ewelthorpe

Facebook as Blog

2011-03-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

It seems like I have been using Facebook as my de facto blog for the past, oh, year or longer. I'm putting up links to my stories and any ol' interesting thing I fancy (or loathe).

Meanwhile... my first story for the NY Post is slated to run on March 29th. I'm staying mum about its subject/topic until it runs.

More to come. Or... just check my facebook!

L

I Won! I Won!

2010-07-19T17:24:00.000-07:00

Well, WE won! Los Angeles' Outfest honored BearCity with two awards: Outstanding Screenplay (by myself & Doug Langway) and Outstanding Male Actor (Stephen Guarino).

A real affirmation that we not only gave the "bear" crowd the date movie they had been waiting for, but also that we managed to touch universal hearts and funny bones.

Thank you Outfest and the BearCity family!!!

L
ps - that's me, Doug, and Producer Lewis Tice in the photo...

Arizon-ugh

2010-04-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

As a professional travel writer, my job and personal passion is to encourage people to see more of the world, to diversify their views, and to stimulate the places they visit both economically and culturally with their own presence.

So it's always heartbreaking, if not angering, to see a city behave badly, as it were. To espouse ignorance or bigotry. And Arizona, boy oh boy, have you gone and done that.

As Bill Maher recently observed, there is no Nazi movie without the line "show me your papers." The phrase is as anti-freedom as it gets. It's scary. I can imagine some frail Holocaust survivor, of which there are few left, in Arizona being asked to "show me your papers." It wouldn't be a shining moment for them, that I can assure you.

And now this news??

I encourage Arizona's tourism department to make a stir. This is only going to hurt Arizona tourism-wise. Barring perhaps some white supremacist conventions, I can't see this being a draw for the state.

Funny enough I was stuck in Phoenix for a night in January when a storm canceled my connection flight and closed the airport. I thought, were this any other time, I would love to spend some time here. And I do want to go, to write about Arizona. But.... well, I'm not alone in saying that's going to wait.

Arizona, do whatever it takes and get rid of that law!

L

Spelt Like This

2010-03-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

OK, so when I was a freshman in college I found this single, "Contract of the Heart" by Spelt Like This, in a Yale-area record shop (mind you I didn't go to Yale, just went there to hang out and shop and see art films). I knew nothing about the group, but really liked this ditty.

Years later, with everything online, I found the video on YouTube.

Oh boy.

I don't think that guy is at all interested in a "woman to man" situation unless it's strictly professional. This video is insane. It's nuts. I'm not sure how I feel about the song now. Do I like it more? Less? Will I be able to separate it from the almost-as-gay-yet-supposed-to-be-straight Big Fun group that is performing here? Can I live with their lies?

L

Sunshine

2010-03-20T23:32:00.000-07:00

How lame am I? No updates in forever. So lame!

Sunshine and spring has finally come to New York, and today seemingly everyone in the city went outside to take advantage. It's like a tube of Pillsbury biscuits was twisted open with the dough exploding out the sides, everyone was so sick and tired of the winter they absolutely had to be outdoors. Shake Shack had what seemed to be a 3-hour-long line (you definitely deserve verbal abuse if you spend 3 hours waiting on a line for pretty much anything unless you're in 1980s Russia or a hospital).

Even though much work to do this week, I want the sun and spring to stay. Working indoors is a happier affair with that through the window...

L

My Hong Kong wine story

2010-01-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

My first story from my recent trip to Hong Kong is a post about the wine scene going on for National Geographic's Intelligent Traveler blog (which you should check out regardless - it's a great site!). Check 'er out!

L

Nicholas Hoult on A Single Man

2009-12-24T19:49:00.001-08:00

My interview with Nicholas Hoult about his role as a gay lad hot for teacher in "A Single Man" is running in some regional LGBT publications. Here's the version from Chicago's Windy City Times.

Avec Cafeine

2009-11-28T19:34:00.001-08:00

Canadian indie rocker Xavier Cafeine has a new album out, so while I suss out which tracks I like I'm posting one of his 2007 album's best tracks here... Enjoy!

L

OMG

2009-11-24T22:11:00.000-08:00

Holy cripes. This really strikes fear into me.

L

What If? Wha-hat I-hi-hif?

2009-11-16T14:25:00.000-08:00

I love Michael Lucid's twisted "What If" skits. Ridiculous hypothetical questions are one of my favorite things in the world, so this is like double delicious!

Thanks Michael!

L

BearCity Meets The Advocate!

2009-09-03T16:31:00.000-07:00

Brandon Voss did a set visit on the last day of shooting for The Advocate's website. Take a peek and enjoy!

By the way, it is hotly contested whether I am a "bear" or "cub." Weigh in (pun not intended but fitting).

L

ps - That photo is a Lawrence sandwich with actors Brian Keane and Stephen Guarino, who play couple Fred & Brent in BearCity.

Some Free Madge!

2009-08-31T11:25:00.000-07:00

Got this press release today so all you Madge fans get to iTunes tomorrow for that thar freebie video!

NEW MADONNA “CELEBRATION” VIDEO WORLD PREMIERES EXCLUSIVELY ON THE ITUNES STORE AS FREE DOWNLOAD FOR 48 HOURS

Burbank, CA – Madonna’s hotly anticipated new video for her “Celebration” single will have its exclusive world premiere on the iTunes store as a free download for two days beginning Tuesday, September 1, 2009. Madonna is a multi-award winning visionary in the realm of video performance. The “Celebration” video, which contains mind-boggling dance moves, reaffirms yet again her reputation as the master of the “short movie.” The video will be available for purchase on iTunes on Thursday, September 3rd.

The “Celebration” video, directed by long time Madonna creative collaborator Jonas Akerlund (“Ray of Light”) was filmed recently in Milan, Italy and features the Material Girl dancing with her amazing troupe of performers from her current “Sticky & Sweet” Tour. The video also includes cameo appearances by Madonna’s daughter, Lola Leon and model/DJ Jesus Luz.

Simultaneous to the video debut, Madonna’s definitive greatest hits album, “Celebration” which has been totally remastered and includes two new songs, can be pre-ordered on iTunes.

Check out a clip of Madonna’s hot "Celebration" video on the link below (For embedded code, please contact me):

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid4020141001/?bctid=ref:A10302B00009527375

Full video available on iTunes beginning September 1^st.

