tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41908952328513710332024-03-05T00:21:41.420-08:00The VacuumGary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-5336131138254958472009-02-18T09:15:00.000-08:002009-02-18T09:20:14.467-08:00Somebody please shut Kant Play's Mouth<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiok9pk61m8fvyiAQ7LM0XFs55DhL8iRKOzZh1OgCU1JGlXoFjBAyTWibDoG-PKaJWHHtdG6Ky2VgATHv5j41iet7oUihYRV0-gVDrBJMJrRI6tt9Bu3gPUOOSxf5d6bJnqc0uwG5mo_e39/s1600-h/details_march_cover_low__oPt.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiok9pk61m8fvyiAQ7LM0XFs55DhL8iRKOzZh1OgCU1JGlXoFjBAyTWibDoG-PKaJWHHtdG6Ky2VgATHv5j41iet7oUihYRV0-gVDrBJMJrRI6tt9Bu3gPUOOSxf5d6bJnqc0uwG5mo_e39/s200/details_march_cover_low__oPt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304188439162551010" /></a><br /><a href="http://perezhilton.com/2009-02-18-quote-of-the-day-450">Kanye West</a>, aka Kant Play, has made another completely ridiculous quote out there in Details, which is not exactly a magazine for the thinking man, anyway, but still...<br /><br />"Put this in the magazine: There's nothing more to be said about music. I'm the fucking end-all, be-all of music. I know what I'm doing. I did 808s in three weeks. I got it. It's on cruise control. . . ...<br /> I need to vent again how sick I am of Kant play. This quote explains a lot. If he put more than 3 weeks effort into an album, there wouldn't be so many repeated non-rhyming phrases, and empty spaces of repetitious beats. Now the schmuck is on cruise control, appearing at awards shows and pushing some upcoming fashion line.All this is the empty-celebrity trappings we follow more than we acknowledge his alleged "musical product". Just stop claiming to be a fucking genius and the end-all of music. Poplular music died long before you hit the scene, Kant-play. I'd like to see you try to entertain at a nursing home with an acoustic instrument. See how that goes down.Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-66009527871895283822009-02-09T07:13:00.000-08:002009-02-09T07:33:17.417-08:00Not so hot GrammyIt's good to wake up in the morning and hear the media agreeing with you. I'm not just a guitarist nearing 40 that has to take <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogaine">Rogaine</a> and has never put out a band CD. No big deal, because by the looks of it, the Music Industrial Complex is going to have to start all over again. Product lines, endorsements and Disney Deals are not going to save the biz from lack of unit sales. Thanks Courtney Hazlett of MSNBC's excellent <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036789/#29098720">Morning Joe</a>, and<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/08/AR2009020801164.html?nav=hcmoduletmv"> J. Freedom DuLac of Washington Post</a> for highlighting the desperate spinnings and bizarre combinations of acts devised to bridge the Gap to nowhere, nobody's listening. My personal media darling would have had even less tolerance, had she been watching with me, alas she was out viewing the vomitous stereotype-laden box office mess <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hes_just_not_that_into_you/">He's just not that into you</a>.<br /><br />My proposal is, support local venues, local acts, local radio.<br /><br />But back to the broadcast that got in the way of more worthy, compelling programming. Fucking Coldplay. Stop Stop Stop Stop, Fucking die already. Couldn't even wait for the actual Grammy broadcast, CBS gives you a double dose of douchebag by profiling them on 60 Fucking Minutes. Ruined any good will gained by their long exclusive interview with <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4784194n%3fsource=search_video">Chelsey Sullenberger</a>. I hate their fake fucking energy, their Scientology-like aura, their stupid fucking outfits, and their obivious U2 Ripoff sound.<br /><br />At the risk of sounding completely heartless, I 'm merely being cynical when I say whoever wrote Jennifer Hudson's song was cashing in on an incidence of great tragedy. A massive publicity tour was in place for Hudson's new album before the murders, and the time has come to resume said tour. The spotlight and the drama will be prolific, so a song reflecting the suggested "love of the fans" is the perfect sheild. Still, a decent songwriter should be able to come up with a more profound couplet for such a situation than "I was so confused, you pulled me through". Why confused anyway? The question is simply "Why". This must be an area where euphemisms for violence are intensely muted while euphemisms for sex songs are amplified.<br /><br />Speaking of couplets, Kanye West can't write for shit. His rhymes suck, or simply don't rhyme, there are repeats, his pathos is bourgeois bullshit. Lil' Wayne is an atrocious no-talent diva, TI and Jay-Z are overrated. Hip hop in general is completely out of dope, meaning it is fucking wack. Whatever happened to 2 turntables and a microphone, maybe a sampled instrument or two? These guys egos are so big, they all have to have a big band with strings, horns, multiple keyboards and backup singers. It's too fucking loud, you don't get a moment's pause. It's like being in an exclusive club where everyone is at a private table, screaming over the house system about their respective bling.<br />Now I get it. But it still sucks. Where's the urban consciousness?<br /><br />Robert Plant & Allison Krauss winning album of the year, for consecutive years adult contemporary wins over more sellable rock products. OK fine, but this one just feels like a concellation prize for devoted Zeppelin fans, mad at Plant for not getting on the plane. God, I'd love to see Air Zeppelin take flight again. One listen to Chasing Sand and you can tell how much Boo, Boo, Boogie, Rob's got left in the tank. Sad getting old, but I plan on rocking out like Jimmy Page when I reach his age and have hundreds of guitars in a room waiting to be played.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taylor_swift">Taylor Swift,</a> guitar hero? It's one thing to strum a few chords of self-accompaniment, but now she's ripping leads behind Carrie Underwood. She's what, 18 years old? A marvel of biological engineering or merely miming an overdub?<br /><br />Regarding the Chris Brown/Rihanna situation, these people are human beings with a history and a past. A history of abuse cannot stayed bottled up within the papparazzi glare, which is probably the reason they were trying to keep their relationship out of the public eye. It's a shame, Chris Brown is actually very talented, I liked his radio hit with Bow Wow "Shortie Like Mine". There is a curious divide with Rihanna's public and private lives, her father is apparently still living in poverty. And hello, apparently this morning the LA Times reports Rihanna is claiming the typical euphemism of the abused, claiming she was in a <a href="http://www.thetimes.co.za/Entertainment/CelebZone/Article.aspx?id=935564">traffic incident.</a><br /><br />The stress of being under contract, even working for Lifetime Achievement Award winner Clive Davis must be weighty despite him being "such a wonderful man, thanks for giving me the opportunity". Perhaps it's not worth it. I play music for the fun of creating original spontaneous ideas, not because I want to back up McCartney and wear a rented suit for the occasion and have my hair gelled up to here. Download my music all you want people, it's public domain. My music investment goes towards improving my environment and my self esteem. <br />Lawsuits won't help us get through this recession so why not let the music return to it's organic form and stop trying so hard to squeeze more money out of it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI86L0PyPDn2j4oyHzqcddaDsk8JKKS2_yTnY8V4T4qHs1gMfDUzUeDI99dCglWgWwO3qUtZorwWbtZ3bnI5UNvwpcSJeGq9fxmKk0dPSMmO3onR0MW499rKlfGE11wCsStcZb2v8ktpZw/s1600-h/mia_diesel3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 153px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI86L0PyPDn2j4oyHzqcddaDsk8JKKS2_yTnY8V4T4qHs1gMfDUzUeDI99dCglWgWwO3qUtZorwWbtZ3bnI5UNvwpcSJeGq9fxmKk0dPSMmO3onR0MW499rKlfGE11wCsStcZb2v8ktpZw/s200/mia_diesel3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300818688949808162" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What's the big deal? MIA has been performing preggers for months!