Enjoy enjoy enjoy!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Alcazar "Burning"
I'm totally featuring this song--it's potentially the best song written. And I LOVE the outfits. Enjoy.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
This Week in Unnecessary Censorship
Sorry I'm late (Vince) in posting another edition in This Week in Unnecessary Censorship. Enjoy!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Things Steven Shyne Couldn't Give A Shit About
Have you ever just, like, been tired of hearing about something? When you see it on newspapers, web pages, in your mailbox, on your tv or in your vicinity in any shape or form a flood of emotions overwhelms thee? It's like anger, pain, disgust, annoyance, loathing and boredom all wrapped in a ribbon of ridiculousness that's dipped into a vat of "why are we still taking about this?" Here's my list du mois; let the countdown begin:
5. The Frickin' Hills: Lauren Conrad, Heidi & Spencer, etc.
These little brats sure push my buttons--they are famous for nothing! They aren't actors, they certainly aren't singers (Heidi), not dancers, and not movie stars (not stars of anything other than their own egos). They are famous for filming this show and then lying about it's authenticity. The world would be a better place sans the Hills et al. Sure this is their fifteen minutes of fame, but I say tick tock. (And don't get me started on the fact that MTV doesn't play music videos, but that's another rant entirely.)
4. Frickin' GM in Chapter 11
As quoted in "No Shit" magazine: "Duh!" They were a lousy company with a bad product that the majority of consumers would prefer not to drive and that they (here's the nail in the coffin) refused to do anything about. If the trend is smaller, more fuel efficient cars and hybrid technology, don't come out with a new Hummer that gets 14 miles to the gallon. Their downfall is their stubbornness and resistance to adapt to market changes. RIP.
3. Frickin' Swine Flu
This one is almost out the door already, but it has to be mentioned. Notice how quickly and intensely this pandemic and pandemonium swept across the world's media outlets? Mexico was basically an infestation, the US was next and people are going to be dropping like flies. IT'S STILL JUST THE FLU. Sure a couple of people died, in the US an infant and a very elderly, sickly woman: people who would have died from any old flu--because that's exactly what it was!
2. Frickin' Adam Lambert Coming Out of the Closet
I don't know what cave these people are hiding in but, umm... let me quote "Duh!" Magazine, "No Shit." He kisses men, wears eyeliner, dresses in drag and he's gay? Color me shocked. There's more to this story than him simply coming out of the closet too. It's clearly evident that Adam Lambert has more talent in his left pinky than Kris Allan does in his whole being. I LOVE KRIS ALLAN, don't get me wrong. He has charm, he's adorable, and he's talented enough. He's precious and clean and safe and that's why he won American Idol... that's why Taylor Hicks won (to no future success) and Ruben Studdard (who just filed bankruptcy and was dropped from his label). The point I am making is that according to a recent Pop Eater poll, people are "surprised". Another poll says that a staggering amount (12 - 15%) would have voted differently having known he was gay. WHAT? Regardless of sexuality, candid or discrete, Adam is uber talented, and he will prove himself in the future. This I'm sure.
so you want to really know what chaps my ass...
1. Frickin' Jon and Kate Plus Media
There are soo many things that rub me the wrong way with this. Firstly, Jon cheated on Kate, well, because she's a bitch. AND WHO WOULDN'T BE when raising 8 kids while being videotaped around the clock for years on end. Secondly, isn't it a LITTLE fishy that the story of him cheating broke RIGHT before the season premiere of their show which was scheduled within WEEKS of her book to hit shelves ALL KNOWING that the first episode has footage of them having a rift in their relationship which means he would have to have cheated at the beginning of the season, say, around January? FISHY FISHY. I like their show, rather, I liked their show, when it was about the kids and all the fun adventures a family of 8 went through. Now, literally, it's about Jon and Kate and the paparazzi and their marital issues and who gives a god damn shit? I don't.
5. The Frickin' Hills: Lauren Conrad, Heidi & Spencer, etc.
These little brats sure push my buttons--they are famous for nothing! They aren't actors, they certainly aren't singers (Heidi), not dancers, and not movie stars (not stars of anything other than their own egos). They are famous for filming this show and then lying about it's authenticity. The world would be a better place sans the Hills et al. Sure this is their fifteen minutes of fame, but I say tick tock. (And don't get me started on the fact that MTV doesn't play music videos, but that's another rant entirely.)
4. Frickin' GM in Chapter 11
As quoted in "No Shit" magazine: "Duh!" They were a lousy company with a bad product that the majority of consumers would prefer not to drive and that they (here's the nail in the coffin) refused to do anything about. If the trend is smaller, more fuel efficient cars and hybrid technology, don't come out with a new Hummer that gets 14 miles to the gallon. Their downfall is their stubbornness and resistance to adapt to market changes. RIP.
3. Frickin' Swine Flu
This one is almost out the door already, but it has to be mentioned. Notice how quickly and intensely this pandemic and pandemonium swept across the world's media outlets? Mexico was basically an infestation, the US was next and people are going to be dropping like flies. IT'S STILL JUST THE FLU. Sure a couple of people died, in the US an infant and a very elderly, sickly woman: people who would have died from any old flu--because that's exactly what it was!
2. Frickin' Adam Lambert Coming Out of the Closet
I don't know what cave these people are hiding in but, umm... let me quote "Duh!" Magazine, "No Shit." He kisses men, wears eyeliner, dresses in drag and he's gay? Color me shocked. There's more to this story than him simply coming out of the closet too. It's clearly evident that Adam Lambert has more talent in his left pinky than Kris Allan does in his whole being. I LOVE KRIS ALLAN, don't get me wrong. He has charm, he's adorable, and he's talented enough. He's precious and clean and safe and that's why he won American Idol... that's why Taylor Hicks won (to no future success) and Ruben Studdard (who just filed bankruptcy and was dropped from his label). The point I am making is that according to a recent Pop Eater poll, people are "surprised". Another poll says that a staggering amount (12 - 15%) would have voted differently having known he was gay. WHAT? Regardless of sexuality, candid or discrete, Adam is uber talented, and he will prove himself in the future. This I'm sure.
so you want to really know what chaps my ass...
