We really like San Marino. Why? After all that was said and done--internally--they chose Miodio to be their debut representatives.
I'm a big Velvet fan.
I'm an even bigger Subsonica fan.
And yes, I do also like Bluvertigo (although not so much Morgan's solo work).
So Italian electroclash goes down very well with me.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Further Proof That Our Puritan Heritage Is Still With Us
Without a doubt, Eliot messed up, particularly as these prostitute purchases occurred while he was an elected official sworn to uphold the law.
That said, for the love of god, you'd think he'd was eating live babies and videotaping it judging by the media reaction. Clearly this is a sign that the man is not well-liked, but who elects politicians who are nice people? (Pay attention to that last phrase if you live in a state that has yet to vote in its primary.) As I see it, the man had a great agenda (and hopefully the LG will continue it) that is now ground to a halt.
The funny thing is this, we all have tire tracks on our backside, so are these militant "HE MUST GO NOW" people trying to cover up their own pecadillos? Hard to say.
That said, for the love of god, you'd think he'd was eating live babies and videotaping it judging by the media reaction. Clearly this is a sign that the man is not well-liked, but who elects politicians who are nice people? (Pay attention to that last phrase if you live in a state that has yet to vote in its primary.) As I see it, the man had a great agenda (and hopefully the LG will continue it) that is now ground to a halt.
The funny thing is this, we all have tire tracks on our backside, so are these militant "HE MUST GO NOW" people trying to cover up their own pecadillos? Hard to say.
Eurovision 2008: Up Yours, Dimaland
Dima Bilan won the Russian selection over the weekend (27 songs!), but in all honesty it should have gone to Sergey Lazarev (or has Jeff Timmons decided to reveal his heretofore unknown fluency in Russian?).
And for further proof look at this.
And for further proof look at this.
Eurovision 2008: Go Go Aleksa
If I ran Beovizija, Beli Jablan* would already be declared the winner. Quite interesting how Aleksa damn near flings and shakes himself all over the place and Ana just sort of sits there and throws sultry looks.
*Beli Jablan translates--I believe--as "white poplar." I'm assuming this is a metaphor which is lost on those of us who do not speak fluent Serbian. That said, I don't think "Guuurl, you are F.I.E.R.C.E" is the meaning.
Update: Aleksa & Ana came 2nd--as expected--to some torchy ballad written by this year's co-host. Rules? Fairplay? Not in Beovizija, the only national final that has featured riots. Anyway: Jelena will sing her thing, the angst queens will get their cry about their lonely lives in, and Serbia will place somewhere in the mid Top 10.
*Beli Jablan translates--I believe--as "white poplar." I'm assuming this is a metaphor which is lost on those of us who do not speak fluent Serbian. That said, I don't think "Guuurl, you are F.I.E.R.C.E" is the meaning.
Update: Aleksa & Ana came 2nd--as expected--to some torchy ballad written by this year's co-host. Rules? Fairplay? Not in Beovizija, the only national final that has featured riots. Anyway: Jelena will sing her thing, the angst queens will get their cry about their lonely lives in, and Serbia will place somewhere in the mid Top 10.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Eurovision 2008: Do Warren Beatty & Dustin Hoffman still talk about THAT film?
When I say Ishtar, you say...
The chances of Antwerp 2009 grow dimmer by the second. That said, the Belgians (Walloon division) sent Sanomi, that yckiejnrpnei song that made it to 2nd in 2003 (beating even tATu at the height of their fame/hype). Not that this is even in the same league.
Did that film get a Belgian release?
The chances of Antwerp 2009 grow dimmer by the second. That said, the Belgians (Walloon division) sent Sanomi, that yckiejnrpnei song that made it to 2nd in 2003 (beating even tATu at the height of their fame/hype). Not that this is even in the same league.
Did that film get a Belgian release?
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Eurovision 2008: Swing and a miss
Let's say you're Montenegro.
You just finished a semi-amicable split from former partner/parent (how Freudian!) Serbia.
Serbia won last year's Eurovision and is now hosting this year's festivities.
You didn't make it out of last year's qualifier.
So now, one would say, is the time to put on your best outfit and proceed to show the world (and your ex) just how well you are doing without them.
May I ask then, why you thought this was that song?
You just finished a semi-amicable split from former partner/parent (how Freudian!) Serbia.
Serbia won last year's Eurovision and is now hosting this year's festivities.
You didn't make it out of last year's qualifier.
So now, one would say, is the time to put on your best outfit and proceed to show the world (and your ex) just how well you are doing without them.
May I ask then, why you thought this was that song?
Friday, March 07, 2008
Eurovision 2008: Timbaland Continues His World Domination
Perhaps it's the money.
Perhaps it's the bragging rights.
Perhaps it's the challenge.
Timbaland is producing Dima Bilan's song for this year's Russian National Final.
Okay, it's definitely the money then.
Perhaps it's the bragging rights.
Perhaps it's the challenge.
Timbaland is producing Dima Bilan's song for this year's Russian National Final.
Okay, it's definitely the money then.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Eurovision 2008: Sexpot Alert
San Marino is sending Massimo Bertacci, who quite frankly makes me think joyously lewd thoughts.
Unsurprisingly, he's singing a ballad.
Surprisingly, it's good.
Update (3/6): According to ESCtoday: Mr. Sex on legs is apparently only one of several entrants being considered to represent San Marino.
Unsurprisingly, he's singing a ballad.
Surprisingly, it's good.
Update (3/6): According to ESCtoday: Mr. Sex on legs is apparently only one of several entrants being considered to represent San Marino.
If I Ran The UK Preselection for Eurovision
Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy with the selection of Andy Abraham (and I would've voted for him, if I could), but when you think about it, why hasn't the UK ever sent an entry like Mercedes Club?*
*Finalist for the 2008 Icelandic preselection.
*Finalist for the 2008 Icelandic preselection.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Ms. Amuro Finally Gets It Right
The final part of the Namie Amuro/Vidal Sassoon 60s70s80s trilogy has been released. It's What A Feeling, but it barely sounds like Flashdance apart from the chorus. Not to mention, I don't know who would want to revive 80s hair, but I'm also not in the hair care business, nor do I have an inkling as to what Japanese hair trends in the 80s were. (If the anime at the time is any inkling, the hair was BIG.)
That said, of all the videos, this is the one that seems to--no pun intended--hit all the right notes.
That said, of all the videos, this is the one that seems to--no pun intended--hit all the right notes.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Now, This Is Radical
Jason Barlett is one of only six out black elected officials in the nation....although he's a recent closet-dropper...publicly, according to Gay City News.
The kicker? He's from Connecticut, and representing a district that is 96% white.
The kicker? He's from Connecticut, and representing a district that is 96% white.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Oh, The Irony
The head of Russia's Electoral Commission admits media bias in the election coverage, according to BBC News.
Meanwhile, in the US, we're still waiting.
Meanwhile, in the US, we're still waiting.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday Jukebox Loves Enka
Kiyoshi Hikawa has his appeal, but he's no match--in my opinion--for Jero, Japan's first black enka singer.
The video is a bit too cute in contrasting urban style with enka singing, but Jero definitely has got an amazing voice and it definitely doesn't hurt that he is hot as hell.
The video is a bit too cute in contrasting urban style with enka singing, but Jero definitely has got an amazing voice and it definitely doesn't hurt that he is hot as hell.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
It Sounds Admirable, but...
Two organisations are trying to increase the amount of gay black politicians, according to 365gay.
I'm all for it, although I think they have their work cut out for them. It certainly would be an improvement on the current situation. Just no Traynhams or Capeharts, please.
I'm all for it, although I think they have their work cut out for them. It certainly would be an improvement on the current situation. Just no Traynhams or Capeharts, please.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Monday Jukebox Goes Euro(Vision) as well
Ukraine goes disco again...this time with a woman. Now this is an entry which attacks the stage, and you know that is always welcome with me!
Ani Lorak's winning song is another Kirkorov production (he of Not Dima Bilan fame and de facto drag queen), but I have no trouble looking past that.
Ani Lorak's winning song is another Kirkorov production (he of Not Dima Bilan fame and de facto drag queen), but I have no trouble looking past that.
Sunday Jukebox Goes Euro(vision)
Do not adjust your computer, this is the Irish entry for this year...I kind of like it.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday Jukebox Just Won't Let It Go
The camptastic music video for Afro-Dite's Never Let It Go
And the 2002 performance at Eurovision
Can MF 2008 top that? I don't think so.
