Obama Art
Posted by Liz at 06:42 PM
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Due to the nature of my job mornings are stressful. Everyone is in everyones way... well they certainly are in my way. Some people don't mind presenting an extra challenge at 6AM and for me, that just doesn't work. At pre-dawn, I feel like Travis Bickle.
"You talkin to me?"
Did anyone reading this see Intervention Monday night? Well there was this 32 year old woman named Tressa. She is a meth addict from Nebraska. They showed loads of pics from her childhood and clearly from a very young age she was a tomboy (AKA Lesbian). The bad news is her family, including her sister are Christian and don't accept her sexuality. She got caught up in the GLBT bar scene and drugs.
"Christian" Dad committed adultery and left his marriage to be with the woman he is still with today and he can't accept his daughter? Tressa is a former shot- putter champion yet for all her achievements, the family wants her to find a man and have kids. It was positively HORRIFYING to see the emotional abuse of denial this woman existed under. I would have turned to meth as well under that level of stress. With all of that said, click on to Rosie's latest blog post. IT IS AMAZING! Rosie reaches out to Tressa, who is now clean and sober and offers her a chance of a lifetime. An opportunity to know she is not alone and there is hope for her future. Like many, many others I wish Tressa all kinds of health and happiness.
The Village Voice has just released their annual Pazz+Jop list of the top songs of the year.
According to their survey of music critics, here are the Top Ten songs of 2007. "Stronger" and "Young Folks" were my personal favs. Hell, the latter is my ring tone.
1 - Amy Winehouse "Rehab"
2 - Rihanna "Umbrella"
3 - LCD Soundsystem "All My Friends"
4 - Feist "1234"
5 - Justice "D.A.N.C.E."
6 - M.I.A. "Paper Planes"
7 - Kanye West "Stronger"
8 - Outkast "International Players Anthem"
9 - Peter Bjorn & John "Young Folks"
10 -Battles "Atlas"
Last night was Bush's final state of the union address. Fortunately I was able to ignore it and focus on the amazing speech Senator Ted Kennedy gave earlier in the day endorsing Barack Obama. Senator Kennedy actually says straight and gay and not "same sex." He talks about the war and openly says it never should have happened. Healthcare, caring for one another and hope for the country we know we can be, the country we all want.
The entire time he was speaking all I could think about was my Irish immigrant grandmother and her worship of the Kennedy's. That family is truly an iconic part of American history and yesterday Ted Kennedy along with son Patrick and niece Caroline reminded us why. Senator Kennedy spoke with such passion and a sincere love for this country and public service. It was really tremendous to see and hear.
Thanks to all who voted for Bush........twice!
Ok, I know this girl.....I know several in fact.
William Torres - An idiot drug dealer from Allentown who was arrested wearing this hot outfit!
Check out some of the funny comments left by readers of Dlisted.com....
*He must have good shit!
*Oh my god! I didn't know garden gnomes could deal drugs!
*Mind you, lion slippers do send a clear warning that this fellow is not to be... fuck.. I tried to save him.
*You just know he was all , "Wait officer, let me get my slippers on."
And finally...
*LOL. Somebody deals drugs from his grandma's basement!
"This video from Flight of the Conchords and is called Foux de Fa Fa, makes fun of hazy, dazey mid-sixties French Ye-Ye in a way nobody else ever thought to do because they were too busy flipping out over the genre's innate coolness. If you are from or have ever spent time in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, you will notice that Fabiane's on Bedford Avenue plays a key role in the clip, which is kind of fun." ~ No Good For Me.com
I want Swarovski crystals on my phone. Who knows if I'll ever actually get around to doing it, but when an idea pops in my head it's usually a signal that it's a go. I just need a change and it seems like a fun little crafty project.
So here goes my list:
1. I’d like to spend more time with my family and friends. That’s why my first trip this year will be with my mother to a sparkling place full of magic!
2. Stress is out, being zen is in! I’ll give myself the time at the gym or at the yoga class to reload my batteries. And think about a fresh approach to the guest room.
