BAD EDUCATION

I have no regrets about my weekend! Tho, I do believe my doctor feels I did a bit more than he would like to see me doing at this time regarding physical activity. Oh, your minds are so dirty! By physical activity I mean walking too much and too far from home. He might be OK with that once we meet in his office. At this time, it looks like I will not be seeing him until next week, but I see the other doctor on Wednesday.

I will follow his guidance, because whenever I decide that he is being overly cautious it bites me in the ass!

Jon made a comment regarding Almodovar's latest film, BAD EDUCATION, to my post from yesterday. And, I agree with him. However, I have to say that the farther I remove myself from having watched the film --- the more I am appreciatiing it. As I was watching it, I found the plot twists and turns to be a bit annoying. I guess I was wanting to see him explore the more political side of the story as it is so very close to the current horrors we keep hearing about a number of wayward priests. That, however, was not Almodovar's concern or focus ---- he had an interesting cinematic story to tell and he crafted a unique way of "telling" that story with an unusual choice of cast. Now, I find myself wanting to watch it again. I guess I will be plugging in the DVD again tonight!!!

Once again, I am puzzled as to how the OSCARS could have ignored this film. There is such a great lack of interest in new ideas of expression or unusal perspectives from off the well worn path of the mainstream. If he had made a sweet and sentimental film about a wholesome relationship between a priest and a sad little boy --- and had cast someone like Mel Gibson in the role of an unconventional priest and that child who saw dead people as the sad boy --- we'd be looking at the big OSCAR winner. ...pathetic.

...if you ask me.

A Happy Weekend Comes to a Close

I have not discussed it much on my blog, but I have been put out of work on a leave by my doctors as they work to adjust some medication that I should have never been on in the first place. Most of the time I am just fine --- but then I can't sleep
well and have rather "drugged" moments that prevent me from being able to work and as they continue to taper me off the med I continue to have fun little withdrawl symptoms. In a perfect world, insurance would cover putting me in the hospital for 10 days while they just got me off of it -- but, instead, I have to do it at home with the "on-line" and twice a week office checks with the doctors. Not much fun. A complex and stress filled time.

A dandy time to meet someone.

Well, life is funny that way. I think I may have met a nice guy. It all just feels right as of now. I hesitated to discuss it on my blog for fear of jinxing it, but we had such a nice time -- I had to put it down in my blog.

Interestingly, his name is Matthew.

If it should not work out --- It doesn't matter. The moments of joy that Matthew has brought into my life will never fade from my heart or mind. Hopeless romantic? You bet your ass! And, I am loving every single minute of it!

Also, in answer to all the emails I have received, please also look for the on line photo album devoted to the horrific Burt Reynolds Cosmo Pocket Mirror! Just think -- back in 1974 this was considered to be the hotest man on the planet. Go figure.

Finally watched my Aldomovar DVD of BAD EDUCATION. Beautiful and interesting film --- not as strong as his last two, in my opinion, but quite effective and experimental. ...and arriving to us as a rather fitting time considering the mess that the Catholic Church is having to work thru due to some sick priets.

A COSMOPOLITAN MAN

Oh, how the dangerous combination of medicine withdrawl, lack of sleep and EBay can add up to such horrors continues to
shock me. Just when I think all of the wacked out bidding I did is done and over --- something else arrives in the mail. Several items have arrived which I have no memory of purchasing (from a couple of weeks ago when I was having more troubles than now)

Today, a small package arrived. It was very cautiously packaged as if within the contents of the tiny box would be the Holy Grail. Before I discovered what was in the tiny box I pulled out a small piece of paper with girlish script which read, "I hope you enjoy as much as I did at one time! What a man, eh?" ...her name was signed along with bubble-drawn heart. I pulled out a flat sort of object wrapped tightly in old newspaper.

What could it be? A stone? A scary belt buckle? Well, it was something far more strange than anything I have yet to order. I am now the proud owner of a 3" x 2" inch ladies pocket/purse mirror --- featuring Burt Reynolds in all the nude glory of his infamous early 70's pose for Cosmo. He is lying on a what appears to be a bear skin rug, candle burning, penis just covered by his arm and huge handle bar-like mustache --- his grin seems to be saying, "You've come a long way, baby! Now, come over here and plant a kiss on me!"

