happy holidays...

I'm heading to Florida early tomorrow morning to spend Christmas with some family and just wanted to wish every one a quick Happy Holidays in case I don't get to blog on my trip.

So Merry Christmas every one!

ummm I love this...

Her name is Uhm Jung Hwa and she is basically the Kylie Minogue of S. Korea. I haven't been able to stop playing it over and over again in my head. enjoy.

happy thanksgiving

so hawt

Britney graces the cover of next month's Rolling Stone which also coincides with the release of her sixth studio album Circus. She looks beautiful and fresh, so happy to see the return of the old polished Britney. It just keeps getting better.

a new strain of anal-retentive

A weekend or so ago Michael and I trekked out to Boston to visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. It is a beautiful old home a block or so from the MFA. They have a great collection of Renaissance Art, and it was a perfect place to find some art work for my final paper.

This was my first time going to the ISG so I wasn't sure what to expect. The museum does have a great collection. The encased courtyard is breath taking, it is a shame you can't walk through it. There are a lot of elements to the place is are very weird and a little intimidating (I heard that Isabella's ghost haunts the closed off fourth floor).

First off the lighting sucked, there are no plaques on most of the art work to identify them, and the gallery attends exhibited a super strand of anal-retentiveness. Other than that it was a really interesting place to see, with some amazing art work. We spent a good three or four hours looking around until I found two paintings of the Madonna and Child I decided to work on. It was worth going to and I would like to go again now that I am more familiar with what to expect.

this picture says it all

Nothing Douchier then a segway!

This picture was on the BBC News homepage. This picture may look like a beautiful sunset sky but it is from the fires currently ragging in southern California. I just thought it was rather funny and typical of so-cal. Homes are a blaze and this douche is riding on his segway with a face mask, texting away on his blackberry.

genie 2.0

Christina dropped a greatest his package this week and I'm lovin the new tracks. While I have always enjoyed Christina's songs in a general way, her albums tended to not get a lot of play time on my iPod because she tends to over sing every thing. But on the few new songs on her greatest hits she seems a lot more in control over her powerhouse vocals and to have dropped her flight of the bumblebee vocal style.

The last 4 tracks of the album, two new and two new interpretations of old songs, are perfect pieces of high end style pop. They work great on the dance floor with her vocals more layered and less belting. "You Are What You Are (Beautiful)" is Goldfrapp-esque reworking of her hit "Beautiful" is elegant with layers of synths and one of the highlights for me.

The two new tracks, "Keeps Gettin Better" and "Dynamite" are also fun slices of high energy dance pop. Hopefully this is the direction of her new album. While Christina has gotten flack lately for her similarity's in style to the genius of Lady GaGa, I will not hate on the girl. Originality in Pop never truly existed and people who appear to be original are just good con-artist.

the l word returns

So this is the new promo for the final season of the L word. I am not sure what to make of it. I have such a love/hate relationship which seems to be shared by every other fan I come across. The first season was excellent and then it has been hot and cold since then. If rumors are true about plot lines for the final season, it may well be a dud. So far I have read that transgender Max will be a focus of season 6... eewww no!!! Don't take a boring character and make them central.

This is what I wish they would do for the final season, get rid of characters that are fillers (I am looking at you, Max and Cybil Shepherd) and focus on the core group. Give them real story lines, including Pam Grier's Kit. You have the amazing Pam Grier on your show put her to good use. Secondly flesh these characters out. Bette was so intriguing to me because she had so many dimensions, now she is all about Tina and her love of Tina. Give them real careers and make them care about them. What happen to Bette's passion for the arts we say in season 1 that was so inspiring to me?? Give Jenny back her writing and Kit her music!! Anyway this concludes my rant for today.

rachel getting married

I saw a great movie this past weekend titled Rachel Getting Married. It stars the amazing Anne Hathaway as a young woman dealing with addiction and the stress and turmoil it brings to her fractured family.

What I loved about this film was how authentic it felt. This did not seem like it was a group of actors working off a script, but rather a family dealing with their emotions and dysfunction in real way. I believe part of the realness was due to the way it was shot. The cinematography was done in such a way that it had the feeling of a home movie, with off center angels and camera movement giving the viewer a sense of a real person filming it. Anne Hathaway was brilliant as Kim, an addict that has to deal with her past sins and their effects on her loving but tense family. I've begone to really enjoy Hathaway as an actors and icon of intelligence and glamour. It doesn't hurt that she is an outspoken activist for gay rights.

