In terms of suckage, 2010 goes right up there with the meanest of them on a personal level for me. Just when I thought things were clearing, another storm appeared on the horizon. And it was Katrina-sized.
After the lull of June, I was coddled in a safe sense of tedium. July came pleasantly enough, if a bit too humid for my tastes (what you gonna do, though? This is the Ohio River Valley). My mother and one of my sisters made their first trips out of the States to visit my sister Amy in Japan, I got a nice visit from a friend from down south, and I FINALLY managed to get my passport renewed at great expense. Hopefully I'll use it someday.
But July also brought sadness. Remington, my beautiful mastiff puppy (all 200 pounds of him) with the golden hair, had to be given up after I woke up one morning and found him standing outside the window with a chicken in his mouth from next door. The loss of Remmy didn't seem to affect Alex too much. I think she was happy to have all the attention returned to her, but I miss that big goofy dog. He's in a good home, though, and probably as energetic and troublesome as ever.
August (and everything after) was a mess. There was some good. My best friends Maxie and Miranda moved back to town, Patrick Fillion's IlLUSTrations (which I wrote the foreword for) was released, and I finished Another Enchanted April. But it was also a month heavily weighed down by my brother Brent's TWO brain surgeries and my own money problems.
Then there's September...
I left for Florida the first of the month. It was the first really big trip I had taken in years. I was very excited to be getting away. My friend Keith had invited me and I met many new friends while there. A day or so before I was to return home I started feeling odd. Sickish. By the time I got home I definitely had a cold, but I thought that was all it was. I went through my emails. The most important one was a mass letter from YOM saying they had closed shop and telling everyone they were no longer publishing. I was a bit relieved by this actually, so it's not a bad thing.
And then I collapsed in the bathroom.
At King's Daughter's Hospital in Madison I was told I was very close to dying. I found out later I had a strain of pneumonia very similar to that which had killed Britney Murphy and her husband. They needed to shove a tube down my throat to keep me breathing and paralyzed me temporarily to do it. THAT was one of the most frightening experiences ever. I have new empathy for any paralysis patient. To be locked in like that is nothing short of absolute terror.
I spent three weeks in a hospital in Cincinnati before I was transferred to a hospice place in Hanover for a week. Apparently, it was touch and go for the first week or so. I didn't know, though, because I was so heavily drugged. In my head I was being taken all over the world in my hospital bed. I went to China, I was on a pirate ship, in a Star Wars space freighter, and in a grand Victorian home, to name a few. I even thought I died once. Mom was in the room with me and I saw her wearing Victorian garb, as was the nurse, Lily. It all seemed real to me, and maybe it was. Everything around us is atoms and particles anyway. Maybe my head just shook it all up and let the pieces fall. All I do know is, it was sad and I'd never been so alone in my life. There was no god. There was no boyfriend to hold my hand. There was me in a bed, being flung here and there at random and not being able to move. I go to bed thinking abot it every night. I can't help but to. I'll use it for my writing someday, I suppose.
The thing that sticks with me most about the experience: Where were my friends? Only three friends (Maxie, Miranda, and Jeremy) came to see me the entire four weeks I was ill. I'm not talking about the friends who live states away. I wouldn't have expected them to drop their lives and get on a plane. I'm talking about the ones who live within a few miles of the hospital. That irks me still. It causes me to question, and maybe this is not the forum for that.
I got home October 4th. I started breathing therapy immediately and then was back in garage/barn/gym two weeks later doing what I could. I missed my good friend Alma's wedding, which was on my list of things I had most looked foreword to all year. On the good side of things, however, I did sign contracts for both Another Enchanted April and Woke Up in a Strange Place. The former comes out January 12; the latter (and some of my very best writing) has yet to receive a release date.
Things have been pretty quiet since then. I've been to a poetry reading with Miranda. I bought a Wii and kick Frisbee golf booty. Basically, I've been recovering and watching the snow fall. I'm feeling good, but I've learned not to expect anything from the year ahead. Or rather, I RE-learned that. How many times does life need to hit me over the head to teach me something, huh?
All I can do is hope. Hope without resolution. Hope without specifics. And Happy New Year to you all!
Writer Eric Arvin's lil' corner of the interweb, pertaining to books, music, men, and useless knowledge to useless purpose.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Top 10 Films I Never Saw in 2010
What a year in film! So I'm told by critics and friends. And they should know. They went to see them. Not me. (It's a mixture of laziness and misanthropy.) Instead, I offer my list of Top 10 Films I didn't see. Any 10 films will do, so let me just start grabbing out of thin air:
10. The King's Speech - Which one? There have been a lot of kings and they've given so many speeches. So many.
9. The Kids Are All Right - Yells they are! They're super terrific!
8. Winter's Bone - Every morning...every damn morning...
7. True Grit - John Wayne is back, grittier than ever. I mean, the guy has been dead for decades.
6. Black Swan - Are you a unicorn?
5. Tron: Legacy - The first one legacied me indigestion.
4. The Social Network - Resistance is futile. You must become part of the collective.
3. Salt - Blood pressure.
2. Toy Story 3 - Isn't Andy at the age where a whole new type of toy should make an appearance?
1. Inception - And I didn't see you most of all, Inception!
10. The King's Speech - Which one? There have been a lot of kings and they've given so many speeches. So many.
9. The Kids Are All Right - Yells they are! They're super terrific!
8. Winter's Bone - Every morning...every damn morning...
7. True Grit - John Wayne is back, grittier than ever. I mean, the guy has been dead for decades.
6. Black Swan - Are you a unicorn?
5. Tron: Legacy - The first one legacied me indigestion.
4. The Social Network - Resistance is futile. You must become part of the collective.
3. Salt - Blood pressure.
2. Toy Story 3 - Isn't Andy at the age where a whole new type of toy should make an appearance?
1. Inception - And I didn't see you most of all, Inception!
Hot Shot: Oasis
Gotta make sure you stay hydrated on those long sexy meanders through barren lands....
