¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

As the year comes to close, I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone that reads my little ol' blog. I've "met" a lot of great people through this in 2006 and I hope to meet even more over the next year.

Have a safe and happy new year everyone!

Dress Up In You 06.11

It amazes how so many immensley talented artists go virtually ignored here in the US. Jem is one of them. Her 2004 debut album, Finally Woken, barely registered a blip on the Billboard Hot 200, despite widespread critical acclaim and the use of several of her songs in television and film. If you haven't already heard of her, I recommend you go pick up her album. To wet your appetite, click play below to listen to her acoustic rendition of Coldplay's In My Place.

Artist: Jem
Original Artist: Coldplay
Song: In My Place

The Good Girl

I took Zadie for a walk this evening. This may not sound like anything unusual for a dog owner, but this was actually the first time that she's cooperated. She hates her leash and I have spent weeks working to get her to walk with me. I'm starting to have her use the restroom outside, so when I got home I immediately took her downstairs. Much to my amazement, she started walking when I set her down. So, after she tinkled, I decided to see how far I could go. We ended up walking around the entire block! She fought some of the way, but was very cooperative the majority of the time. Of course, once we got inside, she proceeded to be a naughty girl by running over to the couch and scratching it.

There were actually two Zadie related milestones today. She managed to make it the entire day without completely destroying her potty pad. THANK GOD for Bitter Apple!

Ex-Factor

As I look back on 2007, there seems to be one significant recurring theme: My ex. Oddly enough, I came across a version of Lauryn Hill's Ex-Factor that was performed by John Legend a while back on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge. I guess you could say it's my theme song for the year (btw, I'm aware that I already posted this a few months ago):

Artist: John Legend
Track: Ex-Factor


Lyrics:

It could all be so simple
but you'd rather make it hard
loving you is like a battle
and we both end up with scars
tell me, who i have to be
to get some reciprocity
no one loves you more than me
and no one ever will

is it just a silly game
that forces you to act this way
forces you to scream my name
then pretend that you can't stay
tell me, who i have to be
to get some reciprocity
See no one loves you more than me and no one ever will.

No matter how i think we grow
you always seem to let me know
it ain't workin'
it ain't workin'
and when i try to walk away
you hurt yourself to make me stay
this is crazy
this is crazy

i keep letting you back in
how can i explain myself
as painful as this thing has been
i just can't be with no one else
see i know what we have got to do
you let go and i'll let go too
cause no one's hurt me more than you
and no one ever will

No matter how I think we grow
you always seem to let me know
it ain't workin'
it ain't workin'
And when i try to walk away
you hurt yourself to make me stay
This is crazy
This is crazy

Oh this is crazy

care for me, care for me
i know you care for me

there for me there for me
said you'd be there for me

cry for me cry for me
you said you'd die for me

give to me give to me
why don't you live for me

Things Could Be Different (But They're Not)

I thought that I was having a bad day simply because I had to work. I was quickly put in my place when one of my dearest friends called to let me know that they just found out they are positive. They are a determined and strong individual, so there is no doubt in my mind that they will fight this with all they have.

If you are sexually active (even if you're not), go get tested. There are many places that offer these services for free, just perform a google search for your area.

Put Your Records On 06.13

Despite having no idea what the lyrics say, this song is one of my favourites of the year. I think it's about time I learn Spanish...

Artist: La Oreja De Van Gogh
Track: A Diez Centimetros De Ti

Good Times, Good Times

I’m back! I know you couldn’t wait for my return or to hear all about my holiday. *Note the sarcasm.

This was a pleasant holiday. I was able to see a lot of friends and welcome some new family members (my sister’s four step-children). Saturday was my day to spend with friends. I met Dustin and Jorge for lunch at Berry Hill, a latin restaurant, in the Montrose area. Jorge brought along his very cute friend Alex, who, on top of being eye candy, was charming and sweet. As expected (since I was attracted to him), he has a boyfriend. We caught up, reminisced and got a good buzz going over a bottomless pitcher of mimosas. After about three hours, we parted ways so we could all get some beauty rest before we met up again later that evening.

Jorge picked me up that evening for KT’s Christmas party. They have a beautiful home and her parents were gracious and lovely hosts. I especially enjoyed the six pomegranate martinis I had. After about three hours, we ventured out to the clubs to meet up with Alex and a couple of my Dallas friends. We drank a lot more while making the rounds at The Mining Co., Blur and South Beach (SoBe), so I ended up staying the night in Jorgey’s guest bedroom. What can I say, I’m a responsible drunk.

