Own Up, Oprah

I've commented quite a lot about James Frey and his memoir, A Million Little Pieces, and, unlike her heiness, Oprah, I stand by my assessment of the book. It is damn good. But it seems, some people are now concerned that the book they read, having some loose interpretations with the actual "truth" feel that they wasted their time and are seeking damages, IN COURT, for the cost of the book and their time spent reading.

WHAT THE FUCK?

Yes, reading is really such a waste of time. I mean, while you spent that couple hours reading Frey's book, you could have been watching Will and Grace or something. Have we really come to this point?

There is a therapist in Manhattan that is suing on behalf of her patients for recommending the book for its "redemtive" message. Um, yeah, guess what? It is still there and you know what else? Frey didn't lie about being an addict and recovering--isn't that the point?

Again, I ask, what the fuck?

Now I think it is time for Oprah to do some damage control. I blame her, not Frey. I said it before and I will say it again--she destroyed a very talented person. She made a bigger deal out of something than was necesary so as not to tarnish her halo. A halo, I might add, that really would not have been tainted by letting the situation be forgotten within 10 minutes. What was her point... is she such an honest person that she would provide the intimate details of her life in a book--haven't seen it yet. Tell us, Oprah, about your food addiction, my dear... what would you change? Haven't you made yourself a poster girl for weight struggle--all the while with a personal chef to watch your calories for you and a personal trainer to make sure you stick with it?

Remind us again about not eating another hamburger and being sued by the Cow people? Which leads us to Dr. Phil--can we ever thank you enough for THAT?

Put the soapbox away and grab a spine that doesn't involve a publicist. If you still know how to do that.

As for the rest of you suing over a memoir... grow up. The only damage done is that you might (and I stress might) have had to think a little about what you really read. Terrible inconvenience, but you'll survive.

Addiction

If anyone knows about Addiction, it is the Idiot Imposter. Yep, Dubya is all set to give the State of the Union and warn us about our oil addiction--apparently it is bad to have an addiction on a product coming from unstable countries.... errrrr? Doesn't that seem a little, how do I say this, oxymoronic? Isn't this the same man who's fortune comes from oil--and, I might add, strategic relationships with unstable countries regarding said oil? Isn't this the same man whose cocaine came from an unstable country?

I hafta say, the U.S.A. is not the rock steady country that it purports itself to be. We have just as much civil unrest and civil war as any other country--ask any one of those guys with the red faces wearing a flar on their jacket or shirt--they will tell you (rather they will yell it at you) that the U.S.A. is better at EVERYTHING than any other country, so logically, it follows that we are also better at self-destruction than any other country as well. I think that has been proven, and if you aren't convinced, tune into the State of the Union tonight.

From one addiction to another, the Oscar nominations were announced this morning. I don't think anyone was incredibly shocked. The Oscars have grown a little blase over the years... even the fashion has gotten monotonous. I never thought I would miss the days of Cher and Bob Mackie, but then there's that. At least they have Jon Stewart hosting the event... that should make it somewhat palatable.

In a somewhat more refreshing story today, Tommie got his nomination today, for a Razzy in the Worst Actor category for War of the Worlds. Nice work, Tom. Finally, you are justly being recognized. And you aren't alone, Katie also got a nom for Batman Begins. Ooooh, matching Razzies on the mantle!

And what would be a subject line of Addiction without mentioning our castrated friend, James Frey. Seems Warner Bros. Studios watches Oprah (You don't say?!) and now they are reconsidering if they want to move forward with the film adaptation of the memior. Yes, because Hollywood is always so very true to fact and doing their best to make their movies mirror reality. That's why survey today says: Jessica Alba is guys number 1 choice for a girlfriend.

Yeah, yeah, yeah...

Alito sworn in, King dies

Now, I don't mean to make it sound like the two issues are related. Mrs. King (Coretta Scott) was 78 and technically she died before Alito was confirmed and sworn in as Supreme Court Justice--but the irony is not lost. It certainly is symbolic as a part of our living civil rights history passes on and the man to continue to erode the very things Mrs. King and other so heroically fought for takes his position on the high bench. The Idiot Imposter (my lil' pet name for Dubya) has certainly marred Constitutional history for many years to come. He's like the stray dog that pees all over the leather upholstry and you just can never get rid of the smell.

Now, Alito could surprise us all and turn out to be another David Souter. Ah, inserting history lesson, David Souter was named to the Court by the Idiot Imposter's father, and turned out to be a rather liberal justice. Likely, this will not be the case, but one can really never be certain.

