Black Christmas From Hell

Sounds a lot worse than it was (except I did have to work).

Another dead bunny

This one is even more absurder than the last. I mean a 9 minute 12 second tribute? These have to be jokes, right? Well, even if they're not, they make me laugh hysterically--this one for nine minutes twelve seconds continuously.

Best Xmas present ever . . .

Maggie gave me the greatest gift last night. Besides her presence at last night's choir concert with her sweet boyfriend Tony, Maggie gave me a ticket to see INLAND EMPIRE at the Cinerama on January 17th. This will be the northwest premiere, and Mr. Lynch will be in attendance.
This is the second Lynch related gift Maggie has given me--the first was a ticket to see his Transcendental Meditation tour at the UW. The focus of that lecture wasn't really my cup o' tea, but I did enjoy the free form Q&A where I learned things like where the Black Lodge came from and things about his artistic process in general.
This gift is WAY cooler because it is accompanied by the much anticipated (by me at least) INLAND EMPIRE.
You can expect a full report about the event--and this time, I'm bringing my Blue Velvet screenplay and Lynch on Lynch book for him to sign.

Oh, if you're curious about getting yourself a ticket (a bargain at $20) I believe Maggie said you can get them at Scarecrow--a web site I found also says at Seattle Art Museum (but isn't it closed?).

Oh, and I also want to just quickly apologize to all of the people I have flaked out/bailed on lately (especially you, Bill). Most of it has to do with choir, some of it has to do with out of town visitors, some of it has to do with my stupid schedule. I am sorry and my first priority in the new year is to be a better friend who has a better idea of how to properly manage his time.

This week looks crazier than most--tonight, cast party. Tomorrow night, top-secret early Xmas present for a dashing young man. Then comes the bend-me-over-and-make-it-hurt home stretch of performance-work-sleep 3 hours-matinee performance-sleep 4 hours-performance-work-sleep. Yeah, that last sleep spell will probably near twelve hours. Yes, I do have the ability to sleep for twelve hours.

If posting is light, my apologies.

Strictly for the hardcore

Here it is. The long awaited OKDJ vol. 9

Its really nothing special. I'd probably put it behind 7 and 8. Its really just a collection of newish tracks that I wanted together on one mix.

It doesn't have Tracy Thorn's new one. I tried to fit it in, and its really good. Ewan Pearson and Darshan Jesrani did the music for it. It just didn't fit into the mix. So, instead, you can download that track here.

Without futher ado,

OKDJ vol. 9

Good Evening (Supermayer Remix) - Geiger With Kompakt's labelhead giving the rework, you know this track nears perfection. The main reason I like it is for the Kurtis Blow vocals that have been completely irradiated.

Al Qudus - Oliver Klein, Martin Eyerer I've enjoyed Martin's work for a long time and I really like the syncopation that sounds like a mistake at the beginning of the song.

Everything's Electric feat. DJ Heather (Acid Demo Mix) - Brett Johnson Uh, DJ Heather on vocals, Brett Johnson and acid. You don't have to tell me twice.

Shake and Pop feat. Walter Phillips (Original Mix) - Green Velvet I don't give a shit if this track was everywhere. I don't have it on anything, except my memory from fun nights out (like the MSTRKRFT show at Chop Suey).

Another Station (Todd Terje remix) - Lindstrom This is why Lindstrom is considered space disco. And this is why I love him.

Push Push (M.A.N.D.Y.'s Pusher Remix) - Rockers Hi-Fi Generally I shy away from any reggae inflected dance music. Yes, I understand that we probably wouldn't have modern dance music if it weren't for the dubplate, but I kinda hate dub. Anyway, MANDY kicks ass and this track is no exception.

Faults N FX - Justus Kohncke Another great track from the unstoppable Justus.

3 Weeks (Booka Shade Dub Mix) - Tiga Booka Shade remixing Tiga. Yeah, I picked the dub version, but I already felt that the mix was too vocal heavy.

Pate Mo Tou Vae (Original Mix) - Einmusik I've championed Einmusik for a while (like they need it). To my ears, they haven't ever really had a definitive sound, but they continually craft quality tracks. This one, to me, sounds a bit like Danny Tenaglia on his more tribal days.

Jack Rock - Cassius Love. This. Track.

Hope you enjoy, would love your feedback!

Pics-n-stuff

That's my mom, me and my dad from the show on Sunday.

Risa and Keith--whose wedding I will be performing in February, me and Janice, my dearest friend from all the way back in the 8th grade.

Speaking of Keith, he has joined the blogging community--go check out Third Floor, Corner Unit!

His space holiday

You know that cold commercial where the animated character's head is a baloon and its floating above his body? That's sort of the way I feel, only not congested, or with a fever or cough. I just feel disconnected.

Maybe its because I had a wonderful couple of days with the guy. On Friday, I met him downtown at the Starbuck's in front of Westlake. Then we walked through some of the stores to find our outfits for the evening's party. It was a pretty painless affair, and, don't laugh, but the Gap came through again. Cheap-ish. Stylish-ish. A shirt from Banana. Then shoes from Payless--hey, if its good enough for Star Jones-Reynolds, its good enough for me. And finally a tie from the Rack. Cheap, definitely, but you have to keep in mind that the outfits were purchased with the expectation that some drink, food, vomit would spatter onto them during the course of the evening.

So we left the Rack and it was time to reveal my big secret. "One more stop," I said. And we made our way to 5th avenue. I'm pretty sure he had no idea where we were headed, and as we neared the Ramada, I said, "Oh, by the way, we don't have to go all the way back to my house because I got a room here." Champagne and beer was in the sink. We showered and got ready. The monorail passed occasionally in front of our window. I think we took entirely too long getting ready, but we kept getting distracted.

Then it was off to the employee party at the swank Hotel 1000. We had a few. We mingled. I introduced him as my boyfriend and it was only a little awkward at first. And it got easier as the night went on (for him, too). I shook the CEO's hand and I wanted to say, "Thank you for continually championing gay rights," or, "Thanks for being such an in-touch corporate leader," but I only said my name and shook his hand. He really is a good guy. He's a big homo. Been with his partner for a while. They're raising a kid. Plus, he's a board member of PATH. Anyway, two of my employees showed--which is 50%, not bad. The bad part is, both were totally lit. One was saying, "Oh yeah, Jeremy? He's a great boss. He lets us drink and make our own hours." Both statements are marginally true. Thankfully, they are both refutable. The food at the party ran out quickly so Phil and I left. It was happy hour across the street at McCormick & Schmicks. $1.95 burgers and $1.95 fried mozzerella (and not mozz. sticks, either). Then it was back to the hotel, where we talked about our feelings and really got to know each other on a deeper level.

