Danger Kitties!

Jon! I am so sorry! I failed to get a link on my site to the fabU Thomas and his Kung Fu Kittens! The link is to the right, but you can just click here to visit his site!

My DVD set of CANDY WITH STRANGERS was still in transit for delivery when I left work this evening. I feel all bummed out. Just as well, tho. I have work to do tonight. Fun stuff!

The Lifetime Network, Vicodin and The Lady Who Passes Out The Metro

I seem to have developed a sort of obsession with this lady who hands out copies of The Metro newspaper to subway passengers as we enter and exit the North Station T (subway) station. She seems like she needs a friend and there are so many things I would like to ask her; I would like to know her name, how she manages to smile and greet each individual despite the fact that most either ignore or look at her with disdain, how did she got this job, does she believe that it is somehow spiritual, where does she buy her shoes, does she work a second job, is that her hair or a hat? So many questions, but all I have time to do is thank her for my copy of The Metro and return her wish that she has a good day.

Speaking of The Metro --- the third and final season of CANDY WITH STRANGERS is out on DVD today!!! This show along with AbFab and Rhoda are the top 3 TV programs of all time! ...If you ask me! I am all excited about this release. Anyway, The Metro asked Amy Sedaris to list her guilty pleasures. She responded by saying, "The Lifetime Network and Vicodin" ...My kind of girl!

Busy Weekend or She Is Not A Lesbian!

My pal, Alan from San Francisco, came for a visit this weekend and we had a lot of fun catching up and running about the city. We also took in the new John Water's film, "It's A Dirty Shame" ---- the second half was a bit weak, but Tracey Ullman doing the Hokey Pokey is worth the price of admission so I didn't feel ripped off or anything. I do not understand that NC-17 rating.

I spent Saturday doing some catch up work at the office and playing with Dusty. She and I had plenty of quality time while Karl was off to the Cape visiting his family.

Oh! And, after I found out from fellow blogger, Tim, that Allison Moyet had released a new CD --- I rushed out and found a copy. It is fantastic, as per usual. It is an album of standards -- mostly from the 60's. Anyway, I've loved her since I first saw her on the French & Saunders show in the late 80's. I have also always assumed she was a sister, a member of my team --- a lesbian. Guess this was a case of me projecting something on to her and her music, because she wrote liner notes for her new CD. Through out these notes she references her husband and their daughters! I was crushed. She is straight. Oh well, she still has an amazing set of pipes! Great CD!

Oh! And, I got to chat on the phone with Thomas of the former Homoesque site! It was so cool to hear his voice after reading his blog and emailing for so long! His voice is just as sweet and he is just as funny as his blog! By the way, he has made his new blog site avaiable for public viewing. Look to the right for a link! Click on "Thomas!"

Feel Sorry-ier for Me!

I came back from NYC and came down with a horrible cold. My throat hurts, my head and legs ache and I am running a low grade fever. Just sick enough to feel bad, but not sick enough to be considered really sick and get sympathy. I had to go to a second business dinner tonight. However, even though I feel like shit, I still rather enjoyed it. Nice restaurant and good company. Now I just need to wait 30 minutes and I can take some more Tylenol Flu so I can sleep! ugh!

She May Be Preaching to the Choir, but Babs Remains My Hero!

Everyone knows that Barbra is fully left-wing and total Democrat and aggressively pursues matters of civil liberties, so those who visit her website her likely to be of the same mine --- but I do so love what she has to say --- I especially like her speech upon receiving recent recognition for her good works for the advancement of GLBT rights. Take a LOOK! Rock on Babs!!! Can we hear an Amen, anybody?!?!? Sure wish she would lose that tacky picture of her with the fake flower, tho.

Oh, I meant to post that, during my visit to NYC, I did make it to the Terry Richardson Show in SoHo. It was just as offensive as one might think. Still, I enjoyed it. So, is Terry Richardson making a comment about the way society tends to use women as objects or is he playing a role in doing just that --- he may even be doing it at even more aggressive/offensive manner? Somehow, I suspect his whole concept is more about showing us his exploits with his "personal member" and the women willing to take part in them. Still, I found it interesting.

On a lighter note, my brother had been to the T. Richardson opening during which he got to meet Amanda LePore! Current NYC Icon and Hip Party Fixture! Which I think is most cool!

Taking A Bite Outta The Big Apple or My Adventures in NYC!

I am back from NYC! I had a great time, tho I have come to the realization that I really do not enjoy traveling alone. I prefer to have someone to hang with while on vacation --- even if it is only for a long weekend. I got a little lonely.

