Apr 25, 2006
Apr 24, 2006
austin, texas
between surfing on the lake, tubing on the river, and enjoying hors d'oeuvres at an austin film festival benefit, i have continued my tradition of traveling well. i have happily made new friends in this city, as i manage to do elswhere. and, of course, i have stayed out of trouble, too.
Apr 20, 2006
Apr 19, 2006
brenham, texas
my latest vespa travel has brought me to brenham, texas, home of my former 4th grade teacher. although i have neither see nor heard from her in years, she and her family opened up their home to this weary traveller for a night of respite. brenham--home to the famed blue bell creamery (not to be confused with my dad's employer blue bunny ice cream)--is just the sort of all-american home town that many dream of. it also provides the perfect porch on which to sit, drink some coffee, and blog away.
Apr 18, 2006
true grit
driving into new orleans on i-10 westbound, i was shocked. for miles, the devistation wrought by hurricane katrina is still apparent. no--it is in-your-face, confrontational. literally, i had to look at shops, box stores, strip malls: all desolate, torn apart, littered with debris. suburb after subrb, street after street, house after house: empty, deserted. the only sign of life were the rows of fema trailers, lined up like anemic little soldiers, waiting for the next command.
the city is crawling from the effects of the storm. a few nights ago, i was unable to get food from a little diner. "we're on a shift change now. the kitchen has to be restocked and cleaned before we can even begin to take orders," i was told by the man who usually took orders from behind the counter. workers are needed everywhere, and when they aren't available, the customers simply have to wait.
the judicial system is practically at a standstill, with months and months of backlogged cases clogging the the judges work, allowing only a painfully drudging process to continue. law enforcement continues, somehow, but it's hard to believe that, when hardly any sign of a cop's existence is readily available.
still, despite it's fight and struggle to continue, this city down south manages. it manages to live on and even maintain its identy and its attitude. even if it's reputation is worn and rusted by the storm, it's character is still the gritty, rough-and-tumble place it has always been. and i mean that in a hip, organically trendy way that you can only find in here. a place like none other, dirty and fun (and i'm not talkin' about the french quarter), i like new orleans.
the city is crawling from the effects of the storm. a few nights ago, i was unable to get food from a little diner. "we're on a shift change now. the kitchen has to be restocked and cleaned before we can even begin to take orders," i was told by the man who usually took orders from behind the counter. workers are needed everywhere, and when they aren't available, the customers simply have to wait.
the judicial system is practically at a standstill, with months and months of backlogged cases clogging the the judges work, allowing only a painfully drudging process to continue. law enforcement continues, somehow, but it's hard to believe that, when hardly any sign of a cop's existence is readily available.
still, despite it's fight and struggle to continue, this city down south manages. it manages to live on and even maintain its identy and its attitude. even if it's reputation is worn and rusted by the storm, it's character is still the gritty, rough-and-tumble place it has always been. and i mean that in a hip, organically trendy way that you can only find in here. a place like none other, dirty and fun (and i'm not talkin' about the french quarter), i like new orleans.
Apr 17, 2006
jailtime
in order to fulfill my legal obligations from 5 months ago, i spent last week in pensacola, florida. rather than lathering my white skin in oil, grabbing a towel and a board, and heading to the white sands of the redneck riviera; i made a straight shot for the bad boy bunkhouse.
i thought i would only be spending a single night in a cell, but that turned out to be 4 nights instead. maybe if the food consisted of a little more than a dry piece of bologna on sticky white wonder bread, i would have felt a little more at home. fortunately, i was able to watch a little tv with my new mates, and i saw no shortage of the jeffersons, bernie mac, and the cosby show. now i know what malcolm-jamal warner is really all about. the culmination of the inmate bond was the night we all gathered around the tellie with the officer on duty to rally around the top eight finalists of this season's american idol (pick pickler!)
the week ended friday afternoon as i was let out nine hours early on good behavior. either that or the jail was bustin at the seams, and they needed to kick out all of the trespassers in the bunch. apparently, that was me.
i thought i would only be spending a single night in a cell, but that turned out to be 4 nights instead. maybe if the food consisted of a little more than a dry piece of bologna on sticky white wonder bread, i would have felt a little more at home. fortunately, i was able to watch a little tv with my new mates, and i saw no shortage of the jeffersons, bernie mac, and the cosby show. now i know what malcolm-jamal warner is really all about. the culmination of the inmate bond was the night we all gathered around the tellie with the officer on duty to rally around the top eight finalists of this season's american idol (pick pickler!)
the week ended friday afternoon as i was let out nine hours early on good behavior. either that or the jail was bustin at the seams, and they needed to kick out all of the trespassers in the bunch. apparently, that was me.
Apr 10, 2006
Apr 7, 2006
Apr 5, 2006
Apr 3, 2006
sunset
i was pulling up behind a long string of army vehicles. jeeps, trucks, cargo carriers. and there i was on my little green vespa (that's 'vintage green' i was told at the dealer). my feelings were precarious, unbalanced. There was a bit of vulnerability due to the obvious contrast between macho army hummers and the vintage green vespa trailing behind. but the embarrassment was tempered with my ability to cruise swiftly up to the rear of the last truck and casually switch lanes, passing every slow moving vehicle to my right.
from behind, i could hear a steadily increasing whir of reving engines. the noise grew louder and louder, but i didn't turn to see the noise. suddenly, i was surrounded by hordes of bikers. they began to speed past, and my teetering emotion suddenly slipped into the the left lane with me. my emotions became only a desire to strain, with all the energy my scooter and i could muster, to keep up with the crotch-rockety bikers. the twentieth member of the gang passed me quickly, without effort.
but in a moment of selflessness, he turned and motioned towards me. with a wave of his hand, he beckoned me to follow. "come on, stay with us. you can do it" he seemed to say.
