Legitimate Answer for a Climbing Opportunist

(I wrote this in response to Sarah Palin's "Legitimate Questions for the President" in regards to the building of a Mosque near Ground Zero in New York City)

Since brainiac didn't specify which President she wanted to hear from, I feel compelled as both president and king of Oscar Country to respond.

"Mr. President, should they or should they not build a mosque steps away from where radical Islamists killed 3000 people?"

Yes, they can, will, should, etc...Is it the best possible place for a mosque? No. Do they have ulterior motives for placing it so close to Ground Zero? Maybe. The fact is, they have the right to do it whether we agree with it or not. And just like the Tea Party and GOP suggest, we shouldn't change laws for special groups.

"We all know that they have the right to do it, but should they?"

It could be a logistical nightmare if you consider traffic in the financial district, but it's their decision to travel well out of their way if they choose to. "Should they" is an inappropriate question when dealing with a persons human and civil rights. "Should" you be able to get book deals and reality TV shows? It's all relative.

"And, no, this is not above your pay grade."

Very funny. Just because you chose to give birth to a child with disabilities does not make you a martyr for the pro-life movement. You have a womb. Do you want power over it, or do you want the government to rent it out to the highest bidder? Sit down and listen.

"If those who wish to build this Ground Zero mosque are sincerely interested in encouraging positive "cross-cultural engagement" and dialogue to show a moderate and tolerant face of Islam, then why haven't they recognized that the decision to build a mosque at this particular location is doing just the opposite?"

It's easy to see this an obstacle if you're plagued with such little vision or short-sightedness. People are angry now. People are intolerant now. Should we all bow to this anger and intolerance whenever it meets us? Isn't it our duty as human beings to stand for what we believe in, as you're doing now? The sooner you stop looking at this as "us vs them," you'll realize that bringing together two of the most polarized religions in the world could benefit a lot of people in the long-run and would have a greater effect on future generations than rebuilding the WTC as some crystal tower of Babel. We have different ideas of what true "strength" is.

"Mr. President, why aren't you encouraging the mosque developers to accept Governor Paterson's generous offer of assistance in finding a new location for the mosque on state land if they move it away from Ground Zero?"

Simple answer: houses of God should not be sanctioned or supported by the state or federal government.

"Why haven't they jumped at this offer?"

Because they know what the state giveth the state can taketh away.

"Why are they apparently so set on building a mosque steps from what you have described, in agreement with me, as "hallowed ground"?"

Who knows. It's not anyones place to build their motives for them. The fact of the matter is, they are breaking no laws. Some consider it insensitive. Some consider this a political or religious slap in the face. What it COULD BE, if we became involved in a positive manner, is a place where wounds could finally be healed instead of simply changing the bandaid in the name if patriotism, Christianity, (insert school of rhetoric), etc.

"I believe these are legitimate questions to ask."

You would.

"- Sarah Palin"

President and King of Oscar Country

Shock Shock Shock

The Golden Globes--can they be taken seriously? I'm not so sure. They nominate films that have yet to be released (sometimes not even completed), and then force people to vote whether they've seen the films or not. It's truly a media machine (the Hollywood Foreign Press, after all) and I knew that already so why am I even ruminating on it. Anyway, the wins and loses fell into two categories: "we already knew that," and "what the cuss?" Here's a list of the winners and how I fared. Am I now better equipped for the Oscars or am I now more confused than ever?

Best Original Song--"The Weary Kind," Crazy Heart

I saw this coming from a mile away. It's an incredible piece of music.

Best Original Score--Michael Giacchino, UP

Again, not at all surprised. This is one of the most beautiful scores ever written. Fun when necessary, also heartbreaking at times.

Best Screenplay--Jason Reitman, Up in the Air

Well-deserved. His characters were real, the material current and poignant, and his dialogue was inspired.

Best Director--James Cameron, Avatar

What the cuss? Seriously, genuinely shocked. Not disappointed, by a long shot, but shocked. I expected Kathryn Bigelow, maybe even Jason Reitman...but James Cameron. Does this pit him head to head against his ex-wife, Kathryn Bigelow? Is Reitman out of the race? So confused!!!

Best Foreign Language Film--The White Ribbon, Austria

I was sure 'A Prophet' would win, but 'The White Ribbon' was definitely a sister choice, so I am not at all surprised. Both were masterpieces and deserve every accolade garnered.