However, I did get to meet Jon of Fash Slag Mag fame! By the way --- note to all hot, intelligent, humorous and adventurous men of Manhattan --- He is a hottie! Someone better grab him up while the grabbin' is good! It was really fun meeting him. We met up after I saw Nathan Lane in FROGS (which I quite enjoyed!) --- Anyway, Jon guided me to an exceptional Korean restaurant, but I wasn't really hungry for dinner. I craved chocolate, sugar and soda. So after dinner we ended up at a real dive. Had bad pastry, soda and chatted for hours! I failed to take his picture! Oh well. Trust me, he is one handsome man!! And, a very smart and sweet one as well!

I failed miserably at meeting Charlie of BlogStalker fame ---- I think I got his cell number wrong! Ugh! ...and, I could not think of where he is currently tending bar so I couldn't even drop in on him. Oh, and my cell phone sucked the whole time I was in Manhattan. It seems to be working now. I had also wanted to meet Famous Author Rob Byrnes, but he was off to see Brady in DC by the time I arrived. I was planning on talking him into giving me a signed copy of his book, TRUST FUND BOYS ---which you all need to read ASAP! Ah, well the plans of mice and bloggers.

Now, I do not mean to offend anyone and as art is completely subjective --- I am sure that there is merit to this production. ...but I HATED the LION KING!!!! I mean I just hated it. The Julie Taymore visuals and puppetry were quite impressive. ...for about 10 minutes. I had an excellent seat, but was surrounded by old people and small children. The music was just sort of cheezy to me. And, then, the play bothered me in the same way as had the movie. The bad guys were represented by an obviously "gay" lion and a group of hyenas who were obviously African Americans speaking in the normal street slang of Hip Hop. The lions and animals played by African Americans spoke as if they were noble Englishmen or something. I find it racist and homophobic. Anyway, I left at intermission.

I LOVED Nathan Lane in FROGS! This was playing at Lincoln Center --- The Met. You know, where Cher meets Nic Cage after her glam make over in Moonstruck! Anyway, on my way to the pay I danced around the sign posters ala That Girl!, but no one seemed to take notice of my glorious impression. Oh well. Anyway, the play was quite funny but very political. Seemed that half the people there loved it and the other half hated it. ...It was very pro-left wing/democratic.

I had my first "stereotypical NY moment" after FROGS. I hailed down a cab and as I opened the door a guy tried to jump in and steal it from me! It was like something out of a bad movie. I held the door and said, "Fuck you!" ....he looked stunned and said, "What?" and I replied, "Fuck you --- this is my cab! Get the fuck out!" ...and he did! Yay for me! I didn't get beat up or anything!

Let's see --- I visited with my brother and his girlfriend, but not as much as I would have liked to. They didn't really want me to see the neighborhood in which they live --- so I didn't get to see it. Hmmm...

I did spot 2, and maybe 3 celebs! The actor who broke my hear in LONG TIME COMPANION as the man who helped his lover let go and die. I can't think of his name, but he was also the original WILLARD. Anyway, he was in the audience at FROGS. Am pretty sure it was him. I also am fairly certain I saw the cute "HR guy" from Boy Meets Boy --- or whatever it was called. You know, the reality show where the gay guy had to pick out who was gay and who was straight? Anyway, the guy who was the contestant. I saw him. I guess he is appearing in some off, off B'way play or something. And, I think Roy and I saw Mobby in SoHO. OH! And I saw the Naked Cowboy who noticed me taking his pix and screamed, "What is your name?" to me. I answered and he said, "Ladies, please watch out I need to strike my special pose for my gay fans --- this look is for Matt!" ...he raised his arm and made a face of some sort. It was funny. I will have my pix developed tomorrow. Will make Karl help me get them all posted to my photo album.

I spent lots and lots of money that I shouldn't have! Mainly on DVD's and CD's that I would never find here! And I purchased a pair of Mauvais jeans because they were called "Matt" jeans. Made me laugh. Purchased two new colognes: Angel for Men which I really like and that new Burberry scent.

Oh, and a shop keeper showed me a signed Funny Girl Play Bill that Babs signed for him at the backstage in the early 60's when he was a teen. Neat-O --- Sort of like the Gay Holy Grail.

And, now, drum roll please ----- I treated myself to a pedicure! It was at a place called "Nails by Jean-Marc" ---- all of these old ladies were working there. It was fucking awesome! They were amused at how excited I was to watch the whole process. Not to be gross, but you would not believe the junk that they removed from my poor feet! The manager noted that I probably lost a pound per foot! lol! It was amazing and my feet are so soft and nice looking. Karl seemed unimpressed, but what are ya going to do?

It is nice to be home. Dusty must have missed me because she has wanted me to hold her all day. ...and I have. I love my baby Dusty. ...tho, she really needs a bath and a brushing. Tomorrow --- it is back to work! Fun! Not!