And the 2002 performance at Eurovision
Can MF 2008 top that? I don't think so.
There is No There There
So, I'm looking at his LGBT proposals and his African American appeal, and I feel nothing.
I feel no transformative experience.
I still see the man who will not and has not apologised for allying himself publicly with McClurkin.
I still see the man who tries to convince people that guilt can be taken away by a tick in the voting booth.
I still see a man that expects me to vote for him on the basis of shared pigmentation.
There is something missing, and all I see is a sepia McGovern at the moment.
I feel no transformative experience.
I still see the man who will not and has not apologised for allying himself publicly with McClurkin.
I still see the man who tries to convince people that guilt can be taken away by a tick in the voting booth.
I still see a man that expects me to vote for him on the basis of shared pigmentation.
There is something missing, and all I see is a sepia McGovern at the moment.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
I Thought We Answered The Exit Polls Question
2% reporting, polls shut for only 27 minutes and they're making calls?
Update: Obama appears to have won Ozaukee County.
Based on my many years living here, this was definitely not a vote for him as a candidate, but a vote for who they feel McCain can slaughter in November (open primary, remember), because the residents here do not believe in "change."
Update: Obama appears to have won Ozaukee County.
Based on my many years living here, this was definitely not a vote for him as a candidate, but a vote for who they feel McCain can slaughter in November (open primary, remember), because the residents here do not believe in "change."
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
In The Land of Milk and Primaries
That certain media darling is running ads nonstop here. He's been calling my house sounding like a Jehovah's Witness too.
And every time I hear his voice or see those ads this is the image I get in my head.
In case you're curious about the translation, Miyachannel has it...even more saccharine.
It will be quite awhile before I can start listening to DBSK again.
And every time I hear his voice or see those ads this is the image I get in my head.
In case you're curious about the translation, Miyachannel has it...even more saccharine.
It will be quite awhile before I can start listening to DBSK again.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday Jukebox: Smoking, Sensuality, and Violence
I could go all arty and analytical and try to explain why this is a particularly amazing movie sequence, but in all honesty, I'll let it do the talking, gyrating, and menacing looks.
For more information on Omkara, here's the Wikipedia page, and I recommend Fantasies of a Bollywood Love Thief by Stephen Alter.
For more information on Omkara, here's the Wikipedia page, and I recommend Fantasies of a Bollywood Love Thief by Stephen Alter.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
From the "Sometimes The Obvious Needs To Be Restated" Department
Bigotry is hard to get rid of beyond the surface level.
How terribly mind-blowing, although I shouldn't really be that flip about it.
Yet, in all honesty, is this really that shocking to those of us outside the demographic majority?
How terribly mind-blowing, although I shouldn't really be that flip about it.
Yet, in all honesty, is this really that shocking to those of us outside the demographic majority?
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
For Those Interested...
Here is the AP's guess on how post-strike TV will get back on track.
My view: Extend the season until June, and begin production for 08-09 in August.
My view: Extend the season until June, and begin production for 08-09 in August.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
No More Happy Endings
Let me tell you a secret: I rarely cry.
Not so much that I'm devoid of a heart, but it's just that it is easy to see clear manipulation when you've studied writing and media theory for several years.
But it's the good and skilled writing that looks past those cliches (or at least manipulates the cliches themselves) to create something that is powerful and moving.
Here are some examples:
Torchwood: I like the occasional sci-fi, but I wouldn't say that it's a stalwart in my favourite genres. That said, this past Saturday's episode hit me hard. Although this is a common trait in UK and foreign television in general, it is very rare that Americans are exposed to endings that aren't happy, or at least happy with a bow wrapped on it. The Unit nearly went there this current season with the death of Hector (Demore Barnes) , but The Unit got their revenge and now Charles (Michael Irby, but I can't remember when they ever gave his character's name) is going to walk off towards a happy ending with Hector's girlfriend. Contrast that with the Pyrrhic victory in "To The Last Man", even if Tommy somehow comes back, it's hard to change the underlying tone that every single member of Torchwood is--for lack of a better term--fucked by their fate. A tone which Davies--as creator, and one must assume a relatively involved one, since this is UK television--has woven since the very first episode.
Orange Road: I Want To Return To That Day (aka the first movie) : Here's an interesting concept, going into the movie, the creators knew that the audience (at least the fans) had the ending figured out: Kyosuke breaks up with Hikaru. So the skill comes from how this transpires...and it is brutal. The eager-to-please Kyosuke has to act like a prick, and not just callous, but full-on, I-Don't-Care-About-Your-Feelings cold, and it makes you rethink everything that you read in the manga, saw on the TV show, and I just felt like I lost a bit of innocence. The scary thing is that is exactly the point of the film. (We just won't talk about how this brilliant ending is totally negated by the movie sequel.)
The last two episodes of Evangelion: I've already applauded Evangelion in terms of writing, but now I want to zoom in on the emotional impact of its final two episodes. Basically here you have a character in the throes of what appears to be an emotional meltdown (I'm not going to even begin to describe The Human Instrumentality Project save for calling it "everybody becomes one big gumbo") as he questions himself and his relationships. Quite honestly, The End of Evangelion confuses it more, but in the TV ending, we get the emotional connection as it is presented not in terms of what is literally happens, but what it feels like to Shinji, and for the vast majority of us who felt inadequate as preteens and teenagers it cut like a knife, even though it seems like the TV ending is relatively happy ("I Love Myself Unconditionally"), the real cruel fact is this: Just as Shinji comes to this realisation, he becomes nothing at all. (By the way, Evangelion episode 24 is highly recommended too.)
If indeed the strike is over, then those who are writing should take this as a chance to re-examine themselves and their relationship to their work. I'm a believer that all stories have already been told, but they have not been told from all perspectives. There is nothing truly ground-breaking in any of these examples at their core, but what makes them noteworthy in my mind is their presentation.
Trust that the public/network can weather the occasional sad ending if it is believable. We owe you that much.
Not so much that I'm devoid of a heart, but it's just that it is easy to see clear manipulation when you've studied writing and media theory for several years.
But it's the good and skilled writing that looks past those cliches (or at least manipulates the cliches themselves) to create something that is powerful and moving.
Here are some examples:
Torchwood: I like the occasional sci-fi, but I wouldn't say that it's a stalwart in my favourite genres. That said, this past Saturday's episode hit me hard. Although this is a common trait in UK and foreign television in general, it is very rare that Americans are exposed to endings that aren't happy, or at least happy with a bow wrapped on it. The Unit nearly went there this current season with the death of Hector (Demore Barnes) , but The Unit got their revenge and now Charles (Michael Irby, but I can't remember when they ever gave his character's name) is going to walk off towards a happy ending with Hector's girlfriend. Contrast that with the Pyrrhic victory in "To The Last Man", even if Tommy somehow comes back, it's hard to change the underlying tone that every single member of Torchwood is--for lack of a better term--fucked by their fate. A tone which Davies--as creator, and one must assume a relatively involved one, since this is UK television--has woven since the very first episode.
Orange Road: I Want To Return To That Day (aka the first movie) : Here's an interesting concept, going into the movie, the creators knew that the audience (at least the fans) had the ending figured out: Kyosuke breaks up with Hikaru. So the skill comes from how this transpires...and it is brutal. The eager-to-please Kyosuke has to act like a prick, and not just callous, but full-on, I-Don't-Care-About-Your-Feelings cold, and it makes you rethink everything that you read in the manga, saw on the TV show, and I just felt like I lost a bit of innocence. The scary thing is that is exactly the point of the film. (We just won't talk about how this brilliant ending is totally negated by the movie sequel.)
The last two episodes of Evangelion: I've already applauded Evangelion in terms of writing, but now I want to zoom in on the emotional impact of its final two episodes. Basically here you have a character in the throes of what appears to be an emotional meltdown (I'm not going to even begin to describe The Human Instrumentality Project save for calling it "everybody becomes one big gumbo") as he questions himself and his relationships. Quite honestly, The End of Evangelion confuses it more, but in the TV ending, we get the emotional connection as it is presented not in terms of what is literally happens, but what it feels like to Shinji, and for the vast majority of us who felt inadequate as preteens and teenagers it cut like a knife, even though it seems like the TV ending is relatively happy ("I Love Myself Unconditionally"), the real cruel fact is this: Just as Shinji comes to this realisation, he becomes nothing at all. (By the way, Evangelion episode 24 is highly recommended too.)
