I've been thinking and talking about the Sopranos ending. I like it the more I think about it because it's a beautiful thing. It lets the audience make their own interpretation of what did or didn't happen.
Many things about this year's series point towards Tony's demise. Other characters close to Tony die, sometimes by Tony's hand; Dr. Malfi learns that Tony's psychotic behavior may not be curable, and that therapy may actually validate his violent nature; plus, the lighting is so dark in practically every scene with Tony. He is often in almost complete darkness, with barely one half of his face in the light.
Some people find insight in the penultimate episode when Tony imagines that the moment of death will simply end in sudden blackness, exactly as the series did for television viewers. Other people think the Sopranos family continues on as usual, but that Tony always lives in fear of sudden death.
I like to take a more cyclical view and see the final episode as merely another moment in time with these characters and their lives, which will continue from moment to moment into the infinity of television. It's brilliant marketing because a latecomer to the show won't worry about starting the series because of a spoilt ending. In a sense there is no ending so it almost doesn't matter which episode you begin watching as long as you are familiar with the characters and their situations. You can catch up on the particular stories of each season of episodes.
I speak from experience, having seen the first two series (sorry, I prefer the British nomenclature) on DVD just in time to catch the most recent two series on television. It felt like I had never missed an episode of the show. I know from my friends that there is a lot of family history and intrigue in the middle part of the series that I am eager to see on DVD. Thank God for Netflix!!
In the meantime, an aquaintance of mine produced a short radio journal about people's reactions to The Sopranos ending and you can listen to it online here (scroll down to "Sopranos Sleep with the Fishes"). Listen closely and you might hear yours truly chiming in for a couple comments!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Happy Juneteenth!
Yes, happy Juneteenth, everyone!
If you forgot (like I usually do) what the Juneteenth holiday is, I'm proud to tell you that Juneteenth comemorates the date -- June 19, 1865 -- when African-American slaves in Texas heard the news that they were free, thanks to President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which led to the freedom of all slaves in these United States.
Now, Lincoln made that fateful proclamation on January 1, 1863. It took over two years for those poor bastards to get the news! Talk about snail mail....
If you forgot (like I usually do) what the Juneteenth holiday is, I'm proud to tell you that Juneteenth comemorates the date -- June 19, 1865 -- when African-American slaves in Texas heard the news that they were free, thanks to President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which led to the freedom of all slaves in these United States.
Now, Lincoln made that fateful proclamation on January 1, 1863. It took over two years for those poor bastards to get the news! Talk about snail mail....
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Don't Do Porn in Iran
You could get killed! Poor Iran is such a fucked up country. Now their government is passing a law which says people who create pornography will receive the death penalty.
Who knows, maybe they're right?
Read the story here.
Who knows, maybe they're right?
Read the story here.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Tom Tancredo for President
One of the coolest things I've enjoyed telling people lately is "my best friend's Dad is running for President." There's not many times in life when you could expect to say that to someone, but for me it's true.
I've known Tom Tancredo since I was in junior high school. He's one of the best men I've ever met: honest, hardworking, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He's also been a U.S. Representative from the State of Colorado for at least a half dozen years now, with strong support from his district.
I really love Tom, but I don't agree with him on almost any issue. I think he is right about many things, but I'm cynical enough to think some problems cannot be solved because it's too late. For example, Tom strongly supports the "English only" mentality. Even if we stopped all immigration (legal and otherwise) immediately, the Spanish language would continue to grow in popularity in this country. Just watch any current children's program on public television and you'll see that practically every character speaks English and Spanish interchangably.
It's a matter of mathematics at this point. The white population is simply not reproducing as rapidly as the Latino population. I see this here in Los Angeles already. We're currently 50% Spanish-speaking, and 40% of our citizens were born in another country.
I don't see that many pure-blooded whites anymore, especially not the young people. Racial groups have been mixing significantly for at least a couple of generations out here so almost everyone has a little "color" in them, and that seems very appropriate and natural to me. Most Latino youngsters speak Spanish with their families and English with their classmates and friends.
Tom is right, though, about the lack of assimilation by immigrants into "American" culture. I feel like a foreigner in an exotic country in some neighborhoods of Los Angeles. You can go for blocks, if not miles, without seeing any signs in English, except the street signs. This variety can be quite exhilirating; however, I do feel disappointment at the isolationism going on, the tribal-cultural bonding amongst newcomers which is also a natural process, particularly among Asians. I have actually felt the sting of prejudice a few times, a bitter reflection on the hardship suffered by minorities.
I only wish there was more blending of cultures. At least it's happening with food: Los Angeles is rich in fine restaurants serving every cuisine imaginable to a diverse cross-section of patrons. It's not uncommon for the average Angeleno to have sushi for lunch and enchiladas for dinner. However, language differences continue to be a barrier against socialization and commerce between various ethnic groups in this community. We're a huge mosaic of cultural enclaves woven together like a tapestry across the desert.