Momma's Worry

There was a night club in my hometown during the mid-70's called "Momma's Worry" I was too young to know much about it, but they had the coolest logo/sign. It was circular with a star at the top and a funky looking cowgirl in bellbottoms with Farrah-type hair --- and she had a tiny little cig (which looked like home-grown-rolled joint) ...It was illustrated and in blue with very 70's type font. The club had a neon version of it that you could see as you drove past it. I always wanted to go in, but the owner closed it down for some reason not too long into the 70's. I was still under 10. He and his wife ended up living down the street from us. They had a little kid who always wanted to play with me --- he must have been about 5 or 6 and I thought he was too little for me to bother with, but I would play with him just so I could see that sign which his Dad hung up in their funky dining room. I have no idea why I am thinking of it, but it was a great name for a club.

Well, I am off to NYC for a long weekend. I will report of my adventures when I return! I cut myself shaving last night -- really bad. So, I am going to be extra pretty in the Big Apple! ...matt with wound.

The Further Adventures of Fatty...

There is a very old and quite respected restaurant in Boston called Locke Ober --- I am not quite sure I am spelling it correctly. Anyway, it was a "gentleman's club" for years and finally decided to get a grip and became a restaurant open to all. I guess that this happened years ago. Anyway, it ain't cheap and I have always wanted to try it. I had a business dinner there tonight and I LOVED it! Now, I am not a big fan of beef, but I had some sort of angus steak thing --- anyway I have to say that the meal ranks up with one of the best I have had. Maybe part of it was finally getting in and trying it.

The funny thing is that the others at the meeting were disappointed in the quality of service and food. ...Yet I was happy as a clam ---- and this was reflected when I assigned the tip! Great meal. Ah, well. Fatty is as Fatty does! lol!

A Laura Nyro Kind of Day, but Juliette Lewis is Singing --- And All The Bloggers I Wanna Meet!

The weather is gorgeous again, but a bit warmer than yesterday. Still, it is nice enough that I dared to take Dusty back out for a long walk. She did not put our lives into jeopardy today. As I was sitting with Dusty running around me I realized that today was the kind of pretty lazy day for listening to Laura Nyro. We have a friend who LOVES Patti LaBelle and, now that I think about it, I do think Ms. Nyro did some work with LaBelle in the 70's. I could be confused. David -- Are you out there to confirm?

Anyway, when we got back to the condo I went to put on Ms. Nyro, but instead decided to finally put on the new Prodigy CD. The reviews in the UK have not been good, but I am really enjoying it! And -- Juliette Lewis sings on it!!!! Cool! I was thinking, if Sandy Dennis had been born in the late 60's or very early 70's she, too, would have more than likely formed a band. Anyway, Juliette and Prodigy are rocking my afternoon. Maybe I will listen to Nyro later --- because this really isn't a Prodigy kind of day. I forced myself to put my Funny Lady CD away --- I don't know why I have been listening to it so much!

Karl returns this evening. I have been missing him and Dusty has been so sad. She runs about the apartment sniffing anything that has his scent on it. Also, and this is sad, but I can't seem to find things in the kitchen. I needed foil and looked all over without any luck ---- however I stubmbled across it this morning. It was in a drawer. Seems like an odd place to keep foil. I would have it in a cabinet, but then again --- I tend not to venture into kitchens very often. Anyway, I have not been able to find Dusty's canned puppy food and she misses it. I had to pick up that scary stuff by GravyTrain or some off the shelf brand. God knows what is in that shit. She ate some at bkfst, but will not touch her lunch.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Fash Mag Slag Blog! last night. A very intelligent fellow who is quite knowledgeable regarding life --- with a great sense of humor. My hope is that I my intellect is in gear while in NYC because this is a smart man! Anyway, I hope to meet up with him later in the week when I am in New York. He is going to show me some kick ass dim sum and I think he, my brother and myself might go check out the Terry Richardson Show in SoHo. Also, someone needs to help me find Other Music! I can't remember where it is located! Better check on line! I also hope to meet Blog Stalker! I have not yet talked live with him, but I think we are going to try to meet up one of the evenings after I see a play. Should be fun. I do not think I have ever met any other bloggers other than my pal, Jen, who is the person that introduced the world of blogging to me in the first place!

I still have not met Willwhich is really pretty sad as we live in the same general area of New England! Karl and I hope to change that soon and make some plans to hang with Will and Fritz. Oh, and Will gave me a brief history of one of the plays,THE FROGS, I am seeing next week when in NYC. I did some searching on the WWW and it is very interesting to see how long it has taken for this work to find its way to the stage. I am a bit worried as Nathan Lane badly injured his leg during a performance last week. Knowing my luck, Dom DeLuis will be his stand in or something. Ugh!

And, sooner or later I will get my ass to England and meet Tim! I also want to get Thomas up here for a visit! Thomas --- you know who you are, mister! It would also be cool to meet Under Ling and it would be cool if Tony decided to come to Boston to minister!

I would also like to meet Hot Toddy and Famous Author Rob. However, I fear I am not glam enough! Speaking of glam, is it me or do you not agree that this individual lives the most fun and exciting life of all time?!?!

