Internals Plural

RuPaul, Florida, Maude, & More

2012-01-26T07:43:00.005-05:00

Good Golly.

A friend of mine posted this, which is good enough by itself.

That however led me on a 20 minute hunt for the Me & My Shadow routine - which sure isn't labeled very well. Fanboys! Work on your metadata! This, my friends, is genius. And even includes a Hitchcock reference!

(Start the proceedings at the 11 minute mark or just click here to skip all the preceding skits)

In conclusion, a lovely Wednesday night was had by all.

Johnnys Guitar

2012-01-24T07:57:00.000-05:00

God, I love this movie.

Sailing Away

2012-01-23T08:09:00.001-05:00

(I like this picture because it's what my mom would look like as a black woman)

Of all the Etta James obits, Hilton Also wrote my favorite: here. It's just the right amount of over-the-top - something Ms. James certainly was.

...but is talent enough if one has been continually unloved by those unreliable specimens, other people? That was what her big sound was about—a deafening cry in the wilderness of her unconquerable loneliness. She was fat: with drugs, food, incredible technical skill. But nothing could fill her up. All she could do was try to expel—shake off—some of the evening’s exertions (looking for dope on a more or less daily basis amounts to a job in itself) in the recording studio, where she sang a kind of speeded up blues, which I do not associate with R.&B. so much as it being just James’s singing, a variation of a sound I’ve heard all my life: black mothers calling down from various tenement windows for their children to come on in and eat their supper, or take some kind of nourishment, emotional and otherwise.

Anyway, here she is doing one of the handful of Randy Newman songs I like.

One thing I always like about this song is that no matter who does it (you'd expect it of Linda Ronstadt) they sort of leave out the irony.

In Conclusion, here's one of those b-sides from her best album, the Muscle Shoals one. Historically, this is one I highlight.

Rest in Peace, Etta. Thanks for the good times.

Snow Day!

2012-01-21T09:10:00.002-05:00

Yeah whatever, not much snow really.

But still. You know how after Christmas you buy yourself all the stuff you wanted? And the mega-online retailer delivers them right before the type of Saturday where you're happy to not leave the house all day?

Bring it, Culture.

I Need To Re-examine My Whole Childhood

2012-01-20T08:24:00.002-05:00

As if the name "Fist-O" wasn't enough.

Life sure was confusing in the 80s.

Oh, Hello

2012-01-19T07:40:00.001-05:00

This has made the rounds, but, you know, far be it from me not to re-post something Lionel Ritchie-related.

Hello from ant1mat3rie on Vimeo.

Invisibles Mother

2012-01-18T08:01:00.002-05:00

Did you guys know this was a thing?

Back in they day, when you would take your baby to ye olde Sears to get its picture taken, the mom would done a Klan-like cloak and be in the picture as well, propping up the little weak-necked tot.

I had no idea.

They're really kinda creepy.

Some more than others.
Huh.
In conclusion, there are more here if you want to see. The end.

El Mexi-cation mas bueno

2012-01-17T07:50:00.004-05:00

I like America and all, what I know is true is that I had a great vacation in Mexico, and ever since I got back, I've had a bad cold. Whatevs.

What did we did? Well, at our stop in Northern California, we went kiwi picking.

Who knew? They grow on TREES.

Then, thankfully, we got to Mexico.

We had bloody maries with pico de gallo on top! Best BM ever.

Pina Coladas! Poolside.

More poolside! No Molesta!
Also? Ceviche that I would marry if it was legal. Legal Seafood, that is. Que?

And, infinity pools for afternoon cocktails.
In Conclusion: Vacation 1, Back to Work 0.

¡Peligroso!

2012-01-07T17:46:00.002-05:00

¡Bring it!

2012-01-03T15:12:00.002-05:00

That's right. Frozen with salt and pool, por favor.

Bring. It. On.

2012-01-01T11:50:00.001-05:00

Mmm Pick Your Own Kiwis

2011-12-31T18:27:00.002-05:00

Spoiler Alert!

2011-12-30T11:11:00.000-05:00

Geez, 9 Down. Give away the ending why don't you?