i watched him speed on. if only i could. if only my little engine could. if only i and my little vintage green scooter could. but they were already gone. the boys had me--disappointed and alone on my scooter--in their trail. all i had left behind was the georgia sunset fading behind me.
from behind, i could hear a steadily increasing whir of reving engines. the noise grew louder and louder, but i didn't turn to see the noise. suddenly, i was surrounded by hordes of bikers. they began to speed past, and my teetering emotion suddenly slipped into the the left lane with me. my emotions became only a desire to strain, with all the energy my scooter and i could muster, to keep up with the crotch-rockety bikers. the twentieth member of the gang passed me quickly, without effort.
but in a moment of selflessness, he turned and motioned towards me. with a wave of his hand, he beckoned me to follow. "come on, stay with us. you can do it" he seemed to say.
i watched him speed on. if only i could. if only my little engine could. if only i and my little vintage green scooter could. but they were already gone. the boys had me--disappointed and alone on my scooter--in their trail. all i had left behind was the georgia sunset fading behind me.
Apr 2, 2006
Mar 30, 2006
Mar 29, 2006
Mar 28, 2006
a week in new york
minute by minute, my time in the city has been a fascinating, ever-changing experience as i have moved from neighborhood to neighborhood in search of my favorites of the city. despite my inability to critique every nook (who in their lifetime could?), here is what i have to say about the best of the city.
my nyc week's best top 10:
10. a bite to eat at snack. soho's tiny three-table eatery is the best greek comfort food you will find in the city. and it's cheap!
9. a night out at bam. brooklyn academy of music always has an interesting lineup of films, plays, and music--especially if you need to get away from the usual madness of times square and 42nd street. i was fortunate enough to see the deeply engaging performance of hedda gabler by co-stars cate blanchett and hugo weaving.
8. make it an eclectic night in brooklyn and try robin des bois for a vintage-aux-francais evening of provencial cooking and a kitschy crowd.
7. best caphirinia: ñ. that's the little soho tapas bar on crosby street with a delicious mixed drink (capirinhias and mojitos!) menu to accompany fresh (and truly spanish) food.
6. the whitney biennial. although the scope is different than that of the moma, but the whitney has its little finger firmly on the pulse of everything modern art--whether it's chaotic installation, intriguing film, or a veritable dishevled mess that somehow passes for art.
5. best cupcake: billy's bakery. filled with pies, cupcakes (vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet), and cheescake, this vintage 40's-esque bakery knows how to get the good down-home baking of yester-year into your tummy. and this 9th avenue chelsea staple doesn't fail to satisfy.
4. for a truly ovewhelming dining experience, atttend dinner at the recently opened meatpacking hotspot buddakan. the feel is a modern throwback to a cavernous mobster dinig hall, all with an asian twist. this extra posh meatpacking district eatery is a sight to see in itself.
3. whether you get the munchies you've just had a night out in the meatpacking district, nothing tastes better than a bite-sized pop burger. although all indications may be that of your favorite fast-food chain. the hip interior, at least, will indicate that this savory burger is something a little more.
2. still the nicest, hippest cuban restaurant in the city (with an unbelievably good corn on the cob dish--for real), it has to be cafe habana. the food's fantastic and the restaurant's nolita neighborhood is kickin'!
1. a visit to the lower east side. if nolita is for the day, the lower east side is for a rollicking night. here's a lineup: arlene's grocery: an up-and-coming live music venue disguised as the village grocer. next door: the stanton social, a posh ultra-fusion restaraunt, served in tasting portions. down the street: hotel on rivington: swanky manhattan hotel, in all-out *wallpaper style. even if you don't have a room, take time to sip on a cool cocktail. a block away: welcome to the johnson's: a hip little dive bar, fashioned like the neighbor's rec room. complete with faux wood paneling, a pool table, 70's stone living room wall, vintage tv, puffy couch, and a pac-man video game. man, those johnsons are so cool.
my nyc week's best top 10:
10. a bite to eat at snack. soho's tiny three-table eatery is the best greek comfort food you will find in the city. and it's cheap!
9. a night out at bam. brooklyn academy of music always has an interesting lineup of films, plays, and music--especially if you need to get away from the usual madness of times square and 42nd street. i was fortunate enough to see the deeply engaging performance of hedda gabler by co-stars cate blanchett and hugo weaving. 8. make it an eclectic night in brooklyn and try robin des bois for a vintage-aux-francais evening of provencial cooking and a kitschy crowd.
7. best caphirinia: ñ. that's the little soho tapas bar on crosby street with a delicious mixed drink (capirinhias and mojitos!) menu to accompany fresh (and truly spanish) food.
6. the whitney biennial. although the scope is different than that of the moma, but the whitney has its little finger firmly on the pulse of everything modern art--whether it's chaotic installation, intriguing film, or a veritable dishevled mess that somehow passes for art.
5. best cupcake: billy's bakery. filled with pies, cupcakes (vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet), and cheescake, this vintage 40's-esque bakery knows how to get the good down-home baking of yester-year into your tummy. and this 9th avenue chelsea staple doesn't fail to satisfy.
4. for a truly ovewhelming dining experience, atttend dinner at the recently opened meatpacking hotspot buddakan. the feel is a modern throwback to a cavernous mobster dinig hall, all with an asian twist. this extra posh meatpacking district eatery is a sight to see in itself.
3. whether you get the munchies you've just had a night out in the meatpacking district, nothing tastes better than a bite-sized pop burger. although all indications may be that of your favorite fast-food chain. the hip interior, at least, will indicate that this savory burger is something a little more.2. still the nicest, hippest cuban restaurant in the city (with an unbelievably good corn on the cob dish--for real), it has to be cafe habana. the food's fantastic and the restaurant's nolita neighborhood is kickin'!
