A phoenix will soon be rising from the ashes ... stay tuned.
The Boy and His Briefs has some beautiful pictures of a pink Dahlia and calls attention to the need for color in the city this fall.
Interesting (and tangentially) enough, my favorite quote is from a Tom Stoppard play (insert English accent here): Fucked by a Dahlia!
It's a good think this city has plenty of that this fall, too.
Interesting (and tangentially) enough, my favorite quote is from a Tom Stoppard play (insert English accent here): Fucked by a Dahlia!
It's a good think this city has plenty of that this fall, too.
How could you not love brains ... I mean, zombies? I just can't wait for the Bruce LaBruce film Otto; or, Up With Dead People to be released. It's currently in post-production and promises to be a 'new zombie mythology' according to Bruce's site. Check out one of the production stills courtesy of Slava's blog:
Maybe Bruce LaBruce will be kind enough to give me a cameo in his next production.
Maybe Bruce LaBruce will be kind enough to give me a cameo in his next production.
I'm not sure about the song, but this video turns up the heat. I know it's pretty standard, but I can't get over how hot that star tattoo looks on the one guy. And, I think I'm going to have to agree with QueerBeacon's comments about the woman seeming a bit out of place sometimes. Maybe I was just distracted ...
![MaleGaze_OpeningEvite_0[6].jpg](http://certaindisaster.com/archives/MaleGaze_OpeningEvite_0[6].jpg)
Finally! An art event that actually looks worthy of attending. Sponsored by the powerHouse Arena and OUT magazine, the exhibit runs through May 27th, 2007 and shows the works of over 20 artists dealing with subject matter involving masculinity and homosexuality. Included in the exhibition are works by Bruce LaBruce, Slava Mogutin, Paul Mpagi Sepuya, and Wilhelm von Gloeden. Check it out: 37 Main Street, Brooklyn (yes ... Brooklyn ... if I could drag my ass there so can you) M-F: 10am - 7pm Weekends: 11am - 7p
*Also titled: How Being on a Reality TV Show Can Kill Your Career (and Credibility)
When Bravo's Top Chef finished it's season with a big, fat fizzle, I was truly excited to fill it's place in myheart schedule with Top Design. After watching the first few episodes, I'm struck that it's not the mediocre designs that I find distasteful, but the stiff judges who seem to lack both personality and design chops (not in their resumes, to be fair, just in their on-screen time). Not only do they make the show tedious to watch - but they lack the only talents actually necessary for a reality TV judge to possess: a strong point of view and the ability to clearly (or at least wittingly) articulate that view.
Although Todd Oldham needs some serious lessons at using a teleprompter (does he really have so little personality that the producers won't even let him talk on his own??), at least he comes across as nice and as having some sort of investment in the designers. Jonathan Adler, however, is another story.
As someone in the design field, I'd like to think he'd be able to come across as a little less 'stiff' on camera. I'm sure sitting up there on those stools doesn't help much, but it's not like that much personality is attached to the ass. I often wonder, while watching the judging, if Adler talks to all people like they're four years old or just this group of designers. He's always saying that he can't stand depressing designs, but all life gets sucked off screen whenever he speaks. Perhaps it's because he never says anything interesting. At least Margaret Russell tries ("You can't design a room around a cat" is sadly the only memorable line to come out of this show). It's almost scary to watch Adler tour the designed rooms. Have you ever seen anyone look that uncomfortable? Watch the faces of the designers as well as the other judges. Whenever he walks away, the look on their faces bears a striking resemblance to that of someone who has just survived an awkward cocktail party encounter.
Now, normally, I'd say, "OK, so what, he's just not made for TV", but sadly, the show has actually changed my opinion of him. Having previously been really into his stuff, I now feel like I can't take him seriously. Can I actually trust designs from a man who cannot articulate any clear and consistent view on design? Shouldn't a design guru like the great Jonathan Adler be shining a spotlight on the designs, recognizing where the designers were trying to take it, and then articulating how they could have gotten to that point more successfully? A useless judge (and teacher for that matter) is one who just relies on his/her gut reaction without being able to explain what's causing the reaction. At some level, personal tastes is irrelevant. With design ... and especially with designs for clients ... the real question should be, 'were the objectives satisfied and is this a successful design.' Does he actually think that nitpicking and calling designs 'kookoo' or 'grody' flies in this day and age? With the growing interest in design, I think the Bravo viewers deserve a bit more than that. And I think that Adler's customers deserve at least some personality from their designer ... or has he already proved himself irrelevant by appearing on this travesty of a 'design' show? Please Mr. Adler, take your Prozac from your cookie jar and bring some insight to your job ... otherwise, "see ya later, decorator" - get off the stage.