The next morning, the sweetest guy in the world ran to Top Pot and grabbed a doughnut or three and some OJ and swung into Bartell's for some Advil. We checked out at noon. Left our bags at the front desk and went to see Casino Royale at the Cinerama. It was ok, but way too long and I was expecting more Daniel Craig exploitation--ok, ok, he was naked tied to a chair, but there was something completely missing in the film, and I think that thing was a good editor.

So then it was back home to a Tivo'd Battlestar. Phil came with me and we had a whole 'nother night together, which was nice. And I think that he only left me yesterday morning, and it feels like a world away because . . .

My parents arrived yesterday afternoon. They picked me up and presented me with their Christmas gifts. Every year my mother asks me what I want and I send her an explicit lists--a click-and-buy-list, a nearest-retailer-list--but I should have learned by now that those lists are completely pointless. Brand names, styles, cuts and color mean nothing to my mother. Her shopping consists of taking my list and finding the closest approximation at Wal-Mart. This year, I asked for an Adidas gym bag. The one I got has so much crap all over it (climbing rope, key chains) that I'm not even sure I can get into it. Then, I also get the other present--the one I didn't ask for, but for some reason, she thinks it would make a good gift. This year, that present is a waffle iron. That's cool. I'll use it. I'm sure the roomies would enjoy a nice waffle now and again. Its better than my 30th birthday M&M dispenser. But I make it sound a lot worse than it is, they also give me cash.

So then we went to dinners at, surprise, surprise, McCormick and Schmicks. The place has that 50's feel with white linens, napkins tented at each seat, and dark wood everywhere. Plus, besides having one of the best happy hour food menus in town, it also serves some of the freshest seafood. The conversation had that strange affectation of separateness that is hard to convey. I will say this, when the Cowboy game came on in the bar, it became much harder to keep my father's attention. I will also say that for two people so far out of their element, it is nice that they at least make the attempt to step outside of their box.

So then they went to the show, and I think they actually enjoyed it. My father said he liked the Rockettes--which, of course, was guys in drag. I mean, dude's old and senile, but I think he realized that it was guys in drag. My mom commented on Jesus being taken out of "In This Very Room." But, like I said, they were outside of their comfort zone, and I think they had a good time.

Huge thanks to Janice, Risa, and Keith for showing up and saying, "Hey" to the folks and me. What was your perception of my parents' reactions?

Oh, and speaking of friends, Maggie, I can't wait to see you next week for the show! Drinks after for sure. I'm calling you this week.

Oh, and speaking of being a bad son. Lynnie, I'm SOSOSO sorry I didn't get you those discs. I hope your party went well and I'll get you music very, very soon.

So, we're drinking tonight in the vault. Maybe that's why I'm spacey. But really, its more the worlds colliding and dust settling feeling. You know I'm having a bloody tomorrow with the folks at breakfast.

Why I sing

I've gone over some of the reasons why I chose to join the Men's Chorus this year. First and foremost, I enjoy singing. Secondly, the prospect of performing on stage at both Benaroya and McCaw Halls was pretty enticing. The final aspect had to do with something more esoteric--I wanted to find out just how I would fit in with a large group of gay men. I thought I would have stories to relate on this blog, and that I would be able to chidingly point at the stereotypes that gay men so often fulfill.






On Sunday, I performed in front of 2500 people at Benaroya Hall and the experience was overall very good. I looked rather dapper in my tux, and I only screwed up a little in a couple of the songs. (Oh, and I still sound like shit in that damn Ave Maria.)


I did understand something that I didn't before--the sound of applause from all of those people, really does give a sense of belonging to the larger community. After the show, I walked out to the lobby, and talked to some of the patrons. One elderly woman told me that she had come every year for the past 11 years, and it didn't feel like Christmas to her until she saw our show. A lesbian and her partner both confided that they preferred the Men's Chorus to the Women's. I saw children running up to and hugging the guys that were dressed as reindeer. "Look, there's another one," one mom said, and her daughter went tearing through the crowd to hug the next reindeer.


I'm not trying to say that I had some big epiphany. It wasn't a life altering moment or anything. It was maybe a tiny epiphany--one that allowed me to put my chiding pointer finger firmly in my pocket. I was able to forgive this organization which, through its existence, perpetuates subset stereotypes, like circuit boys, bears, label whores, theater queens, and the like. For some members, the chorus provides their entire social structure. I used to think those people were sad--and I do believe that they should step outside of that particular structure on occasion--but, now I realize that these people would probably have no social interactions without the chorus. Perhaps more important than the functions the chorus provides for the members is the visibility it provides for the gay community.


My parents will be here on Sunday to see the show. I don't believe either know that it is a gay men's chorus, but really, doesn't that go without saying? I have been "out" for almost half of my life; yet, when it comes to my parents, I am still made to feel duplicitous and that I should carry more shame. I wouldn't be lying if I said that I hope they don't feel slightly ashamed of their prejudice and bigotry when surrounded by 2498 people who respect gays and lesbians and the vital part of the community we play (even if that part is a bit minstrel-y).





[I don't know if I just made any sense, but I'm too tired to go back and read the whole thing. I've been writing the post on and off throughout my shift down here in the vault.]

Flat

I told a joke at my management seminar on Thursday which fell horribly flat.

Seminar Leader: Now we are going to do some role-playing.

Jeremy: Aww man, I left my 20-sided die at home.

[cricket, cricket]

I sang (and still sing) the chorus' version of Ave Maria pretty flat. It is a song that exists firmly at my bridge. I am constantly switching from chest to head voice, and, as a result, I frequently come in under pitch.

I am flat-out smitten with Michael Mayer's newest, Immer 2 and, not surprisingly, M.A.N.D.Y.'s newest, At the Controls. All three discs--M.A.N.D.Y.'s is a double-discer--represent the sounds that get me movin'. Mayer culls from disco to show the trajectory of dance music and M.A.N.D.Y. puts together a collection of sounds that range from Cat Stevens to Claude von Stroke. Both are worth checking out.

