Mardi
Gras!
2.28.2006
2.25.2006
don knotts, 1924-2006
Mr. Furley has gone on to meet the big landlord in the sky, and I want to take a moment to reflect on an actor I loved as a child and who can still make me laugh.
As a child, my brother and I loved Don Knotts in films like The Apple Dumpling Gang and the Herbie movies. One of my favorites was The Incredible Mr. Limpet. It's a hybrid of live-action and animation that was all heart. Mr Limpet decided he wanted to be a fish -- I don't remember why, but it was probably because he felt like he didn't fit in, longed for a simpler life, and all the other reasons we humans believe the grass is greener on the other side.
I don't recall the whole plot, although I doubt it was intricate. According to IMDB.com, "As a talking fish he assists the US Navy in hunting German submarines during World War II." I kind of remember that now that I've read it, but I mostly remember it being very emotional. I'd like to watch it again.
As I grew older, of course, there was "Three's Company." I LOVED that show! Mr. Furley had the greatest expressions. He was hysterical -- especially when he was being complemented. Remember the way he'd breathe in through his nose, neck cocked to the side, with that "aw shucks!" look? And of course, his great expression of surprise -- which usually had something to do with a misunderstanding involving Jack Tripper. Talk about physical comedy! They are both such classics.
Anyway, I have a bit of a headache and can't seem to write anything the way I want to tonight. Just know that we loved you, Mr. Knotts, and for all the right reasons. I haven't even begun to mention all your great accomplishments as an actor. You were an amazing comedian, and you will always be remembered that way.
2.23.2006
bringin' it to the people
They have beautiful voices, and they're using them. Michael Stipe, Bright Eyes, Devendra Banhart, Rufus Wainwright, Fischerspooner, Chuck D and Peaches will take part in a benefit concert to mark the third anniversary of America's invasion of Iraq. The "Bring 'Em Home Now" benefit concert will take place at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom on March 20. Proceeds will go to Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace. Please tell me there's going to be a live CD!!!!
Death Cab For Cutie found 11 different directors to create 11 different videos for their 11 different songs on the Plans album. Although you will soon be able to buy the DVD "with bonus features," you can watch the videos on Death Cab's Web site as they're released one at a time.The band's sadly beautiful "I Will Follow You into the Dark" is up and streaming now. Go check it out and then tremble with anticipation until the next one is available.
Pitchfork has an interesting article about the latest in a string of stakes thrust into the heart of the mom and pop indie stores we all love. Best Buy to Indies: Drop Dead is a great article about how some indie record labels signed an agreement with the corporate assholes who brought you the "restocking fee" to give their artists some quality placement in the chain's stores. Seems harmless enough, but Best Buy went one step further and priced CDs from Cat Power, Broken Social Scene and others at $7.99. At that price, indie stores can't compete.
While an indie record exec said he can't blame the customer who decides to save some cash and spend his hard-earned minimum-wage paycheck at Best Buy, I have to say, PEOPLE, WE HAVE THE POWER!!! Resist the temptation to feed into the machine and make a stand. Go to your local indie store. Their selection is more eclectic, the kids working there are much hotter and more knowledgable about the stuff you want to buy, and you often get free stuff! I have a fun stash of posters, stickers, pins, DVDs, vinyl and EPs that have all been free and exclusive. And you won't see any of those indie artists playing a live set at Best Buy!
May I humbly recommend Park Avenue CDs at 2916 Corrine Drive in Orlando. They will order it if they don't have it, and sometimes you're lucky enough to visit when Mikey is wearing his bunny costume.
In all his typical dramatic glory, Rufus Wainwright is doing something awfully special. He will perform the entire legendary 1961 Judy Garland concert with an orchestra at Carnegie Hall on June 14. Click here for more info.
2.21.2006
today's lesson is ....
Jenny Owen Youngs. I've been addicted to a handful of mp3 blogs, and one of them, called SKATTERBRAIN, posted some info about this artist. Intrigued, I clicked over to her MySpace page, and was delighted to find four very different songs to stream. (SKATTERBRAIN still has one as a download -- grab it while it's hot.) One of the songs is a cover of possibly the best pop song of last year from a Top 40 artist -- Kelly Clarkson's "Since You Been Gone." She's a dash of Cat Power, a pinch of Rachael Yamagata and a sprinkle of Beth Orton. Enjoy!