1. Frickin' Jon and Kate Plus Media
There are soo many things that rub me the wrong way with this. Firstly, Jon cheated on Kate, well, because she's a bitch. AND WHO WOULDN'T BE when raising 8 kids while being videotaped around the clock for years on end. Secondly, isn't it a LITTLE fishy that the story of him cheating broke RIGHT before the season premiere of their show which was scheduled within WEEKS of her book to hit shelves ALL KNOWING that the first episode has footage of them having a rift in their relationship which means he would have to have cheated at the beginning of the season, say, around January? FISHY FISHY. I like their show, rather, I liked their show, when it was about the kids and all the fun adventures a family of 8 went through. Now, literally, it's about Jon and Kate and the paparazzi and their marital issues and who gives a god damn shit? I don't.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wild Wonders
This is a bit of an old post that I forgot to put up, but enjoyable enough that I wanted to post it. Back in May some of the team from my work took a field trip to this fantastic place called Wild Wonders. I was one of the few that went.
Wild Wonders is a licensed and insured wildlife education organization that travels throughout the United States, providing exotic animals and animal trainers for shows, parties and events. They have a facility in Fallbrook which is about an hour-and-a-half north of San Diego. At this facility they house a beautiful collection of animals from all across the globe. They are not a zoo, it's a private company that takes animals in that were abandoned, abused, abducted or planned to be tested upon. They strive to provide the utmost in care for these animals; from diet and nutrition and affection training to behavioral enrichment. All of their 120 animal ambassadors came to them from other educational facilities, were confiscated/reliquished as they were illegal pets, or non-releasable native wildlife. NONE HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM THE WILD. I took some of this info from their website--for more information visit www.wildwonders.org
Onto my experience. First we arrive and they want to introduce us to Victor the Cheetah. He was in a very large enclosure--probably the same size as the Wild Animal Park's exhibit space. He came right up to the trainers and started rubbing against the fence and purring. A Cheetah purr is very, VERY loud. It's cute still, but it's a little intimidating. Just a little. We got to reach in and pet him and he loved it. We talked about animal conservation and how there are some 2,000 cheetahs, and if measures aren't made to protect and support the cheetah population, there might not be a population to protect in the near future. Anyway I'll get off my soapbox and continue. Victor was great. Loved him. Next we saw their other cats, a bobcat and two Siberian Lynx. The lynx were very lovey and social, where as the bobcat literally growled at me. I was the last to leave this are and as I walked by him he gave out a very loud but harmless growl.
Next was my personal favorite--binturongs! Binta-wha? Whoozi-rang? No--binturong. Binturongs are probably one of my favorite animals. Per Wikipedia:
visit wikipedia's page on the binturong for more information.
We didn't get to touch them but I sure wanted to. I wanted to crawl in there with them and bite their little ears and kiss him on the face! I think they would have not have enjoyed that and would have demonstrated their dislike in a number of ways.... I digress.
Now that I hit the high note, I'll summarize everything else up quickly; next we saw a myriad of foxes. They were so cute! We saw a tortoise and alligators and snakes and lizards. They were not as cute. There were some beautiful (and loud) birds. They were loud. We also saw a hedgehog (that I got to pet!), chinchillas, rabbits, and some little monkeys. All were very cute.
It was a good day. Very cool. Signing off.
Wild Wonders is a licensed and insured wildlife education organization that travels throughout the United States, providing exotic animals and animal trainers for shows, parties and events. They have a facility in Fallbrook which is about an hour-and-a-half north of San Diego. At this facility they house a beautiful collection of animals from all across the globe. They are not a zoo, it's a private company that takes animals in that were abandoned, abused, abducted or planned to be tested upon. They strive to provide the utmost in care for these animals; from diet and nutrition and affection training to behavioral enrichment. All of their 120 animal ambassadors came to them from other educational facilities, were confiscated/reliquished as they were illegal pets, or non-releasable native wildlife. NONE HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM THE WILD. I took some of this info from their website--for more information visit www.wildwonders.org
Onto my experience. First we arrive and they want to introduce us to Victor the Cheetah. He was in a very large enclosure--probably the same size as the Wild Animal Park's exhibit space. He came right up to the trainers and started rubbing against the fence and purring. A Cheetah purr is very, VERY loud. It's cute still, but it's a little intimidating. Just a little. We got to reach in and pet him and he loved it. We talked about animal conservation and how there are some 2,000 cheetahs, and if measures aren't made to protect and support the cheetah population, there might not be a population to protect in the near future. Anyway I'll get off my soapbox and continue. Victor was great. Loved him. Next we saw their other cats, a bobcat and two Siberian Lynx. The lynx were very lovey and social, where as the bobcat literally growled at me. I was the last to leave this are and as I walked by him he gave out a very loud but harmless growl.
Next was my personal favorite--binturongs! Binta-wha? Whoozi-rang? No--binturong. Binturongs are probably one of my favorite animals. Per Wikipedia:
The Binturong (Arctictis binturong), also known as the Asian Bearcat, the Palawan Bearcat, or simply the Bearcat, is a species of the family Viverridae, which includes the civets and genets. It is neither a bear nor a cat, and the real meaning of the original name is lost, as the local language that gave it is extinct[3]. Its natural habitat is in trees of forest canopy in rainforest of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.[1]
It is nocturnal and sleeps on branches. It eats primarily fruit, but also has been known to eat eggs, shoots, leaves, and small animals, such as rodents or birds. Deforestation has greatly reduced its numbers. When cornered, the Binturong can be vicious. The Binturong can make chuckling sounds when it seems to be happy and utter a high-pitched wail if annoyed. The Binturong can live over 20 years in captivity; one has been recorded to have lived almost 26 years.visit wikipedia's page on the binturong for more information.
We didn't get to touch them but I sure wanted to. I wanted to crawl in there with them and bite their little ears and kiss him on the face! I think they would have not have enjoyed that and would have demonstrated their dislike in a number of ways.... I digress.