Compare and Contrast

I know, I know, you want substance, but I am unable to deliver that right now.

Instead, I give you "Superstar" as interpreted by Sonic Youth and in its original form by the Carpenters. Risa and I were discussing the Youth's interpretation last week on our way to see "Native Son" at the Intiman, and since yesterday was Risa's birthday, I figured, I'd give her a trip down memory lane.

Consider the following while watching the videos:
Karen and Richard Carpenter are siblings. Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon look alike. The names Karen Carepenter and Kim Gordon both equal 8 numerologically. 8 is the number of roadies the Carpenters had on their final tour. Sonic Youth cites The Velvet Underground as an influence. Richard Carpenter slept with Nico. Anorexia is not a disease. Sarah MacLachlan's "Posession" contains similar themes to ones expressed in this song.



Or, just enjoy. (Play them simultaneously if you like.)

Two great tastes

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. Mine would have better had I not had to work.
Anyway, I know I should make a real post, but I came across the video below last night and I had to share it.

Yeah. That's right. Juice Newton AND Dolly Parton.

Oh, and posting will most likely be light in the coming weeks.

This week looks like this:

Tues. - Tech. Rehearsal

Weds. - Dress Rehearsal

Thurs. - Reading at the Henry

Fri. - launder/clean

Sat. - Concert in Everett

Sun. - Concert in Seattle

Coming weeks look similar with an employee party, a visit from the folks, and more concerts on the horizon.

And before I forget, I'd like to give a shoutout to my girl Risa, who turns the tender age of 31 today.

Moratorium

As we enter this festive holiday season, I would like to take the time to remind you that the following two phrases have been redacted from popular American colloquiality:

Good to go

Good call

I would also like to address a specific subset of a minority group who have also beaten a decaying horse:

To homosexual men who identify as "bears" or "otters," and, more generally, to homosexual men who have adopted aforementioned subset's proclivity to objectify a man by naming him "woofy:"

The woof phenomenon is over. It ended in 1983. I realize, you were a senior in high school in 1983, but we can let go now, okay? You don't need to bark like a dog to express your interest in an attractive man. This sort of juvenilia will result in your being referred to as a Voodoo Queen. Or perhaps just SugarTits.

So please, be aware of your conversations this Thanksgiving, and make a conscious effort to remove (even if only temporarily) these inanities from our discourse.

Oh, and happy Thanksgiving!

She drives Veronica cars

Time for a good ol' fashioned TV update.

Yes, BSG is still the best show on TV. As my good buddy PJ would say, "If it weren't for BSG, Veronica Mars would be the best show on TV." Hear, hear!

Quippy, at times silly, and always couched in the detective genre, VM rises above its limitations week after week. Even though this season has laid some of the series' more interesting constructs by the wayside (such as the class struggle), VM is still shot and acted better than 99.9% of television shows. So it was with great joy that I read it has been picked up for seven more episodes this season!

Adding to the already impressive list of guest stars--Paris Hilton, Lisa Rinna, Harry Hamlin, Stephen King, Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter, Joss Whedon, Ed Begley, Jr., Laura san Giacomo, and Richard Grieco--Patty Hearst (you know, of Stockholm Syndrome fame) will be on tonight's episode. I hope she remembers that you can't wear white after labor day.

Oh, and in case you missed it, the boyfriend (cuz, I guess that's what we're calling each other now) gave me permission to share his blog with you, gentle reader, in a previous post's comments. Please direct all comments regarding said young man to this post's comment section. If you have any questions, I will attempt to answer them as well, unless the question revolves around a topic lascivious in nature.

Like when a clown gets cancer

I can't help it. This cracks me up.

I don't care if I'm a heartless bastard. When I want to smile, I watch this.

Easy as pi

Tonight at work while my co-workers were busy learning about translation into Klingon, Romulon and Vulcan (what? no Ferengi?), I stumbled upon this page that I think is pretty cool (and pointless).

Basically, you enter a series of numbers in the search window and the engine will tell you how many digits of pi it is until that series of numbers occurs excluding the 3 preceeding the decimal. My birthday is 1,861,454 from the first digit. That's so spooky because 1,861,454 has always been my favorite number.

Singin' in the rain

Damn, the rain was flying sideways yesterday. This year has easily been the wettest since I've lived here. I enjoyed the Pineapple Express, however. Well, maybe I just enjoy the name Pineapple Express. All aboard the Pineapple Express!!

I'm a little bit busier than usual. Work is crazy. Say a tiny prayer that I still have a job in January, m'kay?

Choir is ramping up. I can't believe that the first performance is in two weeks. I still haven't bought my tux. I still haven't bought my parents tickets to the show. (They'll be here in three weeks.) We had our taped rehearsal on Monday and it went pretty well. I think we still have a ways to go, but now we have a good idea of where we are. More importantly, we have the recordings to help us get to where we need to be.

Oh, you want to hear what we sound like?

Ok. Just remember, this is a rehearsal. We only have a piano as accompaniment. You can hear pages turning and people coughing, but whatevs. Oh, and both tracks have a little glitch.

The first track is called "Betelehemu" and its a Nigerian Xmas song. I just think its a pretty song. (listen/download)

The second track is "Over the Skies of Yisrael." Its gorgeous and the soloist (not me) has a great voice. My favorite part of the entire arrangement is the dynamics. The crescendo at "Never abandoned by our God" gives me chills every time we sing it. (listen/download)

And Thanksgiving is next week. I can't believe it. Lynnie has, once again, graciously opened her house to me. Perhaps I will show my pink underwear at the dinner table. Perhaps I won't wear any underwear.

The rest of my time has been spent with the guy. He's pretty swell. I wish our schedules were more conducive to chillin', but you make due. Get in where ya fit in, if you will. Tomorrow is his day off, so I'm gonna take him to one of my favorite restaurants after we (finally) see Shortbus. I would point to his blog, but I've gotta get his permission first. Did I mention that he's pretty swell? Cuz he is.

About nothing

Piss.
You get the abbreviated version b/c Blogger just lost my post! Balls!

Anyway, Bill and I saw Godot on Wednesday. It was pretty good. The actors played it as straight comedy. There was no sense of menace or forboding lingering at the edge of the stage. Well, I've never seen a production before, but that's the way I imagined it when I read it.

