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Familiarity Breeds Contempt
30
December
Albert

Familiarity Breeds Contempt

This morning I awoke with a sense of prevailing familiarity. It’s rather difficult to put into words. It is mostly a sensory recollection–a neural déjà vu, if you will. It’s that feeling of letting the pads of your four fingers run across flesh; the thumb glides an inch above the skin paralyzed by a jumble of electrons and protons. Senses lost in an exploration of a mix of skin texture and flowing hairs. Skin responds to your touch with flashes of warmth and contracture. It is a feeling from the past so concentrated that it moves into the present–or at least your waking fusion of the present. It’s the lumps and bumps of musculature and skin remembered, imagined and desired. It’s the electrical current that snaps from one body to another. Electricity that forms a force field drawing objects together. The want of bodies to commingle. It’s a past penetration of your soul that sends a finite amount of time zipping through your memory in a seeming nanosecond looking for its place in the future. For a few moments, reality clouds and is ensconced in a spectacular disreality. As eyes flutter and feet stretch and arc off the edge of the bedding, it is a disarming sensation akin to strands of your being vibrating like taut wires of a piano being struck on with notes fortissimos.

I remember, not with any regret. Instead, I remember with new found anticipation. Awaiting a new familiarity.

Category: Personal, Writing  Leave a Comment
Top 10 Albums of 2005
29
December
Albert

It’s been a hit and miss year in music. There were career stalls and starts galore. Sales were up and down…and down. iTunes owns my house. Once again the year was backloaded. These are the albums that made me very happy in 2005:

I Am A Bird Now--Antony and the Johnsons

01. ‘I Am A Bird Now’–Antony and the Johnsons (Secretly Canadian) Released 02.01.05

To find the appropriate words to describe the devastating beauty and emotional impact of this album is almost impossible. Nearly orchestral in composition, confessional in its words and hauntingly sung by Antony in a remarkable baritone voice that seemingly changes from a masculine timbre to a feminine one in a split second–’I Am A Bird Now’ is masterful, emotional and unforgettable. This album transcends the year and will become a must-have classic for the decades. Key tracks include: ‘Hope There’s Someone’, ‘My Lady Story’, ‘For Today I Am A Boy’, ‘You Are My Sister’ and ‘Free At Last’.

Breakaway--Kelly Clarkson

02. ‘Breakaway’–Kelly Clarkson (RCA) Released 11.30.04

The only hold-over from 2004, ‘Breakaway’ clocked in as my #7 pick last year. There’s no denying that ‘Since U Been Gone’ was only the beginning for an album filled with hit-single potential. This one just didn’t leave my playlist all year long. The girl has pipes and erases any doubt that she is THE American Idol. Key Tracks: ‘Behind These Hazel Eyes’, ‘Because Of You’, ‘Addicted’, ‘Hear Me’, ‘Beautiful Disaster’.

Electric Blue--Andy Bell

03. ‘Electric Blue’–Andy Bell (Sanctuary Records) Released 10.04.05

The familiar (and unforgettable voice) of Erasure strikes out solo to produce the dance album of the year. An electro-synth House smorgasbord, ‘Electric Blue’ is one of those rare albums that catches you at the intro and never lets your ears–or your moving body parts–get away. Working with the duo of Phillip Larsen and Chris Smith, Bell has concocted a confection that harkens the halcyon days of Giorgio Moroder and Studio 54. The album features some great supporting vocals from Claudia Brucken and Jake Shears. Key Tracks: ‘Caught In A Spin’, ‘Crazy’, ‘Jealous’, ‘Shaking My Soul’, ‘Love Oneself’.

Back To Bedlam--James Blunt

04. ‘Back To Bedlam’–James Blunt (Atlantic/WEA) Released 10.04.05

A very strong debut from this U.K. import. James Blunt has one of those voices. Unique. Heartfelt. Filled with conviction. In a scant ten songs, Blunt puts together a cohesive unit of well-written ballads and proceeds to paint pictures with his emotive voice. Some of the best songwriting of the year appears on this disc. Key Tracks: ‘No Bravery’, ‘Goodbye My Lover’, ‘So Long Jimmy’, ‘Tears And Rain’.