She handles her first dramatic role well, and the rest of the cast is phenomenal. Sometimes the family and extended group of friends is a little to hipster chic for me, but it doesn't seem that contrived or outside of the realm of their world. My suggestion is to go see this film, it might rip your guts out but you will feel better for it in the end.

new hope but still a long road

Today is a great day in American history, the history of the world. The face of America has changed to one that greater represents who we all are as a nation of many. Tears came to my eyes last night after watching Barack Obama make his winning speech. He embodies the hope I have for this country, to turn away from failed policies to a brighter future.

This morning when I woke my happiness over the events from the night before became bitter sweet. California, the second state in the union for recognize the full rights of its Gay and Lesbian citizens wrote discrimination into its constitution under the guise of protecting the "family." Yet, how does protecting "family" then mean tearing apart the family of Gay and Lesbian couples? Are not Gays and Lesbians part of families or are we as a group separate from the greater nucleus of humanity?? It makes me wonder.

Social justice is not easy to create and it will be a long and hard road until every American is recognized and treated the same under the law. It is my belief though that in electing Obama we are sending a signal that we are finally on the path to true equality of all people. Brave citizens are already challenging the discrimination of Proposition 8 as I write this. We must be a bold unified people and fight for the rights of others and not just ourselves. When discrimination is allowed it does not just hurt the group that it wishes to remove from the larger social structure of America, but it damages all Americans. Hopefully with a leader like Barack Obama we as a nation can come together instead of separate, and remove hurdles that bar equality.

YES WE CAN! YES WE DID!

election night

So tonight is the big night. Thankfully I am going out with a friend for drinks and dinner so I won't be pealed to the television watching the results on t.v. biting my nails. I have been so on edge about this election. We as nation can not afford more of the same.

Whatever your reason is that is bringing you to the poles tonight make sure to vote smart and responsibly. Know the issues well before casting your ballot. Voting is not just a right but a responsibility.

I hope America has a collective wake up call and heeds to the promise of hope and change. Yes We Can!

i wanna take a ride on your disco stick

I've been waiting for this album to drop since I first heard the song "Just Dance" way back in April. It seemed like forever till the official release date of Lady GaGa's first album The Fame. While I was lucky enough to get a leaked version of the album to stave off my craving it wasn't enough. I was yearning for her album.

Well the wait is finally here. Lady GaGa's official entrance into the pop stratosphere has arrived. This album has been on constant replay since I've gotten, and if I include the leaked version I have been listening to it straight for the last four months and have yet to be tired with it. Her lyrics are sharp and the songs vivacious and full of energy.

My only fault with the album is that after the first five tracks, it starts to loose stem in the second half. This could be easily solved by changing up the track listing. Over all The Fame is a great dance record for a night full of sweaty dancing, sex and a disco ball. Stand out tracks are "Poker Face," "Paparazzi," "Just Dance,"Love Game," "Summerboy."

britney is back bitch!

Britney Spears / Womanizer

Totally rocking the Toxic-feel of this video. It is so great to have Britney back on track. This is a sign y'all a sign of a new and brighter future. Enjoy :)

her sugar is raw

Last night Michael and I went out to see the Queen of Pop in Boston. This is the second Madonna concert I had ever attended live and after the euphoric glory of experiencing her "Reinvention Tour" I couldn't wait to see what Madonna had in store for this go around.

Over all I enjoyed every second of the "Sticky & Sweet Tour." I was up for about two hours straight dancing my heart out. My proximity to Madonna ensured that I had an excellent time. I was basically hyperventilating seconds before she came out because I was going to be a few feet from the divine.

Though I do have to say that compared to the "Reinvention Tour" this current outing seems a little sub par. The Madonna's stage show seemed to lack a narrative that is always apparent in her concerts. While parts of "S&S" were amusing and enjoyable, such as the 80's Brooklyn inspired motif for "Get Into The Groove," other parts felt in consistent in the larger context of the production.

The high point of the night for me was her rendition of "Like A Prayer," arguable one of her best songs. Madonna transformed this gospel inspired pop gem into a ethereal trance number that sent my soul spinning, which was reinforced by large video screens promoting shared values of the world's major religions. Another high light was the gypsy rendition of "La Isla Bonita" and the intimacy of "You Must Love Me," although Madonna has always had my heart since "Lucky Star."

