Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Romantic
My obsession with reading the personal ads on Craigslist has gotten really out of control. I could be a sociology project--seriously. But I digress... Have you ever noticed that men are FAR more romantic than women? I mean, I've never been one for romance and I always thought that would make my life easier in terms of dating, being that sentimentality is completely lost on me, but I'm starting to think that it could be the hindrance, because all these boys are coming off as a bunch of pansy-asses. Is that how guys really feel? Or, are they just saying that because that's what they think girls want to hear?
It's a question, comments are appreciated.
It's a question, comments are appreciated.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
State
There are four things in the world that interest me beyond all other things: theatre, movies, TV and politics. Surprisingly enough I've been interested in politics longer than all the others. To have Oscar nominations announced on the same day as the State of the Union might just be too much for me to handle. Even though I despise the current President I'm always interested in seeing the picture he paints of the country and then seeing how much of what he says becomes reality. I also love watching the facial expresions of all the high profile peeps in the Chamber during the speech and wondering what they're thinking. Here's what I've come up with tonight:
Ted Kennedy, while pushing his glasses off his nose and rubbing his eyes: I'm a fucking Kennedy and you're going to start talking about this shit, again? Two of my brothers were ASSASINATED and you think *I* don't want to fight terrorists? Fuck you. Pass the whiskey.
Hillary Clinton: That's right, bastard, in two years, that'll be me up there.
Barack Obama, sitting directly in front of Hillary rolling his eyes: Shit, in two years, that'll be Hillary up there.
Barney Frank: I haven't applauded this much since I saw Jennifer belt out "I'm Telling You" in Dreamgirls.
Nancy Pelosi: I'm so takin' you down, asshole.
Dick Cheney: Lynne made me wear this magenta tie; would you fuck with her?
Lynne Cheney: Laura's suit matches Dick's tie perfectly. Is there...? Could there be...? Nah, he'd never fuck with me.
Laura Bush: Do you like my dress? Nancy--Reagan not Pelosi-- told me to wear red, but I thought this dark pink was so much more flattering for TV, don't you agree? Isn't my husband cute?
Robert Byrd: If I have to stand up one more time I might fall over dead.
John McCain: Remember we practiced this, it's i-'räk...ear-rack. Oh yeah, he got it right. Woot, woot!
Okay, that was fun, but I'm tapped out. I realize that that's not remotely funny to a lot of people, but I was seriously cracking myself up with that shit. Ah well, If you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?
Does anyone else find it odd that the President signs autographs on his way out of the Chamber? Weird. Who's there that needs his autograph outside of a bill for his consideration?
The best part of tonight: the opening line, "Madame Speaker..." Those are sweet words that have never before been spoken in that context. It's about damn time. Like her, or not, it's awesome to have a woman up there in old white man's land.
Ted Kennedy, while pushing his glasses off his nose and rubbing his eyes: I'm a fucking Kennedy and you're going to start talking about this shit, again? Two of my brothers were ASSASINATED and you think *I* don't want to fight terrorists? Fuck you. Pass the whiskey.
Hillary Clinton: That's right, bastard, in two years, that'll be me up there.
Barack Obama, sitting directly in front of Hillary rolling his eyes: Shit, in two years, that'll be Hillary up there.
Barney Frank: I haven't applauded this much since I saw Jennifer belt out "I'm Telling You" in Dreamgirls.
Nancy Pelosi: I'm so takin' you down, asshole.
Dick Cheney: Lynne made me wear this magenta tie; would you fuck with her?
Lynne Cheney: Laura's suit matches Dick's tie perfectly. Is there...? Could there be...? Nah, he'd never fuck with me.
Laura Bush: Do you like my dress? Nancy--Reagan not Pelosi-- told me to wear red, but I thought this dark pink was so much more flattering for TV, don't you agree? Isn't my husband cute?
Robert Byrd: If I have to stand up one more time I might fall over dead.
John McCain: Remember we practiced this, it's i-'räk...ear-rack. Oh yeah, he got it right. Woot, woot!
Okay, that was fun, but I'm tapped out. I realize that that's not remotely funny to a lot of people, but I was seriously cracking myself up with that shit. Ah well, If you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?
Does anyone else find it odd that the President signs autographs on his way out of the Chamber? Weird. Who's there that needs his autograph outside of a bill for his consideration?
The best part of tonight: the opening line, "Madame Speaker..." Those are sweet words that have never before been spoken in that context. It's about damn time. Like her, or not, it's awesome to have a woman up there in old white man's land.
Nominations
For as long as I can remember-- at least 10 years-- I've waited for the mid-winter's Tuesday when the Oscar nominations are announced. I consider having cable a necessity just to be able to see the live announcement. This morning was no exception as I rolled out of bed at 6:15--a feat generally reserved only for early morning flights. Here is a complete wrap up of the announcement. Look for more on my favorites and picks for the awards in the coming weeks.
Al Gore win's an Oscar? It's a definite possibility!
