| | Guys, I have decided that with a new year should come a new blog. So I've headed over to Blogspot now. If you have been faithfully reading my journal [which is like one or two people at the most haha], then head over to my new journal. | comments: 2 comments or Leave a comment   |
| | Current Music: | beyonce f/slim thug & bun b || check on it remix | | Security: | | | Subject: | happy new year! | | Time: | 03:32 pm | | Current Mood: |  bored |
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| The past couple of weeks have been a blurrrrr. Hang on ... it's going to be a BUMPY ride, but first, some housekeeping.
1. School
* After fretting about my grades, I found out I got all A's!!! This is a college first for me! I mean, I somehow managed to eke out a 4.0 in high school, but with this past semester being the most difficult of them all, my GPA is so rewarding.
* As for next semester, I'm really looking forward to my classes, but I still have not secured an internship for Gender Studies. I have contacted my professor about it, but we keep playing phone tag. Life is so hard sometimes, isn't it? If I don't have it within the next week I'm going to check the course catalog and find another class.
SIDE NOTE: Neither my internship with TownHall LA nor my job with Grassroots Campaigns have materialized. I don't know what's going on with them. They haven't responded at all one way or another, and I'm starting to get really worried. I called TownHall LA and found out that they have been closed since December 22 for the holidays. SIGH!
2. Personal
* After our last unsatisfying encounter on campus, I ran into Jesse again three times in one day on campus. It turns out that although he's technically graduated, he may just be taking another class or two at USC next semester. GREAT. SUPERB. OUTSTANDING. Just when I think that I'm going to get some much needed closure, he comes back into my life. Can't I just be free?! I'm not ready to do the friends thing and I'm not ready to do the seeing him occasionally on campus thing either. Oddly, my horoscope for this month said that someone that I once cared for will come back into my life and ask for a second chance. Do I smell a connection? Oh no, that's just a pile of shit.
* I emailed my ex-best friend again to basically say that if she wants to be friends again, then she has to stop trying to save me and to think that I'm in need of saving because I'm gay. She responded and I'm still processing, but from what I glean from a cursory glance, she just wants to let me know that she luvs me and that everything she's doing is out of luv. Her email was still filled with references to "sexual immorality" even though she said that homosexuality isn't the worst sin. I'm still unclear about how I want to proceed. I do luv her with all my heart, but not when I feel like she doesn't accept me with all of hers. My heart and soul hurt from all this thinking and worrying.
* I went clubbing at Arena, the club where Tigerheat is held, on a couple of Wednesdays ago. That whole nite was random: dinner at a kick-ass Thai restaurant on Hollywood, boba near campus, quick kine changing, and then off to the club. We were greeted by a security guard who took one look at me and my two girlfriends and said, "This isn't Tigerheat." Well NO SHIT HOMOPHOBIC SHERLOCK. On Wednesdays, the club holds a hip-hop/reggaeton/salsa nite that doesn't directly cater to homosexuals. So fuckin what?! There were more faeries there than a Harry Potter book. Although surprisingly, I had that attitude going in, but once I was in, I still restrained my dancing because there were a lot of straight thugs there. I mean, the whole bit: thick down jackets with faux fur hoods looking like black Eskimos, shirts that sag down to their knees like they were ashamed to show their dicks, pants that sag down to their knees like they were getting blowjobs, and a leering look whenever a fag couple strolled by. It was straight out of a rap video. There were even slutty Latinas getting their freaks on with each other in a very NON-lesbian way. There weren't that many hot guys there, but the ones who were there were, in the infamous words of Jim Carrey's "The Mask," "SMOKIN!" There was one tall built guy with dark hair who was wearing dark sunglasses [what will I guess become my new club accessory] and Man Uggs [what weill I guess become my new club pet peeve]. There were also two old guys and one younger hotshot stud who for some reason reminded me of gay porn sites scouting for new recruits ... hmmmm
* I attended the USC Office of Admission's annual Holiday Party and came home with a lot. Held in the Radisson's ballroom, the festivities included a scrumptious lunch, a random game of hot potato involving an oversized pine cone that won me a bottle of sparkling apple cider and a snowman, and a wild gift exchange that yielded a nice package of Trader Joe's vodka chocolates.
SIDE NOTE: The new guy at work that I'd been lusting over was there and looking hot as usual. He was actually the one who brought the chocolates. I'd been trying to add him on facebook [call me obsessed or a stalker if you want], but he hadn't added me. I was planning on confronting him about it, but the moment never presented itself. Finally, I messaged him on facebook and he responded. I immediately looked at his profile to see his sexuality, and he is ... dun dun dun ... STRAIGHT [as Jake Gyllenhaal or Heath Ledger]. So, there goes that idea.
Now, for a winter vacation breakdown:
[December 17]
* Rode the train down to meet my sister in the O.C. [yes, just like that stoopid show]
* We bought my parents the Lost Season 1 DVD and met them at the airport after getting lost.
* We rode back to the hotel we would be staying at, the Ramada, and found FIVE BABY COCKROACHES in the bathroom!
SIDE NOTE: I HATE cockroaches enough already, but to find them in the BATHROOM in just appalling. The Ramada is not a classy hotel by any means, so I guess I shouldn't necessarily be surprised to find some cockroaches in there, but still! Aren't bugs in the bathroom THE WORST?!
* We had dinner at the luxurious Carrow's, which makes Denny's look like the Grand Lux Cafe.
* Then we watched "King Kong" at Downtown Disney. Don't read ahead if you haven't seen the movie ... spoilers ( ahoy! )
* My dad, who has severe sleep apnia, forgot his breathing assisting machine in Alaska was kinda freaked out because he could spontaneously stop breathing and die.
