Yesterday, I saw Sweeney Todd at Center Stage. This was the first Sondheim musical I’ve ever seen. I’ve often seen him lauded in musical theater circles but have never seen anything he’s written until now. Overall, Sweeney Todd was ok. It wasn’t exactly the feel good musical of the century. I found it a bit dark for my tastes. I’ll post a more well thought out review of it a little later in the week.

Two plays I’d like to see that are currently running at other local theatres are Proof and The Producers. Proof is running at Everyman Theatre until March 6, 2004. The Producers is playing at the newly renovated Hippodrome Theatre until March 14, 2004. The Hippodrome is practically in my hood. I really want to get tickets there. However, from the crowd I see gathering there it appears to be a high class joint. My one hope this week is to be able to attain cheap seats for either of these shows. Most likely I’ll end up seeing Proof.

As usual I can’t wait for the Academy Awards to come on. I hope that Lord of the Rings wins best picture and that Peter Jackson nets the best director award. Also, I really want Johnny Depp to win. He was absolutely amazing in the Pirates of the Caribbean. I can’t wait to see all the glitz and glamour that the Oscars bring.

Thursday, February, 26, 2004

Yikes!! I just heard that Howard Stern has been pulled from all the Clear Channel Stations he’s on. However, he’s still safe in Baltimore on Infinity Broadcast owned Live 105.7 I doubt that Mel will pull the plug on his golden goose. Then again it’s hard to say in the climate that were in.

On a side note, I feel horrible for admitting this but, I find myself getting aroused whenever I look at how much money Mel makes, his bonus’ stock options and all. Is that wrong so? I guess I’m a closeted gold digger. I’m against marriage for myself only if he’s close to having more money than God.

Anyway, this whole Stern suspension episode is ironic in a way because Clear Channel is responsible for that laughing hyena on DC 101, Elliot in the Morning. On the hyena’s show you can regularly hear cuss words being slipped out on air. So I suppose that Clear Channel feels that sexual/racial innuendo is more damaging to hear than actual foul language. Verrrry Interesting.

These are scary times in which we live. First Bush wanting to ban gay marriages, then the Christ movie, and now Stern being pulled off the radio in 6 states. All I want to know is how long before the Taliban shows up?

Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Today The Passion of the Christ opens up. Ironically enough (Yea, right!) on Ash Wednesday. I suppose I would feel differently about this opening up on Ash Wednesday if I heard that Mel Gibson would be donating the proceeds of this movie to charity. First off, I don’t pretend to be a Bible scholar. I’ve never been to a church on a Sunday a day in my life. I’m Wiccan and my family originates from the West Indies. No, I’ve never performed any voodoo. I have nothing against Christianity or Christians. Like the song goes, Jesus is all right with me.

Back to the Christ movie.....

I’ve never seen it and do not plan on seeing it in a movie theater.... I’ll rent it instead. I don’t want to waste $20 or whatever outrageous amount it costs to see movies these days simply because I find it disturbing that Mel “Mad Max” Gibson is directing it. This man has done nothing but appear in violent movie after movie. It’s almost as if by making this movie Gibson hopes to atone for his acting choices. Which from what I hear from reviews is kind of ironic because this is a violent film about the last twelve hours of Christ’s life.

On a side note, Gibson was raised by an anti-semetic kook, Hutton Gibson. His father has made claims that Vatican II was a ploy by the Jews also he says that all of his children are behind him. Also Mel Gibson belongs to a kooky extremist Catholic sect that does not follow Vatican II and has all of their services in Latin.

I don’t know if the Christ movie is anti-semetic or not I’ve never seen it. However, if you look at all of the things his father has said to the press over the years coupled with Gibson’s extremist Catholic beliefs. It kind of makes you feel, I don’t know....

Things I hate about a movie I’ve never seen. I hate the title of the movie. Why not call it the Passion ”of” Christ instead of the Passion of ”the” Christ? I find using ”the” in a way disrespectful. It’s putting Christ on the level of a borderline megalomaniacal twit like “the” Donald aka Donald Trump. I mean he’s Christ, no “the” needed! What did I miss something? Was there another guy named Christ mentioned in the bible? I think not! My other gripe, is that the movie’s not in English it’s in Aramaic with subtitles. This I feel is overkill. Let’s see the movie is directed by an American, (Gibson never gave up his American citizenship when his family moved to Australia in the 60’s) and stars and an American. Also I hate that Jim Caviezel is playing Jesus. Caviezel has been in lousy movie after lousy movie.