The lowest point for me was the rock version of recent classic "Hung Up." It is such a great dance anthem, turning it into an electric grunge rocker ditty was kind of unbearable for me.

At the end of the night Madonna left me energized and satisfied, but I lacked the inspired awe to change the world that I had after the "Reinvention Tour." Overall the show was enjoyable, and considering the current state of Madonna's personal life I do not blame her for the inconstancy in her performance. At the end of the day though she is still the Queen of Pop and worth her weight in gold.

I'm seeing Madonna tomorrow, jealous??

Back to School and Back to the Blog

I know I have been very absent from the blog, but now that school has started up I will be posting more to distract me from actually get school work done. So, I will probably do a bunch of rapid posts in the next couple of days to catch myself up to my present situation. Salut

50 Never Looked So Good...

The Queen of Pop celebrates her 50th birthday to day. As a massive Madonna fan I couldn't let this day go by with out doing a post in honor of her royal highness. While, most pop sirens are put out to pasture by the age of 30, Madonna has proven again and again that age is nothing but a number. She has laughed in the face of ageism and all those that said she was nothing more then a disco dolly. With her new album Hard Candy proving she can still turn out pop gold like the best of them the Queen shows no sign of slowing down, especially as she prepares to embark on her Sticky & Sweet world tour. Happy Birth Day M! The Dandy luvs ya :)

3rd Time's the Charm

So, as I have said I have been really lazy in posting any thing new on the blog for a while. Part of the reason that I've been absent was my trip to Canada for Chris's (Michael's brother) wedding. This was in fact the third ceremony that Chris and his beautiful bride Sharon have had to celebrate their nuptials. The first two celebrations where in Taiwan so hardly any one from Canada or the States were able to attend so another was planned so Chris's side of the family could take part in the happy occasion.

We left on the 2nd of July and spent about a week in Canada hanging out with extended family, sipping some lovely wine, and enjoying each other's company. It was a lot of fun especially the reception were we got to see a lot of people from Boston that we had fallen out of contact with for a while.

I posted some pictures that were taken of the happy couple below. Enjoy :)

Bad Bad Blogger

I have been a very bad blogger. I know I haven't updated in like forever, but I've been actually up to a few things. So I promise to update soon. Salut

Just Because...

Mika / Happy Ending

Happy Ending was the final single from Mika's debut album. I played this album on repeat for months and today I just felt like posting the video. Mika's second album, as yet untitled, will hopefully be released sometime later this year. I can't wait.

Democratic Unity

This last Friday Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton came together at a rally in Unity, NH. The name of the town was significant to the purpose of the meeting and an opportunity to bring the supporters together and heal the Democratic Party after a divisive primary.

Clinton expressed her full support in elected Barack Obama to the presidency stating, "He will work for you, he will fight for you and he will stand up for you every day in the White House."

The rally came after a meeting between the once rivals in which Senator Obama offered to help clear Clinton's debt from her campaign. This gesture would then free up Clinton to be able to campaign for Obama instead of focusing on raising money to pay off her debt.

While this may seem like a finical win for Clinton, I hope that having her visible support for Obama will help keep her swing supporters from voting for John McCain. One in five of Clinton supporters have indicated they will vote for the Republican candidate come November.

Over the past few weeks since Clinton seceded to Obama many of her supporters, including women, have stated they would support John McCain. My opinion to that is get over it. I myself voted for Clinton and I thought she would be an excellent President, but in the end Barack won the nomination. John McCain is not the answer, if you are a woman or a minority you are not a part of the Republican Agenda and you should know that. McCain would replace moderate judges with right wing supporters that will try to further dismantle Roe Vs. Wade and take away a woman's right of autonomy. McCain would continue Bush's failed economic and foreign policies, and he would be no friend to civil liberties. It is adamant that Obama is elected President in the fall, it is my hope that Clinton will be by his side as VP but that is something we will just have to wait and see on. Putting ego's aside they would be an unstoppable team for good that is desperately needed by this lost nation.

Wacka Wacka

Last night Michael, Amie, Marsha and I went to Yucks 4 Bucks night at Hurricane O'Reilly's in Boston. Amie had won tickets from some radio station that was sponsoring the event. The premise was a bunch of armature comics do stand-up and the best one gets a cash prize of $1,000. We figured it could either be fun because the comics were good, but it could also be fun because the comics were tragic.