[December 18]
* Went shopping at Target.
* Ended up being ALMOST late for the Kiev Ballet's production of the "Nutcracker" that was held at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Not only did we forget the tickets at the hotel room [though not a problem because we used the will call booth] but we got lost TWICE getting there. The ushers told us that if the symphony had ended then we wouldn't be able to be let in until the one and only intermission halfway through the ballet. We rushed into the ballet and grabbed seats that were all far away from each other. I ended up sitting in the far corner on the stage right side, only being able to see half of the stage well. Also, my glasses were broken because only one of the ear support things was attached. The ballet guys weren't that hot, but they were UBER-talented. Especially the Russian dancer who did many gravity-defying leaps.
* Afterwards, we gradually made our way over to California Adventure and went on two ( rides )
* Tried to go to Disneyland, but couldn't make it because the fireworks display just ended and there was a mass exodus out of the park, so we decided to call it a nite.
[December 19]
* Spent the morning at California Adventure and went on more ( rides )
* Spent the early afternoon at Disneyland. Since I've been to Disneyland before, this wasn't AS big of a thrill. Plus, Disneyland tends to be more for younger children and their families than for teenagers or college students with their families, in my opinion. But we did go on one ride that I can't remember the name of. I dunno, Disneyland isn't that exciting to me anymore. Am I that jaded? We were going to go on the Indiana Jones one, but everything was more than an hour wait, so we said, "FUCK THAT!" and left.
* Bought our mom some crystal statues of dolphins and Mickey Mouse for Christmas that we somehow lost.
* Drove to Knott's Berry Farm and the Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel, but we couldn't check in yet so we just dropped off our luggage.
* Drove up the 405 North all the way from Orange County to Northridge to have dinner with our cousins, where my sister and I spent Thanksgiving. We had an awesome lasagna dinner and some good conversation, assisted by our good friend WINE.
* Returned home to our luxurious hotel room that made the Ramada look like a hovel.
[December 20]
* Spent the day at Knott's Berry Farm, which was empty compared to Disneyland. Whereas Disneyland has a whole franchise behind it, KBF is more Wild West based. Not sure if I like it all that much, but still there was NO waiting for rides, which was nice. If the theme parks in California had a popularity contest, Knott's Berry Farm would be the loser. We did ( a lot )
* Left the park and tried to find free internet access at Starbucks only to learn that you have to be a current T-Mobile user to take advantage of their service ... those assholes - clever marketing strategy though.
* Watched "The Family Stone" at a local mall theater. Spoilers ( ahoy! )
[December 21]
* Roamed around the same mall with the theater and shopped at Sear's, buying lots of clothes for interviews and internships.
* Drove up to L.A. and my craptacular apartment.
* Relaxed until we ate at Bistango's.
* Watched "The Chronicles of Narnia" at the University Village [UV] Theater. Again, ( you know the drill )
[December 22]
* Went shopping at Target for stuff for my apartment. Including cleaning supplies, food, and a curtain to separate my "bedroom" and my "living room" - yay!
* Picked up my good friend Kenn who is visiting from the East Coast and we jetted to Santa Monica for dinner at Johnnie's, window shopping, and inferences from my parents that we would make a cute couple. I luv him so much though - he's my boy! I did feel kind of bad for my parents because he and I kinda split off from them and just did our own thing, but we need some of that quality time together.
[December 23]
* Lounged around at home and traveled to UV for food and presents.
* Went to the Grove and rewatched "Memoirs of a Geisha." One more ( thought )
[December 24]
* Shopped more downtown at Robinson's May and Macy's Plaza and got a kick-ass Fossil wallet.
* Came home and opened all of our ( presents )
[December 25]
* Drove all the way up to Arroyo Grande, next to San Luis Obispo to see family friends.
* Ate dinner at Denny's after driving around aimlessly because everything was closed and our family friends were at dinner at their relatives' house.
* The older brother of the family friends is SO hot now. He has a great smile, nice pecs, and eyes so blue that it looks like he's crying when he's in sunlight. Oh, AND he's so smart and wants to go into international economics. SO HOT.
[December 26]
* Woke up early and drove to Hearst Castle for a tour. This place was amazing - it makes the Taj Mahal look like a YMCA. Pools with gold inlay, guest houses almost as large as my family's house in Alaska, "imported" European decor, a dining hall that looks like Hogwarts in "Harry Potter," and so much more. Absolutely incredible. This guy even used to have a zoo with polar bears. It's just sad that he "imported" all of this stuff from Europe. Everything was stolen apparently. He basically raped and pillaged societies, according to our history teacher family friend. How sad that people can't just ASK POLITELY for things.
* Drove up the coast to see sunbathing elephant seals. We saw little black baby seals; piles of fat, smelly mothers; and bellowing males with snouts that look like deflated balloons.
* Had real Santa Maria-style BBQ chicken and some nice wine.
* Went a-hot tubbin with the hottie and his sister.
[December 27]
* Drove back to L.A.
* Did nothing ... haha | | comments: Leave a comment |
| | Current Music: | Mariah Carey || All I Want For Christmas Is You | | Security: | | | Subject: | Happy Holidays | | Time: | 06:59 pm | | Current Mood: |  giddy |
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| Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Merry Christmas.
Be safe and enjoy!
Full update to come. | | comments: Leave a comment |
| | Current Music: | Emmylou Harris || A Love That Will Never Grow Old | | Security: | | | Subject: | Brokeback Battles | | Time: | 12:11 am | | Current Mood: |  enthralled |
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| EDIT: Jojo correctly pointed out that I should put some of this behind a cut, so here it is behind a cut. Minor spoilers ahoy!