When Bravo's Top Chef finished it's season with a big, fat fizzle, I was truly excited to fill it's place in my
Although Todd Oldham needs some serious lessons at using a teleprompter (does he really have so little personality that the producers won't even let him talk on his own??), at least he comes across as nice and as having some sort of investment in the designers. Jonathan Adler, however, is another story.
As someone in the design field, I'd like to think he'd be able to come across as a little less 'stiff' on camera. I'm sure sitting up there on those stools doesn't help much, but it's not like that much personality is attached to the ass. I often wonder, while watching the judging, if Adler talks to all people like they're four years old or just this group of designers. He's always saying that he can't stand depressing designs, but all life gets sucked off screen whenever he speaks. Perhaps it's because he never says anything interesting. At least Margaret Russell tries ("You can't design a room around a cat" is sadly the only memorable line to come out of this show). It's almost scary to watch Adler tour the designed rooms. Have you ever seen anyone look that uncomfortable? Watch the faces of the designers as well as the other judges. Whenever he walks away, the look on their faces bears a striking resemblance to that of someone who has just survived an awkward cocktail party encounter.
Now, normally, I'd say, "OK, so what, he's just not made for TV", but sadly, the show has actually changed my opinion of him. Having previously been really into his stuff, I now feel like I can't take him seriously. Can I actually trust designs from a man who cannot articulate any clear and consistent view on design? Shouldn't a design guru like the great Jonathan Adler be shining a spotlight on the designs, recognizing where the designers were trying to take it, and then articulating how they could have gotten to that point more successfully? A useless judge (and teacher for that matter) is one who just relies on his/her gut reaction without being able to explain what's causing the reaction. At some level, personal tastes is irrelevant. With design ... and especially with designs for clients ... the real question should be, 'were the objectives satisfied and is this a successful design.' Does he actually think that nitpicking and calling designs 'kookoo' or 'grody' flies in this day and age? With the growing interest in design, I think the Bravo viewers deserve a bit more than that. And I think that Adler's customers deserve at least some personality from their designer ... or has he already proved himself irrelevant by appearing on this travesty of a 'design' show? Please Mr. Adler, take your Prozac from your cookie jar and bring some insight to your job ... otherwise, "see ya later, decorator" - get off the stage.
The Afterhours Blog turns one! Rock on, guys. This is where I go to check out the House. They keep it fresh and sure know how to keep my heart pumping at the gym or on the dance floor. Stop by, wish the Afterhours folks happy birthday, and download some great remixes that'll help you remember ... well ... last weekend.
Heavenly music to our ears. Suck brings us this unique leather hymn book cover for your ipod
! This is sure to make sunday morning fly by in about the time it takes for me to listen to one of the remixes from the night before.
Things it's probably not OK to write in a Valentine's Day card to a 1 year old (I just can't help it - whenever I write cards it's like I'm writing to the 30 year old version of the person):
Dear [insert name of one year old here],
Happy Valentine's Day, sweetie! I hope that no matter what comes your way, you'll always remember that there is infinite love out there in the universe. Well ... not, um ... infinite ... not like slutty love. Oh crap. Nevermind. You'll know what I mean when you are older. You're too young to know what this crappy holiday is all about anyway.
Love,
Uncle [me]
Dear [insert name of one year old here],
Happy Valentine's Day, sweetie! I hope that no matter what comes your way, you'll always remember that there is infinite love out there in the universe. Well ... not, um ... infinite ... not like slutty love. Oh crap. Nevermind. You'll know what I mean when you are older. You're too young to know what this crappy holiday is all about anyway.
Love,
Uncle [me]
Finally! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
is now available for pre-sale. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see how this story ends. I've been hooked for the last 6 books, and like any good junkie, I need more.
Now you, too, can bask in the dirtiness that once was the Manhole (and later J's Hangout) and take back the night from the tragedy that has become the meatpacking district. Starting Wednesday, February 7th, join DJ Lina and DJ Van Scott as they spin some super tunes at P.O.W.
Be a Superhero for the night and explore the depths of Level V (located in a space once infamous for it's 'you can't put your head below waist level' rule). You never know - you may just meet a mysterious stranger from your past. And if not, you'll at least have lots of cute Superhero and Bad-Boy Go-Go dancers (something tells me I'll like the Bad-Boys a bit more).
Enjoy super drink specials and the underground private lairs, including the secret Ÿber-sexy Bat Cave. See you all there, but don't bother looking for me - I'll be in disguise.
P.O.W.
Wednesday, February 7th
Level V, 675 Hudson Street (at cornter of 14th St. and Hudson)
Oh, and for all you fancy gays - it's located under Vento, so go have a good meal beforehand.