Tahiti 80 and Brookville on Sunday at the Croc. I hope my peeps come--I'm lookin' at you Mike and Janice, Risa and Keith, and Kelley!!! That's a killer bill. I would take a certain young man, but he has to work. Bummer. Too bad, cuz I would love to give him a squeeze when Tahiti 80 plays Heartbeat (listen/download). I think its one of the sweetest songs . . . and he's one of the sweetest guys. (You can puke now, if you want.)

And, just for fun, the video to the my senior prom song:

Have a good weekend, you guys!

Live, Die, Vote

Born on this day

Albert Camus - "A single sentence will suffice for modern man: He fornicated and read the papers."

Joni Mitchell - "I was a punk in the fifties."

Judy Tenuta - "This guy says, 'I'm perfect for you, 'cause I'm a cross between a macho and a sensitive man.' I said, 'Oh, a gay trucker?'"

Died on this day

Count Leo Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy - "Boredom: the desire for desires."

Eleanor Roosevelt - "Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't."

Steve McQueen - “I would rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city on earth.”

Will Durant - "Life oscillates between Voltaire and Rousseau, Confucius and Lao-Tze, Socrates and Christ. After every idea has had its day with us and we have fought for it not wisely or too well, we in our turn shall tire of the battle, and pass on to the young our thinning fasicle of ideals. Then we shall take to the woods with Jacques, Jean-Jacques, and Lao-Tze; we shall make friends of the animals, and discourse more contentedly than Machiavelli with simple peasant minds; we shall leave the world to stew in its own deviltry, and shall take no further thought of its reform." [That one's for you, Prof.]

Lawrence Durrell - "Poetry is what happens when an anxiety meets a technique." [That one's for you Charles.]

If you haven't already, please take the time to vote today.

Prioritize

There was a time in my life when something like Crispin Glover's What Is It? coming to town would have been reason to rearrange my schedule. The film stopped at the Broadway Performance Hall from the 3rd to the 5th, and I wasn't even aware it was here.

Amy Sedaris was here last Monday, and because of a SNAFU with Ticketswest, I didn't get to go. Not only did I let myself down, I let 7, count 'em 7 other people down. (Since tickets were only $5 I thought I'd buy the max, 8. If I had listened to what sounded like a sales call on my phone when I was in Boston, I could have rectified the problem then.)

Anyway, the main reason I live in an urban area is so I am able to access these types of things, but with, I don't know, growing up or buckling down or something, these diversions which make my life fuller have fallen to the wayside (middle school).

In the coming weeks, I will, however, be seeing some quality theater.

First, this Wednesday at the Moore Theater (can you believe I've never been to the Moore?) I'll be seeing Waiting for Godot. Big ups to Derek for the gratis tix. I've never seen Godot, but I read it (and loved it) in high school. I'm really looking forward to this.

And a week from Saturday, I'll be seeing Native Son on its final night at the Intiman with Keith and Risa. By the way, doesn't Keith look wikkid hawt with his porn 'stache? That's him in the picture. There's still time to support his facial hair endeavors (and help fight things like illiteracy) by donating here.

But I'm trying. I swear I'm trying to keep up with everything.

Brookville and Tahiti 80 are here Sunday at the Croc. Should be a great show.

Hot Chip are at Neumo's on the 14th.

And, even though it is two months away, I vow not to miss Old Joy at NWFF on January 5th.

Oh, and Tennille alerted me to the fact that this dude I used to bang has a book out. Good for you, Eddie.

Oh, there's also a robot in town. I think we'll be doing something this weekend. I hope he has some new music with him!

Too long in Ballard

I live mere blocks from the Nordic Heritage Museum.

In fact, I've lived in the Scandanavian neighborhood of Seattle for the enitre six years I've lived here. I used to live close to a lutefisk store. No, for real.

I think all this time in Ballard has been affecting my musical proclivities.

Witness:

The Knife - Silent Shout - Sweden

The Concretes - In Colour - Sweden

Jenny Wilson - Love and Youth - Sweden

Peter, Bjorn, and John - Writer's Block - Sweden

Trentemoller - The Last Resort - Denmark

And there's more, too. Like all that house-y shit I listen to. You know, the Dahlbacks and stuff.

At least I'm not watching The Seventh Seal or something.

Oh, and congrats to Jenny Wilson for giving birth to a little boy!!

While I'm at it, check out the latest The Knife video:

Oh, and here's a link to their live show--a DVD from their latest tour should be out sometime in the not too distant future (Nov. 8th foreign release). Check out this clip from it [takes forever to load].

In common

Facial hair
Glasses
Ballard
Twin Peaks
The Simpsons
Hank Hill impressions
Midday drinks
Midday naps
Comic books

Answer Key

1. F - In seven whole days, I went once. Count it, uno. I'm pathetic. At least my gym bag is packed and ready to go, like it has been for the past 5 days.
2. F - My father has and does refer to the chorus as, "your little glee club," true. This was a trick question, he did not refer to it that way in the past week.
3. F - You've got to be kidding. I only get things for my nieces when I see them. I know, I'm a bad uncle. Sue me. I'm still "fun Uncle Jeremy."
4. T - Um. Yep. Its true.
5. T - Same with this one. It was a good week, what can I say?
6. T - It was a five and five ones. Really crisp. I'm a Nielsen person. I'm not too sure on the specifics yet, but I'll let you know after I take this online survey. I already spent the 10 bones on last night's lunch. Or whatever you want to call what I eat at 2 in the morning. I call it lunch.
7. F - I bet you thought, he's a nerd and stuff, but he wouldn't have a Countdown to BSG dry erase board, let me assure you, gentle reader, there is a Countdown to BSG board in the domicile. Also, I have NEVER updated it. I don't like math. (And Prof, its an hourly countdown til the next new show.)
8. T - I did. It's true.
9. F - I went kayaking, not canoeing. No, I'm too lazy to have done either.
10. T - There is seldom a day that goes by that I haven't danced in my underwear.

True or False?

You make the call.

In the past week:

I went to the gym three times.
My father referred to the Men's Chorus as, "Your little glee club."
I sent my nieces presents.
I kissed a guy in one of my favorite places in the city.
I leveled 3 of my 5 WoW characters.
I recieved $10 cash in the mail.
I updated the "Countdown to BSG" dry-erase board at least twice.
I went bowling.
I went canoeing.
I danced in my underwear.

Passions

I know someone who watches this show. From the clips below, I think I might enjoy it, too.
(I like to run them simultaneously.)