( Brokeback Battles ) | | comments: 1 comment or Leave a comment |
| | Current Music: | Rufus Wainwright || The Maker Makes | | Security: | | | Subject: | Broke My Heart Mountain | | Time: | 01:13 am | | Current Mood: |  sad |
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| I hate long entries, but here goes ...
December 7th was a "day that will live in infamy." The anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Prayers to all those who have suffered during or after the grave wartime incident.
R.I.P. Actor Pat Morita who died of unknown causes at age 73 in the last week of November. As Mr. Miyagi in "Karate Kid," we got a taste of Japanese culture via his "crane kick" move and a sequel with a young Hilary Swank. He also appeared in many other smaller movies and TV series afterwards. We just lost an Oscar-nominated Asian hero ... a stereotyped one, but still the best supporting actor the Asian community could have hoped for.
R.I.P. comedian and actor Richard Pryor who died of a heart attack at age 65 this past Saturday. Although I wasn't too personally familiar with his comedic legacy, I've heard the name in passing.
1. More Personal Shit
( BFF = Best Friend Forgiven? )
( Ex Encounter )
2. Social Commentary
( Health Hell )
( Chinese [Mis]Calculation )
( Calling Convo )
( Bisexual Binds )
( Newlydivorcees )
3. Random Events
* South Africa now affirms gay marriage! So many other countries are surpassing the U.S. in human rights. Sigh ... hopefully the next stop will be the U.S.?
* Scientists believe that new fissure found in a desert in the remote northeastern part of Ethiopia could be the "birth of a new ocean basin" that is 37-miles long and split open in September. Avast me hearties, thar might be eight seas now.
* Lt. Gen. Walter E. Buchananan III, Commander of the 9th U.S. Air Force and U.S. Central Command Air Forces stated that reports of collateral damage in Iraq were exaggerated. He then touted the U.S.' military prowess concerning weapons precision. Right, just like that time they dropped a whole cargo shipmen on top of several HOUSES in Afghanistan.
* Federal air marshals at Miami International Airport shot and killed Rigoberto Alpizar, 44, who claimed to have a bomb in his carry-on luggage. Although authorities ruled out a massive terror attack, he was still shot for having reached into a bag where the marshals thought the bomb was being kept. Just SHOT him dead ... that could be you next!
4. Movies
( Fiddy Failure )
( The Bounty )
( Wallace & Gromit )
( Harry Hotter )
( Memoirs of a Geisha )
( Broke My Heart Mountain )
( Coming Soon )
5. Musak
( Grammy Glee )
( Fucked-Up Federline )
( Killah Chris )
( Caged Up ) | | comments: 1 comment or Leave a comment |
| | Current Music: | katou miliyah || jyounetsu | | Security: | | | Subject: | long time no lj | | Time: | 12:02 am | | Current Mood: |  exhausted |
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| December 1st was WORLD AIDS DAY.
This day commemorates all those who suffer through the scourge of AIDS. According to UNAIDS and the World Health Organization (WHO)'s report on the global summary of the AIDS epidemic in December 2005, there are reportedly 40.3 million people living with HIV in 2005 (2.3 million of which are children under the age of 15), 4.9 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2005 (700,000 of which are children under the age of 15), and 3.1 million AIDS deaths in 2005 (570,000 of which are children under the age of 15).
This epidemic is real and requires real attention from governments, scientists, and society as a whole in order to solve.
Removing stigmas [like AIDS being a gay disease] and learning to overcome greed by creating access for all to medications that may help AIDS. All of these drug companies that believe that the bottom line comes before human lives.
This problem can be overcome, but only with a dedicated, open-minded approach.
Because I have so much to update about, I will break it down into different sections:
1. Personal
( School Screwedness )
( Internship Inspiration )
( Work Woes )
( Final Freedom )
2. Outings
( Geisha Goodness )
( Social Nite [Tropical Remix] )
( Thanksgiving )
( JSA Farewell Party ) | | comments: 2 comments or Leave a comment |
| Prayers go out to the kids at Campbell County High School where Ken Bartley Jr., 15, shot a killed the assistant principal and hurt two other people today. Hopefully this is not the start of another rash of copycat school shootings.
Prayers also go out to any of those affected by the Pakistan quake, where aid still does not reach those in need.
Prayers also go out to the French who are in just a bad, classist situation involving the erstwhile enslaved North African and Arab people. Because there was lack of integration of these two groups, they are constantly discriminated against in French society. There are fires, protests, and deaths that create danger.
[Carnal Carnivale]
Around Halloween time, the air is filled with the scent of candy, body paint, and ... balls in pantyhose? Feeling nostalgia well up in my eyes when I hear "The Monster Mash" boom out of speakers in stores, seeing old advertisements for "Hocus Pocus" (btw, starring a pre-"Sex & the City" Sarah Jessica Parker), and watching as straight girls and gay guys utilize this time as one of the only socially-acceptable times to dress like a slut makes the Halloween season so worthwhile.
However, after being in L.A. for three years and not yet visiting the West Hollywood Carnivale, I felt it was time to finally do so. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be there for as long as I wanted, I didn't drink, and I didn't really get any action haha. Oh well, there's always next time ...
I went as the ever-fabulous Marilyn Monroe again. Sadly though, I was only really recognized by Asian women, and a couple drunk queens who thought I wasn't like her at all (the phrases "Good try!" and "You don't look anything like her!" give some credence to that). There was even one Asian woman who got her picture with me, which was less ego-stroking than I imagined.
