Reads that Resonated

Movie Magic

  • Hitchcock: Notorious
    Hitchcock: Notorious
    One of many great pieces. This one seems a pointedly composed visually, like a set of moving silver-dipped photos - though many other Hitchcock films work better storywise. I love him, in part, because of his masterful audience manipulation; believe this is one of his most important contributions to moviemaking, eh, baby Spielberg?
  • Krzysztof Kieslowski: Blue (Three Colors Trilogy)
    Krzysztof Kieslowski: Blue (Three Colors Trilogy)
    A fav til I die; elemental economy yielding everything
  • John Sayles: Brother From Another Planet
    John Sayles: Brother From Another Planet
    Watched this one very young and was blown away by the metaphors, the silence(s), creative vision; John Sayles continues to astound & inspire!
  • Ridley Scott: Blade Runner (The Director's Cut)
    Ridley Scott: Blade Runner (The Director's Cut)
    Not too familiar with this cut directly. Enjoyed this far more than Star Wars, of which George Lucas may be my favorite piece... Anyhoo, this blew me away, and continues to, each time I screen it. Futuristic, dark, cerebral, moody & character-focused :-)
  • David Mamet: House of Games
    David Mamet: House of Games
    Mamet brings Hitchcock to the street & I love it! Plays with the language in a way I'd not heard from Hollywood/ moviemaking before that still catches my ear particularly.
  • Paul Verhoeven: Total Recall
    Paul Verhoeven: Total Recall
    A smart, fun blockbuster ­ Hooray! [Hmph, I didn't note clearly PV was the ringleader here, good to know]
  • Spike Lee: Do the Right Thing
    Spike Lee: Do the Right Thing
    Cinematic mural of characters dancing race & gender one hot New York summer day. Work it, my brother!
  • Peter Greenaway: The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover
    Peter Greenaway: The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover
    Distinctly remember working on my (film) grant one hot Berkeley summer day, then sneaking off to see this racy movie only to be blown away by Smelling film (whoa!) and that kitchen, oh that kitchen...
  • Pedro Almodóvar: Talk to Her (Hable con Ella)
    Pedro Almodóvar: Talk to Her (Hable con Ella)
    Perhaps my favorite film of his (yet). Though he's definitely one of my World Idols ;-) Colorific, poignant, far fetched yet accessible, familiar dramedies that move us with curious visuals, story shifts, and everyday people.
  • Steven Soderbergh: Traffic
    Steven Soderbergh: Traffic
    Steve is one of those that keeps me excited and not so jaded about the possibilities of American, even Hollywood, filmmaking - bravo and thanks to him!!
  • Deathtrap
    Talkin' twists! I believe we have four primary ones before the credits roll
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Top 10 Queer Reads

  • Michael Jensen: Frontiers
    Michael Jensen: Frontiers
    Typically avoid historical fictions, or did. This jumped into my hands at library. May still be my favorite of all with its gorgeous allure, taste of the supernatural, and frank gay depiction - even if a few yesterdays ago. Bravo MJ!
  • Michael Nava: DEATH OF FRIENDS
    Michael Nava: DEATH OF FRIENDS
    I cried from feeling the ache of identifying with a recovering alcoholic. (is this why I’ve been hit on by so many around this time? :-)) Nava continues to develop the humanity here, than the mysteries. Kudos and thanks!
  • Paul Russell: SEA OF TRANQUILITY
    Sometimes I find art that wastes its title. Has no idea how to live up to it – this one was the opposite and left me swimming for days on end!!! [out of print]
  • E. Lynn Harris: Invisible Life
    E. Lynn Harris: Invisible Life
    Sheer power rocked me for years (3!). So pleased by his debut, skipped the 2nd fearing a sophomoric slump, yet found the 3rd just as wonderful, if not groundbreaking. Cheers to a long career!
  • Jim Grimsley: Dream Boy
    Haunting. Beautiful. Nicely ambiguous, at points. Decidedly southern. Hooray!
  • Krandall Krauss: The President’s Son
    Thank god, I thought we only wrote high-end literature and stories. This hugged my soul and said Dynasty, Dallas, et. al. BEWARE – a tribute will come. * This tipped me to realize more gay pop fictions, etc. etc. will be needed, and bought. Kensington Press exemplifies this. We'll see on the film side as players emerge.
  • Larry Duplechan: Eight Days A Week
    Lilting. Great mid-tier, or rather middle of the road author. I’d gladly BEG him for more books! * Like a gay “High Fidelity” …with the white lover and band.
  • Christopher Bram: Surprising Myself
    Captures so easily emerging out, and friendship shifts, challenges, etc.
  • R.D. Zimmerman: Closet
    R.D. Zimmerman: Closet
    Start of a serial. Set in Minneapolis! My god! Felt the winter and bite of exiting the closet again in a parallel world I know too well, yet have never lived. Bravo, r.d.
  • Alex Sanchez: Rainbow Boys
    New entry so may not be sequenced how I want...

Janet returns!

Predicting Janet's "Rock WIth U" as the Spring Break/Time club jam

                            

Janet's Feedback [Video]

This video sucks brick. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lVHJmJVI88
Sad to see such a misstep (JD, is this your meddling again?!) from this icon.
Thankfully the single is tasty and fun. (Bravo Rodney Jerkins, and welcome back.)

Ok well, I do like the end piece when she's in red playing with her, uh, cream.
Whatevah girl do a storyline video and get ready for your big moviemusical.

Gen Art Pulse Must-Have Playlist 2007

Very nice - different than what I generally listen to. Took me back to spending time at Java Road in Tempe Az years back.

I see four tracks are DRM-free. I'd rather source the whole discs and recreate the playlist from them.

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=269563014&s=143441

Renee Neufville @ Joe's Pub tonight

Made me think of Jill Scott in Erykah's throat, moving steadily toward Me'shell right N O W.
Mad fucking talent!