I find it weird that people are going to a Hollywood movie, to get religion. I mean if you want religion go to church! I mean has anyone ever been saved while watching Mel Gibson movies like Lethal Weapons? I don’t recall anyone ever yelling out, “Hallelujah, I see the error of my ways. I’m coming back home to Jesus! Lord have Mercy!!” as Murtaugh blows away another bad guy.

People, you can not expect to find religion or be saved by watching a movie. Read your bibles! Go to church! Yes, I know this might sound odd for a pagan to be saying. However, as a Wiccan we do not believe in proselytizing or going around and saying my religion is better than yours. Frankly, I feel that if you're a Christian, be a Christian. Go to church, read your bibles, avoid this movie, at least until it comes out at the local barber shop or if you don’t live near a black barber shop then wait till it comes out cable ..... Me? I’ll probably rent it when it comes out on Netflix, maybe double bill it with Scorces’ The Last Temptation of Christ.

Today, at work the streak has come to an end. For the past 2 and a half weeks Arnold has worn a long sleeve short to work. Now he’s back to the short sleeved Forest Gump look. Maybe, it was the Christ movie that made him repent and revert back to the short sleeves. Why write about this you ask? Well, it was shocking to see someone who seems to have been born wearing a short sleeved button down cotton shirt suddenly wearing long sleeves.

p>Tuesday, February 24, 2004

Today I heard the most asinine thing ever, Bush’s proposal to start a Constitutional Amendment banning gay marriages. This is so transparently homophobic and divisive that I’m speechless. Let’s see what am I as a voter most worried about in the world, job losses, health care costs, the economy, the war in Iraq, or gay marriages.

The economy continues to lag, and the president’s own spotty military history is back in the news, in sharp contrast to John Kerry’s record as a decorated Vietnam War hero and this is all Bush can come up with to fight back? This whole issue makes Republicans appear mean and backward-looking. They look like morality police peeking inside people’s bedroom’s. This blatantly divisive tactic to me is reason 1002 why the Shrub must be voted out of office. This whole thing reeks of desperation on the part of the Republican Party.

First off there shouldn’t be any of that half assed legal union stuff or whatever they call it. The term legal union reeks of 50’s era separate but equal terminology. Gays should have the right to be married with a marriage license issued from city hall or wherever you get marriage licenses from. They should have the right to be married and miserable like the majority of married people in America are.

To all those married folks and religious zealots out there who feel that gay marriages some how ruins the sanctity of marriage I say get a divorce or don’t get married if you feel that way. It’s obvious to me that you are the type of person who’s itching for any reason to end your marriage. It’s like saying that if blacks can do it then it ruins everything. You know if you feel that way then you’re a racist. No, I don’t want to hear how your best friend is black, or that you like rap music. You are a racist. If you feel that if gays get married then it ruins everything. If you feel that way then you are homophobic. No, I don’t want to hear how you like to watch Will and Grace or Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. You are homophobic.

In my opinion this all started on February 4, 2004 when the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that gay couples must be given the right to marry. I applaud the Massachusetts court decision as well as San Francisco’s recent rush to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples. I say if you want to ruin your life straight or gay and get married go for it!

Last night I only got about 3-4 hours of sleep. I was 5 minutes late for work and everything. I barely remember what I did at work today. So forgive me if this sounds groggy. The reason for my sleepless night was due to the fact that I under estimated the amount of time it would take me to work with my hair. If you haven't figured it out by now I’m Black. Every 2-3 weeks I re-twist my hair. Basically, my hair is locked but I like to wear it in twists. Maybe one day I’ll wear it out in it’s natural dread locked state. Anyway, I thought it would take me just an hour to twist my hair but it took well over that amount of time. I guess my hair must be in it’s growing stage. Anyway....