Amos Lee--Amos Lee

05. ‘Amos Lee’–Amos Lee (Blue Note Records) Released 03.01.05

The sleeper disc of the year. It is much too easy to dismiss Amos Lee as another folk/neo-soul singer/songwriter. To do so, does not pay service to the passion and stark beauty of Lee’s vocals. Most of the songs are spare on arrangement, which works perfectly to allow Lee’s voice to slice through silence like a razor. The track ‘Soul Suckers’ is my favorite unreleased cut of 2005. Sheer brilliance. Key Tracks: ‘Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight’, ‘Arms Of A Woman’, ‘Black River’, ‘Seen It All Before’, ‘All My Friends’.

Confessions On A Dance Floor--Madonna

06. ‘Confessions On A Dance Floor’–Madonna (Warner Bros./WEA) Released 11.15.05

She’s back in a big way. Returning to her roots in more ways than one, Madonna recalls what fans have always loved about her–you can dance for inspiration. While most are busy dancing their butts off, I would argue that if you look closely enough COADF is one of Madge’s most personal and intimate discs thus far. She examines not only her spectacular career, but the woman inside. Key Tracks: ‘Sorry’, ‘Push’, ‘Jump’, ‘Let It Will Be’, ‘Like It Or Not’.

Brokeback Mountain--Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

07. ‘Brokeback Mountain’–Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Verve) Released 11.01.05

The best soundtrack album of 2005 from my pick as the best film of 2005. From the haunting original score of Gustavo Santaolalla, to the dreamy and period-appropriate vocals from the likes of Emmylou Harris, Teddy Thompson, Willie Nelson and Rufus Wainwright, this one is a true delight. Key Tracks: ‘A Love That Will Never Grow Old’, ‘He Was A Friend Of Mine’, ‘Riding Horses’, ‘No One’s Gonna Love You Like Me’.

Divide--Casey Stratton

08. ‘Divide’–Casey Stratton (Two Disc Limited Edition) (Sleeping Pill Music) Released 11.18.05

Mr. Stratton’s major-label debut ‘Standing At The Edge’ was my #1 album of 2004. Having severed ties with Sony has served to only enhance the introspective nature of Stratton’s sublime songwriting. The two-disc limited edition is a must–for fans and the uninitiated–to experience a musical journey of moods in 24 masterful tracks. Brooding, intense, and emotionally satisfying, this indie release deserves your dollars. Key Tracks: ‘Opaline’, ‘Sorry I…’, ‘Resistance’, ‘The Waiting’, ‘Pray For Rain’, ‘Coercion’.

Ringside--Ringside

09. ‘Ringside’–Ringside (Geffen Records) Released 04.19.05

The duo of Scott Thomas and Balthazar Getty should have had a hit record this year. Unfortunately, their label bungled right out of the starting gate with the debut single ‘Spanishfaster’–which was abruptly renamed ‘Tired Of Being Sorry’. With a strong trance/electronic vibe, Ringside is all about the beats and the torture. Thomas’ vocals are gritty, gravelly and griping. Getty loads up on the beats and hooks. This one was severely overlooked. Though, the track ‘Struggle’ is now a ubiquitous jingle for a car advertisement–the album deserved much more critical attention. Key Tracks: ‘Spanishfaster’, ‘Strangerman’, ‘Miss You’, ‘Trixie’, ‘Struggle’, ‘Talk To Me’.

Wreck Of The Day--Anna Nalick

10. ‘Wreck Of The Day’–Anna Nalick (Sony) Released 04.19.05

In a sea of interchangeable Lohan/Duff/Spears waifs, Anna Nalick delivered the goods and produced the female debut of the year. At 20, Nalick is a writer/singer/musician who has a lot to say. What’s more it all deserves to be heard. Confessional and urgent, Nalick has crafted some quite lovely pop tunes. Key Tracks: ‘Breathe (2 A.M.)’, ‘Forever Love (Digame)’, ‘Citadel’, ‘Catalyst’, ‘In The Rough’.

