Happiness
Today at Jesse's Chinese art exhibit.
The sisters in Chinese dresses.
Posted by Liz at 04:57 PM
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"In the words of Gloria Steinem, "I feel like our future has come back." And indeed it has. For in the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., "No lie can last forever." What Bobby Kennedy tried to do, and was killed for trying; what Martin Luther King tried to do, and was killed for trying; what the students at Kent state were trying to protest, and were killed for daring to; Barack Obama and his army of millions of idealists with the audacity to hope have now succeeded at doing." ~ Marianne Williamson
It so soothing to look at steps. I viewed every single picture.
Today at Jesse's Chinese art exhibit.
The sisters in Chinese dresses.
"Banksy lurks in the shadows, outside the klieg lights of the celebrity he's generated. He shrinks from cameras like a vampire from the sun. The graffiti artist, whose work has fetched millions of dollars at auction houses from the likes of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, has never been publicly identified." (Read the story here.)
Related articles:
It's Andre Leon Tally and Naomi "Nutjob" Campbell. I love Andre even after he saddled Jennifer Hudson with that bolero jacket at the Oscars however he looks like someones rich old granny here. Those shoes and that coat with the huge broach on the head scarf! This photo reminds me of the fun you have when you finally get access to grandmother's closet and jewelry box.
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Hayden Christensen on the cover of Italian Vogue. How gorgeous is this cover? Why don't American magazines ever look like this- European!
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Here is Oscar winner, Tatum O'Neal leaving the courthouse after her drug bust. She is my age and so, so beautiful even without make-up. I'm sure personally she is hell on wheels to deal with but from a fan's perspective I really wish her well. Apparently she thanked the police officer for snatching her out of what could have been a deadly situation. That sounds to me like she has enough recovery to know this bottom saved her life. I can't help but root for her.
Who is this Shepard Fairey? He is a skate punk -- with a secretary. A CEO in Puma sneakers. The rebel who did Pepsi ads. If you live in a big city, including Washington, you have probably seen his handiwork. Since 1989, during his student days at the Rhode Island School of Design, Fairey has been slapping stickers and pasting posters depicting the face of the Andre the Giant, the deceased French actor and professional wrestler, on every available surface, legal and not. Fairey has spent two decades shimmying up lampposts and over chain-link fences in a tenacious public art enterprise, irony performed on a landscape scale. Thousands of his Andre stickers include the word "OBEY" in bold lettering. What are we dealing with here? Obey what? Obey whom? A giant from France? Aha. You have cracked the code. It is reverse psychology. ( Pssst! Don't obey.)
"The graphic was popularized in the early 1970s by a pair of brothers, Murray and Bernard Spain, who seized upon it in a campaign to sell novelty items. The two produced buttons as well as coffee mugs, t-shirts, bumper stickers and many other items emblazoned with the symbol and the phrase "Have a happy day" (devised by Gyula Bogar). It can show many different emotions." ~ wikipedia
I am seeing these smilie faces all over. It's like when I was a kid in the 70's and they were every where you looked. I snapped this picture this morning and right after this truck turned, a car appeared in front of me with a smilie on a bumper sticker. Between gas lines at the cheaper stations and smilies, it's like the 70's all over again. Now that I've mentioned it you will see them every where too.
Yesterday I took my oldest niece, Jesse to the Frida Kahlo (July 6, 1907 – July 13, 1954) exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The other two nieces (ages 6 & 3) wanted to stay home with Grandmom and bake cookies. Besides my Mother, my niece is the perfect person to take to a museum. At only 8 years old, she really appreciates art and is quite the artist herself. With the benefit of audio, the exhibit comes alive and we left the museum with a better understanding of Realism, Symbolism, and Surrealism. I love the Salma Hayek movie Frida and the exhibit was loaded with actual photographs of Frida and her family as depicted in the film. After seeing this film I began researching Frida and really became a fan of her work, her politics and the struggle that was her life and marriage so it was a huge treat for me to see these works up close.
Jesse photo by: Aunt Lizzy
The Museum photo by: Liz
* A good page loaded with many of the paintings we saw.
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!
The editor of Philly magazine is comparing Philly to Boston and New York. According to him we come up short, naturally. Has anyone ever checked out Philadelphia magazine? It is your go to mag for the latest in fine dining and plastic surgeons. It's an elitist rag that caters to the wealthy, Jewish residents of Philadelphia. As expected the vast African-American, working class community is ignored.
Author D. Herbert Lipson, whose family has published Philly Mag since 1946 is appalled that Walnut Street isn't attracting more upscale chain stores. He notes,
Not so long ago, a national high end retailer wanted to put a store on Walnut Street. A couple of executives drove down from New York one day, parked their limo on Walnut, and gazed out through tinted windows...at the slovenly crowd passing by. Then they drove back to New York, after coming to an easy decision: Philadelphia is not the place for high end retail.
I would suggest said executives maybe witnessed too many African- Americans for their liking? There is plenty of high end retail on Walnut Street. The truth is center city is flooded with former New Yorkers who decided it was more important to have a savings account then a New York city address. They seem to be managing here quite nicely. Myself and friends joke all the time- you can spot always the recovering New Yorkers in the crowd, they still haven't had the poles surgically removed from their nether regions.
Sure Philadelphians tend to be rather...shall we say... casual in dress and demeanor but some might say it's part of Philly's unpretentious, down-to-earth nature that sets us apart from the wannabe's. Blatant racism and classicism are more to the point when it comes to anything regarding Philadelphia magazine and it's editor.
Today my oldest niece and I took in the Pierre Auguste Renoir Landscape exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I have a friend who works there and he gave me two free passes. The other two nieces (ages 6 & 3) wanted to stay home with Grandmom and bake cookies. Besides my Mom, my niece is the perfect person to see something like this with. At only 8 years old, she really appreciates art is quite the artist herself. With the benefit of audio, the exhibit comes alive and we left the museum with a better understanding of French impressionism. Click below where I have included just a small sampling of the amazing paintings we saw. They really were so brilliant and colorful in person. I also picked up a Van Gogh (Starry Night) cutting board in the museum gift shop for my Mom's upcoming birthday.
Click here and see my latest Halloween creation! I sent this one to friends on facebook so add me if you haven't already.
* Lindsey Lohan- At least she is in treatment again and seems to be taking it seriously this time. We shall see. Word on the street is she is through with Hollywood for now and that would make sense if she has decided to put her recovery first.
* Britney Spears- She is resistant to treatment and seems to be in denial. A judge warned her to stay clean and sober and she was clubbing in LA the next night. A lot of damage can be done in that denial stage. Her life is unraveling very quickly and she is only 26 years old.