Now that I hit the high note, I'll summarize everything else up quickly; next we saw a myriad of foxes. They were so cute! We saw a tortoise and alligators and snakes and lizards. They were not as cute. There were some beautiful (and loud) birds. They were loud. We also saw a hedgehog (that I got to pet!), chinchillas, rabbits, and some little monkeys. All were very cute.
It was a good day. Very cool. Signing off.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Auto-Tune the News!
Check it out, short-ay. They've taken the news, auto-tuned it and made amazing hip hop newsie bluesie beat boxie sounds for us to enjoy. Shortay.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
This Week in Unnecessary Censorship
Another episode of "This Week in Unnecessary Censorship." Enjoy.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Total Eclipse of the Heart: Literal Video Version
Random Video: this is so funny--it's actual video of the song "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler, but the words have been changed to match what's going on in the video. You'll get the idea. Enjoy!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Kylie on NBCs TODAY With Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb
The Kylie countdown begins. In case you didn't hear I am already holding 10th row tickets for the Las Vegas show on October 3rd. "Oh she's coming to the States?" you might say. "Kylie wha?" "Minogue-who?" Watch the damn clip and, as Kylie puts it, "Get with the program!"
Saturday, May 9, 2009
This Week in Unnecessary Censorship
I think I'm going to start working these into the blog. They are so f**king funny. (That was a related joke because they bleep things...out and its... never mind.) If you can't wait for me to post a new one, YouTube your brains out.
Sneezing Panda
Firstly, my apologies I haven't posted anything in a while. Life comes at you fast. Work is busy, travels are frequent and school is wrapping up for the term. I promise many blog posts to come, but to hold you over, here's a sneezing panda. Enjoy.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
KYLIE2009 - I Could Just Die!
For Immediate Release
INTERNATIONAL POP ICON KYLIE MINOGUE ANNOUNCES FIRST EVER NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
Kylie’s 6-City Tour Kicks Off September 30th
Includes A Performance At The Historic Hollywood Bowl In Los Angeles
Latest Release Boombox: The Remix Album 2000-2008 Available Now
(New York, NY – May 6, 2009) – North American fans of international pop superstar Kylie Minogue will finally get a chance to experience the icon live in concert when her 6-city tour kicks off in Oakland, CA on September 30th (full schedule below). Over the course of her extraordinary 20-year-career, Minogue has been a global force in pop music with more than 40 million albums sold worldwide, 50 hit singles including the U.S. Billboard dance-chart toppers “Can’t Get You Our of My Head,” “Love At First Sight,” “Slow,” and the Grammy-Award winning “Come Into My World,” countless awards and accolades including an OBE from the Queen and 8 sold-out world tours including last year’s KylieX2008 tour which traveled to 21 countries throughout Europe, South America, Dubai, Asia, New Zealand and Australia, generating and estimated $70,000,000 in ticket sales. Kylie couldn’t be more excited about her first tour through North America.
“I’ve wanted to tour in America and Canada for years and know that fans have been waiting a long time for this,“ said Minogue. “I’m thrilled that the opportunity has finally arrived.”
The tour is being produced by Los Angeles-based concert promotion firm Bill Silva Presents (BSP). Company CEO Bill Silva commented, “Kylie has such a successful career outside of North America that it has taken quite a while to find a window in her schedule for the U.S. and Canada. Her amazing fans in North America will be well rewarded for their patience when they experience her show and its entire spectacle. We are confident in the tour’s success, and hope that Kylie will make this the first of many tours to our shores.”
Tickets will go on sale in each market on the weekend of May 15, however early access to tickets in the U.S. will be available to American Express Cardmembers beginning this Thursday, May 7, through Ticketmaster. Members of Kylie.com's mailing list will receive an email that contains information of special ticket pre-sale offers.
Kylie’s last visit stateside was in early 2008 with a promotional trip to support the release of her 10th studio album X (Astralwerks/Capitol) in which she performed on Ellen, Dancing With The 
Kylie Minogue released her first single “Locomotion” in July 1987. The Little Eva remake became an instant hit around the world and launched the music career of the now icon. Kylie is one of the world’s most successful female artists with over 40 million albums sold, 50 hit singles, ten studio albums, two live CDs, eight live concert DVD’s, plus her Greatest Hits and Ultimate Kylie double album, multiple video packages and eight world tours.
Since 1979, Bill Silva Presents (BSP) has produced over 10,000 events from small clubs to major stadiums all over the world. Shows produced have included such prodigious talents as The Rolling Stones, The Who, Simon & Garfunkel, The Police, Madonna, Nirvana, Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan. BSP have also produced North American Tours with Dr. Dre’s “Up In Smoke Tour,” the most successful hip hop tour of all time; and international tours with comedian Margaret Cho.
For information on Kylie’s North American tour please visit the Kylie Minogue North American tour widget at http://www.billsilvaentertainment.com/kylie.
For more on Kylie Minogue, including news updates, photos, streaming audio and video, and downloads, please visit www.kylie.com.
For album artwork, photos and other press materials on Kylie, please visit www.emimusicpublicity.net.
# # #
Kylie Minogue North American Tour
Sep. 30 Oakland, CA Fox Theater
Oct. 3 Las
Oct. 4 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl
Oct. 7 Chicago, IL The Congress Theater
Oct. 9 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
Oct. 11 NYC, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
"Hey I was just about to call you,"
claimed Scott Lewallen. He continued, "What are you doing this weekend?"
I reply without hesitation, "Nothing. Why? You coming to San Diego?"
"I was thinking about it. Just for Friday night. Is that okay?"
"It's more than okay. Come down. Just let me know," I exclaim.