Best Animated Feature--UP, Pixar

The Fantastic Mr Fox didn't stand a chance. Pixar reigns supreme.

Best Supporting Actor--Christoph Waltz, Inglorious Basterds

No shock there. He will win the Oscar.

Best Supporting Actress--Mo'Nique, Precious

Again, not a shock. She will win the Oscar.

Best Actor, Musical or Comedy--Robert Downey Jr, Sherlock Holmes

Really? I was dead wrong. I need to sit down and watch this movie now. He still has no chance at an Oscar.

Best Actress, Musical or Comedy--Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia

I knew she'd win this even before she was nominated. She will definitely be one of the actresses to beat at the Oscars.

Best Musical or Comedy--The Hangover

(500)Days of Summer deserved it, but I knew The Hangover would win it. Very funny film that is also overrated. But does it have a chance at a Best Picture nod now? Possibly. Wow.

Best Actor, Drama--Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart

At first I thought it'd be Clooney, but I am glad I changed my mind. Jeff Bridges will win the Oscar.

Best Actress, Drama--Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side

I love her, loved her performance, but really? Did no one see An Education? Did no one see Precious? I am severely confused. Sandra Bullock is now officially a shoe-in for the Oscar and, God love her, she doesn't deserve it. But congrats.

Best Picture, Drama--Avatar

How did it pull that off? I am still super shocked about this win. I would have sworn the Hurt Locker had this in the bag, if not Up in the Air. So much for "Dances with Smurfs" or "Pocaferngully." Take that haters! Now a major contender for the Oscar, will it actually win? Now I'm excited.

So there you have it, ya'll. The winners, whether they deserve it or not. All I know is now I am very excited for the Oscars. It looks like this year the awards are going to spread the love. No more of this Slumdog wins everything crap. I didn't follow the TV awards too closely, but I have to say I am beyond pleased that Toni Collette, Chloe Sevigny, and Glee all won honors. They are all well-deserved. Suck on THAT, Tina Fey!!!

And the Golden Globe goes to...

The Golden Globes are already here? How did Sunday, January 17th of the year 2010 (wow) arrive so soon? It truly was a mad dash after 'Avatar' opened. Films with Oscar buzz, and several with Golden Globe nominations, began filling the screens--and academy screener copies saturated the torrent sites (much to my extreme pleasure). Because of this dastardly deed I was capable of viewing and judging these films based on my own opinion, not those of the journalists that have lauded or panned the nominees, before said chance was taken away. So without further ado, my Golden Globe predictions for 2010 (I will only cover the film categories, as the TV nominations are usually boring and nominate the same people and shows every year. I'm talking to you, House):

My predictions are denoted by Parentheses ( ), my personal choices an asterisk *

Best Motion Picture -- Drama Avatar* (The Hurt Locker ) Inglorious Basterds Precious Up in the Air

My heart belongs to 'Avatar.' It's a work of genius and has taken film to a new level...but it will not win. Nor will 'Precious,' even though it began with intense praise. It just doesn't deserve to win. The three REAL contenders in this race are 'The Hurt Locker,' 'Inglorious Basterds,' and 'Up in the Air.' Now, critics and audiences alike either loved or hated Tarantino's latest work, calling it too "talky." Nonetheless, it is a master work in it's brutal beauty. But will it win? I'm thinking not. Though Kathryn Bigelow's film 'The Hurt Locker' may have made pennies at the Box Office, it has garnered nearly universal praise over its genius. I saw this film about a year ago and KNEW it'd either be up for best picture or win it free and clear. And then I saw 'Up in the Air.' Simply put, it's a beautiful and honest movie. I loved it. Everything about it. Jason Reitman is a prodigy. So what this comes down to is raw, gritty film making versus audience friendly fare. I'm gambling on James Cameron's ex.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture -- Drama Emily Blunt, The Young Victoria Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side Helen Mirren, The Last Station Carey Mulligan, An Education* (Gabourey Sadibe, Precious)