*Lauryn Hill- Totally off the deep end and many around her confess it is substance abuse. She seems to have some mental health issues as well which will make a potential journey back a long one.
*Amy Winehouse- A tragedy waiting to happen at this point. Only 23 years old and no where near getting treatment, Amy may not make it through another drug run. Sad.
Lindsey Channels Elizabeth Taylor.
This whole OJ mess unfold. It's like 12 years ago again with the media coverage.
The whole Britney mess. Her addiction is spiraling out of control. It's that simple and that complicated. I don't envy her family.
Dear God help me, but yes- I'm watching The Hills with some form of dedication.
The Night of the Iguana (1964) on DVD. Based on a play by Tennessee Williams.
This great blog written by a southern, queer disabled woman of color. She goes by the name, misscripchick. Cute and smart all rolled into one. I'm loving her blog.
And finally......I'm watching my eyebrows get thicker.
Today's pic
Friday night we took my nieces to see the Tutankhamen exhibit. I was dying to see it this summer and it turned out to be the last big hurrah for the season.
The way the exhibit was displayed was amazing. They really tried to take you into 1922 Cairo. My favorite part of the exhibit was rounding a corner to see a large photo of steps and a quote by archaeologist Howard Carter pertaining to the moment he was about to discover the tomb of the "boy king."
King Tut was only one year older than my oldest niece. I told the girls this would be a once in a life time chance for them to see the treasures unless they travel to Cairo where the exhibit will retire to a new museum. The girls were really fascinated and decided on the way home to construct their own little museum to play with. Tut had a throne made for his Aunt. I was sure to point that out to the girls and they just laughed at me.
After the exhibit, we ate a fine dinner at a Tut inspired restaurant within the museum. I have never eaten dinner in a museum. It was a new fun experience and I was so glad to share it with the girls.
Watch this one. It's about a relationship and it's 70 minutes long.
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Read this really smart blog post about video games and art blah, blah, blah. Is there any such thing as art? Good question.
A. Richard Allen is the illustrator and I really like this stuff. Click here to check him out.
Do you look at Picasso's and think to yourself, "I could do that!"
Well click here for your chance! This is great fun on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Hit this link to witness my genius and the genius of others!
See my "hair club 4 men" original right here.
I'm baffled. I read these blogs made by gays and when a gay person like Rosie O'Donnell who has some viewing audience power and uses that power for the rights of gay marriage and impeaching Bush, certain gays are the first ones to slam her and her millions of supporters (straight and gay) with terms like "cult followers." They make snarky remarks about her and accuse her of grand standing never once acknowledging that the news media (especially Fox) blasts about her on a daily basis because they are homophobes! The gay run blogs I'm reading want to fawn over old alcoholic Hollywood starlets like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford or the new celebrities, all the while undermining current out activists like Rosie.
Roseanne Barr recently took heat for the following statement...
"Never once in my 54 years have I ever once heard a gay or lesbian person who’s politically active say one thing about anything that was not about them. They don’t care about minimum wage, they don’t care about any other group other than their own self because you know, some people say being gay and lesbian is a totally narcissistic thing and sometimes I wonder.
I’ve never heard any of them say anything except for “accept me ‘cause I’m gay.”
It’s just, it’s screwed. It’s no different than the evangelicals, it’s the same mindset. They want you to accept Jesus and you guys want us to all believe it’s ok to be gay. And a lot of us, a lot of them, I do, I don’t give a damn who anybody has sex with, as long as they’re not underage and an animal. I don’t give a damn, it’s none of my damn business. I’m just sick of all the divisiveness, it’s not getting any of us anywhere. "
As a straight person, I feel for where she is coming from on the divisive note. The gays as much as I love them really do befuddle me. Gay marriage and equal rights sure, but they are amazingly tolerant on these blogs when self-proclaimed Republican commentors show up with some flattering fodder. You're annoyed with Rosie again why? Oh I believe some have referred to HER ego. Interesting.
The bottom line is it's the Internet. You never have to post your picture or give your real name. You can leave it all to the imagination of your readers. You can spin a whole righteous, relevant life for yourself when the truth in some cases is quite different. Now I don't believe that a gay person has to automatically like every other gay person but in this case gang, let's face it... you don't have too many prominent gays with cross over status pleading your case. Most of the time you have to settle for being happy when they are willing to come out.
In my quest for left wing blog reading, I think I'll stick with The Huffington Post because the men that take an occasional swipe at Rosie are straight and apparently never watched her on The View and have no vested interest in her causes.
I love lighting. Neon lights or any special effects lighting. Have you seen this new graffiti art form yet? Of course you haven't cause I'm just telling you about it now. :)
"Every year, Broadway Cares throws a benefit in New York City (called Broadway Bares) using various Broadway and Off-Broadway dancers to perform in a one night only burlesque show (yep, HOT straight and gay boys and girls stripping down to almost nothing!!!!!) that raises money for people living with HIV and AIDS. Philly is now doing a show called Philly Dares: Simply Irresistible that is inspired by this, and yours truly has been quite involved with the show - from writing, to co-directing, to helping produce, the whole nine yards!
The benefit show will be on Saturday, February 24th. The show is at 8pm at the Gershman Y in Philly (Broad and Pine Streets, where they have Gay Bingo). The money raised from this event will go to a couple of well-deserving charities - Broadway Cares, which has raised the most money in the US for HIV and AIDS to date, and Sapphire Fund, which also does the Blue Ball event each year." ~ Fred Shelly, Director
Last night I participated in a local cable TV talk show discussion about singles and why more than 50% of American woman are now single. There are officially more singles than married woman now. The panelists were great and here are some of the excellent reasons we came up with as to why more woman are choosing to stay single. The reasons shouldn't come as a shock if you are a daily reader of this blog.
* Woman are unwilling to settle for less than what they want in a partner.
* While many women still want to be married they are taking their time choosing a mate. Getting married in your twenties is no longer required.
* Many have seen parents in unhappy marriages and don't want to repeat that marriage.
* There are more women in college today than men and woman want a career.
* Women can support themselves financially.
* Women feel men play games when dating, have too many problems and don't make good husbands in many instances.
* Finally, there is no longer any such thing as a "spinster or old maid."
Photo Credit: Buzz Foto
Newsweek's cover story this week is the disgusting Paris Herpes and trailer trash queen Britney Spears. The article talks about the new "girls gone wild" culture that markets itself too young girls. Gone is the "lady-like" behaviour I was brought up with, now it's all about not wearing panties, making sure everyone knows and kissing other girls for the purpose of enticing young men.