1. a visit to the lower east side. if nolita is for the day, the lower east side is for a rollicking night. here's a lineup: arlene's grocery: an up-and-coming live music venue disguised as the village grocer. next door: the stanton social, a posh ultra-fusion restaraunt, served in tasting portions. down the street: hotel on rivington: swanky manhattan hotel, in all-out *wallpaper style. even if you don't have a room, take time to sip on a cool cocktail. a block away: welcome to the johnson's: a hip little dive bar, fashioned like the neighbor's rec room. complete with faux wood paneling, a pool table, 70's stone living room wall, vintage tv, puffy couch, and a pac-man video game. man, those johnsons are so cool.
Mar 24, 2006
the big city
this afternoon, while eating my cuban-style corn on the cob and sipping my delicious mojito, i struck up a conversation with the kind girl who was seating people at cafe habana. when a couple walked in the door, susan told them it would be a 15 minute wait for a table; but i noticed two small adjacent tables at the front of the restaurant that were already empty, waiting for hungry lunch goers. as she turned away from the waitng couple, i asked about the vacant seats.
"those are set for someone who will soon arrive" susan said softly. with a mischievious look, i asked what i had to do to be on the small eatery's "vip guest list."
"if you want to come in every evening from midnight until 8am to clean floors, you can have that table" was her response. with a smile and gleam in her eye, she recounted to me the reason for the reserved table. juan works the overnight cleaning shift mopping and scrubbing, and his wife has just arrived from columbia. juan and his wife have not been able to live together for the last ten years, but she has finally come to the states. this is a celebration for them.
we commented on how they must have much to catch up on, so that explains why juan and his wife were late. after all, it had been ten years.
every time i come to new york, i always have to stop for a visit at the cozy cuban corner nestled in the nolita neighborhood. i knew i loved the food, but i always suspected it is the people who work and frequent the joint that warrant the many visits. despite the absent smiles on the sidewalks and trains of gritty city that surround the cafe, i now know its true.
"those are set for someone who will soon arrive" susan said softly. with a mischievious look, i asked what i had to do to be on the small eatery's "vip guest list."
"if you want to come in every evening from midnight until 8am to clean floors, you can have that table" was her response. with a smile and gleam in her eye, she recounted to me the reason for the reserved table. juan works the overnight cleaning shift mopping and scrubbing, and his wife has just arrived from columbia. juan and his wife have not been able to live together for the last ten years, but she has finally come to the states. this is a celebration for them.
we commented on how they must have much to catch up on, so that explains why juan and his wife were late. after all, it had been ten years.
every time i come to new york, i always have to stop for a visit at the cozy cuban corner nestled in the nolita neighborhood. i knew i loved the food, but i always suspected it is the people who work and frequent the joint that warrant the many visits. despite the absent smiles on the sidewalks and trains of gritty city that surround the cafe, i now know its true.
Mar 23, 2006
Mar 21, 2006
Mar 20, 2006
good morning, atl
piedmont park, atlanta, is what i like to call "parktastic." the past few mornings have been a change from the cold mountainous snow of aspen to the cool spring-like fresh air mornings of the south. perfect, i'd say, for a little morning exercise. jogging, to be exact.
even if i didn't have my scooter here, i might be satisfied just walking around the neighborhood. midtown has it's own community of restaurants, shops, and--not least--the venerable piedmont park. and it is the park that has been continually drawing me the last few days. a walk through the park in the sunny afternoon, a brisk run first thing in the morning (for me, that's usually...10am), and perhaps an evening bocce ball match with mark.
according to the united states bocce federation, bocce requires the "proper psychological frame of mind." thanks, piedmont park. that is what you have given me.
even if i didn't have my scooter here, i might be satisfied just walking around the neighborhood. midtown has it's own community of restaurants, shops, and--not least--the venerable piedmont park. and it is the park that has been continually drawing me the last few days. a walk through the park in the sunny afternoon, a brisk run first thing in the morning (for me, that's usually...10am), and perhaps an evening bocce ball match with mark.
according to the united states bocce federation, bocce requires the "proper psychological frame of mind." thanks, piedmont park. that is what you have given me.
Mar 19, 2006
got my ride back
down from the mountain
i finished my last days in aspen with one last hike up highlands, dinner wih friends in the valley, and a few hours of work at the ballet office. at least i put in a few hours of work. i deserve it after having the rest of my aspen experience handed to me courtesy of all of my good friends in aspen.
that life can't be lived forever (at least for me: i don't have a trust fund). so, i took a drive down the hill into denver: a sign of my impending llifestyle change). as my craigslist transportaion didn't pan out as i had intended, i was able to get a cheap flight to atlanta, therefore making my destination just in time for a st. paddy's day celebration with mark.
however, in dedication to my last two years of colarado life, zander and i fed our eating frenzy at my favorite denver restaurant potager. somehow, i don't think my near travels will be filled with fine wine and expensive food. well, maybe they will, i just might actually have to work to pay for it.
that life can't be lived forever (at least for me: i don't have a trust fund). so, i took a drive down the hill into denver: a sign of my impending llifestyle change). as my craigslist transportaion didn't pan out as i had intended, i was able to get a cheap flight to atlanta, therefore making my destination just in time for a st. paddy's day celebration with mark.
however, in dedication to my last two years of colarado life, zander and i fed our eating frenzy at my favorite denver restaurant potager. somehow, i don't think my near travels will be filled with fine wine and expensive food. well, maybe they will, i just might actually have to work to pay for it.