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
The WANT List
XTG Canvas
I saw these sweats this morning and fell in love. I've been looking for some nice new workout pants for a while and these are purty. They're sold from XTG out of Spain. I think 36 Euros translated to close to 50 dollars. I think I'm gonna get 'em. Just hope the shipping doesn't kill me.
I saw these sweats this morning and fell in love. I've been looking for some nice new workout pants for a while and these are purty. They're sold from XTG out of Spain. I think 36 Euros translated to close to 50 dollars. I think I'm gonna get 'em. Just hope the shipping doesn't kill me.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Linnzi Zaorski - When I Get Low I Get High
I've been trying to find this song everywhere. Love her voice.
Monday, December 27, 2010
My Top 10 CDs of 2010
How sad is it that this post is one of the highlights of my year? I mean, I might not even post anything else the rest of the day just so's you can all soak this post in. I'm a crazy bitch!
Anyway, absorb, my lovelies! Absorb!
Best CD I Bought in 2010 Not Released in 2010:
Joshua James, Build Me This
A muddy, soul-stained voice are at odds with James' angelic features, but it's a beautiful dichotomy.
A few that almost made my Top 10:
I have a strange point system when I do these lists and these three CDs nearly made my Big 10. Laura Marling's fragile and angry I Speak Because I Can; Annie Lennox's transubstantiation of holiday classics on A Christmas Cornucopia; and Sade's smooth and sexy Soldier of Love.
And Now, The Top 10:
10. Kylie Minogue, Aphrodite. I know! I was surprised it made my list too. But it's a damn fun collection of dance music.
9. Brandon Flowers, Flamingo. The Killers front man got a lot of flack for this CD, but I'm among the few who really liked it, and it only grew on me the more I listened to it.
8. Broken Bells, Broken Bells. Everyone's favorite new band earlier in the year.
7. Patty Griffin, Downtown Church. I purchased this without knowing it was covers of old gospel tunes. That would normally have sent up a red flag. But Griffin makes these songs sound mighty secular. In an interview earlier in the year, she admitted to not being a religious person herself and having the same response to gospel music as many of us.
6. Johnny Flynn, Been Listening. Johnny's second full-length CD and the second one to make my Top 10. That voice kills. The {insert big timer songwriter of your choosing} of the nu-folk movement?
5. Frightened Rabbit, The Winter of Mixed Drinks. Some of the best rock from across the pond since U2.
4. Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Age of Miracles. A quiet spiritual experience that steals upon you and draws from history and recent social and worldly upheavals to demonstrate its point.
3. Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs, God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise. There are some songs here that will rip your heart out, even while you're mended by Ray's voice.
2. Various, Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows. A John Prine tribute album that kicks tribute album beeehind, with artists like Josh Ritter, My Morning Jacket, The Avett Brothers, and Justin Townes Earle.
1. Mumford & Sons, Sigh No More. Well, it's just amazing. Folkin' Roll. Again, the nu-folk movement shows the rest of the world how it's done. With harmonies that could fill a symphony hall and instrumentation that delves into genius, you should be ashamed of yourself if you don't get this CD. SHAME!
Anyway, absorb, my lovelies! Absorb!
Best CD I Bought in 2010 Not Released in 2010:
Joshua James, Build Me This
A muddy, soul-stained voice are at odds with James' angelic features, but it's a beautiful dichotomy.
A few that almost made my Top 10:
I have a strange point system when I do these lists and these three CDs nearly made my Big 10. Laura Marling's fragile and angry I Speak Because I Can; Annie Lennox's transubstantiation of holiday classics on A Christmas Cornucopia; and Sade's smooth and sexy Soldier of Love.
And Now, The Top 10:
10. Kylie Minogue, Aphrodite. I know! I was surprised it made my list too. But it's a damn fun collection of dance music.
9. Brandon Flowers, Flamingo. The Killers front man got a lot of flack for this CD, but I'm among the few who really liked it, and it only grew on me the more I listened to it.
8. Broken Bells, Broken Bells. Everyone's favorite new band earlier in the year.
7. Patty Griffin, Downtown Church. I purchased this without knowing it was covers of old gospel tunes. That would normally have sent up a red flag. But Griffin makes these songs sound mighty secular. In an interview earlier in the year, she admitted to not being a religious person herself and having the same response to gospel music as many of us.
6. Johnny Flynn, Been Listening. Johnny's second full-length CD and the second one to make my Top 10. That voice kills. The {insert big timer songwriter of your choosing} of the nu-folk movement?
5. Frightened Rabbit, The Winter of Mixed Drinks. Some of the best rock from across the pond since U2.
4. Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Age of Miracles. A quiet spiritual experience that steals upon you and draws from history and recent social and worldly upheavals to demonstrate its point.
3. Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs, God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise. There are some songs here that will rip your heart out, even while you're mended by Ray's voice.
2. Various, Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows. A John Prine tribute album that kicks tribute album beeehind, with artists like Josh Ritter, My Morning Jacket, The Avett Brothers, and Justin Townes Earle.
1. Mumford & Sons, Sigh No More. Well, it's just amazing. Folkin' Roll. Again, the nu-folk movement shows the rest of the world how it's done. With harmonies that could fill a symphony hall and instrumentation that delves into genius, you should be ashamed of yourself if you don't get this CD. SHAME!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
2010: In Summary, Part One
I started 2010 believing that it would be MY year. I would dominate it like I dominate Wii Frisbee Golf. I decided that things were on their way to getting better and things couldn't possibly get any worse than brain surgery a few years ago. 2010 would be my bitch.
I forgot one thing: I'm a magnet to challenge and there were more trials ahead.
Silly Eric!
The year started off fine. Rather good, actually. I finish Simple Men in January and sent it to Dreamspinner. I really didn't expect much from it. It's what I refer to as a "trifle." Something fun, but not too deep. It was just what I needed to write, though, since I had been dwelling on darker subject matter for so long.
