UrbanAddiction.com: January 2006 Archives

January 30, 2006

The Beast's 50 Most Loathsome People 2005

#4. You

Charges: Silently enabling and contributing to the irreversible destruction of your planet. Absolving yourself of your responsibility to do anything about it that your immediate neighbors don’t. Assuming that it’s normal behavior to spend several hours each day totally inert and staring into a cathode ray tube. Substituting antidepressants for physical motion. Caring more about the personal relationships of people you will never meet than your own. Shrugging your shoulders at the knowledge that your government is populated by criminal liars intent on fooling you into impoverished, helpless submission. Cheering this process on.

Exhibit A: You don’t even know who your congressman is.

Sentence: Deathbed realization that your entire life was an unending series of stupid mistakes and wasted opportunities, a priceless gift of potential extravagantly squandered, for which you deserve nothing but scorn or, at best, indifference, and a cold, meaningless demise. ~ My personal favorite on The Beast's 50 Most Loathsome People in America, 2005

Read all of the rest right here.

Posted by Liz at 04:09 PM

January 29, 2006

Bubble

"It is somewhat of a miracle that "Bubble" works at all: it is, after all, a simple story about simple people told in simple words. And yet, the intensity of emotion communicated by the amateur actors is a testament to the power of the movies. Soderbergh, who has already proven himself as master of the weightless Hollywood confections ("Ocean's Eleven") and rousing populist cinema ("Erin Brokovich") can add another notch to his belt: "Bubble" is astonishingly economical and effective melodrama--down to the devastating last line. " ~About

I am so keyed up about this film Bubble but not for the typical reasons people flock to a movie. I don't know any of its stars. It's a slight story line and a shoestring budget, no special effects but it's everything I have come to believe a great movie should and could be. I fancy the idea of going to an indie movie and feeling like one of the first people to see a new talent up on the screen. I like simple scenery, unpretentious dialogue and a shorter running time. It makes the cast and location of the film seem accessible to me. I am transported to another place for a brief period of time.

Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh's will broadcast his new release on the high-definition network HDNet the night of its full theatrical release, Jan. 27, and also made available on DVD just four days later. Todd Wagner of Wagner/Cuban Companies said, "This is the only way that real entrepreneurs have a chance to have a shot in an industry run by huge studios."

"Bubble" is part of an early wave of experimentation with different release strategies that's distressing the powers that be. That is exciting news for myself, a first time screenwriter wondering what my options are for getting my screenplay made. News like this begins to even the playing field even if just in theory. Bubble was shot on high-definition digital cameras, using nonprofessional actors. The budget was 1.6 million dollars which is considered very cheap even for indie. There is a lot of debate as to what the limited release and DVD sales will mean for studio and theater profits, but from the perspective of someone positioned outside the process, I appreciate an Oscar winning director (Traffic) using his influence to shake things and making us look at what it means to give one and all admission to a creative endeavor.

Posted by Liz at 12:12 AM

January 27, 2006

Finally, A Real American Idol

"anybody can learn to sing, but not anybody can be like me" ~Rhonetta Johnson

Check her out!

Posted by Liz at 08:44 PM

Hot New Music (And don't forget the DVD)Whaaaaat?

The following post up in herr courtesy of: Jordan Galland

Read on to find out how you can win a SECRET SHOW of your very own.

Dearest Dopo Yume fans, friends and family,

I dont mean to turn anyone off by opening with a reference to Hollywood blockbusters and comic books this has a point! I promise - but is anyone excited for this summers x-men three? I ask, not because the trailer looks like a unique mixture of outbreak, the godfather, clockwork orange and care bears, which it certainly does and anyone willing to fight me on that is gonna learn the hard way that I can combine all sorts of irrelevant information and still make my point, but I ask because if you are familiar with the story, you know that Jean-Grey (Famke Jensen) died in x men two and if you are familiar with the myth of the phoenix bird (or Jesus Christ for that matter) you know and expect that on the third day, or in the third episode, or the third whatever, the person who has died, or more accurately, the person who has sacrificed herself, comes back to life. Not only does she come back to life, but she comes back with infinitely greater strength and ability, hence the fiery glow of energy around the phoenix bird. In the x-men three teaser/trailer, we see Jean-Grey who was killed in the last movie, walking around blowing metal doors out of her way with a look that says, I am back and more powerful than ever. To certain extent, Gandolf undergoes the same type of transformation from The fellowship of the Ring to the Two Towers.