La Dolce Bears

2009-08-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

Michael Musto of the Village Voice did a fantastic bit on BearCity in his new La Dolce Musto column! Check it out, as well as his blog.

Owl City

2009-08-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

BearCity actor Will Bethencourt turned me on to Owl City while on the set last week. "Fireflies" is totally addictive, isn't it? Thanks Will!!

L

BearCity Begins

2009-08-08T13:54:00.000-07:00

We begin shooting BearCity on Monday - and some notes and news is appearing online. Here's a first peek at the cast, which you can also see on imdb!

L

BearCity the Movie...

2009-08-03T22:57:00.001-07:00

The gay romantic comedy I co-wrote, BearCity, is scheduled to begin shooting Monday August 10th!

Please do check out the film's website and Facebook (which include links to the Twitter and Myspace pages)!

Very exciting time...

L

New Pants

2009-07-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

Mainland Chinese electro/rock/alternative act New Pants now has their albums up on iTunes USA. Which is great, because going all the way to Beijing/Shanghai to find them is a mighty haul. Let's celebrate with a video for one of their Nu Disco-style ditties!

L

BearCity is Casting!

2009-06-29T09:38:00.001-07:00

The folks who brought you "Another Gay Movie" and "Bear Cub are putting
out the casting call for acting talent.

Bear City Movie Casting Call

The new gay, romantic comedy entitled "BearCity" is set in New York City's bear
community. Here's your chance to be part of this "Sex in the City with fur."

There's a little something for everyone!

We're seeking actors of all ethnicities, ages, shapes and sizes in the NYC
area.

For consideration, send your best Headshot/Picture and Resume to
casting@bearcitythemovie.com.

For more information visit www.bearcitythemovie.com.

Ptown Film Festival Redux/Flashback

2009-06-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

Sadly, I had to cancel my plans to attend the Provincetown International Film Festival this past weekend - which takes place in the ridiculously lovely and liberal Ptown, MA, a true mecca for both nuclear families and queers unlike any other place or amalgamation I have seen - but last summer's experience there was one of pure joy (a gracious thanks to Jeff Hill and the festival's hopsitality staff!). A few photos to reflect upon... and hopefully I can make it back in 2010...

L

Tori Times Two

2009-06-20T22:50:00.000-07:00

I've interviewed Tori Amos a few times over the course of her career. The first was a 1998 piece for L.A. Weekly, a sort of Tori 101 that aims to explain the magical allure she cast over her fans - a mystery to those who weren't into her music. I still hold it up as one of my favorite articles. I just spoke with Tori again for Los Angeles' Frontiers In L.A. magazine (and some other gay regional publications - different versions will be running in each) which is very much current.

Compare, contrast, enjoy both!

L

London-o-Rama

2009-06-18T09:46:00.001-07:00

Back from London and working on a couple of articles (plagued by writer's block - argh!)... Meanwhile a peek at the trip... and yes, that's a PIMM's with muddled cucumber and fruit. It's the #1 cup!

L

My Advocate Interview With Zihan Loo

2009-06-12T07:12:00.000-07:00

My interview with Zihan Loo - a young filmmaker who's part of the Singaporean New Wave, and queer to boot - is up at The Advocate. He talks about his film Solos (now on DVD stateside) and a while bunch of stuff both political and arts-related. Enjoy!

L

Malaysia-o-rama

2009-06-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

A few snapshots from my trip to Malaysia while I eat sticky pudding here in London.

Mancester

2009-05-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

My Manchester article is up on LOGO's Tripoutgaytravel.com. Enjoy!

L

My Pet Shop Boys interview

2009-05-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

My new interview with Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys is running in a number of gay regional publications, and each version's a little different.

Here is the longest of the bunch, from Texas' Outsmart.

And here is a slightly shorter version from Los Angeles' Frontiers. Meanwhile, HX in NY is running a very short, tight version.

Oh - and my interview with Kirby Dick about OUTRAGE is also in the new issue of Frontiers. Enjoy!

L

Great Scot(land)!

2009-05-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

My articles on Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland for Los Angeles' Frontiers and the NY Blade are both on stands and online. They're different, so check 'em both out!

And check out Glasgow's pop band Findo Gask if you haven't yet. "Va Va Va" is one of the year's best songs!

L

OUTRAGED at OUTRAGE

2009-05-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

Kirby Dick's amazing OUTRAGE documentary on closeted gay politicians who vote antigay is starting to get picked up by the mainstream media - including this completely insane clip from a news show where the host is in a frenzy - and says he'd like to punch one of the film's subjects (who reports on closeted gay politicians). Well worth a look - both the clip and the film!

L

Yes, Pink Has Been Bi Her Whole Life

2009-05-03T00:55:00.000-07:00

Perez Hilton is going ga-ga over Pink's recent admission she is bisexual. But she told me pretty much the same thing back in 2003 when I interviewed her.

She had a girlfriend when she was 13, and wouldn't rule out future girlfriends (or at least same-sex shags). Here is that feature, which ran in a few LGBT regional publications...

And by the way, I think it's great she's even more forthright about being full-on bi these days. Go Pink!