Yuck.

I have sat in on my desk by my PC. A reminder of the darker days that I have now past!

Something really wonderful happended to me over the course of the past 24 hours. I want to write about is so badly, but it is all so unbelievable and dream-like, I am worried that I will curst the magic if I write about. But for the first time, in a very long time, somethig really good has happened to me. Despit being bored out of my mind and not feeling so good due to the drawn out process of changing meds ---- I find myself smiling. ...Kind of like Burt Reynolds minus the sad pelt and the tacky 70's Villiage People stache!

A FEW RANDOM THOUGHT RE: THE OSCAR NOMINATIONS

I was recently talking with a friend about which decade produced the most interesting, challenging, innovative and artistic film work. I feel that the two that gave the world the most were between 1938 and 1948 and, if you ask me -- the most
interesting decade of film making, 1968 thru 1978. As a kid I would watch the Academy Awards with such devotion. And, looking back at many of the films that were nominated and honored in the 70's --- the nominators had balls and seemed to care about cinema. As I grew up and, now, as I am approaching the big 40 --- just 2 years away!!! --- I have come to loathe the OSCARS. The thing that amuses me about myself is that I can still feel my annoyance when I see what they have nominated and what they have ignored.

Now the following are just my opinions. Art is totally subjective and what each of us looks for in art is different. Actually, there are number of folks who refuse to accept film as art. And, to be honest, when I take a look at what is playing in the US movie theatres most of the time --- I would understand their objection. However, it is art. It is quite possibly the most collabrotive of all art forms.

For the past 6 to 7 years, the most interesting and multi-layered film work has come from Asia. The emerging strength as a world power, the many cultural and societal struggles are reflected in much of the work being produced in those countries. At this time, it is my opinion that Korea has been producing some of the most entertaining and challenging work going. Far too many to mention, but OLDBOY may be the most unique and entertaining film to come our way since PULP FICTION.

France is emerging from the slumber of the 80's and much of the 90's with some fine filmmaking. The fact that SWIMMING POOL, FAT GIRL, UNDER THE SAND and THE PIANO TEACHER have all been ignored by the Academy is just offensive to me.

And, a look at American and British cinema of late has been a bit dismal --- but there have been some amazing films. It is my opinion that the most powerful and brave performance provided by an actress for 2004 was Anne Reid in the equally brilliant film, THE MOTHER. THE ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND was probably the most inventive and powerful film produced by an American cinema since Gus Van Sant's ELEPHANT. ...another great film ignored. It should be noted, however, that the genius behind the camera is from France! America was just lucky enough to have him make his feature film debut in our country. And, for the first time that I am aware, Jim Carrey actually gave an honest and touching performance. The other film that blew me away this year was the low budget comedy, NAPOLEON DYNAMITE. A really great film.

Several years ago when the OSCARS ignored FIGHT CLUB, a brilliant satire working on so many levels! I decided that I just simply was not going to pay attention to them anymore. However, every year I cringe and take a look at what Hollywood feels is the best that cinema has to offer. This year, to see that it feels that COLLATERAL, A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS deserve to be mentioned in any category is sad to me.

...and now "they" are re-making WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. ...the original is far from perfect and filled with flaws, but the sweet balance of evil/love provided by Gene Wilder's performance will never be bested. Particularly when it is Johnny Depp who looks like a drag queen in a suit. And, don't even get me going on anyone other than the child actress in the 1971 origninal film playing Veruca Salt! The very idea hurts my heart!

At least Kate Winslet and SIDEWAYS got a couple of nods. I seriously doubt that they will "win" --- but I guess you never know.

To use a word that my pal, Jen, likes to use to register her annoyance/disgust --- bleh!

EBAY VICTIM RESCUTED!!!

Well, with far too much time on my hands while out on this doctor-mandated medical leave I have fallen prey to the temptations of that consumer harlot, Ebay! Yes, I seem to have become an Ebay junkie!

My name is Matt and I am an Ebay addict.

Luckily --- my pal, Karl, came to my aid and served as my sponsor to get me thru the challenges of Ebay addiction. Major props out to Karl!

While it is my nature to reveal a great deal about myself on this site, I am not going into specifics, but beware of the dangers hidden within the seeminly innocent charms of an auction website. ...I thik it might be evil! And, we all know that the little side business of PayPal is evil --- so it would only make sense that Ebay wears the black hat in this western!