Where is he going with this? Well, what is happening to Dopo Yume is not dissimilar to the phenomenon I just described. Obviously, there is no third episode and no sacrifice in the Dopo Yume saga. And there may not necessarily be a resurrection in the way we think of it. Nonetheless, you can feel it rustling in the trees, and trembling beneath the ground. It is the spirit of Dopo Yume and what some people might call a second album, others might call, the tenth album (if you count super immunity for kids, tape juice, dream Barbie Q, Glow in the Dark, etc.) and others still might call it a Secret Show.

Secret because we have to decided to quietly remove ourselves from the competition and retreat to place where only the music matters, what Melville calls an insular Tahiti, and we hope you will join us there.

We are proud to announce that the new Dopo Yume record entitled The Secret Show is now available exclusively at dopoyume.com. Japa Keenon, Adam Crystal, Jordan Galland Timo Ellis and Sean Lennon teamed up once again to bring you what we feel will be hailed the best second album of in the history of second albums, and will usher in a new era for second albums and beyond. The DVD of Jordans short film which he wrote with Sean and scored with Timo, David and Adam entitled "Smile for the Camera" and which one an award for best short at the NY International Independent Film and Video Festival in November is also available for purchase on our website, at the low price of $5 dollars if you purchase it with the the secret show. In related news, Domino, the band, featuring Domino, the singer, has a new line-up with Jordan on guitar, Sam on drums and old-timer David back on bass.

The Phoenix has risen!

WIN!
The first person to grab a photo of both David AND Jordan showing legs (in drag) from the site : dopoyume.com will receive a copy of the new cd. Send the photos to photos@dopoyume.com or reply to this message.

HINT: You will not find them in drag together. Meaning, you will need 2 different photos.

May the force be with you!

Posted by Liz at 08:38 AM

January 26, 2006

Hounded

We always called this my paparazzi shot. It's me in NYC of course and it looks like I'm being hounded by the photographer (That wasn't the case). I can only imagine what some celebs go through on a daily basis. Leaving your house is a chore and when the rag papers don't have any real dirt they spin the slightest thing into something.

Controversy has always surrounded me. I accept that about myself. That's my life as unconventional as it is. When I made a lot of my choices I had no idea they would be subject to misinterpretation. I was just being true to myself at the time. I have met some pretty unsavory characters too. Moving past them is something I do with ease these days, I barely stop for a glance.

The net has brought about a new breed of haters. Cowards who feel safe judging and obsessing about me as they savor my every word like ravenous vultures. I just block and delete- no biggie.

When you put yourself out there in a creative venture you get the "critics". Usually incapable of doing what you do, they despise you for your attempts. As any creative person knows you win some and you lose some. Your mistakes can be your greatest learning experience. I own my mistakes today and I have dear people who support me through the growing pains. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and face the small minded few who have nothing to spew but negativity. All I have to say to them is, thanks for all the power.

Oh yea, thats a Kiehls bag in my hand loaded with products and samples

Posted by Liz at 09:11 AM | Feedback (0)

January 24, 2006

The Other Shoe

Things have been going great lately, really great. I was saying to a friend that I can't believe how things are falling into place. I'm almost waiting for the other shoe to drop, I know wrong outlook.

This past weekend was CRAZY. I was moving new furniture in faster than I could get the old stuff out. The old stuff wasn't even old, so it was easy to give away. Of course I had help and didn't have to do it alone. Room after room switching and lifting, pushing and carrying. My aching back! These antiques are in mint condition and valuable.

Thank goodness I did go out Friday night. Ivan and I met Marilyn for dinner and then we help set up at the club. It was a great night, but I was so tired so early and I had had a nap earlier in the day. It was the week of moving things that tired me out. Ms. Jimmi met up with me and the usual suspects were in attendance. I even met former club kid pixie dust, who now resides in Philly.