Well, I guess it is time for some sweet blindness and maybe a stoned soul picnic. Wouldn't have been cool if the Pizzicato 5 had recorded a cover of "Time and Love" or "Wedding Bell Blues"?!?!? Wow! I am link happy today!

Chasing Birds, Near Death Experiences and Gay Chinese Soft Porn

Last night Dusty and I embarked on the first evening of a DVD marathon. The first DVD we watched was "Connie and Carla" which I loved in the cinema. Now, I no longer know why. It is a bad movie! How could I have enjoyed it so in the theatre??? Anyway, we pulled that one out of the machine after about half an hour. We then watched some hard-to-find late 70's/early 80's DVD's of ground-breaking Chinese cinema. All 3 were basically the equal to those horrid Showtime After Hours soft porn movies where they leave in all the story parts but cut away from the sex just as it starts to get "interesting" ---- thumbs down. I don't know --- I think I was expecting a story line in these films. Now, "Map of Love and Sex" was fairly new and did have a plot and exceptional acting, but it was dull as hell. Then we watched David Cronenberg's THE BROOD. Creepy and funny all at once. Whatever happened to Samantha Eager?

The weather is so nice today. I slipped out to Cambridge with the intent of seeing a movie, but it was so nice I ended up lying out on a spot of grass in Harvard yard listening to "Funny Lady" on my walkman. I keep listening that record over and over again --- go figure. Anyway I feel off my attempt at sugar free food intake as I ended up having 3 Crackle bars and a can of Coke for lunch. Now, I kind of feel sick. Anyway, I wanted to take Dusty out in the beautiful weather.

So, I came home, put her leach on and we headed to the two parks by the harbor near out condo building. First she wanted to go inspect these GIANT dogs in the bigger park who were catching plates in the air! No way was that going to happen. So I forced Dusty to the smaller park where we found a mass of gutter owls (I mean pigeons) --- anyway, Dusty ran toward them and we basically chased the birds for quite a while. I was worried that my Crackle/soda combo might come back up so I stopped. Dusty didn't. ...And the leash jumped right out of my hand --- Dusty went wild and ran at top speed toward the birds near the water. I ran as fast as I could with my meanest voice possible screaming "DUSTY! STAY!!!" ...But she ignored me. She came so close to slipping off the pier thing into the harbor --- I do not even want to think about it. Then just as I was getting to her she took off to the scary GIANT dogs --- they saw her running their way and lost interest in their plates and seemed to be focusing on our puppy! Dusty sensed something was wrong and stopped, turned and starting running to me. I picked her up and the GIANT dogs were charging. Luckily their owners caught up with them. We could have both died. Those dogs were big enough to eat me!

On an interesting note --- the old trolley tracks near the Fleet Center are starting to come down today. I spent a few minutes watching this happen. It is an odd process and kind of fun to watch. Then I started feeling a little sad. There is just no telling how many times I rode the subway/trolley cars on those tracks since 1991. So, I walked away. I think Dusty and I are in for the evening. I may not take her outside ever again!

Pizza Pie, a Bland DVD, Dusty, Karl on a Pier and Me on the Sofa

The above just about sums up my evening thus far. It has actually been quite nice. The weather is warm, but dry and there is a nice breeze. Took Dusty for a long walk. Ordered a pizza. Plugged in a DVD called "Map of Love and Sex" --- low budget film from Hong Kong. The acting was good, but it was very slowly paced. Dusty and I feel asleep. The phone rang and it was Karl calling from a Pier at the end of the Village in NYC. Am much jealous! I was also half asleep when he called so he probably thought I was either pissy or really down. ...I was just asleep. Dusty heard Karl's voice so she has been acting sad ever since.

My tix to Broadway shows arrived today. When I go to Manhattan next week I shall be seeing Nathan Lane in Sondheim's FROGS ...I know nothing about it, but I like Lane and I LOVE Sondhiem --- so I figure it has got to be good. Then I have a ticket to see LION KING. ...shut up. I wanted to see a splashy musical and there were no decent seats available for WICKED. ...So, LION KING it is! Kind of funny because a production of it just opened in Boston, but I am sure the B'way cast is much better than the touring company.

Oh, has anyone heard of Daniel Cartier? He scored a nice little write up in "Un-Zipped", the Gay Porn Star version of Tiger Beat, only Mr. Cartier is not a porn star, just a fan. Anyway, he is most dreamy looking --- even with scary tatoo's. So I ordered his CD. I hope it doesn't suck.

Burning Bush

OK -- I remembered what I wanted to post about. Actually not so much of a post as a cut and paste. I do not know who created this and I am sure many of you have seen this, but in case you haven't I really enjoyed it.