</span>Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-53950863051937507072009-01-26T06:24:00.000-08:002009-01-26T06:45:45.184-08:00A Journey of Pivertion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh339MIm9PIhh3NTzTWdJJr5ejUOd9VLrX-lLQYbremAYiRmL1s0mb_JpcAPY_Z0ME_HIaybsplYutv8mrBls0ODIoseIZTptoZ2fIAhXIWAjOH_bDqZtjgqN5E9YnzE3qTpoZO2qgedgIp/s1600-h/piven_h04.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh339MIm9PIhh3NTzTWdJJr5ejUOd9VLrX-lLQYbremAYiRmL1s0mb_JpcAPY_Z0ME_HIaybsplYutv8mrBls0ODIoseIZTptoZ2fIAhXIWAjOH_bDqZtjgqN5E9YnzE3qTpoZO2qgedgIp/s400/piven_h04.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295610060773411842" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Remember when HD was first available to cable subscribers but there were so few programs available for broadcast that you had to constantly harangue your Provider for more pristine programs to justify the expense? Well, Discovery Channel has scoured the Earth for interesting locales and scoured Hollywood for marketable faces to make such programs more palatable to the American public.<br /><br />Back in 2006, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005315/">Jeremy Piven</a> was certainly on top of his game. Entourage was a hit, and he was the hero to the aspiring Hollywood douchebag. In an attempt to show his depth, Discovery shipped Piven to Bombay to experience laughter yoga, shop in Jewtown and look on with compassion while speaking with volunteers helping the many orphaned youths on the streets.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd83r06mvPUqxm43Wgokaqdf86NGzkVtb6Ob5E6I9BOls567bMdTVVJJsOKZ-PM1kTtIddNpzHgKawWKsX4L4pO-P4EA_XLqq1TLZN0KBvbVaSxkTnT4FQwRUfwWNHrc-SAZk2OkQaPh3x/s1600-h/pivengap2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd83r06mvPUqxm43Wgokaqdf86NGzkVtb6Ob5E6I9BOls567bMdTVVJJsOKZ-PM1kTtIddNpzHgKawWKsX4L4pO-P4EA_XLqq1TLZN0KBvbVaSxkTnT4FQwRUfwWNHrc-SAZk2OkQaPh3x/s200/pivengap2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295610563203406898" /></a><br /><br />While we as a people grow snarkier every year, time justifies it when we see the nature of the star's downfall, and their marketability goes with it. Back in 2006, Piven rode his Gap V-neck good fortune into a sweet gig, sporting all his endorsed accessories up river in a fishing boat, along the Ganges and whatnot, doing his image nothing but good. Now with this shit economy, even Broadway, desperate for sustenance, can't get their money's worth out of a nearly-washed up, coked out, bloated<a href="http://www.fafarazzi.com/gossip/440634/Broadway-Investors-Pushing-for-Pivert-Mercury-Poisoning-Lawsuit"> Piven</a>.<br /><br />The future for HD home entertainment lies in essential travel-related shows like Piven's Journey, as another conveyance of the necessity of preserving indigenous culture meets our demands for escape from our air-conditioned nightmare of mortgage meltdowns and debt. But be cautious, you might just be channel surfing one day and come across something really fucking ironic.Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-15973280329012764842008-11-22T14:00:00.000-08:002008-11-22T14:09:00.884-08:00Everyone's a Ho-Han<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhns2bBNODsyy594pyaHKxYJOTx1No5HgE62mYS0tAXt-MbQAaQCig_rlPiGCJ4lLRI68pZvWXBpoR-uyqg0Xbomx0B7K632nxxTNeCznWAloiuD-e3Wt_cw7p5mncLDtxyr5f9ik9ph8Qx/s1600-h/lindsay-lohan-picture-2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhns2bBNODsyy594pyaHKxYJOTx1No5HgE62mYS0tAXt-MbQAaQCig_rlPiGCJ4lLRI68pZvWXBpoR-uyqg0Xbomx0B7K632nxxTNeCznWAloiuD-e3Wt_cw7p5mncLDtxyr5f9ik9ph8Qx/s400/lindsay-lohan-picture-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271607326457882754" /></a><br />Just a theory, In this day and age of outsourcing, contracting and phantom companies, one never knows exactly who is working for whom. One can supposedly trace the money trail to defense, corrections, power, or oil production industries, without knowing of their contributions to such. I think there is an equivalent in the entertainment business and it all ends with Lindsay Lohan.<br /><br />Lohan, who once was employable, performed well at her particular function, and promoted a product like Mean Girls, that earned a quantifiable income to herself and her studio. Now, one can only speculate on what it is that she DOES, her primarily function. She does show up for certain "public events" with her "friend" but it bears little resemblance to the functions of an "actress".<br />I suppose if I looked this good and got paid for standing inert the way she does I would choose such a line of employment. Handling post-rehab temptations and keeping up with the probation officer is a completely different skill. I'm sure I'd handle that with more discretion.Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-29127259024828150242008-07-15T15:10:00.000-07:002008-07-15T15:11:01.881-07:00<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-m_gNKqsQ5s"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-m_gNKqsQ5s" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object>Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-36562987676062716022008-06-23T12:31:00.000-07:002008-12-12T15:31:00.577-08:00Please, please, Liz, don't be caught dead wearing Ed Hardy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxER2N22d1SKa5v7LElfehTGL1k8uSNuu9SpK2JKhAPgRaOie-4ea8AzNQ1Zpkb5R2O-80s0ypt20wHZ8nowP6SOzjTPW-n4F9UozQeZqr41acMsnyWpay2H2FdhOPvePkyPsawlPN8wH/s1600-h/orphea_2008v3_taylor_npg_01__oPt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxER2N22d1SKa5v7LElfehTGL1k8uSNuu9SpK2JKhAPgRaOie-4ea8AzNQ1Zpkb5R2O-80s0ypt20wHZ8nowP6SOzjTPW-n4F9UozQeZqr41acMsnyWpay2H2FdhOPvePkyPsawlPN8wH/s400/orphea_2008v3_taylor_npg_01__oPt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215162493217943474" /></a><br />For the love of all that is ho....famous, what the hell is <a href="http://perezhilton.com/2008-06-23-bless-her-heart">Elizabeth Taylor</a> doing? George Carlin just died, she is gravely ill, these things always happen in threes. Apparently she wanted to visit an Ed Hardy store, which is certainly the death of fashion and general common sense. Ergo, Liz wants some Grim Reaper time.<br /><br />Don't do it Liz. We forgive you for <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062185/">Reflections in a Golden Eye</a> which Marlon Brando still rolls in his grave from, and "dating" <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,197585,00.html">Michael Jackson</a>. Your work in AIDS Research and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof assure you a place in heaven. But if you're seen being wheeled around Glendale wearing any of those Christian Audiger monstrosities, then we know you are lost and given up all hope. Run away from the light! Feel lucky that I can't run any Photoshop programs where I have you wearing one of his blingy smock/hat combos or whatever swag they throw you.Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-3153545467874444222008-06-04T11:53:00.000-07:002008-12-12T15:31:00.586-08:00Should I rename this blog "Oh, the Humanity"?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9FRbi-o1IoKWZXBQmBDhz1jbVVAWth2dsPk9mTucfAjZmDI0T2fs3r5Jy55Vez0FYwhfoROwy7_0CS701DC6sQnoGpkm8FdZuK9d7xohD4Ix0bUtQqaR9jewdJL-bKK8_WfKk_p52Vn7/s1600-h/4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9FRbi-o1IoKWZXBQmBDhz1jbVVAWth2dsPk9mTucfAjZmDI0T2fs3r5Jy55Vez0FYwhfoROwy7_0CS701DC6sQnoGpkm8FdZuK9d7xohD4Ix0bUtQqaR9jewdJL-bKK8_WfKk_p52Vn7/s400/4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208105202219761746" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">OUR INTENDED PURPOSE</span><br /><br />Eh, probably not. But I am continually noting the minutae of human-overload type circumstances that are pissing me off frequently. In the context of the museum, I can accept it as a part of what is a public service, which is to be tolerated in a humorous way. But my Sunday forays of musical Escape-ism in Dupont Circle are somewhat sacred, and spiritual, and not to be interfered with. Unfortunately, Dupont Circle, being such a hive of activity these days has gotten to the point of over-saturation.<br /><br />This past Sunday, June 1st, found our modestly amplified unit unintentionally competing for space with<br />Yellow-Shirted Scientologists in a tent, handing out flyers.