Would love her to bring in it a bit more to record a jazz disc.
Suggested producers? Van Hunt. Me'shell. Ooooh - Rachelle!!

Or would love an EP... even a duet with stokley (chris dave's involvement a must)

My old 80Gb iPod is fine

I need to go through my musics more, rating and playlisting them. A 160 GB iPod could be cool, and add to that process. However, I'm not in need of it.

I see buying an iPhone first, and right now, I'm not certain I will do such until late '08 or into 2009. I want to further go into Treo, like my plan and how I'm using some of the phone (e.g. texting myself tasks, emailing with it, recording song ideas AND utilizing AstroPocket on the fly.) BlueTooth would be an area to move more into.

What I really would like is an iPhone that could hold more music, (plus record voice memos! nay voicemails) so I could retire (resell?) my Treo 680.

Short: not on priority purchase list

Dream Teams

Raphael Saadiq producing Robin Thicke

Me'Shell & Erykah Badu (EP of ?live? jams)

Roy sounds petty good here. I'm not feeling it though.
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=151276953&s=143441

Tell us why music is so important to you.

from an Entertainment Weekly poll, I answer the subject/question:

music is portable beyond the wonder of ipods, etc. music joins us together as emotionsas certainly common to most, if not all, humans. it is fun, it is moody, it is inspiring, it is informative. it is affordable! it is compact in file, time, and other sizes.

FIN ished

cool article wrapping up the Finland's shocking Eurovision win from some sci-fi, heavy metal attired rockers. some language, and reactions, within remind me of sporting events.

Ran across Kelli Sae link in an email. She seems like a nice voice and presence; I'm feel absence of a grab or certain something. http://www.kellisae.com/audio/mp3h/03.mp3

CatchUP and MustHard

Just ordered Gregory Douglass' STARK rightfully pumped by Out Magazine (October 2006, p. 44). He's his own creature for sure, somewhere in the metro of Sarah McLachlan, Tori, and softer moody cafe crooners. Look forward to hearing this on my iPod. (Decided to pay a lot more and ordered the actual disc. Perhaps I'll gift it to someone? or simply resell par usual. Wanted him to earn more on it.) Big thanks to OUT!

Billboard (Jan. 28 2006, p. 20) notes the Irish music biz inaugarated an award similar to UK's Mercury as they continue to grow. I wonder how that relates to Dublin growing from the various tech, and other, industries moving in over the last decade or so. Relished the memories and visit just one year ago walking up the way for fresh juice and groceries this AM. Yum.

From some 2005 Out Traveler, I wrote "to advance, we must consider agin honestly for this is how time moves us. looking back is good and certaingly an educaiton too, though perhaps not propelled as we'd like."

From Fast Company (Dec. '05, p.12),"Animation is the only part of film production where quality is going up while costs are going down." Unions withstanding, I think we need to begin seeing this for filmmaking in general. I really am more prone to a cooperative profit sharing, beyond a base/basic salary payment, in my company's model.

BET had an ad, in Billboard, quite awhile back saying they were #1 in 2005 in five different categories. I'm so unimpressed. Of course, it's about more than money with me. As well, I think it's funny they've made it to 25 being so shallow and weathering the consistent criticism about shallow (if quite profitable) programming. Would love to see some better/highbrow amidst all the other stuff. Ah, dreaming again, yes, I am!

Found this VV article about Latin freestyle's early 80s origins being a compromise as hip-hop early on was quite black, and demanded to be strictly so. Hmmm, I guess we can live together; more application on the working together.
http://www.villagevoice.com/music/0616,veraacuten,72904,22.html

AI5 - Elvis Night

mistakenly didn't record Elvis night. from brief online perusals, it sounds like a mess of genre for our Final Four. ah well, that is a big name/draw from this show's audience <sighs>

would've loved a Vegas night including them singing one Elvis and one.... stagestopper song? eh, maybe that doesn't fit their parameters of generating BIG buzz

http://blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatter/2006/05/a_little_more_c.html#comments

Music Explorations/Roundup

Rich Medina http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=120445340&s=143441 is understandably one of TimeOutNY's 2006 People To Watch. Album preview leaves me pleased, though not 'accidentally' clicking to buy.

Casey Dienel is another, possessing a particular presence and vision with her Wind-Up Canary http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=93462061&s=143441. Reminds me of Rufus Wainwright in a cafe.

Oh shit, a british import that is totally tasty. Corrine Bailey Rae reminds me of a lighter Macy Gray swirled with Nelly Furtado confection. Would definitely buy this. (Reminiscent of Vivian Green, with more successfully matched with songs.) http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=126091140&s=143444

So this Jason Walker CD is sounding quite quite cute... no wait, GOOD! almost want to jump up throw on my tight t-shirt and pour on jeans, dim the lights, and club OUT :-)
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=92012247&s=143441

This album cover seems familiar, though the sound isn't totally. Sounds very polished and appealing. Could EASILY add this to the collection, especially used. New wouldn't hurt the feelings.
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=137078406&s=143441

Postal Service: Really nice, quality stuff from this outfit. Will watch out for future things from them.
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=41441546&s=143441

Out/Nov '05 noted Michael Mangia as a knockoff Elton. Perhaps that's why I fine him quality, yet not personally alluring or necessary.
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=7203307&s=143441

Test Shot Starfish is definitely on their games. Go 'head gay couple, make that ambient music! (This is less my Lounge playlist, and more new, "Atmospheric", or some such.)
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=62232007&s=143441

Well, damn. Gregory is BRINGING it. Is over in the neighborhood of Sarah's FUMBLING with connections to Tori Amos, Paula Cole, and some soul brothers. Hearing this is only from previews - whoa! DEFINITELY BUYING!
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=76876810&s=143441