If indeed the strike is over, then those who are writing should take this as a chance to re-examine themselves and their relationship to their work. I'm a believer that all stories have already been told, but they have not been told from all perspectives. There is nothing truly ground-breaking in any of these examples at their core, but what makes them noteworthy in my mind is their presentation.
Trust that the public/network can weather the occasional sad ending if it is believable. We owe you that much.
Monday, February 11, 2008
With Supporters Like This...
...who needs enemies
The Shepard Fairey poster in support of Barack Obama:
And a classic (read: propaganda) poster of Josef Stalin:
Friday, February 08, 2008
In the land of Angels: They Paved Tomorrowland and put up God Knows What
No PeopleMover.
No Carousel of Progress. (Although I'm surprised that the Carousel got turfed in 1974 for "America Sings." I barely recall that, so I must remember the Disney World Carousel as opposed to the Disneyland one.)
No Adventure Through Inner Space.
Just blech.
Surprisingly few sponsors though, although the rides feel considerably shorter than ever.
Yet it was my birthday and I was in Los Angeles, so really: there was no choice but to go to Disneyland.
Of the rides I did go on, I have to admit I still feel a little bit uncomfortable on Splash Mountain...and if you are or have parents/relatives of a certain age, you can understand why. I'm not at all referring to the drop itself, but the ending with the Showboat? I thought it veered dangerously into insensitivity (but quite honestly, the second they built a ride based on Song of The South, Disney knew they weren't dealing with the most controversy-free property in the Disney "vault.")
And then there's The California Adventure, which is nice and all, but if I wanted to see the Santa Monica pier, I'd go to Santa Monica.
And what is Whoopi Goldberg doing as Queen of California?
Then again, maybe I'm just getting old...er.
(By the way, thanks to Yesterland for the links)
No Carousel of Progress. (Although I'm surprised that the Carousel got turfed in 1974 for "America Sings." I barely recall that, so I must remember the Disney World Carousel as opposed to the Disneyland one.)
No Adventure Through Inner Space.
Just blech.
Surprisingly few sponsors though, although the rides feel considerably shorter than ever.
Yet it was my birthday and I was in Los Angeles, so really: there was no choice but to go to Disneyland.
Of the rides I did go on, I have to admit I still feel a little bit uncomfortable on Splash Mountain...and if you are or have parents/relatives of a certain age, you can understand why. I'm not at all referring to the drop itself, but the ending with the Showboat? I thought it veered dangerously into insensitivity (but quite honestly, the second they built a ride based on Song of The South, Disney knew they weren't dealing with the most controversy-free property in the Disney "vault.")
And then there's The California Adventure, which is nice and all, but if I wanted to see the Santa Monica pier, I'd go to Santa Monica.
And what is Whoopi Goldberg doing as Queen of California?
Then again, maybe I'm just getting old...er.
(By the way, thanks to Yesterland for the links)
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
In the land of Angels: Wither Good Day LA
Straight People Are Just Not That Fun To Watch In the AM
When I moved to New York and started watching Good Day New York, I actually thought it was a well-meaning but somewhat anemic version of Good Day LA: You had the elderly anchorman (Jim Ryan, who always made me think of the expressway in Chicago), the straight-talking anchorwoman (believe it or not Lyn Brown filled this slot), and the wacky weather person (Dave Price, who I reckon is probably doing some bland version of the same schtick on whatever CBS's morning show is called now). Well, that team has long since left and even though the ratings are not excellent, the new gay-infused formula certainly is an improvement.
Good Day LA hasn't changed its formula and in my view the show is now s.t.a.l.e.
Jillian Reynolds continues to do everything but her actual job of meterologist and be impressed with herself. Today, she is busy trying to make us envious of the fact that she went to the Super Bowl and took a lot of photos with FOX celebrities and went to a slew of parties. (I don't know how we can be that impressed since they keep on running the EXACT SAME PACKAGE, twice every half-hour.) She's not even doing the weather today, yet she's on the show. Even Al Roker when he goes on one of his junkets does the forecast.
Steve Edwards just looks tired with it all.
Dorothy Lucey is practically a non-entity. This may very well not be her fault, since she is for some bizarre reason covering the snow out in the mountains. (She just happens to have a crew with her?) The woman does gossip, she needs to be talking to Harvey Levin about Britney Spears not urging us to postpone that trip to Palm Springs.
The only one who seems to maintain the right balance is Tony McEwing, who is the clear heir apparent. Poor Tony however is out somewhere in the Valley doing makeovers with Jose Eber.
And they do this from 7 to 10 every weekday?
Steve Kmetko is based in Los Angeles...I'm just saying.
When I moved to New York and started watching Good Day New York, I actually thought it was a well-meaning but somewhat anemic version of Good Day LA: You had the elderly anchorman (Jim Ryan, who always made me think of the expressway in Chicago), the straight-talking anchorwoman (believe it or not Lyn Brown filled this slot), and the wacky weather person (Dave Price, who I reckon is probably doing some bland version of the same schtick on whatever CBS's morning show is called now). Well, that team has long since left and even though the ratings are not excellent, the new gay-infused formula certainly is an improvement.
Good Day LA hasn't changed its formula and in my view the show is now s.t.a.l.e.
Jillian Reynolds continues to do everything but her actual job of meterologist and be impressed with herself. Today, she is busy trying to make us envious of the fact that she went to the Super Bowl and took a lot of photos with FOX celebrities and went to a slew of parties. (I don't know how we can be that impressed since they keep on running the EXACT SAME PACKAGE, twice every half-hour.) She's not even doing the weather today, yet she's on the show. Even Al Roker when he goes on one of his junkets does the forecast.
Steve Edwards just looks tired with it all.
Dorothy Lucey is practically a non-entity. This may very well not be her fault, since she is for some bizarre reason covering the snow out in the mountains. (She just happens to have a crew with her?) The woman does gossip, she needs to be talking to Harvey Levin about Britney Spears not urging us to postpone that trip to Palm Springs.
The only one who seems to maintain the right balance is Tony McEwing, who is the clear heir apparent. Poor Tony however is out somewhere in the Valley doing makeovers with Jose Eber.
And they do this from 7 to 10 every weekday?
Steve Kmetko is based in Los Angeles...I'm just saying.
Monday, February 04, 2008
In the land of Angels: Day 1
Through sheer optimism and curiosity, I find myself in Los Angeles this week.
It's been 8 years since I was here last and I also find myself pondering the same thing I thought back in 2000: What am I missing?
There seems to always be some sort of secret amongst the residents here as to what the appeal is.
Is it the sunshine and constant 70 degree weather? Can't be. It barely cracked 60 today and the nights are bitterly cold.
Is it the nightlife? Granted it's Superbowl Sunday, but the pickings don't seem to be that great, and I'm in the middle of West Hollywood. (Although in all fairness, I limited myself to places within walking distance, since I like a drink and I don't like waiting for cabs.)
What I reckon it is, is that Los Angeles is for dreamers. I don't mean that as an insult, but just that this is a place where people seem to come to in order to live their fantasy, no matter what steps in reality they have to do in order to acheive it.
As I type this, I'm looking at this week's Frontier Magazine and there are a plethora of adverts for personal trainers promising great results and physique--which they may very well be able to deliver on--but the choice in photos of these trainers suggest that if you want to look like them, then you'll have to become very friendly with a syringe, perhaps even moreso than any barbell.
The magazine itself opens with lavish full-page adverts of plastic surgeons offering liposuction in countless ways and the fantasy that with 4 figures and 0% financing, you too, can be in love with your outside.
Not that New York is better, it just handled in covert, ironic way. The fantasies are promised, but I would hazard a guess that the implication is that everyone would know that you are enhanced by a person who knows how to wield a blade.
In Los Angeles, because you really have to chose to see people on a daily basis, that conceit is hidden, and therefore rendered irrelevant: who cares about the journey as long as you reach your destination?
Indeed, is it a bad thing to leave a corpse that makes mourners consider necrophilia?
It's been 8 years since I was here last and I also find myself pondering the same thing I thought back in 2000: What am I missing?
There seems to always be some sort of secret amongst the residents here as to what the appeal is.
Is it the sunshine and constant 70 degree weather? Can't be. It barely cracked 60 today and the nights are bitterly cold.
Is it the nightlife? Granted it's Superbowl Sunday, but the pickings don't seem to be that great, and I'm in the middle of West Hollywood. (Although in all fairness, I limited myself to places within walking distance, since I like a drink and I don't like waiting for cabs.)
What I reckon it is, is that Los Angeles is for dreamers. I don't mean that as an insult, but just that this is a place where people seem to come to in order to live their fantasy, no matter what steps in reality they have to do in order to acheive it.