Also, mark your calendars:
Charo at the Skagit Valley Casino - April 5th
Fucking Charo, y'all!!!

Working, backwards

Sunday - Did a whole bunch of nothing, which included, a single load of laundry and WoW.

Saturday - Saw "Marie Antionette" with Bill and Andrew.

Thoughts on the film -

Sofia Coppola can make 2 hours feel like 3.

Pink really is pretty.

I liked how completely disconnected from the world the film made her seem.

Did a single load of laundry. Played some WoW.

Friday - Saw MSTRKRFT play at Chop Suey. Only a couple of the usual suspects were around--well, some is better than none.

Thoughts on the show -

These guys know how to stack a set--the bass kept getting thicker and thicker.

Who knew that Seattle can party?

Perhaps all it takes to make a party go off is chicks dressed in black spandex pants and halter with matching gold lame hat and shoes--I'm not lyin'!

Saw Jamie Cullum at The Paramount with my chorus buddy. I had never heard of nor heard anything by Jamie Cullum before.

Thoughts on the show -

Having no/very low expectations is a good way to see a performer about whom you know nothing.

Does everyone in the world cover "Love Will Tear Us Apart?"

At times, especially when singing standards, he sounds like Harry Connick, Jr.

The visuals were pretty.

Thursday - Went on a date. I'm not going to tell you anything about it. Like, I won't say that we've already got another date planned. I would never mention that Steve2 thinks he looks like a taller, skinnier me. I'm not going to tell you that I think he's kinda awesome (and bearded!). I'm not going to tell you any of that, not because I have a modicum of decency (because you all know I don't) but because chances are, he's reading this.

I will tell you that the date was better than this one or this one.

Support a 'stache

Listen up!

You need to donate money to a good cause--Seattle's 826 school.

If you're not familiar with 826, then you must be an uneducated, under-read lout, and I suggest you get yourself a subscription to McSweeney's post-haste.

Anyway, my good buddy Keith is offering his upper lip in a fundraising effort for the organization. Read more about it here. And check out the muy sexy picture, with one eye half-closed. HOT!

So if you've got $20 to spare, know its going to a good organization that offers a lot of great programs. Seattlites especially should consider, at the very least, a $20 donation.

Let's pretend that nothing is awful

I've never seen my favorite musical. It has played out in my mind's eye a hundred times, and if I were given the chance to turn it into a film, I don't think there's one shot I haven't already gone over in my head. When I need to cry but just can't muster the tears, I'll put in the soundtrack. If no one's around, I'll sing along with Marvin and Trina and Jason and Wizzer and Mendel and Dr. Charlotte and Cordelia.
Written and composed by William Finn, Falsettoland is the final installment of the Marvin trilogy. I've only heard a couple songs from the first musical--In Trousers. Falsettoland, luckily, is packaged with March of the Falsettos (the second in the series). While March of the Falsettos is good, like many second installments, it doesn't have the conclusion that only Falsettoland can provide.
The story, basically, is that Marvin and his ex-wife have to plan for their son's bar mitzvah. Marvin reconnects with his lover, Wizzer, only to find out that Wizzer has AIDS. The musical takes place in 1981 when AIDS was being called gay cancer. This is not musical as spectacle, like so many musicals tend to be these days.
This musical informed so much of my understanding about gay relationships, and the impact of AIDS on our community. Of course, I was closer to the son's age than Marvin's, but I could still see the truths that the play revealed.

Below are a couple clips. The first is from the 1992 Tony Awards.


The second is from the original production with the original cast. It takes place toward the end of the show. It is one of the standout numbers. The two queer couples sing of their love. The part that always chokes me up in this song is this:
Cordelia - We don't know what time will bring
Wizzer - I've a clue
Marvin - I have, too
Cordelia and Dr. Charlotte - Let's act like we haven't
And then they sing about the sky and such. The implication, of course, is that Wizzer and Marvin will both soon die from AIDS, but like friends sometimes do, they pretend that nothing is awful. It is intimate moments like this that one of those spectacle musicals couldn't pull off convincingly.
My only issue with this clip is the business that the director has Marvin and Wizzer doing--I mean, playing cards? It feels a little forced.
Anyway, here you go:



So, if some local college or theater puts this show on, make it a point to go see it. I'm sure tickets will be cheaper than Wicked.

Overheard

Bachelor #1 - "Go back and pause that. What was that explosion?"
Bachelor #2 - "It looked like a base star."
Bachelor #3 - "Yeah, it had that triangle thing."


Bachelor #2 - "YES!"
Bachelor #1 - "What?"
Bachelor #3 - "Aw yes! I love this one. Is it Jason takes Manhattan?"
Bachelor #2 - "You know it."
Bachelor #1 - "Nothing will top Leprechaun in space."
Bachelor #3 - "Isn't that Leprechaun 4?"
Bachelor #2 - "Yes, it is."

End of an era?

First of all, I've gotta give a BIG SHOUTOUT to my bestest friend in the entire multiverse--one Ms. Janice Headley-Baehr who turns 29 years young today (wink, wink). The first 2 decades were a cakewalk--get ready for the toughest of them all. I'll be right up the street if you need a shoulder to cry on.

And in completely unrelated news . . .

Apparently, the Re-Bar is for sale.

I've spent many a happy night there. Home to lots of things like Hedwig, Lesbian Hip-Hop Night, Seattle's only monthly techno night, Krakt, and, of course, my beloved Flammable.

I know that a bunch of the bartenders bought the place from the previous owner, and I thought for sure they would have a much longer run. I know my last visit there was kinda lame, but I've had more good times there than mediocre or bad times. I've heard some great sets spun by great DJs.

I can only hope that any new owners will keep the Sunday night thing.

Speaking of music -

I know I said I'd only post mixes that I make from Acid from now on, but Acid is on my home computer and it is a pirated copy (shh! don't tell anyone!). So, at work I've got the other program--the one to which I own the registration key--so that's what you get.

I made this mix at work, listening thru my headphones. It seemed a little subdued, truthfully. Then I got home and listened to it on my stereo and I realized just how bangin' it is. I've taken it to the gym twice and it works really well for my cardio. I've been trying to up my time on the elliptical to an hour and this mix peaks at just the right point.

People have asked that I write a little more about my track selection (since, really, that's all I've got goin' for me). So I'll include a line or two.