The Jolliest Fatman

2011-12-25T09:11:00.001-05:00

I have a new holiday favorite. God bless, Us, Every One.

Whoever Made This, Thank You

2011-12-23T19:36:00.000-05:00

Feliz Natal, every one!

Side By Side By Rivers

2011-12-22T00:01:00.002-05:00

What? Maybe this happened.

Really, HillTube?

2011-12-20T22:12:00.002-05:00

"In A Sling?" I have to now have this image in my head?

The Importance Of The Authorial Voice

2011-12-18T10:36:00.003-05:00

Good job ladies, you've kept it going.

Skating Up That Hill; or, Heads We're Half-piping

2011-12-16T10:28:00.002-05:00

I mean, why not? click here.

I Would Put This Into Space To Teach Aliens Our Humor

2011-12-14T08:05:00.000-05:00

I die.

Happy Japanese Holidays!

2011-12-13T07:41:00.002-05:00

Know what's not actually helpful?

The descriptive brochure that comes with sweets from Japan that my colleague brought me.

Oh well.

Valhalla, I Am Coming!

2011-12-12T08:16:00.000-05:00

So, I'm not going to see the Girl With Dragon Tattoo movie. I read the first book, and the violence against that little orange kitty was too much for me. However, I like it when people buy those books, especially in Canada.

What I really like is the trailer, because of that awesome cover of Immigrant Song.

Even better though? This version.

Long live Viking Kitties.

What A Nice, Nice Lady

2011-12-08T07:21:00.000-05:00

A 75-lb Bag Of Nuts

2011-12-07T07:23:00.000-05:00

A friend found this.

Also? "It's kinda hard when you're human."

Shelley Duvall, ladies & gentlemen. We can always count on Marilu Henner to ask the tough questions.

Piracy & Garlands

2011-12-05T08:09:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, Family makes for a nice Saturday.

Thank You, Internet Retailer

2011-12-03T12:44:00.002-05:00

The DVD of a Cyndi Lauper tour I saw, two out of print Hortense Calishers, an Anthony Burgess I remember liking in high school, and yet another Pearl Bailey book of musings.

Someone is gonna have the best weekend ever!

These Google Robots Are Saucy

2011-12-02T07:42:00.005-05:00

I like my friend Rebecca and her blog, but the comment moderator sure is a dirty bird.

Well, Howdy Stranger!

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

And Now Here's Something For US Americans

2011-11-29T14:37:00.000-05:00

Why anyone would tinker with this clip from a few years ago is strange, but it still made me chuckle a bit.

Everything is funny with a grande dame accent. I don't know if this is a job for wardrobe or hairstyle.

If I Ask For What I REALLY Want For Xmas

2011-11-29T07:34:00.006-05:00

and

What's the point of being an adult if you can't be happy in your own dang home?

Now Why Hasn't This Been Made Into A Novelty T?

2011-11-27T15:36:00.000-05:00

"Better sleep with a sober cannibal than a drunken Christian."

Oh, Ishmael. God bless.

That Fish's Abdomen

2011-11-26T08:58:00.004-05:00

Among other things, I'm thankful that Kevin carved the turkey, and that I was reminded of the Gershwin boys' lyrical genius.

I can't think of more amusing rhymes than these.

PS, Dang you, Copyright Police.

I Am Thankful I Am More Interested in the Toothbrush Than the Defibrillator

2011-11-24T08:53:00.002-05:00

Black Friday indeed.

Phil, Gil, Jill, & Bill

2011-11-23T09:18:00.000-05:00

This is one of the things I am thankful for this year.

I Think I Got A Spam Text From A Romantic Space Alien

2011-11-17T09:26:00.000-05:00

" 'Cause It's Worth It"

2011-11-16T07:44:00.002-05:00

Yes! Yes! The little guy is back!

"It's For You"

2011-11-13T09:15:00.003-05:00

And sometimes, the photo captions are the best part of the old celebrity memoirs I pick up.

The More Things, Stay The Same

2011-11-10T08:09:00.001-05:00

Zach and his Papa, 2011.
Me and my Papa, 1976.

My Assistant And I Catching Up On Email

2011-11-08T09:17:00.002-05:00

Nanas Are Special

2011-11-06T18:03:00.004-05:00

c. 1977

PS: Whatever happened to those PANTS?