Just as an aside, obviously I am a Democrat. Hello, I am gay. I do not understand gay Republicans. Just seems odd. I feel the same way about African American Republicans, Female Republicans and any individual who is a member of a minority group that votes Republican. I just do not understand. Anyway, I am not happy with our current choice of John Kerry. He is the lesser of two evils.

I am not the sort of person to scream my political beliefs from a soap box and I respect everyone's opinion. I just do not understand all of them. So, I hope this doesn't offend or annoy too many of you. I just found this quite interesting and funny as hell.

George Bush's Resume:>>

GEORGE W. BUSH
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20520

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Law Enforcement:

I was arrested in Kennebunkport, Maine, in 1976 for driving under the
influence of alcohol. I pled guilty, paid a fine, and had my driver's
license suspended for 30 days.

My Texas driving record has been "lost" and is not available.

>>Military:

I joined the Texas Air National Guard and went AWOL. I refused to
take a drug test or answer any questions about my drug use. By joining the Texas Air National Guard, I was able to avoid combat duty in Vietnam.

College:

I graduated from Yale University with a low C average.

I was a cheerleader.

PAST WORK EXPERIENCE:

I ran for U.S. Congress. I lost.

I began my career in the oil business in Midland, Texas in 1975. I bought
an oil company, but couldn't find any oil in Texas. The company went
bankrupt shortly after I sold all my stock.

I bought the Texas Rangers baseball team in a sweetheart deal that took
land using taxpayer money.

With the help of my father and our friends in the oil industry (including
Enron CEO Ken Lay), I was elected governor of Texas.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS GOVERNOR OF TEXAS:

I changed Texas pollution laws to favor power and oil companies, making
Texas the most polluted state in the Union.

During my tenure, Houston replaced LosAngeles as the most smog-ridden
city in America.

I cut taxes and bankrupted the Texas treasury to the tune of billions in
borrowed money.

I set the record for the most executions by any governor in American
history.

With the help of my brother, the governor of Florida, and my father's
appointments to the Supreme Court, I became President after losing by over
500,000 votes.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS PRESIDENT:

I am the first President in U.S. history to enter office with a criminal record.

I invaded and occupied two countries at a continuing cost of *over one billion dollars per week*.

I spent the U.S.surplus and effectively bankrupted the U.S.Treasury.

I shattered the record for the largest annual deficit in U.S.history.

I set an economic record for most private bankruptcies filed in any 12-month period.

I set the all-time record for most foreclosures in a 12-month period.

I set the all-time record for the biggest drop in the history of the U.S. stock market.

In my first year in office, over 2 million Americans lost their jobs and that trend continues every month.

I'm proud that the members of my cabinet are the richest of any administration in U.S. history. My "poorest millionaire," Condoleeza Rice, has a Chevron oil tanker named after her.

I set the record for most campaign fundraising trips by a U.S. President.

I am the all-time U.S.and world record-holder for receiving the most corporate campaign donations.

One of my best friends, Kenneth Lay, presided over the largest corporate bankruptcy fraud in U.S. History, Enron.

My political party used Enron private jets and corporate attorneys to assure my success with the U.S. Supreme Court during my election decision.

I have protected my friends at Enron and Halliburton against investigation or prosecution. More time and money was spent investigating the Monica Lewinsky affair than has been spent investigating one of the biggest corporate rip-offs in history.

I presided over the biggest energy crisis in U.S. history and refused to intervene when corruption involving the oil industry was revealed.

I presided over the highest gasoline prices in U.S. history.

I changed the U.S. policy to allow convicted criminals to be awarded government contracts.

I appointed more convicted criminals to administration than any President in U.S. history.

I created the Ministry of Homeland Security, the largest bureaucracy in the history of the United States government.

I've broken more international treaties than any President in U.S. history.

I am the first President in U.S. history to have the United Nations remove the U.S. from the Human Rights Commission.

I withdrew the U.S. from the World Court of Law.

I refused to allow inspector's access to U.S. "prisoners of war" detainees and thereby have refused to abide by the Geneva Convention.

I am the first President in history to refuse United Nations election
inspectors (during the 2002 U.S. election).

I set the record for fewest numbers of press conferences of any President since the advent of television.

I set the all-time record for most days on vacation in any one-year period. After taking off the entire month of August, I presided over the worst security failure in U.S. history.

I garnered the most sympathy for the U.S. after the World Trade Center attacks and less than a year later made the U.S. the most hated country in the world, the largest failure of diplomacy in world history.

I have set the all-time record for most people worldwide to simultaneously protest me in public venues (15 million people), shattering the record for protests against any person in the history of mankind.>>>>

I am the first President in U.S. history to order an unprovoked,preemptive attack and the military occupation of a sovereign nation. I did so against the will of the United Nations, the majority of U.S citizens, and the world community.

