The word legend is often tossed about frivolously. But a true legend has died. Van Smith's contribution to the John Water's oeuvre is obvious, but this cat affected pop culture way beyond those films.
The older I get the more I see how some truly visionary people do not get the fame or the name recognition, but their ideas slowly permeate the culture. Mr. Smith's demented vision of gorgeousness was once beyond the thought process of the mainstream. Remember a few years ago when every movie critic heaped praise upon Charlize Theron for being "brave enough" to appear ugly in that movie "Monster". Van Smith was creating those same looks decades ago with a considerably smaller budget and a smarter vision.
People of this caliber are few and far between and his view of beauty and fashion cannot be replaced.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Saturday, December 09, 2006
My Favorite Day
Only twelve days until my favorite day of the year...December 21st. From that day forward the days are going to get longer. Even though it is only be a matter of a few minutes of sunlight I cannot relate how excited that makes me.
I am so sick and tired of going to, and coming from work in pitch blackness.
Is it possible to have spring fever before winter even begins?
I am so sick and tired of going to, and coming from work in pitch blackness.
Is it possible to have spring fever before winter even begins?
Me, Myself and Danny and Danny
There are no adjectives to describe how thoroughly awesome this party is going to be. Two undeniable legends behind the turntables.
Mr. Krivit can be expected to provide the deep, deep soulful sounds...combine that with Tenaglia's bottom heavy tech sound and the results are going to be dancefloor heaven.
More Real Than Reality
Last Sunday, with my sister and her friend in town, we went out to the Brooklyn Museum for this show . It was so totally awesome my mind is still reeling. Mr. Mueck's sculptures are so ridiculously detailed that it hurts my head to think about the length of time it takes to create them.
I am a sucker for any creative expression that can "mess with your head" and the scale of these sculptures certainly do that. From miniature humans to figures so large that it will make the viewer perceive themselves as a tiny child, these creations cover the spectrum.
I am a sucker for any creative expression that can "mess with your head" and the scale of these sculptures certainly do that. From miniature humans to figures so large that it will make the viewer perceive themselves as a tiny child, these creations cover the spectrum.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
KRS-ONE Lyric Of The Day
And we're real live, we walk correctly
A lot of suckas would like to forget me
But they cant, cause like a champ
I have got a record of knocking out the frauds in a second
This came to mind when dealing with one of the owners of the business I work for. He is constantly trying to be an Alpha Male. I am constantly shutting down his nonsense and yet he still keeps coming back for more. When will the children learn?
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Everyday Magic (See Post Below)
While thinking about the "everyday magic" post below I came across this link. How awesome is this guy? Call the Macarthur Foundation a.s.a.p
Today's New Words
If you can work these into a conversation today, then you are 17x smarter than I am.
My Nonsense Makes Sense To Me...
After a delightful late night meal at Rosa Mexicana, I came home, chilled out for a few minutes, then went directly to bed.
Even though it was late, the extra hour of sleep afforded due to the end of Daylight Savings Time allowed for a pressure-free descent in to peaceful slumber. My mantra for the evening was more of a promise to myself...."I Will Never Stop Believing In Magic" I repeated over and over in my head.
On the recommendation of my friend Andrew I had watched "Amelie" earlier in the evening. Perhaps it was the movie that put the topic of everyday magic in my head. I love the idea of creating the beauty you want to experience simply by willing it to happen and then doing small, but deliberate acts to make it happen.
Like a lot of people, I sometimes get delusional and think Happiness is a destination. If I just earned more money, had a better body, had a master's degree, etc. etc. THEN I would be happy. Needless to say that is fantasy.
Actual happiness comes from the "small moments" in life when everything is in "sync". ..when you are open to the beauty of the Universe and allow it to come into your life.
Even though it was late, the extra hour of sleep afforded due to the end of Daylight Savings Time allowed for a pressure-free descent in to peaceful slumber. My mantra for the evening was more of a promise to myself...."I Will Never Stop Believing In Magic" I repeated over and over in my head.
On the recommendation of my friend Andrew I had watched "Amelie" earlier in the evening. Perhaps it was the movie that put the topic of everyday magic in my head. I love the idea of creating the beauty you want to experience simply by willing it to happen and then doing small, but deliberate acts to make it happen.
Like a lot of people, I sometimes get delusional and think Happiness is a destination. If I just earned more money, had a better body, had a master's degree, etc. etc. THEN I would be happy. Needless to say that is fantasy.
Actual happiness comes from the "small moments" in life when everything is in "sync". ..when you are open to the beauty of the Universe and allow it to come into your life.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
More Is Better
Here is my new favorite band name. You cannot buy this level of genius. Either you have it or you don't.
The Topics
Some of the topics of conversation at work this week.
- Information Society
- Fetishizing homeless people
- "That's So Raven!"
- Trying to convince people to go back to saying "Keep it real"
- The benefits of a return to random violence in NYC
- John Lucero
Now some may look at this list and wonder what any of the items has to do with my actual job. The answer is "nothing", but these are the conversations that keep me sane in between all the nonsense
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Something In The Air
Although Mercury does not officially go retrograde until this Sunday, I am already getting kicked in the ass by the miscommunications. What I am sensing is that there are certain people I am forced to interact with who do not have the ability to censor themselves.
Unfortunately "too much information" is sometimes a bad thing. If you have information that could potentially piss another person off then keep your mouth shut. Is it that difficult?
Unfortunately "too much information" is sometimes a bad thing. If you have information that could potentially piss another person off then keep your mouth shut. Is it that difficult?
Addiction
I am seriously addicted to seltzer. Will someone please buy me one of these for Christmas so that I can stop giving half my paycheck to the water multinationals.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Bring Your Tambourine
This party is going to be ridiculous. Nicky Siano is a genius behind the turntables because he puts the focus on creating a celebratory vibe. If this means playing a track released two days or twenty years ago...it doesn't matter.
He is one of those DJs who you can tell it almost pains him to be in the booth rather than on the dancefloor.
Spring In October
I spent a good deal of my Saturday doing some deep cleaning in my apartment. I swear there is no better feeling than going to sleep in a freshly made bed and knowing that when you wake up everything will still be sparkling.
The sad part of this process is getting rid of magazines that have not been fully gleaned of their aesthetic or thought-provoking content. Anyone have any contacts in the
being-horizontal-in-bed-and-reading-periodicals industry? I need a job
The sad part of this process is getting rid of magazines that have not been fully gleaned of their aesthetic or thought-provoking content. Anyone have any contacts in the
being-horizontal-in-bed-and-reading-periodicals industry? I need a job
Middle Of The Night Thought
The other night when the daily stress of existence kept me awake I had the following thought.
"Never be ashamed of your struggle"
Despite appearances otherwise...absolutely everyone has struggles in their lives. I am the first to admit that I frequently believe that others are livin' on "easy street" while I am facing difficulties (some recent, some that feel like they have been with me since birth). This is simply not true. The Universe has given each and every one of us challenges that we are to face throughout our lifetime. One should never be ashamed of the challenges that are faced.
When you think that your difficulties are insurmountable think about this guy.
"Never be ashamed of your struggle"
Despite appearances otherwise...absolutely everyone has struggles in their lives. I am the first to admit that I frequently believe that others are livin' on "easy street" while I am facing difficulties (some recent, some that feel like they have been with me since birth). This is simply not true. The Universe has given each and every one of us challenges that we are to face throughout our lifetime. One should never be ashamed of the challenges that are faced.
When you think that your difficulties are insurmountable think about this guy.
Getting Back To Sanity
One of the downsides of my current job is my lack of free time. When I get home in the evening I have to eat immediately so that my food is digested before my ridiculously early bedtime.
Consequently one of the areas of my life that has taken a hit is my voracious desire for reading. In attempt to get back on track I made a special trip to my local library to pick up this book. Carol recommended it to me last weekend over brunch.
Due lack of non-stop input, my hatred of Republicans has hit an all time low. Hopefully this book will raise my blood pressure and my righteous indignation over the state of this country.