Enough about Alito... I will make the assessment based on his actual performance on the Court.

Sadly, I don't know enough about Coretta Scott King to really say much about her passing. She was a strong figure that furthered her husbands campaign for non-violent means for civil rights. That, alone, is enough to garner respect... but her struggles, which are probably mostly hidden in the shadow of her husband, are probably worthy on their own. Regardless, there is a sense of loss all around today.

In Her Shoes

Just saw a commericial that the DVD of In Her Shoes comes out tomorrow... And I could not be happier. I saw the movie in the theatre and relly have wanted to see it again since.

Shoes like this should not be locked up in a closet! They should be living a life of scandal and passion.

That's just a quote from the movie, but it made me fall in love. The movie is not really about shoes, but about sisters who have nothing in common but their shoe size. I'm guessing the book is quite different from the movie, but I have not read it--yet.

It was a great movie--okay, it was a chick flick of the utmost definition. I was surprised in the theatre the number of guys there with their wives--most I can figure is they went to stare at Cameron Diaz's ass for a couple hours. Yeah, not a movie that I would take a sig other to--even if I had one right now.

Still... I know it might be hard for some to believe, but after seeing the closet of Manolos, Choos, Louboutins and a variety of other expensive and beautiful shoes, it makes me want to go shoe shopping. Ok, I confess, I don't need to see a closet of shoes to inspire me toward the shoe department at my local mall.

Speaking of shoe shopping, it is time to begin intensive spring shoe foot preparation. Pedicures all around... stat!

Mahalo.

A Return of Rodman, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera

Well, is the basketball world ready for Dennis Rodman's return? Heh, I don't think they were ready for him when he was winning championship rings and wearing wedding dresses in Union Square. Right now, he's playing a few games in London--talking like he always has... and at the age of 44, talking a come back to the NBA--which is unheard of. My guess is also that it would be unlikely. Rodman hasn't made many friends or played nice with the NBA management and they have a fairly long memory. Rodman is good--even at an age when most players' bodies don't allow them to be--but is he good enough for what the NBA has become since his departure? And, is there a coach in the league (aside from possibly Phil Jackson) who would consider letting Dennis on the team? It would be nice. The NBA has grown monotonous in recent years.

Speaking of monotonous... Rachel Ray, one of the single most annoying "entertainers" on the Food Network has landed her own talk show. Yeah, let's see, a couple shows on the Food Network, a magazine... now her own talk show... sounds like someone is getting "Branded." She does have a cult-like mass following with the 8-14 year old demographic.

Year of the Dog

Today is the Chinese New Year... ahh, the hangover makes sense now. Actually, the hangover makes sense when you tally up the amount of alcohol consumed and the time frame in which I consumed said alcohol. Had I stuck with beer, I would have been okay, but the combination of beer, martinis, jell-o shots, other shots and whatever else I can't remember made for a morning waking up not remembering much of the previous evening and discovering the art work of my very talented friends on my stomach. Apparently, there are pictures as well. I will have to find out about that, later.

There is little worse, by the way, than when you have a hangover, to have to clean up your mess from the night before. My understanding is that I spilled much of my beverages on the floor as well as a jell-o shot, which was why the floor was sticky... then there was the cake.

BUT, I did go shoe shopping yesterday as well... and bought two new pairs of fabulous shoes. I fell in love with a pair of Chinese Laundry silver strappy sandals with 3.5in stilettos. I also wanted a pair of tennis shoes that are not meant for the gym--which is all I had and threw me into a shoe crisis of epic proportion getting ready for work on Friday morning. I had wanted a pair of charcoal and red tennis shoes, but had nothing of the sort. I didn't find those this weekend, but I found the cutest pink and black Addidas--and on sale--so I'm happy.

So, anyway, Happy New Year!

Take the Pepsi Challenge?

So, I got another email about the "under God" in the Pledge this week... this time in the form that Pepsi is un-patriotic... here is a synopsis of the email.

Pepsi has a new patriotic can coming out with pictures of the Empire State Bldg. and the Pledge of Allegiance on them. But Pepsi forgot two little words on the pledge, "Under God." Pepsi said they did not want to offend anyone.

Funny as I got to thinking about this, I recalled, I had seen something along these lines that I should boycott Coke for a similar reason.

Anyone interested in the full details of how this is NOT true and the origins of this (you can blame Dr. Pepper--they foolishly tried to show some patriotism following 9-11) please check Snopes.