Highlight of the evening: My friend who can't keep her mind off of guys' packages (a woman after my own heart!) asked this guy who was dressed like a Las Vegas showgirl if what was inside his tiny thong was real. He said, "Darling, of course it's real!" And he WHIPPED OUT a beautiful uncut cock! OMG, I died of laughter and horniness. Then, he turned to me and said, "OMG are you Marilyn Monroe?! I think you're FABULOUS!" We took a picture together and he LICKED my face. Good times, good times.
That carnivale is crazy! So many awesome costumes and performances by random people. Oh, and Ryan Seacrest was the QUEEN of the Carnivale. Yes, that will definitely sqaush those gay rumors ONCE AND FOR ALL.
[Rap Rage]
Apparent heir to the Shady/Aftermath label 50 Cent has decided to try to one-up one of his mentors, Eminem, by releasing a semi-autobiographical movie idiotically called "Get Rich or Die Tryin." Why doesn't he just tattoo a big "L" on his forehead already?
He is so full of shit! He thinks he's hot shit, but he's really just cold diarrhea. His attitude would befit someone more like Jay-Z or Nas, who actually have the TALENT to back up their success. 50 Cent just makes catchy music, but never says anything of significance. He talks about bein in "da club" or "candy shop" and causing a "disco inferno" by giving him "just a lil bit" more.
Now, he's promoting his pitiful movie with a pitiful plea for patronage: trying to resolve a rap fued with one-time enemy Jadakiss. Now, I luv a rap fued as much as the next guy, but he's obvoiusly chosen to do this as a really clever, albeit OBVIOUS marketing tool. First of all, he wants to create controversy to bring attention to him, which will make people want to see his movie. Second, recently, Jay-Z and Nas appear to have gotten rid of their beef. So, it seems to convenient that now 50 Cent, on the eve of perhaps one of his most important career moves and perhaps the death of one of contemporary rap's longstanding feuds. Jadakiss may be a lot of things, but at least he ain't no KISS ASS.
He also recently claimed that Kanye West's ridiculing remarks towards George W. Bush were out of place. What right does he have to protest West's remarks? Some people say that West had no right to say those remarks about Bush because of his background. However, that's the point of his remarks: that it doesn't matter what class level you are, you must be willing to help people of all levels. Even if West didn't have a struggling past, he still can champion the rights of those who are less fortunate. Plus, where does 50 Cent get off saying anything about West?! Is he mad because he beat him to the punch? Or, because he's afraid that West is being insincere or illegimiate?! Or, is he just jealous?! Or, is he obviously using this as a means to self-promote?!
And now the billboards for his movie are COMIN DOWN. Even though the reason they're coming down isn't exactly the best attack on him (he's holding a gun in one hand and a microphone in the other = SUCCESS VIA CRIME), that fucker is still gettin it UP THE ASS.
50 Cent needs to buy himself a clue.
[Korean Pride]
I am so proud of my Korean people! They are doing so many awesome things right now.
1. Stem Cells
South Korea has made amazing advances in the world of stem cell research, including cloning the first human embryos and extracting stem cells. Now, they have opened the World Stem Cell Hub, which will create embryonic stem cell research facilities in Korea, Britain, and the U.S.
On the first day the center accepted applications from patients, over 3500 responses came in just from Korea alone. No foreigners have yet applied, even though they can.
The centers in Britain and the U.S. allow scientists to avoid government restrictions, especially in the U.S. where George W. Bush would rather watch as people like Christopher Reeve, Michael J. Fox, and the countless other people who suffer from Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and an array of other diseases. My grandmother would have gratefully appreciated any intervention, but she is no longer of this world.
Although not all the candidates will be admitted, does it really matter as long as their research is devoted towards a cure? Plus, the focus of these centers, for now, is not treatment, but hopefully they will lead to much more development, and a possible cure in ten or more years. There are many people who have waited years upon years for something, anything. And NOW we have the opportunity. How can we deny those people and say it's the will of God?! We don't even know what God thinks, so how can we presume to believe that this is against his will? And anyone who claims to know what God is thinking, is making stuff up out of their ass.
This is an advancement of unparalleled importance. Go Korea!
2. Unification Games
For the first time in my life (and many others' older than me), North and South Korea will march together at the 2006 Asian Games in Macau and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. This joint venture is amazing because surely this, if successful, will lead to building bridges, and perhaps hopefully someday, reunification.
Although North and South Korea formed a unified table tennis and soccer team in the 90s, they have yet to build beyond these sports events. Although there are many logistical matters to be worked out, this agreement is one of momentous importance for the Koreas.
At the 2004 Athens Olympics, South Korea won 30 medals and North Korea won five medals, which would have placecd them between Japan and France in medals. Go Korea!
3. Kimchi Cure?
Scientists at Seoul National University tested the effects of an extract of kimchi given to 13 infected chickens that contracted bird flu. They found that a week later 11 of the chickens started recovering. Although they are not sure why the kimchi extract had such an effect on the chickens, kimchi has become even MORE popular in Korea since the results of this report were issued.
Professor Kang Sa-ouk of SNU also found that the birds recovered from Newcastle disease and bronchitis, "their death rates fell, they were livelier, and their stools became normal" (BBC News).
Kimchi also seemed to be a panacea during the SARS (you know, Severe Asian Racism Syndrome) epidemic in Asia two years ago. Again, although the effects of kimchi on diseases are not yet known, there's something about fermented cabbage with red peppers, garlic, and ginger.