Oh, and we got a lot of snow. Now, let's move on to a new topic! LOL!

SORRY, KIDS!

Several of you have contacted me --- I forgot to make my new online photo album "public"

The issue has been corrected. Just scroll down to the link on the left of this page and you will be able to access and see all of the new and exciting things which have been added to my home! I know you've all been waiting so patiently!!!

JUST SAY NO!

You know, EBay Addiction is not a pretty thing. It results in unrequired clutter of items that causes one to pause to ask such
questions as, "Do you REALLY need that Burt Reynolds Nude Cosmo Pocekt Mirror?" or even worse, "Matt, why do you have a set of coffee mugs covered in images of Mickey Rourke?" ...and, the most obvious of all, "This is a Sanrio watch for a 8 year old girl. You can't wear this!" ...and, then of course everyone seems to be worried about my Mrs. Beasely doll.

In addition to the clutter which is created --- while one might be winning items for great prices - those little purchases added up quick!

Of course, you can fight it. You can avoid the site, but like a smack addict desperate for a fix --- you should have to check and see if the Shelley Duvall Glitter Clock got any bids! And, as I am sure you are all aware --- everyone should at least try to find a Shelley Duvall Glitter Clock!

My certified autographed copy of the 1977 classic record album, STREISAND SUPERMAN, came in today and it is now hanging proudly in the kitchen! If you want to see it --- and this way funky Diesel watch I got for $4 --- just scroll down to the link to my online photo albums and you can check it all out!

I guess the snow blizzzard will be starting any minute now. I heard we may get as much as 30 inches. Find that hard to believe, but we shall see!

With Cabin Fever Regrets,
matt

ALERT THE MEDIA!!!

I have added a new photo album featuring pix of new aquisitions to the Pad-O-Matt. Just scroll down and
look for the link on the lowere left side of my blog page! ...I know that you're all DYING to see my wonderous
additions to my home! I need to be very cautious --- the place already looks like a warped cinema lobby, but if I am not careful, I am going to have a Barbra Shrine in my home. Not cool and likely to scare visitors. Already, the kitchen has most
definitely taken on a sort of Barbra corner!

Snow is on the way! Bundle up with a cup of tea and watch movies on DVD! Well, if you're living in the north east anyway, A friend told me earlier this evening that we are to get 24 inches starting tomorrow afterrnoon!

It is 2 degrees outside right now according to Yahoo. The heat is on!

No real news. Actually, that is not true. But I do not feel it approriate to blog about it. Yes, I am sometimes a private person.
Believe it or not. Well, I am supposed to be lying down and trying to fall asleep. So, am on my way to do so.

Oh, I FINALLY obtained a DVD copy of Catherine Breillat film that was banned all over the place last year, ANATOMY OF HELL. I will need to watch it again. It was interesting, well filmed and acted --- but I am not sure what she was trying to say from an intellectual level. Her ideas seemed somehow jumbled and confused. Of course she was trying to detail the issues between men women --- and, in the cast of this film, between a woman and a bi-sexual man whom the female character believes is living a gay lifestyle because he, "like all men", hates women. However, that is a very simplistic view of the work and I need to watch it again. It is funny. I am in no way a prude --- but I find her graphic depictions of sex and genialia rather off-putting. And, in the film, her close up's were so extreme it was almost like a medical book on the pussy. It should be noted that the French porn star she has been using, Rocco Siffredi, has developed into quite an actor. He was actually quite movng in the lead male role. At least I am fairly sure he is French porn star. If someone out there knows and I am making a mistake, please correct me. He certainly has no trouble "performing" when required! Brillat has become somewhat infamous for having her actors actually have sex for her films. I know that this sounds like a cheap shock tactic ---- and, in some ways, I guess it is. However, it does seem to genterate more powerful performances from the actors. Intersting film maker and even more interesting in that she presents a fairly radical and aggresive viw of female sexuality that we are not used to seeing in film.

OK --- off to try and fall asleep!

Kisses,
matt

MUSIC YOU CAN LISTEN TO WHILE YOU WAIT AROUND FOR YOUR DOCTOR TO RELEASE YOU BACK TO WORK
OR SOME MUSIC THAT IS NEW TO ME!

