cgm13.net :: the boy wonder: February 2003

Say "Hello!" to the new bane of my existence. New equipment is always so much fun. Yea, work!

Book Update:
I finally finished reading Irvine Welsh's "Porno" last evening. It's a fun sequel to "Trainspotting" and kept me entertained the entire time. But, who wouldn't like a book about former druggies making a porn film. Whoo! "The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh of Homer" is next in line. We'll see how that one goes.

Well, let's go install a vinyl cutting machine for the making of banners. Sounds like it's going to be a fun Friday ... right?

Jesus! Why hadn't I heard about this before?!? March is shapin' up to be a very happy month for me ... dvd-wise at least.

Online personality tests are so stupid. One just told me that I am not gay.

The high point of the week (and probably this winter) has been the arrival of the new Skinny Puppy disc in the mail yesterday. Since their breakup, fans are desperate for any new Puppy to be released. Thanks to Subconscious Communications we now have Skinny Puppy: Back & Forth 6. Whoo! It's full of demos, alternate versions, live stuff and has an initial pressing of only 1,500 discs. Brap on, fuckers!

Goodbye, Mr. Rogers. You and your neighborhood will be missed.

Bah. Bah, bah, bah, bah, bah!!! What a ho-hum afternoon it's been.

Listening to the Saint Etienne album "Good Humor" was about all that got me through yesterday. That and coffee, of course. It's nice to know that "pop" isn't really the dirty word that most of us think it is.

So, in honor of the union of the ultra hip Sparky and the Rooster I offer the following song. Hope that you have many happy years together, guys!
Pet Shop Boys: It Always Comes As A Surprise (5MB)

I think that I really deserve the "Best Radge Acting Like A Normal Gadge" Oscar. Yeah, I have been reading too much Irvine Welsh.

Some people have made their way here through some interesting search strings. Here are some of my favorites (in order of number of hits):
1) grey clouds
2) avril porn website
3) 1930's porno
4) britney hair 2003
5) cappuccino and tattoo
6) justin timberlake hair february
7) new masturbation techniques
8) personals for intimate/physical relationship only
9) pop-up less porn
10) self-esteem comic

Ugh. I hate these kind of days. As Invader Zim would say ... "I have a might need!" I really, really need to see and/or talk someone. Nothing major that I want to say. I just need to hear his voice. What the hell am I going to do if (or when) graduate school happens this fall? Maybe a lobotomy is the answer.

Yes. Now that I have the surround sound system the glorious sound of porn can fill the entire living room. Hmmm. I wonder if porn dvd's do come in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. I must check on that.

There is still some tweeking to be done to the set-up and I need to actually get the rear speakers behind the couch, but basically the new entertainment center is ready to party. You know that you want to help me show off my home theatre sound system. (Yes. This is a very, very shameless post.)

You know how life presents those little tests ... those situations that keep coming up again and again until you make the right choices and move on? I have a friend that was tested again this past weekend and she seems to have made the right choices this time around. It got me thinking about the test that keeps coming back at me. I think I have come up with the answers. I wonder if I'll pass this time.
1) No.
2) No.
3) No.
4) Yes.

Movie Update:
I rented One Hour Photo yesterday. Wow. I really, really liked this movie. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Mark Romanek's first film. But, he pulls it off very, very well. Kudos are also due to Robin Williams for his creepy performance as Sy the Photo Guy.

I have a question that's been bugging me. A guy can really like the Pet Shop Boys version of "Go West" and it not mean anything ... right?

It's Camille Rose Garcia's Doomsday Animals. Yeah. I'm in love with this woman. So, who wants to be a sugar daddy and buy me some art?

I have found myself to be in "ultra gay" mode this week. I guess that listening to too much Pet Shop Boys can do that to a fella.

Now BJ ... just because someone covers a tune by The Smiths doesn't mean that I am automatically going to hate it. The t.A.T.u cover of "How Soon Is Now" is actually quite good. Not anywhere near as bland as the Hootie and the Blowfish version of "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want." Ewwww is all I can say about that one.