Consequently one of the areas of my life that has taken a hit is my voracious desire for reading. In attempt to get back on track I made a special trip to my local library to pick up this book. Carol recommended it to me last weekend over brunch.
Due lack of non-stop input, my hatred of Republicans has hit an all time low. Hopefully this book will raise my blood pressure and my righteous indignation over the state of this country.
Alternate Realities Are Also Good
The other day I received an autumn/halloween/thanksgiving greeting card from my Aunt Shirley in Nebraska. I believe she has always had a poetic streak in her and it really comes alive in topics close to her heart.
In this particular card she describes what is going on while she is writing the card to me. She describes the smell of the pot roast she has put in the oven, the look of the grains being harvested outside her window and the work being done by her husband and grown sun.
She describes a world that is completely different from my day-to-day existence. It is a world that through her talent makes me wish was my world.
Although I know that "the grass is always greener..." sometimes I wonder if a "simpler" life away from all the "sophistication" of life in New York truly is better.
In this particular card she describes what is going on while she is writing the card to me. She describes the smell of the pot roast she has put in the oven, the look of the grains being harvested outside her window and the work being done by her husband and grown sun.
She describes a world that is completely different from my day-to-day existence. It is a world that through her talent makes me wish was my world.
Although I know that "the grass is always greener..." sometimes I wonder if a "simpler" life away from all the "sophistication" of life in New York truly is better.
The Uniqueness Of The Fashion Industry
On my way to the gym today I walked passed the Jill Stuart and John Varvatos boutiques in Soho. Both stores featured this album cover in their window displays. Obviously Miss Harry is getting her revenge for this album being all but ignored when it was released twenty-some-odd years ago.
Hit In The Head
Reality has hit me in the face today. I have been forced to face the fact that I pretty much cannot drink alcohol anymore.
Fortunately this conclusion is not due to the excess drinking and irresponsible behavior that has definitely been part of my past. The fact is that the hangover absolutely kills me regardless of the intake.
Last night, over the course of about six hours, I had two dirty martinis chez nous, then one beer at Jameson's pumpkin carving party. Years ago this amount of alcohol would have been consumed at breakfast, now even this amount has devastated me with a pounding headache. When will I learn that my body does not like toxins.
Fortunately this conclusion is not due to the excess drinking and irresponsible behavior that has definitely been part of my past. The fact is that the hangover absolutely kills me regardless of the intake.
Last night, over the course of about six hours, I had two dirty martinis chez nous, then one beer at Jameson's pumpkin carving party. Years ago this amount of alcohol would have been consumed at breakfast, now even this amount has devastated me with a pounding headache. When will I learn that my body does not like toxins.
Monday, September 18, 2006
"The Ocean Still Exists"
With one week left to go to during summer, I got out to Brighton Beach for the first time yesterday. Last year I pretty much went every week but this year due to overwork I have not made it out once.
Sunday was such a gorgeous day and I cannot relay how blissful it was to merely walk and have the waves gently cross my feet. The stress melted away. My mind, body, and spirit were "there". I was not thinking about all the crap I have dealt with at work lately, nor the crap I had to deal with at work the following day.
The stress reappeared at 2 in the morning as I was trying to sleep. Once I begin thinking of the stress it takes over my thoughts and I am unable to return to slumber. In the middle of my insomnia I felt like I was betraying the serenity I had experienced earlier in the day. It felt like my soul needed to be back in the water while my body was tossing and turning. In a vain attempt to defend myself against the stressful thoughts I began repeating over and over in my head "The ocean still exists", "The ocean still exists"...I reminded myself that I may not be at the beach now and I may have to deal with a ton of turmoil before I return seaside but "The ocean still exists" "The ocean still exists".
Sunday was such a gorgeous day and I cannot relay how blissful it was to merely walk and have the waves gently cross my feet. The stress melted away. My mind, body, and spirit were "there". I was not thinking about all the crap I have dealt with at work lately, nor the crap I had to deal with at work the following day.
The stress reappeared at 2 in the morning as I was trying to sleep. Once I begin thinking of the stress it takes over my thoughts and I am unable to return to slumber. In the middle of my insomnia I felt like I was betraying the serenity I had experienced earlier in the day. It felt like my soul needed to be back in the water while my body was tossing and turning. In a vain attempt to defend myself against the stressful thoughts I began repeating over and over in my head "The ocean still exists", "The ocean still exists"...I reminded myself that I may not be at the beach now and I may have to deal with a ton of turmoil before I return seaside but "The ocean still exists" "The ocean still exists".
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Reward
Because I have been working so damn much, I rewarded myself with some new running shoes. In addition to replacing my old Air Max Motos which have served me well, I hope these new joints serve as a talisman for a new regimen on the treadmills and streets of The NYC. Plus they make me run real fast and the color scheme makes my legs look 17% less pasty! Thank you Chinese laborers...
Gone But Not Forgotten
Sadly it is Sept. 17th and this is the first chance I have had to post since August 13th. Unfortunately this is my first day completely off from work since that date. I have my phone turned off and am not responding to a single work-related activity.
Every night before I go to bed I think about all the stuff I need to be writing down in this arena. As the potential postings pile up my motivation goes down. So much to say/vent but so little time to do so, plus sometimes I feel that venting just reminds me of the stress that I am trying to get out of my system. Bottling it up sometimes just makes economical sense. Alas, that is not a viable long-term option, so I will attempt piecemeal blog/venting bursts...
Every night before I go to bed I think about all the stuff I need to be writing down in this arena. As the potential postings pile up my motivation goes down. So much to say/vent but so little time to do so, plus sometimes I feel that venting just reminds me of the stress that I am trying to get out of my system. Bottling it up sometimes just makes economical sense. Alas, that is not a viable long-term option, so I will attempt piecemeal blog/venting bursts...
Sunday, August 13, 2006
In-Stinks
I am definitely one of those people who "follow their gut". You can present me with any form of logical data, but if my gut or my heart (or whatever internal organ is in charge of my instincts) says the complete opposite, logic is useless.
My feeling is that you have to be true to what your intsincts are guiding you toward. On paper this sounds great, but what happens when your instincts are wrong. Recently I have had more than a few instances where I went with my instincts and my instincts failed me. What does one do in these situations? Do I abandon my gut and make decisions solely based on what a normal rational person would do...thereby ignoring that "feeling" that I get when I need to make a decision...
My feeling is that you have to be true to what your intsincts are guiding you toward. On paper this sounds great, but what happens when your instincts are wrong. Recently I have had more than a few instances where I went with my instincts and my instincts failed me. What does one do in these situations? Do I abandon my gut and make decisions solely based on what a normal rational person would do...thereby ignoring that "feeling" that I get when I need to make a decision...
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Local Icon Is Nice
The other day at work the legendary Lynn Yaeger stopped in. She was working her look. When I told her that I was a fan of her writing, she was adorably sincere...which made her more fucking awesome in my book.
Let Things "Be"
While I am on the topic of shoes...I am not sure how I feel about these joints.
My devotion to Vans is unwavering, and I hope to someday afford some cashmere from
Lucien Pellat-Finet, but I am really getting tired of these collaborations. They just seem very "forced", and it reinforces the idea that unless something is custom-made or limited-edition then it is not "special".
How about putting simple things on a pedestal for a change
My devotion to Vans is unwavering, and I hope to someday afford some cashmere from
Lucien Pellat-Finet, but I am really getting tired of these collaborations. They just seem very "forced", and it reinforces the idea that unless something is custom-made or limited-edition then it is not "special".
How about putting simple things on a pedestal for a change
Having Your Cake And Eating It Too (Corporate Edition)
I just came across these shoes when passing Blades at the corner of Broadway and Bond St. No, your eyes are not deceiving you...Nike, the company that has taken the veneration of the athlete to new heights, is now producing shoes for skateboarders that say "Jocks Suck".
I guess Nike has had a change of heart and has realized that the millions of dollars of footwear they have sold over the past couple of decades have been to people that in their own words "Suck".
...I love the idea of a teenager buying these shoes and thinking they are being rebellious. Truly, there is no better way to "stick it to the man!" than by purchasing shoes from Nike.