So that's how my weekend starts, with this phone call around 5 or 6 pm on Friday evening. For all that don't know, Scott Lewallen is one of my best friends. I met him through Atlantis; he works for them, as do I, but not in the same capacity. He works for them full-time. Anyway he did indeed decide to come down to San Diego. Upon arrival I met him at Rite Aid, located only a block from my house, typically where we intersect paths to purchase accouterments (aka: drinking paraphernalia). We go to my palace (that's not a typo), mix a drink, play songs and finally we head out to the club. Rich's is the main gay club here in San Diego, I would say, and we wanted something a bit "off" tonight. We started walking to a bar much closer called Brass Rail, and en route, right before rounding the corner to our destination, a random person (we presume a gay man) said "Girls! Don't go there! It's lesbian night!" Now we have nothing against lesbians but this was not the evening we had intended. We quickly shuffled past the bar as if it wasn't our intention to enter in the first place. Struck down we head over to Urban Mo's, a restaurant + bar here in SD. It was DEAD. And dreadful I might add. Shot down again, there was one place left to go before Rich's--Flicks, it's neighboring competition. As we started to arrive though, Flicks too wasn't as busy as we had hoped. Let me say this too--Scott didn't leave LA till about 6pm, that means he didn't get in till 8:30 pm (because of Friday night traffic) plus we had about 3 drinks at my place; it had to have been close to midnight and these places should all be packed. Last resort: Rich's.
We enter, pay cover and order drinks. It was also not terribly busy, but still a ton of people as usual. We decided that we would make our own event and started doing runway and posing in this long section of the room that neighbors an equally long bar. I might add that we were fierce too, and I'm not saying that because we were blitzed either. The bartender said to someone "The shows that way" and nodding his head to us. Work work work work.
Straight translation: "Work" is short for "work it" i.e. "work it out, miss thang!" or, "she worked that runway."
The night ended about 2 pm, we scampered over to close-by taco shop and ordered some delicious Mexican food. There a woman said to me, "You look really familiar, where have we met?" I let her keep guessing, asking, inquiring, begging, toiling away at where we had crossed paths previously... until I put her misery to rest and showered her in pictures of me in drag. She was a tray passer at a house party I went to for the Oscar Awards and naturally I went in a gown. Naturally. It was a red carpet event after all. This is the said photo that tipped her off.
Okay--left Mexican "restaurant" went back to my place and crashed. Saturday "morning" when we woke, we turned to each other and inquired on the day ahead. We both agreed to a quick jaunt to SeaWorld. It was fantastic! We went to the Wild Arctic (saw polar bears, baluga whales), Penguin Encounter (saw, well, penguins), Shark Reef (you guessed it...) and the Shamu Show (orca whales et al). It was a fun, quick SeaWorld adventure with hopefully many more to come. Scott decided it was probably too late to drive home and asked if he could stay another night. Shaa--yes--dumb. Saturday night we didn't really do anything. We drank at my place again, played music, web cammed with his sister--half way through the webcam we selected some choice wigs from Kitty's closet and webcamed in half-drag. She thought it was hilarious (I hope). Scott had some work to do, I had some drinking to do, and in the middle of everything we decided to write songs. What? I know. We wrote songs! It was sooo fantastic.
Sunday Scott left before lunch, I did homework all day and that was that. Sunday evening John (the boyfriend) was coming home from business trips. I went and picked him up at the airport and we had a nice, little dinner at our favorite Indian restaurant. It was sooo nice having him home. That was the weekend, everybody.
Now it's Wednesday, I came down with a horrible cold and neck ache (unassociated) and have been home from work for the past two days, on pain killers and drinking more fluids than I thought possible. I've gotta get better before Friday rolls around!
END OF TRANSMISSION
I reply without hesitation, "Nothing. Why? You coming to San Diego?"
"I was thinking about it. Just for Friday night. Is that okay?"
"It's more than okay. Come down. Just let me know," I exclaim.
So that's how my weekend starts, with this phone call around 5 or 6 pm on Friday evening. For all that don't know, Scott Lewallen is one of my best friends. I met him through Atlantis; he works for them, as do I, but not in the same capacity. He works for them full-time. Anyway he did indeed decide to come down to San Diego. Upon arrival I met him at Rite Aid, located only a block from my house, typically where we intersect paths to purchase accouterments (aka: drinking paraphernalia). We go to my palace (that's not a typo), mix a drink, play songs and finally we head out to the club. Rich's is the main gay club here in San Diego, I would say, and we wanted something a bit "off" tonight. We started walking to a bar much closer called Brass Rail, and en route, right before rounding the corner to our destination, a random person (we presume a gay man) said "Girls! Don't go there! It's lesbian night!" Now we have nothing against lesbians but this was not the evening we had intended. We quickly shuffled past the bar as if it wasn't our intention to enter in the first place. Struck down we head over to Urban Mo's, a restaurant + bar here in SD. It was DEAD. And dreadful I might add. Shot down again, there was one place left to go before Rich's--Flicks, it's neighboring competition. As we started to arrive though, Flicks too wasn't as busy as we had hoped. Let me say this too--Scott didn't leave LA till about 6pm, that means he didn't get in till 8:30 pm (because of Friday night traffic) plus we had about 3 drinks at my place; it had to have been close to midnight and these places should all be packed. Last resort: Rich's.
We enter, pay cover and order drinks. It was also not terribly busy, but still a ton of people as usual. We decided that we would make our own event and started doing runway and posing in this long section of the room that neighbors an equally long bar. I might add that we were fierce too, and I'm not saying that because we were blitzed either. The bartender said to someone "The shows that way" and nodding his head to us. Work work work work.
Straight translation: "Work" is short for "work it" i.e. "work it out, miss thang!" or, "she worked that runway."
The night ended about 2 pm, we scampered over to close-by taco shop and ordered some delicious Mexican food. There a woman said to me, "You look really familiar, where have we met?" I let her keep guessing, asking, inquiring, begging, toiling away at where we had crossed paths previously... until I put her misery to rest and showered her in pictures of me in drag. She was a tray passer at a house party I went to for the Oscar Awards and naturally I went in a gown. Naturally. It was a red carpet event after all. This is the said photo that tipped her off.
Okay--left Mexican "restaurant" went back to my place and crashed. Saturday "morning" when we woke, we turned to each other and inquired on the day ahead. We both agreed to a quick jaunt to SeaWorld. It was fantastic! We went to the Wild Arctic (saw polar bears, baluga whales), Penguin Encounter (saw, well, penguins), Shark Reef (you guessed it...) and the Shamu Show (orca whales et al). It was a fun, quick SeaWorld adventure with hopefully many more to come. Scott decided it was probably too late to drive home and asked if he could stay another night. Shaa--yes--dumb. Saturday night we didn't really do anything. We drank at my place again, played music, web cammed with his sister--half way through the webcam we selected some choice wigs from Kitty's closet and webcamed in half-drag. She thought it was hilarious (I hope). Scott had some work to do, I had some drinking to do, and in the middle of everything we decided to write songs. What? I know. We wrote songs! It was sooo fantastic.