Sweet and super sweet! The Tin Man has returned.
[via BJ]

Unfortunately, the upgrade in sound will probably mean that I need to upgrade the DVD player to get the full, awsome benefit of DTS Home Theatre Sound. My current DVD machine is from 1999 ... which means "the stone age" in electronic years.

It seems that Broadway would have learned by now. First "Footloose: The Musical" and then "Saturday Night Fever". Come on, folks. Who in their right minds wants to pay $100 for good seats to see "Urban Cowboy" grace the stage. The hot stud on the mechanical bull might be able to con some money out of desperate women and gay men. Talk about an expensive thrill ...
[via Keith via Bill]

Impending war. Possible collapse of the U.S. economy. Fuck it. I now own a home theatre sound system and life couldn't be sweeter. Oh, sub woffer how did I live without you?

My roomie has gotten his record player back from the shop. Growing up in the 80's, cassette tapes were the new craze and lp's were on the decline. My record collection is a few albums (Duran Duran mostly) and a ton of 45 singles. Needless to say, I was overjoyed when my roomie romped in with a crate full of lp's and proclaimed he has 4 more full of them in storage at his mother's house. Granted they are mostly from the mid to late 70's, but who cares when you can listen to Jethro Tull's "Thick As A Brick" on vinyl.

Back in 1979, My parents took me to the local record store to buy me my first album. I wanted anything by KISS so bad that I could taste it. Being Southern Baptists, my parents felt that something a little less threatening was in order. The clerk suggested what would become the first album I ever owned. Last Saturday night, I pulled out Boston's self-titled debut and kicked back on the couch for a major nostalgia trip.

With one little e-mail I have just embarrassed myself. Yeesh.

So, Michelle and I went and checked out the karaoke scene last evening. Our local "Irish pub" with a majorly redneck clientel hosts the fun every Tuesday. Michelle rocked the house singing "Eye of the Tiger" and "Smells Like Teen Spirit." I took the low road and stuck with 80's classics such as "Little Red Corvette" and "One Thing Leads To Another." We didn't have high hopes, but the other singers were actually pretty good. Too bad they didn't have any Duran Duran on the menu. Too bad the cute, seemingly gay man running the show had a wedding ring on. We were King and Queen of the evening. Michelle being the king and I being the queen, of course.

Yes. This is what I take my lunch to work in. It's The Muppet Show. It's sweet.

One thing I did find out this weekend is that tales of party people from the city have been greatly exaggerated. It's nice to know that the old farts can out drink and out last the young'ens. Too bad my martini makin' skills were wasted.

Movie Update:
Well, Daredevil was a very lackluster effort. There was just something missing. It didn't have the "zip and pow" of previous comic book movies. You'll shoot me for saying this ... Ben Affleck did look good in burgundy leather. Mmmmm ... leather.

The spring New York City trip that the local theatre group takes will be put off until September. Bummer. I really like NYC in the spring. Usually tons of people sign up, but that is not the case this time around. Steve suspects the looming war and potential collapse of the U.S. economy are factors. And people say Dubya isn't doing a good job. Ha!

So, as a Valentine's treat to you loyal readers I offer an mp3 from my new favorite album. I will probably kill the link on Sunday. Hope you enjoy.
Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man: Romance (7MB)

The more that I listen to the Beth Gibbons and Rustin Man album "Out of Season" the more I think it's one of the best albums from last year.

Instead of saying a big "fuck you" to all the happily partnered people out there, I decided to be big about today. Hmmm. Maybe somtime before I die I will get to do what is happening in the above picture. If you do have someone special in your life be sure that you make them feel loved not just on this day created to sell cards and candy. If you're that lucky, let 'em know how much they mean to you every day of the year. I know that I would.

Also, I'd like to send BIG Valentine's greetings to all those who have moved on: Judy, Mitch and Jennifer, John, Michael & J., David, Dawn W., Richie and Brett. Hope that you all are happy and healthy!