Sadly, Hispanics continue to labor as the servant class, not only for WASPS, but for Asians, Middle-Easterners, and Jews as well. Besides farming our food, Latinos wash our cars, mow our lawns, clean our homes and offices, construct new buildings, maintain old buildings, and raise our children. Most of them ride the bus because they can't afford a car. But guess who drives the buses? The blacks.
It's an odd socio-economic caste system we've developed here. I'm not quite sure what to make of it yet, except that only very few of us are upwardly mobile anymore. Most of us are moving downward. I see more and more people living on the street every day. It's saddening and sickening.
Tom Tancredo would say sealing the borders would help solve that problem. He's probably right. I just doubt that the government or the public have the insight or the will to take meaningful action to stop immigration, even if it could be morally defended. The influence of immigrants is an important part of our cultural fiber, and it should be managed much better than it has been for the past 40 years. Our country has grown so large, so quickly, there's not much we can do at this point to change things.
Check out Tom's YouTube page and watch some of his comments about immigration, and his brilliant and scathing criticisms of Bush and his mob of crooks. Tom is completely unafraid to rip Dubya a new one. He's way more harsh than any Democrat I've heard. You rock, Tom!
Congressman Tancredo, I hope you become the next President of the United States. At least I'd know an honest man had finally won.
I've known Tom Tancredo since I was in junior high school. He's one of the best men I've ever met: honest, hardworking, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He's also been a U.S. Representative from the State of Colorado for at least a half dozen years now, with strong support from his district.
I really love Tom, but I don't agree with him on almost any issue. I think he is right about many things, but I'm cynical enough to think some problems cannot be solved because it's too late. For example, Tom strongly supports the "English only" mentality. Even if we stopped all immigration (legal and otherwise) immediately, the Spanish language would continue to grow in popularity in this country. Just watch any current children's program on public television and you'll see that practically every character speaks English and Spanish interchangably.
It's a matter of mathematics at this point. The white population is simply not reproducing as rapidly as the Latino population. I see this here in Los Angeles already. We're currently 50% Spanish-speaking, and 40% of our citizens were born in another country.
I don't see that many pure-blooded whites anymore, especially not the young people. Racial groups have been mixing significantly for at least a couple of generations out here so almost everyone has a little "color" in them, and that seems very appropriate and natural to me. Most Latino youngsters speak Spanish with their families and English with their classmates and friends.
Tom is right, though, about the lack of assimilation by immigrants into "American" culture. I feel like a foreigner in an exotic country in some neighborhoods of Los Angeles. You can go for blocks, if not miles, without seeing any signs in English, except the street signs. This variety can be quite exhilirating; however, I do feel disappointment at the isolationism going on, the tribal-cultural bonding amongst newcomers which is also a natural process, particularly among Asians. I have actually felt the sting of prejudice a few times, a bitter reflection on the hardship suffered by minorities.
I only wish there was more blending of cultures. At least it's happening with food: Los Angeles is rich in fine restaurants serving every cuisine imaginable to a diverse cross-section of patrons. It's not uncommon for the average Angeleno to have sushi for lunch and enchiladas for dinner. However, language differences continue to be a barrier against socialization and commerce between various ethnic groups in this community. We're a huge mosaic of cultural enclaves woven together like a tapestry across the desert.
Sadly, Hispanics continue to labor as the servant class, not only for WASPS, but for Asians, Middle-Easterners, and Jews as well. Besides farming our food, Latinos wash our cars, mow our lawns, clean our homes and offices, construct new buildings, maintain old buildings, and raise our children. Most of them ride the bus because they can't afford a car. But guess who drives the buses? The blacks.
It's an odd socio-economic caste system we've developed here. I'm not quite sure what to make of it yet, except that only very few of us are upwardly mobile anymore. Most of us are moving downward. I see more and more people living on the street every day. It's saddening and sickening.
Tom Tancredo would say sealing the borders would help solve that problem. He's probably right. I just doubt that the government or the public have the insight or the will to take meaningful action to stop immigration, even if it could be morally defended. The influence of immigrants is an important part of our cultural fiber, and it should be managed much better than it has been for the past 40 years. Our country has grown so large, so quickly, there's not much we can do at this point to change things.
Check out Tom's YouTube page and watch some of his comments about immigration, and his brilliant and scathing criticisms of Bush and his mob of crooks. Tom is completely unafraid to rip Dubya a new one. He's way more harsh than any Democrat I've heard. You rock, Tom!
Congressman Tancredo, I hope you become the next President of the United States. At least I'd know an honest man had finally won.
Monday, May 28, 2007
R2-D2, Where are you?
Some of you may have seen the USPS blue mail boxes decorated to look like R2-D2 from Star Wars. They were promoting the 30th anniversary of the first Star Wars film as well as the new Star Wars stamps. I've seen several of the boxes around Los Angeles: in Hollywood and downtown in front of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
There was also one near my school at UCLA. I had one of my students take my picture with "R2" and I'm so glad I did because the next day, R2 was gone! He was only there for a couple of days. I'm not sure if the post office moved that box or if someone stole him. What a cool collector's item, eh?