Is kimchi the next aspirin?! Go Korea!
[Alaska Accommodation]
If you've ever watched on election night during any election year since news programs started lighting up the maps of states or actually lived in the state, you would know that Alaska is not exactly known for its liberal ideology.
However, last week, the Alaskan Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the state must grant equal benefits to domestic partners of gay state employees AND retirees because it violates the state constitution's equal protection clauses.
The ACLU and the ACLU of Alaska fought ardently by claiming that the state's claims that by not giving benefits to gay state employees and their spouses, the state could preserve its view that marriage should be only between a man and a woman.
[Music Madness]
Jim Verraros, the OPENLY gay American Idol contestant (I'm not counting Mario Vasquez), has an aborted career, and I'm not sure if his latest, "Getting Crazy," will make a dent in his considerable suckiness ... but damn if it hasn't been on repeat on my CD player ALL THE TIME! It sounds like Britney Spears' "I'm a Slave 4 U" on sizzurp or lean (the cough syrup and soda cocktail consumed by some Texan hip-hoppers), but slightly lacking in the sexiness. Good try though. Plus, his long hair looks like a mullet. EW
Madonna's new album release does not titillate me in the least. I am trying desperately not to like Madonna's new song, "Hung Up," because I am one of the few faggots who doesn't WORSHIP her ... but it's getting really hard because that song is becoming irresistable ... even if she's trying to revert back to the style that Gwen Stefani ripped and perfected.
Lauryn Hill is making a comeback. However, as much as I luv her old music, I wish she would not come back. If you've heard the new Fugees song (excited, btw, that they're back together), you know that she still has the flow and lyrical skills, but if you've heard her on the remix to John Legend's single "So High," she sounds like a chain-smoking MAN. As if all of that wasn't bad enough, I d/l-ed Nas' new song "It Wasn't U" featuring the comeback kiddo herself. She sounds absolutely HORRIBLE! Now I wish I had never listened to those songs because it has COMPLETELY ruined my image of her. I mean, "Ex-Factor" is still THE MOST untouchable song EVER.
Mariah "Not-Really-Scary" Carey will re-release her classic "The Emancipation of Mimi" soon. In addition to her nigh-neo-soul tracks, she added the excellent remix to her mega-hit "We Belong Together" with Jadakiss & Styles P; her third collabo with Twista and first with Darkchild, "So Lonely (One & Only Part II)"; the unforgettable, albeit "WBT"-lite "Don't Forget About Us"; and the utterly pointless and very un-Mariah "Makin it Last All Nite (What It Do)" with her hitmaker producer JD. I'm a die-hard Mariah fan, but "Makin it Last All Nite (What It Do)" is certifiable CRAP and I really can't believe she put that on a cd that she released to the general public! Finally, she records her best all-around album in YEARS, despite the distinct lack of her signature vocal gymnastics, and she has to go fuck it up with a falter on the balance between her newfound artistic inspiration and her diminishing vocal strength with a filler that would be better left to lesser divas.
Mary J. Blige's new album "The Breakthrough" is due to be released in December and if her newest buzz cut/possible first single choice "Be Without U" is any indication of what's to come then I'm going to LUV her new stuff. "Be Without U" may sound oddly like "We Belong Together" but Mary adds a bit of embittered soul that Mariah doesn't really honestly possess. Regardless, Mary J. Blige sounds amazing with her intense lyrical paean to a luv that takes some work, her strained and crackling vocal stylings, and production that, although similar to "WBT" gives a distinct urban vibe where Mariah strove for the pop/urban crossover. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul is back!
[Movie Mayhem]
I saw my first movie since being down in L.A. and boy was it a doozy-. I saw "PRIME" with some friends. Even though this movie may seem like Hollywood fluff, it really wasn't for me.
Uma Thurman plays a recent divorcee who's seeing Meryl Streep's psychoanalyst for therapy sessions. A chance meeting with a beautiful young man played by the DELECTABLE Bryan Greenberg sends Uma into ecstasy that she immediately relates to Meryl in their sessions together. However, through her stereotyped Jewish mother attitude, Streep figures out Uma's new luv, but continues to treat Uma without divulging her newfound secret. Once the cat is let out of the proverbial bag, the fur doesn't necessarily fly as much as it could've, but all three put on a good show.
A lot of this movie made good Hollywood sense: A-List (or on their way to being A-List) actors like Uma Thurman, Meryl Streep, and Bryan Greenberg who turned in A+ performances; a talented director, Ben Younger ("Boiler Room"); and a stereotypical pastiche of New York glam lifestyle. However, for all its Hollywood moments, there were many not Hollywood moments: the script was unusual, the timing of the acting was different, the humor was wry and dry, one of the Greenberg's friends throws pies in his exs' faces, and of course, the ending ... ( spoilers ahoy! )
[Gay Gloom]
Yet another reason to not like Texas: they just approved the gay marriage ban in the state, making them the 19th state to do so. 76% of the voters agreed with the Texans For Marriage's leader, Kelly Shackelford's, statement that "Texans know that marriage is between a man and a woman, and children deserve both a mom and a dad. They don't need a Ph.D. or a degree in anything else to teach them that." Sigh ... and yet another bastian against equal rights for all is erected for all to see and perhaps emulate
However, in Maine, although not quite as overwhelming, 55% of the voters did not want a law that would limit gay-rights by outlawing discrimination based on sexual orietnation, among other things. Maine isn't Oregon or California or Vermont, even, but they are still a state that views gay people as just that: PEOPLE.