Watching That Man

2011-11-03T07:43:00.002-04:00

Practice makes perfect. I love Aladdin Sane, and I love the album cover. So much so that, you know, about 18 years ago I dressed up as it.

Nice to know it took D. Bowie a few tries to get it right too. Thanks, internet.

(oh, and it was a few years after I first obsessing with it that I discovered the pun. We all have strengths and weaknesses)

What A Swell Party

2011-11-02T08:09:00.001-04:00

Anyone else remember this? It's how I discovered Cole Porter. 1990.

I was revisiting the album all snowy weekend, thanks to discovering the videos DVD at the Strand in the bargain rack.

God bless, Debbie Harry & Iggy Pop. It's like if Zeus & Hera themselves did this one from High Society.

Dancing Barefoot, with Knowledge

2011-11-01T07:43:00.000-04:00

Go here for a good tale.

I Mean, Look At Schubert

2011-10-31T07:20:00.000-04:00

Damn straight, Dame Judi. We all do our best, and bully for us for trying. Gonzo would understand.

Some movies sure are good.

I Mean, They're Not Even Trying Anymore

2011-10-28T08:57:00.000-04:00

"Tower Heist"? Why not just call it "White Black Buddy Movie #9528"?

Eyes On The Prize

2011-10-27T07:53:00.003-04:00

This my friends, is the house where I will retire to one day.

Come visit.

This Is How I Know I'm Home

2011-10-26T05:56:00.002-04:00

Coffee, In my own house. Not having to dress and bathe for the hotel restaurant, not having to answer the door for room service. And, Miss Piggy. Wonderful.

There Is No Place Like

2011-10-25T08:29:00.000-04:00

It's Funny Because It's True

2011-10-24T06:42:00.002-04:00

This is the name of the cinema chain in Cape Town.

Mmmmm Wine Tasting

2011-10-22T13:03:00.002-04:00

Yes, This Is My View Right Now

2011-10-21T10:29:00.000-04:00

Some hotels are better than other hotels.

Mojito, Pool, Book

2011-10-16T10:32:00.002-04:00

South Africa > Germany

Let The Flights Begin

2011-10-09T10:25:00.000-04:00

Enjoy October, America!

A Tale Of Two T-Shirts

2011-09-30T07:44:00.002-04:00

Thanks, Threadless. You make Long Distance Uncle'ing that much more fun.

The Big Man Version:

The Little Man Version:

And, Snacktime:

(there's a Dorian Gray joke somewhere in that last photo)

Wait, What?

2011-09-29T08:13:00.003-04:00

Remember Leather Tuscadero? Here she is covering Rihanna. My world exploded in a giant venn diagram of Gay Unicorn proportions.

Ima fight a man tonight.

"God Didn't Put Plastic Surgeons On This Earth So They Could Starve"

2011-09-28T07:21:00.000-04:00

God Bless 'em all.

All this & Courtney B. Vance? Amen.

Cools Ranch

2011-09-26T19:18:00.001-04:00

Rest in Peace, sir. You made my teenage life better.

Baby This Honey's For Me

2011-09-23T08:23:00.001-04:00

Am I sad that R.E.M. broke up? I mean, I probably thought they did 15 years ago.

Still, it's a nice excuse to play this song and get a little wistful as I dress this Casual Friday.

Thanks boys, for the memories. And the best use of Kate Pierson as a sideman this side of Iggy Pop.

Publics Speaking

2011-09-22T07:30:00.004-04:00

Yeesh. So I had to speak on a panel on Monday at an industry thing.

It was a pretty small crowd to be honest, and basically on the topic of my job, which I should be well versed in after all these years, but still. When it was my turn my heart started RACING, I blanked, and just looked at my notes and started talking. At several points I realized I was speaking faster than Joe Izuzu and slowed myself down. I felt my face reddening. I remember at one point using the word "paradigm." And then, a few minutes later, I was done.

I speak all the time to groups, I do presentations on a regular basis. What was wrong with me on Monday?

A few people said I did well. Maybe I did, I have no way of knowing. All I know for sure is, it's over.