Truth be told, I've yet to find a copy of 'The Last Station,' and I bet Helen Mirren really knocked it out of the park. But until I see it, I can only judge what I have indeed experienced. Sandra Bullock and Emily Blunt did fine jobs in their respective films (films I thoroughly enjoyed). Based upon that, this battle is definitely between Gabourey Sadibe and Carey Mulligan. Gabourey's performance as Precious was the performance of a lifetime. This may be her only chance to win and she deserves to. But then there's Carey, whose performance in 'An Education' was determined, sexy, and nuanced to perfection. My bet is the award goes to Gabourey based on politics. My preference is Carey Mulligan.--This just in, Sandra Bullock pulled off a TIE with Meryl Streep for the Best Actress award at the Critics Choice Awards. Maybe she stands a chance? According to results, both Gabourey and Carey were not far behind. I'm still banking on either of the latter.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture -- Drama (Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart) George Clooney, Up in the Air Colin Firth, A Single Man Morgan Freeman, Invictus Tobey Maguire, Brothers

Let me begin by saying Morgan Freeman does not deserve to be nominated. He's only nominated because it's "Morgan Freeman playing Nelson Mandela." I mean, does it get any more rich than that? His performance was wooden, boring, and bordered on insulting. Tobey Maguire, though genius in 'Brothers,' will also not win. Colin Firth has received universal acclaim over his turn in 'A Single Man' (which I've yet to see), but due to poor campaigning (sad that that factors in, but it does) he'll probably be overlooked. "The Dude" and Gorgeous George will be duking this one out. George Clooney in 'Up in the Air' is at a career high. You understand his characters pains, loneliness, and even eat up his cynicism like Ben & Jerry's ice cream. But it's Jeff Bridges performance in 'Crazy Heart' that is said to be the best performance overall this year. Now that's tough to beat. I am stumped on this one, but I'll choose George Clooney because the Hollywood Foreign Press tends to gravitate towards money.--After Friday's win at the Critics Choice Awards, I am shifting my vote to Jeff Bridges.

Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy (500) Days of Summer * (The Hangover) It's Complicated Julie & Julia Nine

I'm not a fan of Rob Marshall and his films are crap. 'Nine' doesn't stand a chance in hell. Critically panned, it may still have legs to stand on due to, again, the HFPA's love of glitz. 'Julie & Julia' was a fine film, one I rather enjoyed. But it too will not win. 'It's Complicated' is Nancy Meyers' latest mess, but it stands a chance as long as old, white people are voting (the only demographic for that film). There are rumbles that 'The Hangover' may garner one of the 10 spots for Best Picture at the Oscars this year. If that's so, it'd have to win this race. Funny? Yes, very. Best Picture material? Hardly. My money goes 100% to the little indie that could, '500 Days of Summer'--a film perfect in every single way. However, 'The Hangover's' incredible support will probably win it the prize.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy Sandra Bullock, The Proposal Marion Cotillard, Nine Meryl Streep, It's Complicated (Meryl Streep, Julie and Julia)* Julia Roberts, Duplicity

This definitely wins the prize for "Filler Category of the Year." Julia Roberts and Sandra Bullock don't stand a chance. I've yet to see 'Nine,' and it is my understanding that Marion Cotillard has minimal screen time. Though she is an insanely talented actress, minimal time on screen will not be able to beat the juggernaut that was Meryl Streep's performance in 'Julie & Julia.' It's the kind of performance we dream of as audience members. But her other performance? It's really not that complicated...the film was terrible.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy (Matt Damon, The Informant ) Daniel Day Lewis, Nine Robert Downey Jr., Sherlock Holmes Joseph Gordon Levitt, (500) Days of Summer* Michael Stuhlbarg, A Serious Man

This is a toughie. Few to none of these actors have made the Best Actor short-list of any of the major critic awards thus far, so their chances at Oscar glory are bleak. Based upon my own personal opinion, Joseph Gordan Levitt's performance in '500 Days of Summer' was pitch-perfect. Then again, Matt Damon in 'The Informant' was unrecognizable and voters love that. I'd bet on either one, however we all know the hard-on people have for Daniel Day Lewis. Even so, I'm going to bet he's out of the game, as are Michael Stuhlbarg (great in the Coen's newest flick), and Robert Downey Jr playing himself with a British accent.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture (Mo-Nique, Precious) Julianne Moore, A Single Man Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air* Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air Penelope Cruz, Nine