Serge Gainsbourg is famous for his "Je T'Aime ... Moi Non Plus," although the most famous thing about that song is the breathy orgasm Jane Birkin seems to be having as the song ... um ... climaxes. When it was first released in 1969, it was considered "immoral" and became the focus of quite the scandal. Seriously, the Vatican was even involved. Over a song. I wonder what the new Pope thinks about gangsta rap. Hmmm, maybe that's another blog posting.
Anyway, check out the song -- it's a classic. I mention this also because Pitchfork announced today the track listings for a new tribute album to Serge, who died in 1991, and it pulls some heavy hitters. Birkin even makes an appearance by joining up with Franz Ferdinand for a song. I've heard the Cat Power & Karen Elson's (wife of Jack White) version of "Je T'Aime (Moi Non Plus)," or in English "I Love You (Me Either)," would make Serge proud. It has all the breathy urgency of the original and is still fragile and provocative.
Carla Bruni, who I discovered for myself on a business trip in Paris, is also included. For my friends who know me, she's the one who sings the song in my slide show of the photos I took in Paris. I know, I'm a geek, but I love it.
Here's the track listing:
01 Franz Ferdinand and Jane Birkin: "A Song for Sorry Angel"
02 Cat Power and Karen Elson: "I Love You (Me Either)"
03 Jarvis Cocker and Kid Loco: "I Just Came to Tell You That I'm Going"
04 Portishead: "Requiem for Anna"
05 Faultline, Brian Molko, and Françoise Hardy: "Requiem For A Jerk"
06 Michael Stipe: "L'Hôtel"
07 Tricky: "Au Revoir Emmanuelle"
08 Marianne Faithfull and Sly and Robbie: "Lola R. For Ever"
09 Gonzales, Feist, and Dani: "Boomerang 2005"
10 Marc Almond and Trash Palace: "Boy Toy"
11 Placebo: "The Ballad of Melody Nelson"
12 The Rakes: "Just a Man With a Job"
13 The Kills: "I Call It Art"
14 Carla Bruni: "Those Little Things"
The album will be called Monsieur Gainsbourg Revisited, and it should be out in March.
2.20.2006
Tilly and some girl's va jay-jay
Great news! According to the Team Love Web site, the new Tilly & the Wall record, titled "Bottoms of Barrels," will be released on May 23! Their last album, Wild Like Children is one of my favorites, and their live show ranks up there with the best concerts I've attended at the Social. Any band that can tap dance -- literally -- through an entire show, deserves some attention. I can't wait for them to return to Orlando!
And for the love of tap dancing, where have I been? The band blogged while making the record last year. Check it out at Tilly & The Wall's Recording Diary. Also be sure to check out their Web site to stream some of their earlier recordings. Are the children tucked in bed? Because what's next is for your eyes only. It's Halloween in February, and mama is scared!
I can't remember where I found this photo, and maybe that's for the best. It's like a car accident off the shoulder on I-4. I'm disturbed by it, and yet I can't stop looking at it. I wonder if the guy about to be birthed got free drinks all night.
2.19.2006
i just don't get it
Politics and religion – you’re not supposed to talk about them, especially in mixed company. I guess it’s because people feel so passionately about both, and out of respect for their deep-rooted beliefs, values and opinions, you shouldn’t say anything that could offend them. I definitely get that.
When I drove to Houston with my parents over the Christmas holidays, we got into it a million times about George W, the war in Iraq, the attack on our own rights at home, interracial relationships, gay marriage, bisexuality and other hotter-than-a-jalapeno-pepper topics among young single feminists like me.
At the same time, I often feel compelled to talk to people about these same issues because they just don’t make sense to me. I don’t really understand why it’s inappropriate to discuss these topics; however, it’s OK to make tasteless, stereotypical jokes about them. And if you don’t laugh at them, then, well, you’re just no fun.
Luckily, times change. They change slowly and not without resistance; but, they do change.
Over the last month or so, I’ve become a fan of a new-and-already-cancelled NBC show called “The Book of Daniel.” It’s a true ensemble cast, led by Aidan Quinn – who I’ve always had a crush on. He’s just adorable, and soooooo sexy with his graying hair.
Quinn’s also sexy because he’s fallible. His character Daniel Webster is married and has a family with their own stories – a gay son, an adopted Asian son and a semi-rebellious daughter who started off the season getting busted for selling pot to fund her passion for computer-animation programs.
He appears to be addicted to pain pills. He’s reluctantly working with the mob to build a new church, and his wife has a thing for mixed drinks. Oh, and he talks to Jesus regularly – and Jesus talks back.