For your listening (and hopefully dancing around your living room) pleasure:

OKDJ vol. 8

Neds (Vakant) - Alex Smoke -- Alex played a great set at Decibel, so I thought I'd give him some love (like he needs it).

Rancho Relaxo - Anja Schneider, Sebo K -- Umm, cuz the name of the track is Rancho Relaxo, duh!

Camino del Sol (Joakim remix) - Antena -- You know I like me some Joakim.

Lonely by Your Side (Booka Shade remix) -- Azzido da Bass -- Booka Shade, 'nuf said.

Overrun - Henrik B

Gutterballs - Jacob London -- I like the Chi-town sensibilities from this Seattle-based duo.

If You Give Me - John Dahlbeck -- This track is everywhere, so I had to follow the trend.

Monster Hospital (MSTRKRFT remix) - Metrics -- MSTRKRFT is gonna be here soon (10/20 @ Chop Suey).

The Pact - Silicone Soul -- Soma recordings puts out qulaity.

Pass this On (Dahlbeck and Dahlbeck remix) - The Knife -- John and Jesper reworking a great track.

Take a Chance - Mr. Flagio -- Everyone loves Italo. I think just about every electro DJ out there has caned this track.

What Else is There? (Vitalic remix) -- Yes, I probably shouldn't have used another track with Karin (from The Knife), but I love Vitalic.

Always Something Better - Trentemoller -- Haven't heard the new album, but everything I have heard from him is amazing. This one is no exception. (If you have the album, send my way, m'kay?)

Enjoy!

(Image from Endquote's flickr acct.)

For a certain someone

You know who you are:

[via Habitat67]

BBBBBB, (Part the 2nd)

What do you mean its not Wednesday?
It sure feels like Wednesday. Oh, who am I kidding? The only way I am able to keep track of days is by making little hash marks on my desk down here in the vault.
And they could totally be wrong because I think the Cylons are adding extra ones.
Anyhoo . . .

Before I continue with the story of my wonderful vacation, I would like to make some quick corrections to the previous post.

First of all, Neil, and not Keith is the mastermind behind Wolfgang. You can listen to Wolfgang tracks on his Myspace page, here. Now go buy a Wolfgang CD.

Secondly, GayProf did not begin conversation with stories of his ex. In fact, I'd say we made it a good 3 hours before I finally . . . er, um . . . probed him (hee hee) about the sitch. After that, though, it was like the floodgates had opened!!! (You know I'm teasing, right?)

Ok, so back to Brooklyn . . .

After the Bulldog fiasco, Tennille and I hit up Pioneer Bar-B-Q in Red Hook. There was someone special she wanted me to meet . . . Lisa, the psychic, who doubles as a waitress.
After bringing us a pitcher, Lisa came back to the table with her magic cards in hand.
She told me about a disconnect with my mother. (I was adopted, spooookky). She told me that I need to be around water--funny that, because I enjoy bathing. Then she told me that I need to be more focused on the business side of my career--hmmm, does that mean no more Tetris-challenge with co-workers when business is slow? Or does that mean no more making mixes between processing images?
Let's get to the good stuff, already.
In my future is a musical or artistic, rugged ginger. He likes to kayak or something. That'll be perfect because I love waving at people in kayaks from the shore. She also said I may end up in Vancouver. Awesome. Canada rules. You can smoke the weed. Marry a dude who is also a prostitute, and you both have health care. Rock.
If I were to move to Canada, maybe I could work on BSG. That would rule my balls.

After the Pioneer Bar, Nilla took me to Mini Bar. Its located a mere block from her pad and is aptly named. Not only is the place tiny, but it is also frequented by little people. Or dwarves. Or midgets. After GayProf nailed me on the "Skinny Black Bitch" thing, I've been a bit recalcitrant in my assigning of labels to people . . . or drinks.

The bartender had an adorable Jew-fro and liked BSG. Of course, I was smitten. And I swear he was flirting with me. And I know I was flirting with him. Ah, well.

Then it was back to Tennille's pad and a restful, drunken sleep. I awoke the next morning and took the train to the edge of Brooklyn. I walked across the Brooklyn bridge for the first time in my life. I'm glad that it was headed toward Manhattan.
This was my first time to New York since 9/11. The skyline, surprisingly, didn't look more empty to me. I guess if the towers were something that I saw every day, then it would have looked suspiciously barren, but Manhattan holds my attention like no other place. It still vibrates and climbs, and by the time I had crossed the bridge, it had surrounded me.

I had no plans to go anywhere. There was nothing I really wanted to see (although the big mirror in Rockefeller Center sounded interesting), so I just wandered from park to park.
Columbus Park to Tompkins Square Park to Stuyvesant Square to Union Square to Gramercy Park to Chelsea Park to Bryant Square Park--and Washington Square Park was in there somewhere, too.

I liked having my music with me and turning it on and just watching people. Lawyers on a break. Old men playing bocce. A girl reading. Derelict digging through the trash. Gay dudes holding hands. It was a wonderful end-of-summer day and I don't think I could have spent it any better. [Note to gay dudes: Aviators are *so* over. Do you really want to look 10-15 years older than you are?]

It still only took me part of the day. I had some time to kill and my buzz was wearing off. To find a bar . . .
There was one little place that looked a bit too nice--awning, outdoor seating, sandwich board with specials. I had resigned myself to grabbing a beer there. Before entering, I looked across the street and spotted a small door. Few windows. A rainbow sticker. A bear sticker. A leather sticker. I headed across the street.