Also all I know for sure? I fell a little short of my Public Speaking Role Model:

God Bless, Dixie Carter. That was indeed the night the lights went out in Georgia.

How Could Seeing These Buddies NOT Brighten Your Morning Commute?

2011-09-19T08:38:00.002-04:00

Borne Ceaselessly Into The Past

2011-09-16T07:32:00.002-04:00

Boats, Currents.

1977:
2011:
There's something to be said for curmudgeonry.

Adventures In Publishing

2011-09-14T08:30:00.002-04:00

I really hope the temp in our office has an adult magazine in this Thor backpack with the bad guy's plans on it.

I Want To Go, To There

2011-09-14T08:09:00.000-04:00

Pound Sign Sugarbakers!

I Forget Sometimes That This Is The Best Movie Ever Made

2011-09-12T08:00:00.003-04:00

Academy-Award Winner Geena Davis never gave it so good as she did in Long Kiss Goodnight.
(Though to be fair, she was pretty good the first time I ever saw her, in this)

That's How You Do It, B-Word

2011-09-09T08:13:00.000-04:00

Friday!

This Happened

2011-09-08T08:16:00.001-04:00

Click here.

I like this last one 'cause it reminds me of the climactic scene in Pete's Dragon.

Publishing & the Bostonion Tradition

2011-09-07T08:09:00.000-04:00

My favorite part of used bookstores on the Cape?

Well, my favorite thing is books on Sodomy & the Pirate Tradition. But my SECOND favorite thing:

A whole section on the Kennedys. God Bless, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Also? Some copyeditor got in a LOT of trouble over this:

Always spell-check your subject's name, even on the spine of the book.

A Few Of My Favorite Things

2011-09-02T18:19:00.002-04:00

Vacations are about enjoying your favorite things: Beach, Books, Pirates, Sodomy.

God Bless, America.

Fish! Chips!

2011-09-01T08:53:00.001-04:00

The Holy Trinity Of Vacation

2011-08-30T19:13:00.002-04:00

Rose, Cape Cod potato chips, & sunset. Done.

You Scream, Irene Scream, Ice Cream

2011-08-29T21:45:00.001-04:00

Made it. Suck it, Irene. With jimmies.

Sigh. I Totally Fell For The Fearmongering

2011-08-28T08:21:00.003-04:00

If you're thirsty, stop by.

Alligator and I completely safe. And now I have to Windex.

The worst of it.

Dang you, stupid Fearmongerers. I always fall for it.

OK of Course

2011-08-24T08:23:00.000-04:00

I mean, who am I if I don't post this?

It's Not A Trip To The South Without A Mint Julep

2011-08-22T23:29:00.001-04:00

Thank you, Charleston!

Nothing Says Miami Like Ice Cream & Tropical Foliage

2011-08-19T20:29:00.000-04:00

Someone Put Time Into This

2011-08-17T07:43:00.000-04:00

Someone put time into this, and I can't get it together to take a bag of old clothes to Housing Works.

This Seems Legit!

2011-08-16T07:49:00.001-04:00

Why do I keep a yahoo address? For gems like this, sometimes.

I think it's the spelling of 'maintenance' in the FROM field that's my favorite. Either that or the signature that it's been scanned for viruses.

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: SERVICE MAINTAINANACE
To:
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2011 4:49 PM
Subject: Dear yahoo.com User

Yahoo! Mail
Dear yahoo.com User,

We would like to inform you that we are currently carrying out scheduled
maintenance and upgrade of our yahoo.com service and as a result of
this; our yahoo.com client has been changed and your original password will
reset. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.

To maintain your yahoo.com account, you must reply to this email immediately
and enter your current password here (********)
Failure to do this within 48hours will immediately render your yahoo.com
account deactivated from our
database.

Thank you for using the yahoo.com account!
"yahoo.com SUPPORT TEAM".
@yahoo.com ACCOUNT ABN 31 088 377 860 All Rights Reserved.

--
This message has been scanned for viruses and
dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
believed to be clean.

As American As Cherry Pie

2011-08-15T08:09:00.000-04:00

Rest in Peace, Jani Lane. I *loved* Warrant in high school. I think I played this cassette out.