And, the Pledge was written in 1892... in 1954, Congress added two little words to the Pledge "under God." Interesting thing about 1954 in that we became "one nation under god indivisible with libery and justice for all." (Yeah, I had to look it up!) But, in 1954, segregation was the rule and Jim Crow laws prevailed... How serious can we really take this given the time? Also, I wonder, doesn't a Congressional addition of "god" to the Pledge contradict the very essence of seperation of Church and State?

Getting Branded: When will the Frey end?

Forbes via the Associated Press has commended the "brilliance" of Oprah for maintaining her Oprah Brand by chastising and being an utter bitch to James Frey on Thursday's episode.

Frey is working on a novel currently, and what I wonder, is how has Oprah damaged him and his ability to sell his work? Oprah is a billion dollar brand; and in one sweep, she took a book published in 2003 and put it atop the NY Times Best Seller list in 2005/2006... then, in one more sweep, can she literally ruin him? I think, the answer is yes. And, really, it is too bad. Frey is a brilliant writer; his memior is a testiment to that.

But it brings up another question for me... Can someone like Oprah, being a "Brand" still be Oprah when the day is done--or has she forsaken that luxury, one that the rest of us take for granted, for the sake of her brand. Can she really regret that she called into Larry King Live to defend Frey on a Brand level, but still be okay with it on a personal and private level... or has she, and others like her, lost that ability to distinguish between the person and their Brand.

Frey-ed and Moss-ed Over, Again

Well, it seems that Oprah has had a change of heart, or her publicist has... it's really hard to tell which. James Frey, who if you haven't heard of him by now, I want to know which rock you hide under, appeared on Oprah again, this time to discuss the fabrications of truth in his memoir. Oprah, who up until this show aired, backed Frey all the way--even calling into Larry King Live. Is it sweeps week?

The book in question, A Million Little Pieces, which, by the way, I've read, is quite good. And, if you know anything at all about it, concerns Frey's battle with alcohol and drug addiction. I remember reading it thinking not all of it was probably true to fact... but then show me non-fiction that is. The problem is that non-fiction is subject to the interpretations of those who remember the events. In this case, how much reliability do you want to put on a person who couldn't even remember how he got on an airplane--or that knew he was even on one until asked to depart? Names and details were changed to protect the "innocent" and sometimes, it seemed, the guilty. I said it before and I will say it again--it really doesn't matter.

If Oprah and those bored with the doldrums ratings of the real travesties in this world were really wanting to get themselves in a dither over something, how about Kate Moss writing a memoir? Yeah, from one addict's pen to another's ghost writer... Katie-girl inked herself a book deal. No word yet on who will be writing it for her, but I'm guess it will be a real contender for the Pulitzer. Yeah, Kate's 32, it is time for an autobiography... what the fuck? Ok, I will admit that Kate probably has something to write about, but gee, will it be honest? Highly suspect. Will she expose the world of fashion that is making her the martyr she is today? Undoubtedly. Will Nikki read it? Doubtful. I may love the fashion world, but it is more about the clothes, shoes and accessories than the drug-addled bitches who tout them on the runway.

Aside from that, seems that Sundance is going along smoothly... despite Al Gore being in attendance. That probably explains why Tom Cruise when skiing rather than watching his girlfriends screening. You know Redford is losing his touch when he can only get second rate politicians and B-list actors to his festival.

Speaking of Mr. Redford, I haven't seen The Way We Were in a while. I'm always prompted to see that movie after watching the last episode of Season 2 Sex in the City. There is a scene in this episode in which they discuss Carrie being like Barbara Striesand in the movie and being a Katie-girl and Big being like Hubble and while he loved Katie, chose the "simple girl." The episode ends with Carrie meeting Mr. Big on the street as he's leaving the Plaza from his engagement party. He walks over to her and she asks him why it wasn't her, and he says he doesn't know, it just got... and she says, "complicated?" And he says yes. Shethen re-enacts the movie scene: reaching up, brushing his hair from his face and says, "Your girl is lovely, Hubble." To which he replies, "I don't get it." And she says, "And you never did." Before turning and walking away. Ahh, it always brings me to tears, no matter how many times I see it. But that show ends with one of the best Sex and the City quotes ever, and this "Katie-girl" leaves you with it for the night...

Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they're supposed to run wild until they find someone -- just as wild -- to run with.

The Power of Sucking...