<br />Red-Shirted "Make Hip Hop Not War" kids, activists, whatever they are, with full PA blaring, hyping and hollering horribly in what I felt was unwelcome deja vu of the DJ i heard the night before. How unneccessary! From the fountain, they had their speakers pointed west, but at one point someone turned a speaker to the east side of the park, directly at us. Immediately, to the shock of my cohorts, I brazenly stepped to the amateur edu-tainers and demanded they turn the speaker west. They complied, and I was hailed for my heroics of good taste. Playing resumed.<br /><br />Today's visit to DuCi was marked by the handing out of re-usable shopping bags, courtesy of MLB, promoting the All-Star Game. I no longer collect such "Collectors Items" and already have several re-usable bags from Whole Foods, which don't get used enough. Will this mass-marketing target campaign at this locale ever end?Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-3285522421029820842008-05-27T09:25:00.000-07:002008-12-12T15:31:01.019-08:00Scary Movies are Dead<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQhbONodOmkQWSq6jztk1p622togfKRoxZxfs3RcS1z390Ey5u5wGsa_23F0Z3YLQCrskm9HRi4F8-cVeIQC6YQMJx1LXvBd7g1kzcnexATU9olVgLNnoJHvQoY3YDX8NL6OdxFDrEJRx/s1600-h/cloverfield-monster-picture.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQhbONodOmkQWSq6jztk1p622togfKRoxZxfs3RcS1z390Ey5u5wGsa_23F0Z3YLQCrskm9HRi4F8-cVeIQC6YQMJx1LXvBd7g1kzcnexATU9olVgLNnoJHvQoY3YDX8NL6OdxFDrEJRx/s400/cloverfield-monster-picture.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205097569766359106" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Not nearly as scary as Helicopter Zombie.</span><br /><br />(Starting out again in John McCain Mode)<br />My friends...I've been to 'Nam, I've been to Congress, look at my wife...I've seen some scary shit. What's left of Hollywood doesn't scare me. {cue applause}<br /><br />Perhaps it's the socio-homogenization of our culture that Hollywood, seeking to emulate and/or please makes a weak movie. Maybe there are no true emotions left to tap that we are left with sheer amplitude, of reaction that has replaced fear.<br />Boy am I jaded, and misogynistic. Probably a few of you chose to see <a href="http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1060277/">Cloverfield</a> expecting it to be just another Day Of The Douchebags. You'd be right.<br />Quite frankly, Hollywood should stick to Jud-Apatow projects until he's completely drained of ideas because he may be the last screenwriter who understands how people talk. The necessity of disaster films post-9/11, either by replication of the actual event, or emulation of the experience of the camera-wielding hipsters running through crumbling skyscrapers is a pertinent question.<br />One thing they did get right. In the midst of an impending apocalyptic frenzy, one's first priority should be to preserve the lives of as many pretty girls as possible. Gotta repopulate the planet, right? Or space station...Area 51..whatever you got.Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-12472510295463829082008-05-20T12:24:00.000-07:002008-12-12T15:31:01.118-08:00Who hasn't done a Tom Waits Cover in their life?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvnzc_fp_77kNrd7woihYj-YNVIGICXGYGrjO3-NGVkNiiihG_PiTvm3_VQbO1n5dtoRLchf5MeATBWivVkoWId_nc4QDdN4w5A3_Y_U-xPnRspJC1g1a3X9aA3cHLqlooEulYFIEUQ6Z/s1600-h/scarlett052008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvnzc_fp_77kNrd7woihYj-YNVIGICXGYGrjO3-NGVkNiiihG_PiTvm3_VQbO1n5dtoRLchf5MeATBWivVkoWId_nc4QDdN4w5A3_Y_U-xPnRspJC1g1a3X9aA3cHLqlooEulYFIEUQ6Z/s320/scarlett052008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202544241691888546" /></a><br /><a href="http://jezebel.com/392076/scarlett-johansson-tries-hard-to-assert-indie-cred-with-new-album">Jezebel</a> has compiled the majority of reviews for Scarlett Johansson's album of Tom Waits' more obvious and accessable cover material. I think, considering the increasingly shorter chances of consistent cinematic success, it's a good career move. Obviously she wants some kind of hipster cred, and crappy non-pixar films and countless magazine covers don't get that done.<br /><br />My review after one song: "Her voice is flat, unlike her AMPLE BOSOM!!!!"Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-69353606646303130552008-05-14T19:41:00.000-07:002008-12-12T15:31:01.543-08:00Paying one's respects to a departed artist<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/13/AR2008051303022.html">Robert Rauschenberg</a>, recently deceased, is one of the great American Modern artists of our time. Within the medium of which we view his art, in museums, galleries, etc. it would not be appropriate to pay our respects like one would do so in the streets. Say when John Lennon, and Kurt Cobain died, there were public vigils, candles lit, flowers, pictures and memorials laid out.<br />In a museum if you lay anything before a piece or try to slip a note underneath, you'd be hauled and and charged with vandalism.<br />So today, I propose a new tribute. If you are in proximity to an artist's works, as I was today, write him a little note, like so:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfxYnp-M-R8qKrbhwfkieeFRbu6zicYDJXRb0xnj5FH34cQ5qAwkiwcURPSZPVAcLGyiOZ9McYfl50RA-yqLkv_6w9pv4K3uPJUrmxZf_xNz-26iu1SaETAuSWOhW5WZvwG8X8zZHmbw3/s1600-h/RR.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfxYnp-M-R8qKrbhwfkieeFRbu6zicYDJXRb0xnj5FH34cQ5qAwkiwcURPSZPVAcLGyiOZ9McYfl50RA-yqLkv_6w9pv4K3uPJUrmxZf_xNz-26iu1SaETAuSWOhW5WZvwG8X8zZHmbw3/s400/RR.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200431289580948370" /></a><br />Respect.Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-37826525262232915062008-04-29T20:48:00.000-07:002008-12-12T15:31:01.781-08:00Black Sheep, within & out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1uV1u2nacfZ_Ae5EPt2eE8iNxYK3p2YdX24-yrorwOCkz19M4bb8bHUxuTNqoBtzARF-JrkJob3lZ8GC6HE7zWPf8iTbhcj62qY2sg6DKN5PdpLn0J72oHx8N8pB8PCD29xGgg_0wvvi/s1600-h/dewey_cox1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1uV1u2nacfZ_Ae5EPt2eE8iNxYK3p2YdX24-yrorwOCkz19M4bb8bHUxuTNqoBtzARF-JrkJob3lZ8GC6HE7zWPf8iTbhcj62qY2sg6DKN5PdpLn0J72oHx8N8pB8PCD29xGgg_0wvvi/s320/dewey_cox1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194889014257613138" /></a><br />One month into the DVD release, 5 months after the theatrical release, <a href="www.imdb.com/title/tt0841046">WALK HARD</a> looks to be a moderate failiure. Although I found the self-referential nature of it's bio-typical jokes distracting, it did not ruin the joke for me. John C. Reilly gives it his all, great performances throughout, but once the genre references are plundered, it's time to die.<br /><br />My favorite moment in the film, naturally is the lampooning of the greatest moment of musical self-indulgence in rock history: Brian Wilson's recording of what became the Modern Suite "Smile". Dewey Cox enters this phase of intense self examination with "Black Sheep". This could not have been accomplished so accurately without the input of Brian Wilson's original collaborator VanDyke Parks, who teamed with Walk Hard's Musical Director in the film.<br /><br />The directors cut of the film greatly expands on the recording session scenes where Cox is determined to unload the pain in his heart, but gets carried away with grandiose production values. However, the key is not in the exotic instrumentation, but in the song itself. Let's look at the words, as they tell of Dewey's guilty conscience, having accidently halved his talented brother with a machete when they were young boys.<br /><br />Black Sheep, Black Sheep<br />Me!<br />I wasn't dreaming<br />Barely awake<br />Up to the grinder we stroll<br /><br />Not just a fleecing<br />Spilling his will<br />Half of the kill<br />Vanishing memories of paradise Til<br />What do I care?<br />I'm in a field serene<br />Miles and Miles of solid green<br />Oh, to feed the flock, is a love to dream<br /><br />At first, Cox identifies with the sheep, walking impassively to slaughter, but his sheep knows his fate in detail. It will not be the ritualistic bloodletting, but a cartoonish halving. Perhaps the writers had some bestial inclinations, but wisely withdrew them. Still, Cox feels a sheep's life cycle to be not such a bad one of pastoral grazing.<br /><br />I just close my eyes<br />When I fantasize<br />Much to my surprise<br />I'm just half the size<br />That I used to be<br />Bye Bye White Brother<br />This Black Sheep got a role<br /><br />I just open up<br />Like a catacomb<br />Though my heart is halved<br />I'm the half that's home<br />For the Life of me<br />Bye Bye Pastures of Plenty<br />I don't know where I will go <br /><br />This is clearly LSD-influenced. His soul is opened up so the two halves of Cox are exposed, the white half, his departed brother. On the verge of a death trip, Dewey, the black fears Hell awaiting him.