[Referendum Retribution]
While New Jersey and Virginia saw Democratic victories in the governor races, California voters showed the rest of the country why although in the name "California" the "C" comes before the "L" that the liberal forces still rule. With Schwarzenegger's ratings falling like the stock market (or like another conservative figurehead), he tried to introduce propositions that would further cement Republican/conservative influence in California. But he was SHUT DOWN like Chernobyl. The always entertaining Howard Dean stated, "I believe national Republican politics ... really had an effect in Virginia and California. [Voters] don't like the abuse of power, they don't like the culture of corruption. They want the nation to go in a different way."
His four propositions were all ridiculous, but the most ridiculous was the one requiring minors to tell their parents if they choose to get an abortion, get their permission, and delay the abortion for 48 hours. First of all, although telling parents about an abortion may be the better thing to do, that should not stop the kid from getting one. Plus, what about the pregnancies that are due to incest?! Telling the parents would do nothing to help alleviate this issue, among others. Plus, I don't understand why pro-lifers don't warm up more to the pro-choice stance. Pro-choice does not equal U MUST GET AN ABORTION!!! The whole idea of choice is that women have the freedom to take care of their own bodies.
All of the "NO!"s (with exclamation points) on the propositions are so satisfying considering that Schwarzenegger recently vetoed the gay marriage bill in California. I wish someone would make buttons that say "TERMINATE THE GOVERNATOR" b/c we NEED to get rid of him! | | comments: 1 comment or Leave a comment |
| | Current Music: | T Pain || I'm Sprung | | Security: | | | Subject: | Marilyn Monroe | | Time: | 01:54 am | | Current Mood: | tired |
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| R.I.P. Rosa Parks. My goodness, this woman was amazing. Even though she did not sacrifice food for humanity or run around the streets of a dilapidated nation-state's many cities aiding the poor and week, she still managed to have one of the single-most cogent effects on the nation's civil rights movements. Rosa Parks inspired protestors, civil rights advocates, and a hit Outkast song. Rosa Parks will forever be remembered as an active, peaceful leader in the movement of equality. Although her presence will be greatly missed, her impacts will always be here. And all she did was sit down and refuse to get up. Shit, if i could get away with that on the DASH, I'd be a fucking hero.
Yay for Daylight Savings Time! I really do need an extra hour to be lazy and not do work ...
[Honest, Hizzah!]
In my Intro to Fem Theory class, we have advanced to Multicultural Feminism. This movement lauds the advent of bell hooks and other women of the ethnic minorities. I absolutely love this class because it turns our world upside down every single time. We've gone through Liberal Feminism, Marxist Feminism, Radical Feminism, and Psychoanalytic/Difference Feminism already, and each class I end up being a believer of each theory.
However, with Multicultural Feminism, it's clear that this theory trumps most of its predecessors like a royal straight. The basic premise of the theory is not that much different from any of the others: women fucked by men in both the literal and systemic sense. However, the Multicultural Feminists say, "Okie, I guess that's true ... but isn't that just a theory aimed at white, middle-class, Christian women? What about the others?! We don't fit in!" It blows my mind. I fucking luv this class.
And our awesome teacher has all of us describe our identities as we perceive them. So we went around the class, person by person, and had them articulate as best they could their identities. Some of the stuff that you learn about people is just amazing. I love that people in this class setting are willing and able to trust each other enough to share some fairly personal stuff. I mean, there was some personal relationship information that was just mindblowing. It's like, are you from a MOVIE?! This really is MY kind of class! I love it when people are able to speak freely about themselves. The atmosphere is not thick with judgment, but it feels so accepting and ultimately productive. MORE CLASSES AND PEOPLE LIKE THIS ONE!
[Halloween HOE-Downs]
I was Marilyn Monroe for Halloween this year. Goddamn I was hot!
[Friday]
Two friends' birthdays were this weekend, and a group of us chowed down on fajitas and quesadillas at El Cholo's. Then, they came back to my place and we hung out for a bit. Afterwards, some of us went clubbing at RAGE. I was really excited because I hadn't been clubbing for a while ... well, long enough anyways. We got there and the music was blech, the drinks were blech, and the overall experience was blech. BUT there was this really cute Asian guy that kept making eye contact with me ALL NITE. But I didn't want to end up abandoning my friend that I was dancing with so that I could possibly get some boot-tay. Aw, I'm such a good friend. But he was great-looking: somewhere between skinny and muscular, somewhat longer hair on top, nice white long-sleeved [?!] shirt and tight jeans. Ooch, I really just wanted to get in those JEANS! I kept getting hit in the head by people who were on the stage and it was pissing me off. There were also two REALLY cute white guys. One looked Irish, and I hoped he just had a sexy accent so that I could melt in his arms while listening to him talk about the weather.
[Saturday]
After a rushed jaunt to Melrose to try and find some last minute costumes, I got home and shaved my legs and armpits in 10 MINUTES. Yes folks, that is 1/6 of an hour, 600 seconds, or the amount of time spent on commercials on a supposed "30 minute" show. So while u were watching "The Simpsons," I shaved my legs and armpits during commercial breaks usually reserved for food or feces. Then, I found out that I didn't even have to be there for another HOUR.
When I finally got there, I still hadn't changed because a friend was gonna come and fix me up all pretty like. So we helped finish the set-up and started letting people in an hour late. As soon as my friend got there, I fixed up my GHETTO-ASS dress by pinning [using PAPER CLIPS] a skirt to a bikini top and she did my make-up. I didn't have a mirror to look into so I had to assume that I was pretty.