I guess Nike has had a change of heart and has realized that the millions of dollars of footwear they have sold over the past couple of decades have been to people that in their own words "Suck".
...I love the idea of a teenager buying these shoes and thinking they are being rebellious. Truly, there is no better way to "stick it to the man!" than by purchasing shoes from Nike.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Realization
I just realized that it has been a month since I last "published" anything...and I only had a single post in June. Damn, that is simply ridiculous. The new job is taking up tons of my time and there have been countless other diversions to take me away from my blogging duties.
I am promising myself to make a return to the real world very, very soon.
I am promising myself to make a return to the real world very, very soon.
Relentless Input
Vince Aletti came into work today and of course I had to corner him and ask him his top DJs of all time. Unsuprisingly he said number one was Larry Levan and number two was David Mancuso.
Thankfully, he showed much love when I revealed Frankie Knuckles as my top choice....in fact he stated that Frankie is one of the only current DJs he would go out to hear.
Thankfully, he showed much love when I revealed Frankie Knuckles as my top choice....in fact he stated that Frankie is one of the only current DJs he would go out to hear.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Inches Away From Flashback
This afternoon I was walking around the corner to the grocery store at the corner of LaGuardia and Bleecker. In between the store and the street there is a community garden that is maybe thirty feet by one hundred feet.
Who knows how many times I have passed this garden in the eight years I have lived in the neighborhood? Due to the nine foot chainlink fence that surrounds the garden, it is kind of visual "off-limits" area. I guess I have noticed the occaisional person tending the flowers inside the high-security fence, but it never really registered with my brain that it was an actual garden. My only analogy for my mental block is that you can be aware that there is a cobbler on your street...but if you never need your shoes repaired that fact is going to fade into the background of your consciousness.
Today as I was about to enter the grocery store there was an announcement posted on a pole informing the public that today there was a "celebration" for the 25th anniversary of the garden. That the garden had been around that long must have shocked my consciousness...and considering the fact that I didn't have any other commitments I decided to investigate this celebration.
I walked around the fence of the garden to find the gate that was allowing the general public to enter. As I walked through the gate I was instantly mesmerized by the beauty of the plants and flowers. I was also instantly shocked that five seconds earlier and five feet from where I was currently standing I was unaware of the beauty that delightfully assaulted my eyes. This gorgeous oasis had been shielded from me by an industrial grade fence.
As I was walked amongst the flowers I was transported back many years to the countless hours I had spent with my mom amidst the flower beds surrounding our house and in the greenhouses of Lincoln which we would frequent in the spring and summer.
Because of this exposure I probably knew more plant and flower names than all of my fourth grade classmates combined. Suprisingly this knowlege did not translate to instant respect on the playground....rarely did any of my peers take me aside to ask me the proper sunlight and hydration needs of the Dusty Miller.
As with most things I am exposed to in my life I developed strong opinions about the the plant kingdom. To this day my mom still brings up my rabid hatred of Hollyhocks. Some things never change and it was refreshing to be exposed to such beauty that had escaped my field of consciousness.
Who knows how many times I have passed this garden in the eight years I have lived in the neighborhood? Due to the nine foot chainlink fence that surrounds the garden, it is kind of visual "off-limits" area. I guess I have noticed the occaisional person tending the flowers inside the high-security fence, but it never really registered with my brain that it was an actual garden. My only analogy for my mental block is that you can be aware that there is a cobbler on your street...but if you never need your shoes repaired that fact is going to fade into the background of your consciousness.
Today as I was about to enter the grocery store there was an announcement posted on a pole informing the public that today there was a "celebration" for the 25th anniversary of the garden. That the garden had been around that long must have shocked my consciousness...and considering the fact that I didn't have any other commitments I decided to investigate this celebration.
I walked around the fence of the garden to find the gate that was allowing the general public to enter. As I walked through the gate I was instantly mesmerized by the beauty of the plants and flowers. I was also instantly shocked that five seconds earlier and five feet from where I was currently standing I was unaware of the beauty that delightfully assaulted my eyes. This gorgeous oasis had been shielded from me by an industrial grade fence.
As I was walked amongst the flowers I was transported back many years to the countless hours I had spent with my mom amidst the flower beds surrounding our house and in the greenhouses of Lincoln which we would frequent in the spring and summer.
Because of this exposure I probably knew more plant and flower names than all of my fourth grade classmates combined. Suprisingly this knowlege did not translate to instant respect on the playground....rarely did any of my peers take me aside to ask me the proper sunlight and hydration needs of the Dusty Miller.
As with most things I am exposed to in my life I developed strong opinions about the the plant kingdom. To this day my mom still brings up my rabid hatred of Hollyhocks. Some things never change and it was refreshing to be exposed to such beauty that had escaped my field of consciousness.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Mental Reinforcement
The Quote Of The Day is from my boy Joseph Campbell.
“We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come.”
Please Tell Me This Is The Shape Of The Future...
Yesterday we did a practice run at the new restaurant. We opened the doors to a few customers and tried to work out some of "the kinks" before our official opening day next week.
Due to some electrical and logistical issues it was a really rough day for most of the employees (myself included). At the the day one of the owners individually approached every employee, from the porters to the management team, and offered a sincere "Thank You" for helping out under not ideal conditions.
While this probably did not really raise an eyebrow amidst the other employees, I had the hugest grin on my face and warmth in my heart. Instantly I was reminded that over the 38 months at my previous job, my former boss gave me a "Thank You" only 3 times...I am not making that figure up...I literally kept track of the 3 instances he said these words of appreciation.
Starting a new job is always stressful, but these two words made all the difference in my attitude regarding this past week.
Due to some electrical and logistical issues it was a really rough day for most of the employees (myself included). At the the day one of the owners individually approached every employee, from the porters to the management team, and offered a sincere "Thank You" for helping out under not ideal conditions.
While this probably did not really raise an eyebrow amidst the other employees, I had the hugest grin on my face and warmth in my heart. Instantly I was reminded that over the 38 months at my previous job, my former boss gave me a "Thank You" only 3 times...I am not making that figure up...I literally kept track of the 3 instances he said these words of appreciation.
Starting a new job is always stressful, but these two words made all the difference in my attitude regarding this past week.
Fruit Virgin
I often proclaim to love fruit. While this statement is true, I must add that not all fruit is created equal in my mind. Give me a ripe banana or an apple and I am satisfied. While I have nothing against the taste of oranges, I rarely eat them. As an example of the embarrassingly carefree adulthood I live, I don't eat many oranges because in my mind it takes far too long to peel.
The sane reader will note that it can't conceivably take more than minute to peel an orange, while this is literally true, in my mind when I want to enjoy a piece of fruit I want to enjoy it this very second, and a minute seems like a lifetime.
The other day I was at the grocery store and had a craving for an orange and proceeded to purchase one. On the way home I mentally psyched myself for the arduous task of peeling that was in my immediate future.
Without any hyperbole I can state that it was absolutely the best orange I have tasted in my entire life. It felt as if every previous orange I had eaten had been a scam, a farce, an insult to my tastebuds. In short I sensed that I had only then tasted what an orange was meant to taste like.
Of course, when I returned to the same grocery the following day to procure more of these delicacies I was rewarded with the taste of a bland generic orange. Thank you Universe for crushing my spirit in one fell swoop.
The sane reader will note that it can't conceivably take more than minute to peel an orange, while this is literally true, in my mind when I want to enjoy a piece of fruit I want to enjoy it this very second, and a minute seems like a lifetime.
The other day I was at the grocery store and had a craving for an orange and proceeded to purchase one. On the way home I mentally psyched myself for the arduous task of peeling that was in my immediate future.
Without any hyperbole I can state that it was absolutely the best orange I have tasted in my entire life. It felt as if every previous orange I had eaten had been a scam, a farce, an insult to my tastebuds. In short I sensed that I had only then tasted what an orange was meant to taste like.
Of course, when I returned to the same grocery the following day to procure more of these delicacies I was rewarded with the taste of a bland generic orange. Thank you Universe for crushing my spirit in one fell swoop.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Envy Or Pity?