Friday, May 25, 2007
A Long Time Ago...A New Hope
It was 30 years ago today that my life changed forever. I was seven years old and living with my family in the small city of Lubbock, Texas. There was a new movie showing in our tiny local movie house.
Although I didn't know much about this new film (or any movies in general), my neighbor buddies had already seen the movie several times when they invited me to go with them to see it again. My dad gave me the two bucks to buy a movie ticket and my friends' mom drove us to the theater and dropped us off. It was my first time to see a movie without my parents!
We arrived a little late and the movie was just starting. The only seats available were front row center. So we made our way down the aisle and plopped into our seats just as the first scene began. A huge spaceship (menacingly called a "Star Destroyer") roared across the screen as if from above. My jaw dropped and I was completely transfixed for the next two hours.
Like most young kids my age, I became a huge fan of the Star Wars films. I saw all the movies multiple times at the theater (this was before home video, remember?) and I had a huge collection of toys, games, and memorabilia from the films. Sadly, not much of this collection remains except for one prized toy: a Yoda puppet from the second Star Wars movie, The Empire Strikes Back.
Although I didn't know much about this new film (or any movies in general), my neighbor buddies had already seen the movie several times when they invited me to go with them to see it again. My dad gave me the two bucks to buy a movie ticket and my friends' mom drove us to the theater and dropped us off. It was my first time to see a movie without my parents!
We arrived a little late and the movie was just starting. The only seats available were front row center. So we made our way down the aisle and plopped into our seats just as the first scene began. A huge spaceship (menacingly called a "Star Destroyer") roared across the screen as if from above. My jaw dropped and I was completely transfixed for the next two hours.
Like most young kids my age, I became a huge fan of the Star Wars films. I saw all the movies multiple times at the theater (this was before home video, remember?) and I had a huge collection of toys, games, and memorabilia from the films. Sadly, not much of this collection remains except for one prized toy: a Yoda puppet from the second Star Wars movie, The Empire Strikes Back.
I also had the original soundtrack album of the movie score featuring the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by John Williams. I loved the music from Star Wars and listened to that soundtrack album for hours. My favorite tracks were "Ben's Theme" and the "Cantina Band" from the bar in Mos Eisley space port. Even today if I hear the music from Star Wars, I can recite every line of dialog from the film and hum practically every note along with the orchestra!
I also had a very cool record album called The Story of Star Wars, which featured music and dialog from the film along with narration to tell a condensed version of the story. I played that record ad nauseum, probably wearing out the vinyl in the process. Luckily a few years ago, I found a copy of the record in mint condition, which I had imported from Japan. A kind friend helped transfer the audio from the vinyl to CD so I could hear it since I don't currently have a turntable.
I also had a very cool record album called The Story of Star Wars, which featured music and dialog from the film along with narration to tell a condensed version of the story. I played that record ad nauseum, probably wearing out the vinyl in the process. Luckily a few years ago, I found a copy of the record in mint condition, which I had imported from Japan. A kind friend helped transfer the audio from the vinyl to CD so I could hear it since I don't currently have a turntable.
Who could have known 30 years ago what a huge influence Star Wars would become, not only on cinema but on worldwide popular culture? It has become an international, multi-generational phenomenon.
The film had a tremendous impact on me. Not only did I become a Star Wars fan, I also grew to love movies in general, and particularly film music. I also learned to use my imagination and to wonder what could be out there in the stars, "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...."
Thank you, Star Wars, and May the Force be with you!
Thank you, Star Wars, and May the Force be with you!
Monday, May 21, 2007
My New Amp
I bought an amplifier for my guitar. It's my first-ever amp! I've plugged in, "gone Newport," if you will. I've had this great Ibanez acoustic-electric guitar for about a year, but I've never used it with an amp before. It sounds pretty good.
I've got some gigs coming up this summer, so I have to get used to playing amplified. Also, I've never played live with guitar and sung into a mic before, so I need to practice technique with that as well. Gosh, it's getting complicated all of a sudden.
I looked at quite a few of different amps in different price ranges and, man, there is a lot of variety available. I saw several that had onboard effects, drum machines, etc. Lots of cool technology.
But I don't know how to use any of that so I tried to keep it simple. I've already got my eye on a pedal that has all the effects and rhythm patterns. Wish me luck!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
"My Name is Jimmy Carter..."
"...and I'd like to be your next President."
Run again, Jimmy! I couldn't have articulated it better. We've let our country get taken over by a bunch of religious fanatics who are seeking a holy war, thus invoking the Apocalypse.
I can't believe sweet old Jimmy Carter (a devout Presbytarian) could speak so critically of anyone, let alone a sitting President. This is truly historic.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/05/20/carter.bush.ap/index.html
Run again, Jimmy! I couldn't have articulated it better. We've let our country get taken over by a bunch of religious fanatics who are seeking a holy war, thus invoking the Apocalypse.
I can't believe sweet old Jimmy Carter (a devout Presbytarian) could speak so critically of anyone, let alone a sitting President. This is truly historic.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/05/20/carter.bush.ap/index.html
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Bill Maher and The Price Is Right
Just got back from CBS Television City (about 4 blocks from my home) where I attended a live rehearsal of Real Time with Bill Maher, the HBO comedy/political satire show.