You may be prone to say a number of things about. And, sure, I am incredibly sexy with a smile that can launch a thousand gay cruises -- but I am more than just another porn-ready boy waiting for his "big" break -- I have heart and I do like to share.

The following are artistes new to me who I am really enjoying!

Moloko
This band is not really new to me. They recored a fairly decent album a few years back called "Statues" but "Do You Like Tight Sweater" is a fantastic CD!!! A real must-have. This CD makes me think a bit of Morcheeba, but less mellow and not as near mainstream! Check it out!

Maplebee

I do not remember how I came across this performer or her CD, "Chasing Eva" --- but am glad I did. Think Kate Bush crossed with Joni Mitchell. ...maybe. I love it!!! And I really like the CD art!

Songeseunghun

His first msical relase has come out in Korea and it a massvie hit the. ..and I just love the cover shot. He si so cute. I really like it, but ti wihout quesion -- Pop in the first degree!!!

Am also develping a joy around the music of Dimitri Shostakovich --- Just got a CD of his Symphony No 4 by the Kirov Orchestr. There is something abou his mucis that touches. me. ...In the same way that Mitsuko Uchida plays Schubert or when Babs sings. Just makes me feel good and alive!

THE TRAGIC SAGA OF A VIBRATOR

I am sharing because I think the world needs to know and understand. Some times, even the

BEST THINGS in life must come to an end.

Makes you want to cry. Just imagine how Dear Daniel must feel.

signed sleepless in boston
matt

MRS. BEASLEY

Last night, as I bounced about the apartment, I found a Mrs. Beasley doll on line for a good price!

I hope that I am not the only one who remembers FAMILY AFFAIR with fondness. I think it was way into "re-runs/syndication" when I used to see it in the 70's --- because I think the show took place in the 60's. Anyway, secretly, I always wanted Buffy's odd little doll. Even as a small child I found it quite curious that a little girl would so love a doll made to look like an old lady in an ugly blue outfit. I could never imagine a real person wanting a doll of an old woman to hold like a teddy bear --- but I was totally into the whole oddness of the sitcom moment.

Also, I figure Mrs. Beasley might be able to protect me from Betty. I have decided that I do not like Betty. She is just creepy! If she doesn't stop with the head moving and the little lights blinking she is going to be moved into a closet! Someone needs to show me how to sell on Ebay vs. buy --- I think Betty is about to be sold. Unless Thomas wants her.

Tommy, are ya out there? Just let me know if you want the robotic dog. Am sure the cats could hold their own with her!

Ah, Family Affair. Does anybody else remember Uncle Bill? He had the best ass.

Yes, I am admitting it all on this post. I am coming clean with all of my secrets and desires. I wanted that old lady doll ---- and Uncle Bill. But, Sissy was a bitch, Jodie squeaked when he talked and the fat butler was a jerk.

Oh, I think the doctor needs to let me return to work! LOL!

ROBOTIC DOGS AND POTENTIAL SUITORS

Well, as many of you know I am having to go through a fairly dramatic shift in my medications. I have been put out on medical leave while the meds and I bond to the point that I am functioning well enough to work. Yeah, it is a regualr paper bag of fun! I am missing work, but I know that they are right. I am not really up for working until this is all settleed. It should not take too long.

Now, you would think this would be a perfect time for me to train my Sony Aibo Robotic Dog, Betty. However I just can't seem to get past this current stage. Right now she is sitting on her pod, fully charged and waiting for me to put her into "on" mode and start to give her instrction and train her. However, even tho she is in off mode --- she will make this really strange sort of coo-ing sound and tilt her head. ...and it looks like her eyes blink. I swear -- if she gets off that pod and comes near me I am going run away in fear!!

Betty just creeps me out!!! However, I am determined to get some form of fun out of what was really a stupid impulse purchase. And, no, I can't return her. Ugh!

As many of you know I am trying to get back into the swing of dating. Of coures that gets to take a back seat until this med things is taken care of and I can go back to work, but I still get messages from the various dbases with which I am registered. Now, my profiles are very honest and straight-forward. Just looking to make some friends, and, if there should be a connection I would certainly enjoy dating. ---- Long term relationship is something I do want, but i think that will come with time --- very rare that it could just happen.