Mar 8, 2006
i HEART a good laugh
once again, snow is drifting down upon the sleepy town of aspen. except, aspen is beginning to stretch it's rested arms and open its bleary eyes. the hbo comedy fest is comin' to town. for my 3rd consecutive year, i will be attending films, sketches, improv, and standup with the rest of the la crowd flown in for the week. not altogether unlike sundace, the comedy festival brings together national comic talent with producers, distributors, and agents who mix together to create a big happy bang of laughter.among this year's notable performances are louis ck, a prarie home companion's garrison keillor, and a swingers reunion.
well, here it goes: a week full of fun, laughs, and sneaking into venues i don't have tickets for.
Mar 7, 2006
a job well done
it looks as though pcc succeeded in its efforts to train up socially mindful and culturally aware students. years of required vespers, fine arts performances, and blackie scott etiquette lectures as a pcc student have paid off.last night, i was in rare form sitting still before master pianist peter serkin as he performed wildly chaotic and entrancing pieces by schoenberg, bach and beethoven. while i have a feeling that many former pcc students were sitting at home watching american idol or battling halo enemies on xbox, this former student was happily habituated at the harris concert hall heeding the beautiful sounds happening onstage.
in one way, pcc has done it's job. it has trained at least one student to enjoy a few of the finer cultural allowances life has to offer. however, i think the school could have done a better job in one thing: it could have told me how to deal with all the gays i would encounter at such events.
Mar 6, 2006
last night at the oscars
my two-year tradition joining aspen filmfest for an indulgent evening celebrating a new year of oscar winners will mostly likely end next year when i am in hollywood for the event, but i doubt aspen's premier oscar event will disappoint, even if i am not present.
last night, zander and i joined others at aspen's ritz-carlton club for a delicious evening of food, cocktails, and televisions on the red carpet. champagne greated me at the door, as did plates of delectible hors d'ouevres, including incredible foie gras raspberry sandwiches. a most tasty round of bananas foster followed for desert...but--enough about the food.
with an amazing lineup of films, the 78th annual academy awards, in my opinion, did not disappoint. i was most happy to see reese witherspoon onstage as the recipient of best actress. ever since i read that reader's digest article in which she was interviewed (fyi, reading rd was due to a momentary judgment lapse. it doesn't happen often, i promise), i have somehow had a soft spot in my HEART for who i think she is. not to mention that she reminds me of a good friend whom i haven't heard from in along time...
my single disappointment was philip seymour hoffman, and his lack of canine phoenetics during his acceptance speech. on february 22nd, hoffman appeared with david letterman on the late show*, telling of his long-standing pack with friends. "best actor oscar nominee for capote, philip seymour hoffman, the film's director bennett miller, and their friend steven schub, made a pact years ago when they were in college: should any of the three of them ever win an oscar, their acceptance speech must consist entirely of barking, and nothing but. the barking must continue for the entire speech and until the winner is dragged off stage." [source] despite his roles is the big lebowski, magnolia, cold mountain and everything in between, hoffman--on oscar night--was a disappointment. how sad.
*late show video clipviewable only with realplayer plug-in.
last night, zander and i joined others at aspen's ritz-carlton club for a delicious evening of food, cocktails, and televisions on the red carpet. champagne greated me at the door, as did plates of delectible hors d'ouevres, including incredible foie gras raspberry sandwiches. a most tasty round of bananas foster followed for desert...but--enough about the food.
my single disappointment was philip seymour hoffman, and his lack of canine phoenetics during his acceptance speech. on february 22nd, hoffman appeared with david letterman on the late show*, telling of his long-standing pack with friends. "best actor oscar nominee for capote, philip seymour hoffman, the film's director bennett miller, and their friend steven schub, made a pact years ago when they were in college: should any of the three of them ever win an oscar, their acceptance speech must consist entirely of barking, and nothing but. the barking must continue for the entire speech and until the winner is dragged off stage." [source] despite his roles is the big lebowski, magnolia, cold mountain and everything in between, hoffman--on oscar night--was a disappointment. how sad.
*late show video clipviewable only with realplayer plug-in.
Mar 4, 2006
i'm a free man
at the risk of opening up a little too much and sounding even more unintelligent than some who read my blog believe i am, i will detail in the following paragraphs why i am a free man.
yesterday, my 17" powerbook came back from the repair center, waiting for me on the front porch of my aspen residence. the problem: my motherboard was jacked. before i had taken my computer into the apple store to get it fixed, i had backed up my hard drive: years of photos, years of design work from school and my personal life, hundreds of documents, files--the works.
well, i thought i had backed it up. today, i connected my $150 external hard drive to my newly refurbished computer, to realize that i actually had backed nothing up at all. honestly, i don't know what i had done. it took hours to transfer whatever was transfered to this storage device, and yet none of my documents ever made it.
i'm a free man: it's like starting with a clean slate. no pre-concieved notions of who i am, what i do, or even what my identity is. i have the freedom to start now, work it out from here, and create the future i want with nothing in my past to oversahdow that. which, i would say, is a beautiful thing. and here is the bonus: my computer was dented and scratched as i sent it away, and it came back in one perfect piece, totally restored and undented. this was a surprise that (shouldn't have been covered under warranty) i didn't even pay for.
so here's to life and all of its unexpected surprises. here's to a new, uncluttered slate, and whatever will become of it. here's to being free. cheers.
yesterday, my 17" powerbook came back from the repair center, waiting for me on the front porch of my aspen residence. the problem: my motherboard was jacked. before i had taken my computer into the apple store to get it fixed, i had backed up my hard drive: years of photos, years of design work from school and my personal life, hundreds of documents, files--the works.
well, i thought i had backed it up. today, i connected my $150 external hard drive to my newly refurbished computer, to realize that i actually had backed nothing up at all. honestly, i don't know what i had done. it took hours to transfer whatever was transfered to this storage device, and yet none of my documents ever made it.