What was I going to write about? Ah, yes....Ralph Nader’s run for the Presidency. First off I voted for Nader in the last Presidential election. Why did I do this you ask? I wanted Nader to be able to get funding for the Green Party. Mainly, I didn't like how he was treated during the campaign. They would not let him participate in debates. Also I didn't like Gore’s attitude of running away from and avoiding being linked with one of the most successful men who has ever held office in the late 20th Century, Bill Clinton. Yes, Clinton cheated on Hillary with a pudgy intern. This action I feel did not warrant him being treated as thought he were the bogeyman? If Gore had embraced his legacy in the Clinton White house more often during his campaign I would have felt comfortable voting for him. He seemed by his actions to be agreeing with those Republicans who go on and on about how Clinton ruined America. Thus it gave me the feeling that Nader was correct when he said that the Democratic Party and the Republican Party were one in the same.

I happen to live in a solidly Democratic state. Maryland, is the land of the yellow dog Democrats. We’d rather vote for a yellow dog for President than a Republican. Ours was among the few states that wasn’t a part of the Reagan Revolution. We solidly voted against his Presidency not once but twice. So I knew going into the voting booth that Maryland was unequivocally for Gore no matter who I voted for. Therefore my vote for Nader was not in anyway a vote for that evil retarded chimp, Bush. Gore would win Maryland no matter who I voted for. Guess what ladies and gentlemen Gore won Maryland. Gore won the Presidency. Bush stole the Presidency with aide of the Republican packed Supreme Court and his brother the Governor of the People’s Banana Republic of Florida.

Second off I will not be voting for Nader during this political campaign. I won’t be doing it because I feel that the stakes are too high. I don’t won’t that idiotic chimp to stay in office any longer. He has done nothing but help his corporations oil cronies get richer and give tax breaks to the already rich. He has ensconce us in an unjust war that was started solely so that he could look good in Papa Bush’s eyes.

One word, Vietnam. I feel it highly ironic that Bush who went AWOL during his National Guard stateside service is continually pushing our servicemen and women into a war that is being fought over nothing. I have yet to see any proof of weapons of mass destruction and feel that I never will. This was a war started solely for vanities sake.

I don’t know which Democratic candidate I’ll be voting for. I suppose I’ll be voting for John Kerry. I was previously for Howard Dean until the infamous howling incident. I already hear that there are rumors around that Kerry hasn’t been fateful to his wife. Call me whatever you want but If I hear that a guy who’s running for President has been unfateful to his wife I see it as a marker that he’ll make a good President. Besides Kerry actually served in the Vietnam War so there’s no way that you could say that he has less character than Bush. He served his country while Bush ran away from it like a little punk ass bitch.

Saturday, February 21, 2004

It looks like the stuff I have up on eBay isn't going to sell. I feel that the main reason for this is the photos I used. The digital camera I have is cheap and unsophisticated...not that there’s anything wrong with that. The pictures I have up contain too much of the surroundings they were photographed in. The next thing I will have to do is figure out how to do close up pictures of my artwork that do not include the background. Previously, I used to just put my paintings on the scanner. I couldn't do that with my recent batch of paintings because they are larger than the scanner and it would take a long time scanning them in, section by section, then later fitting them together in photoshop like a jigsaw puzzle. The reason I bought this digital camera was to eliminate that headache. The only other solution I see is to buy a brand new digital camera that has zoom capabilities. Therefore, my latest mission is to find an affordable digital camera that has zoom capabilities.

Also on my want list is an Alphasmart 3000. I first saw it advertised in an issue of Writer’s Digest and have been salivating after it ever since. With the Alphasmart I could do my writing on the train, in the cafeteria, at the mall, whenever I felt like it. I often times have ideas for stories or blog entries on the train but feel hesitant to take out my pen and paper to write it down then come home and transfer it to my computer. My hesitation is mainly based on the amount of the manual labor that would be involved. Writing by long hand and then later transcribing by manually typing each word into the computer takes a lot of precious time.

With the Alphasmart 3000 I could just type away then download it to my computer, no transcribing required! All in all I’d rather have this than a bulky energy wasting notebook computer.

From what I read the Alphasmart runs on ordinary AA batteries that you can buy anywhere. It is designed to be energy efficient. The AA batteries you bought from Walmart or Rite Aid last up to 30 hours in the Alphasmart! Also, it’s nearly indestructible. It was originally designed for learning disabled students but a number of writers have adopted it as an affordable, portable writing tool. Since I have a horrible tendency to drop things this is definitely a selling point for me. I have to say that I’d rather have the Alphasmart 3000 than it’s latest update the Alphasmart Dana.