I woke up bright and early to get home in time for the birthday breakfast my sister was making for her husband. I was introduced to the kids, who all ended up being sick. Which was the excuse I used when I kept my distance from them the rest of my time there. I was actually uncomfortable around them, as I rarely interact with kids. Aside from being sick, though, they were very well behaved.

Zadie (pictured) was introduced to her two aunts, two toy rat terries named Minni and Kirby (who I nicknamed Piguin – a cross between a pot bellied pig and a penguin). She was initially nervous, but began warming up to being around other people and dogs. I just need to keep her socialized, so I’m hoping that a new friend of mine will be up for getting our dogs together for play dates on a regular basis.

There really isn’t much else to report. Aside from being with family and friends for the holiday, there isn’t much else to report. At least not anything entertaining enough. I’m off to try to catch some ZZZs before I meet up with friends for dinner, drinking and showtunes karaoke tonight.

I hope all of you that celebrate a holiday around this time had a good one!

'Tis The Season

Happy Holiday everyone! I know, I'm being all PC, but I'd rather just use the word holiday than list all the different holidays people celebrate around this time.

I'm off to Houston tomorrow afternoon and won't have internet connection until I get back home on 12/26, so that's why I'm posting this now. So, in my absence, please enjoy John Legend's rendition of O Holy Night...

Adequite

I'm so sick of Lindsay Lohan, as I'm sure all of you are. Well, I stumbled across this parody, A Lohan Holiday, and just about bust a gut laughing so hard. Only a gay man could be this vicious.

Is She In Or Is She Out

The former Project Runway guest Tara Connor is IN and will carry out the remainder of her reign as Miss USA. A decision determined earlier today by PR hungry Donal Trump. Lets face it, he's so starved for media attention now that his show The Apprentice is no longer on the air, that the only reason this rehab bound girl wasn't stripped of her title is to keep his name in the spotlight.

Think about it, if he allowed runner-up Tamiko Nash to take over, all the controversy would be over and, along with it, the media coverage. With a Miss USA in rehab, the media will be following her every step - waiting for her inevitable relapse. And when they mention her, they'll mention him. Free publicity! What? You thought he got rich by spending money?

Tell Me Your Favourite Song

A few days ago I posted a list of my most played songs according to Last.fm, so now I'm posting my favourite songs. Since I'm only listing those songs that were, to my knowledge, released on an album, as a single (this includes b-sides) or recorded (as in a live performance) in the calendar year 2006, a few of the songs that I discovered this past year have been left off the list.

1. The Killers – For Reasons Unknown
2. Phoenix – Long Distance Call
3. Gnarls Barkley – Crazy
4. James Blunt – Goodbye My Lover
5. Scissor Sisters – I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’
6. La Oreja De Van Gogh – A Diez Centimetros De Ti
7. Beyonce – Lost Yo Mind
8. Dixie Chicks – Easy Silence
9. Kelly Clarkson – Walk Away
10. Of Montreal – Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse
11. Corinne Bailey Rae – Put Your Records On
12. Imogen Heap – Goodnight And Go
13. John Legend – Coming Home
14. P!nk – Who Knew
15. Justin Timberlake - SexyBack
16. Phoenix – Consolation Prizes
17. Keane – Is It Any Wonder?
18. KT Tunstall – Suddenly I See
19. Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
20. Barbara Morgenstern – The Operator
21. Dixie Chicks - Baby Hold On
22. Lily Allen – Littlest Things
23. Amy Winehouse – Back To Black
24. Julieta Venegas – No Hace Falta
25. Blue October – Into The Ocean
26. Fergie – London Bridge
27. Jamelia – Get Up, Get Out
28. Beyonce – Irreplaceable
29. Jewel – Good Day
30. Cold War Kids – Hospital Beds
31. The Kooks – Naïve
32. Rinocerose – Cubicle
33. The Flaming Lips – Yeah Yeah Yeah Song
34. P!nk – Centerfold
35. Nelly Furtado – Maneater
36. Corinne Bailey Rae – Trouble Sleeping
37. Better Than Ezra - Juicy
38. La Oreja De Van Gogh - Muñeca De Trapo
39. Nelly Furtado – Crazy
40. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Cheated Hearts
41. Kelly Clarkson – Go
42. Jamelia – Something About You
43. Chantal Kreviazuk – Ghosts Of You
44. Belle & Sebastian - Dress Up In You
45. Snow Patrol – It’s Beginning To Get To Me
46. Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins – You Are What You Love
47. Imogen Heap - Speeding Cars
48. Beyonce – Ring The Alarm
49. Men Women & Children – Who Found Mr. Fabulous?
50. Ratatat - Lex