A few weeks ago, I noticed my vacuum cleaner was losing suction, so I changed the bag, changed the belt--it helped, but then this last weekend, it was nothing doing. Time for a new vacuum. By today, I couldn't take that the floor hadn't been vacuumed well in a while. So, a new Hoover later, a Bell's Two Hearted and some bad frozen pizza and I'm fairly happy. The kitties can go to work shedding all they want, we now have the power of sucking back on our side.

But, onto the Bell's... It seems that I much prefer Bell's draught rather than bottled, but a six pack is easier to buy in the store. A quick visit to the Bell's website indicates that this is also the season for their cherry stout... Which is quite good. I will have to see if I can't find some of that this week.

And just so s.k. doesn't have to wonder... the Katie Holmes sex scandal has nothing to do with Tommie Cruise. Or so they say... Seems that the movie screened at Sundance was missing a sex scene from Ms. Holmes. Turns out there was an "accident" in cutting the film. I'll say. Otherwise, s.k., the news on the grocery store headlines are firmly fixated on Brad and Angelina and Jen and the upcoming baby--so all is as it should be.

Mahalo.

Being a Big...

Today, I completed my application and interviewed for volunteering as a Big Sister through BB/BS. It was an interesting process; and provided me some serious points of reflection. I'm fortunate to have friends around me that are supportive and give me a lot to think about. A conversation I had this morning actually prepped me more than I thought it would for the interview.

The one thing that after an hour and a half of hearing about the program and disclosing intimate and personal details about my life (in the middle of Starbuck, BTW) was those very few last questions at the end. "Do you use alcohol?" took me off-guard; what it sounded more like was: "Are you a bad person?" Followed by, "Do you use cigarette?" or "Are you a really bad person?" which was then followed by, "Any other drugs?" read "Should we lock you up now?" Ok, so I'm exaggerating slightly.

But, I did it. I'm excited about volunteering to be a Big Sister, if not still a little nervous about the prospects--but it is a good kind of nervous.

Mahalo.

On Freedom of Speech... from Nik's Email Bag

It would be, in my opinion, a travesty for those who wish to express their opinions to not be able to do so. Yes, as I posted earlier, I am annoyed by the zealotry of the emails I receive spreading God's word to me in hopes that somewhere, somehow an email will save my soul--but I have a certain respect for the fact that they have their right to say what they will as I have my right to not agree with, say what I want to say, and otherwise delete without reading.

Once in a while, I feel the need to read the emails I would otherwise so callously delete. This particular one, didn't appear so offensive. I was wrong. It was about flag burning and how if you want to burn the flag, you aren't an "American" and you should leave the country. Here's the thing, I don't think burning a flag is really all that bad--it is a truly harmless way to voice your disagreement with the U.S. Think about it--bomb a building, hijack an airplane, burn a flag--really not such a bad way to voice your dissent... Of course, there are those that would still argue with me, if they knew how to read.

Bad, Nikki!

End of the Spear??

That is the title of a new film that is being released. At first, when I received the email, I thought it was going to be about the end of Britney--Ahh, I guess I'm a bit optimistic for a Saturday. Actually, I received this same email from two different people... one regularly sends me email forwards with some kind of religious content, and I just ignore it; the other took me a bit off-guard.

First, the email that is being forwarded begins as such:

A major film, called End Of The Spear, will be launched January 20, and God will use it in a big way. It depicts the effects of the grace of God in very powerful and spectacular ways. The story begins in 1956, when five Christian missionaries (Jim Elliot as among them) gave their lives in an Ecuadorian jungle, attempting to bring the gospel to the Waodani stone age people. At that time they were the most violent tribe on Earth -- and yet they became the most loving and peaceful!

The missionaries made friendly contact, but something went terribly wrong. The Waodani speared them to death. A tragedy? Yes, but God turns everything to good, for the blessing of many and for His glory, and this was no exception. God used this tragedy to motivate more people to become missionaries than any other event in modern history -- perhaps ever. He also used two women to complete the work of the five martyred missionaries, bringing the Waodani to himself. So the deaths of those five men did more to advance the kingdom of God than their lives ever could. God's ways are so great! But the story doesn't end there.

It seems God is about to use the tragedy that happened 50 years ago to help hundreds of thousands -- maybe millions -- to come to know Christ in our day, using The End Of The Spear. It is a major motion picture (production cost $12 million) that tells the story of God's grace from the perspective of the Waodoni.