<br /><br />Black Sheep, Black Sheep<br />The Fields are in harmony<br />Half is unsung<br />Now that the blade has been swung<br /><br />Black Sheep, Black Sheep<br />The two were inside of me used to be <br />one Sheep, Black Sheep Me!<br /><br />Dewey's separation from the idyllic unity of the universe is what he is sorely grasping for. He longs to be a part of the flock, but his soul is brutally separated by the ominous machete blow.<br /><br />I'm losing my fleece from trying<br />I'm losing no sleep, I'm dying<br />Why shouldn't I keep from frying?<br /><br />One spot in the universe<br />One spot on the sun<br />Just as the day has begun<br />I'm counting the clouds today<br />I'm starting at one sheep<br />Black Sheep Me!<br /><br />The mania gathers steam, at first in a fruitless frantic scramble for survival and dignity. But if every sheep had a will, certainly it would object to being shaved of it's fleece, and eventually cooked in a frying pan.<br /><br />In the end, we are tiny organisms on a tiny planet, marching to an unseen deity. Why shouldn't we ponder our place in the universe, knowing we will eventually vaporize? All that is left is to examine our plane of existence, count the clouds, the stars, the sheep...anything...before we succomb to sleep and pass into another dimention.<br /><br />UPDATE:5/29<br />Although the Bonus Feature DVD has a mini-documentary dedicated to the collective songwriting effort of all contributors, there's nothing about Black Sheep. Nothing. However, there is an alternate acid trip scene, using more traditional psychedelic effects and a "Tomorrow Never Knows" style mash up of Black Sheep. Quite disappointing, just shows I'm completely weird.Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-774603120915264372008-03-24T18:23:00.001-07:002008-12-12T15:31:04.942-08:00The (Pen)Ultimate L-Word Season ReviewMy friends, if I might start this off in the style of John McCain, there were times I never thought I'd be here today, writing to you about this vital, important issue. Days when my blood felt like a flaming pool of acid and frantic neurotransmitters firing off in my brain in an uncontrollable fit of rage and betrayal. On this crusade built on straight talk and good intentions, at times I felt like titanium shish-kebabs were poked through my eyes, my temples and my nads.<br /><br />My friends, this campaign is nearly over. When it is done we will choose our future, the future of our country, and the mass conception of how our citizens, specifically our lesbian citizens will be regarded and whose spirits are held within our hearts and minds. And if we fail...we may never see the glorious beaver being violently bumped by another hungry female on premium cable ever again.<br /><br />Chaiken, you're losing me, babe, and I speak on behalf of my discerning girlfriend on the couch, though separately. Your writing this season sucked, and not in the good way. I repeat...SUCKED, not in the good way. The entire foray into the Les Girls production was so nonsensical and patently ridiculous as to not to be believed on any intellectual level. How can you attempt to put forth characters that are so artistically and intellectually evolved and have them perpetrate such childish and juvenile behavior?<br />Dawn Denbo and her lover Cindy. Very mature. Realistic. Human. ???<br /><br />The usual mechanations and character/relationship arcs were all rather slipshod and forced, all suffer in my eyes, my eyes reflecting moist vagina, symbolizing nothing. It speaks and stinks of love and passion, but I ain't feeling it.<br /><br />Likeability/ Doability factors do not give my disappointment sufficient justice, perhaps I will lean towards a more typically male objectivity for convenience sake. Nothing put forth this season succeeded in getting me "hot" if in fact that was the show's purpose.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMivzb48GF2FoZTu4fP5ivUZl5xM4SuFMDWFhXTpJjF4TEcsMYRZbohmM5osG1N8Q5w4_h-jHmD58RCobqKqFCYSTNHbWXF0sfyhlIcWCZw_x7qbV-i24dK2oRlB9q3phVE2mxDmx9B_-t/s1600-h/main_alice.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMivzb48GF2FoZTu4fP5ivUZl5xM4SuFMDWFhXTpJjF4TEcsMYRZbohmM5osG1N8Q5w4_h-jHmD58RCobqKqFCYSTNHbWXF0sfyhlIcWCZw_x7qbV-i24dK2oRlB9q3phVE2mxDmx9B_-t/s200/main_alice.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181490262339943442" /></a><br />ALICE: 6/7<br />Alice's standing as the "Girly" partner in the relationship with the sullen butch Tasha did not disappoint. Occasionally she did look rather sexy, marked with some diva-type behavior. Her further rise in the multimedia field from grossly over-hyped Podcasts (Does anybody watch these things?) to resident gay expert on the excrable daytime lady show "The Look" was inexplicable. It only served as an end to a means to make her career Alice's new focus. While she does not have the courage to tell Tasha to her face that she doesn't like her friends or her future career in law enforcement, a simple bit of honest betrayal will occur next season when she consummates with Clea Mason. Points for that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHM_M9Yz6SQRmp_D2qR7ButggpvgPXk1cc6M7rdjX6QE9ktvGaJMdayDBNrALJk8OjLlh6uDm5sWAor992FjC8oh0wLtYvFnI-ysqCVJ_kHurK2Wg1TqZng1ko-tNg3jhJLswJNJkp7tg/s1600-h/main_bette.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHM_M9Yz6SQRmp_D2qR7ButggpvgPXk1cc6M7rdjX6QE9ktvGaJMdayDBNrALJk8OjLlh6uDm5sWAor992FjC8oh0wLtYvFnI-ysqCVJ_kHurK2Wg1TqZng1ko-tNg3jhJLswJNJkp7tg/s200/main_bette.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181493157147900962" /></a><br />BETTE: 2/3<br />No doubt Jennifer Beals believes strongly in the show's message and percieved importance, otherwise she would not subject herself regularly to scenes of really bad soft pornography. Granted she has a no tit clause, but the seriousness of the intimacy is delivered very strongly. Heartfelt, yes, turn on, HELL NO! The intensity of the sex scenes I can only imagine Condoleeza Rice her equal in ether-laced eroticism. Not for the squeamish.<br />This intensity of hard lesbo fucking is standard for Bette who is so high strung and conflicted no one but Tina should come near her. Future sperm donors, beware of this woman!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEm1QGb-RAM0NtOHwsBA8zqo7TXWSDrSLaT0BDwuk0_4AQr6IzlyS-RTz054Nv0Peg4NFil3ydN0Lhw17qs2GZK-kAfcaySCMpBvuzlZMHeVn-n4eVJpEM9BPdAvpZFSytN8MzNYa3N28a/s1600-h/main_helena.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEm1QGb-RAM0NtOHwsBA8zqo7TXWSDrSLaT0BDwuk0_4AQr6IzlyS-RTz054Nv0Peg4NFil3ydN0Lhw17qs2GZK-kAfcaySCMpBvuzlZMHeVn-n4eVJpEM9BPdAvpZFSytN8MzNYa3N28a/s200/main_helena.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181495124242922546" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">HELENA: 6/8</span><br />Relatively high marks for Helena, absence makes the loins grow fonder. That and a few prison cell bumps with Dusty. Squelching her self piteous behavior and purebred poodle minstrations, prison made her see the light, I wish all L-Word characters the same, especially Jenny.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduRnqCjV6B4ti_s4dLkfqeHI0RI7NGbn4Ipn00Ik8L2CbPcqYsGoczh30GDcgfg5wAKg9ayVElpgGBNi3J2sJZEqXeU9UfbF4owZWDUFoRX5sMvG0WCoCr8yMjwcWKCj3wiM-ra8PlIAv/s1600-h/main_jenny.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduRnqCjV6B4ti_s4dLkfqeHI0RI7NGbn4Ipn00Ik8L2CbPcqYsGoczh30GDcgfg5wAKg9ayVElpgGBNi3J2sJZEqXeU9UfbF4owZWDUFoRX5sMvG0WCoCr8yMjwcWKCj3wiM-ra8PlIAv/s200/main_jenny.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181496352603569218" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">JENNY: 1/3</span><br />Oh dear. What happened to that reformed girl from season 2? An impetuous Yoko '69 cut and a sense of artistic self-importance to match. But this Yoko thinks she's John...and she ends up being Pete Best(ed). Ha. Here is where reason finds no purchase as much of her fate is undeserved. She did not deserve getting a film deal, becoming a director, being replaced by her neophyte assistant or being betrayed by On-the-rebound Shane. On second thought, I believe Jenny said Nikki was "dead to her." Luckily, Nikki didn't fall off the balcony, panties down. Shane would have been really messed up, while Jenny is such a narcissist, she'd be too busy blaming Shane to be heartbroken over it. Thanks for the cop-out Chaiken, you missed a beauty there, an obvious plot device, yes, but a better issue of conflict than the one you ended up with.