Doggy Day Care

Yesterday I cleaned my apartment before I left to visit a friend that was passing through town. Later that night while I was getting ready to meet a friend out for drinks (which he totally flaked on me - so he better have damn good excuse), my tiny 3 lb. dog managed to leave several little presents throughout the apartment and tear one of the potty pads to shreds. She then proceeded to spread said shreds all across the apartment. She managed to do all of this in the span of my ten minute long shower.

So daddy needs one night off from Zadie. I love her to death, but I have grown exhausted from cleaning up her shit only to turn around and find more. It's to the point where I'm ashamed to have guests over. I dropped her off at doggy day care again today, and, thankfully, she is actually in doggy day care. However, I'm not going to be picking her up until tomorrow night. Yep, call me a horrible parent, but I really just need a night to myself.

Thankfully, they have webcams set up in all the different areas that the dogs have access to, so I have been watching her all day. Of course, I can't tell if she is having fun, but I would assume she's far more excited than she would be if she had spent the day in her pin.

El Laberinto del Fauno

Last night I finished watching Pan’s Labyrinth. Visually, this movie is beautiful, creative and imaginative. It’s an Alice In Wonderland (just look at her dress!) that’s way too scary and violent for children. I can’t wait to see it on the big screen, and I highly suggest you go see it for yourself.

Without giving too much away, the story revolves around a young girl who may or may not be a princess from the netherworld. The film takes place in 1944 in post civil war Spain. Ofelia (the young princess) and her very pregnant mother join Captain Vidal (the father of Ofelia’s unborn brother) at his post in northern Spain, where he leads troops combating guerilla rebels. Ofelia quickly discovers a labyrinth out back and is eventually confronted by a 7’ faun (or the Pan in Pan’s Labyrinth, although he doesn’t go by that name) who tells her that she is really a princess and must complete three tasks before the next full moon in order to regain her rightful throne.

I won’t go into it further, as you really should see it for yourself. All I will say is that it will leave you wondering if any of what happens in the netherworld is real or if it is all the imagination of the young child. With either outcome, this film truly is a touching masterpiece. Another stunning accomplishment from director Guillermo del Toro. I really hope that this Mexican film is nominated for at least Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscar’s.

Let's Talk About Sex

As difficult as it may be for you to believe, I went to a sex shop for the first time last night. When my friend Adam found out that I had never been (I had a very sheltered life growing up), he insisted we go. When we got there; however, it was rather tame...well, w/ the exception of the two foot long, beer can wide, penis shaped dildo. That was just scary...funny scary, though.

Doggonit

My schedule this week has varied, but not my sleep routine. I never had a chance to recoup from this past weekend, either. So, I took Zadie (my dog) into the vet today w/ the intention of having her in their doggy day care all day long. I wanted her to be worn out when I got home, instead of full of energy. That way I could pop a sleeping pill and crash.

Unfortunately, they required her to have her last round of shots. Since I had this scheduled for Monday, I asked if I could just leave her and have them give her the shots so she could go play. Four hours went by and I was still not seeing her in doggy day care (oh, there's a webcam), so I called to see what was up. They told me they were getting ready to give her the shots, so I continued to wait. Then I got a call 15 minutes ago from the vet telling me that she was ready to be picked up. When I asked if she was in doggy day care, they told me that they had her up front w/ them resting. Apparently, the shots this time around are a lot harder on a dog her size than her previous shots were.

I love my vet, but I'm seriously pissed. The entire point of me taking her there today was to go to doggy day care, not to get the shots. I had that scheduled for Monday. So now I'm going to be charged $10 for something she didn't even get to go to when I could have saved that money and taken her on Monday morning like I had originally scheduled. And to make things worse, they have her resting! That's the complete opposite of what I had hoped she would be doing today.