Sunday Scott left before lunch, I did homework all day and that was that. Sunday evening John (the boyfriend) was coming home from business trips. I went and picked him up at the airport and we had a nice, little dinner at our favorite Indian restaurant. It was sooo nice having him home. That was the weekend, everybody.
Now it's Wednesday, I came down with a horrible cold and neck ache (unassociated) and have been home from work for the past two days, on pain killers and drinking more fluids than I thought possible. I've gotta get better before Friday rolls around!
END OF TRANSMISSION
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
La La Land
Firstly, apologies for the slight delay in getting this next blog post out.
The following in the continuation of my adventures in LA, the weekend of Saturday April 18. Saturday: Didn't do too much this day. Met up with Vince and Allan before they headed to the GLAAD media awards. They were volunteer celebrity ushers--basically free personal assistants to an assigned Hollywood celeb. Side note: Vince got Jessica Alba--totally jeal. After that I went to Eldon's work and hung out with him. It was fairly slow for him that day so it was okay for me to just chill there. We talked and laughed and read each other's minds and it was great. After a couple hours there I went back to Eldon's house, read my book and took a well deserved nap. Eldon came home in about 2 hours, we got up, showered, mixed a drink and met up with Brad (another very good friend up in LA) for dinner. I forget where we went but it was great. It was right across the street from the Abbey, the super-popular nightclub + restaurant in the epicenter of West Hollywood. We ordered mojito-like super-limey drinks. EXCELLENT. Eldon--what were they called again? Definitely getting that again.
Following dinner Brad, Eldon and I went to an Instinct magazine party. It was a little slow, but there was a hosted bar, so we weren't going anywhere. As people started to trickle in we chatted and gabbed and drank more. Eldon and I wanted a change of scene so we popped over to Here bar and had a couple drinks there. We ran around, chatted with people and decided that we needed to get back to the other party. Eldon knew some people so he was able to zip right in. I had at least a handstamp something so I was very, very first in line, but still had to wait a bit. After getting back in I don't remember too much more, but I remember dancing a touch, chatting a bit more, but leaving shortly after arriving. Fun times.
Sunday was fabulous. We got up around something o'clock and went to our Chad & Brian house. Chad & Brian I met on the Atlantis cruises and they are, in mind, a dream. They are both beautiful, have great style, are the sweetest boys, and are as well off as I am crazy. I'm their friends because they are such good people, the wealthy thing is just perk. I was able to partake on this perk this day because they were having a pool party. One word: AMAZING. Their house is stunning, seated in the Hollywood hils. They are able to point out celebrities' homes from their place. Oh and the view, don't get me started. It was phenomenal. The only thing better than the view was the company. It was very much birds of a feather with their friends. They are all super nice and pleasant people. What a perfect day. The day started to escape us as it followed the sun and the pool party dwindled and faded. We all needed a bit of sustenance so we jumped into our vehicles and headed to a Mexican restaurant, again the name I don't know. In short we waiting around by the bar for about 2 or 3 hours, finally once sat it took us 45 minutes to order, eat and leave. Albeit a long wait it was fun hanging and drawing the weekend out a bit. I left Eldon's place in LA right at 10:00 pm, and made it home in my door at about 11:40 pm, a record time drive. There was no traffic whatsoever.
It was a fabulous weekend full of Britney and bars and boys, but, of course, my favorite part was spending quality time with some of the best people in the world. Love you all my LA friends!
The following in the continuation of my adventures in LA, the weekend of Saturday April 18. Saturday: Didn't do too much this day. Met up with Vince and Allan before they headed to the GLAAD media awards. They were volunteer celebrity ushers--basically free personal assistants to an assigned Hollywood celeb. Side note: Vince got Jessica Alba--totally jeal. After that I went to Eldon's work and hung out with him. It was fairly slow for him that day so it was okay for me to just chill there. We talked and laughed and read each other's minds and it was great. After a couple hours there I went back to Eldon's house, read my book and took a well deserved nap. Eldon came home in about 2 hours, we got up, showered, mixed a drink and met up with Brad (another very good friend up in LA) for dinner. I forget where we went but it was great. It was right across the street from the Abbey, the super-popular nightclub + restaurant in the epicenter of West Hollywood. We ordered mojito-like super-limey drinks. EXCELLENT. Eldon--what were they called again? Definitely getting that again.
Following dinner Brad, Eldon and I went to an Instinct magazine party. It was a little slow, but there was a hosted bar, so we weren't going anywhere. As people started to trickle in we chatted and gabbed and drank more. Eldon and I wanted a change of scene so we popped over to Here bar and had a couple drinks there. We ran around, chatted with people and decided that we needed to get back to the other party. Eldon knew some people so he was able to zip right in. I had at least a handstamp something so I was very, very first in line, but still had to wait a bit. After getting back in I don't remember too much more, but I remember dancing a touch, chatting a bit more, but leaving shortly after arriving. Fun times.
Sunday was fabulous. We got up around something o'clock and went to our Chad & Brian house. Chad & Brian I met on the Atlantis cruises and they are, in mind, a dream. They are both beautiful, have great style, are the sweetest boys, and are as well off as I am crazy. I'm their friends because they are such good people, the wealthy thing is just perk. I was able to partake on this perk this day because they were having a pool party. One word: AMAZING. Their house is stunning, seated in the Hollywood hils. They are able to point out celebrities' homes from their place. Oh and the view, don't get me started. It was phenomenal. The only thing better than the view was the company. It was very much birds of a feather with their friends. They are all super nice and pleasant people. What a perfect day. The day started to escape us as it followed the sun and the pool party dwindled and faded. We all needed a bit of sustenance so we jumped into our vehicles and headed to a Mexican restaurant, again the name I don't know. In short we waiting around by the bar for about 2 or 3 hours, finally once sat it took us 45 minutes to order, eat and leave. Albeit a long wait it was fun hanging and drawing the weekend out a bit. I left Eldon's place in LA right at 10:00 pm, and made it home in my door at about 11:40 pm, a record time drive. There was no traffic whatsoever.