i'm a free man: it's like starting with a clean slate. no pre-concieved notions of who i am, what i do, or even what my identity is. i have the freedom to start now, work it out from here, and create the future i want with nothing in my past to oversahdow that. which, i would say, is a beautiful thing. and here is the bonus: my computer was dented and scratched as i sent it away, and it came back in one perfect piece, totally restored and undented. this was a surprise that (shouldn't have been covered under warranty) i didn't even pay for.
so here's to life and all of its unexpected surprises. here's to a new, uncluttered slate, and whatever will become of it. here's to being free. cheers.
a weekend at the ranch
my time in aspen has not been onlyfrolicking in the snow, eating delicious (and expensive) food, hitch-hiking in place of vespa transportation, making money at the expense of aspenite millionaires and raging all night at aspen's 'hottest' venues. oh no. i have worked. i have worked hard.
several weeks ago, zander and i ventured north 3 hours to his family's ranch near the awkward town of craig, colorado. although i managed to squeeze in an hour on cross-country skis, most of the time was spent in hard manual labor: feeding the horses, opening up watering holes for the livestock, and toting bails of hay on the tractor. oh yeah--that was me driving the tractor, all right. this little city boy is a rough-and-tumble cowboy.
well, for a weekend at least.
several weeks ago, zander and i ventured north 3 hours to his family's ranch near the awkward town of craig, colorado. although i managed to squeeze in an hour on cross-country skis, most of the time was spent in hard manual labor: feeding the horses, opening up watering holes for the livestock, and toting bails of hay on the tractor. oh yeah--that was me driving the tractor, all right. this little city boy is a rough-and-tumble cowboy.
well, for a weekend at least.
drunkblogging
i know i've done this before, but never with the fulfilling taste of new york pizza settled in my tummy. although you have your aspenites who swear by crepes and gyros at the popcorn wagon, there are the few and truly local who swear by the merits of the delicious thin-cruted greasiness of the pepperoni slice at nyp. oh, sweet 2am delight like none other, thank you, pizza guy, and here is 75 cents tip for you as always.
whether a night at caribou, chelsea, or eric's, your pizza always satisfies.
oh, and i just decided that i actually love nyc so much that i bought a ticket to visti. a cheap flight from at lanta to the big apple should be just what i need in a few weeks. now it's time to go to bed...
whether a night at caribou, chelsea, or eric's, your pizza always satisfies.
oh, and i just decided that i actually love nyc so much that i bought a ticket to visti. a cheap flight from at lanta to the big apple should be just what i need in a few weeks. now it's time to go to bed...
Mar 3, 2006
i HEART nyc
and it's time that i go back.
i need to go see bam's showing of hedda gabler, staring cate blanchett.
i need to go see bam's showing of hedda gabler, staring cate blanchett.
a night out
last night, in classic aspen style, i was off the mountain and into the theatre for a compelling performace by the ailey II dance company.
hosted by the aspen santa fe ballet--recognized for its presence as an emerging dance company--ailey II gave an energetic performance in an evening of mixed repertory. especially moving was Doug Varone's piece beauty, an emotional piece about the subtle and intimate nuances that form the relationship between a man and a woman.
technically, the dancers faltered to reach perfection, but any missteps were overshadowed by their crowd-pleasing sparkle in both bitter suite and the ailey staple revelations.
with a nod to its older sibling, the alvin ailey american dance theater, ailey II continues to inspire and enliven audiences, even in the mountains of colorado.
hosted by the aspen santa fe ballet--recognized for its presence as an emerging dance company--ailey II gave an energetic performance in an evening of mixed repertory. especially moving was Doug Varone's piece beauty, an emotional piece about the subtle and intimate nuances that form the relationship between a man and a woman.technically, the dancers faltered to reach perfection, but any missteps were overshadowed by their crowd-pleasing sparkle in both bitter suite and the ailey staple revelations.
with a nod to its older sibling, the alvin ailey american dance theater, ailey II continues to inspire and enliven audiences, even in the mountains of colorado.
Mar 2, 2006
a good day on the mountain #2
despite the fact that my snowboard was stolen earlier this week (who in aspen doesn't already own skis or a snowboard?), i have cruised the mountain on zander's board (thank you, zander, for the use of your pass, too).
early this afternoon, with phone camera held closely (i'm still waiting for my sanyo xacti to get back from the fix-it shop), i headed for ajax -- the affectionate, local name for aspen mountain.
after my own private supermodel documentary hour in the gondola, i was greeted atop the mountain by two very happy skiers and their dog, diego.
i took a few sunny runs, sent out a few chairlift texts, downed a corona at bonnie's (would've rather had fat tire), and looked around at all the beautiful skiers.
thanks aspen, you've been good to me. here's to you.
early this afternoon, with phone camera held closely (i'm still waiting for my sanyo xacti to get back from the fix-it shop), i headed for ajax -- the affectionate, local name for aspen mountain.
after my own private supermodel documentary hour in the gondola, i was greeted atop the mountain by two very happy skiers and their dog, diego.
i took a few sunny runs, sent out a few chairlift texts, downed a corona at bonnie's (would've rather had fat tire), and looked around at all the beautiful skiers.
thanks aspen, you've been good to me. here's to you.
Mar 1, 2006
unusual place #2
following the precedent set by my blog from denver's apple store, i think it is a fine idea to continue blogging from a new place--unusual, obscure, risky--wherever it may be.
tonight i am in a million-dollar home with sweeping views of snowmass mountain. for a mere $30 an hour, i am the single valet parker for a handful of dinner guests. after parking no more than 10 cars this evening, i find that i have time to wait. and wait. and eat left over hors d'oeuvres. and hopefully eat leftover dinner prepared by chefs from european catering.
after dinner and pressing 'refresh' on my email a few times, i will defer once again to the frozen cold to return the bmw's, lexus's, and audi's to their owners, wishing every guest a fond farewell. with 6 crisp twenty dollar bills in my hand, of course.
tonight i am in a million-dollar home with sweeping views of snowmass mountain. for a mere $30 an hour, i am the single valet parker for a handful of dinner guests. after parking no more than 10 cars this evening, i find that i have time to wait. and wait. and eat left over hors d'oeuvres. and hopefully eat leftover dinner prepared by chefs from european catering.
after dinner and pressing 'refresh' on my email a few times, i will defer once again to the frozen cold to return the bmw's, lexus's, and audi's to their owners, wishing every guest a fond farewell. with 6 crisp twenty dollar bills in my hand, of course.