Check out this stunning picture of Ivanka Trump leaving Hyde Saturday night. She is completely covered up in a beautifully tailored loose fitting coat and simple pumps with her hair pulled back. Audrey Hepburn revisited. She looks finishing school elegant - and the polar opposite of many young women who stumble out of the club in tiny skirts, flimsy tops and loads of hair extensions. Take note girls, this is what separates you from all the others- class and elegance. Plus, it's nice to not have to wrangle with a drug problem for the rest of your life. You can be busy doing fun things.
Last week I was walking past the TV and and they were playing a clip from the Oprah show. O' was asking kidnap victim Shawn Hornbeck's parents if they thought Shawn had been molested over his four year kidnapping ordeal. They responded, yes. Well O' what did you think? Did you think some freak who steals peoples kids is just the tooth fairy? I was so pissed off that she was going for every sorted detail. She is no better than Jerry Springer. She is a mouth piece, living for ratings, making billions. Oprah has the greatest pyramid scheme going. EVERYTHING she does these days generates more income and tax breaks for her empire. Aren't her good works the least she could do considering? Isn't each of us capable of making a difference in a kids life? That's the reality- don't believe the hype.
More Hyped Up People Include:
* Angelina Jolie
* Hillary Clinton
* Any winner on American Idol
* DREAMGIRLS!
* Perez Hilton
Update:
* Rachael Ray
NEW YORK (Jan. 11) - Casino mogul Steve Wynn sued Lloyd's of London Thursday, saying the insurance company failed to act properly on his demands to pay $54 million in lost value for a Picasso that was damaged when Wynn accidentally poked a hole in the canvas with his elbow.
The lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Manhattan sought an order to force Lloyd's to expedite Wynn's claims for reimbursement and restoration costs for Picasso's 1932 work, "Le Reve," by providing him with an appraisal report or initial damages assessment.
Wynn's representatives told Lloyd's in November that the painting was worth $139 million the day before Wynn damaged it in his Las Vegas office on Sept. 30, but was believed to be worth no more than $85 million afterward.
In 1997, Wynn paid $48.4 million for the painting depicting Picasso's mistress, Marie-Therese Walter.
Wynn has described the damage to the canvas as a thumb-sized flap and said it was "the world's clumsiest and goofiest thing to do."
He damaged the canvas as he showed it to guests, including screenwriter Nora Ephron and husband Nick Pileggi, broadcaster Barbara Walters, New York socialite Louise Grunwald, lawyer David Boies and his wife, Mary, and art dealer Serge Sorokko and his wife, Tatiana.
"The blood drained out of their faces," Wynn said. "I just turned around and said, 'Oh, my God. How could I have done this?"'
You punched a hole in a masterpeice. What else is there to do but sue?
I know, I know I should just get on board and ew and ahh over people like Oprah and Angelina but I can't. I question the media in general. I try never to compare my insides to other people's outsides. I resist the temptation to put people on pedestals because no one of the human race belongs there. In this country we are always being told what is wonderful, and beautiful and how we should all strive for the same things. I know nothing and no one is perfect and people's gift's are equally important even if they don't make billions of dollars or have big fat lips and skinny hips.
I loved what Rosie said on The View today about The Donald calling her fat all the time. He went for the same cheap shot any male at a lose to a women would go for because that's supposed to hurt, right? Rosie said, yea I am fat and it's Ok.
I just came across a quote from Angelina Jolie regarding her biological child not being as unique as her adopted children. Lovely. Apparently Ange feels extra special with her extra special adopted children and the birth child is just well... ordinary. Apparently, Saint Angelina believes her own hype. This doesn't surprise me in the least. A former cutter with daddy issues, two divorces and millions of dollars would have some dysfunctional family dynamics amidst her "humanitarian" efforts? I'm living here on the planet reality and we call her comments red flags. Find a good shrink now kids, you're going to need it.
Guess what? It's me and YOU! How cool is that? We control the information age. Myself and my fellow bloggers. We share our experience, strength and hope everyday. We add photos to Flickr, review books at Amazon, connect on myspace and we leave the comment section open on our blogs so that everyone gets a voice.
I've been blogging for almost four years now. I can't believe that when I look back. It was so hard for me to start this page because I thought I didn't know how to make it work. I wanted too try my hand at blogging for some time and then someone pushed me into it with the promise they would co-edit. That person never got into it the same way I did and therefore wasn't much help. I ran with it anyway because it was so damned much fun. I modeled myself after some web innovators and heavy hitters of the information age. A wonderful friend from Belgium built my page and these amazing people were there to help me and support me while I worked to get this off the ground.
When I felt stuck at a miserable job I hated, UrbanAddiction was the one creative outlet in my life. It reminded me I was more than that depressing job. I got published, landed a job interview with a newspaper, conducted interviews, and sold my crafts through working on this blog. I gained self-esteem as I learned I could put this web log together.
This past election, I tried to educate anyone who was reading UA about the importance of their vote. I carried the messages I felt were important to this country and I waved the banners for reproductive freedom, gay rights, health care and an end to genocide. I posted about the actions I was taking in the hopes it would inspire people to get on board and do the same. I challenged the validity of organized religion and suggested a more spiritual way of dealing with life through my lessons. I told you about my favorite styles and products and all the little things that brighten my days.
Sometimes I piss people off or hurt feelings but this is my space, you're in my house. This is my contribution for better or worse and I want to thank the people who bother to read and I want to thank Time magazine for acknowledging us.
I've known a couple of people in my day that were shameless self promoters. They couldn't eat dinner without trying to turn it into an "event" or a "gig." I've known some people that did amazing innovative work on the net and Rolling Stone and The New York Times somehow found them. I guess the point is the work was their publicity. They didn't need to promote themselves. People just wanted to be in on what they were doing at the time.
Myspace is a place for shameless self promotion. Bands and their labels promote on myspace as do artists of every medium and that makes sense I guess. Lately I'm starting to see one thing about myspace self promos and that is the artists are promoting to the same people over and over. Oh sure they have a fan base, but won't the fan base make a point of checking the official website for tour dates and news?
I tried shameless self promotion once for a short time. It was fun for about a minute and then I felt like I was spinning my wheels and it got old. One time I was chatting with a friend who pointed out to me that she is in fact a "local celebrity." Well, if you have to tell people that you're a local celeb....... you get the idea. On another occasion I met someone whom I thought could be a potential friend. It turned out that his interest in me was simply as another person he could promote his "events" too. I quickly realized all his "friends" are people who religiously attend his parties. That made me sad for him. It's like the person who is a room full of people and feels all alone. From what I've seen his funeral will be a planned event with $2 drinks.
I guess another point of being a shameless self promoter is geography. I can promote myself all I want but the bottom line is I'm still here in Philadelphia. Good old blue color, Rocky Balboa, Philly town. Talk about a glass ceiling. You're only going but so far here. Wouldn't the idea be to move to NYC and shake things up there a bit?