Should people be envious or piteous of me when I mention that Jeff Goldblum was working out at my gym?
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Up Is Down...Left Is Right...Black Is White
It seems as though I have fallen "through the looking glass" when today I discovered a Republican with actual common sense. Texas representative Ron Paul gave this speech and it is an absolute "must read" for anyone who wants to cut throught the bullshit of the Bush foreign policy on Iran.
One of the simplest, but most important points he makes is that the neocons in charge of the policy are not going to make any sacrifice for it's completion or "success". Anyone who has been within earshot of me over the past four years has heard my fundamental statement that you cannot claim to be for or support any military action unless you are willing to say that the war is so important that you would allow the person you love most to die for it. It is completely easy to say "Oh, I would die for my freedom, liberty, or American way" (knowing full-well that you will never have to follow through on such a commitment) but could you honestly say that the cause of freedom, liberty or the American way is so important that you would permit your husband, mother, or daughter to die for this foreign policy.
Every one of the more than 2300 soldiers that have died in Iraq was the most beloved person in someone's life.
One of the simplest, but most important points he makes is that the neocons in charge of the policy are not going to make any sacrifice for it's completion or "success". Anyone who has been within earshot of me over the past four years has heard my fundamental statement that you cannot claim to be for or support any military action unless you are willing to say that the war is so important that you would allow the person you love most to die for it. It is completely easy to say "Oh, I would die for my freedom, liberty, or American way" (knowing full-well that you will never have to follow through on such a commitment) but could you honestly say that the cause of freedom, liberty or the American way is so important that you would permit your husband, mother, or daughter to die for this foreign policy.
Every one of the more than 2300 soldiers that have died in Iraq was the most beloved person in someone's life.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Back To The Future
The new issue of My Comrade is out and it is awesome!
This magazine is everything New York should be/was/will be...sexy, dirty, classy, faggy, and funny as hell.
Stop by St. Mark's and pick it up, order it to be mailed...whatever you have to do to get it.
This magazine is everything New York should be/was/will be...sexy, dirty, classy, faggy, and funny as hell.
Stop by St. Mark's and pick it up, order it to be mailed...whatever you have to do to get it.
Friday, April 07, 2006
You Know Where To Find Me...
The word on the street is that Shelter is moving its legendary Saturday night/ Sunday morning party from 39th St. to 150 Varick St.
Why is this important?
Well it means that the party will be about ten blocks from my apartment. Therefore I will be able to wake up on Sunday morning hit the dancefloor until about 9:15 a.m. and still have time to make it to work on time.
It is on.
Why is this important?
Well it means that the party will be about ten blocks from my apartment. Therefore I will be able to wake up on Sunday morning hit the dancefloor until about 9:15 a.m. and still have time to make it to work on time.
It is on.
Balancing
During the drama of my knee injury a couple of years ago I learned a valuable lesson about human anatomy. When an injury occurs, muscles that are not performing as normal are oftentimes overcompensated by uninjured muscles. If you are walking with a limp, the strong leg gets stronger due to an increased workload, while the weak leg gets weaker because less is required of it. While this is perfectly fine in the short-term, if the injury is prolonged it can screw you up in the long run because your body is out of balance.
A lot of my physical therapy was focused on strengthening the weak leg in an attempt to get both legs "equal" in strength, thereby bringing balance back.
Recently I have been using one of these balance pads while working out. They are totally great because they slightly destabilize your body. In destabilizing your body your muscles are forced to compensate thereby strengthening those muscles that are taxed.
While building muscle strength is great, for me the greater benefit is simply feeling more stabile in my lower body...especially helpful in dodging taxi cabs and slow-assed pedestrians.
A lot of my physical therapy was focused on strengthening the weak leg in an attempt to get both legs "equal" in strength, thereby bringing balance back.
Recently I have been using one of these balance pads while working out. They are totally great because they slightly destabilize your body. In destabilizing your body your muscles are forced to compensate thereby strengthening those muscles that are taxed.
While building muscle strength is great, for me the greater benefit is simply feeling more stabile in my lower body...especially helpful in dodging taxi cabs and slow-assed pedestrians.
In The Center Of An Energy Vortex
Because I had some business in midtown this morning I decided to kill two birds with one stone and go to the gym at 34th and Sixth Ave.
While the gym itself was tiny and lacking in some equipment. It did have one advantage to it. It was located on the 25th floor...thereby allowing near panoramic views of the city from an outdoor deck. The view was so enthralling that it made the drudgery of exercise almost vanish...
While the gym itself was tiny and lacking in some equipment. It did have one advantage to it. It was located on the 25th floor...thereby allowing near panoramic views of the city from an outdoor deck. The view was so enthralling that it made the drudgery of exercise almost vanish...
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
More Random Stuff About Me
1. I was a Cub Scout for one year.
2. On the rare occaision I eat a Ritz cracker I am immediately transported back to sunday school at age six.
3. I was in the fifth grade when I got into my first fight...with a classmate named (I kid you not) Melvin Mudd.
4. I have blown a bubblegum bubble once in my life and have been unable to repeat this feat since.
5. I used to have my ears pierced.
6. I was 18 years old when I first travelled on an airplane.
7. In the fifth grade I won a gold medal in the "Reading-O-Lympics"
8. I have never worn anything that could remotely be described as "acid-washed"
9. I love roller coasters.
10. I have a one inch scar on my forehead from falling down on our porch as a child.
2. On the rare occaision I eat a Ritz cracker I am immediately transported back to sunday school at age six.
3. I was in the fifth grade when I got into my first fight...with a classmate named (I kid you not) Melvin Mudd.
4. I have blown a bubblegum bubble once in my life and have been unable to repeat this feat since.
5. I used to have my ears pierced.
6. I was 18 years old when I first travelled on an airplane.
7. In the fifth grade I won a gold medal in the "Reading-O-Lympics"
8. I have never worn anything that could remotely be described as "acid-washed"
9. I love roller coasters.
10. I have a one inch scar on my forehead from falling down on our porch as a child.
KRS-ONE Lyric Of The Day
I'll get a pen,
a pencil,
a marker
mainly what I write is for the average New Yorker
a pencil,
a marker
mainly what I write is for the average New Yorker
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Back?
I just realized that I have only posted to items in the month of March. There are a multitude of reasons for this related to motivation levels, extraneous stress and activity levels but in all honesty one of the biggest factors has been the retrograde motion of the planet Mercury.
Anyone who has spent more than five minutes with me in the past decade and a half knows that I am perpetually referring to this astrological principle. Some may see it as a crutch or a self-fulfilling prophecy, but to me it boils down to the indisputable fact that during these periods I (and most people) are not thinking clearly...which of course causes a decrease in communication skills and an increase in stress.
That being said, Mercury goes direct this Saturday morning at 8:42 a.m. and I, therefore, no longer have an astrological excuse for my behavior. Damn!
[Astrology]
Anyone who has spent more than five minutes with me in the past decade and a half knows that I am perpetually referring to this astrological principle. Some may see it as a crutch or a self-fulfilling prophecy, but to me it boils down to the indisputable fact that during these periods I (and most people) are not thinking clearly...which of course causes a decrease in communication skills and an increase in stress.
That being said, Mercury goes direct this Saturday morning at 8:42 a.m. and I, therefore, no longer have an astrological excuse for my behavior. Damn!
[Astrology]
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Some Things That Never Fail To Make Me Smile...
Watching Strangers With Candy...Completing a Times crossword puzzle...Thinking of my nephew Cody's excuse for falling out of bed around age five ("The window was open and the wind blew me off the bed")....Saying "Ladies and gentlemen" in the style of a drunken Kiki DuRane...When suburban white kids use black slang...the distinctive sound of my friend Natalie's laugh...Mikey Semrad's channelling of Cobra-era Sylvester Stallone.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Cause And Effect
During the summer of 1989, I paid a visit to my older sister's house in Sacramento. Ann had moved to California about eight years before. This was my first time visiting her without any other family member around, so I was basking in a situation that let me have her full attention.