Some people are upset because all of this “sinning” and controversial material surrounds a family where the father, Aidan Quinn’s character, is an Episcopalian priest. Two television stations refused to even air it in their cities. Refusing to allow their citizens the opportunity to make their own choices, ask their own questions and find their own answers because “they” don’t think it’s appropriate. Advertisers got jumpy, they bailed, and the show was cut.
Do you remember the Miramax film The Priest? There was great controversy about that film – I even had to defend it while working Disney’s Information Phones in Guest Relations. The people who called complaining that Disney was mocking God, religion and all that is holy had not seen the film. I did. And it had a profound effect on my own spirituality.
Both of these – “The Book of Daniel” and The Priest – have done much to restore the faith in God and religion that is chipped away by the zealots who quote the Bible to back up their biased views. They speak out against TV shows, books and films that they don’t even experience themselves. They don’t open their minds enough to understand and therefore are incapable of making an informed conclusion.
I saw a news conference recently where someone asked President Bush if he planned to watch Brokeback Mountain, being that he’s such the cowboy himself. Bush laughed condescendingly and dismissed the idea, like he was on the schoolyard during recess at middle school. Why are people not outraged? This is the president of the United States of America. It was such a cruel display of prejudice, and Bush expressed it so naturally. He doesn’t even believe he needs to at least “act” as though he likes gay people. To him, it’s still something you make crude jokes about in the locker room with your buddies.
I don’t know, I just don’t get it. The more I believe, the more I want to listen. But the more I listen, the more confused I get.
When I drove to Houston with my parents over the Christmas holidays, we got into it a million times about George W, the war in Iraq, the attack on our own rights at home, interracial relationships, gay marriage, bisexuality and other hotter-than-a-jalapeno-pepper topics among young single feminists like me.
At the same time, I often feel compelled to talk to people about these same issues because they just don’t make sense to me. I don’t really understand why it’s inappropriate to discuss these topics; however, it’s OK to make tasteless, stereotypical jokes about them. And if you don’t laugh at them, then, well, you’re just no fun.
Luckily, times change. They change slowly and not without resistance; but, they do change.
Over the last month or so, I’ve become a fan of a new-and-already-cancelled NBC show called “The Book of Daniel.” It’s a true ensemble cast, led by Aidan Quinn – who I’ve always had a crush on. He’s just adorable, and soooooo sexy with his graying hair. Quinn’s also sexy because he’s fallible. His character Daniel Webster is married and has a family with their own stories – a gay son, an adopted Asian son and a semi-rebellious daughter who started off the season getting busted for selling pot to fund her passion for computer-animation programs.
He appears to be addicted to pain pills. He’s reluctantly working with the mob to build a new church, and his wife has a thing for mixed drinks. Oh, and he talks to Jesus regularly – and Jesus talks back.
Some people are upset because all of this “sinning” and controversial material surrounds a family where the father, Aidan Quinn’s character, is an Episcopalian priest. Two television stations refused to even air it in their cities. Refusing to allow their citizens the opportunity to make their own choices, ask their own questions and find their own answers because “they” don’t think it’s appropriate. Advertisers got jumpy, they bailed, and the show was cut.
Do you remember the Miramax film The Priest? There was great controversy about that film – I even had to defend it while working Disney’s Information Phones in Guest Relations. The people who called complaining that Disney was mocking God, religion and all that is holy had not seen the film. I did. And it had a profound effect on my own spirituality.Both of these – “The Book of Daniel” and The Priest – have done much to restore the faith in God and religion that is chipped away by the zealots who quote the Bible to back up their biased views. They speak out against TV shows, books and films that they don’t even experience themselves. They don’t open their minds enough to understand and therefore are incapable of making an informed conclusion.
I saw a news conference recently where someone asked President Bush if he planned to watch Brokeback Mountain, being that he’s such the cowboy himself. Bush laughed condescendingly and dismissed the idea, like he was on the schoolyard during recess at middle school. Why are people not outraged? This is the president of the United States of America. It was such a cruel display of prejudice, and Bush expressed it so naturally. He doesn’t even believe he needs to at least “act” as though he likes gay people. To him, it’s still something you make crude jokes about in the locker room with your buddies.I don’t know, I just don’t get it. The more I believe, the more I want to listen. But the more I listen, the more confused I get.
2.18.2006
i heart betamike
My first experience with Betamike's hearthands was during Weezer's set at last year's Coachella. Instead of a hop-on-the-bandwagon expression of trend following, Betamike thrust his hands above his head in the shape of a heart as an unconscious show of love to Rivers and the boys.