Maybe I'm just not a good salesperson but I'm starting to feel the only true way to promote yourself in through your work and making time for real relationships will fuel your inspiration. Some celebrities never do talk shows or award shows. Maybe they are busy living real lives and letting their work speak for itself?
I realize I'm way too intrigued with the movie Rosemary's Baby, but for some reason I relate it to this photo. The above is a photo taken at TomKat's wedding. It's his "best friend", the leader of Scientology and Tom's son. This picture is really strange. I don't believe that beautiful little baby looks like Tom or Katie and that library Tom is sitting in, just doesn't fit a wedding theme. It's like Roman and Minnie's apartment! Tom and company look like cult members who impregnated Katie with Satan's baby. I really need more information on this bunch. Hopefully Tom's son will write a tell all when he feels safe enough to do so.
"The lingering argument that still tugs at my last nerve is that gays can't get married because it's imperative to preserve the sanctity of that institution as it applies to opposite-sex couples. You know, WHITNEY and BOBBY, REESE and RYAN, BRITNEY and KEVIN, PAUL and HEATHER, O.J. and Nicole... " ~ by Michael Musto November 27th, 2006
The man himself!
A gingerbread Nazi display has been removed from an Ohio hardware store window. I think anything making fun of Nazi's is hysterical. The Three Stooges parodied Hitler, Warner Bros. cartoons parodied Nazis, and don't forget Mel Brook's "The Producers". Humor, absurdity, and parody are effective tools against tyranny, oppression and the symbols thereof.
Anglophiles are fascinated by wealth, title, and privilege. They eagerly consume British television, film, and books; and also dream of owning an English country estate and being part of the aristocracy.
I really had no idea there was a definition for someone like me. I've seen this word lately and looked into it. I'm just now coming to terms with the truth about myself. Lately I am obsessed with this BBC series, The House Of Eliott.
"Mother wanted me to come out in a kimono & we had quite a fight…"
I just put the 1975 documentary entitled, Grey Gardens into my Netflix cue. It's a musical on Broadway and I have to see it. Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange are set to star in the film and while I enjoy both of those actresses I fully expect Hollywood to turn the story into a superficial farce with no real substance. No it's definitely the musical for me.
Grey Gardens brings to life the true account of the delightfully eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Once the brightest names in New York society, the mother and daughter team become complete recluses in the Hamptons occupying a 28 room mansion with themselves, 54 cats and very little plumbing. The neighbors can't tolerate the eye sore and the board of health is called in to take action. Jackie and her sister Lee did come to the rescue and prevent the eviction of their father's sister and their cousin. Known as "Little Edie & Big Edie" this is a cautionary tale of love and dysfunction in a family. Sure to cut the the core of any parent and child who are in a binding relationship, their story is simultaneously heart-breaking and hysterical.
Check out Little Edie's fashion choices and how they relate to today. Brilliant! I'm loving this.
Little Edie wore the scarves because she was losing her hair. She picked anything up for the floor and made it fashion, like a child. So Mary Kate Olsen! I hope I'm wacky like this when I'm old. Won't my nieces love that?!
An interesting concept in theatre that apparently has been around for quite a while. Plays are written and rehearsed in a twenty four hour period. I would love, love, love too see a play directed by Andrew McCarthy!
If you've always wanted to see Lord of the Rings performed in drag:
DJ K-Tell & The Dumpsta' Players present:
PRISONER OF KRACKASTAN
Wed. October 18th
11pm Showtime -- sharp!
@ Bob and Barbara's
1509 South Street
Info: (215)-545-4511
$1.99 cover, 21+
www.dumpstaplayers.org
Krackastan celebrates its holiest of
holy days, The Feast of St. Moija, when suddenly,
their sacred icon vanishes!
Can anyone save Moija? Or will she forever remain a-
"PRISONER OF KRACKASTAN"!
The Dumpsta Players are a monthly themed interactive improvisational theatre experience that parodies society's joys and ills in an irreverent and over-the-top style. Dumpsta was chosen as a name because the company recycles costumes, actors, characters, and comic bits month after month. Dumpsta also brings to mind the trashy nature of our performing -- drag queens, bois & gurls, and all walks of life come together and express joy, rage and general chaos through live mic and lipsynched sketches once a month!
Over the top crazy fun!
I have to admit it because I wonder if others feel the same- I'm so intrigued listening to "Christians" talk about Halloween being Satanic. About a week ago some actress (I have no idea who she is) was co-hosting on the view and the "girls" casually mentioned what their kids were going to dress as for the Halloween festivities. Rosie turns to the actress and asks if she has her child's costume ready and she comes out with, I don't celebrate that evil Satanic holiday. WOW. That landed like a lead balloon. The actress goes on to explain that she gave in to her 10 year old last year and she felt so guilty for letting him dress up. This year she refused to give in and she was happy with that decision. Everyone congratulated her for sticking to her guns, but it was so creepy and strained.
The nuns in Catholic school called it, "All Saint's Day" and would even go as far as suggesting we dress as our patron Saint. I don't know any kid that bought into that song and dance.
Kids love to dress up. Period. With the added bonus of candy, Halloween is a child's utopia. How do some frightened adults work Satan into it? How does dressing up, candy and trick or treating turn in something that represents evil? Oh I know the Christians have some "origins" argument, but so what! Isn't their enough real evil in the world such as hunger, child abuse and war? Why attach some imaginary fear to an otherwise festive day? Let the kids have their innocent fun.
Posted by Liz at 11:59 AM
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PowerHouse Arena in Brooklyn is a multifaceted art and music event of hip-hop, breaking, graffiti, and film. They are showing a trailor for the documentary on the Fun House as well Charlie Ahearn's 1983 quintessential hip-hop film, Wild Style which I saw in 1983 on 69th Street in Upper Darby, PA. Fun House featured works of Basquiat, Scharf, Haring, Futura 2000, Fab 5 Freddy, and others. They are having a panel discussion and music and the event is free and open to the public.
Yesterday, I found myself in the most frightening position imaginable for a hip Auntie like myself. It's a long story but the phone rang, it was a neighbor, my five year old nieces soccer game was starting in fifteen minutes! I flew to get the kid dressed and dashed to the car as if the world cup were on the line. We headed over to the field. Enter Aunt Liz with leather bag and bottled beverage. Talk about fish outta water! I escorted my niece over to the coach past all the soccer Moms and Dads. My niece was happy and I proceeded to the nearest bench back across the field. I listened as the "involved" dads talked on cell phones about work and the Moms huddled together chatting. I plugged in too my i-Pod and waved to my niece. She had a blast, I survived.