3. I’ve decided to move forward with my love life. I’ve had enough of virtual relationships. I’m in for a real romance with someone who truly wants to stand by my side!
4. Jobwise, I need to stick to my project for a new gig. I want to convince the best possible place of my skills.
5. And to motivate myself to hold on to my resolutions, I’ll reward myself with a new hairstyle.
As things heat up in the South (The South, God help us all) Margaret Cho writes a nice piece on Huffington Post that gives me pause. Why are we non white men expected to pick a side like a kid in grade school?
Like Brando, his good looks are timeless however Lee Strasberg, who trained Newman at the Actor's Studio, said that he would have been as great an actor as Marlon Brando if he hadn't been so handsome. According to Strasberg, Newman had the talent, but he too often relied on his good looks to coast through a role.
He is only one of five performers to be nominated for an Oscar twice for playing the same role in two separate films. He played as Fast Eddie Felson in The Hustler (1961) and The Color of Money (1986), Peter O'Toole as Henry II in Becket (1964) and The Lion in Winter (1968), Al Pacino as Michael Corleone for The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather: Part II (1974), Bing Crosby as Father O'Malley in Going My Way (1944) and The Bells of St. Mary's (1945) and Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth I in Elizabeth (1998) and Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007).
"Fortunately I am not the first person to tell you that you will never die. You simply lose your body. You will be the same except you won't have to worry about rent or mortgages or fashionable clothes. You will be released from sexual obsessions. You will not have drug addictions. You will not need alcohol. You will not have to worry about cellulite or cigarettes or cancer or AIDS or venereal disease. You will be free." -Cookie Mueller
I know all the stuff about a two party system and one being as bad as the other but at least the Democrats don't hate gay people and are willing to openly back the GLBT community and considering all that the GLBT community contribute to society, it's only right.
Update: More on the Homophobic Republicans...
Yesterday a friend helped me retrieve some pics from an old laptop and I was able to retrieve this pic. This photo is me snowboarding in Killington Vermont. Memories from that weekend are as follows:
We had a snowboard instructor but I was unable to stop the way he did so instead I would throw myself on the ground in order to stop. After a day of going up and down that hill my body ached and I headed straight for a hot soak in the tub at the end of the day. When I got home, I realized I had a huge bruise down the side of my thigh. It was pretty frightening and I enjoyed showing it too everyone. The boots I selected were WAY too big and this is the first time I learned the value of wool socks. I took a camera with me that day because I was determined to get a picture of ME snowboarding. I figured it would be my first and only time and so far I'm right, but I cherish this memory.
I love snooping around celebrity homes but I don't want to get caught in the bushes so instead I've resorted to this great blog about stars real estate purchases. Check out where a celeb lands after a nasty divorce or Conan O' Brien's new digs in Brentwood CA- gorgeous!
I love the book cases on either side of the fireplace.
Art deco kitchen-amazing.
My Dream Homes:
Yesterday it snowed and I transported several kids home on slick, windy roads. My bus fish tailed as I kept one eye on my distance from the embankments. I turn my radio off and my two way up. Messages bounce back and forth constantly. Drivers are stuck, roads are icing up and it's hell. This monumental responsibility is in fact an Xtreme sport. Look, I've been snowboarding and that was nothing compared to driving a bunch of other people's kids in a top heavy vehicle. If I do say so myself I'm the perfect person for the job; I love the adrenaline rush.
Monday is MLK Day and thankfully I'm off. I need the break after this week. I plan on taking to my bed for the next three days DVD's in player, remote in hand. I apologize in advance for the social engagements I won't attend or the phone calls I won't return but even we Xtreme sport athletes need a break.
I snapped this pic outside my window at a stop.
Hope and patience are two sovereign remedies for all, the surest reposal, the softest cushions to lean on in adversity.
--Robert Burton
It is just as easy to think, "I can" as it is to think, "I can't." Both attitudes are habitual orientations to life that can become automatic with practice. Neither attitude has as much to do with the task at hand as it does with the inner spirit of the person facing the task. In either case, the task is the same - only the attitude is different.