SO AMNewYork called forth Holly Brook, by way of republished LA Times 'notice'. Singing the hook/chorus on hip-hop track Where'd You Go, leaving a ethereal presence - my words - to the hard, crunchy track and heavy handed Fort Minor.
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=95780485&s=143441&i=95779235

On her self-titled EP, I'm already intrigued with how she's familiar yet her own deal. Bravo and good luck with the Spring release!
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=81247780&s=143441

I listened to four tastes of Stephane Wrembel, on his website, and I'm not sure what the hoopla is about him from amNY. Very talented guitarist. I guess I want more presence or some such. Have a feeling in person, he is more. That's a tricky deal in this media age...
http://www.stephanewrembel.com/music

So I found Pink Martini song snippets on Amazon. Played 1st track for newer disc. I like it, I like it. I can see sharing with Petey as well as DavidO. May buy both, dub, and send one of each to them :-) Oooh, I love that!

I appreciate her newest title track, Everybody's Girl. It's like Paula Cole mixed with a more grounded presence and a bunch of Southern flavoring. Would like to hear more of her+
http://www.jenfoster.com/

HX called out this guy in their January 13th issue... DJ Exacta gives a good deal of info, and plus a sense of his vast ouevre, yet no song snippets. We know what to do ;-)
http://djexacta.com/

Dave Tozer, a key John Legend/Get Lifted collaborator, called out working with British rapper Estelle (Billboard, 2/11/06). She's the real deal y'all
v2.fr/estelle.php

Money in the mixtape

http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2006-04-20-mixtapes-main_x.htm

rather good article from Steve Jones, USAtoday. I love it when he digs into a subject. As well, this is reminding me of selfpublishing, producing, printing, etc. etc.

Even if it's a home and slow-going in the beginning ;-)

Asians get lost in translation

Village Voice article I enjoyed: From 'Memoirs of a Geisha' to Gwen Stefani's Harujuku Girls, Asians get lost in translation

New Year, New Musics

Annoucing the return of P I N K
http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1519101/20051221/pink.jhtml?headlines=true

Curious remake

and a great cause - Alicia & Bono redo Gabriel's "Don't Give Up" for aids/Africa
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051130/ap_en_mu/music_keys___bono

Dream Team

Eric Benet produced by Sting

Dream Team

Tracy Chapman & Annie Lennox

Advancing (Tech)

Technology (esp. in Europe) driving music act's promotions

Need to meditate more on how I meet some local quality people - for fun, fun fun and otherWise. Is it online (e.g. Friendster, gay.com, gaydar...)? Is it wherever? Actually, how is it wherever, in that everyday way? At mixers? Blind friend dates? What? * I know some of it is presentation of self, a large part, though I feel like it's much about changing my vibrations to be open for this, and asking for it within, deep within (hey, none of that cackling!).

Hanson on the music biz

Hanson bros. sportin' a new disc and film doc on being independent from majors - I want to see this doc if you readers (hullo?) come across it - thanks :-)

Annie doens't like to tour (uh oh), and new Eurythmics new hits CD coming
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051023/music_nm/eurythmics_dc

Toronto & CDs!

Been thinking for a few days (seems like this comes up in autumn over the years) about buy $100 or 10 (new) CDs a month to support folks with their independent releases + the Soundscan scores. This brings me current, and I could pre-order from Amazon, or wherever. This would come from daygig money, whereas collexion building is really from the Re$ells/initial collection :-)
Some of these CDs I would simply load and resell immediately to recoup AND keep my media close to the same. * I like this - need to sit with it a bit more, because I would prefer to hear the previews on iTunes/web beforehand - at least, sometimes.

I'm feeling good about subscribing to Billboard & EW end of November - hoping i would begin receiving issues with end of year biggies. plus, i feel good in being on rhythm with periodicals reading by/before that. :-)

I like the idea of Toronto for Thanksgiving, yet this isn't clicking as best. I feel like I may go on a daytrip overnight Friday, whereas I want to be here & out that Sat evening/night. I can fathom doing some theater, project(s), or such that weekend. * Who knows I may even participate in some cooking + group eating... Thinking it would be a place by car or bus... or yes even train. Asbury popped into view (again) before work this morning... we shall see. (I'm guessing the Newlyweds will go somewhere. ) Oooh, now i have pump'in pie on my mind LOL

Alicia's #1 again
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051020/en_nm/sales_dc

Apple rocks da house

with a push to revolutionize TV and the whole dealio.... maybe a Dick Tracy type o' watch is in order for Christmas/holidays 2006? How could this new iPod be used to share dailies on (or off) location?!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051013/en_nm/applecomputer_imac_dc


Madonna's coming back strong - at least in the partnerships, if not the visuals + music...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051012/ap_en_tv/music_madonna

Catchup Blog 1

T-shirt line from Chad Allen (not sure if i'd wear or print this considering where i feel things are going soon(er))... Theater is life. Film is art. TV is furniture.

Out May '05 (yes, i'm not on my 60 day cycle for processing periodicals...) mentions X/O Chicago on Halsted (3411 N). I wondered what was there previously... looks like a cabaret/bar named Voltaire - which rings a bell - since 2000.

I guess Delta's JFK to Berlin non-stop dealio became a casualty of the bankruptcy - wait, no, i found one.
depart 5:55 pm/arrive 8:10 am (very cool, hehehe); leave berlin 12:10 pm/land JFK 2:50 pm
ok, so if leave thu pm, and return monday - would get a 3+ day weekend. for say $486

I'd wanted to google John Scognamiglio, and did... he's editorial director at kensington books.

I love this (quite astute) line from Moby:
"I say that I don't live in America, that I live in the Island State of Manhattan. [Laughs] Manhattan is to the United States as Hong Kong is to China."