I'm a fan of the show and often watch it on weekends at my friends' place in Burbank since I don't subscribe to HBO. I was hoping to attend a live broadcast/taping but didn't get tickets. The show goes on summer hiatus in two weeks. Apparently they usually have a "dress" rehearsal (Bill wore jeans) on Thursdays so they can work through the comedy bits and see which ones work and which should be cut before the live broadcast Friday.
At the rehearsal, Bill came out and basically did his show. He delivered his monologue; he pretended to talk live via satellite to a Congressman; he sat at the desk and conversed with guest panelists; he worked through the New Rules segment; and his final monologue closed the show. The "guests" were played by the writers and producers of the show. They each sat-in and played their roles as pundits very well. The head writer and co-executive producer, Billy Martin, warmed up the audience before the rehearsal and introduced Bill.
Ironically, the Bill Maher rehearsal was actually conducted on The Price Is Right stage at CBS. I'm not sure why they did that, but it was like a bonus experience for me because I've been observing fans of the popular game show line up outside the studio for weeks, hoping to be one of the last contestants before long-time host Bob Barker retires. (In fact, there's a prime time special dedicated to Mr. Barker on CBS tonight!)
It's so funny to be in a television studio because it's always surprising how small everything is compared to how it looks on TV. The Bob Barker stage can't be more than 75 feet across and the audience couldn't hold more than 150 people. Since they had just finished taping an episode of The Price Is Right, the crew were striking the set pieces. I caught a glimpse of the Showcase Showdown set where the contestants stand behind the score boards. All the set pieces are mounted on platforms with wheels so they can be easily moved around (and off) the stage.
With the stage bare, all that was left was the gleaming white floor and the most crowded lighting grid I've ever seen. I mean there were hundreds of different lights pointed down to the stage and at the audience. The crew wheeled in Bill Maher's desk and positioned it right in the center of the stage. There was one HD camera gliding across the floor and shooting the whole program, and Bill had two large TV monitors facing him stage right. No doubt one was a prompter and the other probably a camera feed.
The whole thing was finished in less than an hour and we made our cheery way out of the studio. Oh yeah, if you ever go to a live TV taping, leave your cell phone in the car or be prepared to surrender it before entering the sound stage. They don't take any chances these days. The security checkpoint people (just like at the airport) searched all bags and collected all cell phones before ushering each audience member through the metal detector.
One more thing: TV studios are cold! Bring a sweater or light jacket. Luckily I was prepared (I'm such a know-it-all), but a lot of tourists who had been standing outside in the hot sun nearly froze to death inside the air-conditioned studio (all those lights and equipment produce a lot of heat). One lady who often attends tapings admitted it was not as cool today as it usually is in that studio.
I look forward to seeing this week's Real Time with Bill Maher so I can compare the rehearsal to the finished product. Highlights include a funny clip package of the recent Republican presidential debate, including one quote from my friend Tom Tancredo. How many people can say their best friend's Dad is running for President?! I also enjoyed Bill's scathing criticism of Jerry Fallwell, who died this week. Bill's final monologue has some great ideas about gays achieving mainstream acceptance in America (which they have had for years in Europe).
Finally, congratulations to Bob Barker who is retiring after a 50+ year career in television. You are an American institution, Bob, and we'll all miss you. "Come on down!"
I'm a fan of the show and often watch it on weekends at my friends' place in Burbank since I don't subscribe to HBO. I was hoping to attend a live broadcast/taping but didn't get tickets. The show goes on summer hiatus in two weeks. Apparently they usually have a "dress" rehearsal (Bill wore jeans) on Thursdays so they can work through the comedy bits and see which ones work and which should be cut before the live broadcast Friday.
At the rehearsal, Bill came out and basically did his show. He delivered his monologue; he pretended to talk live via satellite to a Congressman; he sat at the desk and conversed with guest panelists; he worked through the New Rules segment; and his final monologue closed the show. The "guests" were played by the writers and producers of the show. They each sat-in and played their roles as pundits very well. The head writer and co-executive producer, Billy Martin, warmed up the audience before the rehearsal and introduced Bill.
Ironically, the Bill Maher rehearsal was actually conducted on The Price Is Right stage at CBS. I'm not sure why they did that, but it was like a bonus experience for me because I've been observing fans of the popular game show line up outside the studio for weeks, hoping to be one of the last contestants before long-time host Bob Barker retires. (In fact, there's a prime time special dedicated to Mr. Barker on CBS tonight!)
It's so funny to be in a television studio because it's always surprising how small everything is compared to how it looks on TV. The Bob Barker stage can't be more than 75 feet across and the audience couldn't hold more than 150 people. Since they had just finished taping an episode of The Price Is Right, the crew were striking the set pieces. I caught a glimpse of the Showcase Showdown set where the contestants stand behind the score boards. All the set pieces are mounted on platforms with wheels so they can be easily moved around (and off) the stage.