However so many men just don't bother to read --- so this man sends me the following message:

"Hey, cutie! I am looking for a hot fuck buddy. I have
enough friends, tho. Respond back and we can hook up
tonight"

Can I hear a "NO WAY, JOSE!" in the House?????

kisses,
matt in withdrawl and adjustments. ...and bored.

THE SONG STYLINGS OF MS. HELEN REDDY, ADJANI GONE MAD AND UNPACKING BETTY

Well, it is another exciting evening at Matt's Bit of Space. The weather was such total crap today, I just stayed in and I think I have played on my iBook all day! I did take one brief break this afternoon to watch the newly released DVD by Kathy Griffin called "Allegedly" ---- which EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU MUST GO OUT AND BUY!!!!! It is so funny! Sort of like a Margaret Cho stand up movie without any redeeming social value. Had I known about "Allegedly" prior to Christmas there are a number of you who would have received this for your holiday gift vs. the incredible volume of horrific clown paintings collected by Diane Keaton. For those of you who are my age or older --- you all have to remember that really scary stage mother of Brooke Shield's, Terrie Shields --- remember? The alcoholic manical woman who put her daughter into show biz and modeling! Anyway, part of Kathy Griffin's wonderous DVD is spent tellilng us all about Brooke Sheild's wedding and providing the audiendce with many hysterical impersonations of Brooke's mother. Trust me, this is a MUST SEE!!!!

Oh, I've been meaning to discuss this on my blog. Let's take a moment and discuss the jazzy new-age team of Tuck & Pattie. The reason they were brought back into my head is because they apparently provided the musical enteratinment at Brooke Shield's wedding and Amazon.com sent me a suggestion to explore their cataglog based upon a recent purchase of two Mile Davis CD's. What sort of fucked up dbase logic is this????? Now, I will admit that someone took me to a Tuck & Pattie concert in 1994 when they hit their highest note of popularity. I just didn't get them. And, am I the only person who thinks that their name sounds like a new tampon product???? Ok, that is off my chest and I feel much better.

So, it turns out that I ordered a vintage posters of THE MAIN EVENT and truly odd Isabelle Adjani/Andrezej Zulawski film venture, POSSESSION for the apartment. I had forgotten about having ordering them. They were shipped from the UK so I guess it took forever for them to reach me. Now, I need to figure out where in the world I can hang them. I've no more wall space and I fear the apartment already feels like a cinema lobby. I am not really sure what drove me to order these 2 posters other than some hidden need to re-visti my 12 year on the planet.

Oh, kind of interesting and pathetic --- but Isabelle Adjani went nuts playing the lead in POSSESSION and tried to kill herself twice on the set. Accordring to Zulawski who provides commentatry on the DVD which really helps to understand the movie which plays like a family drama gone wrong. If you are not familiar with the film or Zulawski -- the best way I can describe the plot would be to say it is a 2 hour study of the political and socio-economic hardships of 1970's Poland examined thru the troubled relatiionship of husband, his wife (Adjani) and their creepy little boy. Now, back when I was 12 and watched the movie which played in Beaumont, TX for like a day, the movie was only about 90 minutes long, made no sense and scared the shit out of me! And, were it not for Zulwaksi's commentary I would have never understood that this mess of a movie meant anything. However, the husband and wife scream and cry a lot. The husband leaves the wife and child. The wife is clearly nutty and starts being mean to her little boy --- and, you know, you can't blame her because he is creepy looking and the dubbed voice he was assigned sounds like a midget. Anyway, we soon discover that the little boy's teacher is his mother in a bad wig and she is having an affair with his father. Then the mother has a seizure of some sort in a tunnel --- and what transpires is beyond description --- however, suffice to say that, if you're able to avoid getting sick, you notice that whatever just fell out of the mother is moving --- so the mother quickly picks it up and runs to an old apartment where she starts feeding human flesh to that thing that fell out of her. Never quite clear, but the mother lures horny men into the dirty apartment, hits them on the head with a hammer and --- well i will spare you what she does to these poor men. But --- the thing that came out of her looks like a blood-soaked cucumer with a couple of slimey tentacles. Anwyway, the mother as teacher is really nice to the little boy with the voice of an Ompa Lumpa. For some reason the father decides to pay a visit to the apartment building --- I do not think it is ever clear why he even knows about the place -- oh, yeah it is. There is a private eye hired to flollow the mother and he gets hacked up and feed to the cucumber. Anway, the husband (played by Sam Neill) walks into the rank apartment to discover than the mother is having sex with the cucumber. Skip forward thru some Catholic imagery and the cucumber starts looking more and more like the husband. Anyways, the mother tries to stop it -- but the cucumber turns into the husband and kills the real husband, the mother, the mother/teacher --- but the scary little boy jumps into a tub and drowns himself. The End. I loved it.