At some point during my vacation, Ann decided we should drive up to Lake Tahoe. Before we left the city we packed some snacks and bought some beverages to tide us over on our day-trip adventure.
We began to ascend the mountains surrounding Tahoe when traffic came to a near standstill. Road construction...the bane of the summer driver across the nation. It was a particularly hot day and we had yet to reach altitudes necessary for a cooling off of temperatures.
As we crept along the road, we slowly approached a worker holding a caution sign. As we neared him, my sister told me to reach in the cooler and offer him a bottle of water. In my head I was thinking she was crazy..."This is our water..it's hot, and you want me to give it to a complete stranger?!"
While mentally I was complaining about sacrificing a precious, precious liquid, in actuality I was just nervous about interacting (albeit in a completely benevolent fashion) with a stranger. At the age of twenty my shyness hung around me like an albatross. This was diametrically opposite of my sister who was and still is extremely deliciously extroverted.
Perhaps she could read my apprehension. "Just give it to him" she quietly commanded.
I lowered the window and passed the bottle to the slightly startled worker. "Thanks" he responded politely as we slowly moved forward.
In an instant my consciousness was beautifully rattled. That was soooo awesome. It felt liberating to just do a nice thing for an absolute stranger who would never ever return the favor. In that moment I learned more about the concept of karma, than if I had memorized the entire Bhagavad-Gita.
So, why do I bring this up? Now, obviously it shows how awesome my sister is and what an impact she has had on my life...I mean I am relaying a story of giving a bottle of water to a stranger almost twenty years after the fact. Lately I have been thinking about the subtle quiet ways that we can make an impact on our fellow humans.
While making withdrawls from my memory bank I recalled someone who had made a similar impact on my worldview...
Growing up my family attended Havelock Christian Church. We went every Sunday, and with my mom teaching Sunday School and my dad serving as an elder and board member, I guess you could say that we were pretty involved in the workings of the church.
The person who I most closely associate with the church was not even a member. His name was Mr. Rice and my memories of are from when I was probably five to seven years old.
Mr. Rice was in his early nineties at the time. He seemed very frail, as if you could just see that he had led a difficult life in the way he moved his body.
Every Sunday in our Sunday School classroom the teacher would take donations from the students. Although the weekly total may have never exceeded a dollar or two, it was a cute way to make the kids feel involved in making a contribution to the church by way of a nickel or dime that their parents had given them before class.
Probably about once a month Mr. Rice would show up at our classroom and, as we gathered our coins, he would add in a couple of quarters, which never failed to astound the easily impressed youngsters. His contribution would dramatically increase our donation total, much to our pleasure. He would stand amongst us, make a minute or two of small-talk with the teacher and then move on to a couple of the other classrooms to make similar donations. He would then leave the building, walking to his nearby home before the regular Sunday service began.
Even at such a young age I could tell that Mr. Rice was not very financially well off. The decades-old suit was a visual cue, but there was also a humility in the way that he carried himself that alluded to it as well. There was the unspoken joy that was expressed in his mannerisms when he dropped his small contribution in our collection plate. There was the way that he quickly exited the building before the service, as if because he could not afford the latest fashions or have a nice automobile in the church parking lot, he did not deserve to be in a house of God.
The quietness of his generosity spoke louder to me than any sermon I heard within the confines of that building. My worldview was permanently altered by seeing his demonstration of altruism. A kindness that was not motivated by a desire for a spotlight or recognition but out of pure selflessness.
At some point during my vacation, Ann decided we should drive up to Lake Tahoe. Before we left the city we packed some snacks and bought some beverages to tide us over on our day-trip adventure.
We began to ascend the mountains surrounding Tahoe when traffic came to a near standstill. Road construction...the bane of the summer driver across the nation. It was a particularly hot day and we had yet to reach altitudes necessary for a cooling off of temperatures.
As we crept along the road, we slowly approached a worker holding a caution sign. As we neared him, my sister told me to reach in the cooler and offer him a bottle of water. In my head I was thinking she was crazy..."This is our water..it's hot, and you want me to give it to a complete stranger?!"
While mentally I was complaining about sacrificing a precious, precious liquid, in actuality I was just nervous about interacting (albeit in a completely benevolent fashion) with a stranger. At the age of twenty my shyness hung around me like an albatross. This was diametrically opposite of my sister who was and still is extremely deliciously extroverted.
Perhaps she could read my apprehension. "Just give it to him" she quietly commanded.
I lowered the window and passed the bottle to the slightly startled worker. "Thanks" he responded politely as we slowly moved forward.
In an instant my consciousness was beautifully rattled. That was soooo awesome. It felt liberating to just do a nice thing for an absolute stranger who would never ever return the favor. In that moment I learned more about the concept of karma, than if I had memorized the entire Bhagavad-Gita.
So, why do I bring this up? Now, obviously it shows how awesome my sister is and what an impact she has had on my life...I mean I am relaying a story of giving a bottle of water to a stranger almost twenty years after the fact. Lately I have been thinking about the subtle quiet ways that we can make an impact on our fellow humans.
While making withdrawls from my memory bank I recalled someone who had made a similar impact on my worldview...
Growing up my family attended Havelock Christian Church. We went every Sunday, and with my mom teaching Sunday School and my dad serving as an elder and board member, I guess you could say that we were pretty involved in the workings of the church.
The person who I most closely associate with the church was not even a member. His name was Mr. Rice and my memories of are from when I was probably five to seven years old.
Mr. Rice was in his early nineties at the time. He seemed very frail, as if you could just see that he had led a difficult life in the way he moved his body.
Every Sunday in our Sunday School classroom the teacher would take donations from the students. Although the weekly total may have never exceeded a dollar or two, it was a cute way to make the kids feel involved in making a contribution to the church by way of a nickel or dime that their parents had given them before class.
Probably about once a month Mr. Rice would show up at our classroom and, as we gathered our coins, he would add in a couple of quarters, which never failed to astound the easily impressed youngsters. His contribution would dramatically increase our donation total, much to our pleasure. He would stand amongst us, make a minute or two of small-talk with the teacher and then move on to a couple of the other classrooms to make similar donations. He would then leave the building, walking to his nearby home before the regular Sunday service began.
Even at such a young age I could tell that Mr. Rice was not very financially well off. The decades-old suit was a visual cue, but there was also a humility in the way that he carried himself that alluded to it as well. There was the unspoken joy that was expressed in his mannerisms when he dropped his small contribution in our collection plate. There was the way that he quickly exited the building before the service, as if because he could not afford the latest fashions or have a nice automobile in the church parking lot, he did not deserve to be in a house of God.
The quietness of his generosity spoke louder to me than any sermon I heard within the confines of that building. My worldview was permanently altered by seeing his demonstration of altruism. A kindness that was not motivated by a desire for a spotlight or recognition but out of pure selflessness.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Easy Theory Leading To Bliss
I guess there is now a simple formula leading one to happiness. If someone contributes content to NPR, then they write a book, that book is going to be awesome.
The latest proof of this simple equation is the most recent book by David Rakoff. Like his co-horts David Sedaris, Sarah Vowell, et al. Rakoff is unimaginably funny. He is able to meld social observation and personal revelation in a consistently witty fashion.
These essays are great because Rakoff takes very simple yet unique scenarios and then puts a comic twist on them. For example he attends a three day seminar sponsored by the Alcor Corporation. The seminar is set up to "sell" cyrogenic freezing to the public. I will not divulge Rakoff's bon mots on this topic except to say that he casually exposes the folly of anyone hoping to be reanimated in the far-distance future.
The latest proof of this simple equation is the most recent book by David Rakoff. Like his co-horts David Sedaris, Sarah Vowell, et al. Rakoff is unimaginably funny. He is able to meld social observation and personal revelation in a consistently witty fashion.
These essays are great because Rakoff takes very simple yet unique scenarios and then puts a comic twist on them. For example he attends a three day seminar sponsored by the Alcor Corporation. The seminar is set up to "sell" cyrogenic freezing to the public. I will not divulge Rakoff's bon mots on this topic except to say that he casually exposes the folly of anyone hoping to be reanimated in the far-distance future.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Anything Is Possible...