Approx. 84% of USA's gays and lesbians have valid passports vs. 29% of the general (USA) population
-from Out Traveler
That's almost triple the percentage!!?!! Is that because of parenting, or a sense of not questing beyond the easily known?

Story idea/sci fi: gay marriage is allowed, yet each/all marriages must procreate at least once... population explosion*
*inspired by this bit from Scene Aug '05's from the publisher note: "...I think this [gay folkd] is God's way of birth control"

Oh how fun - Ex-'Idol' Constantine signs ABC sitcom deal with Kelsey Grammer

some iTunes store peeps

LaToya's tracks sound smart - voice here reminds me of Kim English some - and HONEST. Hmmm, been awhile since that's happened. More about the art than commerce ? * I could hang with a used/cheap copy of this - not sure if it has something compelling, which she could sang me believes!
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=79625814

Go 'head Syleena, this sounds WAAAY more pulled together than the previous two discs
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=79724455

This Natasha sounds like PINK after MIZUNDASTOOD dipped into UK/Europe now, which is actually quite tasty, if not so original to my ear * could stand a copy of this, at least for through perusal
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=76144752

Sounds like girl is doing her thing. Good vocal production. Doesn't grab me personally on a 1st preview run.
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=77111807

Solid, quality music. Nothing I need to add to the collection, if someone I need to keep a sort of eye on...
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=50721394

Yo, D('Angelo), what the fuck man?

trax ideas

the O[bscenity]

Yank!

Successful, if not quiet B'way or Off B'way material as is.

I think it relies too much on dancing for expressiveness where we need more story and character development; however, I would recommend taking a look at the songs to next level, and consider making a movie of this. I believe a lot of actions and montages with music, or even (additional?) songs better evidence this story, and more importantly that history and period.

Cast was stellar as was the direction. Lyrics were pretty good, music was great; story (book?) was quite quite strong, I felt. Great chance for a singer-actrees to play the small female roles. *I definitely need to write some thing(s) with men in uniforms - well, beyond photo shoots...;-)

Glad I went & got in; show was inspiring, touching and darling.

http://www.nymf.org/index.php?module=ShowManager&func=display&sid=9

buying concert tix and CDs doesn't always correspond - well, duh, diffrent incomes perhaps and crazee high tix prices ($400?! - i could go to london for a weekend with that... yes, frugally)

Jay-Z Says He's Going To Air Some Rappers Out Onstage - hmmm, i thought he was an office guy now
http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1509668/20050915/jay_z.jhtml?headlines=true

Like me or not, Prince Harry at 21 (wisely) says 'I am who I am' - how curious he's a virgo. And I can't stand this picture as his brother seems unflattered, and a much larger person/head - which i believe isn't right. Maybe the horse thing comes out with the fence or such's placement?
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-09-14-prince-harry_x.htm

...where can i get a copy of more JACK HERRERA (Jon B.'s band project) songs?!
http://soul-sides.com/2005/02/loves-gonna-getcha-material-love.html

tatu readies 2nd disc with help from <drum roll> Sting and Richard Carpenter

Martha dazzles on daytime return - heck y'all she's free and a Leo under spotlights doing her domesticity dominance. C'mon, dur

Albums Previewer Ketchup

Jamiroquai's DYNAMITE: sounds a bit too cleaned up, if still good music. Would like to add it, not buy it from what I heard
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=75204404

Love the artwork of Bloc Party's EP. Music is curious!
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=78107569

Depeche Mode's new single PRECIOUS sounds tasty

Craig David returns with cd #3 (i want the import version though as it has 2,3 additional songs(+)); not thinking it will take down his first disc. Sounds more cool pop than hot hip pop, so i may like it more so than #2.
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=78990661

LATEness

B(L)ACK
I'm back from Chicago, post tv catchup and a nice afternoon nap. Was angling to go into the city for TOUCH. Though I'm more curious to see more of PRISON BREAK, catch up on news/blogging, and otherwise have fun in my apartment. Not sure if i'm being too pragmatic in staying home, or going with the groove of goodness. Will keep with the productivity tip and see what's what. TOUCH goes each Monday eve from 6 to 2 so I could still go... Notting bet either way.

KATTIE CORNER
From an initial breeze-through, it would seem more energy emerges in the blame game, esp. among the agencies and offices themselves, rather than additional impactful solutions to further curb the severe lateness of fools, er, folks.

*Partial (radio chat) transcript of New Orleans Mayor from Friday 2nd
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/02/national/nationalspecial/02TEXT-NAGIN.html?pagewanted=all

*Mayor & police heads think outside the box to retain officers
http://nytimes.com/2005/09/05/national/nationalspecial/05vegas.html?hp&ex=1125979200&en=b7296264ca796265&ei=5094&partner=homepage

*Sounds like re-dunce-city to me
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/05/national/nationalspecial/05medical.html

*Getting youth into school somewhere by partnering with all major educational groups (!) and loosening up laws for homeless youth
http://nytimes.com/2005/09/03/national/nationalspecial/03school.html

*Rescuing the final few ain't easy as it would seems - some are reluctant to leave their property and few untouched belongings
http://nytimes.com/2005/09/05/national/nationalspecial/05scene.html?hp&ex=1125979200&en=70e09f5962b32775&ei=5094&partner=homepage

*Celine gets candid, and shares her gift/prayer of song, on CNN's Larry King Live (media clip)
http://www.cnn.com/video/player/player.html?url=/video/bestoftv/2005/09/03/lkl.celine.dion.cnn

*A Failure of Leadership - well stated and tempered memo to Mr. [sic] President
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/05/opinion/05herbert.html?incamp=article_popular

*Maureen Dowd: United States of Shame - wonderfully on point to skewer and! stay brief
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/03/opinion/03dowd.html?incamp=article_popular

*David Brooks: The Bursting Point - seems cut VERY short if wonderfully riled up
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/04/opinion/04brooks.html?incamp=article_popular

*Oh, I love Amanda's heart here! Starfish Project premise
http://amandaowen.com/starfish_project.htm

*Kanye gets loud about bushwuss & blacks in NewO/USA 2005
http://news.yahoo.com/s/eo/20050906/en_tv_eo/17294

HOW LATE DO U HAV 2B B4 UR ABSENT?
New George Michael, er, Clinton release isn't received well by NYT. I find the title particular ironic in light of Not so New Orleans.