February was all about the Olympics. I was glued to the television and was simultaneously moved and embarrassed at being so manipulated by sappy music over slo-mo replays of sporting events. During the second week of the Games I became really sick. Dizzyingly sick. Couldn't walk sick. But still, it was one of my favorite memories of the whole year. Me in bed, watching the Olympics, eating soup and drinking juice. The only problem my extreme illness caused had to do with my passport. I was supposed to get it renewed in February, but I kept procrastinating until I was too ill to do anything about.
In March, Simple Men was released and immediately became my best seller. It seems readers just wanted something sweet from me. I found the reception, the wonderful letters and emails, absurdly charming and utterly heartwarming.
April saw me sign with YOM for a reprint of my first book The Rest Is Illusion. It was published with a lovely new cover in May.
Also, during this time, I was on the hunt for a spray tan. I wanted to look pretty and golden for the coming summer. After I was told, however, that someone was supposed to stand there and spray me in my underwear (I was under the impression it was a booth), I decided against it. Whoever loves me must love my pale white ass as well...at least, until I get a personal spray tannng thingy. And by "thingy", I mean "hot pool boy."
Throughout the year I was able to help a few other writers in their quests to get their work out there. I think that's important. Artists and writers know struggle, and when you are in a position to help another artist or writer out...well, it's good karma. Plus, why wouldn't you want to help someone else? Give the world a drop of your good.
And then there's LOST. My favorite TV series ever in the history of the world ended on what I thought was a very high note. One that was true the enigmatic nature of the series, the center of the show being the characters, not the island.
June was a lull. Not much happened and I think that's a good place to end this entry. It was July that things started to spill out everywhere and my world began to crumble, bit by bit. God save us all.
I forgot one thing: I'm a magnet to challenge and there were more trials ahead.
Silly Eric!
The year started off fine. Rather good, actually. I finish Simple Men in January and sent it to Dreamspinner. I really didn't expect much from it. It's what I refer to as a "trifle." Something fun, but not too deep. It was just what I needed to write, though, since I had been dwelling on darker subject matter for so long.
February was all about the Olympics. I was glued to the television and was simultaneously moved and embarrassed at being so manipulated by sappy music over slo-mo replays of sporting events. During the second week of the Games I became really sick. Dizzyingly sick. Couldn't walk sick. But still, it was one of my favorite memories of the whole year. Me in bed, watching the Olympics, eating soup and drinking juice. The only problem my extreme illness caused had to do with my passport. I was supposed to get it renewed in February, but I kept procrastinating until I was too ill to do anything about.
In March, Simple Men was released and immediately became my best seller. It seems readers just wanted something sweet from me. I found the reception, the wonderful letters and emails, absurdly charming and utterly heartwarming.
April saw me sign with YOM for a reprint of my first book The Rest Is Illusion. It was published with a lovely new cover in May.
Also, during this time, I was on the hunt for a spray tan. I wanted to look pretty and golden for the coming summer. After I was told, however, that someone was supposed to stand there and spray me in my underwear (I was under the impression it was a booth), I decided against it. Whoever loves me must love my pale white ass as well...at least, until I get a personal spray tannng thingy. And by "thingy", I mean "hot pool boy."
Throughout the year I was able to help a few other writers in their quests to get their work out there. I think that's important. Artists and writers know struggle, and when you are in a position to help another artist or writer out...well, it's good karma. Plus, why wouldn't you want to help someone else? Give the world a drop of your good.
And then there's LOST. My favorite TV series ever in the history of the world ended on what I thought was a very high note. One that was true the enigmatic nature of the series, the center of the show being the characters, not the island.
June was a lull. Not much happened and I think that's a good place to end this entry. It was July that things started to spill out everywhere and my world began to crumble, bit by bit. God save us all.
BTW
BTW, if you want to see my character Kid Christmas in a nice little holiday greeting (read: complete filth involving Santa and a candy cane), then head on over to Absolutbleu's site. He did one special for this Christmas.
Flashback: My Father
On this day in 1993 my father died after having a stroke caused by cavernous himangiomas a week earlier. He was a kind and loving man, but had become increasingly religious in the last few years of his life, which made things hard on all of us. I remember getting ready to leave the house to visit him at the hospital in Louisville when they called and told us he had died. I remember the air felt as brittle as candy for days after that. I remember watching The Sting that night in a dazed stupor. I remember Mom sleeping on the couch in the living room instead of her bedroom for months. Below is a photograph of Mom and Dad in happier times when they were younger.
Hot Shot: Day After Christmas
Absolutbleu did this pour moi last year when "Kid Christmas Rides Again" was released from Dreamspinner. An elf's job is never done. Especially when all the new Santa wants to do is get nekkid.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
15 Music Artists I Will Be Looking Into This Year
My sister Amy sent me a massive collection of songs for Christmas. Of the ones I had never heard of before, here are the artists who most caught my attention and whom I will be doing research on. I love being intro'd to new music! I've found a lot of it by simply following some of your comments on my posts here (Cloud Cult, for one. Thanks, Chris!).
The Perishers
Johnathan Rice
Bryn Christopher
Joe Purdy
Foy Vance
Neverending White Lights
The Slip
Greenskeepers
Royal Wood
Patick Watson
Laura Veirs
Powderfinger
Soulsavers
Sanders Bohlke
Shady Bard
The Perishers
Johnathan Rice
Bryn Christopher
Joe Purdy
Foy Vance
Neverending White Lights
The Slip
Greenskeepers
Royal Wood
Patick Watson
Laura Veirs
Powderfinger
Soulsavers
Sanders Bohlke
Shady Bard
Friday, December 24, 2010
Arvinian Words of Wisdom
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
BUT remember...
Somewhere, a Jehovah's Witness kid is bitter.
BUT remember...