It would seem, I find myself really rather pissed off about this for so many reasons. One, I got it twice within two days. Two, I have a huge problem with the idea of missionaries infiltrating indigenous populations. Three, the idea that GOD is using this tragedy?? Give me an effing break, will ya... a religious zealot with a lot of money and other wealthy backers is using this "tragedy" to promote their own mission... they are missonaries of a different kind... and they have polluted my inbox. Read further, it could happen to you:

This is where you and I come in. We can make the film do well. Our prayers can make it prosper, and also we can do something to answer our own prayers. We can work together to get at least 100,000 people to see the film on January 20th. How? Very simple.

This e-mail is going to hundreds of addresses, many in America. Just about everyone else has American Christian friends. Our connections are endless! So, if each of us were to pass this e-mail on to just 10 others (some can share it with hundreds!), and each of them did the same, our goal of getting 100,000 people to see the film on January 20 would be reached easily--and likely greatly surpassed! Just forward this e-mail to 10 (or more) caring Christian friends.

Ahhh, the power of email and that forward button... Makes me long for the day of the typewriter... but here's the thing, I'm not praying for this film to do well. In fact, I will not see this film and getting people to see the film is not about spreading "God's word" but rather about making money--the same as any film, and in reality, the bottom line of Christianity these days. But here's the other thing... I'm not Christian. I was raised Catholic, that is true, but I abandoned my Christian up-bringing when I was about 16 and questioned it from a much earlier time than that.

But, I guess what bothers me the most is that getting the emails grated me so the wrong way. In the past few weeks, I've gotten numerous forwards from very well intentioned people, and yet, I feel like I am at a war with the Christian messages, pictures and sentiments that continue to make their way into my gmail and yahoo accounts. It is a silent war with myself, apparently. But I feel like I am one of the tribal people being beaten down by the message of missionaries. It won't happen, I'm not easily swayed by pictures of happy people playing basketball in their Thomas Kincaid scenes.

So, I've gotten the messages--I've read them... now it is my turn:

1. I don't say the Pledge of Allegiance, I don't believe in it; however, that does not mean that I support retaining the "under God" statement. Check your history--it was not a part of the original Pledge as written, it was added YEARS later. I mean, really, if it is not about the Christian Right in this country and it is truly about spirituality--which I take has been a recent argument, let's keep it, but change "God" to "Allah"... After all, it's all the same, right?

2. Blessing me via email will not save mine, not anyone else's soul. Just as an FYI. It will not matter how many people you send the email to... no one is keeping score.

3. Apparently, and this is not from people in my address book, but spammers everywhere... God wants me to find my soulmate via his own online personals. I have to say, it is about damn time that God has gotten on the bandwagon with Dr Phil to support online dating and matching services. I mean, even God needs $19.95 a month to continue to provide match making services.

On that note, I'm going to watch some TV and go to bed... then it will be Sunday morning and the only service that will be occuring will be self-service; I embrace my heathenism.

Buy the Ticket. Take the Ride. Mahalo.

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of the death of Hunter Thompson. A few issues or so ago, Stop Smiling magazine featured an interview with Thompson's friend Douglas Brinkley. An excerpt of the interview is available here. Also, Thompson's 35 year collaborator, artist Ralph Steadman has produced 150 prints of his 1977 work Gonzo Monument to commemorate his friend... all proceeds go to the Hunter S. Thompson Memorial... got a couple grand to spend, or just curious--check it out.

Hunter wrote and said a lot of very funny, very wise and very stupid things... he also had a lot of very intelligent observations to add to our time--usually with his own little twist. I leave you with the following...

"The Edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over."

One word

I received an email from B. today with the subject "one word." I expected a one word email, but instead the email read the following:

"Describe ME in ONE WORD...just one word! Send it to me only, then send this message to your friends and see how many strange things people say about You! Just hit reply and send me my one word back. Then forward this message on to your friends (including me) and see what they say about you! Don't think about it long... the first word that comes to mind is good."

I responded to my friend--she is, in one word, an optimist. But, the idea got me wondering--it is a brave concept to send your friends an email and ask for a one word descriptor response. I found it difficult to narrow down, into one word, without additional adjectives, a way to describe B. It did make me wonder--though I decided against sending this out via email--what my friends might come back with as a one word desription of me. It is fascinating and terrifying to imagine that there would be one word that someone would came back to you--even if strictly from a rhetorical perspective.

So, folks, you get one word... what is it? I'm going beyond the terrifying and saying you can post it publicly.

The divinity of...