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeq5w4sZtv8G3AWzFNfiNdgDX_UdYxcBtCebVyczby2fnpWKUIHEGwbxC1PVGJuPbLnlNPgiEm2J0OUvFYLSt4j8e0zxLW2NnEK95K9gB1m0aSx373Vs4erH9E3PZLjd14SmpxVz02e36/s1600-h/main_jodi.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeq5w4sZtv8G3AWzFNfiNdgDX_UdYxcBtCebVyczby2fnpWKUIHEGwbxC1PVGJuPbLnlNPgiEm2J0OUvFYLSt4j8e0zxLW2NnEK95K9gB1m0aSx373Vs4erH9E3PZLjd14SmpxVz02e36/s200/main_jodi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181499182987017298" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">JODY: 3/3</span><br />I hate to state the obvious, but deafness is not Jody's only handicap. Bette not liking her CRAAZY artist friends, witholding sex and talking with her back turned were quite obvious signs she wasn't feeling you. Then, you're gonna beg to get back in her life? Grow back your Lesser God chops and get a pair. Another nice cop-out by Chaiken for building up Jody's big "Bette is a Cunt" piece. We expected a toilet named Bette Port-Hole ala Duchamp, or a cast-iron vagina with teeth. A deaf artist doing sound-video installation for the first time? Yeah it looked and sounded like it. Really bad. Good luck at your next art show...in Nebraska.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Grze9pVt-hW0E9A5JTSHXDoMSeTtzdk1z69qgJp8Z5xawuFP8ZQOb9G-LVzBXZr3N4lZqzbtxd28KXr5aCrMcjbwgPgx9mS71k-Sy_2vADjCqby0ZDyNd2rjc-ZPBHo3Zag9YU3ZwXXG/s1600-h/main_kit.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Grze9pVt-hW0E9A5JTSHXDoMSeTtzdk1z69qgJp8Z5xawuFP8ZQOb9G-LVzBXZr3N4lZqzbtxd28KXr5aCrMcjbwgPgx9mS71k-Sy_2vADjCqby0ZDyNd2rjc-ZPBHo3Zag9YU3ZwXXG/s200/main_kit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181500664750734434" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">KIT: 6/4</span><br />Good for her not going all Foxy Brown, avenging angel on them She-Bar Bitches. They had it coming. And for staying sober, not selling her share of the Planet, and calling Bette out on her endless bullshit. Strong woman without need for long exposition. She does however, need some man-action. Chaiken, you just decided to ignore Kit this season. Shame!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMLDPah5G5JxY2kp0V3mhOIUoi6MOqDdGtw8dzi31V4qt5bVFaDOwljxASthXLskSUi7yTm58eLLqg1FsqkQS66SrIiU6rpK6-HNRDCxyt6MBRd6V4DKNhzV3eJnnlgtOCWBMPRe6Q2Kw/s1600-h/main_max.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMLDPah5G5JxY2kp0V3mhOIUoi6MOqDdGtw8dzi31V4qt5bVFaDOwljxASthXLskSUi7yTm58eLLqg1FsqkQS66SrIiU6rpK6-HNRDCxyt6MBRd6V4DKNhzV3eJnnlgtOCWBMPRe6Q2Kw/s200/main_max.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181502429982293106" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">MAX: 8/3</span><br />Max's character was progressively relegated to second tier. He would not have appeared in the last few episodes at all if not for his sexual relations with Jody's interpreter. The issue of transgender presence on a lesbian program and being blown off by Alice in general were abandoned without debate or resolution, comparable with several abandoned Sopranos plotlines. No more sex scenes with Max, please, I'm sorry, but I just don't want to see it, OK, dude?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aEnvEu7QYa0mScR_gGdbzLTrYosdTk35AyunIDVj-sE7EnDoWV22PIZCGG8bDShFockYBuNqTPEXMVAKjIj5qlyemVvBjtFtu87Xvw6UJZgJIxEjdRSOWLuS_VLg4lTn0ckBJxtzwn9y/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aEnvEu7QYa0mScR_gGdbzLTrYosdTk35AyunIDVj-sE7EnDoWV22PIZCGG8bDShFockYBuNqTPEXMVAKjIj5qlyemVvBjtFtu87Xvw6UJZgJIxEjdRSOWLuS_VLg4lTn0ckBJxtzwn9y/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181504856638815362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzTwqWgBgFWr_Z2UTyrp1xfGDdCFwygaeR2SlV989u5wPth2FW7S8t25TmXqFtxitfhMih3dSH7XVFJhbcgsLDfgx7k0RtgFMWtChm-bvCf7MkFuiH8pFumsQ34nzhk4ElP8zeV7rYWEI/s1600-h/main_phyllis.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzTwqWgBgFWr_Z2UTyrp1xfGDdCFwygaeR2SlV989u5wPth2FW7S8t25TmXqFtxitfhMih3dSH7XVFJhbcgsLDfgx7k0RtgFMWtChm-bvCf7MkFuiH8pFumsQ34nzhk4ElP8zeV7rYWEI/s200/main_phyllis.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181507794396445842" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />MOLLY: 2/6<br />PHYLLIS: 5/3</span><br />Why is it so important for the Shepherd clan to establish cred in the lesbo community? Which brings me to wonder if there really is an explosion of lesbian Renaissance activity in the SoCal region. I can appreciate Phyllis stumbling into the lifestyle by accident, but Molly? I suppose it was the charm of Shane. Yes, that's it. Charm, tolerance and weakness. Still, the breakup was well played. Good luck in law school. (Another ludicrous plot device, yeah I can just smell the genius on this one:)<br /><br />Phyllis gets points for generally proactive resolutions in the finale. Get tight with your lawyer friend, finish your divorce, lay down the law on Molly and move the fuck on with (the remainder of your hopefully off camera) life.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4xxtc3MgHDrZ5ZvP9O2-HBq7V3XzUDDDsRzucYKVfNxkFYMCzTBUgXiozZzVdoFceQJ44r3ebT0N9hIQ3E-Mx6bUaWaV2rwcFPoEP1gZorV4b7k3ALLl8XytFp9g-vtTR7Uc7pA0RAI1/s1600-h/main_shane.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4xxtc3MgHDrZ5ZvP9O2-HBq7V3XzUDDDsRzucYKVfNxkFYMCzTBUgXiozZzVdoFceQJ44r3ebT0N9hIQ3E-Mx6bUaWaV2rwcFPoEP1gZorV4b7k3ALLl8XytFp9g-vtTR7Uc7pA0RAI1/s200/main_shane.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181510375671790754" /></a><br />SHANE: 9/6<br />Certain things about Shane are just unexplainable. She does some fucked up things with relationships, no doubt, but she is a great great friend. Throughout the middle of the season we saw Shane try to self-examine herself and find answers, but none were found. She was broken down by the relentlessly curious and TRENDY Miss Molly and Shane played herself true to form. Shane still did the right thing at the end, and though I don't know why she's such a horn-dog she plunders Nikki, which is OK. They're horny bitches, enjoy it! Then meet for coffee and tell Shane your problems, she'll do your hair and fuck your girlfriend. Go Shane, go!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgFAQJIRCVhMYJqzgAWzXjIkK9OmUr0WpJo8DoLTPKR62ZNElWbdwXD8WRwBlGClsS8p8F6Q0Zg1gRXwMxVbmmH0yz2jR4ZUqPSyHk6YaiaMVVPL587R6aC2in4h8B81WaypIzwmiPwGA/s1600-h/main_tasha.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgFAQJIRCVhMYJqzgAWzXjIkK9OmUr0WpJo8DoLTPKR62ZNElWbdwXD8WRwBlGClsS8p8F6Q0Zg1gRXwMxVbmmH0yz2jR4ZUqPSyHk6YaiaMVVPL587R6aC2in4h8B81WaypIzwmiPwGA/s200/main_tasha.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181512471615831218" /></a><br />TASHA: 7/7<br />No change from last year. Another Chaiken cop-out for not taking a definable stand on the Don't Ask Don't Tell-related trial. What is most implausable is Tasha, who is still in her own proverbial closet, sacrificing her military career to be with someone so far out of the closet. But we can see how comfortable she is with friends on the street and as a cop how she will blend in. Hopefully next season the breakup will be swift and painless and Tasha will find a nice quiet but dominant mate. She's out there, Malibu is crawling with lezbots I bet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPudsqbnhjTk_gRnhZVUaKBLST8rxVZp9uiGK8hfbjpSHZLU4x4BtptbMxYFoJMT5O0WKCq2I-59iZsUDok4klnq_ZG83jVskmUmXOoeytyUpNvVArcyV0JVI4YO-S7Xm9eL2og0q45jZY/s1600-h/main_tina.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPudsqbnhjTk_gRnhZVUaKBLST8rxVZp9uiGK8hfbjpSHZLU4x4BtptbMxYFoJMT5O0WKCq2I-59iZsUDok4klnq_ZG83jVskmUmXOoeytyUpNvVArcyV0JVI4YO-S7Xm9eL2og0q45jZY/s200/main_tina.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181514391466212546" /></a><br />TINA: 6/7<br />Though her preference this season was not at all in question I still think Tina is straight. Just a hunch. Points for putting up with mountains of insufferable behavior on all fronts and remaining pleasant and loyal. And hot boob on fake boob action.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqFtp-vQ7DpWDUl7u4byzWgS8z_WaQNdPGONRK4IsnKaUhBrHmFZz4bjQ_UaU55Dpvs_StIz9QT7KBF0XHP-L1HeAqKnsJWFZxNQ7jgRX8fHR5NaI9V7GjfCIN6Z9HCt2QBAa-5PquOzD/s1600-h/adele.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqFtp-vQ7DpWDUl7u4byzWgS8z_WaQNdPGONRK4IsnKaUhBrHmFZz4bjQ_UaU55Dpvs_StIz9QT7KBF0XHP-L1HeAqKnsJWFZxNQ7jgRX8fHR5NaI9V7GjfCIN6Z9HCt2QBAa-5PquOzD/s200/adele.