Speaking of toughies, here's a category that becomes more and more uncertain as the days roll on. Once 'Precious' was unleashed into the world, the Academy and the Globes should've just called this game over and given the award to Mo'Nique. Her performance was stellar. Again, she'll probably never be in this position again. And I'll say it: she is receiving these accolades for playing a different version of herself. I've been a fan of hers for over a decade, so watching her in the film was really nothing new. She was Mo'nique the monster-pedophile as opposed to Mo' the comedienne. Penelope Cruz will lose because in comparison her role just isn't as meaty. Julianne Moore is Mo'Nique's latest threat. But after experiencing 'Up in the Air,' I'd say both Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick give the 'Precious' star more than a run for her money--something, allegedly, that she cannot stop chasing.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture Matt Damon, Invictus Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones Christopher Plummer, The Last Station (Christoph Waltz, Inglorious Basterds)* Woody Harrelson, The Messenger

Whoopty-doo, Matt Damon. You packed on pounds of muscle, bleached your hair, and faked a South African accent. You're still not going to win. Woody Harrelson and Stanley Stucci, incredible performances in films I loved. Christopher Plummer, haven't seen your movie. Can you bit-torrent it for me? This award goes to Christoph Waltz. By far one of the best performances EVER on screen. EVER!

Best Animated Feature Film Coraline The Fantastic Mr. Fox Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs The Princess and the Frog (Up)*

What's all the hubbub about 'Coraline?' It was beautiful, masterful, intricate, etc... It was also boring, scary, and almost joyless. It was a fine film, but better than 'Up?' No way. 'Cloudy' should just stay home. 'The Princess and the Frog' was given far more credit than it deserved. I'm still waiting for a character of color to remain the protagonist in a Disney animated feature (for the entire film)--not a set of frogs. 'Up' is the clear favorite here, as it may even make the Best Picture list at the Oscars. However, critics and audiences have been applauding Wes Anderson's take on stop-motion animation with 'The Fantastic Mr. Fox.' Can it burst 'Up's' balloons? No, I don't think so. It's Pixar, for God's sakes.

Best Foreign Language Film Baaria Broken Embraces (A Prophet)* The White Ribbon The Maid

'The White Ribbon' won the Palme d'Or at Cannes last year, but 'Un Prophete' won the European Film Award (Europe's equivalent to the Oscar). Though 'The Maid' was an interesting little story, and I've yet to see 'Baaria,' I don't believe they can hold up against the powerhouses at play here. Almodovar's 'Los Abrazos Rotos' may have a chance, but though he is one of my favorite directors he doesn't deserve the win for this film (a film ineligible for the Oscar anyway). 'Un Prophete' will win because it's a powerful story from a fresh voice out of the new French cinema.

Best Director -- Motion Picture (Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker)* James Cameron, Avatar Clint Eastwood, Invictus Jason Reitman, Up in the Air Quentin Tarantino, Inglorious Basterds

Clint Eastwood, sorry, but not this year...not for this film. From there it's really any one's game. The remainder are all up for Director's Guild awards, and rightly so. James Cameron has once again redefined cinema with 'Avatar,' and Quentin Tarantino gets better with age. I do believe, however, that the race is between the youngest, Jason Reitman, and the only female on the list, Kathryn Bigelow. 'The Hurt Locker' was near perfect and it'd be great for Kathryn Bigelow to gain recognition for that. On the flip side, voters have been aching to give Reitman an award since he first hit the scene a few years back. In my opinion, they both deserve it. Actually, everyone on the list (save Eastwood) deserve it. Kathryn Bigelow will win.

Best Screenplay -- Motion Picture (Up in the Air) It's Complicated District 9 The Hurt Locker Inglorious Basterds*

How 'It's Complicated' got on this list is beyond me. Also, combining adapted screenplays and original screenplays adds to confusion and an uneven playing field. But we work with what we are given. Tarantino is consistently incredible with dialogue and plot structure, but the lack of screen time for the Basterds in the film of the same name may hurt him. 'District 9' was the most original work this year next to 'Avatar.' Again, I believe, like the battle for best picture, this fight will come down to 'The Hurt Locker' and 'Up in the Air.' In this category, 'Up in the Air' will reign victorious.

Best Original Score -- Motion Picture (Michael Giacchino, Up)* Marvin Hamlisch, The Informant James Horner, Avatar Abel Krozeniowski, A Single Man Karen O. and Carter Burwell, Where the Wild Things Are

This is really a toss up for me. Though I was personally moved by the music of 'Avatar,' it's true when his critics state that he's borrowed too much from past works. Marvin Hamlisch is a welcome return with his wildly retro score. Carter Burwell is long overdue for an award. His work never ceases to amaze. It will come down to Michael Giacchino for his beautiful and evocative music in Pixar's 'UP,' or the intensely moody and seductive work of Abel Krozeniowski for Tom Ford's 'A Single Man.'