Somewhere, a Jehovah's Witness kid is bitter.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
10 Great Christmas Songs
"The Christians & The Pagans" by Dar Williams
"River" by Joni Mitchell
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland
"Happy X-Mas (War Is Over)" by Sarah MacLachlan (I know I'm gonna get flack for not going with the original)
"Hard Candy Christmas" by Dolly Parton
"Wait For Me" by Mary Beth Maziarz
"Don't Shoot Me Santa" by The Killers
"You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" by Aimee Mann
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Annie Lennox
"Calling on Mary" by Aimee Mann
"River" by Joni Mitchell
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland
"Happy X-Mas (War Is Over)" by Sarah MacLachlan (I know I'm gonna get flack for not going with the original)
"Hard Candy Christmas" by Dolly Parton
"Wait For Me" by Mary Beth Maziarz
"Don't Shoot Me Santa" by The Killers
"You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" by Aimee Mann
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Annie Lennox
"Calling on Mary" by Aimee Mann
Flashback
This is one of my favorite photographs. That's my grandmother, Donna Mae, in the dark dress. This was taken when she was working at a factory in Arkansas in WWII. I don't know who the other two are, but it looks like a fun crew. The guy is flat out hot. They look like they're up to no good, huh? Like Bonnie and Clyde and Bonnie no good. But as far as I know my grandmother took no part in robbing any banks.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Arvinian Words of Wisdom
INSANITY =
Continuously doing the same thing, but expecting different results =
Wii
Continuously doing the same thing, but expecting different results =
Wii
One Good Thing
I collect Christmas ornaments. Odd, sexy Christmas ornaments. I mean, you gotta collect something, right? And until I can start collecting souls, Dad says ornaments will have to do.
Last year, my gorgeous friend Kelley sent me a merman fireman named Blaze from December Diamonds. I was awestruck! How could I possibly ever get another ornament that even pretends the amount of sexiness Blaze has?!
But then, just today, I got another gift from Kelley. Meet Mr. Mussel. You can bet he and Blaze are gonna have a wild time tonight! Thank you Kelley! You've made my Christmas yet again.
Last year, my gorgeous friend Kelley sent me a merman fireman named Blaze from December Diamonds. I was awestruck! How could I possibly ever get another ornament that even pretends the amount of sexiness Blaze has?!
But then, just today, I got another gift from Kelley. Meet Mr. Mussel. You can bet he and Blaze are gonna have a wild time tonight! Thank you Kelley! You've made my Christmas yet again.
Great Amazing Super Contest From Dreamspinner
On New Year's Eve, Dreamspinner will publish its 200th paperback. To celebrate, we're having a huge trivia contest. One question for each book. To enter, download, the trivia questions from our web site, answer as many of them as you can, and submit your answers by Jan. 1. Winners will be announced on Jan. 7.
1st prize - an Amazon Kindle and every ebook on your wishlist.
2nd prize - an Amazon Kindle
3rd prize - a $50 GC
4th prize - a $25 GC
5-10th prizes - $10 GCs
In the event of a tie, the winner will be chosen at random between all entries with the same number of correct answers.
Please help spread the word!
1st prize - an Amazon Kindle and every ebook on your wishlist.
2nd prize - an Amazon Kindle
3rd prize - a $50 GC
4th prize - a $25 GC
5-10th prizes - $10 GCs
In the event of a tie, the winner will be chosen at random between all entries with the same number of correct answers.
Please help spread the word!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
One Good Thing
A candle warmer. Who came up with this brilliant idea? Seriously. I'm not being sarcastic. What an amazing idea! My sister got me a candle warmer for Christmas along with a couple of nice candles. When I want that pleasant scented aroma all I have to do is set a candle on the warmer and I don't have to worry about lighting the wick and starting a fire. Now, I'll probably still use the wick every so often. I'm drawn to fire. Not like I'm a pyromaniac or anything, but I like the look of a teardrop flame. Maybe it's something primal, hearkening back to when early man sat around campfires.
Anyway, I'm loving the gift.
Anyway, I'm loving the gift.
Hot Shot: Bloggiversary Surprise!
I'm so excited about my bloggiversary today (TWO!) that I hired this guy! Legs....drool...
Monday, December 20, 2010
One Good Thing
Got my Wii working...at last. Spent an hour sword fighting. Fun stuff and decent cardio. I will be honest, though. I go kind of nuts. I don't even bother blocking swings. I'm swinging the controller around like I'm fighting my way through zombies, Mormons, or Jehovah's Witnesses. I mean, there is a massacre in my wake. There is no art to it. Just swing until there's no one else standing. I's crazy, bitches! CRAZY! And that's a good thing.
The Killers - Boots
The Killers annually put out a Christmas song. I really like this year's offering:
My Five Top Reads of 2010
This year was not a good year for me on the reading front. I didn't get to read close to as many books as I intended and my "to read" pile is piling up. Soon it will rival the Really Super Big Tower of Hugeland, and we all know how big THAT is. It would be pointless, then, for me to post a Top 10 list for books this year. Instead, here are the FIVE books that entertained and/or made me think this year, in no particular order:
"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. Told from the POV of Death, it revolves around an orphaned girl in WWII. Harrowing, beautifully written, and at times surprisingly humorous.
"Counterpoint: Dylan's Story" by Ruth Sims. Sweeping romance filled with tragedy, villainy, and sweet vindication, all set around the world of music in the olden days.
"The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson. The first couple hundred pages were hard to get through, but after that this turns into one twisted sex thriller.
"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. Touching tale of bigotry in the 1960s South that takes a familiar theme and does something fresh with it. The wonderful Viola Davis has the lead role in the film version next year.
"The Book of Revelation" by Rupert Thomson. A hot male ballet dancer is kidnapped and sexually tortured by three masked women. Disturbing and quite profound.
"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. Told from the POV of Death, it revolves around an orphaned girl in WWII. Harrowing, beautifully written, and at times surprisingly humorous.
"Counterpoint: Dylan's Story" by Ruth Sims. Sweeping romance filled with tragedy, villainy, and sweet vindication, all set around the world of music in the olden days.
"The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson. The first couple hundred pages were hard to get through, but after that this turns into one twisted sex thriller.
"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. Touching tale of bigotry in the 1960s South that takes a familiar theme and does something fresh with it. The wonderful Viola Davis has the lead role in the film version next year.