Feb 27, 2006
i HEART girlfriends
a few weeks ago, my hometown of fort collins opened its arms and welcomed me back into the fold for a week-long visit. replete with sitting around the house, going to starbucks, hitting the college bars, and eating at chain restaurants, my visit was a raging success.
one evening, i joined my beautiful friend kristina for a little night on the town. due unfortante circumstances regarding my non-secular college experience in pensacola, i decided we should hit the $2 night at tailgate tommy's. i arrived. i spent $2. i looked around. i realized that i was among a crowd of kids that were years younger. i became slightly depressed. "had i really resorted to $2 night at tailgate tommy's?" yes, patrick, you had. face the facts. you're old. you're all washed up. you missed out on your time.
there was only one thing that could make feel better. orange mocha frappuccino! no. no... that wasn't it. supermodel documentary hour! ah, yes. just right. and away we went.
one evening, i joined my beautiful friend kristina for a little night on the town. due unfortante circumstances regarding my non-secular college experience in pensacola, i decided we should hit the $2 night at tailgate tommy's. i arrived. i spent $2. i looked around. i realized that i was among a crowd of kids that were years younger. i became slightly depressed. "had i really resorted to $2 night at tailgate tommy's?" yes, patrick, you had. face the facts. you're old. you're all washed up. you missed out on your time.
there was only one thing that could make feel better. orange mocha frappuccino! no. no... that wasn't it. supermodel documentary hour! ah, yes. just right. and away we went.
Feb 26, 2006
apple store
last months article in the nyt about apple customer service definitely had me thinking. today, i made the trip down the mountain to visit denver's apple store, to deal with the apple geniuses themselves. i have one good thing to say: the kind gentlemen here are repairing the mouse track pad under warranty, even though there is a dent on the back of my powerbook. usually, any physical damage would negate the warranty (hence my quip with the boys); but the fellas here are willing to overlook a few scuffs. thankfully.
i'm happpy to check out the new mac book pro equipped with the intel core duo processor (4x faster!) and--of all thing-- a camera. of course, phones have featured cameras for years. it's about time a computer's standards were upped, too. and i'm sure we will be much more happy with apple's isight camera than any mobile type.
also noteworthy on the new notebooks are the photo booth and front row applications. adding a little more spice to the mix, these applications are a fun plus for the apple world.
thankfully, the mac book pro doesn't yet come in a 17" version. if it did, i would be upset it weren't mine. so that's a relief: mine's still bigger...
i'm happpy to check out the new mac book pro equipped with the intel core duo processor (4x faster!) and--of all thing-- a camera. of course, phones have featured cameras for years. it's about time a computer's standards were upped, too. and i'm sure we will be much more happy with apple's isight camera than any mobile type.
also noteworthy on the new notebooks are the photo booth and front row applications. adding a little more spice to the mix, these applications are a fun plus for the apple world.
thankfully, the mac book pro doesn't yet come in a 17" version. if it did, i would be upset it weren't mine. so that's a relief: mine's still bigger...
Feb 25, 2006
i HEART craigslist
the free community bulletin board known as craigslist is a treasure-trove of everything on your mind. screw ebay's "it:" craigslist has got what you are looking for, and it has people who are looking for you.
housing, merchandise, jobs, road trips, personals. . . it's all about sharing what you got. that's why, when i head to atlanta next week to pick up my vespa, craigslist will be my first stop. surely, i can find someone driving that way who will share his ride. just today, i found listings for trips from denver to oregon, seattle, new york, arizona, and all points in between.
the system worked beautifully last week when i headed from the colorado plains back to my place in aspen. i posted a bulletin for a ride into the mountains the night before i needed to leave. it actually took 24hrs for someone to call me back, but a guy did, just the same. unfortunately, i had already taken matters into my own hands--literally--and used the old thumb method. i hitched the ride up the mountains from fort collins.
i suppose i could hitch to atlanta, too (and, you never know what will happen), but it's cold these days. i prefer typing a message inside on my computer rather than freezing my poor little hand off. besides, i can find any cardboard around here to make a sign.
housing, merchandise, jobs, road trips, personals. . . it's all about sharing what you got. that's why, when i head to atlanta next week to pick up my vespa, craigslist will be my first stop. surely, i can find someone driving that way who will share his ride. just today, i found listings for trips from denver to oregon, seattle, new york, arizona, and all points in between.
the system worked beautifully last week when i headed from the colorado plains back to my place in aspen. i posted a bulletin for a ride into the mountains the night before i needed to leave. it actually took 24hrs for someone to call me back, but a guy did, just the same. unfortunately, i had already taken matters into my own hands--literally--and used the old thumb method. i hitched the ride up the mountains from fort collins.
i suppose i could hitch to atlanta, too (and, you never know what will happen), but it's cold these days. i prefer typing a message inside on my computer rather than freezing my poor little hand off. besides, i can find any cardboard around here to make a sign.