As I type this, I'm looking at this week's Frontier Magazine and there are a plethora of adverts for personal trainers promising great results and physique--which they may very well be able to deliver on--but the choice in photos of these trainers suggest that if you want to look like them, then you'll have to become very friendly with a syringe, perhaps even moreso than any barbell.
The magazine itself opens with lavish full-page adverts of plastic surgeons offering liposuction in countless ways and the fantasy that with 4 figures and 0% financing, you too, can be in love with your outside.
Not that New York is better, it just handled in covert, ironic way. The fantasies are promised, but I would hazard a guess that the implication is that everyone would know that you are enhanced by a person who knows how to wield a blade.
In Los Angeles, because you really have to chose to see people on a daily basis, that conceit is hidden, and therefore rendered irrelevant: who cares about the journey as long as you reach your destination?
Indeed, is it a bad thing to leave a corpse that makes mourners consider necrophilia?
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Catlike Closet Queen Claims Impartiality
How else can you describe this quote from Shepard Smith?
"There's a perception out there that we have a horse in the race, that we're the right-wing channel...You know, man, (what is this, 1978?--Hikaru) I work here. Hannity's right-wing and he's proud of it, and we have some conservative viewers, but our news is just the news . . . or I wouldn't be able to sleep at night."
Fortunately, I'll be missing all this crossover coverage, because I will be trying to remember where on Sunset Boulevard, Ralph's is so I can get a bottle of plum wine.
"There's a perception out there that we have a horse in the race, that we're the right-wing channel...You know, man, (what is this, 1978?--Hikaru) I work here. Hannity's right-wing and he's proud of it, and we have some conservative viewers, but our news is just the news . . . or I wouldn't be able to sleep at night."
Fortunately, I'll be missing all this crossover coverage, because I will be trying to remember where on Sunset Boulevard, Ralph's is so I can get a bottle of plum wine.
Notes from Milwaukee
Firstly, who would buy exercise equipment from a man who is overweight?
Secondly, what does it say about the state of the area's economy that the majority of the adverts on local television are for the following:
Secondly, what does it say about the state of the area's economy that the majority of the adverts on local television are for the following:
- Injury lawyers
- Deep discount stores and programs
- Weight-loss schemes
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Friday Jukebox Says Pagent Hair Is International
(Case in point: Monrose--the Popstars band who tried to represent Germany last year.
Great staging. Everything else is a bit too...well, OTT.
And apparently the tacky whore look is popular worldwide as well.
Great staging. Everything else is a bit too...well, OTT.
And apparently the tacky whore look is popular worldwide as well.
Seemed oddly appropriate to select a style over substance theme for today's jukebox.
Can't imagine why.
Oh Fuddle Duddle
Fine, I'm voting Clinton and hoping Edwards gets a major position in her administration.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
It's Not Like We Didn't Know (New York Edition)
Pharmacist who helped supply NYPD officers with steroids found dead in an apparent suicide.
Let's break this down:
A pharmacist who supplied NYPD officers--who most likely know about staging--with steroids just happens to wind up dead.
Dick Wolf, once the strike is over, you have your season finale.
Let's break this down:
A pharmacist who supplied NYPD officers--who most likely know about staging--with steroids just happens to wind up dead.
Dick Wolf, once the strike is over, you have your season finale.
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Last Sunday in January
And I decide to try my hand at podcasting.
Inspired by a conversation I had recently with a friend of mine in respect to modern life and the political process. You might notice that all of a sudden I flip into a Southern accent. It's a quirk.
Download it here.
Inspired by a conversation I had recently with a friend of mine in respect to modern life and the political process. You might notice that all of a sudden I flip into a Southern accent. It's a quirk.
Download it here.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Either it's still 1975 or 1995 in Estonia
Judging by their selection for this year's Eurolaul. (Listen to the songs on the left, "Kuula eurolaule")
Not necessarily complaining, because 9 of these songs are quite good, and genres run the gamut from ska to easy listening, but it does sound like ETV's criteria this year was pastiche.
It also helps that Mr. Sexpot of the Baltics himself, Kristjan Kasearu is back with his band Paradise Crew.
Not necessarily complaining, because 9 of these songs are quite good, and genres run the gamut from ska to easy listening, but it does sound like ETV's criteria this year was pastiche.
It also helps that Mr. Sexpot of the Baltics himself, Kristjan Kasearu is back with his band Paradise Crew.
Friday, January 25, 2008
I Don't Know What To Say
Namie Amuro has two new videos out, and from a technical standpoint they're good.
but...
Well, they're tied to this Vidal Sassoon campaign about 1960s/70s style (maybe 80s as well), and she's sampling Motown.
Not only that, she's sampling The Supremes and Aretha Franklin. BIG HITS (Baby Love and Rock Steady) too...in Patricia Field costuming no less.
Now, I am happy that more people will be exposed to these songs (well Rock Steady at least, I think there might be a few people out in the Amazon who have never heard Baby Love), I just...I don't know...it seems a little too calculated and shallow. You be the judge. Admittedly, I'm a curmudgeon.
Bonus: The February* Video Blog featuring my reaction to Ms. Amuro's homage.
* I'm trying to do these on the first of the month, but this particular February 1, I'll be traveling, so it's best to get it in early.
but...
Well, they're tied to this Vidal Sassoon campaign about 1960s/70s style (maybe 80s as well), and she's sampling Motown.
Not only that, she's sampling The Supremes and Aretha Franklin. BIG HITS (Baby Love and Rock Steady) too...in Patricia Field costuming no less.
Now, I am happy that more people will be exposed to these songs (well Rock Steady at least, I think there might be a few people out in the Amazon who have never heard Baby Love), I just...I don't know...it seems a little too calculated and shallow. You be the judge. Admittedly, I'm a curmudgeon.
Bonus: The February* Video Blog featuring my reaction to Ms. Amuro's homage.
* I'm trying to do these on the first of the month, but this particular February 1, I'll be traveling, so it's best to get it in early.
Thursday Jukebox Loves Jason Walker
(As an anecdote to the "celebrity death reminds me that the world is mean" coverage...I liked Brokeback Mountain but Ledger was not Harry Hay, he wasn't even Alfred Kinsey)
I stumbled across Jason Walker on the late lamented Q Television Network, and have enjoyed his work since.
Here he is on QTN's Flesh & Threads (a cute, but very LA concept of a show)
And here's his latest (and possibly first ever) music video: I Can't Get You Off My Mind
My name is Hikaru, and I love house music, especially as performed by men with falsettos.
I stumbled across Jason Walker on the late lamented Q Television Network, and have enjoyed his work since.
Here he is on QTN's Flesh & Threads (a cute, but very LA concept of a show)
And here's his latest (and possibly first ever) music video: I Can't Get You Off My Mind
My name is Hikaru, and I love house music, especially as performed by men with falsettos.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Food for Thought: Mark Steel
From the Conclusion to Vive La Revolution:
For today's establishment, the French Revolution provides proof of the mayhem that reigns when those who talk of equality get their way. Which is why I get the impression we're not supposed to like it very much...every reference to the revolution as nothing but carnage is a warning--leave things as they are, these people who ask you to
protest about things might seem well-intentioned, but if they get their way it will be
heads on pikes around the fountain at the shopping mall.
For the establishment relies on passivity, the very opposite of revolution. For a kaleidoscope of reasons, most people most of the time choose not to confront the injustices on the planet. Even when they do, their suggestion is invariably that a different president, or chairman of the World Bank, would possibly be fairer. The last group that anyone considers should run society is themselves.
Beware people who talk about uniting as a way to absolve others of their sense of guilt.
For today's establishment, the French Revolution provides proof of the mayhem that reigns when those who talk of equality get their way. Which is why I get the impression we're not supposed to like it very much...every reference to the revolution as nothing but carnage is a warning--leave things as they are, these people who ask you to
protest about things might seem well-intentioned, but if they get their way it will be
heads on pikes around the fountain at the shopping mall.
For the establishment relies on passivity, the very opposite of revolution. For a kaleidoscope of reasons, most people most of the time choose not to confront the injustices on the planet. Even when they do, their suggestion is invariably that a different president, or chairman of the World Bank, would possibly be fairer. The last group that anyone considers should run society is themselves.
Beware people who talk about uniting as a way to absolve others of their sense of guilt.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Saturday Jukebox Salutes The Nevada Caucuses
With a Mika Nakashima tribute... (Can you guess the connection?)