Paying $1.61 for gas this morning really hurt. I know it's not as high here as other places in the country, but ... ouch.

"I wonder why we can't be good friends."
What a stupid statement that is. I know why we can't be good friends. I would not be happy merely being friends. I'm in love with him and he will never feel the same about me. Where the hell else is there to go from that point but totally apart?

Why do I sit around and question what's going on? I wonder why we can't be good friends. I want to be there. I want to get called or e-mailed just to see how things are going. I don't want to be the last resort on a Saturday night when there is nothing better to do. I don't want to be the guy that he hangs out with only because I have dvd's to watch and beer to drink. I want to know where our friendship really stands, but I am afraid to ask. I know what that answer will be. I have, yet again, put myself in this position. I feel like I have been nothing short of hostile since before Christmas ... maybe even long before that. Maybe that's what's going on. Who would want to be friends with a miserable, unpredictable bastard like myself. DVD's and beer ... at least I am good for something.

Not got much to say today. Not that I ever do anyway. It's pretty sad when the highlight of the week will be dinner at Taco Bell tonight.

In other news ...
Keith's post from yesterday scares me. Bland teen pop trying to look punk. Yes. It should scare you too. Nothing is sacred anymore.

Well, there has been something good happen today. Thanks to the joy of free mp3's on the net, I have fully discovered the joy of Saint Etienne. Groove-o-licious!

In the last 24 hours I have had a laundry fiasco (with a forgotten envelope) and broken one of my new picture frames. Friday here we come!

How can I forget your tender smile. Moments that I have shared with you. Our hearts may break but they're on their way. And there's nothing I can do. So do what you gotta do. And don't misunderstand me. You know you don't ever have to worry 'bout me. I'd do it again. I can understand that it can't be. Guess it's hard as you were meant for me. But I can't hide my own dispair. I guess I never will. So do what you gotta do. And don't misunderstand me. You know you don't ever have to worry 'bout me. I'd do it again. So tired of life. No fairytale. So hold your fire. 'Cause I need you. So do what you gotta do. And don't misunderstand me. You know you don't ever have to worry 'bout me. I'd do it again. Do what you gotta do. And don't misunderstand me. You keep going over every word that we've said. But you don't have to worry about me.
-- Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man

After finally hearing the Beth Gibbons and Rustin Man album "Out of Season" there is only one thing to say: Wow.

I really must make plans for this year's "day of love" on Friday. Hmmm ... I can get drunk and watch The X-Files by myself or I can get drunk and watch The X-Files by myself or I can get drunk and watch The X-Files by myself or I can get drunk and watch The X-Files by myself. The possibilities are endless! Whoo.

Damn. It's amazing how you can sit around for months staring at the walls and then find yourself slammed with things to do. By the beginning of April I will:
1) Be appearing in two shows just a couple of weeks apart.
2) Have a gallery exhibit of my poster art.
3) Housesit three times at two different places.
4) Do my general freelance work.
~~5) Worry obsessively about "you-know-who."~~

In other news ... Over the weekend, I received the art that I ordered. It's now hanging on the wall in my bedroom courtesy of some cheap Wal-Mart frames. Now I feel like such a trendy, hip cat. Nah, not really.

Urgh!!! Once again Paul Thomas Anderson has been shit upon. I don't know why I even care about the Oscars anymore.

You know ... this site would probably be a lot better if I could LEARN TO FUCKIN' SPELL. Sorry. I am just having a little moment.

I am not one who really enjoys filmed concerts. If I am going to see a band I prefer to do it live and get the full joy of the experience. Anyway ... this weekend I finally popped the money for Portishead - Roseland New York. Wow. It's definately worth checking out. Even though it comes across really polished, Portishead's music has added weight with the addition of a live orchestra and horn section. The DVD also comes with the short films and videos from the band. Plus, you get the added joy of seeing ultra-cute bassist Jim Barr (see above).