At that moment, when you feel such unbridled excitement and love and nostalgia, sometimes you express that passion in curious ways, such as dancing like a country girl on crack. And sometimes you coin a phrase, such as Christy's "I LOVE Chick-Fil-A" or "That's so sauce." And sometimes, you fill all your friends with laughter and devotion, such as Beatmike did when he changed his Weezer hand gesture to that of love.
Now, it's everywhere -- on magnets, at live shows and even on a Threadless T-shirt. Whoa.
At that moment, when you feel such unbridled excitement and love and nostalgia, sometimes you express that passion in curious ways, such as dancing like a country girl on crack. And sometimes you coin a phrase, such as Christy's "I LOVE Chick-Fil-A" or "That's so sauce." And sometimes, you fill all your friends with laughter and devotion, such as Beatmike did when he changed his Weezer hand gesture to that of love.
Now, it's everywhere -- on magnets, at live shows and even on a Threadless T-shirt. Whoa.
2.16.2006
glittery gloves, barbarosa and warming effects
What's with all the Michael Jackson covers? Earlier this week, I posted a link to Petra Haden's version of "Thriller," and now, I direct you to berkeleyplace for Belle & Sebastian's take on "Billie Jean." I feel a crotch grab coming on.Speaking of covers, they are a delicious indulgence for me, and I've stumbled across quite a few lately. Back at berkeleyplace, there's a blog post with Death Cab for Cutie covering Bjork's "All is Full of Love," Mike Doughty's version of Guns 'n' Roses' "Paradise City" and other little gems.
When I was a wee little girl, my parents had a rather large photo of my brother and me at age 4 framed and hanging in the living room on the wall above the TV. It was one of those Olan Mills photos that was a total scam. They invite you in for a free session and a free photo. But of course, when you return to pick it up, they frame these life-size versions, offer up oodles of wallet-size photos for the grandparents, and pretty soon, you just spent a few hundred dollars on top of that free coupon.
That photo hung on the wall forever, until one day, my father replaced it with an intricate portrait of Willie Nelson. Yes, Willie, the pot-smoking, braided-ponytail-wearing, genius of a country singer. I grew up listening to Willie because that's what my parents listened to. The portrait was a black and white drawing of "Barbarosa," Willie's character in the movie of the same name. I distinctly remember my dad pointing out a hole in Barbarosa's hat and telling me that it was a bullet hole.
Wow, I thought, and I stared in disbelief. This dude was cool, invincible. Little did I realize that 25 years later, I would still be thinking Willie Nelson was a kick-ass guy.
Willie just released a new song exclusively on iTunes called "Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly (Fond of Each Other)." It's probably the first love song about gay cowboys. It includes the line: Well, the cowboy may brag about things that he's done with his women,
But the ones who brag loudest are the ones that are most likely queer.
Willie, you can hang your cowboy hat in my home any day.
One more random observation for the evening. I went to see Brokeback Mountain recently, and I thought it was somewhat odd that the commercial played right before the previews was for K-Y Warming Liquid. You know the ad -- it's the one where the wife gets her husband's nose out of the newspaper when she says "Warming effect."
Betamike, Christy and I discussed the icky factor of this commercial months and months ago. And yet, there it was on the big screen before the "gay" movie. A few weeks later, Brad and I went to see Imagine Me & You, a sweet little flick about a woman who unexpectedly falls for another woman just as she's about to marry the love of her life.
Hmmm... interesting. I guess the marketing geniuses believe their gay -- or at least liberal-minded -- audiences are the most sexually adventurous?
2.12.2006
don't call it a comeback
I know what you’re thinking. Stephanie, you got some ’splainin’ to do. It’s been more than a month since my last post, and I didn’t know at the time that it would be my last post. Work got crazy – my health went a little haywire – and I didn’t really feel like I had anything important to say.
Now, I have so much going on in my head that I don’t know where to begin. It’s still not important, but who cares? It’s my turn.
Saw a great movie last night – funny, light, sweet, sexy British accents and interesting characters. Imagine Me & You stars Piper Perabo, who is one of those stars that can be in an otherwise inane movie like Coyote Ugly and make it watchable. She’s beautiful, but still seems approachable. Her love interest in the film is also gorgeous and reminded me a little of Tori Amos.
The film's about a young woman who, as she's literally walking down the aisle to marry the love of her life, sees a woman who makes her rethink everything. It's a sweet love story with very witty writing and fun performances. I loved it!
Barsuk Records is streaming some very fine acoustic tracks on its Web site from Matthew Caws from Nada Surf, Jesse Sykes (also known as the kindest rock star I’ve ever met), John Vanderslice and Death Cab’s Ben Gibbard. New songs will stream during the next few weeks, so keep checking back for new tunes.