Best Original Song -- Motion Picture "I Will See You," Avatar ("The Weary Kind," The Crazy Heart)* "Winter," Brothers "Cinema Italiano," Nine "I Want to Come Home," Everybody's Fine

Leona Lewis' heart will not be going on, nor will Kate Hudson's attempt at singing be praised. Paul McCartney has written another okay song, but again not up to snuff. U2 has written a beautiful song, "Winter," for the film 'Brothers' so there is a definite chance there. But if you haven't heard Ryan Bingham's "The Weary Kind" from 'Crazy Heart' (check it out on Youtube or playing in the trailer) then do yourself the favor and go! A clear winner.

Big. Luscious. Golden Globes.

Managed to find a live stream of the 67th annual Golden Globe Awards nominations announcement. John Krasinski was lame. Dianne Kruger was adorable. Justin Timberlake continues to become re-whitified (thanks SNL for making him realize he is not in fact a black man). All of that aside, the list looks pretty good. I will have more to say about this tomorrow, as I dissect the list of nominees and form my game plan for covering all of this cinematic territory. But for now...to bed.

PS I tripped up the stairs at work and broke my big toenail off. It feels like bees are continually stinging me...with hot knives. Gotta love pain killers.

Here's the list.

Not Waiting for the Man (but I sorta miss the feeling)

It's probably because it's cold and dark outside. Maybe it's because times are slow. Nowhere to go. I wouldn't go back there. Even if invited. But I can't lie and say my interests aren't ignited, when I hear these tunes. Make me feel there again. Sitting. Listening. Sliding in...down. Curling up. Then fall asleep.

Joy Division - Ceremony Slowdive - Blue Skied an' Clear Ride - Nowhere My Bloody Valentine - To Here Knows When The Velvet Underground - After Hours Air - Run Sigur Ros - Andvari Slowdive - Goldenhair (Syd Barett cover) The Velvet Underground - Heroin The Velvet Underground - I'm Waiting for the Man

Ode to My Escape

What I’d give, what I’d give To soar once more, on my back, on the floor What I’d do, what I’d do To touch, but not such Who I’d choke, who I’d choke Honey, this ain’t no joke I’m starving for a slap in the face A lazy hand, the whip of the wind And smoke…give me smoke.

Where it be, where is he? So frail…my betrayal. Twenty bucks, twenty fucks He left me waiting, always hesitating. Get some more, little whore That’s really all I want you for Think I’ll beg? I won’t beg But the smell, my hunger Ketchup and dull drying-paint swoon me.

Here I cower, growing sour Illegalities, impracticalities If I could, oh, I would Even though I tell myself ‘no’ It hurts, it hurts The pains, in spurts, From head to feet—bone to meat I miss you…foil and black gum.

My lungs expand for you At your command, they do It’s music that sends me now And teeth bleed dry And hair runs thin And skin grows lines And heart skips on Painfully, sinfully wanton.

Here He Comes Again

Gravitate towards me luxuriant smoke Down my passage of civility Incredulous speech invites you Welcome unwelcome guest

Sear my lining, drown my brain Make me never feel again Numb hairs stand on end You are my dearest friend

Strewn across a couch or bed The floor could never please me more Itching in ways one shouldn't scratch Like the pocks leaving scars when nails become arduous

Cough red smoke, vessels in the air You’ve come undone, inside out Stomach pains, my supple veins A pierce is just too much

So for now, inhaling is how I swallow him Here he comes again In me…in me… And for you, I acquiesce.

