Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Put Your Records On 07.28

Returning to my deep-rooted gringo heritage, I've been searching for some great Spanish music lately. I know that there is plenty out there, but it's difficult for me to get into a song when I can't sing along. The only other option is that it have a great beat, one that can sustain my interest throughout. Lately, only the likes of Bebe, Julieta Venegas and La Oreja De Van Gogh. I had been itching for something new and finally found it in the Argentine electro-rock band Miranda!. I had been introduced to them about a year-and-a-half ago, but only to their infectious single Romix. Now I have their latest album, El Disco de Tu Corazon, and it's choc full of great tracks...including one feating the aforementioned Julieta Venegas (who seems to be guesting on just about every Spanish album as of late). Pick up their album via iTunes using the link below.
Miranda


Artist: Miranda!
Album: El Disco de Tu Corazon
Track: Hola

<br /><bgsound src="http://www.hddweb.com/65155/Hola.m4a"><br />

Monday, July 30, 2007

All Things Go

Best known to those outside of Houston for the film The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, Marvin Zindler was also known to Houstonians for his reporting on ABC affiliate KTRK-TV. Signed to a lifetime contract with the station, I grew up with him reporting which restaurants got poor reviews from the health inspector and which ones had "SLIIIIIME IN THE ICE MACHINE!!!" (which was his trademark shout-out, that they later turned into a little jingle - lol)

Sadly, Marvin was diagnosed early this month with pancreatic cancer. While he vowed to continue working even from the hospital, he succumbed to his illness yesterday, July 29, 2007. He will be missed.

McWiderstand

...Or McResistance in English. Berlin neighbourhood Kreuzberg is pitching a fit about the latest McDonald's that is being built there, citing the encouragement to eat unhealthy food and traffic congestion. Read more about it HERE (yeah, I know some of you liberals out there won't like the site it takes you to, but get over it).

For those of you that don't know, I'm all for bringing down McDonald's. For starters, they serve low quality, fattening foods. It also stems from way back when I first became vegan and joined PETA (which I quickly distanced myself from cause they are way too extreme), as the non-profit organization had a massive campaign against the chain "restaurant." Now I refuse to set foot in any McDonald's owned establishment (stood outside one last year in Washington D.C. and froze my ass off while my friends used the restroom - it's the principle) or allow any of it in my home or vehicle. A little insane, maybe, but I hate them with a passion. Oddly enough, I have nothing against any of the other fast food chains. ha.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

No D'Oh About It

Being the huge fan of The Simpsons that I am, I had to go see the movie on opening weekend. After all, I've been waiting since December of 1989. Thankfully, I was not disappointed. Then again, it may be that the past few seasons of the television series have been lackluster at best, so this may have seemed better than it actually was. Even if that is the case, I still enjoyed myself and found it worth paying for. Maybe not more than once.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Put Your Records On 07.27

The group, Straylight Run, is an indie rock band out of Long Island, NY. I stumbled across them a few weeks ago and thought I would share with you guys. I would have done so much sooner, but the site I upload my music to was not being cooperative. If you like what you hear, consider purchasing their music via iTunes.

Straylight Run


Artist: Straylight Run
Album: The Needles The Space
Track: The Words We Say

<br /><bgsound src="http://www.hddweb.com/65155/The_Words_We_Say.mp3"><br />

Damage Control

On the advice of her new manager, Kelly Clarkson has agreed to record a pop album for release in 2008. This announcement comes shortly after she made a public apology to Clive Davis for some nasty comments she insisted were taken out of context. She's not only agreeing to make a pop album a la Breakaway, she has agreed to allow Clive and his people personally select every song for the album.

So what does this mean for My December? I guess they are just going to let this one play out as a misstep. It has sold a decent amount, but anything shy of the 5.8 million her previous effort sold would be considered a failure. My hope is that they follow through with releasing the track How I Feel as a single. I feel like that is the only single worthy song on the entire album. That isn't saying there are no other good songs on it, but none of them are really radio-friendly.

Hell, I'm really just thrilled that we'll be getting another album so soon from my favourite singer.

Purchase Kelly Clarkson via
Kelly Clarkson

Monday, July 23, 2007

It Never Ends

They were bad last night, but my allergies have kicked it up a few notches today. I have been blowing my nose non-stop since waking up, and yet my head continues to feel more and more congested. It's like it's about to explode. Of course, I'm out of my Allegra-D, and, even if I could get a refill without having to pay my doctor another visit, I still can't afford the $30. Yeah, I'm on a fixed income until August.

Aside from feeling like shit, I'm sure I smell like shit (not literally, of course). I woke up to find that building management had shut the water off to do some repairs. I knew this was going to occur and purposely woke up early; however, they turned it off 20 minutes early. I was forced to take a bath at the sink w/ what little water I could get.