Mostly, it was the ballads.

Most interesting thing about his passing? Not that he was only 47 and it was probably alcohol-related, that part's just sad. It's this nugget from the NYT obit:

Mr. Lane was born John Kennedy Oswald on Feb. 1, 1964 in Akron, Ohio. (His parents named him after President John F. Kennedy, undeterred by the fact that they shared the last name of the suspect in the assassination, Lee Harvey Oswald.)

Really, Grey Lady? "the suspect in the assassination"? I guess some conspiracy theories go deep.

Rock on, Jani Lane. Rock on. Heaven isn't too far away.

But Aren't You Glad We Did?

2011-08-11T07:20:00.000-04:00

One nice thing about getting older?

You can see long lost friends from all over the world on a Saturday afternoon, walk the Highline, then cramp yourself laughing at this line from a sitcom.

God Bless, America.

A McQueen Come True

2011-08-08T08:09:00.001-04:00

So how did I spend my Summer Friday? Well, I spent about 90 minutes of it in line at the Met to see that Alexander McQueen exhibit people won't stop yapping about.

And? Despite the wait, I'm glad I went. Now, I'm not going to say that it was the best thing in the world, or even that it was worth the long line - but it was a good time. Pretty dresses on nice mannequins in a dark room.

This here was the most impressive thing - they had the dress on display and a higher quality version of this video. I mean, this is something.

Not only is it a great performance/fashion/piece (how many of those are there, really?), but the dang model doesn't fall over and barf when the painting is done! She's a superhero.

If you would like to recreate the experience of seeing the show, read this blog on your smart phone while boarding the A/C/E train at Port Authority during rush hour.

Oh? And here's the line on Saturday, which we did NOT wait in. Know who took this picture? Al Roker. America sure is something. Our credit rating gets down-graded, 000's of people wait in line to see dresses, and our national weatherman tweets this picture during his morning jog.

Anyway, after this I took a nice nap then went to that new Spanish restaurant down the street from me. Summer Friday, you're a good thing.

These Are Three Things

2011-08-05T08:50:00.004-04:00

This is for those people that say this blog is just about kitties:

(really, it's genius. rub their furry underbellies!)

And this is for those just looking for gay unicorns:

And here's Shelley Winters in a giant novelty boxing glove.

Happy Summer Friday everyone!

Seeing Reflections On The Water (not lace nor leather)

2011-08-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

So on Sunday I was doing what I do, trying to find an interesting cover of that best Bond song of the 90s, "Goldeneye." I found this.

Who is this man? Why is this man? Why are there less than 1000 views for this man? Why does he have 128 videos? Everything is wonderful.

God Bless, internet. Thank you.

Burger, She Wrote

2011-08-01T07:53:00.002-04:00

I found this on the internet all by myself.

I want to go, to there.

Nobody Gets Out Of This Place Without Singing The Blues

2011-07-31T12:26:00.001-04:00

The 80s were a wonderful, wonderful time.

Sibling Witchery

2011-07-27T07:57:00.000-04:00

So one thing nice about me is I have friends. Also, last Friday after eating grilled salmon some of those friends and I watched Teen Witch, the 1989 classic I had never seen.

The most fascinating thing to me was NOT the "Top That" rap (a close 2nd), but the younger brother. I had recently re-watched Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead, and was highly entertained that the little brother in that was also the little brother in Adventures in Babysitting - that young man was featured in the whole subgenre of Babysitting Adventure movies in the late 80s.

To put a point on it, the lil' brother from Teen Witch was as distracting to us as corn in a salad. Who was this actor? Was it a short lesbian in a vest? Was he ALSO played by Zelda Rubenstein?

Here he is in the opening scene:

Fascinating.

And then, here's my favorite scene, when he is under her spell and being nice to her. He seems to be making some sort of pig call at the start:

When I'm a grown up, after I've written my first book, Shelley 3, the third volume in Shelley Winters' memoirs, and my second book, on the religious allegory in Poseidon Adventure, I'm going to do a book on the younger brothers in 80s movies. And if bookstores still exist, I hope you'll run out and buy it.

The Ship Song

2011-07-26T08:13:00.003-04:00

What is this? Why is this?