The 9th Avenue Saloon is Hell's Kitchen's very own leather bar. Every other Saturday is boot day. I'm sure the joint gets jumping on those days. At 3 in the afternoon on a Monday, myself and one other man were the only patrons. Joe, the bartender, was a fifty-something latino with a gravelly New Jersey accent. He pours a mean beer.
The other patron, a shaved bald white guy in his forties thumbed through a leather catalog. Both were friendly but not overly conversational. They asked when the first time I had been to NYC was. I had to think--1983, I guess. Hell's Kitchen would have been far off limits. Hell, back then, my mother held onto me like we were on an amusement park ride--and that was in the relative safety of Times Square. Well, '83 was about 11 years pre-Giuliani and the Disney-fication of the touristy area, so I can forgive my mother her overprotective ways in this instance.
Anyway, Steve, the bald 40-something bummed a smoke from me. He put his hand on my shoulder, gave it a squeeze and winked. I'm not into the whole daddy thing, but my mind instantly went to a naughty place. (And my naughty place perked up a little.) When he came back in, he sat next to me and showed me the leather pieces he owned. He was a Bensonhurst boy and Brooklyn was stuck on him. A USMC tattoo graced his forearm, and I found myself wanting another little squeeze.
Tennille stopped in and said hey on a break from work and I think she was pretty amused that I had found a leather bar so close to her work. She joked about getting me a bear flag for my house. I wonder what the roomies would think of that . . .
She went back to work and I ordered another. After a few sips, I headed to the bathroom. Steve was right behind. Thank god, I thought, I'll finally get some action.
"So, uh, you want some crystal or crack or weed?"
The stirrings in my loins turned to queasy in my stomach. "Uh, nah, that's cool. I've got a bunch of really crazy drugs back home."
He laughed. I laughed. I left.

Tennille and I then headed back to Brooklyn and the best veal scallopine I've ever had. We were joined by the ever-pleasant Keith. Then it was back to Mini Bar and the bartender. Wish I could've gotten a grope in, but alas, I was not hammered enough. Even after a whole day of drinking.

Up the next morning and off to . . .

The beautiful state of Texas and my wonderful parents.

If you don't remember my last trip to Texas, I direct you here. It was miserably hot. I think 95 the first two days. Anyway . . .

I feel pretty much the same way about the place that I did that time. My dad was determined to take me to Steak and Ale, and I couldn't figure out why. Then, the pieces came together. If you say its a "Special Occasion" when placing reservations, you get free dessert. Also, they had a coupon. I love that they think of that place as classy. My mom wouldn't let my dad wear shorts.

Mom and dad made sure to point out all the new housing developments--like I couldn't see them myself. I know, I'm an urban person and stuff, but all that sprawl makes me a little nauseous. It just seems to wasteful. And everyone drives. And there is no/very limited mass transit. Don't these people care about the environment or our future?
I know I take Seattle for granted sometimes--especially on some of its green policies. [All new construction of city property over a certain number of square feet has to be at least 60% self-sustaining. All of our schools are being retro-fitted to be more energy efficient (ok, so really, they're just closing schools, but that's energy efficient, right?).]
My parents don't even recycle. I can't believe that they aren't fined for that.
What am I saying? Of course I can believe that. They are in Bush country and consumerism is the watch-word. Who else is going to buy gas?

So, yeah.
Adam and Jeff came to rescue on Wednesday. I drove to Dallas to meet Adam for dinner. We went to Mia's for some killer TexMex. I had a delectable briscuit taco and a swirl margarita. I'm still not sure what the swirl was, exactly, but it was a great drink.
Adam was just how I imagined he would be--funny, intelligent. He could throw zingers right back at me and laughed at all the right places. I had only occasionally read Jeff's blog in the past, so I didn't really know what to expect. He was equally as charming. Conversation ranged from Sondheim to politics to which-dude-on-the-dancefloor-would-you-do. Seeing that I have no standards, any of the dudes on the dancefloor would have been fine with me. Even the robot. Even the really old one. Even the chick. After we parted ways, I put some pieces of the conversation back together in my head and figured out that Adam's partner graduated high school with my college roommate. Isn't that totally trippy?

So then it was back to Fort Worth and the final day with my parents. Then back home. Every time I return to Seattle, I get a greater sense that this place is home. While I can imagine myself living in New York or Boston, I think I would miss the scenery here. (Even though it takes someone like Earl to get me out to see it.)

Before I sign off, I just wanted to say that it was really great getting to see each of you. Prof, I won't be able to think Boston without thinking of you as my (sometimes lost) tour guide. Nilla, sorry its taken me so long to visit you, but better late than never, huh? You're a great hostess and I had such a blast! Brooklyn rules! Adam and Jeff, its always great to meet people who are as dynamic and funny as both of you. Thanks for putting up with my cigarette smoke and providing me with much needed sanity in the insane environment that is Texas.

[If you couldn't tell by my blogging irregularities, life has been fairly hectic since my return. Re-adjusting to the nighttime schedule, trying to fit in all my shows (BSG, Veronica Mars, The Office, ProjRun, ANTM, Gilmore Girls), choir practice, and just catching up with my friends again has eaten up most of my time. I'll try to be more fastidious in my posting--plus I got a rant a-brewin'--oh and a new mix.]

Apologies

I'm not dead--but I do feel like a zombie again.
12 hour day yesterday, 15 today.
I'll finish the post on Wednesday.

In the meantime, Jenny Wilson keeps getting better and better:



Of course, she's accompanied by Robyn, whom I've only enjoyed as remixed by Jesper Dahlback (and smack-dab in the middle of one of Rich's best mixes). Its a cover of a Saul Williams song.

Boston, Bars, Brooklyn, Bulldogs, Beards, Boys (Part 1)

I know you've all been waiting with bated breath. You can finally exhale like Whitney Houston.

I've been back in town for less than 24 hours. My vacation continues, but reality is slowly setting in. I have a couple loads of laundry to do. I have to start napping during the day to get back into nightwalker (or is that streetwalker?) mode.

I just saw Junior Boys with Janice at KEXP. They played a 3-song set. You can listen to it here. You'll have to select today's date (the 29th) and enter the time as 11:15AM. If they had mic'ed the booth, you could hear me giggling like a little girl.
I got to briefly talk to Jeremy (the one in the middle). I told him how much I liked the Morgan Geist track that was released earlier this summer. I'm a total fanboy. There were three adorable girls standing around talking to them, and I was the one who had my picture taken with them. I'm pretty sure they were like, "Dude, who's this homo who wants his picture taken with us?"
Anyway, Jeremy told me that he recorded four tracks with Geist and the others will be released at a later date. He also said that he liked the other tracks more than he liked the first release. So that's pretty rad. They gave us T-shirts and put us on the guestlist. So. Damn. Nice.
So I get to take Matt.
How rad can you get?

Thanks so much for taking me to the studio, Ms. Janice. The only thing cooler than Junior Boys is you!

So tonight my vacation will end with me seeing the Junior Boys.

But, really, you didn't come all the way down to this vault to read about music. You want the dish. How many times did I get laid? (Once, a bulldog in Brooklyn.) How intoxicated was I? (I was so intoxicated . . . ) How many bloggers did you meet? (Five.) Are GayProf and Adam as rockingly cool as they seem? (Obviously.) Where did you hide the bodies? (The Children's Museum, the Hudson, the very first Black Eyed Pea.)