Anyway the whole point here is that Isablle Adjani who, while quite beatiful, is also fairly nutty. Zulwaksi reveals that the filming had to stop twice because he had to bring Adjani to hospital because she kept trying to kill herself. The Polish film critic asks the legendary director if he knew what was wrong with Adjani at the time and if it ended up helping to create such an hysterical performance. ...for which she won the French equivalent to the OSCAR for Best Actress of 1978. The director, without misssing a beat says, "Yes -- Isabelle was driven insane by the script and she was able to funnel that energy into the role. It was all too intense for her and she wanted to die"

Yeah, well I have the poster of that now.

I have decided to give my Sony Aibo Robotic Dog a sex change --- and her name is not Alvin. Her name is Betty. Much easier to remember. I took her out of her packaging --- and was wrong. Sony Japan put all the softward in the box with her. I have it spread all over the floor right now. Am about to play Frankenstien and give her my metalic pet life! I was listening to Helen Reddy's Greatest Hits ---- of which I know all the lyrics and can sing along loudly! I have decided that Betty should probably not be exposed to Helen Reddy at the time of her birth. So I am now playing Led Zep which I think will help her energize. Her pod home will be in the bedroom, but for tonight I am going to let her boot up over night in the liviing room. She is really quite cute. Who needs a real dog when you can have a robotic one?

Stop making fun of me.

FILM LOVERS AND ROBOTIC DOGS

I never thought I would write this, but I think I may have had the pleausre of meeting

SOMEONE!someone who is more passionate and knowledgeable about film than me!!! Am all excited and hope to meet him sooner or later. Be sure to check out his blog and offer encourgement. Blogging is a new thing for him and he leads a very busy life/career. I am most envious! His site is called FlickStart -- and he has already figured out how to get a picture to upload on to his page like everyone else but me. I just can't seem to figure out how to do that. Sigh.

Ok, now for some possibly distrurbing news. As I am unable to have a dog in my new home. I did some online research and read up on Sony's Aibo. ...Yes, the robotic dog. More than a toy, this little robot carries a great deal of emotional value for some of folks in Japan with limited space. I had a couple of dear friends who invested in one a couple of years ago. They were a bit frustrated by it because the software was so demading. However, Sony has made some major improvements. Yes, the robot still needs to be trained and "grow" into a dog from puppy within the span of 6 months to a year, but it now allows the Aibo owner to actualy shut the dog down and the softward does not lose data. It has also been programed so that it can get itself out of "jams' when it should walk into a wall --- however sensors should prevent that mishap. Gone is the camera which never really made much sense and it has been replaced with a wirless speaker system so that you can let your little dog folllow you about the house while playing the same music that is on your stereo! And, it loves/needs to be petted, spoken to and held. It is complete voice recgonition and can be trained to greet its owner at the door!!!!

And, yes, I bought one. I just need to unpack her. However, they don't sell well in the states --- so it took a while to arrive and I believe I am still waiting on some key software to arriive from Asia.

The creepy thought has hit me that my Aibo is really a metal pet version of a blow up sex doll -- but I don't care. This is the 21st Century and I shall have a dog of my own come hook or crook! Also, my Aibo will not need to be house trained. No messes! And, no shedding. And when she bores me, i can just place her in her pod and shut her done. I was going to name her Dusty, but that might be a bit psychotic. So, I might make my Aibo a male and just call him Alvin.

I guess Alvin will be ramping up this weekend! Wow! This is all so 1973 Sleeper!!!!