If I'm lucky, she'll be worn out from all the excitement of being around lots of people. And if she is up front w/ the workers, then hopefully they will be playing w/ her enough to keep her relaxed when she gets home. Don't get me wrong, I love my little Zadie, but her daddy just really needs a good night's rest.

Performance Breakdown

I was thrilled to see Adriana Barraza receive a nomination for best supporting actress this morning when the Golden Globe nominations were announced. I noted in a previous post that I felt her performances warranted an Oscar nomination, so it's nice to know she wasn't overshadowed by the likes of more well known actors such as Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett.

In Babel, the film she is nominated for, she plays an illegal immigrant from Mexico that is the caretaker of two young, white and privileged children. When their parents' vacation in Africa goes longer than expected, she finds herself stuck choosing between staying put and watching the children or going to her son's wedding across the border. After failing to find anyone able to take them for the day, she decides to head off to Mexico with the boy and girl. Consider the tragic events that occur throughout the film, you just know that something will go horribly wrong. The director, Alejandro Gonzalex Inarritu (nominated for Best Director), knows this, and does an excellent job of keeping you (or at least me) anticipating it. I won't get into all the details of what eventually goes down, but she ends up stranded with the two children in the middle of the nowhere (well, just a ways into the US). With the sun beating down hard on them and no signs of civilization, they wander around for hours seeking water and shelter to no avail. I won't spoil the ending for you, but it's heart-wrenching. All the more so because she pulls you into her character's life and makes you care for her. Makes you forget you're watching a movie almost. So even after you've left the theatre, you kind of feel like this just happened to a friend of yours. Maybe I took more away from it than others will, but there is certainly no denying that this performance was anything shy of amazing.

Her storyline was also the most plausible. The other two arcs were a bit of a stretch, but what she endures happens to people every day. There are so many people here that work hard (a lot harder than those born here) and have created lives here, only to have it suddenly ripped away from them. Americans tend to wonder why there are so many people that live here illegally, and it's because the government makes it extremely difficult for them to come here legally. And not all immigrants, primarily Mexicans or those from other Latin countries. Hopefully one day things will improve...maybe once we get this sad excuse for a president out of the office.

For The Movies

It’s not quite the Oscar’s, but the Golden Globe nominations were announced this morning. I was hoping that the Globe nods would get me more excited than they did. While I do have favourites this year (Babel, Volver, The Devil Wears Prada), they tend to only be for a performance or two and not the entire film. In Volver’s defense, I have only watched the film in Spanish w/o English subtitles, so I may feel more strongly about it once I have. Here is a rundown of the more prominent categories (I’ve placed ** next to the nominees that I would like to win, not necessarily who I think will.):

BEST MOTION PICTURE DRAMA
Babel**
Bobby
The Departed
Little Children
The Queen

BEST MOTION PICTURE MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
The Devil Wears Prada**
Dreamgirls
Little Miss Sunshine
Thank You For Smoking

BEST ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE DRAMA
Leonardo DiCaprio, Blood Diamond
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Departed
Peter O'Toole, Venus
Will Smith, The Pursuit of Happyness
Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland

BEST ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE DRAMA
Penélope Cruz, Volver**
Judi Dench, Notes on a Scandal
Maggie Gyllenhaal, Sherrybaby
Helen Mirren, The Queen
Kate Winslet, Little Children

BEST ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Sacha Baron Cohen, Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Aaron Eckhart, Thank You for Smoking
Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kinky Boots
Will Ferrell, Stranger Than Fiction

BEST ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Annette Bening, Running With Scissors
Toni Collette, Little Miss Sunshine
Beyoncé Knowles, Dreamgirls
Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada**
Renée Zellweger, Miss Potter

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE
Ben Affleck, Hollywoodland
Eddie Murphy, Dreamgirls
Jack Nicholson, The Departed
Brad Pitt, Babel**
Mark Wahlberg, The Departed

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE
Adriana Barraza, Babel**
Cate Blanchett, Notes on a Scandal
Emily Blunt, The Devil Wears Prada
Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls
Kikuchi Rinko, Babel

BEST DIRECTOR
Clint Eastwood, Flags of Our Fathers
Clint Eastwood, Letters From Iwo Jima
Stephen Frears, The Queen
Alejandro González Iñárritu, Babel**
Martin Scorsese, The Departed

So what are your thoughts on the nominations?