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181515637006728402" /></a><br />ADELE: 6/7<br />For a while, she was my hero. As ludicrously as this character was concieved, it served to uproot Jenny from her perch of depraved excess and supplanted narcissistic giggling with faceless productivity. I would'nt go to Hollywood myself, but if I wanted to make MY MOVIE down the line, I'd do whatever it took to get A MOVIE done and play ball with the money men in the process. As Bret Michaels might say, "Life is a struggle against Mediocracy."<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-ySNeqJf9k1sPesQC6zy5XNOnM6WsFkViB7-zwGWPfvjWeFh-LnSJsjff74pFb97T7TXICJ_5gmq4d-QyYvddijHfn9LHySqvHk8nU9Iy5S7OEn4sW_vTrM7HNuTfI_bKa2jaw1lfb9z/s1600-h/MV5BMTk3NTM1MzI0NF5BMl5BanBnXkFyZXN1bWU@._V1._CR0,0,500,500_SS90_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-ySNeqJf9k1sPesQC6zy5XNOnM6WsFkViB7-zwGWPfvjWeFh-LnSJsjff74pFb97T7TXICJ_5gmq4d-QyYvddijHfn9LHySqvHk8nU9Iy5S7OEn4sW_vTrM7HNuTfI_bKa2jaw1lfb9z/s200/MV5BMTk3NTM1MzI0NF5BMl5BanBnXkFyZXN1bWU@._V1._CR0,0,500,500_SS90_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181517458072861922" /></a><br />NIKKI: 4/9<br />We are confronted with the endless dilemma of Young Starlet vs. The System. It's sad to be so young and have choices taken from you, but once you sign the contract and take the money, that means you are a professional. You're getting paid. END OF STORY. Nikki breaks the rules and looks stupid and naieve in the process, but we all make mistakes, don't we? I'll chalk it up to harmless experimentation and an insightful statement of exploitation by Chaiken, who in the process, expands the exploitation of Nikki (perfect name) by giving her as many sex scenes as possible. Thanks!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnSB_fU9pwC4U4MfLjbKXx8wWy9GiO-ca2ltGZE83bQa16wlMuxhH0GxXlxR9GZnbwENu_JdYkvUdapNfLMwpe-vlY3_iwwDjHcLF7RADeIW0QBiGBqbHq1Oi_DHJSODEoBTepp4CjTPo/s1600-h/s5ep11-0503.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnSB_fU9pwC4U4MfLjbKXx8wWy9GiO-ca2ltGZE83bQa16wlMuxhH0GxXlxR9GZnbwENu_JdYkvUdapNfLMwpe-vlY3_iwwDjHcLF7RADeIW0QBiGBqbHq1Oi_DHJSODEoBTepp4CjTPo/s200/s5ep11-0503.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181519639916248306" /></a><br />CLEA: 9/9<br />Now here's a pleasant addition. Someone with talent and cute little accent. More please! One point likeability deduction for stealing somebody's woman. Bad girl!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihe5Nq_0cmXFNu188SSTlTpYhuRncr4vWl7lcikf9nPTKh6IgpFUjuUk4wPlsCurcXNHVb39-nn85th6bFGbocfF-Li4Cm5z9dzG2Vi7XtvK9x3SvhqyTaTtyQbMJh4tm4yBRonahHC3NM/s1600-h/cindy-dawn.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihe5Nq_0cmXFNu188SSTlTpYhuRncr4vWl7lcikf9nPTKh6IgpFUjuUk4wPlsCurcXNHVb39-nn85th6bFGbocfF-Li4Cm5z9dzG2Vi7XtvK9x3SvhqyTaTtyQbMJh4tm4yBRonahHC3NM/s200/cindy-dawn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181520451665067266" /></a><br />Whatsernames: 0/1<br />So poorly written, concieved and performed as to not worthy of further elaboration.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5zsxyI1cSjEtgqxzmTO37bRgIdYWnA9MoPl-2KRTzOQ7TWfrEx-rtk6CllwiI6yGlH7OBm6tYdlLl7wtmiFprNdfT7NRFGSD0HRvq0bri7ZjGHhAAytI7Djbf1INL093qjuO1e2Sl9ru/s1600-h/others%3F.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5zsxyI1cSjEtgqxzmTO37bRgIdYWnA9MoPl-2KRTzOQ7TWfrEx-rtk6CllwiI6yGlH7OBm6tYdlLl7wtmiFprNdfT7NRFGSD0HRvq0bri7ZjGHhAAytI7Djbf1INL093qjuO1e2Sl9ru/s200/others%3F.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181521083025259794" /></a><br />Various Cast Members of Les Girls: 1/2<br />What is Chaiken trying to say by giving these "actresses" purposely wooden dialogue, excessively expositary summations, and no personality of their own? Is Chaiken saying that actors are not real people? Or does she feel that only her main characters ARE real people and the actors playing them are the only real actors in her mind? <br />Wait, it must be that it was a ham-handed way of making the faux-girls extra fake looking next to the real girls. But I heard no protest from the "real girls" at all. Some of them actually worked on the movie. Sell outs!! <br />So many questions, why bother, why not? Hmmm...<br /> Is she biting the hand that feeds her as a way of feeling revolutionary? JIVE, I say, as I said JIVE many a time this season. I really felt like quitting this show prematurely. But as a premium cable program, it still has room to explore, if it can do so with a glimmer of realism, I hope it can recover and succeed in doing so.Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-11978144722799312052008-02-24T09:58:00.000-08:002008-02-24T10:06:14.985-08:00Museum MisfiresSince I haven't updated this blog very often, I am introducing an occasional topic called Museum Misfires. Once a week I a sit at the information desk at a prominent museum, giving directions and suggestions to tourists and such. Some of the visitors have more of a clue than others as to the experience they should expect. The back and forth with the public has it's fun and surreal moments, which I am sharing with you now:<br /><br />Purple sweatered mom sks turquoise sweatered 14yr old daughter. Knits are back.<br /><br />Lost yankee cap, I handle with pen.<br /><br />Guy:Where's the thing...not the obelisk...not the Jefferson...the guy sitting in the chair?<br />Me: You mean the Lincoln Memorial?<br />Guy: Yeah<br />Me: It's kind of a long walk from here, would take about an hour and with the weather this bad it wouldn't be ideal. Also it's getting dark, wouldn't reccommend being on the Mall this late.<br />Guy: Okay, thanks. <br />(Pulls up his parka hood, gloves, the works)Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-61283256846321098622008-01-21T14:21:00.000-08:002008-12-12T15:31:05.072-08:00Admit it folks, Bin Laden's hot<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtoP2wi_BZuATzaDzCJA6KEZSOs0nbDTc396O6d4jCkg3FPJJNWyDeSFFG5MJdSK_vuJLoqKVsUHnWnpew1n-hMe4CEiBWJB_V7kgP7YHuVJDBvp5IrFap8VrRbGLG-_nnoaEXNrcnipp/s1600-h/JaneOmarDM_468x432.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtoP2wi_BZuATzaDzCJA6KEZSOs0nbDTc396O6d4jCkg3FPJJNWyDeSFFG5MJdSK_vuJLoqKVsUHnWnpew1n-hMe4CEiBWJB_V7kgP7YHuVJDBvp5IrFap8VrRbGLG-_nnoaEXNrcnipp/s320/JaneOmarDM_468x432.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158059452388853746" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/femail/article.html?in_article_id=468310&in_page_id=1879">Omar Bin Laden</a> <span style="font-weight:bold;">and wife, Jane</span><br /><br />Yes, we're talking about the most demonized name on this planet. But seeing him, i know what your'e thinking. He's got good skin, if he'd just shave most of that nasty beard off and remove that dusty turban, he'd be OK. Lovely olive skin tone, dark eyes, strong Romanesque nose...what's not to like?<br /><br />And here he is ladies, the Metrosexual version of the world's most wanted man. (Sorry, he's taken!!)Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-85303515153247860012008-01-17T13:43:00.000-08:002008-12-12T15:31:05.303-08:00Let me take a moment to show my age.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sdXvI6AGRGxz7Tegkm6lt9YQnUBEcok94TQ-adQqEmvjaUWpmg1BW12ZYwthvWA-wrXrpgzRSgQEEa1hWb2wJd4ZO0Z4Yvtih7loU_rQieo6BCXIwV-EC4_EjqxtkXUYRJKoOJFeQdH2/s1600-h/219-Souljah+Boy.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sdXvI6AGRGxz7Tegkm6lt9YQnUBEcok94TQ-adQqEmvjaUWpmg1BW12ZYwthvWA-wrXrpgzRSgQEEa1hWb2wJd4ZO0Z4Yvtih7loU_rQieo6BCXIwV-EC4_EjqxtkXUYRJKoOJFeQdH2/s200/219-Souljah+Boy.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156925954684864482" /></a><br />The battle for the statement of "Music is my life" broads a clear divide between mature adults and juveniles. To adults, musical appreciation comes after decades of following one's acquired taste, retaining and disposing of material intrinsic to one's formative identity. To the young and impressionable, a song can come out of nowhere, hit you and your friends like a ton of bricks, and radically effect your dress, your speech, your attitude, your social compact.<br /><br />I first heard of <a href="http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/86344">Souljah</a> Boy yesterday, seeing the video for "Report Card" for 30 seconds before dinner and thought Rap music hit a new low. Apparently this is not a minority opinion. But with the record industry in the toilet and music being relegated to something your set up a cell phone ring tone with, this is the pantheon of the medium???