It turns out it was a little mix of both. The first comic of the night was actually really funny and so it seemed like we wouldn't spend the whole night heckling, but it soon turned tragic. I would say out of like 7 or 8 comics about 3 were actually funny. One comic, DJ Napkin, was hilarious doing comedic raps that were not at all corny. He was one of my favorites and was the second runner up. There were a few that tried to use music for a laugh but making a song dirty is just silly and not at all praise worthy.

I do think a few of the comics might have been funnier if I could actually hear them. One of the main problems was that the event was hosted at a bar, so a lot of people were more interested in getting their drink on then listening to some one's stand up act. Anyway, it was an interesting night out either way. Plus I enjoy any reason or excuse to go into Boston in general. Well, that is it for now folks. Salut :)

Thank God for Bravo

Since it is summer that normally means that there is nothing to watch on t.v., which to be honest does give people a good excuse to go out and enjoy the sun, but once the sun sets what is a girl to do. Thankfully for me there is Bravo and all my reality shows to help fill the air waves until all the other networks bring back my favorite shows in the fall.

The new season of Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List, premiered a week ago and I couldn't be happier. She is probably one of my favorite funny ladies and she cracks me up in every episode. She looks amazing this season as well. Besides D List, there is Flipping Out which I love, and of course Project Runway in July. This better be a good season of Runway because once it heads to lifetime I'll be done with the series.

Of course Bravo isn't the only network to have great programs running in the summer. I've been enjoying the new season of Weeds and Billie Piper's new show Diary of a Call Girl on Showtime and I will be looking forward to the return of the amazing and stellar Mad Men on AMC. I know this is a boring post but to be honest I haven't really been up to much lately. Any way I'm looking forward to this thursday's episode of D List when Kathy goes "down under" for Mardi Gras.

Into The Night Life

Cyndi Lauper / Into The Night Life

This is my favorite song on Cyndi's new album Bring Ya To The Brink. Anyway, I came upon the music video after I saw a snippet on The View today. So enjoy the genius that is Cyndi Lauper. Also if you get the chance to see Cyndi live this year on her True Colors Tour I suggest you go. She is amazing experince live!

Happy Pride

This past Saturday was Pride in Boston. This was my first time going to Pride in Boston and it was a lot of fun. I attended the celebration with Amie, Marsha, and Mark. I was surprised at how long the parade actually was and also at the amount of religious organizations that marched. I honestly think there were more religious groups then any other organization present.

After the pride we walked back to Government Center to take a look at the various booths and vendors. I got myself a new rape whistle and some free t-shirts from GMDAP (Gay Men's Domestic Abuse Project). Kat DeLuna was performing on the main stage, but I think we left before she came on. We decided to head over to the South End of the Block Party there, but had to head home before we made it there because Amie had to go to work.

Overall it was a lot of fun, and hopefully next weekend I will be going to Pride in Providence to see Tiffany, yes 80's pop-star Tiffany, perform. I posted some pictures I took of the parade below. Happy Pride Everybody!

Battlestar Galactica

The other day I watched the mid-season finale of my favorite show Battlestar Galactica. This is easily probably one of the best drama on television today. Now I have to admit that at first I was hesitant to watch the show. I'm not a huge Sci-Fi fan and many programs on the Sci-Fi channel are extremely disappointing (save for Farscape). I have to give Michael the credit for making me watch the show and I was instantly hooked on this smart and sexy series. It also helped that Lucy Lawless guest starred on the series and I am huge fan of hers.

So anyway back to the mid-season finale, now I expected something amazing since the writing on this show is superb as well as the acting. I don't want to say to much and give any thing away but I was intrigued and blown away on how they left it and can't wait for the series to come back. For me as a viewer most of the time I really honestly forget that I am watching a Science-Fiction program because the conflicts and ideas expressed in the series are so much deeper and broader.

The shows deals with issues around politics that mirror the contemporary situation we are in with Iraq, questions on religion and the existence of God, and the always tenuous connection of family. I just felt the need to express my love for this series on a broader format then just debating the show with Michael. If you get the chance to rent the show on DVD or catch a marathon I suggest you sit down and watch it. I promise you, Battlestar will leave you still thinking about all the questions the series raises.

When Democracy is Hijacked

A BBC investigation estimates that around $23 billion(£11.75bn) may have been lost, stolen or just not properly accounted for in Iraq.