Honorable Mentions: ‘Life In Slow Motion’–David Gray; ‘Almost Honest’–Josh Kelley; ‘Daniel Powter’–Daniel Powter; ‘Golden’–Elkland; ‘Carencro’–Marc Broussard; ‘Where You Live’–Tracy Chapman; ‘This Is My Life’–Jason Walker; ‘I’ve Got My Own Hell To Raise’–Bettye LaVette; ‘Extraordinary Machine’–Fiona Apple; ‘Gimme Fiction’–Spoon; ‘Odyssey’–Fisherspooner; ‘With Teeth’–Nine Inch Nails; ‘Bleed Like Me’–Garbage;

Category: Music, Personal  2 Comments
Words To The Wise
29
December
Albert

when it’s all said and done
my mind is older
my heart is bolder
that chip has long fallen
from my shoulder

will not change who I am
cannot give up the fight
all need to prove is over
good enough for me

i’m willing to try
trying to will
courage
no need to feel defenseless
Just find your peace

Category: Personal, Writing  Leave a Comment
It’s Elemental
26
December
Albert

A major research institution has recently announced the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element has been named “Governmentium.” Governmentium has one neutron, 12 assistant neutrons, 75 deputy neutrons, and 224 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.

These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of particles called peons. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A minute amount of Governmentium causes one reaction to take over four days to complete, when it would normally take less than a second.

Governmentium has a normal half-life of 4 years; it does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium’s mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.

This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity in concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as “Critical Morass.” When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium – an element which radiates just as much energy as the Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.

Category: Humor, Politics  One Comment
I Wish You…
23
December
Albert

Happy Holidays!

Whether you celebrate a holiday or not, I hope your weekend is filled with the ones you love and the ones who love you. To all the readers, those who provide feedback and friendship and all the amazing people who take up the moniker of blogger, Thank You for the bounty of gifts you share with me.

Category: Personal  3 Comments
Happy New Queer!
22
December
Albert

Happy New Queer!

The following passage is from Michael Thomas Ford’s ‘The Way I See It’:

“There’s been a lot of talk recently about the possible existence of a gay gene, some little bit of nelly DNA traipsing down our bodily pathways like some out-of-control subcellular fairy godmother who taps her glittery magic wand and turns some of us into queers. Apparently, just as we can inherit from our parents poor eyesight, male pattern balding, or an inability to clot successfully, we can now have passed along to us a fondness for Ethel Merman, an inexplicable affinity for Volvos, and a penchant for going antiquing in Vermont on fall afternoons. Now, while I’m all for expanding our knowledge of this fascinating little world we call the human body, I’m not at all sure I approve of this latest scientific foray into my inner workings.

Before going further I would just like to say in the interest of full disclosure that I am hardly impartial on this topic. I freely admit that I think it’s entirely irrelevant. I really don’t care why anyone, myself included, is gay. If you want to believe you were born to love other boys, hurrah for you. If you insist that you’re challenging socially restrictive gender roles by actively choosing to munch muff, I say munch on sister. If you’re one who has concocted complex theories about nature working in conjunction with nurturing, I say your time would be better spent watching Xena: Warrior Princess. It matters not to me. If you really demand an answer, I propose that the same aliens who created Easter Island and crop circles are responsible. After all, who else but queers would think of decorating a barren shoreline miles from nowhere with gigantic festive tikis?”

I was reminded of this essay yesterday. I had a discussion with someone about homosexuality. The kind of discussion that invariably leads to THE question: Why are you gay?

If I had a dime for every time that question passed through someone’s well-intentioned lips, I believe I’d have enough money to book prime seats at every venue of Cher’s “Farewell Tour: 2006-2010″. I guess I’m not even surprised or phased by the question anymore. I have a stock answer: I’m gay because I’m gay.

Now before you accuse me of being a smarty pants, I finally came to that answer after a long list of trial and error responses. Personally, I do believe there has to be some sort of genetic component to our sexuality. But, is it simply a question of genetics? I haven’t the foggiest–and apparently, most of the scientific community isn’t quite sure either. I think that’s why Mr. Ford’s essay is so on point. Yes, it’s tongue-in-cheek and humorous. But, it’s also about as good an answer as you might find. We are because we are…

Of course, this does not quell my irritation when I hear someone say that I ‘chose’ to be gay. If you weighed the pros and cons, I don’t think that short of being a masochist anyone would ever choose homosexuality. Maybe, I’m wrong. But, that’s my conclusion after the personal journey I’ve been on.