So please forgive me if I sound a little bitchy today.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)

I hung out w/ a friend that, while he lives reasonably close, I rarely get to see. We went out to dinner and to the movies (to see Hairspray). I wanted to see it, but wasn't in a rush. Fortunately, my friend was, but only because he was banned from seeing Harry Potter until his boyfriend gets in next week. This movie was a lot of fun. Great songs, dancing and John Travolta in drag! And, as if that wasn't enough, it has Christopher Walken singing and dancing, too. What's not to love? It's a great movie and I highly recommend it.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Another Hurdle

Since parting ways w/ Time Warner a while back, I have only been able to visit other blogs the few times that I could get internet access outside of when I'm at work. The other day I learned that I've somehow been blocked at the coffee shop I've been frequenting (the owner doesn't know how or why but is trying to get it resolved), so there's a chance I may not be able to check up on my fellow bloggers until my move date (tentatively set for August 24). I can't wait to move.

In the mean time, since I can't visit his blog, I wanted to wish my friend/fellow blogger over at Contextual Musings a HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Believe It Or Not

Last night I had a first date w/ the boy I met Sunday night, and, much to my delight, it went rather well. At least that's the impression I was given. So far I like him and am interested in seeing where this goes.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

See Where It Goes

I'm back to work this morning after a for-no-special-reason extended (as in four day) weekend, and what an interesting weekend it was. I've decided that it's best I keep a low profile (i.e. - go out less) over the next few weeks for financial reasons, which meant that I was going to make the most of this weekend. For those who don't know me personally, I can (and usually am) a very quiet, reserved person. Lately, though, I have found myself itching to break from that tradition, and I managed to do so this weekend. And it wasn't all thanks to alcohol.

I've noticed that these past few weekends I've been so intent on finding a mate that I haven't been having fun. It isn't like that's what I've set out to do, I've just let it consume me. I found myself out with friends and struggling to keep a conversation going because I was too focused on surveying the crowd. I'll just put it out there, I needed to get laid! But that isn't what I wanted, either. In fact, I've been presented w/ the opportunity on a few occasions over the past few weeks, but that's all that was offered. I'm in it for more than that, which is terribly difficult to find as a gay man. Or at least for me, since I'm so picky.

These weekend I was intent on just having fun w/ my friends and not even worrying about finding a boy. I really had just given up, so to speak. Not entirely, but enough to where I could focus on other (more important) things. Besides, why should I bother getting a boyfriend any way, considering I'll be so preoccupied with work and school this January? So I met up with my friends every night (starting Thursday) and just had fun.

Thursday night I had dinner with my friends that are baristas at my favourite Starbucks. It's within walking distance from work and I'm there every weekday...and not because I'm addicted to the iced green tea that I get. This was the first time that we have all hung out together outside of the Starbucks environment and, I must say, it was a pleasant experience. Aside from one guy's annoying alcoholic boyfriend, that is.

On Friday, my friend T and his partner (who rarely goes out) invited me out to see their friend perform at a local bar. Turns out that the bar is one of those seedy, hold in the wall places and his friend was a dancer. It was actually quite odd. I mean, nothing against dick dancers (I personally am not into it), but it was still odd to me that this guy had invited all his friends out to see him. His boyfriend was there, we were there (well, T and his partner were, I can't include myself since I never got introduced to the guy) and some other friends (who had come in from out-of-town just to see him!). We didn't stay long...mostly because we were afraid to touch anything in there. The night was down hill after that, as that experience kind of put a damper on things. We met some other friends out for a drink and then ditched the bars for some food.

Saturday evening, a friend invited me over for a very small gathering at his apartment. He lives in the same complex that I used to a couple years, so it was weird being back. Especially since his unit is a mirror-version of my old one and I could see my old one from his balcony. It's only weird because I have so many bad memories. I found myself falling into my typical quiet self, so I made it my goal that night to break out and loosen up. We ended up at a local bar on the strip and a new friend met us out. I don't know what it is about this guy, but I come out of my shell so easily when he's around. I'm not attracted to him in a sexual way, but he's so much fun to be around. I guess I just feed off of that energy. So we ended up at a club. Many drinks were consumed and much fun was being had by all. I eventually found myself dancing w/ some guy. He was cute and all, but, if it were possible, he'd have had sex with himself. His dancing involved flexing his "guns." He'd also grab my hands and have me feel his muscles. It was all quite comical and I found myself rolling my eyes; however, it was still fun.

Sunday was largely spent in bed. I didn't feel like doing much of anything as I had spent the previous day cleaning my apartment (although it looks as though nothing has been done to it, still as dirty as ever - well, dirty as in dusty, the place collects dust with extreme ease) instead of resting up. That night; however, I met up with my usual gang of troublemakers for a planned late evening - since I had Monday off. We started on the strip, then headed off to our usual hangout and then back to the strip. We hit the club and shortly thereafter I met a nice fellow. While we had been making eye contact and smiling at each other and all that other lame stuff, I was nervous about approaching him due to my history w/ guys (i.e. - they are usually in a relationship) and the fact that he was standing w/ another guy. My friend, who is a retired psychiatrist, approached him for me since he knows my luck.

Turns out the guy has many qualities that I'm looking for in a guy. Most importantly, he is single and, as far as I can tell, he's not an addict. He's also my age! We should be going on a date this week to see if we hit it off sober.