Without question, she has a great voice, but her performing style seems to be from the Juliette Lewis school of training.
Without question, she has a great voice, but her performing style seems to be from the Juliette Lewis school of training.
Nonetheless, she does come up with the most visually striking music videos...
...Even if she still acts like Goldie Hawn circa 1969 in some of them
And Mika can rock...sort of
Friday, January 18, 2008
Thursday Jukebox SMAPs You Upside The Head
I'm going to go ahead and admit this potentially embarassing aspect of myself: I like SMAP. I own several of their albums, and I always liked the fact that they (or at least Johnny's) always made musical choices which seemed to be funkier and a little bit more mature than the standard boyband/idol genre would suggest--especially in Japan. I even used to have (and still have a soft spot for) crushes on Tsuyoshi & Shingo.
That being said, I wonder if the guys (you certainly can't call them "boys" these days--I'm younger than Shingo and "boyhood" left me in 2000) are beginning to show the strain of being tied together for so long. Now, I'm only stating this based on reading body language, since I'm not privy to the gossip rags and blogs that somebody living in Japan would be.
Nonetheless, here's Exhibit A, a retrospective from Music Station of SMAP's hits from 1991 to 2003. I don't know if the SMAPers are either tired, embarassed, or just over it, but they don't necessarily seemed all that enthused by glancing back at their past.
And now, here's Exhibit B: The group's recent appearance at last year's Kouhaku (think the Japanese answer to Eurovision). My kingdom to find out what they were thinking while performing. (Tsuyoshi: Stop blocking me! I'm popular now! Shingo: Move it, Inagaki! I'm trying to sing my bit. Goro: I'm still pretty, right? Takuya: I'm not the one singing flat. Nakai: Money!)
Exhibit C: The video for Dear WOMAN. Now, while there's no question that this song is more about praising the women of Japan as opposed to praising the SMAPers themselves, I can't help but wonder as to why the video is shot with each of the guys singing their bits solo. I know they're busy doing tons of things on their own, but is it that tricky to get them all in a studio together? Or at least shots of them doing something together.
Exhibit G: (I swear on Nakai's receding hairline this is the last one) The unintentional hilarity that is Five Respect, which features the SMAPers rapping and praising each other while doing their utmost to actually avoid each other onstage.
That being said, I wonder if the guys (you certainly can't call them "boys" these days--I'm younger than Shingo and "boyhood" left me in 2000) are beginning to show the strain of being tied together for so long. Now, I'm only stating this based on reading body language, since I'm not privy to the gossip rags and blogs that somebody living in Japan would be.
Nonetheless, here's Exhibit A, a retrospective from Music Station of SMAP's hits from 1991 to 2003. I don't know if the SMAPers are either tired, embarassed, or just over it, but they don't necessarily seemed all that enthused by glancing back at their past.
And now, here's Exhibit B: The group's recent appearance at last year's Kouhaku (think the Japanese answer to Eurovision). My kingdom to find out what they were thinking while performing. (Tsuyoshi: Stop blocking me! I'm popular now! Shingo: Move it, Inagaki! I'm trying to sing my bit. Goro: I'm still pretty, right? Takuya: I'm not the one singing flat. Nakai: Money!)
Exhibit C: The video for Dear WOMAN. Now, while there's no question that this song is more about praising the women of Japan as opposed to praising the SMAPers themselves, I can't help but wonder as to why the video is shot with each of the guys singing their bits solo. I know they're busy doing tons of things on their own, but is it that tricky to get them all in a studio together? Or at least shots of them doing something together.
Exhibit D: A live performance of Dear WOMAN, which--for me--seems to have that energy in it that was around Take That right before they announced that they were knackered and bored with each other. The fact that the SMAPers are eerily wearing the same 1970s inspired haircuts as Take That did around 1995-6, might be a reason. It also isn't the most cohesive performance beyond dancing. (I don't remember a SMAP song being this heavy on Tsuyoshi & Shingo, not that I'm complaining.)
Exhibit E: (And I swear I am going to be well and truly SMAPed out after this) The video for Dynamite, a 1997 single which seems to show the lads at least appearing to have fun together.
Exhibit F: (I guess, one can never SMAP too much) The presentation of their latest single on their TV show SMAP x SMAP. The ending conversation is quite funny and passive-agressive, like a group of old men (not that I'm saying they're old!) who love bickering with each other.
Exhibit G: (I swear on Nakai's receding hairline this is the last one) The unintentional hilarity that is Five Respect, which features the SMAPers rapping and praising each other while doing their utmost to actually avoid each other onstage.
Despite all the previous, I still like the SMAPers, and hope they're around for quite sometime. (Supposedly, they have another single coming out in this Spring.)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Lift Every Voice And Sing
For those unfamiliar with Lift Every Voice & Sing, the black national anthem:
Performed by Kim Weston at the 1973 Wattstax Festival in Los Angeles.
Performed by Kim Weston at the 1973 Wattstax Festival in Los Angeles.
The United Belgian States of America
Today is the actual birthdate of Martin Luther King, Junior (as opposed to the "holiday" on next Monday--which to be honest, I have problems with, since like Memorial Day, most view it as a day off, not a day to reflect upon Dr. King's work and how we have progressed/failed), and once again, I find myself convinced that as a nation, we are continuing to step further and further away from equality.
But wait, don't we have a white woman and a black man vying to become president?
Yes, we do.
Isn't that a sign of progress?
Not if they (and their attack dogs) spend time sniping about semantics surrounding the work of Dr. King. And by the way, in 1972, Shirley Chisholm tried to run for president, I think that was inherently more gutsy and revolutionary than anything either Hillary or Barack have done.
As I see it, the United States is a country where the residents of many different ethnic backgrounds continue to live in relatively separate communities and viewpoints that occasionally intersect, but for the most part are isolated. The only thing that seems to unify us is mere geography. Much like Belgium, I'd reckon.
Three years ago, I went to Palm Springs for my birthday and the flights there and back were quite memorable: At the risk of losing crediblity, I flew first class. (A frivolous expense, to be true, but it was my birthday and I'm a believer in that the flight that one takes sets the tone for the trip itself.) The flights from Chicago to Palm Springs and back were completely full in both cabins. As everyone knows, there is that infamous march that everyone has to do past the first class cabin. Never before in my life have I ever been shot so many dirty looks, which I interpreted as having a racial undertone to them (even if those who threw them did not have that intention).
The fact that I did, speaks volumes for the society and country in which I grew up: How many people out there know that there is a Black National Anthem? How many know about the black upper classes and their organisations and communities? They came about because there was and continues to be a schism between the experiences of white and black America, and there is little effort to address it, lo these centuries later.
As Americans, we like to believe that everybody is equal, and everybody is, but the hardest thing to do is to actually practice that belief. We carry the ideological baggage of our ancestors, whether we accept that baggage or reject it altogether, it is a part of us, and we have to deal with it.
That baggage is everywhere we look in this country: from the demographics of Detroit to those of Ellis Island. It is evident in the fact that there are hundreds of communities with Native American names in this country where the actual Native American population is zero and few people would be hard pressed to actually name the tribe who gave the community its name.
I mention this not because of guilt, but because it is important to actually look at our country, what it is, and how to steer it towards an all-inclusive future cognizant of its past. (I find the term "all-inclusive" a bit strange, personally, as it makes it sound like the US should be some sort of continental Club Med.)
Nonetheless, I hope this actually means that by my deathbed (2101, if I'm lucky), there might actually be a truly United States of America. Sadly, at this point in time, I would not surprise if the status quo persists.
Before I sign off on this, I'd like to leave with this very interesting incident from a post on December 20th by Expat Jane over at Where The Hell Am I? , which I think underlines the fact that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the reality of American history (read the whole post as well, and the blog, too--it's excellent):
I remember being on the bus when a Korean man was talking to my white female coworker and was simply ignoring me. That was fine as he was drunk, but when he asked her if she was an "American". She said yes and pointed out that I was American too. Do you know this man had the nerve to say "no, I mean an original American." I thought that was funny because 1) the original people living on what is now American soil weren't white people and 2) when you look at the black American population, the majority of black American families have been in the US longer than most white families. There are only a select few white Americans who can claim ancestry from that first wave of British colonists. I can't remember where I read or heard it but basically to make this point a teacher in the US told everyone in her class to stand up. She told them if they had a parent who had immigrated to the US to sit down. She then asked students who had grandparents who'd immigrated to the States to sit down. She continued and the last students standing were the black students. Black Americans come from multi-generational American families, so that "original American" comment made me laugh 'cause that man was simply ignorant, but it shows how much the world at large has bought into the pop culture images that flow out of the States.