I'm enjoying Fox's PRISON BREAK, and expect it will last the season. Alas, I won't necessarily watch every week. It's not as sharp as I feel it needs to be; it seems to miss the mark on being urgent, taut and intelligent like it's older brother 24. It is in fact more like that one show, not original FUGITIVE, but the other one with the spy. This is mixed with mafia, families, brothers, and more. (Also, is Lincoln truthful with his brother in that he doesn't know what happened around this murder? And why would a USA VP's brother need to be killed and/or get killed? The backstory (or front, if that's how it unfolds) intrigues me, yet it's too blobular, diluted... better described as a thin soup with very good flavor, that will succeed better thickened like a great split pea, or perhaps even over towards stew territoty.

DIRECTING AS SCRIPT + CAST IMPROVs + DIRECTORIAL EDITING
this Viewpoints nine-point method in this director's hands sounds like band jams and then orchestrating in ways from/with those jams' organic & germane moments
http://nytimes.com/2005/09/04/theater/newsandfeatures/04domi.html?pagewanted=all

Dreamworks Nashville shutters
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050902/music_nm/dreamworks_dc

Glad to see Slate isn't hiding from what's really goin' on:
In Press Box, Jack Shafer notes a dearth of serious media analysis about how the hurricane disparately affected poor blacks. Noting that the majority of those reporting on the hurricane are white, Shafer writes, "My guess is that Caucasian broadcasters refrain from extemporizing about race on the air mostly because they fear having an Al Campanis moment."
http://letters.slate.com/W8RH048AA3340EB6CF5763D51F2600

Bush feels the heat, while NOla deals with the !WET!
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050903/ap_on_go_pr_wh/katrina_bush

I can see going to Copenhagen (and all of that upper Scandavian in summer '09)... :-)
http://www.planetout.com/news/article.html?2005/09/02/2
Not sure about 2010 as I don't want to wait THAT long to go to Brazil, or back to Germany

VVoice, etc. ketchup

Really dug this professor's report of spending a year as an undergrad. It's funny what we think we know and what experience (aka reality in others' shoes) gives us.
http://www.villagevoice.com/arts/0531,education1,66450,12.html

"...the median age for new infections is around 40..."
WHOA! Find this very curious, though not totally surprising. The juxtaposition with gay retirement communities really comes to me looking back at this piece now. * As we (slowly) peek ahead, I wonder how american queers AND boomers may move us around age(ism). (Perhaps this is too embedded in the greater Western world though...?)
"I know that we are beyond the place where any traditional prevention campaign will be effective."
Glad someone else said it. Now, let's be a lil sassy, if not radical, and move on this!
"Albeit in all the wrong places and all the wrong ways, these guys are basically looking for love."
Sometimes, I wonder if we say this too generally, and often, overlooking how connection, community, open feelings, and sharing can curb this wave. As well, a number of prevention outfits seem to solidly prove this over and over again, not that this is an agenda item of the Right to support. Be curious to see smart arguments from elsewhere about why we need to address the easier ills and so of today's world, so we might collectively move on to the next items.
http://www.villagevoice.com/people/0525,qmoore,65112,24.html

I just have to laugh at the power of celebrity, particularly with The Clintons. Do what you will, Hillary, and make sure they come correct.
http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0531,lombardi,66389,6.html

Love the title; Hello on #1, READ! on #2 & Yes, lawd LOL on #4
http://www.villagevoice.com/people/0525,qhannaham,65115,24.html

The Cock changed locations, and history keeps on shifting before our/my eyes... [note to self: go to Europe!]
http://www.villagevoice.com/nyclife/0528,flylife,65774,15.html

Not the storyline I'm after, yet something in the grit, everydayness (plus the menz in uniform) has me thinking about this as something to go after in terms of 'lead cars' tv writing-wise. (Well, if i'm gonna do a daygig, plus the syndication money can be better than movies...)
http://www.villagevoice.com/screens/0525,tv1,65124,28.html

I feel you on Parade Fatigue, Mike!
http://www.villagevoice.com/people/0525,qalbo,65134,24.html

Sometimes, you just need to see yourself, or a part of, grrl. (I skipped the interview since I've yet to see ANY of Season 2 yet...)
http://villagevoice.com/people/0525,qconaway,65109,24.html

Joan Morgan gives us some perspective, with a curious analogy, on Missy's new joint sans TiImabland.

One thought from last eve: ever want to go have a sex marathon/session til everything feels Real Real Good with your whole person?