No one’s gonna save you from the beast about to strike. Petra Haden covers “Thriller.”
Feeling sentimental for your old TRS-80? Get that nostalgic feeling when you remember typing:
10 PRINT “Redheads rock”
20 GOTO 10
Then, you must check out the new Web site for The Raconteurs, a new band that features Jack White and Brendan Benson. While you’re remembering the simpler times, be sure to listen to the two audio tracks “Steady As She Goes” and “Store Bought Bones.” Stephanie likey.
Expedition Everest – love it. My knees were shaking when I got off the new attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s not your baby brother’s Big Thunder Mountain. I don’t even know what that means. The queue itself is extremely detailed, including hidden Mickey’s and a reference to mountain climber Reinhold Messner, of Ben Folds Five album title fame.
Scarlett Johannsen, what have you done? Yes, it’s a beautiful Vanity Fair cover, and you and Keira Knightley’s naked little bodies are artistic and gorgeous. But really, is this absolutely necessary? Jennifer Aniston with only her boots on? I can understand that abit, that girl probably has some self-esteem issues as of late, and revenge can be sweet, but Scarlett? You’re so talented, and seems so much more classy than that.
It’s interesting that females on magazine covers are almost always naked. And the guys are always well covered up. Paul Giamatti could be on the cover of Entertainment Weekly dressed with enough clothes to keep him warm in a Siberian snow blizzard. But if there’s a woman posing with him, she may just wear the scarf.
Damn, you half-Japanese boys do it to me every time. Tonight should be one of my favorites in the Winter Olympics. The object of my soul patch obsession is taking the ice tonight. Come on, you know who you are. Also, the “Flying Tomato” goes for the gold tonight with the snowboarders. You just can’t help but crush on someone who exudes such love of life.
… And I’m spent. I'll write again soon ... promise.
Now, I have so much going on in my head that I don’t know where to begin. It’s still not important, but who cares? It’s my turn.
Saw a great movie last night – funny, light, sweet, sexy British accents and interesting characters. Imagine Me & You stars Piper Perabo, who is one of those stars that can be in an otherwise inane movie like Coyote Ugly and make it watchable. She’s beautiful, but still seems approachable. Her love interest in the film is also gorgeous and reminded me a little of Tori Amos. The film's about a young woman who, as she's literally walking down the aisle to marry the love of her life, sees a woman who makes her rethink everything. It's a sweet love story with very witty writing and fun performances. I loved it!
Barsuk Records is streaming some very fine acoustic tracks on its Web site from Matthew Caws from Nada Surf, Jesse Sykes (also known as the kindest rock star I’ve ever met), John Vanderslice and Death Cab’s Ben Gibbard. New songs will stream during the next few weeks, so keep checking back for new tunes. No one’s gonna save you from the beast about to strike. Petra Haden covers “Thriller.”
Feeling sentimental for your old TRS-80? Get that nostalgic feeling when you remember typing:
10 PRINT “Redheads rock”
20 GOTO 10
Then, you must check out the new Web site for The Raconteurs, a new band that features Jack White and Brendan Benson. While you’re remembering the simpler times, be sure to listen to the two audio tracks “Steady As She Goes” and “Store Bought Bones.” Stephanie likey.Expedition Everest – love it. My knees were shaking when I got off the new attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s not your baby brother’s Big Thunder Mountain. I don’t even know what that means. The queue itself is extremely detailed, including hidden Mickey’s and a reference to mountain climber Reinhold Messner, of Ben Folds Five album title fame.
Scarlett Johannsen, what have you done? Yes, it’s a beautiful Vanity Fair cover, and you and Keira Knightley’s naked little bodies are artistic and gorgeous. But really, is this absolutely necessary? Jennifer Aniston with only her boots on? I can understand that abit, that girl probably has some self-esteem issues as of late, and revenge can be sweet, but Scarlett? You’re so talented, and seems so much more classy than that.
It’s interesting that females on magazine covers are almost always naked. And the guys are always well covered up. Paul Giamatti could be on the cover of Entertainment Weekly dressed with enough clothes to keep him warm in a Siberian snow blizzard. But if there’s a woman posing with him, she may just wear the scarf.
Damn, you half-Japanese boys do it to me every time. Tonight should be one of my favorites in the Winter Olympics. The object of my soul patch obsession is taking the ice tonight. Come on, you know who you are. Also, the “Flying Tomato” goes for the gold tonight with the snowboarders. You just can’t help but crush on someone who exudes such love of life.… And I’m spent. I'll write again soon ... promise.
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