Which brings me to a letter I received from a reader of this weblog. It was a terrific letter and I was honored that this person shared with me the fact that he was questioning his sexuality. Of course, I sent a response. But, I guess I just wanted to make the point that I think questioning anything is always the best policy–even if it is your own sexuality. It is only through questions, that answers may ultimately be found. Everybody’s questions and answers are subjective–but objectively relevant.

Just be. To thine ownself be true. Shine on. Be who and what you are. BE _______.

That’s a cool holiday message in my book. As goofy as it may sound, I’m happy being me. I’m happy being the gay me. If I had one wish for a gift to the rest of the world, it would be that you find your happiness and sense of self and just be. As crazy as this world is of late, we all need one another to just be. Be who you are and set yourself free.

Be.

Category: Books, Homosexuality, Personal, Sexuality, Social Issues  Leave a Comment
Misadventures From The 505
21
December
Albert

hot buns!

I’ve got hot buns.

I mean, I just pulled my hot buns from the oven. The smell of fresh-baked bread is permeating the entire house (and if I may say so myself, it smells pretty darn good). I’ve baked two batches of anisette cookies (a family holiday tradition), made chocolate and butterscotch fudge with walnuts and next up I tackle cheeseballs. (Cue the obligatory ball jokes.)

Despite Mother Nature’s continued efforts to deny me (yet, again) a White Christmas, it’s starting to look and smell a lot like the holidays around here–even if the temperature is still in the sixties. I’ll be having my sister and her family and my mom over on Christmas day. Instead of the traditional sit-down dinner, I’ve decided to go with a slightly more modern take on the festivities. I’m doing a turkey and ham–but it will be sliced for hot sandwiches on homemade breads. Finger foods and side dishes will be the order of the day. Of course, I realize that my niece and nephew are only coming because they’re under the delusion of a generous uncle or some-such nonsense. As long as there are presents under the tree, they could care less about stupid things like food.

One thing that’s been kind of strange is the lack of Christmas carols on my sound system. Though I had pulled all of my favorites (i.e. Barbra Streisand, Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, et. al.), I’ve been stuck on instrumental music this year. So far, George Winston’s Silver-Anniversary edition of ‘December’ is the play leader.

On completely unrelated notes:

–You’ve got to love that Amazon.com Prime shipping service. It sure has been handy.

–Last night I dreamed I had a long discussion with a Yugoslavian priest and we prayed together for his missing family. Analyze that?!

–I spent nearly an hour with Linksys Customer Support (from India) today. I wanted to pull out my hair by the time the call was done (and unsuccessfully).

–I don’t get USPS (most of the time). They’ve lost one package. Now, they have returned one of my Christmas cards as needing 12 cents additional postage. Now, what’s puzzling is that the rest of this set of particular cards (of the identical size and weight) were successfully delivered. What do I expect from Wyoming? (KB–You knows I loves you…)

–I’m redecorating the blog…can ya tell?

–Finally, all you N/Ters: The Carver: OMFG!

Category: Blogging, Personal, Religion, Television  2 Comments
Spies, Kids!
20
December
Albert

Spies, Kids!

[NOTE: Today's entry is being surreptitiously monitored by the National Security Agency for any ominous signs of terrorist or homosexual activity. Should you choose to read it, please be advised you relinquish any right to privacy that may have been implied by the author of said weblog.]

So President Bush and the White House believe The New York Times has endangered national security by printing a story about covert eavesdropping done by executive order (and without the knowledge of any court of this Land of Freedom). Matt Drudge claims TNYT is trying to peddle a book. Dick Cheney believes that if our government had instituted this practice prior to 9/11, the government could have identified the terrorist hijackers. Hmmm.