What is even worse is the U.S. has used a gagging order keeping any allegations of war profiteering and corruption under wraps and barred from open discussion. This order applies to 70 court cases against some of America's top companies.

To date no U.S. contractor have faced trial on mismanagement or fraud for work done in Iraq. This is another shame full example of corruption in the Bush Administration that has been rampant for the last eight years. Though, this should come as no surprise when Bush and his cronies would rather protect large telecommunication companies then the civil liberties of U.S. citizens. Click below for the full BBC report. BBC Report

Give It 2 Me

Madonna / Give It 2 Me

Madonna just released the video for her new single Give It 2 Me, which features producer de jour Pharrell Williams. The woman is pushing 50 and can still rock it. All Hail the Queen of Pop!

Living History

This last Saturday, presidential contender for the Democratic nomination, Senator Hillary Clinton announced (click the link for the video) she was ending her presidential campaign.

Though she did not go all the way to the white house, she is living proof that a woman can be an actual real contender for the presidency. In front of cheering crowds Clinton said her thanks for the people that made her campaign so historical and important and expressed full support for rival Barrack Obama. She called for the uniting of the parties and for her supporters to put their energy and elected Senator Obama to the White House in November.

I personally took hope in Senator Clinton's message, and I still believe that she has what it takes to make this country great again. Let's hope that when Obama chooses his vice-president ego's are set aside and someone is chosen that has the capability to do the job and fight for what this country needs. I believe this country would prosper from an Obama/Clinton ticket. I am extremely proud of what Hillary accomplished, she is proofe that equality can be achieved. She may not have shattered the glass ceiling but she sure has made significant cracks for the next generation to shatter.

R.I.P. Yves Saint Laurent 1936-2008

One of the most consistenly celebrated and influential designer of the past twenty-five years, Yves Saint Laurent passed away to today from effects of brain cancer in his Parisian home.

According to The New York Times, a few days before he died, Saint Laurent and Bergé were joined in a same-sex civil union known as a "civil pact of solidarity" in France.

YSL is buried in Marrakech Morocco. His partner Bergé said during the funeral service: “But I also know that I will never forget what I owe you, and that one day I will join you under the Moroccan palms.”

He will be sadly missed, not only by the fashion community, but by the world at large.

Congrats to Deb & Nancy

On May 31th our good friend Deb married her partner Nancy in a small intimate gathering in Hyannis. The wedding was held outdoors at their friend Rita's beautiful home on the Cape. The ceremony was short and sweet, which is always appreciated and thankfully the rain held off until we were all safely under the white canopy enjoying appetizers and chilled wine.

It was a lovely gathering of friends and family all sending well wishes to the new couple. Michael's sister came from the Shire and his mother flew up from Florida for the ceremony and was superb as the flower girl, sending hydrangea blossoms onto the happy couple as they made their way to the make shift altar.

After the reception Michael and I decided to spend the night on the Cape, rather then drive back to Worcester. So, I called my brother and he was gracious enough gives a bed to crash on. It was a lot of fun seeing him and him, Liz, Austin, and Victoria. We had a great time with them the next day before heading home.

So here is to Deb and Nancy may your love shine a light when it is most dark, be a haven from the rain, and warmth when it seems the sun will never shine.

Sex and the Silver Screen

There were rumors and whispers about it, and now it has finally come true; Sex and the City: The Movie. I have to say my heart was a flutter and I waited with baited breath for the opening of the film.

Expectations where high, and the series ended on such a high note I had to wonder what the movie itself would be centered on, would Carrie finally marry Mr. Big? I will first start off by saying I'm a little bi-est, I'm a huge fan of the series and was looking forward to seeing my girls again.

The film was handled well, with the four ladies each dealing with different struggles and issues that I will not go into as not to ruin the plot. I will say this, that is was refreshing to see a film in which the four major stars were all women over the age of forty flat supportive roles, but instead were dynamic women, that were sexy, smart, and real. Also, I will like to give a special shout out to the brilliant Patrica Fields for her choices in costume, fashion has always been a stapple and highlight of Sex and the City and I was glad to see that it was also upheld within the film.

There were a few times when I was faklempt and the tears began to swell. Even after the credits rolled and on the way home I still glazed over thinking about the movie. I remarked to Michael that it was like reuniting with old friends that you had not seen in years, the best part was to find that they are live and well.