L

Pink Think
by Lawrence Ferber

“I just do whatever the freak I wanna do and I do it with kindness,” insists Pink. Smoky voiced - kinda like the cool tough chick in high school who interceded when jocks got too far into your face - and good-humored, the 24-year-old multi-platinum-selling pop star has managed to infiltrate the mainstream with unpretentious punk attitudes, political mindedness, hot tunes, and, well, any hair color she pleases.
“I did it as a joke and kept it,” she notes of her hair’s bubblegum-tone between 2000’s debut album release, Can’t Take Me Home, and 2001’s M!ssundaztood. “But I get bored way too easily to keep shit like that.”
Try This (Arista) is Pink’s third album, and it’s a big ol’ peach. An uber-accessible tasty buffet of pop-rock with electronica (a la Garbage), R&B, soul, and retro/new wave touches depending on which of the generous 14 tracks you’re listening to. Pink reunited with M!ssundaztood’s out lesbian co-writer/producer (and erstwhile 4 Non-Blondes member) Linda Perry for several tracks. Other collaborators include Rancid’s Tim Armstrong, Billy Mann, Damon Elliott (Dionne Warwick’s son!) and “hardcore rap siren” Peaches (on “Oh My God”).
The album, set for November 11th release, is under tight security thanks to scurvy musical pirates, so I jaunted over to the publicist’s office for a leisurely listen on an iPod. Twenty-four hours later Pink’s on the phone, a little weary from the week’s press frenzy but in pleasant spirits, giggling often.
On what sets M!ssundaztood and Try This apart, Pink proffers: “different producers, different time in my life, and the biggest difference I guess is it’s not as painful, as in just bearing my soul.”
“When Linda and I collided two years ago, it started a shitstorm and M!ssundaztood was the child we had,” Pink explains. That “shitstorm” included a massive hit, “Get The Party Started,” which swept awards including a BRIT, MTV VMA, and Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice.
Apparently, Perry’s ace card was the ability to draw out Pink’s deepest personal traumas and emotions (“She handed me beers,” Pink jokes of Perry’s secret technique), resulting in an intimate, personal disc. As a result, some record executives were keen on tampering with Pink and Perry’s labors. “M!ssundaztood was a total fight, a knockdown drag-out fight,” Pink shares. “But you have to fight for something you believe in and put everything you have on the line and it was totally worth it.” In the end, some 12 million copies sold worldwide.
Try This was a far less arduous endeavor when it came to the label suits, emotions, and recording sessions. “Working with Tim I didn’t take as long,” she notes - Armstrong produced and co-wrote most of Try This. “There was no trauma! Three songs on this album were recorded on a tour bus driving down the street. ‘Trouble,’ ‘Oh My God,’ and ‘Save My Life’ -- you can [hear the motor running] - it’s pretty terrible. You have to [isolate] the vocals in order to hear it (laughs)!”
Regardless of the producers involved, many songs on Try This reflect aspects of Pink’s own life, both dark and light. “The Last To Know” chides an unspecified “stupid fuck,” for standing her up. “I’m not telling who!” Pink laughs when prodded for a name. “Save My Life” is a musical cry for help, of which Pink shares: “I actually wrote it about a couple of friends of mine, but I have been there so I know how it feels. I have a lot of friends struggling with depression, loneliness, drugs.”
And “Trouble,” the album’s first single (co-written with Armstrong), is a concept familiar to Pink since her youth. You name it, she’s caused it, she claims. “My favorite thing to do in school was organize walkouts. My whole life I loved to piss people off and make them question their own world and values and rules and all that shit. Nowadays I do it that with my music.”
Born in Doylestown, PA and raised in Philly, Pink (nee Alecia Moore) was first groomed for a musical future by her guitar-playing father. She was raised on Bob Dylan, Billy Joel and Peter, Paul and Mary (and some edgier stuff like 2 Live Crew and Skid Row, thanks to her brother). Come thirteen, Pink was enlisted to dance and sing Mary J. Blige hooks for a local rap group, Scratch n’ Smoove, and began writing her own songs. A year later, she recorded one, and fervently pursued attention at Philly clubs like hip-hop Club Fever, where she landed a five-minute guest spot every Friday night. This gig resulted in Pink’s discovery by an MCA A&R representative, and, respectively, placement in their fledgling black R&B group, Basic Instinct. The experience proved brief and ultimately unpleasant: Pink says her fellow members ousted her due to her skin color. A subsequent group, Choice, followed, which led to Pink’s discovery and signing by Antonio “L.A.” Reid, co-founder of La Face Records.
As for her (literally) colorful nickname? Rumors and origin tales abound, ranging from it’s the color her face turns when embarrassed to, more lewdly, something a boy cried out when she shoved his face, ahem, down there. “Ah, it’s all true,” Pink responds, mildly amused and clearly used to this question. “It was just a nickname people gave me when I was younger. My friends called me ‘Pink.’ It was just like ‘junior’ or anything else, and it’s become a lot larger than it was intended to be.”
Getting back to that trouble-causing habit, Pink’s been putting her personal feelings, voice and ethics to use for social causes. Recently, she shot off a letter to Petco’s CEO, Brian Devine, asking him to do something about what she alleges is the company’s cruel mistreatment of animals - allowing dead animals to rot, freezing live sick ones, overcrowding cages - in its stores (see the letter and details at http://www.peta.org/feat/pink). “I sent a letter to him, I sent a letter to Vogue, I sent a letter to Prince William,” she adds. “I’ve sent a lot of letters recently. And Petco released a statement that said everything I said wasn’t true, but,” she says, “ it’s already been proven that it is true, so all I’m doing is making people aware that that’s how they’re treating the animals.”
Pink’s also lashed out against homophobia, racism, and bigotry whenever she’s witnessed it. “I’m just a tough bitch,” she admits. “I used to get in a lot of fights. Over disrespect. I like respect and I don’t like sexism or all that prejudice and stuff. Most of my fights have been over something like that.”
Since her youth, Pink has mixed with a pretty diverse crowd, including the queer boys. “Right now I’m perfecting my catwalk,” she laughs. “I’m really coming close. I twirl the pussy, yes.” She admits to twirling with lesbianism as well - at thirteen she had a girlfriend, “and she left me for my brother. It was pretty sick!”
Would she date a girl now? “I don’t know, I don’t know. I don’t like the word ‘date.’” How about ‘sleep with’ a girl? “It depends.”
It definitely wouldn’t be one of the girls from long-since-dissolved Basic Instinct, though. In fact, Pink doesn’t have many words to spare about those gals.
“I have a tattoo on my wrist that says ‘What goes around comes around,’ so I don’t usually need to say anything to people,” she affirms. “I let karma bite them in the ass.”

Quick Bits

2009-04-27T23:13:00.000-07:00

I'm covering the Tribeca Film Fest for The Advocate's website - I'll link when the story goes up post-fest - and tonight attended the amFAR benefit reception for An Englishman in New York. Very very very very cool to meet and have conversations with John Hurt, Swoozie Kurtz, director Richard Laxton, Jonathan Tucker (who graced The Advocate's cover some years back), and Cynthia Nixon. I can't resist - I'm posting two of the photos here in true starf*cker fashion. God, I feel dirty.

Meanwhile, "swine flu" is my new unhealthy (no pun intended) Google obsession (replacing "Palin" at long last!).

L

Crist Almighty!