I have posted a couple of new furniture pics. They have a great deal of sentimental value for me. There is a lot more furniture that I haven't gotten around to taking pics of yet.

While this bed is old- I'm the only person to have ever slept in it. What are the chances of that? *Note: The needlepoint/ flower pic over top of the night stand was done by me when I was 14 yrs old.

A family heirloom

Posted by Liz at 10:35 AM | Feedback (2)

January 22, 2006

Immaculate Humor Posted By A Former Catholic School Girl

My nieces are being raised in the Methodist church. My oldest niece discovered at Grandma's, rosary beads, holy cards and all the Catholic paraphernalia so for awhile she was intrigued. Yesterday, I gave her a crucifix that I found in a drawer and she politely told me, " I'm not into Catholics anymore." I laughed to myself and thought I'm not either hunny.

Posted by Liz at 10:50 AM | Feedback (2)

January 19, 2006

Antiquing

Recently I have acquired several antique pieces; Persian rugs, a brass bed and some other furniture including a secretarial, dressers and a cedar storage bench. It's quite a windfall of luxury items and I'm thrilled. The Persian rugs are gorgeous and in mint condition. The brass bed was never even slept in as crazy as that sounds. The antiques are heavy and sturdy looking. A person would spend quite a bit to go out and furnish a house this way. I'm very, very fortunate.

My taste has really evolved over time. There was a time when minimal was all I could tolerate, now I'm relishing antiques? Yes, I think it has a lot to do with recent influences in my choice of films and books. I appreciate the richness and quality of turn of the century to early 1900's craftsmanship. I still don't want a lot of things in my house, but a few elegant pieces and a brass bed to sleep on will be a rarefied treat.

Posted by Liz at 09:49 PM | Feedback (2)

January 18, 2006

Ciao Edie

The celebutant whose life went terribly wrong.

Edie Sedgwick was always my favorite Warhol superstar. I have read Edie: An American Biography a million times. In 1982-83 I purchased the VHS tape of Ciao Manhattan for a large sum and I still have the tape and yes, I've even watched it recently. Finally someone has made a clip I can share. Yes, if the name sounds familiar she is relatived to Kyra Sedgwick, the actress. I read in an article once that Kyra -Mrs. Kevin Bacon (Wow that six degrees thing is true) said Edie is considered a tragedy in her families history. In this clip Edie mentions two brothers committing suicide and that was the truth. Edie died of a drug overdose at the age of 28 in bed next to her husband. Read the book. Unlike that Oprah book club junk, Edie* an amazing true story of a drug addicted life in the fast lane.

EDIE SEDGWICK

http://groups.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=groups.groupProfile&groupid=100815461&Mytoken=F04D4F69-8588-12E1-A523DA4033D18BE339824250
Posted by Liz at 11:57 PM | Feedback (1)

January 16, 2006

2006 Thus Far

Well it's the 16th of january already. This year I have vowed to play close attention to everything. So how is that working out for me so far? Well pretty damned good I'd say. I have been mind boggling busy and challenged, but in a really good way. Information is coming my way in the form of fighter planes but I love it when that happens cause the message is loud and clear. Not surprisingly some new interesting people have turned up in my life and the old ones that remain have been great fun. I didn't make a resolution, I became resolved. Resolved to get more from my life and stop accepting minimal from others and myself.

Posted just because it's a cool ass pic and I'm a cool ass girl!

Posted by Liz at 03:15 PM | Feedback (1)

January 15, 2006

Winter Is Here

Yesterday, I woke just in the nick of time to make my hair appointment at 1pm. I was really due for a trim as evidenced in this pic from Fluid nightclub the night before...

A lot of not so tamed hair before the cut. click to enlarge

Anne the stylist and I were talking about how easy this Winter has been. Of course the importance of staying out of the sun and using an SPF every day was agreed upon. I'm outdoors a lot and I really haven't had to bundle up... YET. Last night that all changed. The temperature plummeted to 29 degrees and the wind is whipping; we even had a power outage. I'm off on Monday (MLK day) but after that I will be forced to deal with the elements.