Summers Here and Schools Out

I did it! I completely my first semester at Clark, and quite successfully I might add. I received three A's and one B+ giving me a 3.8 GPA. I'm very happy to know that I was able to meet the challenges that the Clark educational experience had to offer.

Now here comes sweltering heat and the educational oblivion that is summer. I've never been a huge fan of the summer time, is it the sticky humidity, the frizzing hair, the rocket eclectic bill I get from trying to stay cool?? Not sure which, but I know I don't like it. The only positive aspect about the summer months is that DQ is open and trips to Hot Dog Anne's on a lazy weekend day.

Hopefully it will go by quickly with some interesting experiences and then I will be back in the classroom ready for more.

Happy Birthday Kylie

Australian Pop Diva and Gay Icon Kylie Minogue turns a stunning 40yrs old today. Like a fine wine she only improves with age. Minogue celebrated her birthday in Paris with an inimate gathering of family and friends, where earlier that week she was gien one of France's highest cultural honors.

The musical Icon was bestowed the title of Chevalier dans l'ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters). Past receipents include singers Bob Dylan and David Bowie and Hollywood stars George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford and Meryl Streep.

Kylie is currently touring through out Europe to support her 10th studio album entitled X, which was recored after her successful trimpuh over breast cancer. X is probably one of my favorite albums from Kylie and proves that she still has her finger firmly planted on the pulse of contemporary pop music.

Happy Birthday Kylie, sending you well wishes light, and the promise of an ever better tomorrow!

Perfect Trashy Pop

Lene Alexandra, is a pop singer/FHM model from Norway. I came across her album on a music blog (click the pic for the link) and I have fallen in love with it.

It is completely self-aware trash-pop music and very fun. I mean how can you go wrong with a song called "My Boobs are Okay," and lyrics like "I keep my religion in a Gucci purse/Oh my god I forgot the rest of this verse"

Check out the video for "My Boobs are Okay" here: My Boobs are Okay

Happy Birthday Amie

Return to Narnia and also to Boredom

Last Friday Michael and I went and saw Prince Caspian. First off I have say I was already feeling like death do to the consumption of wine and vodka from the night before, so when I finally was able to get out of the fetal position we decided to head to the movies.

Now, when we saw the first Narnia film, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, I was extremely disappointed and Michael and I kept cracking Aslan is Jesus jokes through out the entire thing. I grew up reading the Narnia books as a kid and really loved them. I guess for some reason I thought the films might be a more adult and dark interpretation of the books, I forgot that Disney was producing the movies and was marketing them as Christian safe in the Red States.

Anyway, the trailers for the Prince Caspian looked good with all the CGI so I figured I would give it a go. Prince Caspian is a lot better then The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but that isn't saying much. There were many parts when the wholesome Hallmarkiness was so saccharine, that I thought I would be sick and there were a few parts were the story just lagged and you started looking for a clock. The upside was the eye-candy, Ben Barnes was nice to look at as Prince Caspian even if his accent was a little wonky, and William Moseley who plays Peter is getting more dreamy by the minute.

The DeCordova... Deux

Last Thursday night I attended the opening of the 2008 DeCordova Annual Exhibition. Marguerite White, an artist and Clark Professor was exhibiting her work and I was lucky enough to attend the opening.

Her piece Waterline (developmental drawing) was one of the highlights for me of the show. Her mix of vellum drawings, chalk, and silhouette creates a familiar yet almost fairytale like narrative and landscape, very reminiscent of Kara Walker.

"She sets us adrift in time by referencing historic imagery from the Rime of the Ancient Mariner while also calling attention to our current misgivings about harbors as sites of potential security threats. With a mix of images making up her narrative, White creates a space that is both fluid and disorienting, a place where you can become, even momentarily, lost on this continually shifting waterline." - Kate Dempsey, Koch Curatorial Fellow

Other artists that are worth going to take a look at are Mark Schoening, David Prifti, and Yana Payusova.

Happy Birthday Cher

The DeCordova

... last night was so "Bonefest 06" more to come.

Equality Is In Sight

The California Supreme Court ruled today that it is unconditional to deny gay couples the right to marry in the state.

California now joins Massachusetts as the second state to guarantee equal rights its gay citizens and their families.

For the full story click below:
NY Times

This is such great news I'm going to have to celebrate. My own fear is that the foaming at the mouth fanatical christian-right will use this civil rights victory to promote more fear and hatred in middle America. Light always wins in the end.