I like this brother's Brit release. trk 10 stands out. not sure if he's stateside. is his own sound from clip, very curious. airy, contemporary soul
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=74870201

Dream Team

Dolly Parton & Patti LaBelle

some hair (!) pics inspired this one. love the everyday middle-aged woman possibilities of the theme(s), video, film (!?) the track... -s could be associated with.

mixd

DIDDY RECEIVES AND READIES TO LET MASE GO TO 50 (CENT). Bravo my business-minded brother!
"He's definitely got enough money to set everything right," a smiling Diddy told MTV. "50 hasn't called me about signing Mase. If he's interested in signing him, we could always have a discussion. At the end of the day, I want everybody to be happy and where they want to be. But I'm available, I'm free, he's got my number." (EUR)

Lil Jon breaks from TVT Records as they ain't paid him a dime...

http://metropoint.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Metropoint.woa/4/wo/wHhyBatOVBURhl4YA5YoDg/0.13.1.0.1.0.3
Metro NY's article on music group 33hz reminds me I would like to focus more time hearing new musics for collection expansion as well as potential collaborators, or simply more ideas. yes, i too wonder if i really need more ideas. alas, they keep coming so i'm more of the mind to work with them. (www.33hz.com) * Fixing my iPod (and USB cord swap out) makes a big difference to that aim. As well, I can preview musics at work :-)
Look, Ma, No Schoolbooks!
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,68578,00.html?tw=rss.TEK

The Foundations of House - Mac-made documentaries tracing roots and pioneers of house music
http://www.apple.com/pro/video/ramoseberhart/

(+) Outmusic Winners to peep

Dylan Rice
Scott Free
Rachel Sage
Zrazy
Rocco Kayiatos
Bobbleheads

http://gaycitynews.com/gcn_432/annualqueermusic.html

Dream Team

Johnny Gill & Luther (not sure how it would happen, still...)

Anita & Luther (or did this happen already?!)

Terence Trent D'arby & Craig David

Floetry & Sir Be (of PM Dawn)

Floetry & Latifah

Lauryn purportedly working with kanye?!! whoa
http://transcripts.usatoday.com/Chats/transcript.aspx?c=160

I love it Here! (TV) welcomes musicians to their new outfit, Here! Tunes

Dream Team

k.d. lang & joni mitchell

?maybe this has already happened...

072405

2,6 * moon Pis * Chariot * I love *

Puffy shifts into 2nd act of his career
http://nytimes.com/2005/07/24/business/yourmoney/24puff.html?pagewanted=all

TypeCon does New York
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/23/arts/design/23type.html?8hpib

Enjoyed SAVING FACE; would love my dad to watch it, recommend it for Oklahoma too. Great to see Joan Chen work(ing it). Story was simple and enriched, if not rich+complex with storylines as I might've wanted. Then again, you've a 3-generations in a family dealing with tradition, expectations and Life, so...

THE RECEPTION definitely provided a GOOD, dramatic story. The camerawork wasn't too good, though survivable (over, say, Blair Witch). Too, good to see atypical interracial story. The story was missing pieces, yet I felt the writer had them in hand... what's up with that? Really good cast. This was done in 8 days for $5K (which makes it much much better, i say, than a good many things I've seen indie and h'wood).

Babyface is a comin' back next Tuesday :-) Hooray!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050716/music_nm/babyface_dc/nc:689;_ylt=Au1XeDhrO8P2uFG18qCsGr.VEhkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

Read about two black Canadian artists in B'board today, Jully Black (say as Julie) and Divine Brown. I like Jully's tracks and voice, not so much the song clips I peeped on Canadian iTunes. Divine is more grabbing me. Her presence reminds me of someone, though the musics are certainly hers. Some early 70s flavors for sure. * I may track this down and buy it :-)

Herndon Davis, author of Black, Gay & Christian, readies TV. Would love to have this one a gay channel - controversial, yes, multicultura, yes, intelligent, yes, affirming (for some, ha), yes!
http://www.afterelton.com/TV/2005/7/herndondavis.html

So if Eminem is retiring from the front lines, and Destiny's Child is too, are we ready(ing) for a new crop? As well, is this astrologically related?
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=638&e=3&u=/nm/20050715/en_nm/leisure_eminem_dc

Mixxed

Students Say High Schools Let Them Down - great they already know the lame deal

Funny to pull this up last night because seeing the exhilirating, adorable MAD HOT BALLROOM reminded how much public education reform fires me up, and that I'd rather reform K-12 while doing face to face with adults. I think because it would be more reshaping, remixing, without self-pressure to be caring around influencing someone's future So Much.

(+) when am i making some of these library runs?

As I thought, another black/urban modest (in my mind) budget deal with LL (! Cube envy?) & Lions Gate (studio that released Perry's way successful DIARY). Congrats to them both. Not sure about the reworking of a blk Fatal Attraction, though I'm curious to know the primary differences in stories on paper, plus the trio casting.

I really am more and more admiring R. Kelly's musical invention. Some may say the new generation's Prince - eh, I wouldn't say that, though both clearly are prolific & inventive.

Hmmm, Ricky Martin's new single features Fat Joe & Amerie. Pretty good track - very open, indian-inflected, dancey

In Madonna's august Vogue interview, she says they don't do newspapers, mags or tv. eek, i hope no gemini asc. are in the building.

PBS, AI4 tour

PBS in a more stable place
http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-07-12-pbs-crises_x.htm

Bo still has That Magic as Idols tour in Miami. (Sounds like Nadia needs to find the appropriate handlers and ROLL!)
http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2005-07-11-american-idols-blog_x.htm

Song II begins

vivid bit about dating more men of color on the 7 into the city tonight. hmmm, ok.

songwriting ii class began tonight - woohoo! office had called and asked me to bring a song for the first class; i emailed the instructor

i need a (?pointed) freewriting for a small duration to ground myself in creating (vs. editing or such).

i may have a song (revision) ready each week to share. just in case we've not a quintet... or do i really want to focus my energy on that? definitely do on the quantity.
sensing my demo-able song may be from my "Vault", or Catalog, more actually.

the tailored song will come to me, i think. don't want to force it. do want to take something and revise it enough for particular artist/likely to share intended artist's name on submission.