See, here’s the thing. Supposedly this covert wiretapping and infringement of rights guaranteed by a little document called the Constitution of the United States has only been carried out on international phone calls. Of course, we don’t really know if the NSA has limited their activity to calls outside the borders of the U.S., do we? And if you think, even for a second, there is some justification for such practices: consider this. By the very nature of targeting international phone calls, this practice amounts to some twisted form of government-enforced racial profiling. Any U.S. citizen who calls family and friends who live anywhere else in this free world are immediately in the purview of this activity. This country, built on the premise of being a glorious melting pot, suddenly becomes a twisted, two-faced vision of Margaretha Geertruida Zelle. Forget the fact, that a single branch of a government for the people, by the people has eliminated the court system from its dutiful oversight of government activities. The ramifications of this so-called War on Terror have reached a point where we must ask ourselves: Who exactly are the terrorists?
———–

“Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch,whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. “Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

–Emma Lazarus, 1883

Category: News, Personal, Politics, Social Issues  One Comment
Number Theory
19
December
Albert

Number Theory

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been fascinated by numbers. As a child, learning to count and make change became things I did for fun. When we started to learn about concepts like ‘more than’ and ‘less than’, I’m pretty sure the die was cast. From the fifth grade on, I always knew my future career was going to involve numbers.

I had a voracious appetite for math classes. With a background chorus from classmates of “I hate math” and “What are we going to use this stuff for anyhow?”, my math teachers usually became personal heroes. In high school, I took every regular and honors math class my small high school offered. College, frankly, was the equivalent of a giant orgasm of numbers.

One of the questions I always get (along with that fogged-over, glassy-eyed stare) is why do you like mathematics and numbers so much. Now, I’m sure most couldn’t care in the slightest. It’s more a question asked to make a statement of pointing out what a freak I am for having such a ’strange’ passion. If they really wanted to know, I could probably go on for hours about the reason(s) I am fascinated and love numbers and nearly every branch of mathematics. But, a short, specific answer always seems to allude–until recently.

I’ve been reading Michael Thomas Ford’s ‘Looking For It’ (which is a terrific book thus far, by the way). One of the characters in the book (Stephen) is an accountant. With the following paragraph, Mr. Ford has hit the head of the nail as best as I’ve ever come across:

“Accounting suited him. Numbers were truthful things, completely incapable of deception, and he loved them. True, they could be made to lie, but their intrinsic nature was one of absolute honesty. Left to their own, they would always reveal the truth, and even if the truth was ugly, it was undeniable.

People, on the other hand, were something of a mystery to him. They were influenced by motivations, and seemingly irrational needs, and other things he found troubling and difficult to comprehend. Often, they wished to see anything other than the truth.”

I don’t believe I am as clueless as Stephen when it comes to people and their motivations. It’s just that being a mathematician, it’s quite tempting to reduce everything to its simplest terms. Be it a common denominator, a theorem, a probability, an equation, people and numbers have more in common than meets the eye.

For instance, take the concept of a relationship. Be it a marriage, a union, or simply a togetherness of two souls, the relationship can be expressed quite simply as 1 + 1 = 2. If you want to go more abstractly (and algebraically), a + b = c. You can fill in the descriptors of the variables to meet your scenario.

From my personal experience, the two relationships that meant a great deal to me were both done in by a cruel numbers game. It would go something like this: 1 + (1+1) ≠2 or a < (b + c)≠2 .

Those damn parentheticals. Always the last to know…

Category: Personal, Relationships  Leave a Comment
There’s Just Isn’t A Delicate Way To Say This…
15
December
Albert

digital rectal examination

One of the ‘interesting’ things about being male and having recently turned forty is the medical advice that yearly DREs should be performed. Now to avoid confusion, it should be pointed this has nothing to do with Dr. Dre–unless, he is an actual doctor of the proctological sciences. Which, in turn, would go far in explaining who the real slim shady is. But, I digress.

Yes, my dear non-squeamish readers, the DRE I’m speaking of is the infamous digital rectal examination. It seems that little bulbous construction called a prostate (located in front of the rectum wall) can do some bizarre things once you become a man of a certain age. Beyond disease and cancer, your prostate affects the hydrodynamics of the penis and the strutural integrity of said projectile.