R.I.P. Robert Rauschenberg 1925-2008

I know this post is a few days old, but I just heard about the news today. Robert Rauschenberg, one of America's most prolific and irrepressible artist passed away on May 12th, 2008 from heart failure.

Rauschenberg was one of the celebrated figures of the pop-art scene along with infamous Andy Warhol. It was Rauschenberg that broke the stranglehold held by the abstract expressionist artists in US galleries and museums.

His helped redefine the meaning and blur lines between sculpture, painting, photography, print-making, and even theater. His use of "found objects" in his sculpture helped pioneer the pop-art movement that would bring Warhol to fame. Rauschenberg comments on his use of every day objects by stating, "I really feel sorry for people who think things like soap dishes or mirrors or Coke bottles are ugly, because they're surrounded by things like that all day long, and it must make them miserable." He was truly a remarkable talent with unique vision and will be greatly missed.

Rauschenberg - Estate -1963

Somebody's Watching You

Although, I had heard of the movie a few times, I had not actually seen it until a few days ago. I came across the link on another blog and decided to check it out. I'm not even sure what to completely make of it all. I find many aspects plausible but then at the same time, some of the other theories hits a little too close to home and reminds me of too many religious prophecies. Check it out by clicking the link below.

Zeitgeist, the movie

Happy Mother's Day

This post is dedicated to 2 very special ladies from their sons. To Jeanne a.ka. Mom and Liz a.ka. Mom, we would like to thank you for all the love you have given us and the patience you have shown. We know that we have not always been the easiest to bring up (some worse then others, lol), and because of the fact that neither one of you left us at a mall, or on the steps of a local church we are very grateful. We would like to wish you both a very Happy Mother's Day, and wish we could be there to celebrate with you.

We love you mom,
Chad & Mike

Art Minute

Artemisia Gentileschi - Madonna and Child - Oil on canvas, ca. 1609. Spada Gallery, Rome.

While there is speculation on the actually attribution of this painting (Garrad stating it is an actual Artemisia painting based on her fathers, Bissell disputing this claim), if it is indeed Artemisia Gentileshci it shows remarkable ability for an artist at such a young age(speculation is that she was 16 when working on this painting.)

Gentileschi's portrays the holy mother and child in an intimate moment of nurturing. Mary is shown in the process of offering her breast to young son. The Christ Child reaches out to caress his mothers warm face. The scene is touching, and familiar, a beautiful moment between mother and child. Since tomorrow is Mother's Day I thought that this work would be a piece of art that would be a fitting example of motherhood.

Happy Mother's Day

Friday Night at the Movies

Last Night, I let Michael convince me to go see the new Iron Man movie. I knew Robert Downey Jr. was playing the hero and I tend to always enjoy him in his roles. The movie wasn't all that bad, actually I enjoyed in that big block buster type of way. I was disappointed that they removed the alcoholic aspect of the Tony Stark character, only because it is a flaw that can really humanize another wise hard to swallow narrative.

I think that's why the Batman films always tend to be superior in terms of comics made for the cinema. With Batman all that dark gritty stuff, that is so human, is essential to the films. Well, at least when it is done right. Batman Begins is a shinning example of a comic book movie that stays true to its roots and yet can still be realized in a live-action format.

Either way, Robert Downey was great as Tony Stark, and all though I found the premise a little shaky (renouncing building weapons to create peace, only to create a weapon to destroy the weapons), over all it was a nice little mental retreat since I have been focused on finishing up every thing for the end of the semester.

Something I Can't Get Enough Of

I know what you are thinking, another digital short from SNL. I have saved this on Tivo for over two years and every now and then when I need a laugh, I but this on and watch Natalie Portman rap about life. Sit back, take a moment for you and laugh a little.

Why I Like Bollywood / Chori Chori

I was just surfing the net and came upon this video. It is ferosh to say the least and yes that is the chorus from the 90's song about licken the boom boom. Enjoy :)

Bizarre

Michael and I ran to Target today to pick up a few toiletries that we needed and came across a fairy in the check out line (No pun intended).

I had to snap a pic for the blog, and Ms. Bell was gracious enough to oblige. Turns out she is a clown, nothing worse then a clown, the Tinkerbell look was for a child's party. Still kind of bizarre though.

But, what is even more weird and totally out there, finding out my Mom watched a few episodes of Queer As Folk and liked it. I mean it is great that my mother can be so open, but it is a little bizarre none the less.