But what a difference! The "I can" people are the ones we want to spend time with and to use as models. These are the people who either have never lost, or have worked to regain the positive outlook we are all born with. It never occurs to a baby, for example, that all that staggering and falling means he or she will never learn to walk. Babies grow, move forward, and succeed. They haven't learned to hang back or fear defeat. Knee-jerk negativity is something we can all do without. Let's backtrack to that time in our lives when all things were possible ... because they still are.
Today, I will focus on my successes. "I can" is my credo.
"Find some other
poor sucker to abuse" ~ Josh, Ghost World
Brad Renfro was found dead today at the tender age of 25. Brad had a supporting role in one of my all time favorite movies and I will be so sad now whenever I watch it. He was adorable. I enjoyed several of his movies but in the last few years he was a wreck. I could post a bad picture of him but let's just remember him this way. The disease of addiction was kicking his ass. Today it won.
Joe the Engineer (2008) (in production) (attached) .... Joe
The Informers (2008) (filming) .... Jack
... aka Bret Easton Ellis' The Informers (USA: complete title)
10th & Wolf (2006) .... Vincent
"Law & Order: Criminal Intent" .... Duane Wilson (1 episode, 2006)
... aka Law & Order: CI (USA: promotional abbreviation)
- Watch (2006) TV episode .... Duane Wilson
Coat Pockets (2005) .... Kenny
The Jacket (2005) .... The Stranger
Hollywood Flies (2004) (TV) .... Jamie
Mummy an' the Armadillo (2004) .... Wyatte
The Car Kid (2003)
The Job (2003/I) .... Troy Riverside
American Girl (2002/I) .... Jay Grubb
... aka Confessions of an American Girl (USA: video title)
Deuces Wild (2002) .... Bobby
... aka Deuces Wild - Wild in den Straßen (Germany)
Ghost World (2001) .... Josh
Bully (2001) .... Marty Puccio
... aka Bully (France)
Tart (2001) .... William Sellers
... aka Naïve (Canada: French title)
Happy Campers (2001) .... Wichita
The Theory of the Leisure Class (2001) .... Billy
Meter Man (2000) .... Sal
Skipped Parts (2000) .... Dothan Talbot
... aka The Wonder of Sex (UK)
Herschel Hopper: New York Rabbit (2000) .... Tanner
2 Little, 2 Late (1999) .... Jimmy Walsh
Apt Pupil (1998) .... Todd Bowden
... aka Élève doué, L' (Canada: French title)
... aka Un élève doué - Été de corruption (France)
Telling Lies in America (1997) .... Karchy 'Chucky'/'Slick' Jonas
Sleepers (1996) .... Young Michael Sullivan
Tom and Huck (1995) .... Huck Finn
... aka The Adventures of Tom and Huck
... aka Tom Sawyer
The Cure (1995) .... Erik
The Client (1994) .... Mark Sway
Is there no one who can get through to Britney Spears?
The Dog Whisperer, maybe? The Ghost Hunters? Stacy and Clinton from What Not to Wear? Chef Ramsey from Hell's Kitchen? Anybody? Anybody at all??
Oh well, at least the kids are getting a break from the crazy.
Village Voice columnist Michael Musto has a thrilling new blog you must be sure to check out. Stay hip and current via Musto! He is still doing his V.V. column but he's dishing daily now as well.
PS. Can anyone help me do that RSS feed thingy?
PS. Can anyone help me do that RSS feed thingy?
PS. Can anyone help me do that RSS feed thingy?
PS. Can anyone help me do that RSS feed thingy?
Today in the city along with Jimmi we helped my loving friend and mentor Freddy celebrate his latest success and work on my resume. Earlier in the week Freddy and I planned a "business" brunch at the Mid-town Continental and I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere is really fun but when the place fills up it really gets noisy due to the booth and table setup with high ceilings. Fortunately we were leaving just as it was getting hectic, but brunch was delicious and the service was good.