Yes, my date with the digit rapidly approaches. It also brings to mind several fascinating corollary issues (e.g. straight v. gay men, female v. male proctologists, etc.) I may address some of these topics at some point (assuming I still am in possession of my testicles).

Of course, I’m making light of a serious subject. But, honestly, after looking at the diagram above, did you really expect me to keep an objective stance and not smirk just a tad?

Details to come. Slide show presentation attendance is optional.

Category: Humor, Men, Personal  5 Comments
Free Association
14
December
Albert

01. With the amount of media attention and critical acclaim ‘Brokeback Mountain’ is receiving, you knew it was only a matter of time before some idiot right-wing Christian crackpot had something to say about it. However, even for all the Ann Coulter/Fair & Balanced/Bill O’Reilly/Karl Rove idiocy I’ve seen in the last few months, this comment is perhaps the stupidest thing I’ve heard all year. Brace yourselves:

“By utilizing two of the most attractive and popular young Hollywood actors for these roles in such a compelling story, they have created characters people can identify and sympathize with to sway the public into believing this is natural behavior.”—David Kupelian, author of ‘The Marketing of Evil: How Radicals, Elitists and Pseudo-Experts Sell Us Corruption Disguised as Freedom’

(Editor’s Note: Do NOT buy this book.)

I’ll leave it at that. To respond any further would be an exercise akin to slamming my head against a brick wall (or Ann Coulter’s bony ass).

02. From the “Girl, Done Lost Her Head” Department: Witness the trans-nightmare that is Dennis Rodman at a recent book signing in Chicago on December 10th…

Ms. Dennis Rodman

03. From the “Does Phil Keoghan Have A PACKAGE Or What?” Department: The family edition of the ‘Amazing Race 8′ came to a fitting conclusion last night. I won’t ruin it for you DVRers. But, I was thrilled with the ending. (Departure Times in the Dome…that’s all I’m saying…)

04. From the “Should I Be Offended” Department: The Washington Post: Jose Antonio Vargas:
‘Gay Movie Goers Tip Their Hats to a Love Story’

05. From the “Studied Periodicals” Department: That presitigious journal of male anatomy, ‘Men’ magazine, has named Mr. Luca DiCorso its ‘Man of the Year’ in its latest issue on newsstands now (Not that I have a subscription or anything…). I highly recommend that you slobber on scrutinize the layout ASAP.

Mr. Luca DiCorso

06. From the “I’ve Just Lost My Train Of Thought” Department: uhmm-m-mmm….

Category: Books, Film, Homosexuality, Men, Personal, Pop Culture, Television  3 Comments
Icicles (Variation on a Theme)
13
December
Albert

Icicles

Like the spikes of ice
Precariously dangling from eaves
Crystalline and moist
Like suspended tears on tired sleeves
So fleeting…
Not long of this place
Soon to be crashing
To earth sans grace

It melts like my heart
When I think of you
It’s a mystery with
Glorious glints of blue
So sparkling…
The look was locked
My heart’s want
Could not be blocked

Glassine and smooth
A forming drop at its tip
Wet like a future kiss
Upon your trembling lip
Gravity pulling…
The delicate drop into its lair
like I want to be pulled
Bodies into a pair

The sun, she squints
To see the ice melt
Heating like the flush
Warm, my heart felt
Shards of diamonds
Tumble to the ground
Glimmering like stones
Love is strewn all around

The icicles have gone
Waiting for a new freeze
Love comes swirling
On a brisk breeze
I watched intently
Patiently, for the drop away
Hope for two hearts
Fueled by liquid spray
———-

I write a lot of poetry and short prose that never sees the light of day for varying reasons. Some of it is too personal. Some of it would have a very small audience. Some of it, quite frankly, is not that good.

Over the two years this blog has existed, I’ve posted quite a few pieces of miscellaneous writing. Some of it goes unnoticed–and at times, I receive overwhelming feedback. The fact is that words create and recall feelings and memories. If you’re really lucky, sometimes your words will strike a chord with someone who reads them. It may be a note of recognition, a remembrance of times and people passed, sadness or happiness. As a writer–and I’m sure many writers would agree–the times when your words have an affect on others are some of the greatest rewards of a rather lonely pursuit. At the same time, sharing is a potentially risky endeavor. But one, I’ve never shied away from–for better or worse.