I love this song. I love Nick Cave's version, I love Concrete Blonde's version, I love the Nick Cave with Concrete Blonde version, I love Amanda Palmer's version. And now? Nice.

Thanks Australia. Good job.

Oh, and what's with Martha Wainwright? She's from Canada, not Australia. I did see her in a restaurant in Sydney once. And now she looks like that Nurse Jackie who takes the pills.

In conclusion, The End.

America's Pearl

2011-07-25T08:16:00.000-04:00

This article has EVERYTHING.

Pearl Bailey
Richard Nixon
Senators Javits, McGovern, & Muskie plus VPs Agnew & Humphreys
reference to Washington, D.C. as "Dee Cee"
Carol Channing
turnip greens

How I wish I was a subscriber to Jet Magazine in 1970.

You Have GOT To Be Kidding Me

2011-07-22T15:07:00.001-04:00

Dear Chelsea Market: That ain't right.

of Museums and Culture

2011-07-18T07:32:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I went on an educational jaunt to QUEENS. Whaaaa?!? Yep, Queens.

See, the Museum of the Moving Image had a little show about the Muppets - I'll blog about that later. The last time I went to the MoMI, it was raining, and we saw a double-feature of Night at the Opera and Der Blaue Angel. If there's one thing I can suggest, don't ever go straight from a Marx Brothers movie to one where someone dies from loving Marlene Dietrich. It does not make for a fun night. However, my companion found a $20 bill outside the museum on our walk home, so you never know.

HOWEVER, this Sunday none of that happened. Here's a few of the gems they have on display.

Elsa Lanchester's wig! Who knew the bride of Frankenstein was a ginger?

They had a whole Star Wars toy exhibit, which was pretty awesome - I remembered owning and playing with each and everyone of of the Action Figures. What I did not remember, was this quasi-NSFW C3-P0 tape dispenser.

I have a question on these books here below. Did Betty Grable, Judy Garland, and Ginger Rogers figure in as characters in these novels? A little research is in order, but I don't want to be late for work.
Furthermore, I wish I had this Julia lunchbox growing up. I loved that show. The legs really are the last thing to go.

In conclusion, my favorite bit of memorabilia was these Geraldine and Flip Wilson dolls. God, but they'd look grand on my fireplace mantle.

Television is great. Also, movies. Queens, not so bad.

Heads, Tails, We're Dancing

2011-07-15T07:26:00.001-04:00

This is the most beautiful ballet I've seen since that all-boy performance of Swan Lake.

These Are My Questions

2011-07-13T07:57:00.002-04:00

Did Indiana Jones' girlfriend retire to Ptown and open a bed & breakfast?

Really, what's a cross between Garrison Keillor and Mary Tyler Moore? I kinda wish I had gone to this.
In conclusion, vacations are fun. And baffling.

I Have A New Motto

2011-07-11T07:38:00.002-04:00

Life, She Is Now Two Good

2011-07-08T17:34:00.001-04:00

Life, She Is Good

2011-07-06T10:21:00.001-04:00

The Perfect Costume For The Day

2011-07-04T17:16:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday America from Ptown!

Vereen! Goldblum! Brownshoe!

2011-06-30T08:10:00.000-04:00

Excuse me? How did I not know about this?

The Faintest of Praises

2011-06-29T07:42:00.005-04:00

NYTimes review by A.O. Scott: talk about 'more than meets the eye' in his lede here. The Grey Lady has been pretty sassy lately.

My favorite of the toys I had was the panther that turned into a cassette tape. I miss him.

Remember when things were so simple?

Who is doing that voiceover anyway? He sound scarier than any of the Decepticons.

Waiter Bring Me Shad Roe

2011-06-28T08:09:00.000-04:00

Everything about this is the greatest.

Pride, Straight Up

2011-06-27T07:43:00.000-04:00

To quote my dear friend Sandra Bernhard:

"A vodka company sponsoring the gays? What's next, Gerber giving a shout out to babies?"

Happy Pride!

"Be Bold"

2011-06-23T07:48:00.003-04:00

Some books you love for the plot, some for the emotions, and some for the words.

Be bold. It's the only chance to get away with it.