(top) Jimmi and Freddy had desert, I drank my desert. (middle) Freddy and me. (below) Jimmi.
Sephora was across the street and that meant the following for me: More Strivetin, L'Occitane lotion and a Chanel perfume sample. After we found the perfect fragrance for Freddy (He went with my choice, Gucci) we sent Freddy on his way and hopped into a cab.
Off to Julie's swinging new bachelorette pad. Looks as though I visited her in LA just in time because she is back in Philly and loving it. Yes people believe it or not, someone actually left Cali for cheese steak loving Kill-a-delphia. It's a no-brainer when you have a gorgeous niece you want to be near. I totally get that concept. Julie's new loft is fabulous and I'm thrilled to have a girlfriend close by plus she gave me some cool home accessories left over from the transition.
Freddy and I are working on resume stuff again this week and I got some great interview wardrobe ideas from Julie. I have a whole team working with me and they are so supportive and interested in seeing me succeed. We know it's a process but I'm going to take every step necessary to get there in 2008. Yep, it was a delightful day.
"Let me pull out the AGE CARD. I am old, and luckily my years have taught me one thing that may reassure you now: In our lives, we actually have MANY lives. One "life" eventually peters out, and before we know it, we have shifted over to a new completely different life. That may last 5 years or so, and BAM along comes yet another life... until we die this cycle continues. And guess what? Each of these lives enriches us immeasurably. You will learn invaluable and wonderful things - and meet new fascinating people - in EACH life. If you are now sliding away from one life into another, just know that you won't ever lose all the good you gleaned from the previous life. The best of it will stay with you always. But your mind and soul need to make room for new challenges and adventures. Embrace it, and know it is good." ~ Anonymous blog poster
I read this paragraph this morning and it really resonates with me. Jimmi and I always laugh when we find ourselves in situations or places we were in during the 80's.
"I never thought this would become a lifestyle, Jimmi cries"
We laugh at ourselves all along the way. As I write this blog I wonder if the people who know me in real life can believe what a home body I've become- ME! I was never that person and now for me, it's all about three little girls. I'm completely shocked at myself. I guess I'm onto another life as the above author suggests. I have different friends then I had five years ago and I'm thrilled and content. I don't want my old life back, I'm loving this new life even with all it's pitfalls. This year holds even more possibilities and I'm excited to get started. It's my life.
I love what she says regarding these rip off student loans and kids who don't go to college having a chance at being middle class. That hasn't been true since my PARENTS generation. Can you imagine not having a college degree and being able to get a house comparable to the one you grew up in? These days, not without family backing or multiple jobs.
Hillary looked so happy this morning on TV. I'm sure that was a huge relief for her. Obama didn't lose by much people. I really hope he wins South Carolina. I hope every damned able bodied African-American turns out to give Obama their vote. That is such a racist state. Remember they wanted to keep flying the confederate flag over the Capital dome? UGH!
As much as I would love to see a woman president, I hope Obama wins so people can finally begin to get over race in this country and if they can't get over race at least know hate isn't working for them. I pray that African-Americans come out in record numbers to embrace this opportunity. I would love to this country finally round a corner and let's face it, the concerns of the African-American community closely mirror my own and those of most working class people.
My parents generation is what I call the "white flight" generation. That 70+ age range is still hung up on race. I hope they are forced to cope with a...dum dee dee dum... BLACK PRESIDENT!!!!!!! I'd rather enjoy watching that myself.
The weather is gorgeous again today. High 50's mid January? I'll take it however I'm starting to catch a cold or something. I started a Z-pak today in case it's that thing going around. I already have plans on Saturday so I want to be well.
I got on the scale this morning and I didn't gain any weight over the holidays. Usually I'm on a big health kick but lots of extras including champagne crept in there so I was relieved.
Recently, there was an episode of Project Runway where the designers had to rework old, really bad fashion trends. Among overalls and shoulder pads, one of those trends was neon. Maybe Posh Spice took this episode to heart? Here she is rocking the neon...