But my affirmations came from everyone else. People did double, even triple takes. People said stuff like, "Wow, you really look like a girl." or "Dude, I thought you were a girl until I heard your voice." I stuffed my top with socks, so I looked VERY well-endowed [and NO, this is not trying to compensate for anything haha], and people GRABBED me. I felt so violated. But honestly, I got more play [not in terms of making out, but just in terms of cat-calling, flirting, dancing, that type of thing] that nite than I usually do. Maybe I should cross-dress more often ... hahaha
I was entered into a costume contest, but I lost to this really fem guy who wore a Britney Spears Catholic girl uniform from the "... Hit Me Baby One More Time" era. Even though people said I got WAAAY more claps than him. So TAKE THAT BITCH! He seemed really nice tho ... kinda self-absorbed. I met this really cool girl from CSUN, we got down, and I got her number. Why can't hot guys do the same thing?! There were some hot straight guys there. One of them was this Indian-ish guy who had a BRITISH ACCENT. Oh my lordie, when he spoke to me I just about melted.
At the very end of the party, we cleaned up and found out that we made $360+ off the event. Unbelievable. However, it took us FOREVER to leave that damn place, so while friends were out eating, I was stuck in a parking lot.
THINGS I FIGGERED OUT I DON'T LIKE:
* FOBs that think it's cool to say "dawg" and "fuck" during every sentence they use
* Girls who have so little self-respect that they would rather be with a guy just for the sake of being with them rather than finding someone that would be good to and for them
* People who don't even TRY to speak to me in Japanese because they hear my English
* Not being able to speak in Japanese enough to communicate effectively in certian situations
[Comin Out Cases]
[Swoop'd]
Sheryl Swoopes of the WNBA officially came out recently. Unlike many outed basketball players before her, she is still active when she decided to come out. Nicknamed the "Michael Jordan of women's basketball," Swoopes hated denying and hiding her feelings for her partner, former basketball player Alisha Scott. This move is a major step for gays in basketball, but especially for women because Swoopes is paving a difficult road for many more gay athletes to come.
SIDEBAR: If u don't know who Graham Ackerman is, look his hott ass up! He just won the gold medal in floor exercise at the NCAA National Championships. Gymnasts with movie star names, baby blue eyes, and ripped bods are HOT HOT HOT. AND he goes to Berkeley = smart enough to Oh yeah, and he's gayer than Boy George's manpurse. *shivers*
[A LONG TREK]
If space is truly the final frontier, then George Takei has found another undiscovered galaxy. The 68 year-old Japanese-American actor who portrayed Sulu on the original "Star Trek" also came out of the closet recently. However, he was quoted in an L.A.-based queer magazine as saying, "It’s not really coming out, which suggests opening a door and stepping through. It’s more like a long, long walk through what began as a narrow corridor that starts to widen." Despite all the jokes u could possibly crack about "Beam me up, Queeny" and shit, he is truly a trailblazer for Asians, Asian males, and gay Asian males [the dreaded "gaysian" title]. And still, we witness the media's overall LACK of attention to him and his struggles. You know he's not going to have a TV special on LIFETIME. Ah, the powerlessness of the gay Asian male celeb.
But then again, I think about what he's really portraying. He's the closest thing I have to a role model that i can relate to. He's a gay Asian male, he's perfect in terms of a role model. Although the jury is still out whether or not he's truly the one, well ... that's okie. I still have my Margaret Cho.
Tonite I was talking with a friend about this and he said that there is just so much "post-colonial residue" stamped on our views of Asian Americans, especially males. They are at the very BOTTOM of the hierarchy of masculinity in both the gay and straight worlds. Right, right. So gay Asian males are stuck somewhere between nothing and emptiness with a spot of post-colonial residue. But wait, I just used that on my furniture ... will it stain?! I guess it'll be YELLOW. Anyways, good for you Mr. Takei.
[SAT STOOPIDITY]
Is the new SAT not the most racist/classist thing ever? I mean, the creators of the test added an ESSAY section to the test. Now, for those Americans who do not have complete writing proficiency, an essay test is daunting. For those rich, white male Americans, they will do amazing on this test. This test was akready racist and classist ENOUGH, but now they're just going to drive the point home. I vote for the abolishment of the SAT. Get rid of that shit ASAP. Who needs a test to tell them that they're intelligent or that they belong at college. A lot rides on this test, and by adding the essay portion, more and more people will not be going to school. You didn't need to be proficient in writing to take the SAT because it was multiple choice. Fuck those people who thought that an essay section would improve the SAT. Who wants to take the time to read all of those essays?! Ewww, not for me. | | comments: Leave a comment |
| | Current Music: | missy elliot || we run this | | Security: | | | Subject: | b.o. k.o. | | Time: | 05:51 pm | | Current Mood: | tired |
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| these past two weeks have been midterms, presentations, and papers. god, it's so horrible. i have to say that this has to be without a doubt the worst semester in terms of midterms all at once. i mean, usually they're spaced out enuf for me to handle everything. and i don't know if it's senioritis, but i'm REALLY not feeling work this year. lately, it has been so difficult for me to write even THREE page papers.
but in order for me to stay sane, i've been going out. last week i went clubbing on thursday AND friday. oooh it was ( funtimes )
( severing situation )
[b.o. k.o.]
has anyone's b.o. ever been SO palpable that u could taste it when ur within 2 feet of them?! someone walked past me the other day in the library and they smelled SO abhorrent! it was so offensive that i didn't know if i should tell them to play for usc's football team, go to iraq for an incursion, or just simply file a complaint with the ada.
i'm sorry to stereotype, but he was indian, and there are plenty of indian guys who i ride the tram with every morning who smell like they haven't showered in DAYS or perhaps WEEKS. ew that sounds horribly racist ...
i also recently started reusing deodorant. not that i'm ever really that smelly, but just that i like the smell of the axe deodorant i use. ooch, and the smell stays for HOURS. so delicious!