It was a fabulous weekend full of Britney and bars and boys, but, of course, my favorite part was spending quality time with some of the best people in the world. Love you all my LA friends!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Ringleader
Merry Christmas! What? But it's April. Well my story starts on Christmas: John, for Christmas, bought us tickets to see Britney Spears' latest tour LA. As the concert date approached John was summoned to Switzerland for work and, unable to go, gave me his ticket to take someone else in his place. I called Eldon, one of my best friends and he gracefully accepted. Let's get to it.
Eldon and I get to the Staples Center around 8:00pm, showtime, but of course concerts always run late so we were not bothered. After zipping through the rather short line the guard utters, "I'm sorry this isn't you're line. You need to enter of there, pointing at a "VIP Entrance" sign. I love signs like that. We scurry to the appropriate door and parade through the gateway, tickets in the air and spirits high. Speaking of spirits it was time for a drink. The VIP tickets also grant us access to a VIP lounge where cocktails are served. We run into the VIP lounge and notice there is all sorts of noise coming from the stadium hall--the concert started! It was only 8:15! At any rate we thought a drink was more urgent than seeing the opening act, Pussycat Dolls, sober. Drink we did and arrived at our seats with drinks in hand. The Pussycat Dolls... frankly... stunk. Their costumes were fun, they looked great, but the "singing" and the "dancing" was awful. It explained to my why they--a very, very popular group--would open up a show, rather than be the headline themselves.
Once the Pussycat Dolls finished their lackluster performance, the house lights went up and intermission began. Rather than an uneventful intermission, various performers came out and performed: hula hoopers and jugglers and tightrope walkers and ribbon dancers and a midget and all sorts of characters. It was fun, I really enjoyed it. Another drink and a couple circus performances later, the show finally begins.
I wont go into too much detail, but even saying that I'm sure I will. Firstly the concert itself was set-up like a three ring circus (one large circular stage in the middle and two smaller circular stages flanking the main stage). The stages were in the center of the arena as well, not pushed against a wall like most concerts. The show opened with her song "Circus"--she came down on a rotating pedestal from the ceiling dressed in a sparkling, radiant ringleader's costume. She played all her hits from her last two CDs with a couple of other fantastic songs like "Baby One More Time" and "Me Against the Music." It was really a great show. Keeping in line with the circus theme they had aerialists and magic and the whole nine yards during her show. The dancers were fabulous, the costumes were dazzling, and the music was great--sure it was all on a track, but I don't feel short-changed--when she's dancing her booty off on-stage, running around like a crazy person... err umm like... a Britney, I give her a little slack on the singing.
It was a fabulous weekend, a fabulous concert with fabulous friends and fabulous memories. Love to all.
Eldon and I get to the Staples Center around 8:00pm, showtime, but of course concerts always run late so we were not bothered. After zipping through the rather short line the guard utters, "I'm sorry this isn't you're line. You need to enter of there, pointing at a "VIP Entrance" sign. I love signs like that. We scurry to the appropriate door and parade through the gateway, tickets in the air and spirits high. Speaking of spirits it was time for a drink. The VIP tickets also grant us access to a VIP lounge where cocktails are served. We run into the VIP lounge and notice there is all sorts of noise coming from the stadium hall--the concert started! It was only 8:15! At any rate we thought a drink was more urgent than seeing the opening act, Pussycat Dolls, sober. Drink we did and arrived at our seats with drinks in hand. The Pussycat Dolls... frankly... stunk. Their costumes were fun, they looked great, but the "singing" and the "dancing" was awful. It explained to my why they--a very, very popular group--would open up a show, rather than be the headline themselves.
Once the Pussycat Dolls finished their lackluster performance, the house lights went up and intermission began. Rather than an uneventful intermission, various performers came out and performed: hula hoopers and jugglers and tightrope walkers and ribbon dancers and a midget and all sorts of characters. It was fun, I really enjoyed it. Another drink and a couple circus performances later, the show finally begins.
I wont go into too much detail, but even saying that I'm sure I will. Firstly the concert itself was set-up like a three ring circus (one large circular stage in the middle and two smaller circular stages flanking the main stage). The stages were in the center of the arena as well, not pushed against a wall like most concerts. The show opened with her song "Circus"--she came down on a rotating pedestal from the ceiling dressed in a sparkling, radiant ringleader's costume. She played all her hits from her last two CDs with a couple of other fantastic songs like "Baby One More Time" and "Me Against the Music." It was really a great show. Keeping in line with the circus theme they had aerialists and magic and the whole nine yards during her show. The dancers were fabulous, the costumes were dazzling, and the music was great--sure it was all on a track, but I don't feel short-changed--when she's dancing her booty off on-stage, running around like a crazy person... err umm like... a Britney, I give her a little slack on the singing.
It was a fabulous weekend, a fabulous concert with fabulous friends and fabulous memories. Love to all.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Lady GaGa White Party 2009 Montage
This is in reference to my most previous posting. The quality is a little crappy but you can get a great idea of how amazing this concert was.
Monday, April 13, 2009
White Party 2009
Let's first lay the foundation: White Party is a big gay event held at several locations throughout the year (Miami and Paris to name a few), but one of the most popular would be Palm Springs' White Party held every Easter weekend. My friend Scott who also works for Atlantis (the cruise company I work with part-time) wanted my help at the Atlantis booth. In turn for me working I would get a weekend pass to the White Party. Lodging would need to be sourced on my own. Well it just so happens that one of my very best friends Michael was going to be at White Party as well and offered to share his place with me--count me in. I'm there.
Saturday I worked all day and hung out with Scott and Michael and had a fabulous time. Just fabulous. We talked, exchanged stories, laughed, drank, had photo shoots, reviewed said photos, laughed again, drank more and so on. Well Saturday night was the actual, like, WHITE PARTY party. It was held at the convention center and they fill the place with lights and amazing sound equipment and some decor and lots of half naked men. Sounds awful, huh? Well besides a ton of great friends rendezvousing at the White Party (Scott, Mike, Eldon, Marky, Brad), Lady GaGa was also going to perform at the White Party. If you don't know who Lady GaGa is, slap yourself on my behalf, youtube her posthaste, and the continue reading the blog.