The updated and very expensive version has palm pilot capabilities, and lasts up to 700 hours on the AA batteries. I know that if I got the Dana very little writing would be accomplished. I’d be checking e-mail and playing games instead of working on my writing.

So my second mission is to save up to buy an Alphasmart 3000. Oh, before I forget Alphasmart has a loaner program where they will send you an Alphasmart for free to try out for 2 weeks. I’m thinking about doing this but would rather wait until I have my money saved up before I tried it out because I know in the end, I'M GONNA BUY IT!!!!

I’m happy today because I looked up my Netflix queue and noticed that I have one more Ioan Gruffudd movie left!!!! Then alas it’s all over until his tv series starts up next month. In case you’re curious the last Ioan movie I have in my queue is Poldark. I hear that the movie isn’t all that great. However, I hear that Ioan is splendid as usual. Hopefully, this movie will be arriving sometime next week.

Friday, February 20, 2004

The above picture is of the completed rainbow Afghan I was working on last year around this time. I remember starting it on a Sunday evening as I was watching Matthew Broderick in the Music Man.

It appears that Mel Karmazin the head of Infinity Broadcasting has issued out a new set of regulations for his on air staff. In case you don’t know New York based Infinity Radio is a major player in Baltimore radio as well as the country. In Baltimore they own WHFS, WLIF, WQSR, WMMX, WXYV, and two AM gospel stations, WBGR and WBMD . They also are the company responsible for bringing to the airwaves the Howard Stern Show. Basically, Infinity radio is owned by Viacom which owns CBS. CBS is still feeling the heat from the Janet Jackson, er, wardrobe malfunction.... So Mel has issued out a zero tolerance warning to his employees that if they say anything “arguably indecent” on air that could in anyway be construed as being offensive then they the disc jockey as well as the general manager and the program director would be fired no questions asked. Yikes!! I’d hate to work there. I bet everyone is running around there like nervous nellies.

I can’t wait for Monday to come to see what Howard Stern will say about the new regulations Mel has issued. Stern has been on vacation all this week. I wonder if we will be hearing a G-rated Howard Stern Show from now on?

Don and Mike from the Don and Mike Show are wigged out about the new regulations because they recently got back from a 2 week suspension without pay because the word “bull shit” accidentally got out on air. I know I’m not a part of the radio radio industry and do not for sure who handles the delay button but from my vantage point as a listener I feel this was unfair. I would find it hard to believe that on-air talent alone were responsible for the delay button. I imagine that would be a job you would give to your production team. Why wasn’t that person doing there job and why did Don and Mike take the fall?

So today Don and Mike were playing music instead of doing there usual on air schtick. They said they weren't going to say anything on air until they’ve met with the station lawyers on Monday to have it spelled in black and out what they can and can’t say on air according to Mel’s newest regulations. Let’s face it they are scared shitless since being suspended without pay for something that wasn’t all there fault. Also they know that Infinity is chomping at the bit to find dj’s to make an example of. Despite there being little talk on today, I really must say that Don Geronimo played a brilliant mix of pop tunes. This guy should be a program director!!! Oh, I forgot he used to be one!!! I guess I’ll have to wait until Monday to find out if the era of shock jock radio is dead forever more.

On the art front. I hope to have a painting ready to display for Maryland Art Place’s Annual Out of Order Benefit Auction. The auction will be held this year on Saturday April 24, 2004, 8pm till 1am. Here’s pictures of last years Out of Order 2003. If I decide to go after installing my work I think I’ll stay about a half an hour before I leave. I’ll definitely be doing something for the show. The question is how comfortable would I be staying for the auction.

I still haven’t decided if I'm going to have my portfolio reviewed for the upcoming Illustrators Conference in New York. Heck, I haven't even sent in my money yet. I suppose I’ll either send it in on my next paycheck or the one after that. Right now I have plenty of time as the conference isn’t until Monday, April 26, 2004 and the money is due by April 12, 2004.

Looks like I’ll be having a very busy April! :)

I did something possibly brilliant or stupid this weekend. I listed more of my
artwork on eBay.