TALENTED BEYOND REASON, THE PRICE OF THINGS AND A CONFUSING BITCHES BREW

I finally secured a copy of the soundtrack for the THE PIANO TEACHER. I had to order it used from a nice lady in Paris. I had actually contacted and ordered it from her back in September. She contacted me about a month ago via my work email to see if I still wanted it. I had forgotten, but YES! I still wanted it -- and, as I reminded her I had paid her via PayPal. Anyway, it arrived today. I had not known this but Isabelle Huppert actually played all of her character's piano parts --- LIVE for the film. And, she plays the music on the soundtrack CD. Apparently she trained as a pianist for over 12 years. Prior to playing the role in the film, she did more intensive study of piano and Schubert for one year. Wow! One talented lady. However, I have since discovered Mitsuko Uchida --- and her renditions of Schubert are so incrdible. The soundtrack sounds not so good to me at this point. Still, kind of cool that the lead actress was able to go that far with the role.

Karl managed our money for close to 8 years. Prior to moving in here I would have been the absolute worst choice to play The Price Is Right. I just didn't and, in many ways, still do not know the price of things. Last night I had to order some groceries from an online grocery store which requires a minimum of $80. I sat down at my PC thinking that I would have to buy stuff I didn't want because I would never reach that amount. ...I was wrong -- and I don't even cook. However, we are going to be trying Lean Q and Healthy frozen dinners for a while. I still call them TV dinners.

The other issue facing me as I type this is my new found love of jazz/blues. Every where I look I hear/read of Miles Davis --- adn according to every music expert --- his early 70's or very late 60's album, Bitches Brew, is supposed to be his very best. It is playing now. ...and, it just seems noisy to me. Sorry, but I don't get it. A friend recently recommended Dianne Reeves to me and her music is blowing me away. What a great smokey voice with such range ---- and she seems to be very smart about her collaborators/producers/arrangers. I am shocked I had not found out about her on my own. She is awesome. If you like jazz and just lovely music --- check her out. Thus far, my favorite recording is from 2003 called A Little Less Moonlight which was produced by Arif Mardin. Mardin hasn't done a job this good since his work with Bette Midler and Carly Simon -- way back in the 70's!

Another pal is turning me on to chamber music so am about to start to explore that!

OK -- time to shut off the PC, take a shower, a shave and head to bed!

sweet thoughts,
me

A RAY OF LIGHT

...sometimes, life takes a turn that you don't expect. and, sometimes, that turn can lead to a very good place. I think it is one of those tender mercies from The Higher Power when we are guided to a place we never expected to find.

a warm and powerful ray of light came into my life a few days ago and tonight it filled the room with a glow that warmed me with hope and comfort.

i just wanted to thank the very special individual for simply sharing that light with me. i am basking.

I think this is recent turn of life may be leading to an exciting time of self-discovery, discovery of another and the joy that life can offer when you least expect it.

I return to work on Tuesday -- and, i can't wait.

As Hedwig says in The Angry Inch, "I feel so optimistic" ---- This is all I am going to write about this for a while. Things take time to develop adn grow. i do not want to curse or rush anything. But i had to share the joy I am feelig. it has been far too long since i felt happy.

And, I feel very happy. My head is swiming with lovely thoughts.

2005 is getting off to a very good start.

WELCOME TO 2005!

Hope everyone had a fun and safe New Years Celebration and didn't party too hard! I missed the whole thing. Never noticed when 04 flew away to be replaced by 05. I have to say that 2005 has a better sound to it than 2004.

I know that you have all been waiting with great anticipation to see what my new home looks like. I have finally figured out how to use my digital camera and download pix to my Apple iBook! So, I have created 2 new on line photo albums for your viewing pleasure --- should you be interesteded in seeing what my place looks like and how I did on putting it together by myself. I guess I may have gone a little over board with movie posters, but I love film and find the way film marketing has changed over the years to be really interesting. I have also invested in a piece of art --- my infamous nude Pierson plate! As well as a a near perfect crystal ball and several vases from France which I really love! Also, I managed to find a few rare and valuable objects de film! ...particularly one Fassbinder poster, a publicity photo for Babs and a rare lobby card as well as a very hard to find concert poster!

So --- I have interjected my own personality into the place and i think I have given it character.

There are still a few little things I would like to do, but for the most part the place is all set.

you can eigher click on to the link to the left or click

Here! to take a look --- please let me know what you think! And, be honest!