I spent Monday hanging out w/ my friend since it was his birthday. We watched movies and just lounged the entire day. It was much needed R&R.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Somewhere Only We Know

I haven't posted about Blake Lewis for a while, but watching his recent guest spot on The View reignited the interest. After surviving the wrath of the hosts (thankfully he did not have to suffer through Rosie) he performed what used to be his signature track (before You Give Love A Bad Name), Keane's Somewhere Only We Know. I must say that he did a much better job of it this time around.







Blingo!

You like free stuff, right? I know it depends on what the stuff is, but, generally speaking, we all like free stuff! That's just what you can get for performing searches using Blingo instead of Google. Actually, that's not entirely true, as Blingo is powered by Google. So anyway, you can win things such as a Nintendo Wii, movie tickets or even cold, hard cash. So, if you are so inclined, go ahead an sign up and start searching. Register HERE.

BTW, this actually does work. Don't worry, they don't sell your e-mail address or spam you.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Good Karma

For you Radiohead fans out there, Stereogum is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the band's Ok Computer with a tribute album. Each track has been recreated by the likes of Cold War Kids (a personal fave), Mobius Band, John Vanderslice (check out his standout rendition of Karma Police) and more. It's available for a limited time and, best of all, it's free!

Get it HERE.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Random

My iced green tea tastes like those buttered popcorn jelly beans. No, this is not a good thing.

Put Your Records On 07.26

The Chemical Brothers have a new album out titled We Are The Night. I've tried in the past to get into them, but I just couldn't find a track that really held my attention. Granted, I didn't try too hard. But that was then. I've since heard All Rights Reversed and it's now my favourite song of the moment. Give it a listen to, and, if you like it, buy their album via the iTunes link below.


The Chemical Brothers

Artist: The Chemical Brothers
Album: We Are The Night
Track: All Rights Reversed

<br /><bgsound src="http://www.hddweb.com/65155/All_Rights_Reversed.m4a"><br />

Monday, July 09, 2007

Play Nice

Mayor Bertrand Delanoe launched Paris Tourist Day, urging cab drivers to smile and waiters to brush up on their English.

I think French people should feel offended. As an American, I'm even a bit embarrassed that they feel the need to create this day. I've always said that it is one's responsibility, as a tourist, to learn the language of the country you are visiting. Or at least learn enough to get by. If anything, the French probably are a little rude simply because we Americans just go there and demand this type of special treatment.

This is precisely why when I go to Europe for a week in December, I'll be spending it entirely in England (w/ the possible exception of a day trip to Paris if I can convince a friend to skip out on work for a day to join me). Well, that's my rant for the day.

Sunday, July 08, 2007

Again & Again

I think I'm doomed to never meet a guy that I'm interested in that is also:

A. Interested in me.

B. Not an addict (even a recovering one)

C. SINGLE!

That last one is the most important necessity. I'm taking applications if you'd like to apply.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Put Your Records On 07.25

Desperately attempting to pick up where No Doubt left off, French band Superbus has the look and sound down pat...at least of 90's No Doubt.

Artist: Superbus
Album: WOW
Track: Let Me Hold You

<br /><bgsound src="http://www.hddweb.com/65155/Let_Me_Hold_You.m4a"><br />

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Passing The Blame

So Isaiah Washington just can't seem to make up his mind about whether or not he used the homophobic slur faggot. At the Golden Globes, he said he didn't say it. Now he's saying he did say it. One thing he does seem to know, though, is that none of it is his fault in any way, shape or form.

His losing his job had nothing to do with him being unable to censor himself (and for something that would probably land most people in a heap of trouble in the corporate world) or control himself (physically lashing out at co-worker Patrick Dempsey). His being fired had everything to do with the colour of his skin (seriously?). And his lashing out was all Dempsey's fault for being continuously late. I don't know about you, but I always resort to violence whenever my co-workers are late. It's the only way they are going to learn. And the whole thing with T.R. Knight was evidently all conjured up by Knight in order to gain more fame and money. Strange, I remember reading about the incident the day of or after the incident, and it said that Knight went to break up the fight and Washingtong pushed him and called him faggot. That was before Knight came forward about the whole thing. And even if Knight is trying to advance his career, isn't that what Washington is doing going around still talking about this whole thing?

In my current line of business, I deal with many people that are simply incapable of admitting that they are wrong, let alone the possibility. Mr. Washington needs to step up and take responsibility for his own actions and, most importantly, get over himself.

Monday, July 02, 2007

Fired Up, Cont.

In May of 2006, I posted about a horrific hate crime committed against a young Hispanic man. He was beaten unconscious and sodomized with a plastic pole by two white guys. He survived that beating, but still endured being hospitalized for three months and going through nearly 30 surgeries. Unfortunately, the young man, David Ritcheson, is dead after having jumped from the upper deck of a cruise ship into the Gulf Of Mexico.

One can assume that the tragedy that occurred a year ago was too much for him to handle. Especially considering he refused counseling.