<br /><br />This guy has sold 3 million <a href="http://top40-charts.com/news/RnB/Soulja-Boy-Makes-History-As-Crank-That-Passes-The-3-000-000-Mark-In-Downloads/37716.html">LEGA</a>L downloads for Crank That, not much better a tune as any. <br /><br />Just to reflect, I'm sadenned for people. Not to sound superior, I was once a Heavy Metal Cheesewad festooned with Pentagrams and such and thought all quality music was played loud and fast, with Satanic themes, and I don't think I even learned to dress properly until my mid 30s. And I know the NFL/MLB/NBA merchandising is big coin, it looked bad 20 years ago when logos were cheesier and you just had hats, shirts and warmup jackets in sizes S-XXXL, but now it's getting out of control.<br />And the music itself, which I've heard maybe 45 seconds of, is far from Chuck D levels of intelligence.<br /><br />Sigh, I should just change the channel on my Yuppie-digital tube and that God I'm not a substitute teacher.Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-18115374424762732872008-01-15T17:29:00.001-08:002008-12-12T15:31:05.451-08:00Now it makes total sense to me!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhAbwTTZRrz_4RM6s6H2WE8t9yXMv7FISkDFHmnHsQpbUphMmRFjuCrFXqmrs8sm7HFJBKFDfwR6sqlgUEbroTjpcHxdlaeQUippXPDt98ojAhJHTKZCDfGaYOtYlmjY3-6ydGwV5tQdx/s1600-h/ok04_cover_lowres__oPt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhAbwTTZRrz_4RM6s6H2WE8t9yXMv7FISkDFHmnHsQpbUphMmRFjuCrFXqmrs8sm7HFJBKFDfwR6sqlgUEbroTjpcHxdlaeQUippXPDt98ojAhJHTKZCDfGaYOtYlmjY3-6ydGwV5tQdx/s320/ok04_cover_lowres__oPt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155880959076976594" /></a><br />I really do hope it's true. Britney's not the next Anna Nicole, she's the next Cat Stevens!Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-61891201979103735052008-01-08T17:53:00.000-08:002008-01-08T18:01:11.312-08:00How I Spent the 1990sHere's a clip of a little band called HUGE, live at the Pool Bar (Formerly a basement room @Broadway & Bleeker Sts. NYC) My first rock n' roll band. I've had this video for years, but the singer, Gregg, who has been in Hollywood for a dozen years or so, encoded and posted it on YouTube for your eternal pirated <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE4hXGdo-hM">enjoyment.</a>Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-5950221670728002572008-01-08T14:24:00.001-08:002008-12-12T15:31:05.636-08:00This Has Got To StopI'd be holding my opinion about the latest Britney meltdown to concentrate on topics of greater importance, as you've been (fortunate to be) reading so far. (Fortunately) I had proximity to said political candidate's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">rallies</span> to experiment with such narrative. However, now I'm just one of a million spouting their dirty dishwater, reacting to the latest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">trashtastic</span> news of the walking sewer of our vainglorious dreams, Miss Spears.<div> </div><div>As big a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PerezHilton</span>.com reader I am, I don't mind that he's made a bunch of money despite his lousy taste in music, I draw the line here:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXyiepuAPD1T0JnYVLICEkxr3Yj3FeBbuT9H9gP0CoC_q_5F16Mh1yphGbBYm9w6blEVH5oaibPlkeu977e0gkdVM9j0bmQuI8_mgUhUWKq0az4w6L55-fBsr6nd25JbPMQgBvqh2V7Zd/s320/savebrit__oPt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153236775346096066" /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">as much as I enjoy getting up righteous indignation at the expense of Brit, I can say without equivocation that I would prefer it very much if she would die and "get it over with".</div><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps taking her act any further would be an unprecedented <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">effrontery</span> to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">dignity</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">human</span> character. The overexposure of this individual is so unnecessary, but the coverage is such that media outlets cannot seem to stop covering her, try as Jack <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cafferty</span> might protest.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I just am not looking for the happy ending for Spears, because I know it's going to be on the cover of Melodrama Today, and like everything else Disney, Hollywood & the Spears Machine in general, it is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">deceitful</span>, corrupt and tawdry bullshit, sanitized for your protection.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just to clarify, I like tales of debauchery, drug abuse and death before one's time. Great geniuses have lived their lives this way. Hendrix, Joplin, Morrison, Belushi, Cobain, Farley. The list goes on. The script for Brit reads recovery, read all about it. I suppose it's a matter of time, but it just sickens me how people are cashing in on her from both sides. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In related news, Britney's friend and Best sycophant <a href="http://perezhilton.com/?p=11782#more-11782">Ali <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Simms</span></a> failed to secure a deal for a reality show centered around <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">her</span>, hopefully ending her divined career entertaining <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">us</span>.</div>Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-54404742550305383852008-01-08T10:09:00.000-08:002008-12-12T15:31:05.771-08:00Postmortem & Preview<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHJ0f0XuIj3qJoztoSewntjvOj_WEJtAgXtSPJsLUR4lRWSjtVMScYYLcpgruwY10a3B6FbTzVmih157njWoTBAByW-cZuSAA9vPsW468L3MbbgPrQLVzowUMGNKwgrW0_1c0IfOHaWW2/s1600-h/Barack2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHJ0f0XuIj3qJoztoSewntjvOj_WEJtAgXtSPJsLUR4lRWSjtVMScYYLcpgruwY10a3B6FbTzVmih157njWoTBAByW-cZuSAA9vPsW468L3MbbgPrQLVzowUMGNKwgrW0_1c0IfOHaWW2/s320/Barack2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153173325794232242" /></a><br />Much has happened in the week since I'm back from Des Moines. Huckabee and Obama won their respective victories in the Iowa caucus, and tonight is the New Hampshire Primary. My "coverage" of the candidate's campaign stops was good exercise for me, and I'm still following the campaign closely.<div>It is incredible that phantom candidates are still being mulled about by some overspeculative, currying wonks. So nice to have a baker's dozen to choose from, so could we please stop talking about Mike Bloomberg, Lou Dobbs and say... Duncan Hunter? Please, lets be realistic, folks.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">CHANGE???</span></div><div>The buzzword of '08 already, on everyone's lips. Seems like <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/08/opinion/08brooks.html?hp">Obama</a> provides the most easily digestible formula, that some Conservatives are listening to. Whether this is Republican strategy to push forth a weaker Democratic candidate remains to be seen. Nothing has changed, from the widespread hatred of all things Clinton to all non tru-Conservative inconsistency nee Romney. McCain doesn't posses these qualities either, but NH is his playground.</div>Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-42955627159495557292008-01-03T16:23:00.000-08:002008-01-03T16:29:02.948-08:00Joe Biden EventOttumwa, Iowa 1/2/08 12:30 PM<div><br /></div><div>Messed up directions W/E. Found the tiny school.</div><div>Nice crowd of 100 or so. We want Joe!</div><div>Old school amplification meets lav. mike.</div><div>Hair more natural, balding, but still a charmer</div><div>None since FDR will do as much</div><div>I've been a broken record on Pakistan. Much is secondary with him.</div><div>Senator Biden to Slobodan Miosevic, no press :"I think you're a darn war criminal"</div><div>I got things done.</div><div>I didn't know you were Catholic! Is waterboarding in the Bible?</div><div>I've forgotten more about fighting terror than Giuliani will ever know.</div><div>Sounds like Fred Willard</div><div>I will do my best to embarrass both parties.</div><div><br /></div>Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-54345148804366704102008-01-03T16:10:00.000-08:002008-01-03T16:22:53.619-08:00Huck N' Chuck EventVal Air Ballroom, West Des Moines 1/1/08 7:30 PM<div><br /></div><div>Temp's down to 9 Fahrenheit</div><div>The Boogiewoogies are rockin' the Huckanuts w/ some Zydeco & Blues</div><div>They're running wild, oops, someone blamed the media</div><div>Are "We" still beating on you, Mike?