That brings me to the Jessica Simpson part of this post. I love her these days. I know, I know but I do. I watched her special called A Public Affair on MTV and found that Jessica and I have something in common. I think she should call me and we could totally be friends, I know her pain. It broke her heart to leave Nick but she really, really had too. Been there done that, minus the married part. You love the guy, but you're young and now there are new possibilities you can't pass up. She is more than Mrs. Nick Lachey and she tells us so in I Belong to Me. My favorite line on the whole album is,
"I belong to me, I don't belong to you, My heart is my possession, I'll be my own reflection, I belong to me, I'm one not half of two"
Jessica explains on the show she owed it to herself and Nick to grow and allow change to happen and through genuine tears she sings Let Him Fly. Sure, I know it's a little sappy or maybe a lot sappy, but women are always referred to as someones "better half." Talk about corny. No one is my better half- I'm whole and I don't want the JOB of being someone else's better part- that's a burden for any mere mortal.
So in conclusion, I realize other women want to face the challenge of being independent and all of us don't want too be the soccer Mom. As we define ourselves, we'll be sure to let you know.
Jessica Simpson: Not Such a Dumb Blonde After All.
I came across a cool web page that explains feminist theory on the poses women strike for print ads and how silly men look doing the exact same thing. One of the joys of reading feminist publications like Venus or Bitch and reading Dr. Diana's blog is getting a new way of looking at the world around me and how it relates to women. Best of all I gain more insight into myself and others.
Original art by Roman Dirge
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Later that day, my nieces played some games and I snapped some pics. Click below for pics
Q: Is there really such a thing as a biological clock?
A: If you mean some inner drive to reproduce, no. Since reliable birth control has only emerged in the last 50 years, there was no reason for such an urge to develop as we evolved. Breeding was a given, not a choice, and therefore certainly not something nature needed to compel us to do. Even if lower birth rates might cause an evolutionary shift and create some "biological clock" to make us reproduce since we have found so many wonderful reasons not to, such a mechanism would not evolve over a few decades. So all the pressure we supposedly feel comes entirely from culture, not nature.
p.s. I don't feel any urge to have children at all. The only clock I hear ticking is the desire for greater personal freedom, not less.
Friday night was a bitch making my way into the city. I thought I was going to be in a fist fight for a parking spot. Someone pushed in front of me and then I pushed back and they relinquished. Is this town I should be happy I wasn't shot. The night was great until the unthinkable happened. The pratt falls I manage to take even stone cold sober in South Beach, on South Street, in London and Paris. Yes I tripped and fell. *sigh* That club is a death trap and I'm not the only one who thinks so! I'm seriously contemplating never going back or taking an escort to the restroom. When I was called for Saturday night's plans I ended up declining because I couldn't face the parking situation in bitter cold weather.
Tonight I was watching Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. What an awesome Tennessee Williams movie on TCM- I was in heaven. The film was about a wealthy old man, his family and in particular his alcoholic son. The family is waiting around for the old man to die so they can inherit his fortune. Finally the family and the old man discover that he is terminal and everyone’s true colors come out. Boy can I relate. It's the story of my life as I sit here typing this post. In a final scene between the father and his alcoholic son, they are in the basement and it's loaded down with beautiful things. The father says how he and his wife shopped for all these things in Europe and how he hated the trip. In a dramatic and compelling scene the son tells the father that the things mean nothing to him and he doesn't want them. All he ever wanted was his fathers love. The relationships we lack in life are never given back to us through material possessions. I have loads and loads of beautiful things now and I see how meaningless they are to the person who was busy shopping all those years.
Metaphorically speaking being out in the cold is not a good feeling. I'm so careful about where my energy goes these days. Being there for people who are there for me, not making my job or my processions more important are a daily guidance for living. When I feel fearful about the future I just remember the investments I’m making in the present and I know I will be warm.
One of the keys to happiness is a bad memory.
- Rita Mae Brown
On this , Valentine's Day read Ms. Jimmi's latest post about our recent phone conversation. I always remember the good times with my selective memory, but the other night on the phone Ms Jimmi and I recalled the rough patches as well. Love and sex were a matter of life and death in the 80's. Everything was cloaked in secrecy and shame. Every time you turned around someone was turning into a skeleton before your eyes. Like I told Jimmi, no wonder we were at the clubs all the time!
"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.
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!
Me and The Divine Ms. Jimmi photo by: Liz Fine
Holiday quote..."It's hard being a diamond in a rhinestone world."
Last night I saw the most hysterical holiday show courtesy of Philly's own Dumpsta Playas. Usually around the holidays I find myself sitting at a concert with music by Handel and while I love that, Dumpstas was a refreashing change of pace. The stage, the lights and the tremendous actors brought to life the thrills of a dysfunctional family Christmas. If you are in the Philadelphia area don't miss their next live performance on Feb. 15, 2006.
This year I can expecially relate to dysfuntional family Christmas'. My brother's "girlfriend" is already threathening to tell our entire family off if we say anything to her that she doesn't like. Whoa! This should be fun huh? I can't wait to see what this class act deems inappropriate. They both have already announced that they don't want to exchange gifts. Why are they coming over for Christmas again? More on that drama as it unfolds but if you don't read about it here, look for us on Jerry Springer- Raw.
Speaking of a great family drama, I hear the Brown Family Christmas caused quite a stir when Bobby Brown announced on his holiday special that there was no Santa. Why would anyone let their children watch this show anyway? The Brown's are so ghetto fabulous though aren't they?
Tonight's events- Have dinner with Christina and exchange gifts in an attempt to grab a little saniety before the crazy people set in. Jeanna bailed on us because she is under the weather. GET WELL SOON JEANNA, YOU BITCH! XOXO
Dumpstas' doing their thang photo by: Liz Fine
I'll need a few apple martini's this Christmas, Cheers! photo by: unknown
Enter stage left photo by: Liz Fine
The plot thickens! photo by: Liz Fine
Reliving the 90's with Wilson Phillips photo by: Liz Fine
I was watching Bravo tonight and Kathy Griffin's stand-up routine was hysterical. She is SO on the money about fame and celebrity. Self-righteous Oprah for example- Kathy watches the show daily to be stunned and amazed at O going ghetto in 30 seconds or less then snapping back. "I ain't gonna be no slave now," O chides in a show where she returns to the 1600's as if her producers would ever suggest such a thing. Kathy has her own unique point of view, or does she?
Can you feel the sway in the breeze? In 2005 it seems as though everyone is just doing things their own way. It's hard to work around the rules that are jammed in our faces everyday. The people in charge aren't terribly trustworthy to the subordinates; the kids in the back seat are getting restless and tussling. The A-list celebs are a laughing stock now, Tom Cruise, Michael Jackson, the Beniffers, Brad and Jen's perfect marriage. We finally know them for the mere humans they have always been. Reality TV killed sitcoms. Anything in its flawed state is just more interesting. Perfection is the big lie and many are done playing the game.
