate consciousness, Spike Lee attempted to block the renaming of TNN to "Spike TV." Well, it seems that Spike has settled his case, probably due to the fact that several other Spikes had come forward to join the case in a class-action suit, damaging his credibility. director Spike Jonez, the late Spike Jones' estate, Spike the dog from "Tom & Jerry," and James Marsters & Joss Whedon (for the Buffy character "Spike") have all laid claim to sole use of the name. OK, that's not true. But wouldn't that be cool?
Spike Lee has seen the light. Of course, you must have heard that in an effort to remain in the public's immediate consciousness, Spike Lee attempted to block the renaming of TNN to "Spike TV." Well, it seems that Spike has settled his case, probably due to the fact that several other Spikes had come forward to join the case in a class-action suit, damaging his credibility. director Spike Jonez, the late Spike Jones' estate, Spike the dog from "Tom & Jerry," and James Marsters & Joss Whedon (for the Buffy character "Spike") have all laid claim to sole use of the name. OK, that's not true. But wouldn't that be cool?
I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!
Is this the summer of celebrity death or what? Since June 11, the following celebrities have kicked the bucket: Gregory Peck, David Brinkley, Katharine Hepburn, Buddy Hackett, Barry White, Buddy Ebsen, Hume Cronyn, and Leon Uris (author of Mila 18, which forced Joseph Heller to change the title of his book from Catch-18 to Catch-22; just a bit o' trivia for ya). Also, universally reviled Senator Strom Thurmond finally did something nice and shuffled off his mortal coil. More celebrities died this June than in any other month this year! It's just a little weird.
I'm not holding out much, ugh, hope, for Bob Hope to make it past August. And Regan's just hanging on there by a thread as well. It's time to join your local celebrity dead pool, people. It's not morbid, it's just life.
Is this the summer of celebrity death or what? Since June 11, the following celebrities have kicked the bucket: Gregory Peck, David Brinkley, Katharine Hepburn, Buddy Hackett, Barry White, Buddy Ebsen, Hume Cronyn, and Leon Uris (author of Mila 18, which forced Joseph Heller to change the title of his book from Catch-18 to Catch-22; just a bit o' trivia for ya). Also, universally reviled Senator Strom Thurmond finally did something nice and shuffled off his mortal coil. More celebrities died this June than in any other month this year! It's just a little weird.
I'm not holding out much, ugh, hope, for Bob Hope to make it past August. And Regan's just hanging on there by a thread as well. It's time to join your local celebrity dead pool, people. It's not morbid, it's just life.
More Surprising News
Adult conjoined twins who decided to be separated died on the operating table. Wow, who could have predicted that? Just another reminder that just because they'll do the operation in Singapore, it doesn't mean it's a good idea.
Adult conjoined twins who decided to be separated died on the operating table. Wow, who could have predicted that? Just another reminder that just because they'll do the operation in Singapore, it doesn't mean it's a good idea.
A Star Is Born
Okay, so maybe that's an overstatement, but I had the most amazing show last night. I'm singing on Monday nights at Stonewall Bar in Greenwich Village, and last night was my first official solo show. At 8 pm, I was ready to go, but as I got on stage, the microphone failed, and we had to stop the show. I had a feeling there was just a knob that needed to be turned, but we had to have the sound guy come, all the way from Queens, to find which knob it was. Finally, around 9:15, the sound was fixed, and I went on.
I was doing several new songs, some of which I had just finished learning that afternoon. I was very pleased that I remembered most of the lyrics, and everytime I forgot them, I feel like I covered very well. The feeling of being up there, in the light, with everyone looking at me, was very powerful. I always get that vibe when I'm on stage, but I haven't been on stage for that long, by myself, before. I loved it! Everyone was so supportive and complimentary, I wasn't able to self-deprecate, which is a nice change of pace.
If anyone is in the area, please come on down Monday nights at 8 pm. No cover, 2-for-1 happy hour, and smoking! Stonewall is located on Christopher Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues, on the same side of the street as The Duplex.
Set List
Set 1
"Boy From New York City"
"Que Sera, Sera"
"Downtown"
"Leader of the Pack"
"Everything's Coming Up Roses"
Set 2
"Frank Mills"
"Fever"
"Harper Valley P.T.A."
"Walkin' After Midnight"
"Stand By Your Man"
Okay, so maybe that's an overstatement, but I had the most amazing show last night. I'm singing on Monday nights at Stonewall Bar in Greenwich Village, and last night was my first official solo show. At 8 pm, I was ready to go, but as I got on stage, the microphone failed, and we had to stop the show. I had a feeling there was just a knob that needed to be turned, but we had to have the sound guy come, all the way from Queens, to find which knob it was. Finally, around 9:15, the sound was fixed, and I went on.
I was doing several new songs, some of which I had just finished learning that afternoon. I was very pleased that I remembered most of the lyrics, and everytime I forgot them, I feel like I covered very well. The feeling of being up there, in the light, with everyone looking at me, was very powerful. I always get that vibe when I'm on stage, but I haven't been on stage for that long, by myself, before. I loved it! Everyone was so supportive and complimentary, I wasn't able to self-deprecate, which is a nice change of pace.
If anyone is in the area, please come on down Monday nights at 8 pm. No cover, 2-for-1 happy hour, and smoking! Stonewall is located on Christopher Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues, on the same side of the street as The Duplex.
Set List
Set 1
"Boy From New York City"
"Que Sera, Sera"
"Downtown"
"Leader of the Pack"
"Everything's Coming Up Roses"
Set 2
"Frank Mills"
"Fever"
"Harper Valley P.T.A."
"Walkin' After Midnight"
"Stand By Your Man"
Wednesday, July 02, 2003
Criminy
So I don't check my e-mail for three weeks, and I'm greeted by 1705 new e-mail messages, 99% of which is spam. Hooray. I heard recently that even Bill Gates is tormented by spam. Now you know it's a problem.
Can't stay on long, but the big news is that I have a weekly gig at Stonewall, Mondays at 8pm and 9 pm. Singing, that is. More musings after I get my DSL line set up at home. Then no one will be safe from my ranting, mwahahahahahahaha!
So I don't check my e-mail for three weeks, and I'm greeted by 1705 new e-mail messages, 99% of which is spam. Hooray. I heard recently that even Bill Gates is tormented by spam. Now you know it's a problem.
Can't stay on long, but the big news is that I have a weekly gig at Stonewall, Mondays at 8pm and 9 pm. Singing, that is. More musings after I get my DSL line set up at home. Then no one will be safe from my ranting, mwahahahahahahaha!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)