</div><div>Huck supports vandalism. Look up Isaiah: look to the rock.</div><div>44th AK gov wants to be The Big #44</div><div>Train our replacements; is that what "traditional marriage" is about?</div><div>Oilarchies: we don't need your sand.</div><div>We will go to the caucus having been on our knees</div><div>Chuck: I'm a corporate leader</div><div>TV News guy did live comparison of Chuck Norris to Oprah.</div><div>Quite the Wrangler guy, wife looks like Coulter</div><div>Janet H. in Tartar coat.. then behold: HUCKABASS!!</div><div>Sweet Home Ala Cream P-Bass w/ bridge plate & tortoise shell</div><div>American made I should hope. Thumb it!</div><div>Too much bass in the mix. What is this, a Capitol Offense?</div><div>Like a club band stiff-legged drunk</div><div>If this was a 60's club band, they'd be called The Dress-Kasuals.</div><div>Gonna need more than a sweater/suit jacket combo to fight the cold air at the Norris Texas Jam/Fundraiser.</div><div>Scary chants, then the definitive version of Roll Over Beethoven guaranteed to stay in your head well past the actual caucus.</div><div>Tell Tchaikovsky the news.</div><div><br /></div><div>NOTE: John Edwards did a rally the next night at the same ballroom with John Mellencamp performing. Way out-drew this event. With all respect.</div>Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-56357202652642781232008-01-03T15:58:00.000-08:002008-01-03T16:09:20.201-08:00What I did on my off-dayAs if this is work. While all my friends are doing the actual filing from their respective hotel rooms, I explored frozen Iowa as Joe Schlub, man on the street.<div>In this clever guise, I drove to Ankeny, to the Fridley Theater to see <a href="http://imdb.com/title/tt0841046/">Walk Hard; The Dewey Cox Story</a>. I love cheap laughs and Apatow, Reilly & gang provided mucho, plus Jenna Fisher. Meow.</div><div>Later, in AHL action, the Iowa Stars defeated the Houston Aeros at the Wells Fargo Arena 5-4.</div><div>Still later, the crew assembled at Dos Rios in Centre Square for a New Years Melange of margaritas and excess. For me, viewers, things went a little too far. Use your imagination.</div><div>Happy New Year, even though it's now Thursday, Jan 3rd. </div>Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-59952306020479958382008-01-01T10:34:00.000-08:002008-12-12T15:31:05.947-08:00Fred Thompson Event<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1VT0nItnONKmRbYU2jC6zTj0W97DPlC2n97tU8CqnphGXM0zveZidXM5oK28wGlxXBSBVMU0Jo5sOuZpNjm-Fa8bjDLMoyawEjPA5fU7zIUy-Z0w6nY7KK_VTSnMcfcxfQ_yRbaByPQR/s1600-h/DSC_0047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150581111167633314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1VT0nItnONKmRbYU2jC6zTj0W97DPlC2n97tU8CqnphGXM0zveZidXM5oK28wGlxXBSBVMU0Jo5sOuZpNjm-Fa8bjDLMoyawEjPA5fU7zIUy-Z0w6nY7KK_VTSnMcfcxfQ_yRbaByPQR/s320/DSC_0047.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Ames, Iowa 12/30/07 12:30pm Olde Main Brewing Co.</strong></div><br /><div>Sweet, Clean & vast cafe, excellent for a Football Brunch</div><br /><div>Fred's fake tan looked great on <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">CNN</span></strong> this morn.</div><br /><div>Suits galore, must be the true conservative dress code</div><br /><div>Man 1: Are you a Tancredo refugee?</div><br /><div>Man 2: Yep, this may be the place to land</div><br /><div>Intercepted: Suggested talking points sheet for caucuser-aid</div><br /><div>more Mellencamp</div><br /><div>How many ways can you incorporate America/USA into a song?</div><br /><div>Quite a bus tour</div><br /><div>The deliniated powers are just that</div><br /><div>Pace n' jab, searching n' pundating</div><br /><div>Orates like he's on the phone</div><br /><div>When I was in the Senate...Condi called me up,said get some votes</div><br /><div>The China Commission</div><br /><div>That's who I am, that's where I've been, that's what I believe</div><br /><div>Old Timer talkin' about Welfare recipients suckin' on the fat cow</div><br /><div>Some judges decided same sex marriage is constitutional</div><br /><div>Those on the left want to expand the social safety net, that's where the votes are</div><br /><div>Patent holders ought to be encouraged to invent and invest.</div><br /><div>We're a nation of Manhattan projects..60% dependent on foreign oil</div><br /><div>Can ya beat Hillary? Like a drum!</div><br /><div>Got fire in the belly? People are so personally invested in becoming president. (Sheesh!)</div><br /><div>How bad do you want a candidate to want it? (hmmm)</div><br /><div>Has something to do with having sound judgement</div><br /><div>I will be the same common sense strong conservative person.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>That may be so, I don't think he will be president though. Probably won't lose much sleep over it.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-48250053653303337242007-12-29T19:45:00.000-08:002008-12-12T15:31:06.112-08:00John Edwards Event<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWacKB0KvXDYEs5jVB3GvTdK7Q9B5AlYenRsXcNHLvw9FZuThs_Iuyq-kiYDVMXGdBMzpRUbeKZOS9QsMRSyIXwGv8vVp3uqPj8S2isn-1hSaqqh6NYqW4-y7TDzcGnebbdhS5Z5I5F-l5/s1600-h/DSC_0039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150549255395198850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWacKB0KvXDYEs5jVB3GvTdK7Q9B5AlYenRsXcNHLvw9FZuThs_Iuyq-kiYDVMXGdBMzpRUbeKZOS9QsMRSyIXwGv8vVp3uqPj8S2isn-1hSaqqh6NYqW4-y7TDzcGnebbdhS5Z5I5F-l5/s320/DSC_0039.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>7:30 pm East High School- Home of the Scarlets</strong><br />Pep rally @ Modern HS<br />Steelworkers, Nylon, Elect-A-Democrat<br />Hired a signer<br />The other side has on embarrassment<br />3 hrs, 36 ways to restore the middle class<br />Mellencamp</div><br /><div>Go John Go "When Love came to town"</div><br /><div>more chants</div><br /><div>Big room, big PA, big country-rock</div><br /><div>Elizabeth comes out in purple pants, very Southern gal</div><br /><div>Recovering lawyer, now there's a compelling life story, and a study in poverty</div><br /><div>Who can beat every Republican candidate?</div><br /><div>Mr. Pizzazz!!!!!</div><br /><div>What's up with that tie sticking out below the jacket button?</div><br /><div>Long hometown story...where is this going?</div><br /><div>A great moral test...of corporate greed</div><br /><div>I have never taken a dime from Washington lobbyists</div><br /><div>If that worked...hmmm</div><br /><div><strong>Transformatial</strong></div><br /><div>He really goes on about Mill towns</div><br /><div>I would do anything for America, not just my grandparents</div><br /><div>Ample time to climb various ladders</div><br /><div>Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton: both of them talk like I do</div><br /><div>Somebody in Iowa cares about Darfur</div><br /><div>A history</div><br /><div>No permanent military bases in Iraq</div><br /><div>Bhutto "The path to democritization is baptized in Blood"</div><br /><div>I'm gonna fight for you</div><br /><div></div>Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190895232851371033.post-9006133908352273782007-12-29T19:38:00.000-08:002008-12-12T15:31:06.449-08:00Giuliani @ Fenarro's Bakery 2:30 pm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9VoTpcpbJzRQ7KGZJqTSV1aiPCe8nUzJqQl7LPD93vamO7Rs0HTNMuQ5DfkCzSmiJH7cgHfixOnBTYNBTJALPVcK2AKsrKMqcODmxFtZrp6XxE0ejxpaftE_aYNBVFoKbKF86XO_3JzX/s1600-h/rudyfaceon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149606303915296626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9VoTpcpbJzRQ7KGZJqTSV1aiPCe8nUzJqQl7LPD93vamO7Rs0HTNMuQ5DfkCzSmiJH7cgHfixOnBTYNBTJALPVcK2AKsrKMqcODmxFtZrp6XxE0ejxpaftE_aYNBVFoKbKF86XO_3JzX/s320/rudyfaceon.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I fucking hate Giuliani. Shutter down of musical venue, strip clubs and wrecker of the character of NYC with his quality of life bullshit. The advance planners didn't take this gig too seriously it seems, as he spoke for 7 minutes in a crowded bakery with nowhere to stand. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I took the scene in beforehand and thought better of it. Went to a music store 3 blocks away and shredded away on Taylor Guitars for an hour. Time well spent indeed.</div>Gary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16731645520258328682noreply@blogger.com0