I Miss the 90's (The Early 90's)

It sounds odd. I know. Who could miss dingy flannel, step-cuts, and British Knights? Me. Sorta. I miss the things that comforted me as a young person. Doc martens, beaten to hell after having my parents wait in line for hours to pay over $100 for a pair. Pre-Emo teen angst. Rock with a purpose. Pop with a heart. Icon's like Madonna, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, My Bloody Valentine. Shit, even Salt-n-Pepa. Spinderella cut it up one time. Looking back at middle school, high school, my early adulthood...there was bliss. There were hardships. Times we as young, hormonal people can't see the end of (like climbing a dome, revolution after revolution, with no end...). I find the world so changed. We are days away from 2010 and I miss the 90's more than ever. There was a darkness about that time. An enveloping darkness that at once caused fear in my heart and resulted in a sense of home. These days people are obsessed with fame. Popular culture has evolved away from the Andy Warhol "everyday but overlooked" and become the golden ring that all dream of attaining. Everyone wants to be known. Everyone seeks fame. Celebrity is available to anyone. Has post-modernism killed "special"? Is the internet the culprit? Remember when MTV still showed music videos? Remember when TRL killed it? It all happened in the 90's. Here are two songs (and a TV show trailer) that came to mind today. No reason. No grand purpose. Just because...they remind me.

REM - Everybody Hurts: This video defined my early teen years. Dealing with obesity, depression, and fear of being outed this song gave me peace. Bjork - Possibly Maybe: This takes me back to my sophomore year. Bjork was and always will be a goddess in my eyes. She will be imitated (Imogen Heap, Lady Gaga) but never duplicated. My So-Called Life: If you are a child of the 90's and didn't have an emotional connection to this show (and didn't cry and want to boycott ABC for canceling it after one season), then we will probably never understand each other.

Go Animate Your Lesson Plan

My 6th graders had better appreciate this... GoAnimate.com: Bad Birthday by odlugo

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

Charlie bit me...

...and that really hurt.

I have Big Love for this show.

My best friend and ex-roommate Tina and I began watching HBO's Big Love together back when it first began. We were instantly addicted. I'm all for polyamorous unions and the story's approach never took itself too seriously. The acting talent is everything one could ask for--I mean, Chloe Sevigny in prairie outfits? Genius. I was fortunate enough to attend a screening of the film 'Nine Lives,' from director Rodrigo Garcia (son of famed writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez) my senior year of film school at CSUN. He is an eloquent man, his feet rooted deep in the ground...a man who deeply understands women. In fact, most of his work revolves around female storylines. Anyway, he went on to tell us about writing and directing the pilot for Big Love. I'd never payed attention to the credits, so I was pleasantly surprised. Gave me more reason to adore his work. It's because he understands women so well that Big Love works. Not only are the plot points completely involving in an infamously exclusive world, but the characters are so real sometimes it seems you actually know them.

Dong Wook and I finally got all caught up and finished season 3 last night without even knowing it was the final episode. Thank God it'll be back January 10th. After Avatar premieres, Big Love is next on my horizon.

These things do happen.

Last week, a 19 year old Puerto Rican boy who was gay was decapitated, dismembered, and burned. It's still unclear why exactly these atrocities were carried out, but we do know the chief investigator said, "He asked for it." Do you think his mother accepts that reasoning? Please pass this on so that more people can understand what hate creates...and destroys.

What if I don't wanna?

It's time to make a buck and spend that buck on things that matter. Things that last. Homes. Babies. Furniture that pleases our aesthetic. My family would be pleased. I'd be there. I'd be close. I'd be accessible.

It's time to go back to school. It's time to learn again. Exercise my brain. Get the blood flowing north again instead of further south. Crack the spine of those books. Progress. Prepare. Get that Masters. It's passed due.

It's time to get married. Time to pay for a joint living. Time for health insurance. Time for a car you share. One car. Time to become what everyone is supposed to become.

It's time to face the facts. It's time to wise up. Act now before it's too late. Look at what your friends have accomplished. Did you see your cousins new house? Did you hear who had a baby?

What if I don't wanna?

In my (our) near future we have choices. One major one, in fact. What happens after Korea? Where do we go? What do we do? How do we do it? I'm ready to go at any moment. Let's go now!

Here are some possibilities for our future: a) Move somewhere and go to school, together b) Move to the US or Canada and attempt to work c) Stay in Korea d) Save up and travel the world before having to worry about a & b, because we all know c is an impossibility.

What to do, what to do?

Where to go? Here. This is my inspiration...

Because when it gets cold we cook.