Lets Just Have Some Fun

As my birthday comes to a close, here are the pics from my birthday weekend:


Long Island Iced Teas...let the madness begin!
Chad (my big sister) y Gringo
Brad #1, Gringo y Chad
Gringo y Shotsey
Shotsey, Brad #2 y Gringo
On the dance floor...no, I can't dance
Gringo's getting drunker(er)!
Told you so! (That's Brett getting the lap dance)
PORN - Always a welcomed gift
THANKS ADAM!!!

La Mayoría Jugaron

It's the end of the year and time for those best of lists. Personally, I am obsessed with lists, and I've already done one for my favourite albums of 2006. Now that I have the albums out of the way, it's time for the songs. I'll be doing two lists because, well, I want to. Besides, it's my blog. So, in honor of my 27th birthday today, here is a list of my 27 most played songs (according to last.fm) this past year. Some of them may not have been released in 2006, so the next list will be of my favourite (not most played) songs from this year only.

1. Bebe – Malo (Quarks Remix)
2. Bebe – Que Nadie Me Levante La Voz
3. Phoenix – Long Distance Call
4. Kelly Clarkson – Walk Away
5. KT Tunstall – Suddenly I See
6. Nelly Furtado – Maneater
7. Phoenix – Consolation Prizes
8. Texas – Get Down Tonight
9. James Blunt – Goodbye My Lover
10. P!nk – Who Knew
11. Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone
12. Kelly Clarkson – Go
13. Kelly Clarkson – Addicted
14. Beyoncé – Ring The Alarm
15. Better Than Ezra – Juicy (Nevins Radio Mix)
16. John Legend – Save Room
17. Scissor Sisters – I Don't Feel Like Dancin'
18. Keane – Is It Any Wonder?
19. Toni Braxton – What's Good
20. The Darkness – Girlfriend (Space Cowboy Remix)
21. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Cheated Hearts
22. Trisha Yearwood – Trying to Love You
23. Justin Timberlake – SexyBack
24. Jamelia – Something About You
25. Faith Hill – You Stay With Me
26. The Killers – When You Were Young
27. Trisha Yearwood – River of You

I Look A Little Bit Older

About an hour and 27 years ago, I came into the world naked and screaming. Hmm...not a whole lot has changed.

Let the birthday well-wishes commence bitches!

All The Party People

I’ve been postponing this post about my pre-birthday weekend debauchery because I was waiting for some pictures that apparently don’t exist. Quite frankly, I was a little too buzzed to remember if there were any pictures taken at all. So here’s a picture-less recap:

Friday night, I joined Adam and Brad for a night on the strip with Brett, Brian, Mark, Rich and a few others. We started off at Round Up and worked our way over to S4’s The Rose Room for the drag show. I’ve been up to The Rose Room before, but this was the first time that I stayed for the entire show. The MC kept us in stitches the entire time. Later, we headed downstairs for some dancing, and then made our way over to TMC.

Saturday my best friend, Chad, drove up from Houston. That night was more of the same, except with more drinking. Adam made me talk to a guy I made the mistake of saying was cute. I was too sober, so it was awkward. Fuck it, though, I didn't want to bother with trying to meet a boy that night. I wanted to focus on having fun with my friends. I did get hit on later, though, but I'll more on that.

Sunday I somehow crawled out of bed and managed to make it to brunch at Ciudad. Chad and I met the gang from Friday night. It was fun once I managed to get two margaritas in. Oh, not that the company was boring or anything, I was just out of it from having so much to drink the night before.

I had the day off Monday to recover; however, in the afternoon, I ended up meeting up with the guy that hit on me Saturday. The two relationships that I have been in over the past five years have kind of skipped passed the whole dating thing, so I did start to get really anxious. Thankfully, Adam put things into perspective for me and I was able to enjoy just hanging out with the guy.

Later that evening, another friend took me out to dinner for my birthday. It was at a cute little Italian restaurant. We topped the night off with some gelato at Central Market. Had it been a date, it would be have a really good one. Too bad he's already taken. His boyfriend is really lucky.

That was my weekend. I know I left a lot out, but you'll just have to put that old imagination of yours to work.