I have always related to the outsiders. I love gay people and drug addicts who struggle one day at a time to recover. Let's face it, these are the dynamic people among us. It seems this decades halfway mark is about bucking the system and ripping the curtain back on that fake ass wizard (See the musical Wicked for more on that theme).
I don't know what its all going to mean in the end, but there is something brewing. The power of the flawed masses. No one is above it all and if you think you are then we will hold you up to the light and give you your own reality show or show your fat pictures.
Yes, I'm afraid so. I feel like my Father who is always reminiscing about his H.S. football years. Anyway, I was looking up the address for Keith Haring's Pop Shop in SoHo and I see that they are closing their doors for good in September. This makes me feel so sad because back in the 80's when the store first opened I went there. Keith had just been featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer and of course I was familiar with him as Warhol's buddy and as a street artist.
Myself and boyfriend at the time, headed to the Pop Shop one day and Keith was there working. I remember the sweatshirts were about $25.00, which was a lot then. My b/f told Keith he would buy two if Keith would autograph them and he did. Keith told me he didn't like the article about himself in the Philly paper. That day I took a lot of photographs of Keith's cool art around the city. I especially loved his crack is wack billboard. He was such a sweet person. Years later he did pass away. His work still makes me happy when I see it and I saw it hanging on the wall in a restaurant two weeks ago! This store was a happy place and meeting Keith was such a thrill.
Keith, the kids and his art, NYC
Paris Hilton at Rock Candy East 21st St NYC
What the G*** is a ‘celebutante’?
Someone tells me it’s a debutante, who has become a celebrity, such as a famous heiress…
Debutante “a young woman who is being introduced formally into society”.
Society (in this context) “the prominent or fashionable people in a community and their social life”
Celebrity “the state of being famous”
Famous “known and recognized by many people”
(Bored? – Stay with this I am going somewhere...)
So, logically, a debutante cannot be a celebrity or they cease to be a debutante as fashionable society is by definition elitist. ( Don’t ask or I will get that one too)
So, by definition, celebutante’s (or is that celebutantes’) cannot exist.
It is to dream….
Have I ever mentioned my old NYC clubbing days? “Only to anyone who will listen, Liz!” No cell phones, no internet just parties and clubs and installations.
Today, I received a reply email from the one and only James St James! I loved this club kid and gazed at his antics from afar. One night while working the door, James let me into the Tunnel club after I called out his name and told him my feet were cold. What a sweetheart!
Why do I cherish those days? I instinctively related to the underground scene, New York City and the whole notion of being famous for no reason made it accessible to even me. The amazing thing is the film Party Monster and James’s book, Disco Bloodbath is sparking the imagination of kids all over again.
Dan Renzi's blog is so funny and entertaining. Following Dan's lead, I have come up with 5 things most people seem to like and I can't stand. They are as follows...
1. EBay- I can't deal with not getting what I want when I have the money in hand. EBay annoys the hell out of me and takes the wind out of my sails when I set my lil heart on something. I'm still not over losing that martini shaker.
2. American Idol- I've tried to get into this show, really I have. The singers have no pizzazz and the judges have even less. Their critiques of the contestants are repetitious and dull. Thank you to the show that brought us “Paulagate” and the phenomenal talent of William Hung…oy.
3. Jackass/Bam/Wildboys- All cut from the same gross out obnoxious cloth, these shows are huge hits for MTV. Smashing into genitalia and tormenting family members doesn't entertain me (Ok maybe tormenting family members could be fun, but only if it’s MY family). With that said, I will admit that Johnny Knoxville and Bam Margera do have that rock star sexiness appeal!
4. Blockbuster- My friend Brett, use to call this place" Ballbuster." He renamed it because they edit R rated films to fit their "family" friendly policy. They called it family values, I call it censorship….HELLO! Look, I can handle sex scenes in R rated flicks, I’m a big girl. Also, I hate looking at videos with other customers standing over my shoulder following me along the wall. The film I want is never available and I'm happy to say I haven't set foot in that place since joining Netfilx, yay Netflix!
5. Car ribbon magnets- Whether its "Support our Troops", or some other "patriotic" ribbon, I want rip them off the car and stick them on the undercarriage. The retailers who sell this junk aren't donating the proceeds. They are especially meaningful to see on a big fat gas guzzling SUV. I want too replace them with magnets that say, "Support My Oil Addiction" or "Your President Killed My Son."
Watching The Brini Maxwell Show tonight I thought back to the 80's, when I was combing the NY club scene searching for Andy Warhol, I held tightly to my bible Details magazine. Sure you know the Details rag of today that men’s mag that address' the metro sexual. I'm referring to the original Details of Stephan Saban and Michael Musto, journalists of the club scene.
I recall Rupaul being mentioned in every issue. She was a fabulous 6ft tall drag queen who much later fell into mainstream media. Yes, I am referring to that Rupaul.
One time in Details I read the obituary of one Jackie Curtis. They raved about Jackie's greatness and what a lose her death was to the world. I believed she might have had some serious addiction issues. All these years later and there is a film about her.
Then there is Lady Bunny and Wigstock. I thought that looked like the greatest party on earth and the Lady is the hostess with the mostess.
Lypsinka is such a cool name for a drag queen and she is gorgeous! Once I heard she was appearing here in Philly and I wanted to see her perform.
Finally, one other thing to share with you. I saw Lou Reed live and he performed Walk on the Wild Side. The song is about drag queens (Jackie Curtis, Candy Darling etc.) in the back room of Max' Kansas City in the 60's. Read the lyrics. Lou is literally saying what went on as any Warhol aficionado knows.
I always try and be sure to share the most intriguing information with you, dear reader. I hope you appreciate it. ♥
I offered this picture to JPG magazine for publication. Their theme for the submission was- Lost. I took this picture of my niece on the front lawn, it’s always been a favorite of mine. It’s reminiscent of Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World. I love the ambiguity; is she lost and crying or happy and laughing?
Photo by: Liz
Are you like me? Do you like to send your online friends ecards for different occasions? The Cirque du Soleil ecards I sent during the holidays were a huge success. I got so many responses. The cards were really special, very well done.
Recently, I was invited to participate on the Hipster Cards website in an advisory capacity. Lynda the owner and operator of the site, comes up with the slammin ideas and I'm part of a panel that gives her feedback. Feel free to join in on the fun, everyone's two cents is welcome. Her cards are witty and stylish and best of all free, so bookmark the site and send your pals an ecard just because.