I have cut health care benefits for war veterans and support a cut in duty benefits for active duty troops and their families -- in wartime.>>>>

In my State of the Union Address, I lied about our reasons for attacking Iraq and then blamed the lies on our British friends.

I am the first President in history to have a majority of Europeans(71%)view my presidency as the biggest threat to world peace and security.

I am supporting development of a nuclear "Tactical Bunker Buster," a WMD.

I have so far failed to fulfill my pledge to bring Osama Bin Laden to justice.

During the Iraq War and Occupation thousands of American troops were injured and killed. I did not have the time to attend any of the funerals for our fallen soldiers but I did have the time to attend more than 43 fund-raising events of the Republican party

RECORDS AND REFERENCES:

All records of my tenure as governor of Texas are now in my father's library, sealed and unavailable for public view.

All records of SEC investigations into my insider trading and my bankrupt companies are sealed in secrecy and unavailable for public view.

All records or minutes from meetings that I,or my Vice-president, attended regarding public energy policy are sealed in secrecy and unavailable for public review.

PLEASE CONSIDER MY EXPERIENCE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS WHEN VOTING IN 2004.

Me and Dusty Against the World

Well, Karl is taking off for a weekend in NYC. So, it will just be me and little Dusty! I figure we will be taking walks, watching DVD's, discussing the meaning of life and catching up on our reading. Dusty is quite excited.

You know what is really sad? I had something to say/write, but now that I am sitting here infront of our warped computer screen --- I am unable to remember what I wanted to share. Oh well.

It's, Like, A Total Freak-Out, Man!

Our PC now has serious issues. Aside from taking hours to boot up and the endless stream of porn pop-ups ---- and, yes -- we are still getting granny porn and tonight I was greeted by a most disturbing site about "big-tited farm girls and their pets" ...I will not go into detail, but I will never be able to look at a goat in quite the same way again. Anyway, I went off-track. The monitor is now screwing up. The picture continues to shrink and now has taken on a sort of bubble/warped shape. After typing for a few minutes you feel kind of dizzy. It has been getting smaller and more warped with each passing day. Karl is planning to just take everything off the hard drive and re-install all of the software.

There are no "bugs" or "viruses" to be found.

personally, I blame Karl. I suspect that someone was visiting some naughty sites and now we are being sucked into one of those endless porn cycles! ...big-tited farm girls and their pets. Oh, just say no! (by the way, I am only teasing Karl --- I've no idea how or why these scary sites are showing up on our PC --- but every boot up is a surprise!)

Yin-Yang --- This Is An Important Date

Today, my "baby" brother turns 26 years old. I already sent him his bday card and arranged for Amazon.com to send him a present. The present was nothing much, but after you hit 24 those things start to mean less and less. ...probably because people start giving you less and less. Anyway, Roy's date of birth signifies a very happy start date for my brother. The world is a better place because he is in it. My hope is that his art will bring him fame, fortune and change the world. Of course, that is a lot of hope to put on someone's shoulders, but he can do it if anyone can. I phoned him at 7:30 AM to wish him a happy day and got his voice mail.

Today, also marks the 7th anniversary of my father's death. I am glad that we have my brother's birthday to counter-act this other significance of this date. However, my mother and I are always worried that this carries a really negative impact for my brother. I had a very troubled relationship with my father, who, for the record, was insane --- and I think that because there was a real strain it made it even harder to lose him. So it goes.

So, today is a date of very good and bad. I am opting to focus on the very good and celebrate my brother's birthday with a toast of my morning coffee!

Happy Birthday, Roy! May your 26th year be the best one yet! Now, get off your butt and go conquer Manhattan!!!

Of Thieves, Whores, Serial Killers and Dim Sum for Two

Having earned my BA in Enlgish Literature I never really had the chance to explore much lit beyond the great British writers. Just recently as I have plowed through my new-found interest in German cinema (Fassbinder in particular) --- I have been side tracked into Jean Genet. Now, I've heard about Genet for as long as I can remember being aware of literature, but I had never really explored anything about him. I am currently making my way thru Genet's autobiographical writings and the biography penned by Edmund White. Genet seems to write in a sort of stream of consciousness and it takes a few pages to fall into his pacing. I also can't help but wonder how much is lost in translation from French to English.

Anyway, color me shocked! Now, I know queers have been around since the beginning of time --- but I had no idea that someone was writing about gay carnal lust as far back as this. I mean, even if it was in France --- much of what one reads by Genet is kinky and challenging even by today's standards. ...Which, admittedly, are getting more conservative by the minute. Anyway, I find his writing to be quite an eye-opener. I particularly find his fascination with crime, stink and mucus spitting as erotic really interesting. Now, I finally understand some of what Todd Hayes portrayed in his 1991 film, POISON. I also had no idea that he lived a life of crime! I mean this dude was a thief, a pseudo-accomplice to murder and a whore who seems to have legitimized it all by romancing it all as adventure. He was also an incredibly gifted writer. Amazing stuff.