Performance by an actor in a leading role
Leonardo DiCaprio - BLOOD DIAMOND
Ryan Gosling - HALF NELSON
Peter O'Toole - VENUS
Will Smith - THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
Forest Whitaker - THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Alan Arkin - LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Jackie Earle Haley - LITTLE CHILDREN
Djimon Hounsou - BLOOD DIAMOND
Eddie Murphy - DREAMGIRLS
Mark Wahlberg - THE DEPARTED
Performance by an actress in a leading role
Penélope Cruz - VOLVER
Judi Dench - NOTES ON A SCANDAL
Helen Mirren - THE QUEEN
Meryl Streep - THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
Kate Winslet - LITTLE CHILDREN
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Adriana Barraza - BABEL
Cate Blanchett - NOTES ON A SCANDAL
Abigail Breslin - LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Jennifer Hudson - DREAMGIRLS
Rinko Kikuchi - BABEL
Best animated feature film of the year
CARS
HAPPY FEET
MONSTER HOUSE
Achievement in art direction
DREAMGIRLS
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
PAN'S LABYRINTH
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
THE PRESTIGE
Achievement in cinematography
THE BLACK DAHLIA
CHILDREN OF MEN
THE ILLUSIONIST
PAN'S LABYRINTH
THE PRESTIGE
Achievement in costume design
CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
DREAMGIRLS
MARIE ANTOINETTE
THE QUEEN
Achievement in directing
BABEL
THE DEPARTED
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
THE QUEEN
UNITED 93
Best documentary feature
DELIVER US FROM EVIL
AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
IRAQ IN FRAGMENTS
JESUS CAMP
MY COUNTRY, MY COUNTRY
Best documentary short subject
THE BLOOD OF YINGZHOU DISTRICT
RECYCLED LIFE
REHEARSING A DREAM
TWO HANDS
Achievement in film editing
BABEL
BLOOD DIAMOND
CHILDREN OF MEN
THE DEPARTED
UNITED 93
Best foreign language film of the year
AFTER THE WEDDING
DAYS OF GLORY (INDIGÈNES)
THE LIVES OF OTHERS
PAN'S LABYRINTH
WATER
Achievement in makeup
APOCALYPTO
CLICK
PAN'S LABYRINTH
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
BABEL
THE GOOD GERMAN
NOTES ON A SCANDAL
PAN'S LABYRINTH
THE QUEEN
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
"I Need to Wake Up" - AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
"Listen" - DREAMGIRLS
"Love You I Do" - DREAMGIRLS
"Our Town" - CARS
"Patience" - DREAMGIRLS
Best motion picture of the year
BABEL
THE DEPARTED
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
THE QUEEN
Best animated short film
THE DANISH POET
LIFTED
THE LITTLE MATCHGIRL
MAESTRO
NO TIME FOR NUTS
Best live action short film
BINTA AND THE GREAT IDEA (BINTA Y LA GRAN IDEA)
ÉRAMOS POCOS (ONE TOO MANY)
HELMER & SON
THE SAVIOUR
WEST BANK STORY
Achievement in sound editing
APOCALYPTO
BLOOD DIAMOND
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
Achievement in sound mixing
APOCALYPTO
BLOOD DIAMOND
DREAMGIRLS
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
Achievement in visual effects
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
POSEIDON
SUPERMAN RETURNS
Adapted screenplay
BORAT CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN
CHILDREN OF MEN
THE DEPARTED
LITTLE CHILDREN
NOTES ON A SCANDAL
Original screenplay
BABEL
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
PAN'S LABYRINTH
THE QUEEN
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Remember
I have a Sitemeter on this site, meaning that I can track who visits, how long they stay, what they look at, where they live and how they find me. Don't let that deter you from continuing to read; so I went a little big brother on your ass, who cares? I'm flattered that you are obsessed enough with me to continue to read (you know who you are) and I read a lot of people's blogs and My Space sites, too, knowing full-well that they know that I'm reading them (I never said I wasn't obsessive). Anyhow, the point is: lately I've been getting a lot of hits from this link and I couldn't figure out why. I didn't remember ever putting a picture of a shar pei up on my site, but then it hit me: the bags! Several months ago I found a link to a little shar pei puppy to describe the bags that had formed beneath my lower eyelids. It seems a little more than odd to me that that link now directly leads to my little corner of the world, especially since I've managed to get rid of the bags since I posted it. Oh well, more readers now means more advertising dollars later!
On that note, does anyone remember me ever referencing "American Idol?" I was asked to join a group of "Idol" bloggers today and I'll be damned if I can figure out how they knew I have become obsessed with yet another TV show--maybe they're somehow connected to my Tivo. :/
On that note, does anyone remember me ever referencing "American Idol?" I was asked to join a group of "Idol" bloggers today and I'll be damned if I can figure out how they knew I have become obsessed with yet another TV show--maybe they're somehow connected to my Tivo. :/
Friday, January 12, 2007
STOP!
About a year ago a never-before-seen sight opened on Broadway: Sweeney Todd directed by John Doyle, which featured actors who simultaneously "acted" as musicians in this retelling of the story of the "Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (a personal favorite). Having seen the show I can attest to its uniqueness and creativity in telling this (in my opinion) timeless tale. Just one year later another venerable Sondheim-favorite, Company at the helm of the same prosaic director: John Doyle is the toast of Broadway. His "reinvention" of Amadeus (also using actor musicians) opened in London in mid-December, to some crtical acclaim.