The room was aglow with white costumes. Light effects reflected off the bodies on the earth below, shimmering and shining like an ocean. A silken fabric hangs on the far wall, flush to a stage. It's a screen. The music stops. The fabric bursts with light--a projection is now shown. A movie. A movie of Lady GaGa. The crowd is both silenced and energized while the images flash on the draping fabric. The clip shows Lady GaGa in an interrogation setting. The room in all white. She in all black, sitting in a chair. Her hands stained with what we presume blood. A mans voice sternly inquires, "Why did you do it?" she replies confidently, "For art." The fabric drops to the floor and behind the screen is a silhouette of GaGa. She commands the stage and sings to onlookers. The performance shatters worlds.
I was expecting a quick 2 or 3 song set and the party would go on. No. Lady GaGa pulled out every song in her repertoire, even a new one not yet released, for a full hour and a half. I was blown away. There was nothing like her performance that I have ever seen, and I recommend each and everyone one of you, my blogettes, to see her should you have the chance. Following are some of the kooky, bizarre, quirky lines that she delivered between songs:
"Sometimes I feel like a blonde bitch in a bunch of bubbles, and I don't give a fuck." (meanwhile she was wearing a suit made of large plastic bubbles)
"In the year 3009, all the kids of New York City ran out of the nightclubs and killed the paparazzi" (the story continued but I don't remember it really)
"This next song is about a vibrator" (As she plays her song "Rubber Man"
"Have you ever told such a little lie, and you would do anything--even kill--to make it come true? Some people say Lady GaGa is a lie. And you know what? They are right. And every day I kill to make Lady GaGa a reality."
"I have no money... because every penny I make I spend on my show." (just after this line she rides onto the stage in a scooter covered in Denim and rhinestones)
"I swear on my denim scooter I will never betray you, my beautiful gay fans."
"All you need is music, art, and each other"
The show was a phenomenon I died, went to heaven, went to hell and came back from both with GaGa blazed into my memory. The party was fabulous, the weekend terrific, my friends even closer and a part of GaGa with me.
Saturday I worked all day and hung out with Scott and Michael and had a fabulous time. Just fabulous. We talked, exchanged stories, laughed, drank, had photo shoots, reviewed said photos, laughed again, drank more and so on. Well Saturday night was the actual, like, WHITE PARTY party. It was held at the convention center and they fill the place with lights and amazing sound equipment and some decor and lots of half naked men. Sounds awful, huh? Well besides a ton of great friends rendezvousing at the White Party (Scott, Mike, Eldon, Marky, Brad), Lady GaGa was also going to perform at the White Party. If you don't know who Lady GaGa is, slap yourself on my behalf, youtube her posthaste, and the continue reading the blog.
The room was aglow with white costumes. Light effects reflected off the bodies on the earth below, shimmering and shining like an ocean. A silken fabric hangs on the far wall, flush to a stage. It's a screen. The music stops. The fabric bursts with light--a projection is now shown. A movie. A movie of Lady GaGa. The crowd is both silenced and energized while the images flash on the draping fabric. The clip shows Lady GaGa in an interrogation setting. The room in all white. She in all black, sitting in a chair. Her hands stained with what we presume blood. A mans voice sternly inquires, "Why did you do it?" she replies confidently, "For art." The fabric drops to the floor and behind the screen is a silhouette of GaGa. She commands the stage and sings to onlookers. The performance shatters worlds.
I was expecting a quick 2 or 3 song set and the party would go on. No. Lady GaGa pulled out every song in her repertoire, even a new one not yet released, for a full hour and a half. I was blown away. There was nothing like her performance that I have ever seen, and I recommend each and everyone one of you, my blogettes, to see her should you have the chance. Following are some of the kooky, bizarre, quirky lines that she delivered between songs:
"Sometimes I feel like a blonde bitch in a bunch of bubbles, and I don't give a fuck." (meanwhile she was wearing a suit made of large plastic bubbles)
"In the year 3009, all the kids of New York City ran out of the nightclubs and killed the paparazzi" (the story continued but I don't remember it really)
"This next song is about a vibrator" (As she plays her song "Rubber Man"
"Have you ever told such a little lie, and you would do anything--even kill--to make it come true? Some people say Lady GaGa is a lie. And you know what? They are right. And every day I kill to make Lady GaGa a reality."
"I have no money... because every penny I make I spend on my show." (just after this line she rides onto the stage in a scooter covered in Denim and rhinestones)
"I swear on my denim scooter I will never betray you, my beautiful gay fans."
"All you need is music, art, and each other"
The show was a phenomenon I died, went to heaven, went to hell and came back from both with GaGa blazed into my memory. The party was fabulous, the weekend terrific, my friends even closer and a part of GaGa with me.
Friday, April 10, 2009
September - Cry For You
Sorta bizarre video. Dancing is good. Overall it has much more potential, but the song is really catchy. Enjoy.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
To Whom it May Concern
To the patrons of the men's bathroom in my office building: Gentlemen and Sirs,
As you already know, we share a common space by the elevator in the hallway known as the men's restroom. I'd like to set out a couple of "guidelines" in the following which are not open to discussion:
1. First and foremost, wash your hands. This may seem like a childish and outdated practice but please, for god sakes, think of where your hands are going to be AFTER your done fondling your gentiles. Your computer? Your phone? Food? Gross. Pigs.
2. If you have the urge to let out a sign while urinating, maybe you should have done it hours ago; keep your sounds and signals of satisfaction to yourselves--internally.
3. Don't talk on your cell phone in the bathroom. YOU'RE NOT THAT IMPORTANT. It's proof that you're a total asshole.
4. Do not--I repeat--Do not bring reading materials into the stalls. This isn't your throne, it's not even your house. Don't stay a while--get in and get out. End of story.
5. FLUSH. Self explanatory.
6. Spitting? While you're on the toilet? Onto the floor? Giving me a god damn break. That's just disgusting. You should be slapped.