...shopping. Yeah, that's right. In an effort to procrastinate from the vaccuming and dusting that will have to be done this weekend, I decided to see what was up in the area of malls. *sigh* yeah, it's a really boring Friday night and, indicentally, not much going on by way of mall-ing... well there is, but nothing terribly exciting, it will all be more of the same damn thing. It was a progression, first simply checking to see if there was a particular store at 12 Oaks, and then it just a sidetrack from there... the one site I looked at has such beautiful photos of malls and their designs... I wonder why the hell we can't have more of that...less children's play areas, more water fountains. Who knows, maybe, someday, when I have a kid, I would change my mind... yeah, I don't know about that...

So, not much by way of celebrity gossiping going on... in fact, I'm still traumatized by the Will Shatner selling his kidney stone story--which, I have to say, leaves me somewhat speechless. And, I don't mean speechless in a good way, I wish I could adequately comment on this, but really, I find it more horrifying than the Pamela Anderson/KFC/PETA issue, I find it more horrifying than, well, Alito. It is so fucking wrong!!

I got nothing else for the night... I have *ehem* "things" to get to...

On the offensive...

Recently, I read an article on Laura Bush and her trips abroad promoting education and women’s issues. The article was problematic for me. They discussed that Laura Bush is more private a First Lady than others historically have been and that has served as more a cheerleader for her husband; while thought to be more liberal than her husband, she has remained focused primarily on her education and literacy initiatives. Makes sense to me, seeing as she was a librarian.

Now that Ms. Bush has decided to take up more of a stance on women’s rights internationally, the term “feminism” has come up. This is where I begin to get troubled. I loathe the term; and more so, I loathe the media concoction and use of the term. It was said, “Mrs. Bush isn't the type to grab a placard and run out to join a women's rights march. She takes a much softer approach.” Feminists quoted indicate they would not label her a feminist, and coined her tactic as getting things done “lady-like” and with a “velvet hammer.”

I ask, painfully, how does it matter? One does not need to grab a placard to be a feminist—if in fact we are all in agreement on the definition of feminism, which is according to Merriam-Webster: the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. Was there a rule book I missed somewhere indicating that in order to achieve equality, it had to be performed in a certain manner?

It is the time driven unwritten rules of the feminist movement… and perhaps, it is time they are written so that no one is confused. Granted, these are the rules based on my experience, some may have changed since I decidedly abandoned the label… but to my recollection:

1. You no longer have to be a woman in order to be a feminist; however, if you are not a woman (by legally assigned gender) then you must admit in full, at every given opportunity, the evils of the testosterone coursing through your body.

2. As with all “movements” you must submit to all ideology presented. Even if you do not agree with the ideology and find it contradictory. For example, the evils of pornography must be exploited and the women in the sex industry saved from their patriarchal demons. Now, if the woman, of her own free choice, want and will joined the sex industry, you might be lead to believe that it is okay, because feminism allows for women to make their own choices… but you would be extremely wrong and beaten severely with a placard for your logical thought as no woman makes that choice, rather we are lead to believe that because of patriarchal influences and male domination. I mean, could it BE any clearer??

3. Patriarchy is evil and must be admonished. And by the way, there is no clear replacement indicated. Anarchy would make the most sense, though I believe many are leaning toward the more “peaceful” matriarchy… and by the way, do not, under any circumstance, mention that matriarchy is not peaceful—you will be beaten severely with a placard.

4. You are not allowed to think for yourself (because this has not already been stated clearly enough), unless you are in absolute agreement with whatever the dictating organization states. The feminist movement is divided on the concept of democracy or socialism, but this rule is steadfast and solid between both ideologies—especially those who favor the democratic philosophy.

5. While you can be a man or a woman to belong to the feminist fight, they really would prefer that lesbians, bisexuals and gays refrain from their causes—you have your own movement and straight women with husbands and those trying to get dates have a hard enough time with the feminist label to be confused with the queer movement—or whatever the hell you want to call it these days. Dammit, pick a fucking label already and stick with it!!

6. And finally, the only true way to achieve equality is by using a steel hammer that was made by a woman who was not only making as much as her male counterpart, but more. A “velvet” hammer is all very nice and proper, but really doesn’t spread the brain crushing momentum of the movement.

Yeah, I’m an equal opportunity offender.

In principle, I can agree with and respect much of the ideals behind the feminist movement, but as I said, I shed the label in favor of none. Some fights are best fought in stealth mode.
Mahalo.