2009-04-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

I just saw OUTRAGE, Kirby Dick's new documentary on closeted USA politicians and the harm they cause - and, when they come out, the good they can do. The film pretty effectively outs a number of sold-my-soul-to-the-devil politicians including Florida's governor Charlie Crist, who sold us out (and continues to) in order to gain traction in the Republican party - first denying his homosexuality, then going out with a series of women when it benefited his public image, marrying one, and then supporting Florida's ghastly Amendment 2 and the ban prohibiting Florida gays from adopting children. Despicable.

Sorry, Log Cabin Republicans, but when a gay republican is doing this sort of shit, they're not affecting change from within.

The film made me furious, made me laugh, and most of all gave another boost to my activist side. The film ends with Harvey Milk telling a reporter how the only way we will ever win is to all come out. When people know or love someone who is gay, they are less likely to support anti-gay amendments and discrimination. So we simply must come out - to friends, family, co-workers, neighbors.

That said... Mr. Crist, enjoy being outed once OUTRAGE hits screens! I certainly will enjoy watching.

L

Flashback

2009-04-20T09:09:00.001-07:00

I found some photo folders on my computer today that I hadn't peeked into for a long long while. OK, they're only about 3 years old, from 2006, but still. Some were taken at the year's Philly Int. Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (for which I am a programmer), another of me and filmmaker Jochen Hick in his cool Copenhagen hotel room during that city's gay film fest, a shot of Michael Musto in his apartment taken when I interviewed him, and.... Mrs. Fields in Hong Kong! Love the "extra chewy" cookies they sell there - why not here? Why? Why, Mr. Anderson, why, why?????

L

Gay For... Videos?

2009-04-18T12:34:00.001-07:00

I'm actually obsessed now with music videos - and films, etc - that feature flamingly, incredibly, blazingly queer people acting in "heterosexual" ways... that somehow the majority of the general public allowed itself to be deluded by. In complete complicity.

I mean, I have a family member who refused to believe Rosie was a lesbian until she uttered it herself. And how many people refused to believe Clay Aiken was gay, despite the damning evidence that built up.

So... here's a real gem. A video from Limahl. The girl in the video is in for a big surprise, let me tell you. This is like the "DL" 80s UK white boy style! Mind you, Limahl is one of my guilty pleasures. I love his pop goodness!

L

We've Come a Long Way

2009-04-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

Today, nobody seems to blink an eye over the insanely can't-even-deny-it-a-little gayness of American Idol's Adam Lambert (well, aside from Bill O'Reilly). Yet 20 years ago, the UK boy band Big Fun, which was so gay your face may as well get slapped by it, caused a big scandal and was shunned after its members were outed.

Ummm... yeah. Shocking that they were gay. You never would guess it from their videos. Or a photo.

Maybe the Western culture's capacity for denial has just lessened a little bit. Or again, we're just putting entertainment value over sexuality. Theories?

L

Israel-o-rama Part 6

2009-04-04T17:14:00.001-07:00

A whole bunch of Haifa and a bonus peek at lunch in a Druze home. That mint lemonade was soooo tasty.

L

A Marriott Offer That Benefits GLAAD

2009-04-03T16:31:00.001-07:00

Got this press release today. There was/is a bit of a kerfuffle about Marriott and the funding/support of Prop 8. Seems like an olive branch is being extended...

Marriott and Renaissance Hotels of New York Offer “Out In New York” Package

NEW YORK – (April 3, 2009) – Marriott and Renaissance Hotels of New York invite guests to come out to New York, hang out in luxurious rooms, stay out to enjoy the city…and help out, too. When guests book a reservation at a participating hotel in New York City, as part of a new “Out In NY” package, the hotel will donate 5% of the room rate to GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation).*
The Out In NY Package includes guest room accommodations, breakfast for two (plus up to two children under 12 eat free) and a personal copy of The Out Traveler, an over 200-page gay & lesbian travel guidebook to New York City, published by the same publishers as The Out Traveler magazine.
Guests may choose from amongst five Marriott and Renaissance hotels in New York City, including:
• New York Marriott Marquis, Broadway at West 46th Street
• Renaissance New York Hotel Times Square, Seventh Avenue at West 47th Street
• New York Marriott East Side, Lexington Avenue at East 49th Street
• New York Marriott Downtown, 85 West Street between Albany & Carlisle Streets
• New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams Street, Downtown Brooklyn

The Out In NY Package may be booked now, for stays that begin from April 1 through December 31, 2009. Package rates now start at $229 per room, per night, plus tax, based upon availability and room rates do vary by hotel and dates requested.
For reservations go to www.marriott.com/OutInNY (not case-sensitive) or call
1-800-228-9290 and mention code VIQ.

Israel-o-rama Part 5

2009-04-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

A little bit of a mix today (and in high-res this time). A tower of spice in Jerusalem's Arab market (don't sneeze near it!), a little bit of graffiti/street art (not quite Basquait but what are ya gonna do?) and... Depeche Mode beer. You'll see your own personal Jesus, or Adonai, after a six-pack!

L

Israel-o-rama Part 4

2009-03-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

... and the story continues. First, the Ein Gedi nature reserve, where some young whippersnappers decided to take a little dip in the lovely spring waters. Then Jerusalem - Western Wall, and the market during the pre-Shabbat rush.

L

Israel-o-rama Part 3

2009-03-30T14:29:00.001-07:00

Check out the guy with a cross to bear - literally! Mostly Jerusalem (those girls are like anarchist Girl Scouts, selling cakes and cookies on the street), and fresh, plump dates in Tel Aviv...

And Even in Asia...

2009-03-29T16:54:00.000-07:00

... they are starting to recognize same-sex marriages. C'mon, America. Can we catch up a little being, you know, the land of the free and all?

L

Israel-o-rama Part Two

2009-03-27T17:27:00.001-07:00

Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Cesaria...

Yummy-Yummy-Yummy in Israel

2009-03-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

My friend and fellow blogger Jennifer Laceda, who was on the Israel trip with me, has put up a pretty fantastic post on some of the tasty things we sampled. National Geographic Traveler's fab Janelle Nanos - who has posted a whole heck of a lot on our trip - focused one entry on a specific delight, shakshuka (being prepared, above), which I sampled a few times in Tel Aviv. Foodies, check them out!

