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