Another Look at the SNL Short

Michael just posted his video for the week. Now I thought the SNL Digital Short was funny when I first saw it last year, but looking at it again it made me curious. Does this short have a underlining message that is only viewable when looking at it through a feminist or queer perspective.

Take for instance when the sister enters the room, for some reason she is shot multiple times by the different men in the room. Why is it the women deserves multiple gun shots, is it because she is inherently less then her male counterparts, or is it that because she is a woman, her sexuality then poses a greater threat to the patriarchy, which then requires for men to gang up on a her and silence this power?

Also, looking at the scene in a queer perspective does this multiple attacks from the 3 men turn this woman into a "tripod mary" a psycho-sexual vessel for these men to interact in a safely disguised heterosexual manner?

You decide.

Something I Can't Get Enough Of

Chad hates me for putting this up, but I can't seem to get enough of it. I know its a wee bit older, but I have to post it. Hope you enjoy it and have an odd moment of clarity.

Another Edition of Mean but Funny

Enjoy

McDull

The other day I got the new issue of T.V. Guide magazine with Patrick Dempsey on the cover. The guide named him the "sexiest man on t.v." and that is what has inspired this little blog/rant.First off, I am so over Patrick Dempsey, not that I was every under the collective swoon America has been under because of his cheesy performance of "McDreamy" on the tired show Greys Anatomy. Here are reasons why Patrick Dempsey needs to be forgotten and why I am so over him.

First off his new movie is stupid and fatiguing. Any thing resembling comedy in Made of Honor is based on tired reversal of gender roles. How funny he is a dude doing stuff chicks do. It is almost as excruciatingly painful as Chuck & Larry. My second reason is based on his uninspired campaign for Versace. The adds are so tame and boring they could be for a fancy J. Crew catalog. My other reason is that he really is not that sexy.

Mimo

I don't know what it is about Mariah Carey. It never fails, that when I hear of a new release by the diva supreme that is Mariah, I vow never to put down money for another one of her records yet I always do.

Every since Butterfly I have purchased all of Mariah's crappy albums (Well, except Glitter, I have yet to enter the PGW). I even got the suckfest that was Charmbracelet. Though in my defence I got that as a gift. Which now that I think about it makes it even worse, that someone would think I would actually want that CD.

Anyway, I digress. I thought after the disaster that was Glitter and Charmbracelet that I would be safe from any more Mariah LPs, that was of course before the Emancipation of Mimi.

Like always I was hatting on that album but was secretly lovin' "It's like That." Anyway, I got the album and loved it but swore to myself that Mariah would not get me the next time around. Mimi was just a fluke. Well, I got E=MC2 recently, but again I will try to be lame and justify it by the fact that I did not spend any money on it (No I did not get it as a gift, I downloaded illegally off a blog. Which now that I am thinking about it makes it even worse that I would break the law to get the new Mariah album. It never ends!!!). Either way the album isn't totally uninteresting.

My Favorite Tracks:
Migrate
Touch My Body
Side Effects
I'm That Chick
I'll Be Lovin' You Long Time

My Least Favorite Tracks:
Pretty much every thing else and especially Bye Bye and I Wish You Well, for quoting the bible.

Her Sugar is Raw

I'm totally feeling the new Madonna album, Hard Candy. Then again I tend to be able to get down with all Madonna albums in one way or another. I was a little nervous when I heard that she was working with the producers de jour Timbaland/Timberlake and Pharrell Williams. I still have not forgiven the latter for taking over and ruining Gwen Stefani's second album The Sweet Escape.

I had a feeling that the album would be all R&B/Hip-Hop and be a huge disappointment. Of course I should have trusted that Madonna would keep the leash tight. While Hard Candy may dabble in Hip-Hop beats the pulse it kept firmly on the disco. Most of the songs work well and still contain electro/disco elements, most notable on "Beat Goes On", which references Donna Summer's beep beep of "Bad Girls".

Nearing the age of 50, Madonna can still out do most of the younger contenders for her Pop Throne. Hard Candy proves those wannabes have miles to go before they can rest in her shadow never mind bask in her lime light.

My Favorite Tracks:
Give It 2 Me
4 Minutes
Hearbeat
Miles Away
Dance 2Night
Devil Wouldn't Recognize You
Voices

My Least Favorite Track:
Spanish Lessions