L

A Couple of My Israel Posts

2009-03-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

Today a couple of my web stories about Israel went live. The first, on Johnnyjet.com, is about some of Israel's lesser known highlights. I highly recommend Johnny's free newsletter - it's packed with the latest news and links on travel deals, trends, destinations, and much more. The man IS travel. He does not stop!

The second is on Out Traveler's website, and about Tel Aviv's latest hip 'hood, Neve Tzedek.

More Israel writing to come...

L

Assaf Amdursky - Israeli Pop!

2009-03-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

This is Assaf Amdursky, one of Israel's best current pop artists. Nice, right?

L

Priceless

2009-03-19T13:35:00.001-07:00

This treasure is just waiting for someone to find it in Jaffa's flea market. HOT!

L
ps - Yes, comments riffing on the fall of the Ottawan empire are welcome.

Israel-o-rama

2009-03-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

I'm just back from Israel, an amazing trip. I covered an enormous amount of territory - yes, it's a compact destination, but a lot to see and do - ranging from new school high-style sections of Jerusalem to old school ruins like Masada. I'll be linking to some stories for several outlets over the next week or so, as well as reflecting upon some highlights and bits of local flavor (fun fact: in Tel Aviv, if you order an "iced coffee," you get a granita - a sweet icy coffee-milk slushie, not a traditional iced coffee. You have to ask for that specifically...)

L

Jerusalem

2009-03-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

Formerly known as the Wailing Wall, I finally visited Jerusalem's Western Wall. And much more. There's so much to Israel here, so much complexity, and so much diversity in landscape...

More to come.

L

Tel Aviv Flapper Fierce

2009-03-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

I'm in Tel Aviv, Israel - which is an amazing city - and as if the sunshine, excellent falafel and Bahaus architecture weren't enough to make the day fantastic, I come across Ruth. Ruth, dressed in a Flapper-style ensemble that would command even Anna Wintour's awe and respect, j'adore!

I wish I had gotten her e-mail during our brief interaction, but I'm hoping she reads this! Ruth, you add magic to Tel Aviv. I hope to run into Ruth again while I'm here...

Also a highlight today: sampling Pomegranate wine in a hip Neve Tzedek neighborhood (it's Tel Aviv's Williamsburg/Soho of the moment) wine bar... And the falafel here makes New York's seem pretty damned sad (and we've got decent falafel).

L

Swagdance

2009-02-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

My Sundance 2009 story has been running in some gay regional publications, but the swag sidebar - always something to look forward to - got snipped, it seems. So... here it is!

You Can’t Stop The Swag

There were fewer lounges, lodges and big brands, but VIPs (and their friends) could still load up with suitcases of swag. In fact, much of it was extremely useful – brands and chains like Nivea (at House of Hype), St. Ives, Sephora, AMC Theaters, and Conair gifted VIPs with moisturizers, hair care products, body treatments (Elijah Wood received a St. Ives facial), AMC tickets, Divine fair trade chocolates, Givenchy Phenomenon mascara, and other useful items. “It’s like you went to a free Target,” observed one of my condo mates. The Hollywood Life House upped the cool factor with hip Onitsuka Tiger sneakers, T-shirts and adorable Tokidoki dolls; Whiting and Davis metal mesh bags; and tasteful White House Black Market clothing/accessories. L-R-G Gifting Villa’s Radius Earphones and Creative Recreation sneakers were fab giveaways. And Village at the Yard, where I ran into Chris Meloni, proved a favorite spot thanks to its T-Mobile Diner comfort foods (like “Touchscreen Turkey Pot Roast” and “Google Maps Mac & Cheese”), Fred Segal Fun mini-outlet (which featured the Black Boy Collection’s way-cool T-shirts and sweater depicting gay poet/icon Langston Hughes as a child), and Nickelodeon’s insanely fun Spongebob Squarepants lounge. Visitors included Jane Lynch, Philip Morris’ Ewan McGregor & Rodrigo Santoro, Richie Rich, Michael Cera, and Susan Sarandon, whom inquired, “Why is it a sponge?”

Paris is Burning

2009-02-23T22:41:00.001-08:00

I can't stop listening to this song. Over and over and over. I'm obsessed!

L

Sundance 2009

2009-02-18T13:20:00.001-08:00

My Sundance 2009 story is popping up in some LGBT newspapers. Here is the Windy City Times version...

L

My Sigourney Weaver interview

2009-01-24T14:01:00.000-08:00

My interview with Sigourney Weavery about Prayers For Bobby is popping up in gay newspapers across the country including NYC's HX, Chicago's Windy City Times, and Florida's Watermark. She deserves an Emmy for this. Hell, an Oscar. It's an amazing performance, and she was a fabulous interview (done by phone)...

L

My Sundance/SLC-Park City Article

2009-01-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

I wrote a travel/preview article for Los Angeles' IN Magazine about Sundance 2009 and its host cities of Salt Lake City and Park City. Enjoy!

L

Scandi Pop Dose

2009-01-07T22:26:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you just need a dose of ridiculously contagious Scandi dance pop.

Why didn't this make it in the States years back?

L

Thank You Australia!

2009-01-06T17:53:00.000-08:00

Australia seems to be a spawning ground for the best edgy, 80s-tinged electropop these days. Empire of the Sun is another fab band, and specifically member Nick Littlemore, whose Pnau I had the good fortune to see in Glasgow in November.

This is EOTS's new video, shot in the awesome city of Shanghai.

L

Top 10 Films 2008

2008-12-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

Frontiers' best of year issue featured my Top 10 Films of 2008 list (along with fellow critic Gary M. Kramer). Scroll down the article and enjoy!

L

Madame and Me

2008-12-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

My interview with the saucy puppet diva, Madame - yes, Wayland Flowers' creation is back - is on Advocate.com. Here!

L

Signage

2008-12-22T13:09:00.000-08:00

Soda Stereo

2008-12-16T21:50:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite songs... by a band fronted by the awesome Gustavo Cerati.

L

Little Piano Diva Works Ryuichi

2008-12-09T22:50:00.000-08:00

This little 9 year old girl pulls some diva shit on the piano, playing Ryuichi Sakamoto's sublime theme for Shining Boy & Little Randy. The movie isn't that fantastic on its own, but the score brings it a poignant edge that makes me weep. Ryuichi is so talented it hurts.

Work that piano, kid!