With the stage bare, all that was left was the gleaming white floor and the most crowded lighting grid I've ever seen. I mean there were hundreds of different lights pointed down to the stage and at the audience. The crew wheeled in Bill Maher's desk and positioned it right in the center of the stage. There was one HD camera gliding across the floor and shooting the whole program, and Bill had two large TV monitors facing him stage right. No doubt one was a prompter and the other probably a camera feed.
The whole thing was finished in less than an hour and we made our cheery way out of the studio. Oh yeah, if you ever go to a live TV taping, leave your cell phone in the car or be prepared to surrender it before entering the sound stage. They don't take any chances these days. The security checkpoint people (just like at the airport) searched all bags and collected all cell phones before ushering each audience member through the metal detector.
One more thing: TV studios are cold! Bring a sweater or light jacket. Luckily I was prepared (I'm such a know-it-all), but a lot of tourists who had been standing outside in the hot sun nearly froze to death inside the air-conditioned studio (all those lights and equipment produce a lot of heat). One lady who often attends tapings admitted it was not as cool today as it usually is in that studio.
I look forward to seeing this week's Real Time with Bill Maher so I can compare the rehearsal to the finished product. Highlights include a funny clip package of the recent Republican presidential debate, including one quote from my friend Tom Tancredo. How many people can say their best friend's Dad is running for President?! I also enjoyed Bill's scathing criticism of Jerry Fallwell, who died this week. Bill's final monologue has some great ideas about gays achieving mainstream acceptance in America (which they have had for years in Europe).
Finally, congratulations to Bob Barker who is retiring after a 50+ year career in television. You are an American institution, Bob, and we'll all miss you. "Come on down!"
Monday, May 07, 2007
Laila Ali's Mom
We all know Laila Ali's Dad. In fact, "the Greatest" was a guest in the audience of DWTS tonight. However, I was delighted that they also introduced her mother, the lovely Veronica Anderson, whom I happen to know!
Veronica is the widow of my friend and colleague Carl Anderson, whom most of you remember from Jesus Christ Superstar. I last saw her back in August at the charity reunion we did. Since the evening's performance was partly a tribute to Carl's memory, Veronica attended the event. Here she is with the Neeley family after the show. (Second from the right, if you weren't sure!)
Veronica is the widow of my friend and colleague Carl Anderson, whom most of you remember from Jesus Christ Superstar. I last saw her back in August at the charity reunion we did. Since the evening's performance was partly a tribute to Carl's memory, Veronica attended the event. Here she is with the Neeley family after the show. (Second from the right, if you weren't sure!)
I met Veronica in 1996 during the JCS tour. I can't remember exactly what city we were in, but she came to visit Carl several times during the run, usually in the major cities when we had a longer sitdown. She struck me as one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen: tall, elegant and ravishing. Veronica had gone back to school to get her degree when I met her, so she often had her nose in a textbook, doing her homework in Carl's dressing room.
Although I knew that she had been married to Muhammad Ali, we never spoke of it because I gathered it was an unhappy experience. Carl couldn't bear to mention the boxing legend by name, he was so angry about the champ's treatment of Veronica. Make of that what you will.
There's no doubt, though, that Veronica looked happy and proud of her daughter tonight on Dancing With The Stars. Although it was Dad's first visit to the show, Laila revealed that her mother has attended every performance. Poor Mr. Ali sat with his family and looked very frail and astonished by the whole thing. Illness sucks.
Laila Ali is an undefeated World Boxing Champion in her own right, plus she's a hell of a dancer. Her best asset is her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who is one fierce dancer! I think it's a very close competition between Laila, Apolo, and Joey Fatone, but my favorite has to be Apolo because he is so adorable and his partner Julianne Hough is a hottie and an awesome dancer. Apolo and Julianne are the cutest couple ever!
Sunday, May 06, 2007
I Love Dreamgirls
I may be totally queer, but I love the film Dreamgirls. I just watched it again on DVD and loved it even more than when I saw it on the big screen at the Cinerama Dome back in December. It's almost a modern opera, with high drama, intrigue, romance, treachery, death, and balls-to-the-wall kick-ass singing by all the stars.
The movie features excellent cinematography and production design, and the costumes are great -- very evocative of the period. The acting is also brilliant, particularly Jennifer's Hudson's breakout, Oscar-winning perfomance in the pivotal role of Effie. She really made a good film great. Her voice is so perfect, my eyes start to well up every time she sings.
I'm amazed this film wasn't a bigger hit. It seems to have something for everyone, so give it a shot if you haven't seen it. You might be surprised how much you enjoy it!
The movie features excellent cinematography and production design, and the costumes are great -- very evocative of the period. The acting is also brilliant, particularly Jennifer's Hudson's breakout, Oscar-winning perfomance in the pivotal role of Effie. She really made a good film great. Her voice is so perfect, my eyes start to well up every time she sings.
I'm amazed this film wasn't a bigger hit. It seems to have something for everyone, so give it a shot if you haven't seen it. You might be surprised how much you enjoy it!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Dancing With McCartney
Does Paul McCartney watch Dancing With The Stars? I'd be curious to know what Sir Paul thinks of his ex, Heather Mills' performance on the show. So far she has done quite well with her partner, Jonathan Roberts, and they've certainly made a big deal about her prosthetic leg and the challenge that poses to ballroom dancing.