"The Book of Revelation" by Rupert Thomson. A hot male ballet dancer is kidnapped and sexually tortured by three masked women. Disturbing and quite profound.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Brandon Flowers Right Behind You
Brandon Flowers - OH MY GOD! Brandon, I love you! - performing a track from the Deluxe version of "Flamingo":
Saturday, December 18, 2010
One Good Thing
Okay. Honestly, this looks more like a "Hot Shot" but, though the guy is hot, the photo is a bit ordinary. What I'm posting it for is the shorts. I love them! Where can I find those shiny babies? Anyone know? They are definitely the best thing (things?) I've seen all day.
Friday, December 17, 2010
12 Songs Cloned
Judy Garland - "Over The Rainbow"- Israel Kamakawiwo
Joseph Arthur - "In The Sun" - Michael Stipe/Chris Martin
Leonard Cohen - "Hallelujah" - Jeff Buckley
Richard Shindell - "Reunion Hill" - Joan Baez
Bob Dylan - "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" - Marianne Faithfull
XTC - "Dear God" - Sarah MacLachlan
The Indigo Girls - "Romeo & Juliet" - The Killers
Crowded House - "Four Seasons in One Day" - Mary Chapin Carpenter/Shawn Colvin
Emmylou Harris - "Pancho & Lefty" - Gillian Welch
The Traveling Wilburys - "Handle With Care" - Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins
Peter Gabriel - "Solsbury Hill" - Erasure
Madonna - "Fever" - Michael Buble
Joseph Arthur - "In The Sun" - Michael Stipe/Chris Martin
Leonard Cohen - "Hallelujah" - Jeff Buckley
Richard Shindell - "Reunion Hill" - Joan Baez
Bob Dylan - "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" - Marianne Faithfull
XTC - "Dear God" - Sarah MacLachlan
The Indigo Girls - "Romeo & Juliet" - The Killers
Crowded House - "Four Seasons in One Day" - Mary Chapin Carpenter/Shawn Colvin
Emmylou Harris - "Pancho & Lefty" - Gillian Welch
The Traveling Wilburys - "Handle With Care" - Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins
Peter Gabriel - "Solsbury Hill" - Erasure
Madonna - "Fever" - Michael Buble
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Why You Gotta Be Mean To My Movies?
I haven't done a film list in a while, so here's one of films I enjoy that have been bitch slapped by friends, critics, or bloggers:
Across The Universe - Julie Taymor's masterpiece Beatles-inspired musical was maligned by critics when it came out, but has since developed a nice following.
Big Eden - I heard some viewers complaining, saying this film created a fantasy world for gay men. That no small rural town would be as accepting. Maybe so. Maybe not. But it is an adorable romance where the men are not idealized models. And it's not a documentary, so get over it.
The Family Stone - Same director as the Big Eden. Keeps the uber-acceptance theme going too. No. It's not the greatest Christmas movie ever made, but it has some extremely touching moments.
The Fountain - People HATE this movie. Bloggers are especially virulent toward it. I mean, they literally curse its existence. I, however, think it's gorgeous and mind-bending.
Galaxy Quest - I tried showing this comic gem to a gal pal of mine in college. She took a phone call after the first ten minutes and while on the phone said, "Eric's making me watch some boring movie." Harrumph!
Girls Will Be Girls - Again, I tried to watch this with another friend. She didn't get it. It's hilarious! How can you not get it? One of the funniest gender-benders ever.
Lady in the Water - Yes. It's very weird and there may be a few plot holes, but I find it immensely entertaining, and the score is breathtaking.
Ordinary People - Love this film! But every time it's mentioned in a blog it's followed by the fact that it beat out Raging Bull for Best Picture at the Oscars and how it didn't deserve it. They're wrong. It absolutely deserved it. The pain in this movie is some of the most subtle and brilliantly performed I've ever seen.
Picnic At Hanging Rock - I have a friend who thinks this is one of the most boring films ever made. I think it's mesmerizing. A great mystery without a true resolution. Haunting and sexy. Where did those girls disappear to?
Practical Magic - I have to watch it every time I skim past it on TV. It's my favorite "witch" movie this side of The Wizard of Oz.
Return of the Jedi - My love for the original series has been somewhat scarred by the latter trilogy, but unlike perhaps true Star Wars fans... I liked the Ewoks.
Shakespeare in Love - When it won Best Picture over Saving Private Ryan there was many a gasp of horror. Not from me, though. I did, and still do, think it was the better film of the two. Very clever, and a story well told.
Across The Universe - Julie Taymor's masterpiece Beatles-inspired musical was maligned by critics when it came out, but has since developed a nice following.
Big Eden - I heard some viewers complaining, saying this film created a fantasy world for gay men. That no small rural town would be as accepting. Maybe so. Maybe not. But it is an adorable romance where the men are not idealized models. And it's not a documentary, so get over it.
The Family Stone - Same director as the Big Eden. Keeps the uber-acceptance theme going too. No. It's not the greatest Christmas movie ever made, but it has some extremely touching moments.
The Fountain - People HATE this movie. Bloggers are especially virulent toward it. I mean, they literally curse its existence. I, however, think it's gorgeous and mind-bending.
Galaxy Quest - I tried showing this comic gem to a gal pal of mine in college. She took a phone call after the first ten minutes and while on the phone said, "Eric's making me watch some boring movie." Harrumph!
Girls Will Be Girls - Again, I tried to watch this with another friend. She didn't get it. It's hilarious! How can you not get it? One of the funniest gender-benders ever.
Lady in the Water - Yes. It's very weird and there may be a few plot holes, but I find it immensely entertaining, and the score is breathtaking.
Ordinary People - Love this film! But every time it's mentioned in a blog it's followed by the fact that it beat out Raging Bull for Best Picture at the Oscars and how it didn't deserve it. They're wrong. It absolutely deserved it. The pain in this movie is some of the most subtle and brilliantly performed I've ever seen.