L

Keep Tryin 2009

2008-12-09T22:30:00.000-08:00

I've posted this video before. When I watch it, I think of the path and turns life could take if I moved to Asia - Hong Kong, Tokyo, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Bangkok - either temporarily or permanently.

2009 will be the year of that decision, methinks. And seeing how things change, or remain, here stateside...

L

Gay Taipei

2008-12-06T16:06:00.001-08:00

My feature on gay Taipei - an underrated and reasonably priced vacation destination well worth a visit, especially if you're a fan of Hong Kong and/or Tokyo - is running in Los Angeles' Frontiers Magazine. An even more expanded destination piece on Taipei will appear on Logo Online in early 2009. Link when it's available!

Thanks again to cousin Rick and all the wonderful, lovely, generous friends I made while in Taipei during October...

L

My Holidays in London Story on LOGO

2008-12-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

My LOGO Online travel feature on spending the holidays in London just went live. Enjoy!

L

Petch Shop Boy

2008-12-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

Man in Bangkok

This is the video for the insanely Pet Shop Boys-esque "Man in Bangkok" by Thai artist Petch. Love it!

L

Findo Gask

2008-12-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite music finds from my recent UK trip is the Scottish band Findo Gask. Amazing 80s-style pop with totally modern approach... It's like APB meets Cut Copy...

L

Cardiff

2008-11-29T11:29:00.001-08:00

The Sundance Proposition

2008-11-27T15:04:00.000-08:00

There has been some talk of a Sundance boycott in January since the festival takes place in Utah. However, I don't see this as productive. Let me explain.

First, Park City, where most of us stay and most of the festival takes place, is pretty secular and open-minded. And Salt Lake City, despite being home of the LDS headquarters and its many buildings and attractions, boasts a major LGBT population and alternative scene. As I understand it only a little over 40 percent of SLC's populace is Mormon.

The LDS leaders would no doubt LOVE to have us not come to Utah for the festival - after all, so many gays and liberal heathens attend the festival.

So let's all go to Sundance this January with bells on. It makes far more sense for even more of us, more than ever, to attend Sundance and either on one specific day, or even on rotating shifts, go to Salt Lake City and protest outside the headquarters. Let's support the gay businesses out there, and avoid the ones that were behind Yes on 8.

The world press will be at Sundance. This would get coverage far and wide. And it would DRIVE THE LDS INSANE.

Let's bring the party to their doorstep.

Anyone want to propose a specific date for "Sundance Against 8"?

L

I Heart Wanda!

2008-11-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

Wanda Sykes has come out thanks to this Proposition 8 movement. I LOVE her. LOVE!

The Advocate article with the actual event on YouTube linked: http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid66219.asp

Well, Larry David did say he was a friend of the lesbians...

L

Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence

2008-11-08T16:34:00.000-08:00

Simply, one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever. The version with lyrics, "Forbidden Colours," is pretty amazing too.

L
ps - so is the movie this was written for.

Musical Break - The Mary Onettes

2008-11-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

Now that the election is finally over - HELL YES, OBAMA! - and this Proposition 8 thing is going to get ugly, time for a musical break with a band that does that 80s New Wave thing sooooo well. This is "The Void" by The Mary Onettes, and it's totally in the vein of (underrated) Sad Lovers & Giants, Echo & The Bunnymen, and The Cure. Lovin' it!

L

My Prop 8 Letter

2008-11-03T09:12:00.000-08:00

Last night I e-mailed a letter to two of my relatives in California regarding Proposition 8. Below is the text, and I hope if you - reading this - also live in California and are undecided about the issue, that you'll take my words into consideration.

L

Well, I flew over California recently, when I was on the way home from
Taipei (where I saw Ricky, who says hi). I hope everything is going
well out there!

Since I returned home I've been very much following the election and
also California's Proposition 8 campaign. Of course, I fall on the "No
on 8" side: in 2 weeks, my partner Matt and I will celebrate 7 years
together. In the future, we both want to have the same legal
protections as any heterosexual married couple. If I get hit by a car,
I want Matt to be able to enter the emergency room without hassle.
Ditto for being covered by his medical insurance should he get a job
that offers spousal health benefits (since I am a fulltime freelancer,
health insurance is something I pay a lot for). In any case, those
1000+ rights that come with legal marriage, we want.

I am writing in hopes both of you and your families and friends will
vote No on Proposition 8 on Tuesday. I'm proud to be part of a society
and family that seems to embrace inclusion and progression. I get very
very frustrated when I hear people approaching this issue of State as
if it was an issue of Church. I believe in and want a separation of
church and state, and people seem to be getting very confused indeed
about these two things.

I might be preaching to the choir, so to speak, but California's
current legal same-sex marriages force no church, temple, or religious
institution to perform or officiate these marriages. Nor would it.
Proposition 8 is not a religious issue, and I am saddened to see it
treated as if it was. Also, the irony of Yes on 8 supporters going on
about how legal same sex marriage will result in it being taught in
schools to their kids... well, kids are asking about Proposition 8
because of the high visibility of Yes on 8 support. So they are
actually the ones forcing the issue to be discussed by their own
children.

I can go on and on about this - and the disturbing parallels between
Yes on 8 and the past efforts and arguments to stop mixed race
marriages, etc., and complete disregard for the marriage timeline
which has included plenty of change since its inception - but
ultimately I hope you'll think of me and my committed partner when you
enter the voting booth, as well as California's constitution
representing freedom, on Tuesday.

My best to your families and friends, and thanks for reading my ramblings here.

Love,
Larry

Obama This Tuesday

2008-11-02T22:22:00.000-08:00

I can't even articulate how bad I want this man to be our next President. Watch it. And if you're a USA citizen, please vote for Obama!

L

Mylene Fix

2008-10-31T19:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you need a little Kylie. Sometimes a little Madge. Sometimes a little Faye Wong. And sometimes you need a little Mylene Farmer!

L

Hot!

2008-10-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

I first saw this music video on a NIGHT FLIGHT episode - Elvira was mocking it. Still brings a smile to my face. Yeah, that music career business was a bad bad bad idea for both of the 80's Miami Vice stars. But boy is this a howler. How about that choreography? Those seductive sirens? The amazing planetary effects? Wow!

L

VOTE!

2008-10-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

Brilliant!

L

Taiwan Pop #1 - Sodagreen

2008-10-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

Sodagreen is one of Taiwan's best indie pop/rock outfits - and yes, they have a pretty big indie scene out there at present.