Anyway, my recent reading sort of tied in with a recent DVD purchase I made of FRISK, a 1995 film by Todd Verow. The film, based upon a controversial novel, was well received by critics at the time of its release, but shunned by many in the gay community because it dared to depict the mental "development" of a gay serial killer. The film is very well done, but quite disturbing. I was worried that it would be going out of print so I secured a copy. Some of the ideas expressed in FRISK made me think of Genet. Not that Genet was serial killer, but there seems to be a connection there. ...maybe it all boils down to Parker Posey (who is fantastic in FRISK)--- By the way, Todd Verow has his own website and has made several other films since FRISK --- a few of which are available for purchase. I put a link to his site to the left.

Well, let's move on away from the scary ways of some gay men to the Dim Sum experience Karl and I shared this afternoon. The weather is so nice today --- I was able to walk outside and ride the subway without falling into a flop sweat! Today we decided to divert from our usual Dim Sum of choice at China Pearl and we had Dim Sum at The Empire Garden on Washington Street in Chinatown. A very opulent structure, I can only assume it must have been a pre-WWII theatre. The place is really more like an ornate hall and seats over 1,000 comfortably. The service was great, the food was good, but there were not enough carts going around for the number of diners and the servings were not as hot as they should have been by the time they reached us. So, I think I will want to stick with China Pearl.

Did you know that I am the Boston Phantom Gourmet?!?!? Not really. I am just a phantom.

Tonight I plan to watch THE FORBIDDEN ZONE with commentary in hopes of understanding the origins of this masterpiece. I am also going to watch my exclusive DVD of David Lynch's WILD AT HEART --- which is available in Brazil, but no where else. Odd, is it not? I don't care --- one of my fave movies so that will be fun. I also intend to watch the Japanese horror film, SUICIDE CLUB, should be nice and scary. Tomorrow I plan on dragging my fat ass to Cambridge to check out MEAN CREEK which is playing at the Harvard Square Cinema.

Yes, I lead an exciting life. It is just non-stop. Hard to keep up!

Ballet Sword Play and Random Thoughts of Being Naked by Blondie

Just saw "HERO" and loved every minute of it. Rather interesting ---- it opened here a week or so ago and was playing in several theatres every hour on the hour. However, when I walked into the lobby of the Boston Common Cinema today there were little signs all over the place warning viewers that "Hero is a Chinese film and has subtitles. No refunds" ...And it was no relegated to one of the smaller theatres in the complex. ???????? Are people that lazy???? I guess they are because there were a group of 5 guys, college jocks, in line ahead of me and they asked for clarification regarding subtitles. They declined and bought tickets to see that lame looking Tom Cruise movie. Losers.

The cinema was half full, but we were presented with a poetic, exciting and philosophical look at the tragedy of war as a means to peace. I actually thought this was a better film than CROUCHING TIGER. I guess it really isn't fair to compare --- but this film just seemed to flow better, tho, the ending was not quite as powerful or pretty as CT. The sword fighting was so beautifully filmed. It took my breath away. ...As did the actor who portrayed "Broken Sword" ...But, then again, that actor always has. I can't think of his name right now. Anyway, don't be afraid of subtitles --- they will not hurt or tire you. Kind of sad that this would prevent people from seeing such a lovely piece of art. ...People. ...Especially silly American people. Go figure.

Oh! The Criterion edition of VIDEODROME is awesome! Lots of cool extras including commentary from one of my personal hero's, Debbie Harry. I feel the need to share a direct quote from her insightful commentary, "I don't know. I didn't care about being naked. I mean, yah know I came up in the late 60's --- I am an old acid freak. I just remember bein' worried about how my tits would look on the screen, but I like bein' naked. Rock and roll." ...Imagine with NJ accent and that kind of cool/distant voice. Debbie totally rules! By the way that might be a merger of a little rant The Cool One goes into as we see her young and naked body being pierced by scary James Woods.

Plus, VIDEODROME is an awesome movie. I still freak out when he develops a vagina on his torso and loses a pistol in it! Freaky!!! And, oh so many homosexual undertones -- but, then again, that is always the case with Cronenberg films. I still have to watch the second disc! Am all excited!

Matt and Other Musical Instruments!

So, I got to thinking that I have really been listening to just a few specific CD's as of late and as I enjoy finding out what others are listening (and reading!) I thought I would make mention of these CD which seem to be stuck in rotation either on my Walkman or our home stereo --- By the way, I did my very best to create links to these CD's, but Blogger just would not cooperate! So, you will have to search Amazon.com if interested. Sorry...

The new Bjork CD, "Medulla" which I find oddly addictive. I also find it a little creepy on a couple of tracks, but as I keep listening to it I must like it!