Would Paul be a good sport and wish Heather well and be pleased for her success, or would he bitterly curse her name every time her face appeared on national television. How dare she get all that exposure!
You can watch Dancing With The Stars or any ABC prime time show for free at abc.com.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Sanjaya Was Robbed!
I demand a recount! I cannot believe the American public would vote Sanjaya off the show. Actually, yes I can. In fact, I agree with them. Sanjaya was cute and adorable, but he couldn't really sing. And now that it's down to the bottom six singers, the cream has risen to the top.
Farewell, Sanjana. But be not afraid, for we still have Apolo to route for!!
Farewell, Sanjana. But be not afraid, for we still have Apolo to route for!!
Saturday, April 14, 2007
No Olympics for LA
Los Angeles lost its bid to host the Olympic Games. Chicago was picked to represent the United States in the international bidding. Too bad for us, but hopefully Chicago can make a go of it.
Peter Ueberroth, the chairman of the U.S. Olympic Committee (and former media heavyweight in this neck of the woods), made an interesting comment about the quality of leadership in both cities:
"It was a very tough decision. If I had all the power — and sometimes people accuse me of that — I would take the map and merge the two cities, because I'll tell you what: If you could take the mayors of these two communities and have them run our country, we would all be better off."
http://msn.foxsports.com/olympics/story/6675988?MSNHPHCP>1=9331
Peter Ueberroth, the chairman of the U.S. Olympic Committee (and former media heavyweight in this neck of the woods), made an interesting comment about the quality of leadership in both cities:
"It was a very tough decision. If I had all the power — and sometimes people accuse me of that — I would take the map and merge the two cities, because I'll tell you what: If you could take the mayors of these two communities and have them run our country, we would all be better off."
http://msn.foxsports.com/olympics/story/6675988?MSNHPHCP>1=9331
I Bought My Car
After all, I decided to keep this cute Honda CR-V and I bought out the lease, for a very good price for a car of this quality. There are times when it is handy to have a vehicle, especially a "utility vehicle." So I won't be stranded, just in case of a tsunami or God knows what.
Only 36 payments to go and she's mine!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Fumigation Time!
It's been ages since I've posted, but some of you know my apartment got fumigated a couple weeks ago. That's my place in the photo, bagged and tagged. Me and Hissy had to be out for 48 hours, so I spent the night in a motel one night and crashed on a friend's house the next, but I couldn't take Hissy to those places so she spent time at Aunt Heidi's.
That was interesting because Hissy doesn't really get along with other cats and Heidi has two cats in her apartment, but they all seemed to get along OK under the circumstances. We're back home again now and things are returning to normal, termite free!
Friday, March 09, 2007
Public Transportation is Good
Some of you know that I have been experimenting with using the public transportation system in Los Angeles. Now before you make your "do you speak Spanish?" jokes and your snide "aren't you afraid of catching head lice?" remarks, I must tell you that after a trial month, I'm very pleasantly surprised with the results so far.
Have you seen the film An Inconvenient Truth? Everyone needs to see this Oscar-winning film, but more importantly, everyone needs to do something towards solving the global climate crisis. As an educator, I felt a personal responsibility to serve as a role model for the young people who learn from me. Since I live only a block from the bus stop, I decided to try commuting to work on the bus.
At first I had reservations about it: how often does the bus come? Will it be on-time? How many times will I have to transfer lines? Will the bus ride fit my schedule? All my worries proved unnecessary. The bus ride takes only a few minutes longer than driving and the bus stops right in front of my work place. I don't have to deal with traffic, parking, or the rising cost of gasoline (we're up to $3 a gallon again). And best of all, I have at least an hour a day to myself when I can catch up on my reading, take a nap, or just space out for a while. It's been great!
It has also increased my physical activity since I have to walk to the bus stop. I take a slightly alternate route on the way back which includes a longer walk -- about 8 blocks -- to my apartment. I've even experimented by getting off a few blocks earlier to increase the walking distance for more exercise. Now I can walk a brisk mile or two without even breaking a sweat. It's really an enjoyable lifestyle. Besides the work commute, I've used the bus to go shopping, run errands, even to go the opera downtown. And I've seen a lot more of my neighborhood and my city than I ever did driving a car.
They say that nobody walks in LA, and that even fewer people ride the bus. What they mean is no white people take the bus. That's simply not true on either account. I've seen the complete range of nationalities, age, and social classes on the public transportation system, and more and more people are choosing an environmentally responsible approach to their daily transportation and leaving the traffic headaches behind. If you're going to sit for an hour in a slowly moving vehicle, wouldn't you rather leave the driving to someone else?
Los Angeles recently earned an award for Outstanding Public Transportation System, and though I was skeptical at first, I'm not now. This system works and it's the right thing to do. Once people realize the benefits to society, the environment, and personal health, I think this city will change its reputation as the smog and car capital of the world. Go Metro!