(+) call back sam ash tomorrow

ok, i feel like my editor is rather strong, though not as sharp (maybe) as I'd thought.
and i know my emotions/energy hit the page quite often. how can i bring these together better? inner voice says revising/editing a lot more, maybe taking the sketches out on the 'road' (subway, work, previous Song classmates). also could run them by a checklist. * i'm not getting dirty enough for prize-winning flowers.

i may want to work with Joe on the chords/music for 'Stay Here'.

oh, i totally need to know who more of these people on the charts are. (and the EW article Alex shared sort of pushed me to reconsider a EW, and perhaps, B'board subscription much much sooner. say autumn/as the class wraps up 19 Sep.)

i do, kinda wish, i'd spent more time writing (lyrics) between classes. ah well, i have myself and room more ready for NEXTs.

7,2 * moon Vir * Sheena's "One Love" * Oppression * I can right now

dream 01071105
something about audience folk pushing, challenging Oprah more. she's beginning to crack some.

Kimberley Locke readies a Lane Bryant ad campaign, CD #2, and hosting Game Show Network's "Word Slam" * intriguing title, makes me think of poetry slams online.

When will these queer TV channels show more of in indie musician concerts? Saw a clip of triphopper Karter Louis http://www.karterlouis.com/pages/4/index.htm doing a Rod Stewart (!) cover which was quite quite nice audio-wise. The image was WAAY too dark. Seems they plan to release a Live! DVD; maybe the fringe/indie way is better ;-)

old queer bits

Love the sound of this - alas, I was in Chicago

http://www.gaycitynews.com/gcn_425/7days.html
Black Gay, Lesbian Lit: New Directions
As part of Black Pride NYC, the Nuyorican Poets Café hosts a late afternoon discussion with young gay and lesbian writers of note in the African-American community. James Early Hardy reads from his new book, “A House Is Not a Home;” slam poet Staceyann Chin performs; Alphonso Morgan, author of “Sons,” reads; rapper and musiciain Hanifah Waldifah reads from “Black Folks Guide to Black Folks.” Frank Leon Roberts, co-editor of the forthcoming “Dancing the Down Low, Remixing the Closet: Black Men, Sexuality, and Cultural Politics,” hosts. 236 E. Third St., btwn. Aves. B and C., 4 to 6 p.m.

http://www.gaycitynews.com/gcn_424/newhealtheffort.html
...press for research on depression, other gay male challenges
when I read after "...workshop will ask" I feel like this clearly calls for new arts (movement?)


sounds like the salads are definite way to go at Pukk's
http://www.villagevoice.com/nyclife/0524,sietsema,64950,15.html

IFC reopens troubled Waverly cinema as a indie film joint in the Village
http://www.villagevoice.com/film/0524,ross,64931,20.html

Praises for Kanye & Common on latter's new disc "Be"
http://www.villagevoice.com/music/0524,berry,64879,22.html

Luther sent out in style :-)
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=529&e=1&u=/ap/20050708/ap_en_ot/vandross_funeral

I want to subscribe to

this $20 deal for Organic Style + Budget Living. However, I don't NEED it.

this $43 deal for a year of gay.com. Again, I don't NEED it. What's more I resist going back to them for a 2nd year. As well, I want to see what I can work with the free access, and more so BEYOND cyberspace, even though it's de rigueur.

Lenny Kravitz Starts [Interior] Design Firm
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050707/ap_en_ot/lenny_kravitz;_ylt=Aq.o6use7Hv1iGx2y81d3WuYExkF;_ylu=X3oDMTA3YXYwNDRrBHNlYwM3NjI-

Richard Linklater Talks Fast Food Nation - THE MOVIE
http://www.empireonline.co.uk/site/news/newsstory.asp?news_id=16829


The Treo 650 from PalmOne, available from Cingular, Sprint and Verizon Wireless, can play MP3 files and RealAudio files with an included RealPlayer application. Music can be heard through a built-in speaker or headphones. For file storage, the Treo 650 accepts MultiMediaCards and SD cards sold separately in sizes up to 2 gigabytes.

oh shit, my new phone can act as an local/short short trips mp3 player. so now i know i'll need to consider buying a card. (how do i load the music from mac? and can i bluetooth it? hehe)

This sounded so intriguing I wanted to put it in the blog for easier (?) recall:

Lionel Richie Opera
http://manhattan.about.com/od/eventsandattractions/a/eventsmay12.htm
Yes, that’s right. Ars Nova presents Neal Medlyn’s Lionel Richie Opera. In the words of Mr. Medlyn, “it's a one-man opera made entirely of songs from Mr. Richie's seminal greatest-hits collection "Back to Front" which come together to tell an epic and tragic tale of revenge, lust, unwanted pregnancy, unicorns, mass murder, cowardice, hope, and livestock!” 'Nuff said.

Jim Verraros (Ai1) talks about post-show successes

Mix o' Media/ChiTown

Mathew St. Patrick reflects on SIX FEET UNDER
http://www.wctimes.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=8668

read this J.L. King interview during Chicago visit, which leaves him sounding sane & stable, if in the Media mixin'
http://www.wctimes.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=8617

Gorgeous piece: The Agony and the Ecstasy - Getting some outdoors action
http://www.newcitychicago.com/chicago/4458.html

When Pride Punched Me - another potent (Pride) piece from Chicago visit
http://www.newcitychicago.com/chicago/4463.html

Congrats to Scott Free on hos Outmusic Award and producing Queer IS Folk Festival http://www.scottfree.net/queerisfolkfest.html
Great to see comixxx "Sticky" getting more attention ;-)
http://www.newcitychicago.com/chicago/4443.html

TP.3 blurb

TP.3 sprawls and hauls - R. Kelly heads for the chart tops again?
http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1505060/20050630/index.jhtml?headlines=true

Mix o' Media

Forget the Bootleg, Just Download the Movie Legally - well, eventually, anyhoo. Not so sure this will roll as well as iTunes since it's bigger files, and different audience behaviors (somewhat so).
http://nytimes.com/2005/07/04/technology/04studio.html?pagewanted=all&position=