Tim's suggestion to try out Stereo Total was a fantastic idea! I love this band and I think I have decided that "Party Anticonformiste" is one of my favorite CD's! However, I have managed to find 3 CD's by them and they all rock! Super Cool!

Now, I am not much of a fan of country music, but any band that dares to do country covers of Def Leppard and Devo songs deserves cred points. Plus I really like it! Also the cello player is really hot! The name of the band is Malibu Storm. You have to check out their sound on those two covers! Awesome!

I can't seem to get enough of the soundtrack to FUNNY LADY. I believe that one can only secure the re-mastered 1998 release on Arista Records, which is quite good and is actually more true to the film. However, I grew up on the vinyl version and I just prefer it. I love her vocals on "It's Going to be a Great Day" from the vinyl version better than the one used for the remastered CD. Luckily, I still have the out of print CD from an off beat record label that secured the rights to the soundtrack for a brief time. Anyway, this music just makes me happy ...And sorta sad on a couple of tracks. I just love it.

The London Cast Recording of Boy George's Taboo is fucking awesome! I really like it quite a bit. I would have loved to have seen this show. I don't care what the critics said! The music is great!

The way cool sounds of early sounds of Pizzicato 5 on the import CD, "Pizzicato 5 85" I LOVE their cover of a Simon and Garfunkle song on this CD! Well worth the money!

And the soundtrack to one of my fave French film, "La Vie Promise" which you can order from Amazon.com France. I like every track on this CD. I also recommend the newly released DVD as well! So very, very French!!!

I saw THE BROWN BUNNY this afternoon. I loved it. It was not as entertaining as Gallo's first directorial film, BUFFALO 66 --- but this was a fascinating experiment in filmmaking. Very slowly-paced and minimal dialogue. It is actually a mediation on grief and coming to terms with loss. It was like slipping into a painting. There are moments in the film I will never forget. One scene featured a lingering shot of an empty house with a discarded easy chair sitting on the sidewalk. Hard to explain, but it was a powerful image.

As for the much debated final scene where Chole Sivegny gives head to Gallo until he climaxes --- it is there, but it just wasn't shocking --- nor was it intended to be. It was slightly erotic, but also sad at the same time because the audience begins to realize what is really happening. This film reminded me a lot of the last Tori Amos studio CD which I loved, but I loved it on an artistic level --- it was not music I would play while driving or walking. The same is true for THE BROWN BUNNY --- I doubt I will venture to see it again anytime soon, but I am glad I saw it and felt Gallo did an exceptional job. However, I do not think it is for everyone.

The Dentist Wants "To Do" Me

...still! As I sat in the lobby waiting to go thru my 3 hour root canal procedure and feeling nauseous from the anti-biotics I have to take whenever I have a dental procedure. Anyway, my dentist comes into the lobby, slips off his dental gloves, sits down by me and proceeds to chat me up. Now, this does do wonders for my self-esteem which has been a bit low as of late. As he gets up, he touches my left knee and tells me that he will be finishing up early and if I want to hang around we could chat. I declined explaining that my root canal procedure was slated for 3 hours and I doubted I would feel like hanging out. Plus, I was feeling fairly sick to my stomach.

Then I go upstairs and this root canal lady examines my tooth, sighs and says, "Hon, you don't need a root canal" ...she had a little assistant dressed in the same red outfit, and she said to him, "Make a note --- I need to talk to Dr. X. She is root canal happy and she is wasting our time." She then put my cap back on with permanent cement. Cool!

I was thinking I could head back to work ---- and, then it happened. I barely made it to their restroom and tossed my cookies into the toilet. I hate anti-biotics. So, I came home, showered and held Dusty.

Am feeling better now and drinking soda which is really quite healthy!

And my long weekend starts tonight --- I plan on seeing "Brown Bunny" tomorrow afternoon. Mainly because I wanna see Chole Sevingy blow Vincent Gallo. Art or pornography? I shall be the judge tomorrow at the Kendall Square Cinema with a horde of little old ladies. Why are there always so many old people at the Kendall and why do they opt to see movies like this one where they gasp and hide their eyes? It actually makes the viewing all the more fun.

Oh, I wish I could fast forward to the middle of September and just get my fat ass to NYC to chill out!

Oh yeah, and I purchased a new CD Walkman because my other was skipping a lot. This is the Sony Atrac3Plus Model #D-NS505. I like it, but am having trouble figuring out how to make it work. I guess I will have to read the manual. Anyway, it came with software for MP3 so I guess that means it can download music. Tim --- Are you out there? Jon --- Are you out there? Guidance, please! I know not what to do.

Head Shrunk

I met with my new shrink today. I really liked her and it was a good session --- but I felt like I had been gut-punched and just wanted to nap afterward. First session is always rough because you have to bring the doc up to speed on your life in an hour. However, what leads to the right place is never easy.

Life takes guts and stamina and I am pushin' forward, baby!