My girl Jody called from DC today. She believes that we used to work with one of the Powerball winners. I think she may be grasping at straws in order to get some of the loot...but then again most of my memories of Nebraska are clouded by an alcohol-induced fog, so she may be right.
Manifestation
Getting ready to go out to dinner with Brian, Carol and Calla. I unpack my suit and begin to get dressed. Then I realize that I forgot to pack my cufflinks. I ask Brian if he has a pair to spare and unfortunately he doesn't. Damn French people, why can't they put a god-forsaken button at the end of the damn sleeve.
How in the hell am I going to secure the cuff. My crackpot mind tells me that if I had a paperclip I could jerry-rig a "cufflink". Can I get more ghetto? By chance, Calla has some blue paperclips...hey, blue shirt...blue paperclips...I am definitely on the right track. They didn't teach this guerilla fashion technique in the Lincoln Public School system I can tell you that....
In my typical "life gives you lemons, make lemonade" mindset, I convince myself that I will single-handedly make the paperclip the hot fashion accessory for Spring 2006....
Three days later I am back in New York. I am walking east on Prince St. when I look up from the sidewalk to see a faggy twenty-something walk toward me. His belt buckle is a 3x4 inch piece of sterling silver in the shape of....you guessed it, a paperclip. How did this child cross the space-time continuum and steal my idea?...Is it possible to just set up an account with the U.S. patent office and just shoot them an e-mail everytime I have a brilliant idea?
How in the hell am I going to secure the cuff. My crackpot mind tells me that if I had a paperclip I could jerry-rig a "cufflink". Can I get more ghetto? By chance, Calla has some blue paperclips...hey, blue shirt...blue paperclips...I am definitely on the right track. They didn't teach this guerilla fashion technique in the Lincoln Public School system I can tell you that....
In my typical "life gives you lemons, make lemonade" mindset, I convince myself that I will single-handedly make the paperclip the hot fashion accessory for Spring 2006....
Three days later I am back in New York. I am walking east on Prince St. when I look up from the sidewalk to see a faggy twenty-something walk toward me. His belt buckle is a 3x4 inch piece of sterling silver in the shape of....you guessed it, a paperclip. How did this child cross the space-time continuum and steal my idea?...Is it possible to just set up an account with the U.S. patent office and just shoot them an e-mail everytime I have a brilliant idea?
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
If Only I Could Make This Up...
So while compiling anecdotes for my book on the complete insanity of my current job...the Universe drops in my lap this overheard comment from my boss:
"...that's why I don't trust people who come in here and offer common sense advice...to me this is a business that is not run by common sense."
Thursday, February 09, 2006
True
One of my favorite films is Bruce Weber's "A Letter To True". If you have not seen it, it is an interesting melange of documentary footage, story fragments and seemingly unrelated topics. In short, it is "all over the place" and that is one of the reasons that I love it. It mirrors my own scatter-shot thought process.
There is one segment that always shakes me up emotionally. It is footage of Martin Luther King Jr. giving a speech...here are some of his words:
There is one segment that always shakes me up emotionally. It is footage of Martin Luther King Jr. giving a speech...here are some of his words:
....Every now and then I think about my own death, and I think about my own funeral. And I don't think of it in a morbid sense. Every now and then I ask myself, "What is it that I would want said?" And I leave the word to you this morning....I'd like somebody to mention that day, that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to give his life serving others. I'd like for somebody to say that day, that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to love somebody. I want you to say that day, that I tried to be right on the war question. I want you to be able to say that day, that I did try, in my life, to clothe those who were naked. I want you to say, on that day, that I did try, in my life, to visit those who were in prison. I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice; say that I was a drum major for peace; I was a drum major for righteousness.
The footage is even more powerful...which is saying something considering just reading the text makes me tear up. It blows me away that such simple words and concepts can set such an empoweringly high standard for living. A standard that I often fail at.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Prepare For Future Illness
Just watch this clip from newly ordained minority leader John Boehner and I think you will see the talking point that the Republicans are going to use in November midterm elections.
Basically, I predict that the Republicans are going to try to sell the American public the idea that, although Iraq appears to be a catastrophe...now, in some undefined future the project will be a success and will be worth all of the sacrifice we have to endure currently. Now, let's disregard the fact that Bush has not asked the American public as a whole to make a single sacrifice for this debacle, that's the Machiavellian beauty of this political strategy....You sell the electorate the idea that their sacrifice (praying for the American combatants, slapping a Chinese made "support the troops" ribbon on their SUV, etc.) is actually a "gift" to future generations. Everybody gets to feel that they are a part of "struggle against tyranny" without any effort at all.
Now every generation gets to be the "Greatest Generation" without expending any energy.
I still have not figured out how the Republicans are going to market our record budget deficit as beneficial, but I trust Karl Rove has. I will let you know when my tea leaves reveal this bit of insanity.
Basically, I predict that the Republicans are going to try to sell the American public the idea that, although Iraq appears to be a catastrophe...now, in some undefined future the project will be a success and will be worth all of the sacrifice we have to endure currently. Now, let's disregard the fact that Bush has not asked the American public as a whole to make a single sacrifice for this debacle, that's the Machiavellian beauty of this political strategy....You sell the electorate the idea that their sacrifice (praying for the American combatants, slapping a Chinese made "support the troops" ribbon on their SUV, etc.) is actually a "gift" to future generations. Everybody gets to feel that they are a part of "struggle against tyranny" without any effort at all.
Now every generation gets to be the "Greatest Generation" without expending any energy.
I still have not figured out how the Republicans are going to market our record budget deficit as beneficial, but I trust Karl Rove has. I will let you know when my tea leaves reveal this bit of insanity.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Three Second Audience With The King
Last Friday I was walking up First Avenue. Around Sixth Street I looked up and walking towards me was none other than Elvis Costello and his wife Diana Krall. Of course I played it cool and did not acknowledge his celebrity. Inside, I must admit, my heart did begin racing a bit.
Although I have not followed his career over the past few years, Elvis Costello will always hold a very special place in my heart. Imperial Bedroom is in my top ten of all-time favorite albums. I swear when I was a sophmore in high school I listened to that album everyday before I went to school. On many occaisions I was almost late for class as I wanted to hear certain songs again and again. It had the perfect blend of bitterness and wit.
In an early interview Costello said that his only motivations were revenge and guilt. While it is understandable that those were similar instincts to me at age 15...is it wrong if those motivations still appeal to me?
Elvis Costello
Although I have not followed his career over the past few years, Elvis Costello will always hold a very special place in my heart. Imperial Bedroom is in my top ten of all-time favorite albums. I swear when I was a sophmore in high school I listened to that album everyday before I went to school. On many occaisions I was almost late for class as I wanted to hear certain songs again and again. It had the perfect blend of bitterness and wit.
In an early interview Costello said that his only motivations were revenge and guilt. While it is understandable that those were similar instincts to me at age 15...is it wrong if those motivations still appeal to me?
Elvis Costello
Past And Present...Together
It must have been the Christmas of 1977. Someone in my family received "The Book of Lists" as a Christmas present. The book was a catalog of completely random trivia. Despite being a mere lad, I fell instantly in love with the arcane information that the book presented. Without this book it is doubtful that I would have known that a flock of crows can accurately be described as a "murder of crows"...and was I the only 4th grader that needed to know that Judy Garland's birth name was Frances Gumm?
In the intervening years I have amassed a vast storehouse of certifiably useless trivia. Because of that, reading Jim Hodgman's "The Areas of My Expertise" was even more pleasurable. Hodgman, now a "resident expert" on The Daily Show, creates a fictional body of knowledge that is so funny, several times I was literally in tears. I challenge anyone to read his list of 700 Hobo Names without needing to take a break to regain their composure.
This is easily the most laugh-outloud book I have read since the David Sedaris Era began.
Jim Hodgman
In the intervening years I have amassed a vast storehouse of certifiably useless trivia. Because of that, reading Jim Hodgman's "The Areas of My Expertise" was even more pleasurable. Hodgman, now a "resident expert" on The Daily Show, creates a fictional body of knowledge that is so funny, several times I was literally in tears. I challenge anyone to read his list of 700 Hobo Names without needing to take a break to regain their composure.