My Personal Favorite
They call it the Mummers Strut
On New Years Day in the city of brotherly love, we have a tradition called the Mummer's Parade. The comic and fancy brigade along with others, march down Broad Street past the throngs of people, stopping at the judges to take home the prize in each division. Lot's of the mummers originated in South Philly (Yo! Adrian) and it was families that made up these tight clubs. Like some of Philadelphia they weren't the most diverse of clubs. Philly can be clannish; dividing up neighborhoods according to ethnic groups.
The Philadelphia police department, under Mayor Frank Rizzo was notorious for abuse and brutality much the way LA is known now. I recall the Move disaster (under Mayor Wilson Goode) and of course the whole Mumia Abu-Jamal controversy still rages on bitterly between Mumia supporters and the fraternal order of police.
I love Philly generally speaking. It is like a neighborhood and anything you want is here for your pleasure. Philly is as gay friendly as San Francisco, it is as racially diverse as the old melting pot herself but most of all it's home.
Health and Happiness to us all in 2005.
God Bless,
Lizzy XO
The Titanic artifacts are here in Philadelphia at the Franklin Institute Science Museum. Jeanna took me as a Christmas present, my Mom and Nicole boarded the "ship" with us.
click to enlarge
At the beginning of the exhibit, every "passenger" is assigned a class and profile in the form of a boarding pass. What fun, Jeanna and I were assigned second class (almost as good as first) while Mom and Nicole got third class (peasants)! Hehe
What fun, we were off for the maiden voyage that ended in disaster. At that time a first class ticket cost the equivalent of $50,000 today. As you walked around the "ship" the artifacts told the story of class distinction as hopes abound for a better way of life in America. The Industrial revolution gave many immigrants opportunity to live the American dream. Many passengers brought there children or were on there way to meet family members already set up in America.
At the end of the journey, you visit a memorial wall to check to see if your person survived, most died of hypothermia in the 28 degree water.
BTW, Mrs. Quick and her daughters survived the voyage.Click to enlarge
I have been watching that great movie Elizabeth, starring Cate Blanchett. I also watched Hamlet with Mel Gibson. I love both of these and I was thinking today about modern Shakespearean dramas. Oh yes, Shakespearean drama is all around us minus the where for art thouts and mil lady mil lord lingo. I’m thinking in particular of the case against Michael Jackson. A modern day drama that plays out with all the dubiousness and treachery of any drama.
The “King” who loved and adored in his youth, carry’s on a strangely unique relationship with his mother and sister. The court accepts this for a while, but in time the King feels the pressure to take a Queen and produce an heir. He shuts himself away, but the gossip does not cease. Finally he takes a beautiful Princess called Lisa Marie, everyone rejoices initially but soon word carries that the King doesn’t visit her bed chamber. Time marches on and the young Queen becomes repelled with the King and refuses to produce an heir. He is humiliated and sends her to the gillatin. The people of Never Land still have no heir to the throne and the King is constantly seen in the company of young beautiful boys. More gossip the King must abate. He turns to a neighboring country who is weak and willing to unite there Queen with the King solely for protection against being attacked. The King is in agreement but demands only one thing, she must produce an heir for his throne. The Queen has a lover and arrives in Never land impregnated. This betrayal angers the king but his mother suggests he use her indiscretion to his advantage. Eagerly the King presents the following bargain. In order to preserve her life and the life of her unborn child, the Queen must agree to surrender the baby to him and agree to return to her country never to be seen again. Desperate to reunite with her lover the Queen agrees and surrenders the male “Prince.” The King is in his glory with his new heir, but his court is unrelenting in doubting the paternity of the young Prince. The King, over the next few years produces two more heirs; each heir is missing a mother. The King continues holding court with young boys and scandal looms over his empire.
Watching Court TV and watching Shakespeare on DVD hold me captive.
Tonight we went to see Alexander, Colin Farrell, Jared Leto need I say more? During the previews it occurred to me that Evan looks like Ethan Hawke. The boyish good looks plus first-rate bone structure and nice physique. I know, I know how unfortunate for Evan and yet somehow he finds the strength to go on. *sigh*
I rest my case
Evan planned tonight's outing. The nice thing about having friends with impeccable taste is when they organize an evening; you are in for a guaranteed great time. Dinner was South American cuisine at Azafran. The tuna and calamari were delicious followed by a shared dive into a fantastic triple chocolate dessert and coffee. After dinner, we headed over to a small theatre. I have no idea how Evan happened upon this play, but it was Flashpoint Theatre Companies premier production. The Credeax Canvas was a provocative story about twenty something’s struggling in the art world of NYC. Evan and I really enjoyed in particular, the performance of a local actor named Keith Conallen.
My evening was fun, stimulating, and easy. I am reflective on the subject of what generates real friendships. Last night I got news that a friend of mine has breast cancer. This morning another friend tells me cancer has crashed into his family. Needless to say, I can’t lighten the load for my friends but I can be there for them. As I enjoy socializing with my comrade Evan, I consider the investment we all make in one another through good times and bad. I am profoundly aware that while I’m experiencing lightness other people, that I care about bear a heavy heart.
Friday night Evan and I went to Franz Ferdinand at Electric Factory. We met up with some Philly friends and new friends from DC who were great, before the concert.
Oh yea, by the way, the band kicked ass. They were rocking and tight and awesome! Evan and I saw the Yeah Yeah Yeahs earlier in the summer then we ended with a bang via FF.
Today, Tony and I toured the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It was pay as you like Sunday so we kicked back and strolled around. Degas, Monet and Asian Art, it was all there for the perusing. That museum is really great.
Me and Evan hanging out before the show
Today I saw a wonderful play called The Lives of Bosie. It starred the terrific character actor, Austin Pendleton as the elder, Lord Alfred (Bosie) Douglas and the wonderfully brilliant Tobias Segal as the young and care free Bosie, Oscar Wilde’s notorious down fall.
I was bowled over to discover these major talents right here in the burbs for this performance. The play, written by John Wolfson, is two hours of uncontaminated performances and clarification on a little known character in history. What I took from the play is if childhood issues aren’t dealt with, then a person is destined to become everything they find abhorrent about there own parents. The Lives of Bosie is on its way to The Fringe Festival.
The following is an excerpt from the August 6th broadcast of Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO.
"New Rule: You can make fun of Lynndie England all you want, but when it comes to prisons, we are all holding the leash. Now this week, America's anti-Sweetheart, Private Lynndie England, faced justice for her part in the Abu Ghraib prison scandal. Or as Rush Limbaugh calls it, "The Sleepover." Now, a lot of people think Abu Ghraib happened because, as Americans, we're comfortable asking our horny hillbillies to fight our wars. And we are. But we're also comfortable with pretending that anyone in America who winds up in prison for whatever reason somehow deserves not just loss of freedom but a brutalizing, terrifying trip to hell.