Picnic At Hanging Rock - I have a friend who thinks this is one of the most boring films ever made. I think it's mesmerizing. A great mystery without a true resolution. Haunting and sexy. Where did those girls disappear to?
Practical Magic - I have to watch it every time I skim past it on TV. It's my favorite "witch" movie this side of The Wizard of Oz.
Return of the Jedi - My love for the original series has been somewhat scarred by the latter trilogy, but unlike perhaps true Star Wars fans... I liked the Ewoks.
Shakespeare in Love - When it won Best Picture over Saving Private Ryan there was many a gasp of horror. Not from me, though. I did, and still do, think it was the better film of the two. Very clever, and a story well told.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Acrobats strip for Pope Benedict XVI, perform topless in Vatican
No words...just watch in 1) lust and 2) terror (Emperor Palpatine):
First Look: Another Enchanted April
Got the news today that my new little romantic trifle is up on the Coming Soon page at Dreamspinner, HERE. You can see the cover and blurb there, but...
"Can the idyllic simplicity of a garden change a life forever? It's a question three men on a vacation to the small seaside town of Beechwood will find the answer to when they stay at a B&B with an expansive and breathtakingly beautiful garden. A garden with an air of the supernatural. Jerry's there for love, Doug's there for sex, and Tony? Well, Tony is practically dragged along against his will. A comedy of errors ensues as the three men cling stubbornly to their self-destructive ways; can a cook named Anna Magnani, a roller-skating drag queen, and the magic of the garden tame the tempest and prevent love's labors from being lost?"
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
There Be Pirates!
Well, shiver me timbers! Shiver 'em hard! The new Pirates of the Caribbean film is coming out soon, and one of the characters, played by Penelope Cruz, is pirate Blackbeard's daughter. As some of you may know, I wrote a comic book, The Blackbeard Legacy, about Blackbeard's daughter, for Blueater Productions. Not such an original idea, a famous pirate's daughter, but in my comic book I had her and her mates encounter zombies. Take a look at this trailer and tell me what you see:
Is this a case of the latest zombie craze infiltrating other film genres, or has someone perhaps read my little comic book? Or am I thinking too much?
Is this a case of the latest zombie craze infiltrating other film genres, or has someone perhaps read my little comic book? Or am I thinking too much?
Soulsavers - Revival
Awesome song, and love the look of the video. Baz Luhrman meets Carnivale meets {insert creepy revival film}
Hot Shot: Everyday Sexy
I find this man sexy as hell. He's unassuming, intelligent-looking, and that beard is working for him.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Shoulda Tapped That
I was reminiscing the other day - openly on Facebook - about the past. More specifically, about romantic opportunities I let get away from me. We've all got them. Those regrets. It's not so much self-pity as it is exasperation. And before you say I shouldn't dwell on the past, I'm a writer. We dwell. If we didn't there wouldn't be anything to write. Good writing comes from experiences. Or the lack of them. Either way, here are a few of my fleeting moments that fleeted away a little too quickly.
Prom Guy - I don't know his name. He was the date of a friend of mine. It had just become scholastic knowledge that I was a gay and my lady friends thought it was the neatest thing since lip gloss. He was seated at the table across from me at prom, and when my gal pals mentioned I was gay, he lit up. He was a cutie. Blond, big smile. I wasn't too versed in flirting. I hadn't had much chance to flirt at my tiny high school in my tiny town. When he and his date got up to get some food he passed behind my chair and gave my shoulder a big squeeze. Nobody else saw it. Nothing happened after that, but it gave me quite a thrill. Waves, my friends. Waves and palpitations. It seems I was purty after all!
Disneyworld Guy - I was at the theme park with my mom. The two of us and my little sister were eating in the castle. (Is that Cinderella's or Sleeping Beauty's? I forget.) Anyway, one of the waiters - not ours, mind you - kept eyeing me. This was senior year in high school, spring break. He had dark hair and wore, as part of his costume, green tights. Booty. Nice. I was getting the prickly hots from his stares, but what could I do? Dessert my mom and sister for a Wild Ride?
Elevator Guy - I was on a family vacay in the Bahamas the summer after my high school graduation. The rest of the family had gone to eat. I was heading back to the room. I was sharing an elevator ride with a massive bodybuilder who kept smiling at me. He had the biggest chest I had yet seen. I didn't know what to do. I knew what I wanted to do, though. When he got off the elevator he gave me a glance as if to say "follow." I wish I had. I've had fantasies about him ever since.
Random College Guy - I was at a fraternity party. Hanover College had slim pickens as far as openly gay students were concerned. At this party, however, there was one skinny little thing, pretty as could be, who followed me all night. He was a sure thing, but that's never been how I work. But my dorm was just two buildings over. Why didn't I, just this once?
College Friend - Let's start with saying, he was very drunk. I walked in the door of the local dive bar (wearing as tight as shirt as I could find) and he embraced me hard with a lusty "Eric!" and bit my right nipple. Right there! It was purple for a week after. A little later he pulled me into the bathroom. He stood there a bit dumbfounded as to what to do next. I had hopes. Sadly, though, he slinked off.
Scuzzy Drunk Guys - Another local bar incident. Different dive bar. I think it was the same shirt, though.Two good ol' boys from town seemed impressed with my arms (and they were impressive at the time). The skinnier one was clearly more impressed. The more footballish one hadn't paid me much attention (he was two-fisting LITs) until the skinny one asked me to flex. Now, I hated flexxing. Always have. But Skinny Guy wouldn't let it go, so I gave in. When I did Football Guy grabbed my bicep (drinks still in hand) and gave it a long, wet lick up its entire length. Full tongue, y'all. His buddy looked in shock. So did he. I bet they had one hell of a conversation the next day if either of them remembered it. Would have been a hot hook up. Hot and dirty!
Qantas Guy - Basically the story can be read in my short "Deacon Decides" in the Dreamspinner anthology Mr Right Now. Hot flight attendant. Legs like tree trunks. This is my biggest regret. Why didn't I follow him to the bathroom?!