It's Official ....
BJ is the greatest person on the planet! Thanks to him, I now have the best Blondie song and some Heaven 17. Big geek that I am, I have already listened to "Atomic" like 20 times. Whoah, baby!!! I owe some feet kissin' next time I am in NYC.

I'm sorry, folks. There is just something fundamentally wrong with Johnny Cash doing a cover of "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails. Really, really wrong.

I will kiss the feet of ANYONE who can send me an mp3 of "Atomic" by Blondie, Heaven 17's cover of "Temptation" or both. My seaches on the web have been unrewarding. I am getting desperate! C'mon and make my day.

Humph! The chat with the roomie last night got me nowhere ... or at least I didn't hear what I wanted to hear. This is not going to become a regular occurance. Not going to happen. We'll see what the future brings.

Here's some eye candy while impending doom looms in the distance. I have to sit down and have a talk tonight. Ugh.

I have that feeling. Something bad has happened or is going to happen. Soon. My stomach feels like lead. My nerves feel a little frayed. My mind races to figure out what is wrong. Yea, impending doom.

Alas, I think that it would be wise to wait until the Jeep is paid off before investing in a PowerBook. I can't seem to work up the nerve to post nude pictures of myself on the internet for money. Wait!!! People would probably pay to have me remove those kind of photos. This idea deserves more thought ...

I really don't understand the fascination with American Idol. I must be just poor, old and bitter enough. The idea of young, pretty people competing for lots of fame and cash has no appeal to me. Honestly, I could care less if some kid has their dreams of stardom crushed by Simon and the American public. The style of pop music being put forth these days doesn't help either. Let's see which contestant can warble longest and loudest on that final note. Let's see if they can go through the entire music scale while they are at it. Ugh. I really think people watch just to see if Simon, Paula and Randy are all going to get in a fist-fight one night. Maybe they will ... and knock the whole set down ... and kill everyone invloved. That would be nice.

Michelle and I have decided that our lives would be much more complete if we each had an iPod. Make mine 20GB, please.

Wow! The show reall kicked ass last night. Duncan Sheik ended up opening and he was really good (and really cute). My friends, Jeff and Kelly, had gotten a fan letter to Duncan backstage earlier in the day. So, the second song he played was dedicated to them and their baby that is on the way. That was pretty cool. For his final song he did Radiohead's "Fake Platic Trees." That was kinda unexpected, but very cool. Then Aimee took the stage. She played for about an hour and forty-five minutes without a break. She joked with us. She made us do audience participation and confessed that if she were seeing the show there would be no way she would participate. Fun. She stuck to "I'm With Stupid," "Bachelor No. 2" and "Lost In Space." She only played two tunes off "Whatever" plus the two main songs from "Magnolia." We even got "Sweet Home Alabama" in her final encore (we are in the South ya know). All in all, it was a really sweet evening.

It's only four hours until Aimee Mann!!! What a geek I am.

I don't think I have mentioned that I will be seeing Aimee Mann in concert tonight. I mean ... it is just Aimee Mann. Nothing to get too exctited about. Right?

My breasts are large enough, thank you very much.

Tonight! Aimee Mann in concert. Whoo hoo! Aimee Mann. Aimee Mann. Aimee Mann. Aimee Mann. Aimee Mann. Aimee Mann. Aimee Mann. Aimee Mann. Aimee Mann. Aimee Mann. Aimee Mann. Aimee Mann!!! I am not the least bit excited.

Movie Update:
I somehow managed to see two movies this past weekend. The Recruit was a pretty good movie, but if you have seen the trailer then you have seen the movie. I hate when they give away all the plot twists in the trailer. Urgh! On the plus side, Colin Farrell gets shirtless in the movie. Too bad he couldn't lose the boxer shorts as well. Mmmmm. And I saw Chicago. It's a really fun movie that captures the excitement of the Broadway musical. I felt so gay watching it.

The weekend has also very alcohol soaked. Too much beer. Too much wine. I saw "you-know-who" on Saturday night. I didn't cry too much before I went to sleep.