Be a Superhero for the night and explore the depths of Level V (located in a space once infamous for it's 'you can't put your head below waist level' rule). You never know - you may just meet a mysterious stranger from your past. And if not, you'll at least have lots of cute Superhero and Bad-Boy Go-Go dancers (something tells me I'll like the Bad-Boys a bit more).
Enjoy super drink specials and the underground private lairs, including the secret Ÿber-sexy Bat Cave. See you all there, but don't bother looking for me - I'll be in disguise.
P.O.W.
Wednesday, February 7th
Level V, 675 Hudson Street (at cornter of 14th St. and Hudson)
Oh, and for all you fancy gays - it's located under Vento, so go have a good meal beforehand.
Today at CES, Nokia unveiled a brand-spanking new device - the N93i. What caught my attention (besides how good the damn thing looks) is the fact that you can post photos and videos from the mobile device to your blog through Vox (anyone heard of them?)
Now, I know I've been a bit slow with the posts recently ... but I've been thinking about how to reinvent certainDISASTER and I think video might be the way to go. If I get my hands on one of these, the boys over at GOOL better watch out - think: nightlife, interviews, the works.
If you haven't already noticed, I like to think big.
Now, I know I've been a bit slow with the posts recently ... but I've been thinking about how to reinvent certainDISASTER and I think video might be the way to go. If I get my hands on one of these, the boys over at GOOL better watch out - think: nightlife, interviews, the works.
If you haven't already noticed, I like to think big.
Resolutions for 2007? Um. None for me, thanks. Luckily, I resolved back in 2002 never again to make New Year's resolutions. Oddly enough, it's the only one I've managed to ever keep!
Tangent: I've also decided that this year, for Lent, I'm going to give up underwear. Mark your calendars.
Tangent: I've also decided that this year, for Lent, I'm going to give up underwear. Mark your calendars.
Check out Illeana Douglas's undiscovered (until now) TV pilot. Who cares that this is probably just some marketing pyramid sceme to get people massively interested in the show before it's even sold to a network - it's awesome! Illeana Douglas rocks (as usual - I mean ... how could you not love her??), Justine Bateman almost gets her ass kicked (it's about time), and a small host of other characters add just enough oddness to make me want more.
Sunday afternoon. Sitting on my couch. Thinking. Thinking a lot. Wondering why I'm in this HeadSpace. It seems like the perfect lazy Sunday activity, no? But then, almost out of nowhere, there is a thought in my head (how zen, right). This simple thought leads to another, of course, and suddenly - without realizing that it was even what I was thinking about - I have the first few lines of my book.
We all know that the first line is the most important (and the most dreaded by the lone writer staring wide-eyed at the blank page)... but developing the first few lines is even MORE exciting to me because it finally starts to really frame the tone of the writing and tie together my personal point of view on the content. Finally.
We all know that the first line is the most important (and the most dreaded by the lone writer staring wide-eyed at the blank page)... but developing the first few lines is even MORE exciting to me because it finally starts to really frame the tone of the writing and tie together my personal point of view on the content. Finally.
Remember when Pop Rocks was at Flamingo East (even before it was at Plaid) and attracted every cute guy below 14th street? If so, that probably means you are too damn old to check out the return of Pop Rocks at 13 on Thursday, October 19 (mark it down in your calendar, boys). Hosted by the lovely Shania Rendezvous (honey, gotta get you a webpage) - this party will be sure to get your blood pumping and ass boucing up and down on the dancefloor.
And don't let me scare you, guys, you're never too old to rock out. Prove you still have 'it' and join DJ Chip Duckett and DJ Drew as they celebrate the release of the 2007 Dieux du Stade (the nude French rugby calendar). After you dance til you just can't dance no more, grab a free calendar ... which will be 'useful' later on in the eveing if you don't find a cutie of your own on the dance floor. Get there early for the open bar 10-11 ... and be sure to get on DJ Drew's Guest List.
Pop Rocks
13
35 East 13th Street at University
Oct. 19th: Release of the Dieux du Stade 2007 calendar
And don't let me scare you, guys, you're never too old to rock out. Prove you still have 'it' and join DJ Chip Duckett and DJ Drew as they celebrate the release of the 2007 Dieux du Stade (the nude French rugby calendar). After you dance til you just can't dance no more, grab a free calendar ... which will be 'useful' later on in the eveing if you don't find a cutie of your own on the dance floor. Get there early for the open bar 10-11 ... and be sure to get on DJ Drew's Guest List.
Pop Rocks
13
35 East 13th Street at University
Oct. 19th: Release of the Dieux du Stade 2007 calendar