Australia Store Clerk Guy - I was shopping at a mall in Sydney with my friends and we stumbled into this trendy little shop for men. The clerk was this hot number with black hair. He watched me with a cocky expression that would have normally put me right off. But for some reason, it didn't this time. It wouldn't have worked out, though. I'm too nice for guys like that. I'm a sensitive boy.
Italian Bouncer - He worked at a nightclub I went to in Italy. Bodybuilder at the door. Muscles from head to toe and, from what I could see, completely hairless. The bald head was so sexy combined with his penetrating stare. I would have wrecked his ass! That is, if I could have ever gotten him away from those skinny little queens who were glaring daggers at me since I entered the place. They were like shadows to the poor piece of meat - er, guy.
Prom Guy - I don't know his name. He was the date of a friend of mine. It had just become scholastic knowledge that I was a gay and my lady friends thought it was the neatest thing since lip gloss. He was seated at the table across from me at prom, and when my gal pals mentioned I was gay, he lit up. He was a cutie. Blond, big smile. I wasn't too versed in flirting. I hadn't had much chance to flirt at my tiny high school in my tiny town. When he and his date got up to get some food he passed behind my chair and gave my shoulder a big squeeze. Nobody else saw it. Nothing happened after that, but it gave me quite a thrill. Waves, my friends. Waves and palpitations. It seems I was purty after all!
Disneyworld Guy - I was at the theme park with my mom. The two of us and my little sister were eating in the castle. (Is that Cinderella's or Sleeping Beauty's? I forget.) Anyway, one of the waiters - not ours, mind you - kept eyeing me. This was senior year in high school, spring break. He had dark hair and wore, as part of his costume, green tights. Booty. Nice. I was getting the prickly hots from his stares, but what could I do? Dessert my mom and sister for a Wild Ride?
Elevator Guy - I was on a family vacay in the Bahamas the summer after my high school graduation. The rest of the family had gone to eat. I was heading back to the room. I was sharing an elevator ride with a massive bodybuilder who kept smiling at me. He had the biggest chest I had yet seen. I didn't know what to do. I knew what I wanted to do, though. When he got off the elevator he gave me a glance as if to say "follow." I wish I had. I've had fantasies about him ever since.
Random College Guy - I was at a fraternity party. Hanover College had slim pickens as far as openly gay students were concerned. At this party, however, there was one skinny little thing, pretty as could be, who followed me all night. He was a sure thing, but that's never been how I work. But my dorm was just two buildings over. Why didn't I, just this once?
College Friend - Let's start with saying, he was very drunk. I walked in the door of the local dive bar (wearing as tight as shirt as I could find) and he embraced me hard with a lusty "Eric!" and bit my right nipple. Right there! It was purple for a week after. A little later he pulled me into the bathroom. He stood there a bit dumbfounded as to what to do next. I had hopes. Sadly, though, he slinked off.
Scuzzy Drunk Guys - Another local bar incident. Different dive bar. I think it was the same shirt, though.Two good ol' boys from town seemed impressed with my arms (and they were impressive at the time). The skinnier one was clearly more impressed. The more footballish one hadn't paid me much attention (he was two-fisting LITs) until the skinny one asked me to flex. Now, I hated flexxing. Always have. But Skinny Guy wouldn't let it go, so I gave in. When I did Football Guy grabbed my bicep (drinks still in hand) and gave it a long, wet lick up its entire length. Full tongue, y'all. His buddy looked in shock. So did he. I bet they had one hell of a conversation the next day if either of them remembered it. Would have been a hot hook up. Hot and dirty!
Qantas Guy - Basically the story can be read in my short "Deacon Decides" in the Dreamspinner anthology Mr Right Now. Hot flight attendant. Legs like tree trunks. This is my biggest regret. Why didn't I follow him to the bathroom?!
Australia Store Clerk Guy - I was shopping at a mall in Sydney with my friends and we stumbled into this trendy little shop for men. The clerk was this hot number with black hair. He watched me with a cocky expression that would have normally put me right off. But for some reason, it didn't this time. It wouldn't have worked out, though. I'm too nice for guys like that. I'm a sensitive boy.
Italian Bouncer - He worked at a nightclub I went to in Italy. Bodybuilder at the door. Muscles from head to toe and, from what I could see, completely hairless. The bald head was so sexy combined with his penetrating stare. I would have wrecked his ass! That is, if I could have ever gotten him away from those skinny little queens who were glaring daggers at me since I entered the place. They were like shadows to the poor piece of meat - er, guy.
Dreamspinner's Contest
Dreamspinner Press is having quite the contest at their homepage:
"This year let Dreamspinner make your eBook dreams come true. Each day from Dec. 26- Dec. 31, we will draw one name from the customers that purchased during the month of December to win every eBook on their wish list."
Pretty cool, huh? You could everything I've published with them.
"This year let Dreamspinner make your eBook dreams come true. Each day from Dec. 26- Dec. 31, we will draw one name from the customers that purchased during the month of December to win every eBook on their wish list."
Pretty cool, huh? You could everything I've published with them.
Hot Shot: Who
I love this shot. Not just the excellent butt-age, but the composition itself. It's mysterious and voyeuristic. Who is the model? Who is the viewer? Very interesting stuff. It's like that scene from Rosemary's Baby where the Ruth Gordon character is talking on the phone and the audience isn't allowed to see her face fully. What mystery does that face hold?
..And then, there is the butt.
..And then, there is the butt.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Aussiebum's Stripping Santa
I like their ads, but I've never been able to fit...ahem...appropriately in the pair of trunks I bought.