Portland as great case study for going greener
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/03/opinion/03kristof.html?incamp=article_popular_1

Hollywood Movie Studios See the Chinese Film Market as Their Next Rising Star
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/04/business/media/04film.html?8dpc=&pagewanted=all&position=

A very odd 'appreciation' of Luther (A Seducer in Song, No Lechery Required)
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/04/arts/music/04note.html

What if Google had its own version of PayPal without restrictions? Hmmm
http://www.sugarbank.com/sam_sugars_blog/2005/06/forget_paypal_g.html

Luther has left the building


http://nytimes.com/2005/07/02/arts/music/02vandross.html?hp&ex=1120276800&en=c5881c42e184fc8a&ei=5094&partner=homepage

Yes, 'Face did a song for Celine

Power of the dream
Written by david foster, babyface, linda thompson (1996)
Performed by celine dion

Found this info about the Vault of Babyface including a demo of something for Celine :-)

Alicia unplugging & Stevie... coming

Alicia Keys told reporters that her upcoming "unplugged" album will feature
the creation of new songs as well as "flipping songs you  know." MTV chose Keys to re-launch its acoustic performance series, which she’ll record in July for an October release via J Records. 

Stevie Wonder says his forthcoming Motown CD “A Time 2 Love” is “almost done.” The disc, which will reportedly include the tracks "From the Bottom of My Heart;" the title song, co-written with labelmate India.Arie; and the first single, "So What the Fuss," has been pushed back numerous times, and had recently been planned for a June 14 release. He thanked reporters for their continued support of his career, and for their patience with this current album.

Toni B. & more BET awards

EUR says:
Toni Braxton will return in September with a new album entitled “Libra,” via Blackground. The Scott Storch-produced first single, "Please," topped Billboard's Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart last week and debuts this week at No. 78 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs tally. A video for the track will be shot with director Chris Robinson.

forgot to mentioned she sounded rather GOOD last night. More so, her energy and look were quite UP, not unlike Gladys or Mary J. :-) [Faith seemed to be off, or perhaps ON something, eh.]

Oh! and what was with the surprise FUGEES opening, yet Lauryn's smart vocalizing choices with a no longer FULL voice?

Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Watched Diary with my sister this weekend. (saw a bit of the stageplay too, which seems more like a musical or play with singing... only went 25 minutes in...) Will circle back to my notes later.

Want to determine if that wasTOni Braxton doing a song called STUPID or such. Sounds pretty good I know that. * Yup, I found the movie credits c/o Google in a word document. She co-wrote it with Tyler and Cory Rooney (!). [I so need to be writing with these catz while I do have an address here.]

Felt like the high drama at the outsets didn't match up with the urban yuck yuck later on or even the blossoming romance. too many textures that don't best come together, though the storyline feels true, if audience bent, all around.

Missy pops

in July with the Cookbook
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=529&e=3&u=/ap/20050629/ap_en_mu/music_missy_elliott

Where's the all-star lineup for Jam & Lewis? Hmmm.... OR maybe it's because of it being writer's oriented, not so public profile?

BET Awards

Love reading that Fantasia is a Force in concert

This writeup about last night's BET Awards is rather on point
my takes: John Legend pleasantly surprised me. Stevie Wonder ho-hummed me.
Mary J. Blige brightened my screen and evening - not just cuz she's got blonde locks. Will over-ego'd and Jada showed up to little on stage. (The Mr & Mrs Smith interludes amused me.) Bob Johnson mofo'd and over-ego'd Will (maybe cuz he's worth at least 10x as much?).

Teena Marie tributed Rick James with funky freshness (if somewhat too poetically). Tito Jackson thanked like a dignitary, which I found rather wonderful, appropriately brief & understated, and unsolicited yet welcome.

Gladys outclassed them all with her acceptance to us (not exclusively to a bunch of people we're not familiar with), and her three song performance. I do want to see her live. (She reminded me to see Natalie Cole too.) * Sheia E. flowed in this LEVEL such that the music was above the featured rapper (T.I.?) for me.

Special to Usher: WATCH YOUR BACK! Omarion took me back to some Michael Jackson shit with those gorgeous fluid moves AND smartly block choreography. (Michael, you may want to call Omarion for some special live event or video, since he's clearly more your dancing heir than Usher.) [OK, Usher, if it helps I think you sing better, and sense you've your own creative visions.]

HIStory part 2 begins

MJJ found not guilty; media guesses what he'll do next...

Destiny's Child Announces Split to MTV

The ladies prepare to part ways. Ok, who's next in the Supremes successors sweepstakes?

Bits from EUR

Lauryn Hill stuns [ATL] Vibe MusicFest audience into silence following bizarre performance.

George Clinton tours this summer with an opening act composed of Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins, bassist Me'Shell Ndegeocello and Raphael Saadiq, with a revolving door of special guests. Clinton tells the magazine: "Flea will play at some of the shows, and Big Boi from OutKast, Snoop, Redman, Flavor Flav, Chuck D, Gwen Stefani, Lenny Kravitz, Fishbone, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Musiq, the Black Eyed Peas and the Roots."

Here Comes Patti

LaBelle shares 'Classic Moments' on her upcoming 21 June disc. I guess this isn't any lesser an idea than that last disc, which seems awfully misdirected, if perhaps well-intentioned.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/2005-06-09-coming-attractions_x.htm

Wow! Marques naked for $1M?

EUR reports: Reps for Marques Houston say their heartthrob client was offered one million dollars to get buckit naked for Playgirl. Houston recently made headlines after his D’Angelo-like video for “Naked” led networks to censor the clip and request a version showing less of his private parts. A press release from Houston’s publicist does not say whether or not he agreed to the spread.
Well, good for him, offer-wise... I'll leave it to his team to determine if that's a smart career move.