Of late, I’ve noticed that a theme I continuously return to is that of water. In any of its states, water is such a wonderful metaphorical device. It conjures images and feelings in so many fascinating ways. Steam, ice, water–they always seem to find their way into my words in some way. Part of it, I’m sure, is my fascination with the concepts of fluidity and states. But, I think there is a universal appeal to water–as it runs mystically through the written word, the spoken word and the photographic word.

Category: Personal, Writing  One Comment
‘Tis The Season
12
December
Albert

\'Tis The Season

As the year of the big screen 2005 draws to a close, the awards accolades and nominations start coming in fast and furious. Over the weekend, several organizations announced their nominees for top honors–and many of the awards are seen as pre-cursors to the Academy Awards. Among the interesting developments:

01. The American Film Institute (AFI) released its listing of the top ten films of 2005. Making their cut: Brokeback Mountain, King Kong, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Capote, Crash, Good Night, and Good Luck, A History of Violence, Munich, The Squid and the Whale and Syriana.

02. The Broadcast Film Critics Association issued its nominees for the 11th Annual Critic’s Choice Awards. The nominations in terms of number per picture brokedown as follows:

–Brokeback Mountain, 8 nominations
–Crash, 6 nominations
–Walk The Line, 4 nominations
–Capote, 4 nominations
–Cinderella Man, 4 nominations
–The Squid and the Whale, 3 nominations
–RENT, 3 nominations
–Memoirs of a Geisha, 3 nominations
–Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 3 nominations

Brokeback Mountain received nominations for Best Picture, Best Director (Ang Lee), Best Actor (Heath Ledger), Best Supporting Actor (Jake Gyllenhaal), Best Supporting Actress (Michelle Williams), Best Screenplay (Larry McMurty & Diana Ossana), Best Original Score (Gustavo Santaolalla) and Best Original Song (”A Love That Will Never Grow Old”–Emmylou Harris.

The nominees for Best Actor are:

Russell Crowe (’Cinderella Man’)
Philip Seymour Hoffman (’Capote’)
Terrence Howard (’Hustle & Flow’)
Heath Ledger (’Brokeback Mountain’)
Joaquin Phoenix (’Walk the Line’)
David Strathairn (’Good Night, and Good Luck’)

The nominees for Best Actress are:

Joan Allen (’The Upside of Anger’)
Dame Judi Dench (’Mrs. Henderson Presents’)
Felicity Huffman (’Transamerica’)
Keira Knightley (’Pride & Prejudice’)
Charlize Theron (’North Country’)
Reese Witherspoon (’Walk the Line’)

03. The Los Angeles Film Critics Association on Sunday awarded its top prizes–Best Picture and Best Director–to Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain. Capote won the Best Actor for Philip Seymour Hoffman and Original Screenplay for Dan Futterman (who tied with Noah Baumbach’s The Squid and the Whale. Best Actress went to Vera Farmiga for her work in Down to the Bone, a Sundance favorite only recently picked up by a distributor. (Farmiga was awarded a Special Jury prize at Sundance for her work.)

Category: Film  Leave a Comment
‘Tis The Season II
12
December
Albert

Indianapolis Colts

With George Winston’s December in the background, I spent a good portion of Sunday surrounded by rolls of wrapping paper, boxes, tape, tags and other assorted gifting paraphernalia. I put a big dent into my pile and the tree no longer looks starkly naked. I also watched my beloved Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts win their thirteenth consecutive game this season.

Other weekend goings-on:
–watched Slutty Summer on DVD
–watched Survivor Guatemala; completely underwhelmed, bah. (Is it me or did Danni and Stephenie have on the entire Lancôme, Nars and Mac cosmetics counters between the two of them?)
–I think one of my iPods has kicked the bucket; so of course, I ordered a new cell phone. (???)
–made some more holiday cards; still have a ways to go.
–Spent some quality time with this: Philosophy’s Old Fashioned Egg Nog 3-in-1 shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath. Mmmm.

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