Project: Bottle Blonde, Part Trios

Project Bottle Blonde just keeps getting better... Monday, February 6, The Misfits is playing at the Michigan Theatre... this is the last complete movie Marilyn Monroe ever made... it is also the last movie Clark Gable made.

How better, it occurs to me, than to take in a Marilyn movie during that particular week? Now, I'm not sure if The Misfits is really the Marilyn movie I would choose of all her movies--maybe a Gentlemen Prefer Blondes would be more in line with my attitude toward the week... Of course, there are lots of great flicks coming up at the Michigan... Toward the end of February, the William Hurt/Kathleen Turner steamer Body Heat will be enough to make any snow left on the ground melt... ahhh, if only they had The Last Seduction on cue, not really a classic--yet, but it is bound to be... :)

Project: Bottle Blonde, Part Duex

Oh yeah, baby!

I decided that to commence Project Bottle Blonde, I needed some time from work off... so I will be taking a half day in a couple weeks; hopefully, it will be one of the warmer winter afternoons with some sunshine, but nonetheless... I will take the time off and for a change, have a date with myself! Having been through so many bad dates in the last few months, it seems only appropriate.

I'm looking forward to leaving work and having some lunch, heading over to a salon appointment, doing some shopping, having a couple drinks and just taking some time to really play and enjoy the day...

Je m'aime...

Crash Course

There is nothing like an ice pack on the groin. Actually, with enough pain medication, who the hell cares?

Why, you might ask, am I icing my groin and popping pain pills? It's a good question.

Last night, I went to the adult skate at a roller rink. Adults are much worse than children. Apparently, someone was confused as to whether it was an in-line skate hockey game or R&B night... my sincere apologies to the individual that I think I may have slowed slightly on the rink as he or she body checked me into the floor.

If that wasn't quite enough, I got up--the pulled muscle was the only apparent injury at the time--and headed toward the exit when a couple skating backward hit me from behind, sending me flying to the floor a second time in 10 feet of space.

I am completely sore from head to toe today--it has progressively gotten worse as the day has wore on... I'm bruised all over and swollen. Last night, my dad asked if I was now going to give up this ridiculous rollerblading... the answer is that as soon as I'm healed up, I'm back on the blades. The truth is, when you fall down, you get back up. I remember after my first car accident, I didn't want to drive--that rollover was a little jarring--but dad was the first one insisting I get back behind the wheel.

But for now, I think I'm getting a little frostbite...

A WTF Saturday

What I wasn't able to accomplish in all my procrastination yesterday was completed by noon time today... all, that is, but the recycling--which I am in no hurry, and never am, to take care of. It is right on par with taking out the trash.

I did manage to make my way to downtown Ann Arbor yesterday afternoon to do some writing and have some coffee. I managed to get about 3 pages done in the hour I was at Amer's. I was annoyed and left earlier than planned because of the group of 20-somethings sitting in the booth behind me. I could not tune out their dicussion on finding an investor for their latest plan followed by the planning for a scrip they wanted to write about a rabbi and a girl who date. I was very moved by the story, they want to have sex, but the girl had been raped--but they didn't want it to be a "serious rape" because they did want her to sleep with the rabbi, so they would have it be a date rape. Um, excuse me?? It was a WTF moment wholly unparalleled by the rest of the WTF moments that were abounding yesterday.

Oh, and there were plenty... Yesterday turned out to be one of those days that you wonder why you bothered with the mascara after all. And, as is usually the case, the next morning, you have the large, dark mascara smudges under your eyes as a reminder to that fact.

There is nothing much more to say to that, so, folks, time for a brief nap to be followed by the painting of the toes.

Procrastination Parade

Still haven't gotten much accompllished outside of eating lunch... heh... it's gonna be one of *those* kinda days. It's cold and windy and the couscous is warm and delicious... and so would a latte be if I could muster the gumption to move.

But, while I'm procrastinating, it's been a while since I've truly commented on the inanity of people who have too much time and attention paid to them. So, with that, Blonde Energy is going to join the Frey--James Frey to be precise. Over the Xmas, on the note of a friend, I read Frey's memoir A Million Little Pieces. I liked it; I thought it was good; I thanked my friend for the recommendation (yeah, Oprah isn't enough for me... actually, I don't pay attention to her book club books). Now, smokinggun.com has reported that he had some fabrications, he admitted it, he went on Larry King (now that alone takes some bravery--THAT man is insane). Yep, he faked it in non-fiction... isn't the first, won't be the last, and it in no way changes that the story was relevant and poignant piece of writing. What has been in question of fabrication is something like 6-8 pages of writing??? Eh, even in a memoir, I think that is safe play.