Yesterday, I found this really great website that publishes your book on demand. It appears to be free. I think I might upload a few mysteries I've written but never had the courage to send off to publishers. The link to this site is lulu It was started by the guy who was responsible for redhat/linux so it must be legit.

I'm sad to report that the Ioan Gruffudd film festival is now almost at it's end. I received my last Ioan film this weekend. It's the latest Hornblower epic that aired in December 2003. It took almost forever for it to become available. I suppose Hornblower must be very popular with the folks on netflix.com.

I'm happy to report that Ioan has a new tv series coming out on CBS next month called Century City. The premise of the show looks hokey. It's about a law firm in the future. I'll probably be the only one watching.

On the art front I'm getting my slides together to submit to School 33 for a possible gallery showing next year. Also I'll be attending the Society of Children's Books Writer's and Illustrators, illustrators conference in April. This will mark the first time I've ever traveled to New York alone. Then again maybe I can talk one of my neices into coming along with me....

Friday, February 6, 2004

I was three hours late for work this morning. There was a constant down pour of rain that resulted with ice on the ground. It was my worst nightmare come to life, icy sidewalks.

Despite, the horrible morning start the greatest tragedy today was that I missed Trent Dawson in Center Stage’s production of The Miser. I absolutely adore Trent on As the World Turns where he plays Henry Coleman, the lovable con man. This show makes his second appearance at Center Stage this year. I had previously seen him earlier in the season in Misalliance.

I really wanted to make it out to the show tonight but I feared I would catch a cold. My feet were still wet when I got home from work and it’s still raining outside. My sidewalk is still icy. I fear catching another cold. Who knows maybe Trent will grace the stage with his presence later in the season?

Friday, January, 30, 2004

Today since I have a three day weekend I thought I’d do the near impossible, enter all my comic books in a spreadsheet so that I can track their values. This will be the scariest task I have ever undertaken bar none. I’ve collected comic books since I was a kid. The two oldest comic books I have are Star Wars issue 5 and a Six Million Dollar Man from the 70’s. I have god knows how many comics stored away in boxes in the upper shelves of my closet. So this weekend I will attempt to gather and list them all then go back to all my Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide and find and list there values through the years.

The two most valuable books I have are issue 1 of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I got it because I liked the quirky title. The other comic I have that is valuable is issue 2 of the X-Files. The series I’ve always collected have been Batman, and the X-Men. I’m not a died in the wool fan of the X-Men but I do admit that when I was a kid I wanted to be Storm. That’s right, I wanted to dye my hair white and everything. The only shocking thing I have to confess about the X-Men is that I’ve never seen the X-Men movies and as an adult I buy them purely for financial reasons. I mean those babies literally make money overnight.

The only comic book I actually read from time to time is Batman because, well, he’s the Dark Knight, and he’s cool. Throughout the years I have accumulated a steady collection of the Punisher, and She-Hulk comics. I have the Punisher because when I first read it I was shocked. I mean this guy did not play. It was the most ultra-violent comic book I have ever read. I have a lot of She-Hulk’s because I liked her when she was a member of The Avengers.

I stopped collecting comic books on a regular basis when I met Michael. He had a better and more extensive collection of comics. Name an issue any issue odds are he has it. I kept thinking of ways to run off with his comic book collection or steal them slowly one by one. I don’t think I will ever get involved with another fellow comic book collector.

Through him I saw the dark side of comic book collecting and knew I did not want to go back there to a world of obsessive compulsive collecting. It was a relationship filled with mistrust and anxiety. I had books he wanted (autographed) and he had books I wanted. “You don’t want me you want my comic book collection don’t you! I’ve seen the way you were eying my Archie meets the Punisher comics! Back I say back!! That’s right I have a Spawn issue 1 autographed by Todd McFarland top that baby!”

Tuesday, January 27, 2004

Today, there was a miserable snow/rain mix outside. Thus, I was late for work. Only about 6 people from my department showed up. I don’t know why but I just felt angry as they showed up one by one. I was hoping that by coming in today I would get a free vacation or personal day. They do that from time to time if x-amount of people don’t show up for work. I was angry when Jai showed up then Brian showed then Keisha had the audacity to show up grrrrr!!