The lead singer - heck, the whole band - is rumored to be gay. I'm thinking that ain't a big pill to swallow.

This song is a little big Sigur Ros/Radiohead-ish.

And that lead singer reminds me a bit of Chet Lam, Hong Kong's openly gay urban-folk star.

You likes? If so, more Taiwan pop to come!

L

Reni Jusis Time!

2008-10-25T16:57:00.003-07:00

Time for a little escapism with a music video by Poland's own Kylie Minogue, Reni Jusis.

Love her!

I should go to Poland and direct one of her videos.

L

Steven Weber Hates Prop 8

2008-10-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

I love actor Steven Weber, and my Advocate.com interview about his new film Choose Connor touches upon his Huffington Post blog posts. Love him!

L

Me Am As!

2008-10-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

Charming, affirming clip. Well... at least she can't vote on Prop. 8.

L

Gay Days in Anaheim

2008-10-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Although one could argue Disneyland is always chock full o’ gays, the weekend of October 3-5th saw red-shirted LGBT guests overtake the parks for the 11th Annual Gay Days Anaheim. And despite the fact Orange County is pretty “Yes on 8” (sadly, 5 minutes off the plane at Long Beach Airport and I spotted a “Yes on 8” bumper sticker on a car – along with a McCain/Palin sticker) as a generalization, gay couples merrily paraded hand-in-hand.

The party Wonderland kicked things off on Friday – Alec Mapa was in the house, along with a bunch of folks dressed like the Alice in Wonderland characters. Come Saturday it was all about going for a ride, and a sassy Cruella DeVille met visitors at the gate. “Ain’t you gonna clap for Tinkerbell? The fairies are dying,” she told a bunch of kids during a photo op. “But we’re feeling just fine!” a queen responded. “Not you, you’re the good fairies,” she winked back, before literally shooing the kids away with a “now get outta here, go.”

The bears were out in full force – notably during the Hungry Bear Lunch in Critter Country, while The Trevor Project hosted a Youth Lunch behind Thunder Mountain. At the California Adventure park, a group of acrobatic queens – lubricated with cocktails from the crowded bar – started an impromptu Cirque du So Gay, doing flips and splits and other America’s Got Talent-ready displays (who didn’t love that baton twirler this season?).

Meanwhile, Chad Allen and Brad Rowe screened their here! productions, Ice Blues and Shelter, respectively, at Gay Days headquarters, Disney’s Grand Californian. An overall grand, fun, and not too messy – barring a drunk, shirtless queen prodded to put his shirt back on by a Downtown Disney security guard after the Wonderland shindig – Gay Days. Oh Mickey, forever shall we hold our banner high, high, high!

Lawrence Ferber

Religion Meets Synth Pop Meets...

2008-09-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

I don't even know where to start. This is INSANE. An electro-dance number from religious/cult zealots The Way International. Credit to Savage Love's blog and Kid Icarus.

Says Icarus/Savage: This is the single most amazingly choreographed video of a Christan synth-pop boogie down bunch on YouTube I’ve ever seen,” says Slog tipper Kid Icarus. “Try not to lose it around the 1:54 mark.”

I made it to 2:00 before all but doing a spit take.

Doesn't the guy look a bit like John Travolta's PULP FICTION character? But, you know, doing this?

L

Revenge on Spammers

2008-09-22T23:24:00.001-07:00

I'm beginning to phase out my AOL e-mail because I get like 200 bait SPAMs a day - the "I am Mr. Zombu Mubiwa from Zimbabwe and have $3million to share with you" type - and it's just getting tiring to go through the e-mail and spam filters with scrutiny every time I check them.

Anyway, there is a BRILLIANT website devoted to revenge on the a**holes who are responsible for sending those evil SPAM notes, The 419 Eater. It's sort of like Perverted Justice, except the focus is on wasting these SPAMmers' time and exacting revenge rather than getting them arrested (which is tough due to international laws, etc) in clever, downright absurd ways.

It's sooooo gratifying.

L

McCain Doesn't Know Where Spain Is

2008-09-18T15:21:00.001-07:00

Anyone who doubted McCain is Dubya #2, here's your evidence.

Another piece on this doozy.

Congrats!!!

L

Lies, Mary Pt. 2

2008-09-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

Yeah, yeah, I know, if it's not FOX it's the "liberal media," but this CNN report is full of FACTS and shoves McCain/Palin's lies in their faces.

Yep, it catches Barack in a bit of an exaggeration, too. It's not biased.

Watch it.

L

The Burma Chronicles

2008-09-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went to the Brooklyn Book Fair, where I picked up the new Guy Delisle graphic novel/memoir, The Burma Chronicles, from amazing publishers Drawn & Quarterly. It's great so far... Delisle is an artist/animator who has worked and lived in some pretty fascinating/repressive Asian countries and cities, most notably Pyongyang, North Korea. His Pyongyang memoir, of working amongst brainwashed North Koreans, is an absolute must and ranks amongst my top ten graphic novels ever.

They also serve as a contrast as to how much more repressive a government and society can be.... but these days, when people actually think Palin is a super duper candidate to be a likely president, well, you see how shit like that happens. And we're maybe inching closer to those situations. Except we have the internet and cable TV.

L

Lies, Mary

2008-09-15T00:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the lies, "Maverick!"

What the hell. McCain and his ilk toss out actual lies and nobody in his party seems to do anything about it. Republicans need to start taking McCain and Palin to task as Democrats did Hillary when she talked crazy (the Bosnia thing). How can you respect your party when its leaders do this crap? Kick them to the curb, Republicans! Stop them from hoping Americans are too stupid to question this crap. It's insulting.

If you want me to respect the Republican party again, and consider voting Republican for that matter, then kick these shitheads TO THE CURB and CALL THEM ON THEIR SHIT.

L

Women Against Palin

2008-09-12T07:51:00.001-07:00

She looks like Liz Lemon, and Hillary Clinton (or any other progressive, globally-aware/traveled) she isn't, a fact women are now voicing on a blog.

Thank you, women!

Meanwhile, please someone explain to me how having someone smarter, better-traveled, more intuitive, sage, and talented at leadership in public/government office is a BAD thing?

I'm waiting to overhear someone saying "Me as be am like Palin McCain, as they be us! Me was want us am be!"