Latinos love to cook. All day everyday. The only thing we enjoy more than cooking is eating, or forcing other people to eat with us. Most of my favorite Mexican dishes are cooked in the winter time, when the temperature drops and no one wants to go outside--they just want to sit, eat, and chat. My best memories as a chunky little mejicanito were dipping Pan con Azucar y Canela into a warm mug of either Chocolate Mexicana (made with Chocolate Ibarra, of course) or Atole / Champurrado. There's something about the cold weather (as if it got that cold in Southern California) that, for me, has always equated with sweets--sweet breads, sweet drinks, sweet men, etc. I was too young to care much for the conversation of my elders but as long as they kept that delicious, crispy toast coming, and those mugs of thick, chocolaty liquid flowing they could talk all night as far as I was concerned. There was always room in my belly for the savory as well. My family never celebrated Christmas. In my youth while the children around me (my cousins and classmates) received presents to last them until their birthday's, the only thing I had to look forward to were Tamales. Didn't matter if they were filled with beef, chicken or pork. I'd gobble them up spicy or not. One after another, corn husks everywhere. Damn. What I'd give for one (five) now.

Korea as of late is very cold. I could say freezing but that would be an exaggeration. But to my Californian standards yes...my balls have icicles on them. These foods, the idea of these foods, are what keep me warm now--from inside out. Not having them here, readily available to me, is probably more difficult than not having my family. See my mentality? That's a true fatty, through and through. I'll have to make due and get creative. Making these delicacies from scratch could be very well impossible, depending what I can sniff out at the various import stores available here--but I just may attempt it.

There are two delicious treats I will partake in because they are easily made and result in a huge payoff. The first is not even a Mexican dish, it's a Cuban dish called Papas Rellenas (stuffed potato balls). My friends and I would make pilgrimages to a bakery in Burbank, California called Porto's Bakery where they specialize in Cuban sandwiches, desserts, as well as various Cuban appetizers and other popular international desserts. It's by far one of the best places I have ever eaten. Crazy-delicious. Anyway, I am missing these balls and plan on making a batch. Fried mashed potatoes filled with spicy meat? Hello! Can't wait. Along with this I'll pair a very popular Mexican alcoholic drink called Rompope. Plainly put, it's Mexican eggnog that nuns used to whip up in their boredom. Thank God for boredom. The bottle, most popular with a nun from the Santa Clara convent as mascot, reminds me of my grandmother. I recall her reaching for it, atop a shelf, too high for most to reach. She would stand on a chair, still barely reaching. She would pour some for the adults and only a small portion for the children, to taste. That flavor, that aroma, will always be with me. Egg. Cinnamon. Vanilla. Sugar. Rum or brandy. The reason she had it up so high was because it was so good my siblings, and cousins and I would guzzle it down like that yummy orange-flavored Triaminic (remember that? First addiction!). Drunkenness at eight-years-old. That's another thing Latinos love.

The winter is cold but I'm warmer now with my memories; of bread crumbs on my childhood belly, the women of my family gathered together wrapping cornmeal into husks, and my grandma drunkenly trying to place the bottle of rompope neatly back on the shelf.

(Recipe for Rompope here)

Chuseok came and went...like most men in my life.

Chuseok, the holiday foreign workers love to exploit for its vacation, has come and gone. I was busy helping put my friend Denise as she embarked on a photographic extravaganza. We spent four consecutive days primping beautiful ladies (and a handful of hot gents) from all corners of Korea in an act of momentary-model-mania!!! It was a lot of fun, great money--but man was it a lot of work. I am talking 10 to 12 hour days including my commute. Add into this wonderful mix that fact that Autumn has taken hold and the cool breeze is becoming a cold wind resulted in my annoyingly ill-timed tonsillitis. But it's okay. The week here at work was a breeze. And now it's over and I have the weekend to relax, right? Wrong. The Pusan International Film Festival has finally arrived! All the planning has finally come into fruition and in about 3 hrs I'll be boarding my train down south to experience some great cinema, a party or two, a shopping visit in the largest department store in the world, and a dip at the ever lauded SpaLand. More on all this throughout the weekend if I can, but most likely not until Monday. Until then, here are some pics of the models last weekend. Pictures will be uploaded to the site over time. The Foto Republic is a photography organization founded by photographer Denise Lejcar. Photography courtesy of Denise Lejcar, Makeup by J, and Hair & Styling by Moi

Rememba, rememba, rememba...when FAME had an abortion scene?