Nuff Said.

Moving on--the Pitt-Jolie Press-Mobile has rolled over Haiti and in the meantime admitted to a summer bundle... 2006: the summer of joylie? I saw a headline that Jenn Aniston was not "in the know" about the bundle of baby Jolie is packing. Yeah, well, they are divorced and honestly, I think it is par for the course, I mean, Jenn wasn't in the know when her then hubby was practicing his baby making skills with the Jolie. Speaking of the Pittsters prowess, his ex-fiancee is bouncing with baby again... awww, perhaps little Apple will have a baby brother Mango to play with?? I mean, I really didn't read the article about Gwenyth--it's hardly worthwhile, UNLESS she too is having Brad's baby.... oh yeah, that would make for some fun times... I can just see Mary Hart falling all over herself to beat Ryan Seacrest to the screen.

And, in other, more bizarre but true "news" Pam Anderson is sticking up for chickens everywhere. Yes, this true to nature former Baywatch bouy is trying to remove Colonel Sanders from some states Capitol where a bust of him sits (Kentucky, perhaps?). She has claimed that it is a signifier (my word, certainly not hers) of cruelty to chicken everywhere. Perhaps a few complained to her after waltzing through the Capitol building and finding it offensive? I mean, it's no ten commandments display... Pammy is working on part of PETA. I personally agree in philosophy with PETA, but not necessarily in full or in practice, but I just need to say that even I am offended with PETA and this latest attempt. Pam Anderson? Can't they do any better than this?! Aren't their other actors willing and in dire need of attention to speak out (perhaps more articulately) on the bad conditions of slaugtherhouses? What is David Hasselhoff up to these days? Oh, a divorce you say... well, there must be someone else!

And now that is out of my system... I really, truly should get something else done.

Checking in on the View

Wow, I'm in complete and utter shock today... Dad is reading my book!! He is half way through it as of this morning and well, he likes it--even if he does think there are parts that are a little "out there." You know, all that crazy sex-toy talk... LOL!

He dropped a copy off to the local bookstore yesterday; they are going to consider carrying it and having a potential book signing in a few months. I guess that means I have to get around to that artists statement I've been putting off for, months! I also want a new pic for that; I don't want to use the same one as on the back of the book... as much as I like that pic, I want something a little more--me. Ahhh, the problem of the picture; who knew it would be back so quickly?

Well, it has already been said, if there is a signing, the girls are coming with me. I informed mom today, we are cleared for 2 bedrooms. It would certainly be an interesting kinda road trip to take--packing all of us in a Saturn and driving 4 hours North. Hell, even if there is no signing, I say we do it this summer anyway.

Best be off to get some stuff done today... I mean, I've already done some dishes, bathed a cat (don't ask) and finished my taxes, but that is only the tip of the list. I'm not sure how sitting my ass at a coffeshop writing for a few hours will really get my floors vaccuumed and my sheets changed, but um, I'm willing to give it a try and see if it works out differently than it has in the past.

New word d'jour: defuckingorgasmilicious

Project: Bottle Blonde, Part Une

Ahh, it seems I've gotten the attention of some with Project: Bottle Blonde. To clarify, I am not completely bleaching my hair again--that took too much time, energy and repair work later. Project: Bottle Blonde is a concept about how one feels about themselves... it will be a week of catharsis. Kind of like a little "spring cleaning" for the mind; a preparation for the spring, a way of assessing our accessories and closets; it is a means for getting rid of the winter duldrums, defeating V-Day and all in all falling in love with ourselves all over again.

More to follow...

Fashion Week Approaches

Just a couple weeks until Fashion Week kicks off... Febraury 3, and since I will not be attending--AGAIN! I am working on other ways to amuse myself during the week. Project Bottle Blonde is in full planning mode. Yeah, Baby!!

Umm, bears mentioning... J Lo is the exec producer on what is bound to be UPNs latest flop South Beach. Though reviews note empty plot and lots of beautiful people--which seems to be a formula for success in certain venues. I know I didn't watch it.

There is laundry to be done...

Comments

Just a quick update... you can now comment here without having to register... there is a word verification to prevent spam--if this becomes a problem, well then I will think of something else... In the meantime...

Leaving Yahoo?

So, I'm trying this after Yahoo 360 started deleting people's blogs without rhyme or reason... so I've backed up all my writing on 360--all 70-some pages--and am trying out something new.

So, tell me what you think...