All The Pretty Albums

It isn't quite the end of the year, but it's close enough for me to look back and reflect on my favourite albums released in the calendar year. Below are my ten favourite albums from 2006:

1. Phoenix – It’s Never Been Like That
It is an extremely rare instance that I like every single track on an album. This year the French band Phoenix delivered such a feat. A stunning accomplishment, this album went relatively unnoticed by consumers. I can’t imagine why, though. The stand out tracks are Long Distance Call, Consolation Prizes, Sometimes In A Fall, Napoleon Says, Rally and the instrumental North.

2. The Killers – Sam’s Town
According to their lead singer Brandon Flowers, this was supposed to be the best album in the last twenty years. He may be extremely proud of this album, but it debuted to mixed reviews. While you could argue that my opinion is somewhat biased due to my connection to them, I actually was expecting the worst. Much to my delight they delivered a powerful follow up. If you haven’t given this a listen to, go out and buy it. You’ll be glad you did. My favourite track (quite possibly my favourite song of the year) is For Reasons Unknown. Other stand out tracks include: When You Were Young, Bones, Sam’s Town and Read My Mind.

3. Jamelia – Walk With Me
If you aren’t in the U.K. or Europe, you may not have a clue who Jamelia is. She’s had a successful career overseas, and, with this latest album, will hopefully be storming the shores of America. The entire album is mainstream accessible R&B (nearly every track is single worthy), so I’d be surprised if it doesn’t blow up here in the States. Stand out tracks include: Something About You, Get Up, Get Out, Ain’t A Love, and Beware Of The Dog.

4. La Oreja De Van Gogh - Guapa
I may not speak or understand a lick of Spanish, but this album is surprisingly gringo accessible. At least in my opinion. I love to sing along to songs, so I used to be weary that I could possibly like a song in a foreign language. Then a couple years ago I heard Rebekah Del Rio’s Llorando from the film Mulholland Drive. A year after that, I was introduced to Malo by Bebe (whose Pafuera Telarañas is my favourite album from last year). So I realized that I could appreciate Spanish music on an entirely different level. And while I just got this album a few days ago, I can easily say that this is one of the best releases of the year. It’s delectable ear candy that I highly recommend. The version I have has over twenty tracks and I haven’t had an opportunity to listen to each one, but the stand out tracks include: A Diez Centimetros De Ti, Vuelve, V.O.S., Dulce Locura, and Perdida

5. Dixie Chicks – Taking The Long Way
I used to find them to be a guilty pleasure, but I have a newfound respect for them after I heard this album. It’s no surprise that this earned a Grammy nomination for album of the year. If you are one of the folks that refuse to listen to Dixie Chicks after the comment made by their lead singer, Natalie Maines, then you are missing out on a truly amazing piece of work. Stand out tracks include: Baby Hold On, Easy Silence, Not Ready To Make Nice and Everybody Knows.

6. Scissor Sisters – Ta-Dah
This album presented a more mature side of Scissor Sisters and a second album that, in my humble opinion, is far superior to their first. Elton John’s touch can be heard a little too much throughout, but there are still several tracks that a fun, dirty trip. Stand out tracks include: I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’, Land Of A Thousand Words, Might Tell You Tonight, I Can’t Decide and She’s My Man.

7. Amy Winehouse – Back To Black
She may be a mean drunk, but she’s a force to be reckoned with in the recording studio. She channels singers from the 50’s and 60’s with her voice and infuses it with jazz and R&B. With themes like addiction and lost love, it is a depressing album. It’s hard to turn off once you put it on, though. Stand out tracks include: Rehab, You Know I’m No Good and Back To Black.

8. John Legend – Once Again
This man’s voice makes me melt, so I’m not surprised that Grammy loves him. He invokes so much emotion in each of his songs that I get easily wrapped up in them. Of course, that may be because I’m a hopeless romantic. Some of the songs on this album are fairly weak lyrically, but, once again, his voice rescues most of them. Some of the stand out tracks include: Stereo, P.D.A. (We Just Don’t Care), Coming Home, Slow Dance and Save Room.

9. Beyonce – B’Day
Sure, the album title makes me think of a bidet (thanks Adam!), but the album is a thing of beauty. In true diva fashion, this is a concept album. These are songs that she wishes her Dreamgirls character, Deena, had been strong enough to have sung. And this shows us a far less flawless and far more real Beyonce. Stand out tracks include: Lost Yo Mind (I’m posting it here cause it’s a track that was only available with pre-orders}, Irreplaceable, Ring The Alarm, Déjà Vu, Get Me Bodied and Green Light.