But wait, don't we have a white woman and a black man vying to become president?
Yes, we do.
Isn't that a sign of progress?
Not if they (and their attack dogs) spend time sniping about semantics surrounding the work of Dr. King. And by the way, in 1972, Shirley Chisholm tried to run for president, I think that was inherently more gutsy and revolutionary than anything either Hillary or Barack have done.
As I see it, the United States is a country where the residents of many different ethnic backgrounds continue to live in relatively separate communities and viewpoints that occasionally intersect, but for the most part are isolated. The only thing that seems to unify us is mere geography. Much like Belgium, I'd reckon.
Three years ago, I went to Palm Springs for my birthday and the flights there and back were quite memorable: At the risk of losing crediblity, I flew first class. (A frivolous expense, to be true, but it was my birthday and I'm a believer in that the flight that one takes sets the tone for the trip itself.) The flights from Chicago to Palm Springs and back were completely full in both cabins. As everyone knows, there is that infamous march that everyone has to do past the first class cabin. Never before in my life have I ever been shot so many dirty looks, which I interpreted as having a racial undertone to them (even if those who threw them did not have that intention).
The fact that I did, speaks volumes for the society and country in which I grew up: How many people out there know that there is a Black National Anthem? How many know about the black upper classes and their organisations and communities? They came about because there was and continues to be a schism between the experiences of white and black America, and there is little effort to address it, lo these centuries later.
As Americans, we like to believe that everybody is equal, and everybody is, but the hardest thing to do is to actually practice that belief. We carry the ideological baggage of our ancestors, whether we accept that baggage or reject it altogether, it is a part of us, and we have to deal with it.
That baggage is everywhere we look in this country: from the demographics of Detroit to those of Ellis Island. It is evident in the fact that there are hundreds of communities with Native American names in this country where the actual Native American population is zero and few people would be hard pressed to actually name the tribe who gave the community its name.
I mention this not because of guilt, but because it is important to actually look at our country, what it is, and how to steer it towards an all-inclusive future cognizant of its past. (I find the term "all-inclusive" a bit strange, personally, as it makes it sound like the US should be some sort of continental Club Med.)
Nonetheless, I hope this actually means that by my deathbed (2101, if I'm lucky), there might actually be a truly United States of America. Sadly, at this point in time, I would not surprise if the status quo persists.
Before I sign off on this, I'd like to leave with this very interesting incident from a post on December 20th by Expat Jane over at Where The Hell Am I? , which I think underlines the fact that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the reality of American history (read the whole post as well, and the blog, too--it's excellent):
I remember being on the bus when a Korean man was talking to my white female coworker and was simply ignoring me. That was fine as he was drunk, but when he asked her if she was an "American". She said yes and pointed out that I was American too. Do you know this man had the nerve to say "no, I mean an original American." I thought that was funny because 1) the original people living on what is now American soil weren't white people and 2) when you look at the black American population, the majority of black American families have been in the US longer than most white families. There are only a select few white Americans who can claim ancestry from that first wave of British colonists. I can't remember where I read or heard it but basically to make this point a teacher in the US told everyone in her class to stand up. She told them if they had a parent who had immigrated to the US to sit down. She then asked students who had grandparents who'd immigrated to the States to sit down. She continued and the last students standing were the black students. Black Americans come from multi-generational American families, so that "original American" comment made me laugh 'cause that man was simply ignorant, but it shows how much the world at large has bought into the pop culture images that flow out of the States.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
I Think We're Supposed To Care
But it's such a manufactured spat, exploiting our nation's still unresolved racial disharmony for personal gain.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Can I Get A Side of Humbled Peacock?
The once-mighty NBC is beginning to get a littl less bombastic these days: what with their ratings being the toilet and now their OTT coverage of the Golden Globes has become a press conference which can be aired by any network who so desires to.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
I'm A Touch Horrified
Inside Edition is 20 years old today, according this article in The New York Daily News.
I'm a bit shocked in that:
I'm a bit shocked in that:
- It lasted so long.
- It still claims newsmagazine status (but then again Entertainment Tonight and TMZ are technically newsmagazines as well).
- How anyone takes Bill O'Reilly seriously knowing he was the first host of Inside Edition.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Iowa & Mitsuhiro Oikawa
Today is the Iowa Caucus, an event that quite honestly has too much weight given to it--solely because it's the first electoral event of the US primary season. Therefore, Iowans (who aren't really that representative of the whole nation, although in a nation of 300 million plus spread out over a continent, no state is, and is proof positive of the need for the interregional primary system) get to essentially do the first vetting of candidates, and the rest of us (especially those of us who won't be able to vote until after the absurd Super Tuesday) have to do our pickings based on the opinions of Iowa & New Hampshire.
Or to put it in an even more absurd perspective: residents of 2 barely urban states choose the candidates for a majority urbanised nation who will go to the polls in November to participate in an election which is not decided by the popular vote.
In all fairness, I like the quaint notion of the caucus, and for a state like Iowa, it makes sense to have that format. That said, it's no bellwether.
So what does Mitsuhiro Oikawa have to do with this? Nothing really. Much like how Iowa & New Hampshire's status during primary season is out of proportion with the rest of the nation, so is Oikawa's status in relation to this post.
But he is a cute little aging pretty boy, isn't he? (That's him swaying on the left in the video.)
Or to put it in an even more absurd perspective: residents of 2 barely urban states choose the candidates for a majority urbanised nation who will go to the polls in November to participate in an election which is not decided by the popular vote.
In all fairness, I like the quaint notion of the caucus, and for a state like Iowa, it makes sense to have that format. That said, it's no bellwether.
So what does Mitsuhiro Oikawa have to do with this? Nothing really. Much like how Iowa & New Hampshire's status during primary season is out of proportion with the rest of the nation, so is Oikawa's status in relation to this post.
But he is a cute little aging pretty boy, isn't he? (That's him swaying on the left in the video.)
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Fearless Leader's Video Message for 2008
By the way, Anderson Cooper & Kathy Griffin are a brillant pairing.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Out of the ashes of one British Mark...
...rises a phoenix of another.
This is a rather dramatic way of saying that the disenchantment with Mark Ravenhill has been replaced with the discovery of Mark Steel, a Socialist comedian, whose book Vive La Revolution I've been reading.
Listen to him speak from the book at Marxism 2003 here. (Part 2 here.)
This is a rather dramatic way of saying that the disenchantment with Mark Ravenhill has been replaced with the discovery of Mark Steel, a Socialist comedian, whose book Vive La Revolution I've been reading.
Listen to him speak from the book at Marxism 2003 here. (Part 2 here.)
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Year That It Was (On Here): 2007
It wasn't as busy a year as last at this corner of the internet, but there were some moments.
January
January
- I drink myself sober on New Year's and turn all Pollyanna-like.
- Don't drink with the ex.
- There is a programme better than The Closet, and it is subsequently picked up by here!
- The Polish final which is surprisingly low on actual Poles.
- A forecast for life in the next century.
- 700 posts!
- I dissect Eurolaul and irk prissy Vanilla Ninja fans for merely mentioning the strange resemblance between the band members and Lindsay Lohan.
February
- Jump in the time machine, because it's Eurovision 1992.
- Atlanta is not fun...especially when it is colder than New York (in more ways than one).
- A poll to see which Melodifestivalen act was aiming for the gay vote.
- A moment of reflection.
- Praising Ms. Nanne.
- Fun with the Spanish Eurovision selection (part 1).
- Fight for your right...to pick up hustlers.
- Cocaine is a helluva a drug...to watch Spanish National Finals with.
March
- Matt Sanchez and his idiocy.
- Escape from the land of muscle worshippers.
- GLAAD slides toward irrelevance.
- Me vs. Tacky theatre.
April
- We are saved from the possibility of President Tommy Thompson.
- Yet another Russian Eurovision entry with catchy music and lyrics by Babelfish.
- Praising MISIA.
- Eurovision Preview Reviews galore!
- He speaks.
May
- We Love Bitchy Nordics
- I am bewildered by the Eurovision Qualifier, and indifferent to the Final.
- Inane questions run amok on New York local news.
- Like many others, I fall for the daft Endemol joke.
June
- Shut up, Bono & Bob.
- The Tonys slide towards irrelevance just a touch slower than GLAAD.
- Bloomie gets a partial clue
- Take That revival.
- I Love Elliot (Spitzer).