Have you seen the film An Inconvenient Truth? Everyone needs to see this Oscar-winning film, but more importantly, everyone needs to do something towards solving the global climate crisis. As an educator, I felt a personal responsibility to serve as a role model for the young people who learn from me. Since I live only a block from the bus stop, I decided to try commuting to work on the bus.
At first I had reservations about it: how often does the bus come? Will it be on-time? How many times will I have to transfer lines? Will the bus ride fit my schedule? All my worries proved unnecessary. The bus ride takes only a few minutes longer than driving and the bus stops right in front of my work place. I don't have to deal with traffic, parking, or the rising cost of gasoline (we're up to $3 a gallon again). And best of all, I have at least an hour a day to myself when I can catch up on my reading, take a nap, or just space out for a while. It's been great!
It has also increased my physical activity since I have to walk to the bus stop. I take a slightly alternate route on the way back which includes a longer walk -- about 8 blocks -- to my apartment. I've even experimented by getting off a few blocks earlier to increase the walking distance for more exercise. Now I can walk a brisk mile or two without even breaking a sweat. It's really an enjoyable lifestyle. Besides the work commute, I've used the bus to go shopping, run errands, even to go the opera downtown. And I've seen a lot more of my neighborhood and my city than I ever did driving a car.
They say that nobody walks in LA, and that even fewer people ride the bus. What they mean is no white people take the bus. That's simply not true on either account. I've seen the complete range of nationalities, age, and social classes on the public transportation system, and more and more people are choosing an environmentally responsible approach to their daily transportation and leaving the traffic headaches behind. If you're going to sit for an hour in a slowly moving vehicle, wouldn't you rather leave the driving to someone else?
Los Angeles recently earned an award for Outstanding Public Transportation System, and though I was skeptical at first, I'm not now. This system works and it's the right thing to do. Once people realize the benefits to society, the environment, and personal health, I think this city will change its reputation as the smog and car capital of the world. Go Metro!
Tannhauser at LA Opera
So my new favorite thing is to buy $20 rush tickets for the L.A. Opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Last night I scored big time with an excellent seat, third row center! Not only could I have practically reached out and touched the back of the conductor's head, I could also make eye contact with the singers on stage! Now I know how the other half lives.
Wagner's magnificent Tannhauser created quite a spectacle early on because of the explicit eroticism of the Bacchanale sequence in the goddess Venus' domain. My God, they found some absolutely beautiful young dancers to strip naked and writhe around stage humping each other. It was glorious: boys humping girls, boys humping boys, girls going down on one another, simulated blow jobs, groping, kissing, nuzzling, and oh yeah, more humping! It was quite graphic and extremely erotic. Talk about schwing!
After that opening scene, the real drama began and I really enjoyed hearing the music and seeing this spectacular production on stage. Some people love Wagner, others hate him. I don't know his work well enough to form a complete opinion, but so far I love him. The colors he created musically and the never-ending melodies full of chromatic harmonies...Wagner truly defined the Romantic period.
I sat next to a charming older woman who engaged me in conversation during the intermissions (there were two -- it's a long-ass opera!). She reminded me a bit of Carol Channing, just because of the sound of her voice and some of her mannerisms. She also resembled Channing a bit, except with dark hair. Perhaps they go to the same plastic surgeon? I don't know how old this woman was; she looked quite good facially, but her wrinkled and spotted hands spoiled the illusion. Nevertheless, it was a pleasure to enjoy the music with someone who apparently frequents LA Opera -- she's seen dozens if not hundreds of performances there -- and we shared similar opinions on the performance of Tannhauser.
If you're a Wagner fan, you must check out this production; and if you're new to opera or just want to test the waters, I also recommend this production. The story is much easier to understand than some other operas, and the music is majestic and memorable. It also helps to attend the pre-concert lecture by our excellent new maestro, James Conlon. He's like our resident Leonard Bernstein, a man dedicated to educating the public and sharing this great cultural heritage with the world.
I can't wait till the next performance!
Wagner's magnificent Tannhauser created quite a spectacle early on because of the explicit eroticism of the Bacchanale sequence in the goddess Venus' domain. My God, they found some absolutely beautiful young dancers to strip naked and writhe around stage humping each other. It was glorious: boys humping girls, boys humping boys, girls going down on one another, simulated blow jobs, groping, kissing, nuzzling, and oh yeah, more humping! It was quite graphic and extremely erotic. Talk about schwing!
After that opening scene, the real drama began and I really enjoyed hearing the music and seeing this spectacular production on stage. Some people love Wagner, others hate him. I don't know his work well enough to form a complete opinion, but so far I love him. The colors he created musically and the never-ending melodies full of chromatic harmonies...Wagner truly defined the Romantic period.
I sat next to a charming older woman who engaged me in conversation during the intermissions (there were two -- it's a long-ass opera!). She reminded me a bit of Carol Channing, just because of the sound of her voice and some of her mannerisms. She also resembled Channing a bit, except with dark hair. Perhaps they go to the same plastic surgeon? I don't know how old this woman was; she looked quite good facially, but her wrinkled and spotted hands spoiled the illusion. Nevertheless, it was a pleasure to enjoy the music with someone who apparently frequents LA Opera -- she's seen dozens if not hundreds of performances there -- and we shared similar opinions on the performance of Tannhauser.