Artist: Beyonce
Track: Lost Yo Mind


10. Keane – Under The Iron Sea
You would never know it by listening to this album, but this band doesn’t use a single electric guitar. Just an interesting factoid. It was supposed to be edgier and more ambitious than their first album, but it turned out to only be so just a little. For the most part, it was more of the same. But, in Keane’s case, that isn’t always a bad thing. The stand out tracks are: Is It Any Wonder, A Bad Dream, Nothing In My Way and Put It Behind You.

It's Beginning To Get To Me

I hate The Twelve Days Of Christmas with a passion. It never really bothered me before, so I'm not sure what prompted set me off this year. Maybe because I've been hearing it since early Thanksgiving. Janice Dickison (sp?) did her own version for Oxygen! Network, a choir was performing it at the mall over the weekend and now the church a block away just played the entire thing w/ bells because it was 5 o'clock. It's not even Christmas and I'm already eager for it to be over so I don't have to hear that friggin' song.

Just so you don't think that I'm in a foul mood today - I had a fabulous birthday weekend. My best friend was in town, we drank a lot of adult beverages and partied every night. I didn't have my camera on me, so I'm waiting on Adam to post his. Actually, I don't even really remember any pictures being taken, so there may not be any. Hmm...well, if there are any, I will post them. If not, use your imagination!

Lets Have Bizarre Celebrations

It's almost time for the weekend and what's a broken hearted boy to do? Party, of course. In anticipation of my birthday next week, this weekend will be filled w/ dancing, drinking and partying. I'm letting go of something that I knew I would eventually have to, and what better way to fill that type of void, right?

Tonight, after a little house cleaning, I'm going to meet up w/ Adam, Brad and Brett. Tomorrow, my best friend/big sister Chad is coming up from Houston. Dinner is planned w/ a few friends and then we'll be meeting up w/ several others out at the clubs. Then we'll sleep and repeat on Sunday! Monday is being taken off to recover.

Put Your Records On 06.12 - Come On Chemicals

I was originally going to post a song by another artist, but I have to put that off until my next installment. Some of you thought that the Of Montreal track that I previously posted (I titled it Guess It Would Be Nice, but that's not the name after all) was a little too quirky. Well, I have yet another track from them, but this one is a little more mainstream. The track title is anything but, though.

I recently revisited the album, Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroy?, which I've had for a few months now. My opinion of the album has changed drastically. Initially, I was surprised that I liked even one track, but now I'm finding myself going gaga over all the songs. I highly recommend you pick up a copy of the album when it gets released in January...I know I will.

Artist: Of Montreal
Track: Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse

Auf Wiedersehen?

Rumors are circulating that the next installment of Bravo's mega-successful Project Runway could be strutting out sans Tim Gunn. Contracts have been finalized with Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia. So why is there no contract in place for the designers' mentor? While everyone seems to be skirting the question, the most likely factor is Tim's job at Parson's. He will not be giving up his day job for a television show, so the earliest that production could begin is in May of next year. So it looks as though Bravo has a choice to make: Forge ahead with the fourth season and risk alienating fans of Gunn - or - put the show on hold and have a higher quality and far more enjoyable show.

Personally, I think that they should wait for Tim. One would be foolish not to realize just how integral he is to the show. He brings much needed commentary, humor and wit, and I fear the show may crumble without him. Bravo will be making a big mistake if they don't hold out for him.

What are your thoughts? Do you think Project Runway would be worth watching w/o Tim? Would you watch it?

Littlest Things

For those of you that visit this here blog on a regular basis, you’ll notice that my posts have been intermittent at best. That’s because I’ve had some personal issues come up that I have allowed to distract me. While I do occasionally post some ramblings about my personal life, I do not intend on divulging any information regarding this. Not that you were dying to know. Ha.

I am also attempting to work out some semblance of a schedule. I need to bring more structure into my life to help prevent me from falling into slumps so often. While I’m working that out, I intend to post at least twice a week. I will hopefully be able to post more frequently, but that will depend on how much time it takes to stay up-to-date w/ the other blogs that I read.

Basically, I’m stepping back and re-examining my life. I’m hoping to become a far more productive person in 2007. So I guess you could look at this as doing my new year resolutions early.

Light To Unite

Dec 1st is World AIDS Day. Bristol-Myers is donating $1 to the National AIDS Fund every time someone goes to their website and moves the match to the candle and lights it. It takes one second to raise a dollar. Please help out. Do it today!