I thought I’d have a peaceful laid back day hanging with the snow crew Lisa, Deborah, Arnold, and the old Dave-ster. But no!! Keisha and Brian had to show up ruining my day. Ughhh! Those meddling conscientious co-workers ruining my possible free personal or vacation day!!! I’m sorry I had a Scooby-Doo moment right there. You know the part in the show where the villain is foiled and always without fail rails about, “Those meddling kids!” Well that’s how I felt folks, “Those blasted faithful co-workers!”

Here’s the part everyone is dying to know the celebrities these co-workers most resemble, Lisa looks like, a young Melissa Gilbert. I’ve already said in a previous post that Deborah looks like Marla Gibbs. Dave, who is Brian’s supervisor looks kind of like the guy who plays Agent Smith in the Matrix movies who looks like Elrond, the Elf King in the Lord of the Rings movies. Yes, I know that both roles are played by the same guy, Hugo Weaving, and Dave looks kind of like him. Every time I see Dave I think to myself there goes the Elf King. What does the Elf King want? Oh my god the Elf King is laughing! Who amongst you has upset the Elf King?

As I’ve said in a previous post Brian, my supervisor, looks like Mr. Clean. I’ve already said that Jai the most cheerful woman on the planet looks like Rosalind Chao. The celebrity Keisha most resembles is recording artist Tweet with much shorter hair.

Today was notable because I heard Arnold laugh out loud. I can’t recall ever hearing Arnold laugh before. I’ve seen him smile but never heard him actually laugh out loud. It was very infectious. I wonder what makes him laugh? The celebrity Arnold most resembles is character actor, Larry Drake. Drake is the guy who used to play Benny, the retarded,....uh mentally impaired, assistant on LA Law. He also played Darkman and Dr. Giggles. Sometimes I think maybe Arnold has Asperger’s Syndrome like I do but then again what do I know? I guess I’ll never know for sure because you can’t go up to someone and ask, “Hey, do you have Asperger’s Syndrome, or are you just one step closer to going postal, because I asked you this stupid inane question?”

Anyway, I have to make up about 50 minutes of work this week. My train was an hour late. My feet are cold and I’m going to bed.

Tuesday, January 26, 2004

There was a snowstorm outside this morning. I took the day off of work. I got a lot of work done on some mail art I’m working on. I hope to be able to send it out on Friday.

Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Today my work schedule is permanently switched to the one I’ve always wanted. The reason it was switched was because Brian was annoyed that I was the only one working two different schedules. The majority, heck, all of the people who were doing that schedule dropped out, except me. So now I work Monday and Friday until 1:15 in the afternoon. The rest of the week I work until 4:30 in the evening. I love this schedule! Now I don’t have to leave out early for doctor’s appointments. I can just make them on either Mondays or Fridays. Oh, Joy! Oh, Rapture!

I’ve been watching The Forsyte Saga, series 1 on dvd as I continue on with my Ioan Gruffudd film festival. I’m sad to report that Ioan’s character Mr. Bosinney died in part 3 of the saga. I can’t believe it! He’s the only reason I rented this show from netflix, and now his character is dead. Oh, well I guess I’ll see if the saga with out Ioan lighting up the screen is any good.

The Forsyte Saga so far kind of reminds me of the soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful. There’s this character in it named Irene who has practically slept with nearly every male member of the Forsythe family just like Brooke Logan on B&B has never met a male Forrester she didn't want. Watching this gives me the feeling that the Bell family who produce B&B as well as The Young and the Restless must have cribbed there storylines from John Galsworthy’s book.

I now have 4 friends on tribe.net!

Monday, January 19, 2004

I tried to join friendster.com. I mainly tried to do this because I was on cold medicine and thought it would be fun. It’s amazing the things I’ll try to do while zonked out on cold medicine. I’m sure that everyone in the entire universe knows that in order to really join friendster you have to have friends who are willing to join along with you. It’s kind of like Amway or multi-level marketing 21st century style. Needless to say I invited everyone in my e-mail address book to join. No one replied. So I’m friendless on friendster.

I also joined tribe.com I found it much faster and you didn't have to have friends to join. You can make friends as you go along and join individual tribes. Overall, I like tribe.com much better. It doesn't feel as cliquish and it moves much faster. So far I’ve already made a friend. His/Her name is Winter. Also I found that fellow Baltimore blogger, wonderboy was listed. If he’s there I know it must be a cool place.