[religion rant]
kirk franklin recently admitted that he was addicted to pornography. WHAT RIGHT do these people have to judge others when THEY are the ones who are perpetuating cycles of BAD BEHAVIOR within THEMSELVES?! it pisses me off so much that these people run around telling others that they are sinners and that they will burn in hell for their sins, and yet are affluent, child-molesting, pornography-addicted, money-grubbing fiends.
hopefully he will come to realize the error of his pornographic ways before it's too late for his soul!!! j/k j/k i don't think god is that picky about sins. why would the sin of murder be the same as the sin of masturbation in his eyes? well, as long as u ask for forgiveness, i guess. | | comments: 2 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Current Music: | david banner || play | | Security: | | | Subject: | breakdown | | Time: | 10:35 pm | | Current Mood: |  discontent |
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| ( breakdown )
the past week was HELL. if this is ANY indication of what the rest of the semester is shaping up to be like, i'm so screwed. it was only two papers and a midterm. not really that big of a deal, but i was so dead. that's why i partied on saturday.
i partied each weekend the past two weeks. it's so much fun to just get together and drinkie with people! we just bs and have a good time ... now, all i have to do is go clubbing drunk!
[career crap]
the career fair was last thursday, giving usc students the ability to introduce themselves to large companies and impress them with their money and their impeccable resumes.
with a bunch of law firms, tax and insurance agencies, and other large business types. however, i am not interested in ANY of that crap. the only booths i really went to were the child care ones b/c i've become more interested in adoption work of late, and of course to JET and NOVA, english-teaching companies in japan. but i also went to grassroots, an organization that works on political campaigns. they accepted my resume and told me that i could be placed anywhere around the country. it sounds like fun and could actually be something that i would consider doing.
however, i'm still considering peace corps, cruiseships, backpacking through europe, and just spending a year in korea or japan. who knows?! i think i'll just wait for a response from any of the organizations and decide.
[response rage]
lately, i've been thinking about how people, including myself, respond to comments made. and i have decided that the absolute WORST response to any comment of importance is "oh i see." i use it all the time, but now am making a conscious effort to not use it when i am talking about something important with someone else.
i mean, if u just dropped a bomb on someone, and they just respond "oh i see," then doesn't that make u feel insignificant? i mean, that's the worst response ever and i really apologize to anyone if i ever did it to them. especially when someone's trying to tell u something important ... it's the online equivalent of just nodding ur head.
the comments aren't constructive, they just exist. just filler in a conversation that should not have any filler. so just remember: if someone's trying to tell u something important, PARTICIPATE IN THE CONVERSATION! this goes for me too ... and i'm trying my best to make sure i continue to help those around me as best i can.
[hug hollowness]
nobody [well, hardly anyone] hugs here. it's like we're all at a 7th grade dance, and we have to have a bowling ball's distance bewteen us to prevent any BUMPIN N GRINDIN. but here in l.a., the land of the needy and the home of the paved, who can we turn to when we just need a good, old fashioned, BEAR HUG?!
i miss my friends from back home. they know the importance of hugging. fuck if everyone down here even comes close to that understanding. even tho i get GREAT hugs here, i just wish all of my friends shared in that practice.
[government gobbledegook]
first, george w. bush apologizes for not approaching the hurricane katrina and rita situations with the utmost veracity [and yes, we had to ice skate home b/c HELL FROZE OVER].
then, he appoints the still-questionable, but unstoppable john roberts as not just a supreme court justice but the CHIEF supreme court justice. HOW RIDICULOUS!
THEN, he decides to choose a woman [point for the man] from his white house counsel named harriet miers who has NO supreme court experience [take that point away], but shares his constructionist viewpoints [take another point that he didn't have anyway AWAY]. he was actually trying to convince republicans that she is MORE CONSERVATIVE than she appears. how RIDICULOUS!
AND THEN, he has to make a decision on who to replace the soon-to-retire alan greenspan with. so far, the choices seem to be ben bernanke [bush's top economist], martin feldstein [economics prof at harvard and president of national bureau of economic research, and a former bush advisor during his presidential run in 2000], and r glenn hubbard [bush's chief economic advisor from 01 - 03, dean of columbia's graduate school of business and an economics professor]. GREAT! another conservative economic fuck to ruin our economy even more! HOW RIDICULOUS!
oh, and don't even get me started on the governator VETOING the same-sex marriage bill in california.
[penguin poppycock]
the christian right has picked up the wonderful documentary, "march of the penguins," as a banner movie for monogamy. so along with "passion of the christ," they chose this movie b/c it shows how penguins remain monogamous to their partners.
okie FIRST OF ALL, penguins are SERIAL monogamists. so yes, they do remain loyal to their partner for the short time they are with them, but then they HOOK UP WITH ANOTHER BIRD. to add onto that, what about the GAY penguins?!
also, the christian right doesn't believe in evolution. so how can they possibly use the penguins as an example for humans to follow if they believe that humans and animals are on equal footing.
good job, christian right! there was also an article in the daily trojan newspaper this week that explains that even tho america is one of the most religious countries in the world, this apparent conservatism does not seem to have any bearing on decreased sexual behavior, crime, or an overall morality. in fact, even tho americans are more likely to be religious than almost any other country in the industrialized world, that holds almost NO bearing on any other aspect of social culture. | | comments: Leave a comment |
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