Feb 17, 2006
anyone want to help me?
i need to return to pensacola to spend a night in jail, unless someone wants to post the $10,000 bond. ah, heck. i guess i should suck it up, spend the night, and chalk it up to another experience for the "bank of life."
becasuse i had heard no word for three months, i called the pensacola sheriff's office today to find out the status of my citation against pensacola christian college. apparently, there is a warrant out for my arrest.
so, after a night in jail, i will plead my case to the judge, maybe get a fine for trespassing, ask him to make the school give me back my $500, take the money down to west palm beach, pay off the tsa agents who fined me that amount for my airport escapade. then everything will be fine.
on second thought, don't help me. i know there are those who are saying this is what i deserve. i suppose it is. yes...i suppose it is.
Feb 16, 2006
a little matter called stealing
i was recently reconciling last semester's school bill with my records, and i noticed i was charged $500 for a "breakage fee." i immediately called the school's business office to dispute the charge. the kind lady said her office was told to charge me $500 because it took "a lot of people a long time" to clean up campus after my last visit.
i was angry. not only had pcc called the cops on me for the same incident, but they had taken the $500--after they kicked me out-–from the credit which they owed me. in other words, they stole the money.
i tried to get in touch with the person who had made this decision. a lady took my number and a message, telling me someone would return my call. i waited. one day. two days. three...four. no call.
i then called the business office, only to find out that dean ohman had left a message for me, saying, "in case i called back" let me know that they would be keeping the money.
funny. just the moment i thought my anger was past another incident inflames me.
i'm going to get my money back.
i was angry. not only had pcc called the cops on me for the same incident, but they had taken the $500--after they kicked me out-–from the credit which they owed me. in other words, they stole the money.
i tried to get in touch with the person who had made this decision. a lady took my number and a message, telling me someone would return my call. i waited. one day. two days. three...four. no call.
i then called the business office, only to find out that dean ohman had left a message for me, saying, "in case i called back" let me know that they would be keeping the money.
funny. just the moment i thought my anger was past another incident inflames me.
i'm going to get my money back.
Feb 7, 2006
Feb 6, 2006
being in colorado reminds me
driving into denver on interstate 70, one may notice a garish pink building hidden within a strip mall in the sprawling suburbs. casa bonita has a long-standing tradition of treating the children of colorado to many glorious birthday parties, replete with pinata punching, shoot-em-up shows, cliff jumpers, haunted caves, and a mariachi band. only...most kids don't go for their 16th birthday.my friend jolene, however, did. unfortunately, we teenagers were not treated as was usual in earlier years. no longer were we allowed to take a stick to the pinata. i tried putting on a puppet show, but a worker pulled me out of the puppet house just as i was attracting a great audience of children. obviously, their parents were a bit confused when i was booted from the booth. the mariachi band didn't want me to sing with them on stage, and the cliff jumpers left me out of their show. i was sad: i was only trying to have a good time.
it was time to take matters into my own hands. after little deliberation, i brought the birthday crew behind the cliff's waterfall, making them watch my own diving extravaganza. i stripped off my shirt and shoes, looked each way, took a firm step onto the edge of the swinging bridge, and took a great dive.
then i ran. everyone else did too. however, my getaway was less stellar than i had intended. caught by casa bonita's own security force, I was handcufffed and lectured while standing in my tight wet jeans, shirtless and shoeless, "you're under arrest." i was banished from casa bonita forever.
$150 and a court appearance later, i was on my way to six months of good behavior. no more trasspassing. no more nothing. i suppose i should have learned a lesson like "don't jump of bridges that say 'no jumping.'" i won't do it again, i promise; it's already been done. i'm moving on...to bigger and better things.
Feb 4, 2006
i HEART apple...?
even as i sit typing on my 17" powerbook, a small bit of doubt regarding the greatness of the apple empire lingers in my mind. joe nocera's recent new york times article centered around his own personal experience with ipods intensifies my slightly uneasy feeling toward the company that has spawned such a great empire from the tiny devices. a few months ago, mark had his share of problems with apple's customer service; and i have always been uneasy about the necessity for the applecare protection plan, available with any mac product.
sure, my notebook is fast. of course it is beautiful. and i don't mind that it cost me a pretty penny. but along with my hearty endorsement of the apple world follows my little question: "is this hero of the electronics world becoming the capitalistic monster it has fought so hard to overcome?"
Feb 2, 2006
i HEART sundance
last week marked my third consecutive year attending the sundance film festival. something continues to draw me back, depspite thoughts that i may not return. even tonight, i don't know if i will make the trip next year; however, tonight i will think about the moments that have made my visits worthwhile. 
a few years ago, after watching the premiere of mandy moore's movie saved, i sneaked backstage and into a van with seth green, and a few of the chicks from the movie. the van took us cross town to the party for the film's premiere. although i did talk to mandy for a few minutes (i got the sense that she was over it before we began talking), the best part of the prom-themed party was dancing with my newly-acquired date, shari.
last year, i secretly hopped in a suburban with a few new yorkers - none of whom i knew - and traveled to a house party filled with more new yorkers, vodka, and izze soda. i found my way to a few pockets of interesting conversation-and even a few notable names-but i was more interested in finding the perfect combination of vodka and orange izze.this year, i was in a car headed to the cast dinner for the darwin awards, but i gave up my seat to wendy northcutt, author of the original darwin awards. i suppose it was my duty. besides–don't tell–but i didn't really care for the flick anyway.
not that i will ever be past using a back door to find what i'm looking for, but i think it's time that i attend these sort of functions in my own right. sundance will always be there for me, but it's time i do some dirty work of my own. and that's why i'm going to la. ready or not, here i come.
Jan 30, 2006
airport SBD
we all know that airports can be a pain. we are all aware of the frustrations of airport security, and sometimes those frustrations can lead to foolish actions (believe me, i know). obviously, traveling would be a little better if a few people out there took a few deep sighs, closed their eyes, and took a moment to relax. however, this does not necessarily entail whipping out your tights, yoga mat, and etherial music in the middle of the concourse. or outside the gate. or anywhere. in fact, it SHOULDN'T BE DONE.
unfortunately, not everyone realizes that. please--keep yoga for your own special time-out and off the tarmack. i implore you. please.
unfortunately, not everyone realizes that. please--keep yoga for your own special time-out and off the tarmack. i implore you. please.