July
- Oh, to be on the wrong side of the housing boom.
- I try to get religion...and realise I am my own church.
- Nobody likes Dick
- Milwaukee: test market for terrorism.
August
- My name is Hikaru Krispy Kreme, how may I serve you?
- I'm getting old, people...old & crotchety.
- Siberian independence NOW.
September
- Just a sampling of the GOP idiots running for President.
- Sensenbrenner needs to get eliminated....again.
- The Loonie reaches parity and then surpasses it. (Perhaps we're the real Loonies.)
- Janet Jackson makes a true lapse in judgement.
- Guess what? The Closet is coming back!
October
November
- Writers' Strike!
- WTMJ thinks moral indignation is the key to ratings success.
- ...And Al Roker is on Court TV.
- NBC slides towards irrelevance, faster than the Tonys & GLAAD.
- How not to do an interview.
- The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade review...not for those incapable of comprehending context.
- Crap shows reopen.
- I hate Judd Apatow, but not as much as I despise La Perry.
December
- Perhaps we all really can't get along?
- Mourning a role model.
- Silver lining in Wisconsin's bigoted anti-SSM amendment.
- Edwards = JFK-meets-FDR and I'm all for it.
- Yes, MISIA has lost her mind, but it's catchy.
- Drunk Kiwis...awww.
Perhaps you've noticed something different this year, particularly a big drop in posts. I haven't mentioned it all this year, but there's been an underlying theme in my posts particularly in the second half of 2007: Cancer.
First, my aforementioned ex was diagnosed and treated for Prostate Cancer in July & August. The next month, my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. (Fortunately, it was caught very early.) Two weeks later, my great aunt died from Lung Cancer. (My extended family--like my immediate family--is very small, so this was quite a huge deal.)
As for myself, I've so far been declared healthy by several doctors, which is good, especially since this year, I seem to hear and see cancer everywhere. Yet, as a result of these medical issues, I've taken on some extra non-writing work in order to lighten the load of those recovering.
Although it's likely I'll post again before January: Good health to all who read this (even Jonathan Capehart) in 2008.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
The Running of the Drunk Kiwi Santas
Several times a year, a story comes along that allows us to basically laugh at a certain nation ad its foibles.
This Christmas, I would nominate the running of a bunch of drunk Kiwi students in Santa Claus (or as the accent seems to suggest: "Center Klaus") outfits through a Christchurch movie theatre.
The coverage on TVNZ seems to be pleading for the world not to judge all of New Zealand as bored drunkards bent on terrorising young children.
This Christmas, I would nominate the running of a bunch of drunk Kiwi students in Santa Claus (or as the accent seems to suggest: "Center Klaus") outfits through a Christchurch movie theatre.
The coverage on TVNZ seems to be pleading for the world not to judge all of New Zealand as bored drunkards bent on terrorising young children.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Modern Life Is Absurd (Part 100)...and touchng
The Daily News's David Hinckley goes all existential on disembodied voices.
And while several media outlets picked up the story of Lee Thomas, the black anchor whose skin is losing its pigmentation, I think the best and most poignant coverage (albeit solely on presentation...since it is an AP article) is on The Sydney Morning Herald.
And while several media outlets picked up the story of Lee Thomas, the black anchor whose skin is losing its pigmentation, I think the best and most poignant coverage (albeit solely on presentation...since it is an AP article) is on The Sydney Morning Herald.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tuesday Jukebox Thinks MISIA has lost her mind
Damn catchy, and she's still in great voice, but what on god's green earth inspired that title?
Thursday, December 13, 2007
I'm Coming Out (Politically) Part 2
The other contender for my primary vote is John Edwards.
There, I said it...and god, am I shocked that I did...I mean, I was STAUNCHLY Clark in 2004.
Lest you think it's actually brought on by the recent uptick in Edwards's political fortune, it actually came after looking at The Washington Post's Candidate Selector.
Quite frankly, the man never really was on my radar, because he really never seemed to get the media's attention. So it was interesting actually reading what he does actually have to say.
First, quite honestly the man screams JFK revival, but since I was born 16 years after JFK was shot, that means social policies to me as opposed to pretty spouses and children all in a row.
I do like that he's basing his campaign on economic disparity, which is quite frankly running rampant and no one is really doing much more than paying lip service.
Secondly, he's improving his stance in respect to GLBT rights, and with him it seems to boil down to equal treatment under the law, which is a stance I can get behind. Now here's where I have to hold my nose a bit and hope that he gets some sense: he's against same-sex marriage personally, but is for civil unions and against a constitutional ban. On the plus side: it allows for wiggle room. On a down side: Does it mean that he would impede legislation against same-sex marriage? I honestly don't know.
Ultimately, the Edwards & Richardson decision came down to a process of elimination.
(NB: all these statements have an implied "at the moment" following them.)
Kucinich: Just no. Idealism without practicality
Biden: Milquetoast and in it "just because"
Obama: Pre-McClurkin: Too Green. Post-McClurkin: No. Way. In. Hell.
Gravel: Great policies, but he's not the right messenger because it comes through a bunch of babble that makes you wonder as to what he would actually do if elected. He came VERY close for my support.
Dodd: See Biden.
Clinton: I really wanted to like her, but she's too moderate and if Edwards (who seems just a little bit more left of HRC) is also in favour of health care, I don't see any reason to go with Hillary.
And I have yet to hear who the DSA is in favour of, they are probably as flummoxed as I am.
For what it's worth, SP-USA is putting up Brian Moore for president, like Gravel, I like the policies, but not the babble.
There, I said it...and god, am I shocked that I did...I mean, I was STAUNCHLY Clark in 2004.
Lest you think it's actually brought on by the recent uptick in Edwards's political fortune, it actually came after looking at The Washington Post's Candidate Selector.
Quite frankly, the man never really was on my radar, because he really never seemed to get the media's attention. So it was interesting actually reading what he does actually have to say.
First, quite honestly the man screams JFK revival, but since I was born 16 years after JFK was shot, that means social policies to me as opposed to pretty spouses and children all in a row.
I do like that he's basing his campaign on economic disparity, which is quite frankly running rampant and no one is really doing much more than paying lip service.
Secondly, he's improving his stance in respect to GLBT rights, and with him it seems to boil down to equal treatment under the law, which is a stance I can get behind. Now here's where I have to hold my nose a bit and hope that he gets some sense: he's against same-sex marriage personally, but is for civil unions and against a constitutional ban. On the plus side: it allows for wiggle room. On a down side: Does it mean that he would impede legislation against same-sex marriage? I honestly don't know.
Ultimately, the Edwards & Richardson decision came down to a process of elimination.
(NB: all these statements have an implied "at the moment" following them.)
Kucinich: Just no. Idealism without practicality
Biden: Milquetoast and in it "just because"
Obama: Pre-McClurkin: Too Green. Post-McClurkin: No. Way. In. Hell.
Gravel: Great policies, but he's not the right messenger because it comes through a bunch of babble that makes you wonder as to what he would actually do if elected. He came VERY close for my support.
Dodd: See Biden.
Clinton: I really wanted to like her, but she's too moderate and if Edwards (who seems just a little bit more left of HRC) is also in favour of health care, I don't see any reason to go with Hillary.
And I have yet to hear who the DSA is in favour of, they are probably as flummoxed as I am.
For what it's worth, SP-USA is putting up Brian Moore for president, like Gravel, I like the policies, but not the babble.
Skeptical Optimism in Wisconsin
According to The Advocate (has the Journal Sentinel dropped the ball on this one?), a straight political science professor is challenging Wisconsin's year-old ban on Same-sex marriage and civil unions.
And for all the right reasons.
Says the aforementioned professor, Bill McConkey: "If you don’t like gay people, who’s next? Short people? As a student of history and an educated person, I know the history and the implications of that mind-set."
And for all the right reasons.
Says the aforementioned professor, Bill McConkey: "If you don’t like gay people, who’s next? Short people? As a student of history and an educated person, I know the history and the implications of that mind-set."
All Hail Tim Cuprisin
For those of us who are cynical about the constant hyperbole coming out of television stations whenever there is a snowstorm on the way, take a gander at this video by The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tim Cuprisin, who lightly pokes fun at the phenomenon.
And for a more sharper attack, read his blog posts from yesterday.
And for a more sharper attack, read his blog posts from yesterday.
I'm Coming Out (Politically) Part 1
So I figure it's time to get off the proverbial pot and fess up which candidate I'm voting for in the primary.
Well, it's now narrowed down to 2 main contenders.