Need a good devastating cry? I found a category called Kleenex & Fetal Position Time on Netflix. Someone (Not me) made it up, isn't it great? Then they go on to list some of the most major tearjerkers of my life. On a few of these, I recall sobbing in dark theaters, while others I was home lapsing into a dark mood it would take me days to shake and still others I simply made a conscience decision to spare myself the agony.
Dancer in the Dark- Dark mood for days time.
House of Sand and Fog- Dark mood for days time.
The Sea Inside- Made a conscience decision to spare myself.
White Light, Black Rain - Made a conscience decision to spare myself.
The Devil Came on Horseback- Made a conscience decision to spare myself.
Ghosts of Abu Ghraib- Made a conscience decision to spare myself.
Happiness- Dark mood for days time.
Heir to an Execution- Dark mood for days time.
Mayor of the Sunset Strip- Made a conscience decision to spare myself.
Jacob's Ladder- Dark mood for days time.
Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man- Dark mood for days time.
God Grew Tired of Us- Dark mood for days time.
The Sheltering Sky- Made a conscience decision to spare myself.
Brokeback Mountain- Sobbed in movie theater
Dead Poets Society- Dark mood for days time.
Hotel Rwanda- Dark mood for days time.
Leaving Las Vegas- Dark mood for days time.
Terms of Endearment- Sobbed in movie theater
A Streetcar Named Desire- Dark mood for days time.
Pan's Labyrinth- Made a conscience decision to spare myself.
Edward Scissorhands- Sobbed in movie theater
Saint of 9/11- Made a conscience decision to spare myself.
Life Is Beautiful- Dark mood for days time.
The Color Purple- Dark mood for days time.
Dead Man Walking- Dark mood for days time.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind- Dark mood for days time.
When the Levees Broke- Dark mood for days time.
Born Into Brothels- Made a conscience decision to spare myself.
Bad Omen for the GOP:
Total Voter Turnout (approximate)
356,000
Percentage of total vote
24.5% Obama
20.5% Edwards
19.8% Clinton
11.4% Huckabee (R) ~ Say's it all doesn't it?
On top of the above stats is the fact that 92 percent of Iowa is white. What a glorious moment for America. It's about time this country stood up and did something to be proud of. A vote was cast that had nothing to do with race but was based on a need to be rid of these tyrannical Republicans and a desperation to end this war. Obama's speech was brilliant. It was chilling when he said the story of his life and heritage is one that could only happen in America.
With that said John Edwards pulled no punches. His straightforward talk about corporate greed and a broken health care system resonates in the hearts of us all. The war on the middle class has to be stopped. With the least money spent, Edwards managed to come in second in Iowa. His authentic speech contained no fear tactics or the usual rhetoric, just a heartfelt desire to squash the powers that be and get back to a country we can feel proud of. A country that includes everyone.
I have a lot of studying to do. Looks like I will be planted at the bookstore this weekend. I see very clearly now that preparation is key!
So far my blog is more personal in 08' so here goes yet another tidbit from my life. I want a new job. Don't get me wrong I love what I'm doing but various circumstances in 07' made it clear that I need to travel a different path. I always say no time like the present! (I think someone else said that as well.)
Anyway, I have a mentor now. Isn't that exciting? This is a caring, gorgeous, intelligent, successful person who has what I want and he is teaching me how to get it. He is just want I needed in my life and it's funny because I always thought the only person who would take an interest in my betterment and well being would have to come in the form of a romantic relationship and this isn't the case. He is a gift and a joy and he believes in me.
Last night was a huge success for Jimmi and I. Everything went as well as it possibly could and that's always a plus. I always know Jimmi is going to deliver, but sometimes audiences aren't the best. We have had that experience. Thankfully last night was awesome. I ached this morning from standing and videoing in one place for so long. We drove to the event and you should have seen the people standing in the streets of Philly trying to hail a cab- crazy impossible. Later we went back to Jimmi's place and had tomato pie. I haven't had that in eons!