Jan 27, 2006
sundancing
with my third day at the sundance film festival underway, i am ready to make the most of my last few screenings. up next: little miss sunshine, which has been recieving fine reviews.
my favorite flick viewed so far: adam's apples, a dutch film that tells the story of an unlikely group of companions holed up in a country church. truth and denial, consequence and redemption weave a beautiful and comical story in the lives of theses people.
on another note: i ran into my friend jeff who is performing in a slamdance entry this year. the sasquatch dumpling gang is the newest film by tim skousen and jeremy coon, two of the guys who worked on napoleon dynamite. quirky, clean and funny, the film is made by it's dynamic compostion, trading a linear narrative style for a twisting shift of perspective, telling the story from all points of view.
my favorite flick viewed so far: adam's apples, a dutch film that tells the story of an unlikely group of companions holed up in a country church. truth and denial, consequence and redemption weave a beautiful and comical story in the lives of theses people. on another note: i ran into my friend jeff who is performing in a slamdance entry this year. the sasquatch dumpling gang is the newest film by tim skousen and jeremy coon, two of the guys who worked on napoleon dynamite. quirky, clean and funny, the film is made by it's dynamic compostion, trading a linear narrative style for a twisting shift of perspective, telling the story from all points of view.
i HEART a new friend
i'm happy to see that beka has a new myspace profile. it's about time that she trades in her silence for a little romping fun with the ones she loves. although i don't usually endorse myspace, i'm happy to welcome beka into the fold.
Jan 16, 2006
a good day on the mountain
my hike up ajax the other night was killer. not only did it nearly kill me, but it was invigorating, breathtaking, fulfilling. 3,000 feet of vertical--and i mean the kind of vertical you can't do in the summer unless you are climbing hand and foot. there's nothing quite like a midnight mountain moonlit hike. i was tired, i was freezing, i was happy.
today, in the sunlight, this other hike was even more amazing. aspen highlands continues to be my favorite aspen moutain. this proabably has something to do with the breath-taking hike to the bowl and the phenomenal snow on the descent of the face. pictures will never do justice to the sense of awe and peace experienced from such trek.
the amazing snow, the spectular views, the vigorous lifestyle: just a few of the reasons i HEART aspen.
today, in the sunlight, this other hike was even more amazing. aspen highlands continues to be my favorite aspen moutain. this proabably has something to do with the breath-taking hike to the bowl and the phenomenal snow on the descent of the face. pictures will never do justice to the sense of awe and peace experienced from such trek.
the amazing snow, the spectular views, the vigorous lifestyle: just a few of the reasons i HEART aspen.
Jan 14, 2006
last night was a full moon
but tonight i'm taking advantage of it. despite the delay of one evening, i will take full use of a (mostly) full moon later tonight when i hike up aspen mountain to snowboard down. it's sad that i have not yet taken a moolit hike in the winter, let alone that i haven't done any night time riding. so tonight is the night. finally.
Jan 10, 2006
i HEART album art
kudos to steel skies for a thoughtful recreation of the record store for our own computers (and thanks to mark for mentioning it). cover flow is a beautiful program which compiles a visual representation of your itunes library for browsing and playing from your mac's desktop. still in development stages, cover flow let's you browse your albums as you would handle them in a record store or in your home. in the creator's own words "one of the big appeals of a physical album is the beautiful packaging and aesthetic appeal, something that’s sorely missed with the digital equivalent." well, miss it no more.
available ony for mac osx tiger, of course.
as if it weren't enough
i recently learned that one of my friends got the boot from pensacola christian college. because of me.
as many people know, the school does not like me at all. in fact, the administration kicked me out when they found out i am gay. and now, they booted a friend because i got together with a group of students over christmas break. that night, my friends and i went out to eat, got some starbucks, watched Narnia, and enjoyed being together. at the early hour of 2am, i decided to hop in the ocean in my swimsuit. i dried off, put my warm clothes back on, and we all headed back home to get some sleep before leaving the next day.
sadly, the school thought that those things were reason enough to make my friend pack her things and leave. at least, i believe that was their reasoning. i have attemted to contact dean barbi bear many times to see if i have the facts straight, but she has yet to return my call.
i don't think i will ever understand the administration at the school. i have felt only deciet and malice from those in the administration, but all i can do is forgive them. i know more is bound to happen in this situation, and i am certain the administration will continue to keep their eye on the things i write. but i will say no more. i am letting this go. it's time to move on.
besides, i'm in aspen now; and i really need to get out to the mountain and get some snowboarding in.
as many people know, the school does not like me at all. in fact, the administration kicked me out when they found out i am gay. and now, they booted a friend because i got together with a group of students over christmas break. that night, my friends and i went out to eat, got some starbucks, watched Narnia, and enjoyed being together. at the early hour of 2am, i decided to hop in the ocean in my swimsuit. i dried off, put my warm clothes back on, and we all headed back home to get some sleep before leaving the next day.
sadly, the school thought that those things were reason enough to make my friend pack her things and leave. at least, i believe that was their reasoning. i have attemted to contact dean barbi bear many times to see if i have the facts straight, but she has yet to return my call.
i don't think i will ever understand the administration at the school. i have felt only deciet and malice from those in the administration, but all i can do is forgive them. i know more is bound to happen in this situation, and i am certain the administration will continue to keep their eye on the things i write. but i will say no more. i am letting this go. it's time to move on.
besides, i'm in aspen now; and i really need to get out to the mountain and get some snowboarding in.
Jan 5, 2006
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