I start with the Junior Boys because, besides the condoms, lube, and chapstick, I also brought the new Junior Boys and Arling & Cameron. Both discs got a lot of play and were the perfect counterpoints to a vacation's tendency to bring contradictory feelings like isolation and excitement, anonymity and hope. Or some other such bullshit.

Sometimes, vacations need soundtracks.

My flight left at 10:30 PST and arrived around 7:00 EST. Check-in at the hotel was 3:00. Still, I wanted to drop my bags off, so I took the blue line from Logan International, got off at the Bowdoin stop. I noticed a lot of people got off at State and deduced that that was a transfer point.
So I dropped my bags off, and the lovely, pert young lady told me that the hotel wasn't at capacity so I could come back in a couple hours to check-in. Excellent.
I walked to Boston Common and the Public Garden. The sketchy people in the Common seemed pretty tame. Their crack deals had a sense of innocence--not that I bought any crack. From them.
Tourists like me stood out. Dressed too casually--even by casual Friday standards. I walked through the theater district. Through Chinatown. Got on the Orange Line. Got off at State switched to the Blue. Learned later that I could have just stayed on the Orange.

I don't use maps. I am also used to cities like New York and Seattle which have the simplistic grid system--even if they don't use numbers, streets generally run perpendicular to one another. Apparently, Boston has too much history to not have been planned well. The streets were fun, though. They were a lot broader than I expected, which made tall buildings less oppressive. People were congenial yet staid (oh, and the accent is kinda sweet).
I found my way back to the hotel and napped.
The free wine was scheduled from 5-6 and meeting GayProf was scheduled for 7. Both appointments were met in a timely fashion. The first yielded 3 glasses of syrah. The second, well, the second . . .

If you're going to Boston, make it a point to meet GayProf. He not only took time out of his busy social schedule on Friday, but also on Saturday. And, really, if you're in a city for the first time, there is no one better than a queer historian to walk around and chat with. Be warned, though, he can turn that gravitas on at a moment's notice.
I got the lowdown on his liar ex (who told many lies). I told him about my trials and tribulations in love (and my ability to convert straight guys even if only for a night). We had a lovely dinner at a Thai place the first evening and went to Fritz after. Sure, we made a wrong turn or two on the way there, but Boston is pretty compact and the weather was nice, so it was no big whoop.

The following day was rainy, and I had planned on walking the Freedom Trail. I got to the trailhead (which is really just a tourist information center in the Common), but opted out because I didn't want to get waterlogged. Instead, I found a cafe on the edge of Chinatown. I grabbed a seat, a sandwich and a latte and finished off one of the books I brought. Then it was back to the hotel for an afternoon nap (Lay off! I was on vacation!) and met GayProf for wine hour at the hotel.

He took me out to Somerville for amazing Indian food. I love samosas. I love vindaloo. Both at this place were stellar! The vindaloo made me break a sweat. That's always a good sign. Then it was onto the Ramrod which was totally dead. Sure, it was early, but it was still pretty dead. No hot sex in the back room. Boo!

Then it was back to the hotel for my final night's stay. The next day I took the Chinatown bus that everyone had warned me about. It was totally fine. Air conditioned, half empty, and relatively fast.

Tennille met me in New York's Chinatown around 4PM on Sunday. We cabbed back to Brooklyn and went to a bodega to buy some stuff to grill. The Moonshine in Brooklyn allows its patrons to bring their own food to grill. Its a great idea for a bar--two large gas grills out back, but little did we know that every third Sunday is bulldog Sunday. I used to think of bulldogs as sweet and funny looking--that was until I saw them en masse. Slobber everywhere and a youngster that humped anything even remotely humpable. Oh, and did I mention the poop? Tennille's friends Neil and Keith met us there and I believe they were equally as perturbed by the bulldogs.
Neil and Keith are also musicians. I forget what their band name is together, but Keith by himself is Wolfgang. You should buy his CD single Not In Love (Not True). It is great vocoder pop with nice bass. In other words, its music I like.

Holy crap. This post is getting hella long. I'm going to stop here. More soon, I promise--

Like other bloggers who were met during the trip and the lovely state of Texas . . .

Oh and Prof, is this color font better?

2 weeks without you and I still haven't gotten over you yet

I'm out.

Catch you on the flipside.

Its time for a mancation.

Got my DS, a couple books, a nice hotel, friends I'll be meeting for the first time, a friend I've known for years, and all this stuff is great but even greater is no work for 11 days.

Might blog while I'm out, might not. I'm really not scheduling anything.

See ya soon.

Ask the 8 ball

This is lifted from Janice -

Basically, you use iTunes on shuffle to answer the following questions:

1. How are you feeling today?
Back in My Arms Again - The Supremes

2. Will you get far in life?
Days Like This - from Falsettoland (Original Off-Broadway Cast)

3. What do your friends see you as?
What Else is There? (Jacques Lu Cont Radio Mix) - Royksopp

4. What is your best friend's theme song?
My Friend Dario - Vitalic

5. What is the story of your life?
I am You - Nightmares on Wax

6. What was high school like?
Cardiology (Isolee mix) - Recloose

7. How can you get ahead in life?
Something Bad is Happening (Reprise) - Falsettoland (Original Off-Broadway Cast)

8. What is the best thing about your friends?
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man after Midnight) - ABBA

9. What is in store for this weekend?
Monday Paracetamol - Ulrich Schnauss

10. What song describes you?
Carnage, Ok! - Sergej Auto

11. To describe your grandparents?
New Friend - The Concretes

12. How is your life going?
Morning Disaster - L'Altra

13. What song will they play at your funeral?
What else is there? (Trentemoller Remix) - Royksopp

14. How does the world see you?
It Ain't Easy - Jazmina

15. Will you have a happy life?
Get Me Away from here I'm Dyin' - Belle & Sebastian

16. What do your friends really think about you?
Nobody Knows - Zoot Woman

17. Do people secretly lust after you?
My Son Mystic - Gay Dad

18. How can I make myself happy?
As Four - The Concretes

19. What should you do with your life?
Midnight Sun - Ivy

Um. I can't make sense of most of them, but the answers to 10, 12, 13 and 15 made me chuckle.