Today's top story on Playbill is that Doyle's forthcoming production of Barnum at San Diego's Old Globe, featuring, yet again, actor musicians has been cancelled due to "rights issues." Having seen two of these three current incarnations I can honestly say: "Thank God!" Yes, your idea was "ingenious" for its time and yes, we all thought the gimmick was entertaining, we enjoyed your take on the dark musical, Sweeney Todd, and we thought Raul Esparza was particularly remarkable during his interpretation of "Being Alive." We all think that you're an accomplished director; you won a Tony...what else do you want?! Enough is enough. Using actor musicians does NOT work for every show, nor is it an effective way to tell the story. Quit while you're ahead, yo, we'll remember you with fondness as you disappear into the annals of American theatre.
Today's top story on Playbill is that Doyle's forthcoming production of Barnum at San Diego's Old Globe, featuring, yet again, actor musicians has been cancelled due to "rights issues." Having seen two of these three current incarnations I can honestly say: "Thank God!" Yes, your idea was "ingenious" for its time and yes, we all thought the gimmick was entertaining, we enjoyed your take on the dark musical, Sweeney Todd, and we thought Raul Esparza was particularly remarkable during his interpretation of "Being Alive." We all think that you're an accomplished director; you won a Tony...what else do you want?! Enough is enough. Using actor musicians does NOT work for every show, nor is it an effective way to tell the story. Quit while you're ahead, yo, we'll remember you with fondness as you disappear into the annals of American theatre.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
DNC
Well, folks, it appears that for once, to a certain number of people, Denver is more attractive than New York. Yes, yes, it's hard to believe, I realize, but it's true as today Howard Dean, Chairman of the DNC, announced that the 2008 Convention will be held in our fair Mile High City, beating out New York in its bid to host a convention for the second time in a row.
The City's been abuzz about the prospect for several months and the announcement was delayed from December until January for some "unknown" reason. It can hardly be considered irony that after eight years of rule under a big R Republican, Bill Owens, the City's bid for the convention was announced a mere 48 hours after the inauguration of big D Democrat Bill Ritter in the state's top spot. The Quigg Newton Memorial Auditorium (now the Ellie Caulkins Opera House) opened its doors in 1908, to, you guessed it, host the Democratic National Convention--another nice synergy, don't you think so?
In 1970 Denver was announced as host city of the 1976 Olympic Winter Games. Then state assemblyman,--and future Governor-- Dick Lamm, led a movement that would allow for the residents of Denver to vote on the $5 million bond issue to raise the money necessary to finance the Games. Almost needless to say, the citizens did not pass the bill and the Games went to Innsbruck, Austria (after an offer to Whistler, British Columbia, Canada). It seems that the today's announcement has allowed citizens to harken back to this "incident," which occured nearly 40 years ago. Citing everything from the inability to raise the $70 million needed to finance the convention, to the traffic nightmares that are sure to ensue, to the influx of Texans and Californians that will most likely flock to our state following five days of television saturation. What they seem to be forgetting is that five days of a long-er commute, heightened security and a year and a half of glad-handing while begging for cash will ultimately bring only good to our abode. Tourism will thrive, convention business will boom and the influx of people moving to our state will only strengthen our real estate market. It's a win-win situation, in my opinion. And, yes, I would say this if this were the Republican convention, too, because it's good for the City and I'm not only a big D Democrat, but a big D Denverite, too!
The City's been abuzz about the prospect for several months and the announcement was delayed from December until January for some "unknown" reason. It can hardly be considered irony that after eight years of rule under a big R Republican, Bill Owens, the City's bid for the convention was announced a mere 48 hours after the inauguration of big D Democrat Bill Ritter in the state's top spot. The Quigg Newton Memorial Auditorium (now the Ellie Caulkins Opera House) opened its doors in 1908, to, you guessed it, host the Democratic National Convention--another nice synergy, don't you think so?
In 1970 Denver was announced as host city of the 1976 Olympic Winter Games. Then state assemblyman,--and future Governor-- Dick Lamm, led a movement that would allow for the residents of Denver to vote on the $5 million bond issue to raise the money necessary to finance the Games. Almost needless to say, the citizens did not pass the bill and the Games went to Innsbruck, Austria (after an offer to Whistler, British Columbia, Canada). It seems that the today's announcement has allowed citizens to harken back to this "incident," which occured nearly 40 years ago. Citing everything from the inability to raise the $70 million needed to finance the convention, to the traffic nightmares that are sure to ensue, to the influx of Texans and Californians that will most likely flock to our state following five days of television saturation. What they seem to be forgetting is that five days of a long-er commute, heightened security and a year and a half of glad-handing while begging for cash will ultimately bring only good to our abode. Tourism will thrive, convention business will boom and the influx of people moving to our state will only strengthen our real estate market. It's a win-win situation, in my opinion. And, yes, I would say this if this were the Republican convention, too, because it's good for the City and I'm not only a big D Democrat, but a big D Denverite, too!
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