This is easily the most laugh-outloud book I have read since the David Sedaris Era began.
Jim Hodgman
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Perspectivizing
Yesterday I stopped by the Ricky's on Broadway and Houston to pick up some shampoo. While looking over their selection I came across this bottle. No, you are not reading the info on the website incorrectly that is $50 for an eight ounce bottle of shampoo...and if you look at the list of ingredients you will notice that the precious white truffle oil is not even listed.
When I saw this bottle in store I was uncharacteristically outraged at the price (although outrage is definitely a characteristic in most non-shampoo related matters). I mean come on, are there really that many people that literally have money to waste. Apparently in Manhattan the answer is "Yes!"
Now, truth be told, I must admit that in the not so distant past I have overpaid for beauty products based on the miracles that are promised in the packaging copy. But hey, I am in customer service...I have to look good at all times. My public demands it.
When I got home I had to check out the Philip B. website to make sure that some rogue associate at Ricky's did not mislabel the product. Nope, fifty dollars was correct. Then my cynical nature kicked in...maybe this is not even the most expensive shampoo. In less than a minute the good folks at google directed me to this. Yes, this one is $66 dollars for 10.1 ounces.
Because I couldn't drop the topic right there, the voices in my head forced me to calculate the cost per ounce. Philip B. clocks in at $6.25 per ounce with Alterna posting $6.54 per ounce.
Now clearly this is ridiculous, and I am justifiably filled with some bizarre version of righteous indignation. But then I began to think about the number of times that I have bought shots of rare scotch that, trust me, would have been a steal at $6.54 per ounce...and that the scotch is going to annihilate liver and brain cells without giving my hair the lustrous sheen it so clearly deserves.
I guess it all depends on how you want to waste your money.
When I saw this bottle in store I was uncharacteristically outraged at the price (although outrage is definitely a characteristic in most non-shampoo related matters). I mean come on, are there really that many people that literally have money to waste. Apparently in Manhattan the answer is "Yes!"
Now, truth be told, I must admit that in the not so distant past I have overpaid for beauty products based on the miracles that are promised in the packaging copy. But hey, I am in customer service...I have to look good at all times. My public demands it.
When I got home I had to check out the Philip B. website to make sure that some rogue associate at Ricky's did not mislabel the product. Nope, fifty dollars was correct. Then my cynical nature kicked in...maybe this is not even the most expensive shampoo. In less than a minute the good folks at google directed me to this. Yes, this one is $66 dollars for 10.1 ounces.
Because I couldn't drop the topic right there, the voices in my head forced me to calculate the cost per ounce. Philip B. clocks in at $6.25 per ounce with Alterna posting $6.54 per ounce.
Now clearly this is ridiculous, and I am justifiably filled with some bizarre version of righteous indignation. But then I began to think about the number of times that I have bought shots of rare scotch that, trust me, would have been a steal at $6.54 per ounce...and that the scotch is going to annihilate liver and brain cells without giving my hair the lustrous sheen it so clearly deserves.
I guess it all depends on how you want to waste your money.
One City's Trash...
As someone who spent a great deal of his childhood in Salvation Army and Goodwill thrift stores, and as an adult who has items in his home that are literally found on the street, it should come as no surprise that I am currently enamored with this site.
Now I can scavenge the detrius of my fair city from the comfort of my own home. I love the 21st century.
Now I can scavenge the detrius of my fair city from the comfort of my own home. I love the 21st century.
Glutton For Punishment
Despite my continuing ever-morphing illness I got my ass to the gym today. That should be enough punishment for the day, but as I get on the treadmill I noticed that the President's press conference was on. My better judgment said I should switch the channel, but because I do have a masochistic side to my personality I decided to watch.
After five years in office what else can be said about this guy. The lies and the "folksiness" are so forced that I can't possibly fathom how even his most ardent supporters can't see through his condescension.
Back in the day Jesse Jackson had a quote in reference to presidential candidate Gary Hart. Jackson said "Gary Hart has a superiority complex...without the superiority". Just substitute the name Bush for Gary Hart and you have my opinion on our current president.
I swear, if Bush had been born with the same personality and mannerisms, but without the Bush name or money or privilege, you would find him at the bar at TGIFridays trying to impress his buddies from OfficeMax over a platter of jalepeno poppers.
Unfortunately fate would not be so just...
After five years in office what else can be said about this guy. The lies and the "folksiness" are so forced that I can't possibly fathom how even his most ardent supporters can't see through his condescension.
Back in the day Jesse Jackson had a quote in reference to presidential candidate Gary Hart. Jackson said "Gary Hart has a superiority complex...without the superiority". Just substitute the name Bush for Gary Hart and you have my opinion on our current president.
I swear, if Bush had been born with the same personality and mannerisms, but without the Bush name or money or privilege, you would find him at the bar at TGIFridays trying to impress his buddies from OfficeMax over a platter of jalepeno poppers.
Unfortunately fate would not be so just...
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
The Message
"Maybe he's asleep or something..."
"He just said his name and his phone number and then said nothing"
"Hi...please come to my birthday party...bye Matt"
These are the shards of thoughts that my girl, Calla Merritt left as a message on my home phone answering machine. Carol left a follow-up message informing me that Calla has not yet mastered the concept of voicemail...in Calla's mind I had been sleeping, then when the phone rang I picked up but instantly fell back to sleep before a real conversation could begin. God, I wish I were that narcoleptic.
Later in the evening I talked to Calla on the phone and was officially invited to her 5th birthday party. I cannot wait to get to DC to hang out with Brian, Carol and Calla...good times are guaranteed.
"He just said his name and his phone number and then said nothing"
"Hi...please come to my birthday party...bye Matt"
These are the shards of thoughts that my girl, Calla Merritt left as a message on my home phone answering machine. Carol left a follow-up message informing me that Calla has not yet mastered the concept of voicemail...in Calla's mind I had been sleeping, then when the phone rang I picked up but instantly fell back to sleep before a real conversation could begin. God, I wish I were that narcoleptic.
Later in the evening I talked to Calla on the phone and was officially invited to her 5th birthday party. I cannot wait to get to DC to hang out with Brian, Carol and Calla...good times are guaranteed.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Rooftop Phoenix
I believe it was the summer of 2002. For about five months I had had a severe case of "artist's block". I could not execute any creative idea, even if one had entered my head.
On a particularly hot day, I was up on my roof. Why I thought that getting 19 feet closer to the Sun would be cooler I don't know, but that was my belief. As I stood gazing at the stairwell structures that lead to the roof I was instantly cosmically inspired...I ran back down to my apartment to grab a yellow China marker. In a blur of a vision of a heat-induced delerium I realized how awesome the yellow of the China marker would look on the black paint/tar/sealant surface of the stairwell structure.
I began an intricate abstract design. Soon my hands and arms were black from the residue of the paint/tar/sealant surface. I had no idea what the final design would look like. The design flowed out of my wrist as though I were merely a conduit for the creation of...of...of... something.
In about ten minutes the design had been completed. It looked incredible. I stepped back and admired it from many different angles. Flawless.
To the best of my knowledge I have never been hit by a literal lightening bolt, but in this instance I had experienced the same effect. I had been jarred, shocked, jolted by some force to allow this creation to come out of me. Etched in my mind is the visual of returning to my apartment with pretty much my entire upper torso covered in a dusty blackness. Although it is kind of a cliche to say these days, in that moment I truly "felt alive". The creative blockage I had previously experienced disappeared. Washed away as I scrubbed my body free of the blackness.
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When my sister was in town last November, I took her and my brother Stan up to the roof to take a look at the gorgeous skyline view on display. When we got to the roof I discovered that, unbeknownst to me, the building super had recently "resealed" the entire roof in with a fresh coat of silver paint/tar/sealant. My design was gone. Like most of my artwork, it now "belonged to the ages"
While I cannot say that I was not disturbed by the loss of a familiar visual element of my own doing, the feeling of loss and mourning was short-lived. In a flash it hit me. The fresh coat of paint/tar/sealant had destroyed my artwork, but it provided an unblemished new canvas for a new creation.