If you're a Wagner fan, you must check out this production; and if you're new to opera or just want to test the waters, I also recommend this production. The story is much easier to understand than some other operas, and the music is majestic and memorable. It also helps to attend the pre-concert lecture by our excellent new maestro, James Conlon. He's like our resident Leonard Bernstein, a man dedicated to educating the public and sharing this great cultural heritage with the world.
I can't wait till the next performance!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
My Oscar Picks
For the 79th Annual Academy Awards, I predict the following winners in the major categories. These are my guesses for how the Academy will choose, not my personal choices because I haven't seen all the films nominated. It is surprising to see that no film swept the nominations. It's going to be a very mixed night.
Actor - Leading: Forest Whitaker (though I hope Peter O'Toole wins)
Actor - Supporting: Eddie Murphy (I love Eddie, but I'd love to see Alan Arkin get it, too)
Actress - Leading: Helen Mirren
Actress - Supporting: Jennifer Hudson
Animated Feature: Cars
Directing: Martin Scorsese
Documentary Feature: An Inconvenient Truth
Foreign Language Film: Pan's Labyrinth
Original Score: Pan's Labyrinth
Original Song: "Listen", Dreamgirls
Best Picture: The Departed (I'd pick Babel)
Good luck, players!
Actor - Leading: Forest Whitaker (though I hope Peter O'Toole wins)
Actor - Supporting: Eddie Murphy (I love Eddie, but I'd love to see Alan Arkin get it, too)
Actress - Leading: Helen Mirren
Actress - Supporting: Jennifer Hudson
Animated Feature: Cars
Directing: Martin Scorsese
Documentary Feature: An Inconvenient Truth
Foreign Language Film: Pan's Labyrinth
Original Score: Pan's Labyrinth
Original Song: "Listen", Dreamgirls
Best Picture: The Departed (I'd pick Babel)
Good luck, players!
*Incidentally, in the picture above is the Oscar won for Sound by The Alamo (John Wayne's version). I could tell you where I took that photo, but then I'd have to kill you.
Oscar Sunday 2007
OK, here we go again. I can tell you this year I'm pretty much over the Oscars, at least the whole behind-the-scenes production of the television ceremony. There's obviously a tremendous amount of money to be made from it; otherwise, the Academy wouldn't go to so much trouble.
Actually, it's those of us who live and work in the Hollywood community who go through all the trouble. You can imagine how inconvenient it would be to have a major traffic artery closed for a week, but how about every street within a square mile? This picture shows the extent of the street closures today.
Actually, it's those of us who live and work in the Hollywood community who go through all the trouble. You can imagine how inconvenient it would be to have a major traffic artery closed for a week, but how about every street within a square mile? This picture shows the extent of the street closures today.
The Hollywood & Highland complex is a huge retail/restaurant/entertainment complex (including the Kodak Theater) which encompasses two full city blocks. I live about two miles southwest of this place. Today I avoided dealing with traffic and lack of parking and took the bus as far north as I could get (Sunset) and walked the rest of the way into the seige.
I wish I had taken photos of the police barricades blocking the streets for blocks and blocks. It looked like a preparation for war. There were cop cars and parking enforcement vehicles everywhere and the last few civilian cars quickly got towed away. Helicopters buzzed overhead. Police officers and security personnel were everywhere. It was more security than President Fuckhead gets when he's in town, I can tell you that! Now I know that security was somewhat heightened because of Al Gore's presence. Hell, half of Hollywood is hoping he'll jump back in the ring for 2008.
Finally I made it to the tour office only to realize I hadn't brought my store keys -- attached to the car key, and no need for that today -- and the store was locked. No worries; the boss left a note taped to the door that they were walking the tour route one last time to double check and would be back presently.
The other three guides arrived and we stared in wonder and disdain at the crazy scene on Hollywood Boulevard. A guy dressed like The Rocketeer held an American flag over his head. Now, we're used to seeing people in costume on Hollywood Boulevard. We call them "the characters" and they all earn tips by posing for photos with tourists. That Rocketeer guy is not one of the regulars -- none of us had ever seen him before!
Luckily our tourists arrived on time at the rendezvous down on Sunset. We pulled the three coaches into the In 'n' Out Burger parking lot by Hollywood High School. The 100 or so tour participants piled out of the buses and we made our way back up the hill into the fray. Actually, things were pretty quiet that early. It was pretty quiet inside the secure zone (we passed through security twice along the route).
The tour went OK and even though we couldn't see much of anything, the tour guests had a great time and got into the festive spirit of the occasion. Afterwards, I made my way out through the gathering throngs of people lining up hours early, hoping to get a glimpse of their favorite celebrities arriving at the red carpet.
At home, I enjoyed viewing the show on television -- definitely the best view available -- and I guessed 14 out of 24 awards correctly.
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