L

Return of the Differently Abled 80s Videos pt. 2

2008-09-09T18:17:00.001-07:00

OK, I love the 80s band Blue Zoo, seen here performing on Top of the Pops.

Watch the lead singer: Jake Shears meets Limahl. Or is it just me?

L

Return of the Differently Abled 80s Videos

2008-09-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

Back in 1988, while shopping a record store in New Haven as I recall, I found a bunch of UK 7" singles. One was by a group called Personal Column, "Strictly Confidential." I like it. Total 80s pop. After doing a google to try and find the song again - since that 7" is missing - I found a fabulous website devoted to the band with a whole bunch of free songs to download, including "Strictly Confidential." To boot, I found a music video for it on YouTube. And boy, is it RIDICULOUS. Shall I count the ways? I might have to.

Meanwhile, go and lap up that fantastic, all-too-obscure UK 80s pop from Personal Column!

L

A Musical Break

2008-09-07T17:12:00.001-07:00

McCain's Speech Fact Checked

2008-09-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

Gosh, what a surprise that McCain's speech was riddled with lies, misinformation, misleading statements...

And the Repubs throw tantrums about the "liberal media" when this sort of thing gets brought to light.

My bile is rising.

L

Palin Fact Check

2008-09-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

Some fact checks re: Palin's speech from Yahoo.

Please, people, check the facts. So far The Daily Show has been doing a good job catching the Republicans (and everyone else) when they make a hypocritical statement. Watch it!

L

Prop 8

2008-09-04T13:43:00.001-07:00

Palin

2008-09-04T10:50:00.001-07:00

I have had some conversations today with women, most of whom really liked Palin's speech last night - how she was on the attack and stood up. So, I asked, what do you think of her record in office and her stances on issues like guns, the environment, a woman's right to choose?

They didn't know anything about that.

A commentary by CNN's Hilary Rosen sums things up well for those who want to know Palin, the politician and what she will stand for, a little better.

Everyone should read it. Everyone!

L
PS - For the record, it sucks that McCain didn't choose a more progressive female VP. Then we'd have an exciting election and choice to think on. Now we just have another divisive culture war.

Sobering

2008-09-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Words from Michael Moore's blog about the whole Palin shebang - which you would think keeps getting "worse," what with the daughter being pregnant, a drinker, etc. - but only seems to make Americans love Palin more:

But before everyone gets all smug and self-righteous about the Palin selection, remember where you live. You live in a nation of gun owners and hunters. You live in a country where one out of three girls get pregnant before they are 20. You live in a nation of C students. Knocking Bush for being a C student only endeared him to the nation of C students. Knock Palin for having kids, for having a kid who's having a baby, for anything that is part of her normalness -- a normalness that looks very familiar to so many millions of Americans -- well, you do this at your own peril. Assuming she's still on the ticket two weeks from now, she will be a much tougher opponent than anyone expects. You live in a country that voted for Dan Quayle.

I'm so depressed.

Feeling French

2008-08-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

Last night, for lack of anything to watch, I put on some music videos by Mylene Farmer, a sort of French Madonna/Kylie I have been into since 1993 or so, when I first heard her music in Paris. Watching this video, by director Luc Besson (and the Michael Jackson killed by a cross bit is so random!), I had a sort of flood of nostalgia. Back in the 1990s I became smitten with France, I was so attracted by its culture, men, food, film, the list goes on. I befriended any French transfer student I could at my college (which I had just graduated but had many friends still attending). Alas, now France is so expensive I haven't been back in about 3-4 years, plus my travel obsessions have taken me to Asia and other parts of the world. I don't go so crazy for France anymore, but in another life, coulda worked out well.

Funny enough, Mylene lived in NYC for a spell, and bathed in anonymity. She used to go to Moby's Teany shop. I spotted her once uptown in a restaurant but thought I was crazy: "what would Mylene be doing here???" Darn.

L

Religulous

2008-08-12T23:36:00.000-07:00

I saw an advance screening of Bill Maher's RELIGULOUS tonight.

He's going to be in a loooottttt of trouble when it comes out.

And everyone should see it. It's almost too snarky in places, in fact it is (it's basically Borat meets Michael Moore), and unfair with the editing, but Bill really does challenge the folks he meets and his thesis - that organized religion leads intelligent people into illogical and dangerous/hateful behavior and decisions - is hard to argue with.

I'll be interviewing Bill next month and can't wait. There's a section of the film that addresses ex-gays....

L

Another Gay Sequel: The Clap!

2008-08-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

Another Gay Sequel opens soon, and this music video from Perez Hilton - "The Clap" - is pretty darned funny (and looks great!). Perez has a role in the film, which is uber-outrageous. Meanwhile, check out his video!

L

BearCity in Philly!

2008-07-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

The BearCity staged reading went over very well at the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Amazing to think it will be an actual film playing the festival a year from now (updates to that end soon!)...

Here is a link to photos from the reading, shot by Gail Kamenish.

Thanks again to the wonderful cast, stage director Fritz Brekeller, and everyone at PIGLFF and TLA!

L

Sex and the Sh*tty

2008-07-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

My friends and I have been obsessed with this absurd commercial for a few years now. Clearly they were going for "Sex and the City," yet the dialogue is completely unfunny, not witty, so low rent. I picture the actors sitting around between shots going, "oh my god, you know, we're all so good we could totally be like another Sex and the City. Someone needs to do another show like that with US!" And then they fought over who gets to be Carrie, etc. This is some seriously funny/tragic low-rent stuff, and you have to watch it 100 times and quote every line. Look at how the "Charlotte" girl is going to America West air! And they are all sharing a single salad! Not even salads for all of them. Oh - and for the record, the car service ain't anything special. I recently was in a cab and we were being held up by a bad Carmel driver in front of us, the driver dangling his cigarette out the window as he smoked.

Amazing!

L

A Postcard from David Sedaris

2008-07-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

I received a postcard today from David Sedaris. I interviewed him last month, and as always it was a delightful, funny chat. That I made him laugh hysterically imbued me with a sense of pride. I won't post what he wrote in the postcard, except to say it was pretty funny, too.

The interview I conducted is appearing in various edits across the country, amongst them NYC's HX and Chicago's Windy City Times, the latter of which is essentially uncut from my draft. Enjoy!

L