MAJOR faux pas aside, I cannot completely discredit Bill Richardson, because I think he is the kind of statesman that this country would benefit from. I think that his verbal missteps, as Rod McCullom mentions in this article at Rod 2.0 are mere nerves.
Yet is that enough? More to come in Part 2.
Well, it's now narrowed down to 2 main contenders.
MAJOR faux pas aside, I cannot completely discredit Bill Richardson, because I think he is the kind of statesman that this country would benefit from. I think that his verbal missteps, as Rod McCullom mentions in this article at Rod 2.0 are mere nerves.
Yet is that enough? More to come in Part 2.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Puppies grow into dogs that get old and DIE!
The above is one of my favourite movie quotes, and I find it particularly insightful when applied to this article in The Guardian by my own playwright role model, Mark Ravenhill, whose play Shopping and Fucking convinced me of the power of writing for the stage and how subversive it could be.
Essentially, it's the standard "I'm too old for this shit" treatise that anyone in any profession is apt to echo, but it's interesting to see how Ravenhill claims that he is holding onto his rebel status by choosing to write heterosexual themes at the moment:
Something seem odd there to you? It does to me.
One of the major tenets of performance writing--especially for stage--is that character comes first. Personality, history, all the things about life experience are present whenever a character speaks. Now perhaps my naivete is showing, but one thing I remember very clearly being affected by is in how the playwright creates and reveals these aspects. If these characters were gay, then it was a part that informed them and also my own understanding. If they weren't, I didn't view it as a stumbling block.
I wonder whether Ravenhill--and his success--has lead him to distrust in his own abilities to create characters that are incidentally gay. As a fan, I've always read his characters that way, so I wonder why he feels they were always GAY with capital letters lit up like a rainbow.
Ravenhill's work for the most part has always been intimate in terms of setting--at least in my view. I always had the sense that he was using the insularity and self-obsessiveness of the characters to make a comment about society at large.
So why refocus on heterosexuals?
He claims they offer him more vision of a modern Britain, but do they?
I would say chances are likely not.
What I see hiding underneath the words of the article is well...a Don Quixote...or perhaps Stockholm Syndrome.
While I agree with his themes of the homogenised gay characters, I suspect that his statement is triggered more by fear of unemployment/relevance, rather than fatigue.
Another dead old puppy.
Essentially, it's the standard "I'm too old for this shit" treatise that anyone in any profession is apt to echo, but it's interesting to see how Ravenhill claims that he is holding onto his rebel status by choosing to write heterosexual themes at the moment:
Now, I'm surprised to say, I'm happy never to write another gay character
again. It feels as though every aspect of the gay experience has been narrated,
performed and picked over in the past 30 years. It has left us with some
brilliant work. Alongside all the bad generic gay work, artists such as Derek
Jarman, Alan Hollinghurst, Tony Kushner and others have left a body of work that is both gay and great. But that work seems over now.
Right now, I'm eager to explore the strange, twilight world of the
heterosexual - to expose its anguishes and mysteries and unconscious
comedies. Maybe one day there will be something to pull me back to the gay
experience, the sense of something new to be said about the gay world. But, for
the moment at least, my lavender quill is at rest.
Something seem odd there to you? It does to me.
One of the major tenets of performance writing--especially for stage--is that character comes first. Personality, history, all the things about life experience are present whenever a character speaks. Now perhaps my naivete is showing, but one thing I remember very clearly being affected by is in how the playwright creates and reveals these aspects. If these characters were gay, then it was a part that informed them and also my own understanding. If they weren't, I didn't view it as a stumbling block.
I wonder whether Ravenhill--and his success--has lead him to distrust in his own abilities to create characters that are incidentally gay. As a fan, I've always read his characters that way, so I wonder why he feels they were always GAY with capital letters lit up like a rainbow.
Ravenhill's work for the most part has always been intimate in terms of setting--at least in my view. I always had the sense that he was using the insularity and self-obsessiveness of the characters to make a comment about society at large.
So why refocus on heterosexuals?
He claims they offer him more vision of a modern Britain, but do they?
I would say chances are likely not.
What I see hiding underneath the words of the article is well...a Don Quixote...or perhaps Stockholm Syndrome.
While I agree with his themes of the homogenised gay characters, I suspect that his statement is triggered more by fear of unemployment/relevance, rather than fatigue.
Another dead old puppy.
Are The Oughties All About Rolling The Clock Back?
That was my thought when I read this article (admittedly from this past September) in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about the rise of resegregation.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Just Because...
...December on here should start with some tattooed pretty boy cavorting around with a bunch of Santa Clauses half in the bag.
Don't you think?
L'Arc~en~Ciel - Hurry Xmas (HD)
Uploaded by aureliendu76
Don't you think?
L'Arc~en~Ciel - Hurry Xmas (HD)
Uploaded by aureliendu76
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Does Falling Upwards Equal Intelligence?
Others can debate the merits of Judd Apatow--since I find films and television shows geared towards stroking the ego of emotionally arrested critics boring.
Yet this same list puts Tyler Perry at #8.
Tyler "Closet Case" Perry.
Tyler "Lowest Common Denominator" Perry.
Tyler "My name is on every thing I do" Perry.
The Free Dictionary defines smart as so:
1. a. Characterized by sharp quick thought; bright. See Synonyms at intelligent.
(Nope. "Savvy" maybe, but La Perry doesn't fit this definition of smart.)
b. Amusingly clever; witty: a smart quip; a lively, smart conversation.
(Would doing an updated Mammy impression qualify under this? I don't think so.)
c. Impertinent; insolent
(I wouldn't be surprised if he's like that behind closed doors. The closet can give you rage like steroid abuse, but no. Doesn't apply.)
2. Energetic or quick in movement
(He paint himself as whatever Adonis he imagines himself to be, but that man is not fast even if Tiger Tyson was running buck naked slathered in butter in front of him.)
3. Canny and shrewd in dealings with others
(Possible, if you apply that famous quote from The Usual Suspects about "the greatest trick the devil ever played." And even then, there are those way "smarter" than Perry in that department who are below him in the list.)
4. Fashionable; elegant:
(Nope. If that was the case, where's his clothing line?)
5. a. Of, relating to, or being a highly automated device, especially one that imitates human intelligence: smart missiles.
(Well, only something artificial could live all of La Perry's contradictions without having a meltdown, but, no, not applicable.)
b. Manufactured to regulate the amount of light transmitted in response to varying light conditions or to an electronic sensor or control unit: smart windows.
(see above.)
6. New England & Southern U.S. Accomplished; talented: He's a right smart ball player.
(He is accomplished, but then so was Chester Arthur, and is he that accomplished to come ahead in front of Jerry Bruckheimer? George Clooney? Peter Jackson? No. Way. In. Hell.)
Yet this same list puts Tyler Perry at #8.
Tyler "Closet Case" Perry.
Tyler "Lowest Common Denominator" Perry.
Tyler "My name is on every thing I do" Perry.
The Free Dictionary defines smart as so:
1. a. Characterized by sharp quick thought; bright. See Synonyms at intelligent.
(Nope. "Savvy" maybe, but La Perry doesn't fit this definition of smart.)
b. Amusingly clever; witty: a smart quip; a lively, smart conversation.
(Would doing an updated Mammy impression qualify under this? I don't think so.)
c. Impertinent; insolent
(I wouldn't be surprised if he's like that behind closed doors. The closet can give you rage like steroid abuse, but no. Doesn't apply.)
2. Energetic or quick in movement
(He paint himself as whatever Adonis he imagines himself to be, but that man is not fast even if Tiger Tyson was running buck naked slathered in butter in front of him.)
3. Canny and shrewd in dealings with others
(Possible, if you apply that famous quote from The Usual Suspects about "the greatest trick the devil ever played." And even then, there are those way "smarter" than Perry in that department who are below him in the list.)
4. Fashionable; elegant:
(Nope. If that was the case, where's his clothing line?)
5. a. Of, relating to, or being a highly automated device, especially one that imitates human intelligence: smart missiles.
(Well, only something artificial could live all of La Perry's contradictions without having a meltdown, but, no, not applicable.)
b. Manufactured to regulate the amount of light transmitted in response to varying light conditions or to an electronic sensor or control unit: smart windows.
(see above.)
6. New England & Southern U.S. Accomplished; talented: He's a right smart ball player.
(He is accomplished, but then so was Chester Arthur, and is he that accomplished to come ahead in front of Jerry Bruckheimer? George Clooney? Peter Jackson? No. Way. In. Hell.)
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