Back in Jan. 5, 1904 Pennsylvania's temperature was -42. I can't imagine living and working in those conditions. Of course I will never forget the blizzard of 96'. There were 80 deaths and Philadelphia saw 30.7 inches (old record--21.3 on Feb 11-12, 1983). Fortunately, I have the kind of job that does cancel in bad weather, but bitter cold days don't count as bad weather.

The thing that is the most lovely about Winter of course is the snow covered scenery. I have been snowboarding and I love the view that comes with being on a mountain. Taking my nieces out to play in the snow is always fun when followed by a tradition of hot chocolate as their little socks and mittens dry on the heater. One Jan. about five years ago, I got my helix piercing done by Luis at Infinite Body Piercing. Afterwards I stepped out side and my friend and I walked down South St. I remarked at how good the cold felt on my new piercing and after that half hour walk in the cold, I never had a bit of pain.

The forecast for next week says a chance of showers. Highs in the low 40s and lows in the low 30s. At least I get an extra day to dig out my gloves scarf and hat. Brrrr

After the cut, still keeping warm.

Posted by Liz at 12:28 PM | Feedback (3)

January 14, 2006

Phobia

This is the third time today I tried to make this post. The last delay came in the form of a power outage so here I go again...

Last night, after a hellified week at the new gig we made our way to Fluid to burn off some stress. DJ Robert Drake and DJ Billy Muldoon and guest DJ Jason Kraley kept the party going with a fantastic mix of new wave, pop and rock. Ivan and I got there around 10:30pm and ran into a snag at the door concerning ID...I couldn't convince the doorman I was over 21! Drat! I hate when that happens. No seriously, Ivan misplaced his ID but got in anyway due to what I believe was his peace keeping skill of a non combative attitude with the rather big and burly doorman. I turned around and he was in! For more good fortune DJ Robert bestowed drinks tix on us. The vodka and cranberries called.

Everyone who is anyone was there! All the fabulous people including Robby & Sal, John and DJ Marilyn (AKA Pussy Galore) and Ricky. I even got to meet the one and only Kennie.The only person I was missing was The Divine one herself, Ms. Jimmi. After a couple of calls to her cell phone, I found out she had a family emergency and had to take a pass on the event. To bad Ms. Jimmi, you missed my little trip and fall scene in front of the bathroom. Once inside the bathroom Robby was there with a compact (lifesaver that he is!) so I could eliminate the shine. Whoa those vodkas and cranberries can really sneak up on a girl.

The day after...

After a rough night of hanging, I slept in and got up just in time to make my hair appointment. A little bit of sleep and few snips and I'm as good as new. Next adventure...this Friday is Sex Dwarf at Fluid.

Ivan the peacekeeper

Robby looking matte

Posted by Liz at 10:08 PM | Feedback (4)

January 12, 2006

Will the real Edie Sedgwick please stand up!

The late Edie

Siena Miller as the dull Edie.

The fabulous Edie

I have a great idea. Since Siena *yawn* Miller is Edie in the new Warhol biopic, why not do a Dumpsta Players Production starring The Divine Ms Jimmi? I think the casting is perfect! Ms Jimmi clearly has a the stage presence and the lip gloss required to pull it off. Hmm all thats needed now is to cast Warhol.

Posted by Liz at 08:06 PM | Feedback (1)

January 10, 2006

Philly's Finest

Some of you might know local DJ Robert Drake of WXPN-FM and Sex Dwarf at Fluid nightclub. If you don't know him shame on you because I know him and he is wonderful. Well the DJ has taken on a cool new project- he blogs. Reflections of a Rock Lobster is one impressive blog featuring splices of time out of one man's life. It's such a fun read you'll see.

Once again the craft of blogging brings forth into the light another talent amoung us. Blogging comes in many forms including picture blogs or a MySpace set up. If you haven't discovered the world of weblogs, get off the message boards (SO 2000!) and blog; Robert did it and he is a DJ!

Live and Direct From Philly- DJ Robert Drake

Posted by Liz at 09:23 PM | Feedback (1)

I Just Realized Something!