It's no coincidence that the guard described as the ringleader in Iraq, Charles Graner, worked before the war - where? - in a prison in America. He didn't learn to torture from the CIA or Special Ops. He picked it up right here and took his skills of abuse to Iraq. Outsourcing at its worst!
Now, we are all Lynndie England because we know what's happening in our prisons and we don't care. We tell ourselves - we tell ourselves the convenient lie that anyone who bears the label "criminal" or "terrorist" is irredeemable, sub-human, psycho scum, and so whatever happens to them behind bars is justified. When the truth is, millions of non-violent Americans have been traumatized for life in prisons simply because they either did drugs or made a bad judgment, usually when they were young, stupid and drunk. You'd think President Bush could relate.
There are over two million Americans behind bars, and that is not including the people who work at Wal-Mart. America, the nation that always has to be number one, is number one in percentage of its citizens in jail. Two million people. The equivalent of locking up all of Miami, which is not a bad idea until at least the election is over.
It costs $40 billion to house this many prisoners. Do you know how many countries that had nothing to do with 9/11 we could attack for that kind of money?
So, in conclusion, if your response to this is "not my problem," remember this: there are monsters and animals in our prisons, yes. But most didn't go in that way. But that's how they'll come out. Or to put it another way, if you think Martha Stewart has an attitude now... "
I found myself in big apple today for the Dangerous Liaisons exhibit at the Metropolitan. Tons of people swiftly clamoring along the street, yellow taxi's delivering and fetching folks as the sun shines brightly in between the skyscrapers. Unknown actors and dancers rush to make it to the theatre on time. Famous people like Eric Stoltz star in the latest productions. Lots and lots of coffee shops and Jewish Deli's with fresh cold cuts delight the senses. I love seeing newspapers in every language cluttering the stands. Every imaginable race, creed, color together living life. It makes me feel hopeful for the world. I cut through Central Park with its street performers as vendors sell everything from watches to tee shirts that say I ♥ NY.
At the Metropolitan, I entered 18th century France. I observed a music lesson and a hairdresser creating a vertical masterpiece on a willing subject. I looked in the mirror of Marie Antoinette's vanity and wondered if she liked what she saw in that mirror. We laughed and lunched at a café. We sat and people watched and smiled at the looks of fascination on children's faces.
I was so happy and content today, I welled up with tears a couple of times. I can't think about not having more days like this one ahead of me, with the people I love.
Friday night Ivan and I hung out and after some discussion we decided on Napoleon Dynamite at the Bourse. Good movie, funny at parts, but mostly it was the same joke over and over. The dance sequence however, does make it worth the price of admission.
Ivan's lips, looking good since the piercing last Friday.
Afterwards, we joined Ivan's friend and his fellow art students at Cosi. Good conversation, good coffee, a really fun time. I even managed to score an interview with a girl named Lauren. Super pretty, she had an abstract vagina tattooed on her arm. She does art on skateboards and her stuff is showing now, at a local Philly gallery.
Today, I went to a local park for some Fourth of July neighborhood festivities. Normally, this would not be my scene, but I was there to help my sis-in-law, who was an organizer of the event. I don't know how much of a help I was. OK, I know not much help at all, but I did over hear some conversations that were disturbing.
The only people that can get me out of bed early on a Saturday morning
A chubby kid grabbed a brownie and shoved it in his mouth. His father chastised him in one of the most shameful ways I have ever heard. I thought to myself this kid will spend the rest of his life, heavy, and eating just to piss his father off. The look on the kids face was horrifying as his father lectured.
Around the same time, young mother turns up with what appeared to be her parents and her four small children. You know how some parents and children look needy? Well, they had that look. She was so mean to these kids, even to the point of smacking the little boy who was about one. Not much nurturing was happening there.
A young Marlon Brando, need I say more?
Later I went out and rented Last Tango In Paris. I really liked Marlon Brando. His parents were both raging alcoholics who both found recovery before they died. Unfortunately, his life was forever shaped. His son murdered someone, and his daughter hung herself at twenty-five years old. He didn't go to her funeral.
The law is what the law is. When drinking tea with a biscuit the biscuit must be dipped (dunked) before it is eaten. When you dunk you must dunk twice. There is no exception, so the tea biscuit must be up to the job. Yes biscuit. I think perhaps a few definitions should be laid down at this point.
A tea biscuit is not a roundel of shortening bread and neither is it a cookie. It has a special relationship to the tea it compliments and if eaten without the rich infusion of the leaf the taste is naught but hollow. Dense, flat and a shade of brown is normal – a Madeleine is not. We are not a nation of Swann’s all Á la Recherche du temps perdu dipping sponge where biscuit should be.
But the dunking…
It MUST be twice – it simply will not do to dip your biscuit one time – it disturbs natural rhythm and possibly God’s design. To dunk once is safe for all but those few objects more air than solid, but the real measure of the biscuit is in the second dipping. To remain intact – and intact long enough to survive the long trek from cup to lip is a task for the true tea biscuit alone.
Oh the horrors of the fallen biscuit. The edge-of-your-seat anticipation when the dunked portion hangs and begins to tear away from the dry part and dropping like your social status to the table top amid gasps from the assembled great and good. Or the pain of the biscuit that just about makes it but fails at the last fence dropping a soggy mess down your chin and on to the tie all those silkworms worked so hard to create or the shirt that cost more than a weekend in the country while the girl eyeing you turns that loving gaze to one of contempt mixed with pity at the ineptitude of the clod hopper she though may be a prince…
But above this is true evil – lifting the biscuit from the tea to find all that went below the surface is still below the surface… the biscuit has broken. What to do? Dive in with a spoon in a brave attempt to extract the other half while hoping some biscuit integrity exists and thereby risking the public ignominy when you fish out a waterlogged mess looking for all the world like a decomposing, and slightly suntanned, oyster?
I have seen men remove themselves to an ante-room with a revolver to do the honourable thing because of a retrieved lump of a tea soaked Coconut Cream broke apart only inches from the cup, falling back to its milky grave and splashing copious amounts of Earl Grey on the hostess’s double damask. And who indeed would be misguided enough to stop him!
The choice of biscuit is paramount. The most popular indigenous brand to you fair USAians I believe would be the Oreo but the chocolate taste would engulf the taste of the tea. This is of course a matter of personal taste as many who enjoy the all-conquering Hobnob over here are just as likely to go for the chocolate topped variety (In a flash of marketing brilliance they are called Chocolate Hobnobs). McVities Digestives are a stalwart brand well used to hard labour in the teacups of Olde England with there connotations of Victorian medicinal benefit of a snack intended to aid digestion but to the traditionalist there can be no o