7. Under no circumstances should you believe it okay to whistle. This really is applied to all situations everywhere but especially applicable in a small room with hard, sound-reflective surfaces in the company of pure strangers.
8. I understand you may happen to run into coworkers or even arrive at the same time, but do not carry conversations or tell stories. No one wants to hear you, especially your colleague.
9. Possibly the most ridiculous is the act of leaning against the wall. If you're too heavy to hold up your own weight, go to the gym. If you're too tired to stand on your own two feet, maybe pee sitting down. If you are just a lazy asshole, maybe you should just pee in your pants instead of going to the bathroom at all. Seriously, you look like a tool when you lean against the wall while peeing. (Please note: when intoxicated would be only an acceptable time to do this.)
10. Please eat sensible meals, filled with nutrients and plenty of fiber. It's good for you. And it benifits me: the last thing I--or anyone for that matter--wants to hear is your curry in a hurry resonating through the plumping of the 3rd floor. That burrito grande wasn't such a good idea after all, Shitsy McSplatterbutt? And whats with the taking a shit at 9:12 am? You couldn't have planned it out and sent your logs downstream before leaving the house? Do you have a 2+ hour commute? I am LITERALLY over your shit.
Your mandatory cooperation is appreciated.
Best,
Steven Shyne
2. If you have the urge to let out a sign while urinating, maybe you should have done it hours ago; keep your sounds and signals of satisfaction to yourselves--internally.
3. Don't talk on your cell phone in the bathroom. YOU'RE NOT THAT IMPORTANT. It's proof that you're a total asshole.
4. Do not--I repeat--Do not bring reading materials into the stalls. This isn't your throne, it's not even your house. Don't stay a while--get in and get out. End of story.
5. FLUSH. Self explanatory.
6. Spitting? While you're on the toilet? Onto the floor? Giving me a god damn break. That's just disgusting. You should be slapped.
7. Under no circumstances should you believe it okay to whistle. This really is applied to all situations everywhere but especially applicable in a small room with hard, sound-reflective surfaces in the company of pure strangers.
8. I understand you may happen to run into coworkers or even arrive at the same time, but do not carry conversations or tell stories. No one wants to hear you, especially your colleague.
9. Possibly the most ridiculous is the act of leaning against the wall. If you're too heavy to hold up your own weight, go to the gym. If you're too tired to stand on your own two feet, maybe pee sitting down. If you are just a lazy asshole, maybe you should just pee in your pants instead of going to the bathroom at all. Seriously, you look like a tool when you lean against the wall while peeing. (Please note: when intoxicated would be only an acceptable time to do this.)
10. Please eat sensible meals, filled with nutrients and plenty of fiber. It's good for you. And it benifits me: the last thing I--or anyone for that matter--wants to hear is your curry in a hurry resonating through the plumping of the 3rd floor. That burrito grande wasn't such a good idea after all, Shitsy McSplatterbutt? And whats with the taking a shit at 9:12 am? You couldn't have planned it out and sent your logs downstream before leaving the house? Do you have a 2+ hour commute? I am LITERALLY over your shit.
Your mandatory cooperation is appreciated.
Best,
Steven Shyne
Monday, April 6, 2009
Creature Comforts
This is a British show that I just love. Each little episode is about different categories and it's just so fun. Essentially they interview the great British public and put those recording to animal personifications. There are very subtle pieces of comedy so keep an ear out. Enjoy.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Little Italy Walking Tour
Thursday afternoon I received an email at work to see if I was interested in going (for free) on a walking tour of Little Italy. Everyone reading my blog surely knows what I do for a living (and if you don't I'd be happy to explain it to you) so you know it was a "professional development" tour of sorts, but also you will know I love a good walking tour. I'd spoken and exchanged emails with this tour operator before but have never had the pleasure of selling his tour. Well, I accepted and what a treat! John and I just got back from the tour, and it was something else. I'll keep my synopsis brief.
The guide, Anthony, is a New York American-Italian who now lives in San Diego. He had an assistant who is from Rome (like, she still calls that home but lives here for now) and the assistant helped with passing photos out to making sure the headsets worked properly. Oh the headsets! Each person had a headset that received audio from the guide via a microphone, so you could be in the back of the group and still hear what he's yacking about. I loved it. Okay so basically the tour covered San Diego history and what made Italians migrate to San Diego in the first place along with geography, culture, community, religion, commerce and, San Diego's own renaissance of sorts with the revitalization of Little Italy. Very cool. Highly recommend. So here's the kicker--he just does private tours really, only does public tours (I believe) it was every first Saturday. Let me know if you're interested and I'd be happy to give you a full download and put you in touch. If I didn't say it before--highly recommended!
Off to dinner...signing out.
The guide, Anthony, is a New York American-Italian who now lives in San Diego. He had an assistant who is from Rome (like, she still calls that home but lives here for now) and the assistant helped with passing photos out to making sure the headsets worked properly. Oh the headsets! Each person had a headset that received audio from the guide via a microphone, so you could be in the back of the group and still hear what he's yacking about. I loved it. Okay so basically the tour covered San Diego history and what made Italians migrate to San Diego in the first place along with geography, culture, community, religion, commerce and, San Diego's own renaissance of sorts with the revitalization of Little Italy. Very cool. Highly recommend. So here's the kicker--he just does private tours really, only does public tours (I believe) it was every first Saturday. Let me know if you're interested and I'd be happy to give you a full download and put you in touch. If I didn't say it before--highly recommended!
Off to dinner...signing out.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Lady GaGa - Poker Face Live (Piano Version)
To commemorate the restarting of the blog I thought I would share this will all of you. Eldon originally sent this to me, and I pretty much died. For your viewing pleasure, Lady GaGa and her hit song "Poker Face" redone. A new. Like me blog.
Return of the Blog
It's been a rather long absence, but I've decided to return to the blog. It's nice to reflect on recent events and keep a "diary" if you will. As many of you know I'm an open book; my diary is never a closed subject, and I'll readily share (often too liberally) my inner thoughts. So expect some funny/sad/happy/tranny/crazy stories ahead.
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