Light To Unite

Please help spread the word by telling your friends and
reposting this if you have a blog.

Thanks!

Put Your Records On 06.11

I learned of the group Of Montreal after reading an article about how their song Wraith Pinned To The Mist (And Other Games) had been used on an Outback commercial. Then a couple months ago I stumbled across their new, but still unreleased album (due in 2007, I believe). While none of the tracks stand up to Wraith..., there are a few good songs on it. Here's Guess It Would Be Nice, right now my favourite one off of the album.



Artist: Of Montreal
Track: Guess It Would Be Nice

She's Growing Up

Zadie at 4 weeks old (the first night I got her), she is 1 lb here:



Zadie at 9/10 weeks of age, she is 2.26 lbs as of today:

Babel

Some times I feel kind of sick to be an American. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy that I am one, but our behavior often falls short of appropriate. By this I am referring to how we interact with people from another country or while we are in other countries.

It’s just been on my mind since last week when I saw the film Babel. The events that unfold stem from the female half of an American couple being shot while on a bus in Morocco. Because the woman shot is an American, it becomes a global news story. Because she is American, tracking down the shooter becomes top priority. Saving her life becomes top priority. Everyone (at least those that were not American or English) went out of their way for this woman based solely on her nationality. In the same movie, the Mexican immigrant that has helped raise the Americans’ children is treated w/ extreme disrespect and eventually deported.

Maybe it isn’t fair for me to be citing a film to make my point, but it’s what has made me really think about it. In reality, I know Americans who visit a foreign country and don’t bother learning any of the language. They honestly believe that the people in the country they are visiting need to cater to them; however, if that person were visiting the US, they would be expected to speak English.

Where do we Americans get off thinking in this manner? We may live in the “most powerful” country in the world, but that doesn’t mean we are superior. I’m far too often disgusted by the way we treat foreigners here simply for not being from here.

I probably didn’t express myself well enough, but I needed to get that off my chest. :)

Krave

I just purchased a round trip ticket to Vegas for the first weekend in December to see Abraham. No turning back now, I guess. I can't afford to.

To My Fellow Bloggers

I miss you guys, and I am sad that I haven't been able to keep up w/ your blogs as I would like to. I miss reading about what's going on in your lives, but mine has become so much busier in the past month. October was very kind to me. It brought me Zadie (my puppy), my sister's wedding, a relationship of sorts (unfortunately, a long distance one) and a full schedule.

I have a new found respect for all parents of human children. My puppy has brought much joy into my life, but also very little rest. Rest assured, though, I will be back and up to date w/ your blogs. For the time being, you may just notice me posting on my blog, as I tend to do so from work (I choose not to visit any other blogs just in case a post isn't work friendly - better to be safe than sorry).

Alright, I'm off to try to get some rest.

p.s. - Go see Babel if you get the chance. Adriana Barraza gives a heartwrenching performance and deserves an Oscar nomination.

Dress Up In You 06.10

Artist: Keane
Original Artist: U2
Track: With Or Without You

Come As You Aren't

Last night was the annual Halloween block party here in Dallas. They block off "The Strip" in the gayborhood and everyone (gay, straight, young, old) packs the street. Some are dressed up, others are just there to view the mayhem. Adam, Brad, Dorothee, Jay, Karlo, Terrance and I partook in the whole mess.

Adam and Brad dressed up as the Mario Bros. and were a smash! They couldn't take two steps w/o someone telling them their costumes were great and/or getting their picture taken. Yes, there were other Mario Bros. out there, but Adam and Brad really were the best of the lot.

Here are some pics from the night:

Adam & Brad (a/k/a - Luigi & Mario)
Mario, Luigi & Captain Jack Sparrow
GOMOS UNITE!!!
Mario & Luigi w/ an adoring fan (she's a pig in a blanket)
Mario, Luigi, Count Chocula & Frankenberry

Karlo & me
Daniel & Jose (as trailer trash lesbians)
Dorothee & Jay (as Billy The Kid and Billy The Kid's Girlfriend)
Endora
Clark Kent/Superman


One Night Stand
NO MORE WIRE HANGERS!!!!
My friend Shotsey...I didn't even recognize him, as he usually has a beard..oh, and he's usually not in drag. lol

Thundercats HO!


When Gumby Attacks!