Just a quick one tonight to say the remake of Fame was actually worse than I expected--and believe me, my expectations were lower than what I'd have for a Korean cake. I actually have no idea what the movie was about, even though I know the original by heart. I am still very, very puzzled. What was that movie about? Nothing happened. Occasionally people sang, or danced, or acted...badly. But what was the story? School years passed like a VD during Spring Break, and I have no idea what any of the characters were named. Did I even watch the movie? Did I imagine it? Maybe I fell asleep and was completely unaware. Fame has proven to be an existential nightmare. Save your money, hard drive space, etc... Let's just pretend this never happened.

GLEE has replaced Gossip Girl in my TV-heart

With Gossip Girl's poor performance at the inception of its third season, my TV-heart felt empty and that void required filling--but not by anything as trite as models that will never walk real shows or designers that will never move out of their parents basements. Then came Glee. You might recall I ripped this show a new one just last week because of its ridiculous treatment of minorities and "REAL 2-D" characters. But I think someone out there heard my prayers (yes, I know these episodes have already been produced, but let me feel like I made a difference) and scrapped all the bad and dragged in a whole lot of good. Thank you, to whomever made it possible, for making the characters real living, breathing human beings with real problems. This is drama. And true comedy stems from drama. From this day forth, I am a full Glee supporter!

Paranormal Activity: One of the scariest movies ever made?

I'd never heard anything about the film Paranormal Activity before hearing about it while flipping through the Pusan International Film Festival's catalogue, but maybe that's because I've neglected to keep updated with Latino Review for the past week. Apparently some people have seen it...and they were terrified. Even Steven Spielberg claims the DVD screener momentarily haunted his screening room. Man, I hope my apartment gets haunted too. It's not fair!

Anyway, here's a link to the Latino Review article. Can't wait to possibly cry like I did watching The Exorcist, The Blair Witch Project, and Rent the movie (because it sucked dirty homeless dick). Click here for the trailer.

What we can do together.

Dong Wook recently completed his first draft illustrations for a story I wrote some three or four years ago. The story is called Daredevil, and is written in a children's book style. It deals more with adult issues, such as regret and death, but it reads in rhyme like Dr. Seuss. Anyway, here's a glance. We'll be submitting it for possible publication once we're happy with it. Feedback would be much appreciated.

Super Junior Saves the World!!!

I've never been a fan of Super Junior, but I'll admit a sauna gang bang with the lot of them would be like babies first Christmas. Nonetheless, here are the boys being rambunctious and smarmy, trying to save the world through energy conservation and song...oh, and the implication of gay lovin.

Hong Kong Disneyland looks super boring

After careful consideration, and consulting our current finances and saving plan, we've decided that our winter vacation trip will be to (drum-roll please)...Hong Kong. Didn't already guess that from the title? Anyway, so far we've got our tickets booked and we're in the process of scoping out hotels and possible apartments to rent for our week abroad. We'll be there for their famed New Year's eve celebrations, which is super exciting, but sadly we've voted against Hong Kong Disneyland. I bleed Disney blood, but it just looks like no bang for your buck. Even the boring as a night with a republican Tokyo Disneyland looks like a night in Tommy Lee's underoo's. More to come as we lay down our plans.

PIFF: The Verdict

Last night my boo and I enjoyed dinner with our friend Amy to discuss which films we planned on watching at the film festival. We tried to work it out so that we could meet for meals and share our film-viewing experiences, since our core lists were quite different. This morning was truly a rude awakening. Tickets went on sale at 9am. Dong Wook sat ready to go at some PC room, while I sat in my office trying to work...on biting my nails off from the anticipation. 9:30 passed and still no call, so I went ahead and phoned DW. No answer. I figured he was paying for the tickets or something. Then Amy Skype'd me with the bad news: she only managed 3 of her 8 films. Immediately I felt all was lost. We were going to end up seeing 'The Proposal' or insert cheesy movie title. That's when my phone began to jiggle. It was DW. We'd managed 3 out of 5 films, but he did think quickly and immediately purchased 1 of our back-up film choices. The kick in the cooter was that we didn't manage tickets to two of the films we looked forward to the most: Trick'r Treat and Air Doll. Doesn't matter. In the end, we'll be (hopefully) enjoying the celluloid-excellence of the following films:

1. City of Life and Death (Nanjing! Nanjing!)
2. Balibo
3. Paranormal Activity
4. Anita

I hadn't mentioned Balibo in my previous post, so here's the trailer. I hope they spread the Aussie on thick...like Kath & Kim but with Indonesians and guns.