My entire front page is filled with cute gay boys and Nellie Olsen. HAHA! I Love it! I swear it was purely unintentional.

Love,
~L. XO

Posted by Liz at 08:55 PM | Feedback (2)

January 07, 2006

There's a New Site in Town

"A drag queen, an artist, an affected publicity whore, Diva: names I have been called. No matter what I was, I was always myself. Being yourself is never an easy proposition. A habitué of MAC Cosmetics and last call bar fly of the cologne bar and a somewhat OK queer brother. If life is a zoo, I am the Pink Bear. About as popular as a Pink Bear in a working class South Philly neighborhood; I press on. Whatever life may throw; it may not be pretty but at least I can be." ~ The Divine Ms. Jimmi

The Divine one herself has finally launched her long awaited website entitled of course, The Divine Ms. Jimmi. Now fans can have the Divine one all in one place; blog pictures and links. Her blog is so tender and humorous. The Divine Ms. Jimmi is a cast member of Philly's own theatrical troupe, The Dumpsta Players. Remember I was raving about them last month? Clearly a devoted friend and house wife Ms. Jimmi brings a sparkle to PinkyBear, her blog with every new post.

The best bloggers are the ones that have a life and a point of view. Ms. Jimmi, a local entertainer never holds back on either. She jumps into life with heels on and all. Jimmi embraces life with a the show must go on attitude. When I click on her link I can feel the love as well as pretty and pink!

The Divine One and Our Friend Robby

Posted by Liz at 11:27 PM | Feedback (3)

January 05, 2006

Project Runway: Nicky You're Out!

I know I said I was done with it after last weeks cut of my beloved Daniel Franco, but last night I was back on it like a crack head who just scored some rock. Back and loving every minute of it after I swore off it. What can I say, I'm weak for fashion and I always have been. I can quit anytime I want too, I just don't want too!

Project Runway featured that boring ding dong of a Hilton, Nicky. Like anyone cares what she thinks but there we were, stuck with her none the less. She ended up picking Santino's dress and enjoying the fact that he handed out his business card at her party. I thought in this context, it was very tacky, but I guess I don't have the same taste level of a Hilton (Where is Nicky's nude sex tape by the way?). What slays me is that Nicki did not appear comfortable or fashionably dressed at a party she was suppose to be hosting. She acted no more like a hostess than the bartender. Heidi Klum was hosting that joint. Also, did I see Richi Rich at the festivities? How fabulous would it have been for the designers to have to dress this former club kid and have him judge? Oh. My. God. Richie Rich of Heatherette is off the chain! Nicky Hilton and her "clothing line" -such a snoozer. It's is as boring as her espressionless face. Why is that her and Paris have no facial expressions?

In other news- I have so so much going on in my life right now I can't even begin to get into it here. That, and the fact that it's private bitches, so step off! (Why am I so "street" today? I hate that expression "off the chain.") Anyway, it will come out in drips and drabs. As always thanks for reading. And if you have anything rude to say, just know that I can & will delete your ass with the quickness- so save your typing skills for more useful things.

~Liz XO

It's all about Richie Rich bitches. Nicky who??

Posted by Liz at 01:12 PM | Feedback (3)

January 04, 2006

My Muse

Situation By: Yaz

Blue eyed dressed for every situation
Moving through the doorway of a nation
Pick me up and shake the doubt
Baby I can’t do without

Move out, don’t mess around
Move out, you bring me down
Move out, how you get about

When I write something, I have an image of the character in my head. In my case I do draw from people I know. This is who was in my mind for my screenplay. This is my muse.

beauty and brains- Jordan!

Posted by Liz at 08:57 PM | Feedback (3)

January 01, 2006

Bustin a rhyme for 2006

Bitches rule! Photo courtesy of Allison Arngrim's amazing site

No resolutions just the courage of convictions

If you have been slighting in 2005-

Then you may be in for an unexpected surprise.

No one will wait for you to get it together

Pick up your pace, we haven't got forever.

If we haven't conversed in the past 24-

Really and truly, don't darken my door.

Posted by Liz at 01:13 AM | Feedback (0)