The first day the mercury reaches 75 degrees you will know where to find me. Up on my roof creating something bigger and better...I cannot be stopped.
Art
On a particularly hot day, I was up on my roof. Why I thought that getting 19 feet closer to the Sun would be cooler I don't know, but that was my belief. As I stood gazing at the stairwell structures that lead to the roof I was instantly cosmically inspired...I ran back down to my apartment to grab a yellow China marker. In a blur of a vision of a heat-induced delerium I realized how awesome the yellow of the China marker would look on the black paint/tar/sealant surface of the stairwell structure.
I began an intricate abstract design. Soon my hands and arms were black from the residue of the paint/tar/sealant surface. I had no idea what the final design would look like. The design flowed out of my wrist as though I were merely a conduit for the creation of...of...of... something.
In about ten minutes the design had been completed. It looked incredible. I stepped back and admired it from many different angles. Flawless.
To the best of my knowledge I have never been hit by a literal lightening bolt, but in this instance I had experienced the same effect. I had been jarred, shocked, jolted by some force to allow this creation to come out of me. Etched in my mind is the visual of returning to my apartment with pretty much my entire upper torso covered in a dusty blackness. Although it is kind of a cliche to say these days, in that moment I truly "felt alive". The creative blockage I had previously experienced disappeared. Washed away as I scrubbed my body free of the blackness.
--------
When my sister was in town last November, I took her and my brother Stan up to the roof to take a look at the gorgeous skyline view on display. When we got to the roof I discovered that, unbeknownst to me, the building super had recently "resealed" the entire roof in with a fresh coat of silver paint/tar/sealant. My design was gone. Like most of my artwork, it now "belonged to the ages"
While I cannot say that I was not disturbed by the loss of a familiar visual element of my own doing, the feeling of loss and mourning was short-lived. In a flash it hit me. The fresh coat of paint/tar/sealant had destroyed my artwork, but it provided an unblemished new canvas for a new creation.
The first day the mercury reaches 75 degrees you will know where to find me. Up on my roof creating something bigger and better...I cannot be stopped.
Art
Return Of A Friend
A little over two years ago my sister passed this book along to me. She did not like it and did not finish it but, nonetheless, put it on my radar. I instantly fell in love with it. "Running With Scissors" was one of those books that you truly, desperately do not want to end as it is so enjoyable.
After reading a great book, my first instinct is to read everything by that author. In this case I picked up Burrough's "Dry". As far as drug recovery memoirs by an urban gay goes it was okay. But it contained little of the magic that made "Running With Scissors" so hysterically funny.
Not suprisingly I ended the Burroughs reading series and chalked him as a one-hit wonder. When his book
"Magical Thinking" came out in 2004 I paid it no mind as I did not want to disappointed again (and the reviews were not as glowing)
Inexplicably I decided to begin reading "Magical Thinking" this week and it is absolutely awesome. Reading it feels like reuniting with an old friend who for some reason you have lost contact, and then you kick yourself for letting the relationship not get your attention...
Augusten...please forgive me.
After reading a great book, my first instinct is to read everything by that author. In this case I picked up Burrough's "Dry". As far as drug recovery memoirs by an urban gay goes it was okay. But it contained little of the magic that made "Running With Scissors" so hysterically funny.
Not suprisingly I ended the Burroughs reading series and chalked him as a one-hit wonder. When his book
"Magical Thinking" came out in 2004 I paid it no mind as I did not want to disappointed again (and the reviews were not as glowing)
Inexplicably I decided to begin reading "Magical Thinking" this week and it is absolutely awesome. Reading it feels like reuniting with an old friend who for some reason you have lost contact, and then you kick yourself for letting the relationship not get your attention...
Augusten...please forgive me.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
What Have I Done To Deserve This...
Like most people I appreciate positive input regardless of the source. One place I look for such input is horoscope columns. Yeah, yeah, I know they are usually so general that they could apply to any person or situation. I do not care as I will take a positive jolt regardless.
Rob Brezny's Freewill Astrology stands head and shoulders above any other column. It does so not because of it's accuracy for predicting the future but because, as Mr. Brezny has said in previous interviews, his horoscopes are a vehicle for injecting poetry into otherwise poetry-deprived lives. In addition they are always extremely positive, funny and empowering.
Last night, like a lot of nights lately, I have not been able to sleep. I inevitably wake around 3:30-ish and toss and turn for hours. I fight the temptation to just get up and watch TV or engage in any other bright diversion. After about an hour and a half of sleeplessness I gave up and said I might as well just get on my computer....anything to take my mind off of not being able to slumber.
So I decide to visit the aforementioned Freewill Astrology and this is what I am greeted with as a forecast for the new week:
Rob Brezny's Freewill Astrology stands head and shoulders above any other column. It does so not because of it's accuracy for predicting the future but because, as Mr. Brezny has said in previous interviews, his horoscopes are a vehicle for injecting poetry into otherwise poetry-deprived lives. In addition they are always extremely positive, funny and empowering.
Last night, like a lot of nights lately, I have not been able to sleep. I inevitably wake around 3:30-ish and toss and turn for hours. I fight the temptation to just get up and watch TV or engage in any other bright diversion. After about an hour and a half of sleeplessness I gave up and said I might as well just get on my computer....anything to take my mind off of not being able to slumber.
So I decide to visit the aforementioned Freewill Astrology and this is what I am greeted with as a forecast for the new week:
German scientist Juergen Zulley specializes in research about the hours we spend unconscious lying in our beds every night. He has come to the conclusion that a lack of sleep can make you stupid, fat, and sick. It weakens your memory, decreases a hormone that helps control your cravings for food, and undermines the healthy function of your heart, digestive system, and circulation. I would add that sleep deprivation reduces the time you spend dreaming, which compromises your mental hygiene. All of these consequences would be major problems for you in the next two weeks, Aquarius. If anything, you need to sleep more than usual. I implore you to get at least eight hours a night. More would be better
How cruel can the Universe be...
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Human Resource Quiz
Let's say you own a business that, for financial reasons, needs to be open and operating on a holiday. Your presence is not necessary on said holiday as your employees are more than capable of handling the business...and, if truth be told your presence is never necessary as you literally will not lift a finger to help any of your employees.
What is the most productive way to deal with your employees who are not spending the holiday with their friends and family?
A) Call your employees by phone and tell them you appreciate their sacrificing their holiday for the sake of the business...enjoy the rest of your day knowing that your employees are aware of your appreciation.
B) Neither call nor enter the business on the holiday, lest you remind your employees that you can have the holiday off while they have to work...
C) Come to the business on the holiday and point out the flaws of the employees performance during one of the busiest days in recent memory...while literally not lifting a finger to help them out.
D) Come to the business and in the midst of the most chaotic (and financially lucrative) periods of the day, go to your office put your feet on your desk and take a nap...when you wake from slumber tell your employees what a great nap you just had.
If you answered C and D then "Congratulations!" you are a co-worker of mine.
What is the most productive way to deal with your employees who are not spending the holiday with their friends and family?
A) Call your employees by phone and tell them you appreciate their sacrificing their holiday for the sake of the business...enjoy the rest of your day knowing that your employees are aware of your appreciation.
B) Neither call nor enter the business on the holiday, lest you remind your employees that you can have the holiday off while they have to work...
C) Come to the business on the holiday and point out the flaws of the employees performance during one of the busiest days in recent memory...while literally not lifting a finger to help them out.
D) Come to the business and in the midst of the most chaotic (and financially lucrative) periods of the day, go to your office put your feet on your desk and take a nap...when you wake from slumber tell your employees what a great nap you just had.
If you answered C and D then "Congratulations!" you are a co-worker of mine.
Starting 2006 With High Dose Of Positive Energy
Started my new year off with at workout to this CD. Totally one of my favorite discs ever....Have only had the good fortune to hear Farley&Heller spin live once and they tore the roof off the place. Those kids need to move to NYC so that the Children can hear them more frequently.
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