12 Songs From Y (And 3 From Z)
Shuffled:
Y
"Yankee Bayonet" by The Decembrists
"You Are the Dark" by Joseph Arthur
"You Already Know" by Devotchka
"Young Folks" by Peter Bjorn & John
"You Must Love Me" by Madonna
"Yeha-Noha (Wishes of Happiness & Prosperity)" by Sacred Spirit
"You're With Stupid Now" by Aimee Mann
"Youth of Today" by Amy MacDonald
"Yes, I Would" by Frightened Rabbit
"You've Really Gone & Done It Now" by Duncan Sheik
"You Must Be Out of Your Mind" by The Magnetic Fields
"You Don't Even Know Who I Am" by Patty Loveless
Z
"Zombie" by The Cranberries
"Zephyr" by Mary Chapin Carpenter
"Zero" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Y
"Yankee Bayonet" by The Decembrists
"You Are the Dark" by Joseph Arthur
"You Already Know" by Devotchka
"Young Folks" by Peter Bjorn & John
"You Must Love Me" by Madonna
"Yeha-Noha (Wishes of Happiness & Prosperity)" by Sacred Spirit
"You're With Stupid Now" by Aimee Mann
"Youth of Today" by Amy MacDonald
"Yes, I Would" by Frightened Rabbit
"You've Really Gone & Done It Now" by Duncan Sheik
"You Must Be Out of Your Mind" by The Magnetic Fields
"You Don't Even Know Who I Am" by Patty Loveless
Z
"Zombie" by The Cranberries
"Zephyr" by Mary Chapin Carpenter
"Zero" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Hot Shot: Nothin' But Muscle
Nothing too special about the composition, but the subject is tres delicious. Those Thighs! That Chest!
Friday, December 10, 2010
One Good Thing
Trade secrets exposed. I love THIS site! I stumbled across it last week, and anyone who's a fan of striking visuals and wit will love it. Basically, it's a Tumblr site for just about every shiny, pretty, sexy, cute, frivolous thing on the net. I've got a few of the tamer images lined up for future Hot Shots. Be forewarned, there is a goodly amount of porn here - both straight and gay. But there are also some photos of fuzzy aminals (misspelling on purpose) that will send you into a googley-voiced seizure of epic proportions.
12 Songs From W (And One From X)
Because X does not so much mark the spot in my PC's library:
W
"Wake Up" by Arcade Fire
"Wonder" by Lamb
"The Windows of the World" by Bobbie Gentry
"We Let Her Down" by Chris Isaak
"With One Look" by Glenn Close (from Broadway's Sunset Boulevard)
"Wishing Well" by Airborne Toxic Event
"Why Do You Let Me Stay Here" by She & Him
"What's My Age Again" by Blink 182
"Why Does It Always Rain On Me" by Travis
"Where Are We Now" by The Burned
"Wish" by Bob Schneider
"When My Time Comes" by Dawes
X
"X-Mas Curtain" by My Morning Jacket
W
"Wake Up" by Arcade Fire
"Wonder" by Lamb
"The Windows of the World" by Bobbie Gentry
"We Let Her Down" by Chris Isaak
"With One Look" by Glenn Close (from Broadway's Sunset Boulevard)
"Wishing Well" by Airborne Toxic Event
"Why Do You Let Me Stay Here" by She & Him
"What's My Age Again" by Blink 182
"Why Does It Always Rain On Me" by Travis
"Where Are We Now" by The Burned
"Wish" by Bob Schneider
"When My Time Comes" by Dawes
X
"X-Mas Curtain" by My Morning Jacket
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Brandon Flowers - Only The Young
I turn into such a 13-year-old girl when I see him: "Oh my god! It's BRANDON!!" I like the Cirque dancers here:
12 Songs From V
Shuffled:
"Video" by Aimee Mann
"Video" by india.arie
"Velvet" by A-ha
"Vote" by The Submarines
"Virgen de Guadalupe" by Patty Griffin
"Voices Carry" by Til Tuesday (one of the 80's best)
"Volcano" by Damien Rice
"The Virginian" by Neko Case
"Vampyre" by Pete Yorn
"Vanilla Twilight" by Owl City
"Viva La Vida" by Coldplay
"Valley Winter Song" by Fountains of Wayne
"Video" by Aimee Mann
"Video" by india.arie
"Velvet" by A-ha
"Vote" by The Submarines
"Virgen de Guadalupe" by Patty Griffin
"Voices Carry" by Til Tuesday (one of the 80's best)
"Volcano" by Damien Rice
"The Virginian" by Neko Case
"Vampyre" by Pete Yorn
"Vanilla Twilight" by Owl City
"Viva La Vida" by Coldplay
"Valley Winter Song" by Fountains of Wayne
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Johnny Flynn - Kentucky Pill
I've been a fan of Johnny Flynn's for a while. His first album "A Larum" made my Top 10 a couple years back , and now he has a new CD out.
12 Songs From U
Shuffled. A lot of repeat artists here:
"Unsent" by Alanis Morissette
"Under the Gun" by The Killers
"United States of Pop" by DJ Earworm
"Uphill Battle" by Sarah MacLachlan
"Under You" by Better Than Ezra
"Ulysses" by Mason Jennings
"Umdankbar Kind" by Thomas Newman (from Angels in America)
"Under My Skin" by Peter Bradley Adams
"Under the Blacklight" by Rilo Kiley
"Un Jour Il Viendra" by Sarah Brightman
"Unwed Fathers" by Deer Tick
"Up Against the Wall" by Peter Bjorn & John
"Unsent" by Alanis Morissette
"Under the Gun" by The Killers
"United States of Pop" by DJ Earworm
"Uphill Battle" by Sarah MacLachlan
"Under You" by Better Than Ezra
"Ulysses" by Mason Jennings
"Umdankbar Kind" by Thomas Newman (from Angels in America)
"Under My Skin" by Peter Bradley Adams
"Under the Blacklight" by Rilo Kiley
"Un Jour Il Viendra" by Sarah Brightman
"Unwed Fathers" by Deer Tick
"Up Against the Wall" by Peter Bjorn & John
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Teddy Thompson - Everybody Move It - Canada AM - March 2006
Just because I love me some Teddy Thompson:
12 Songs From T
Shuffled:
"Tag" by Throw Me The Statue
"These Are Days" by 10,000 Maniacs
"The Tide Falls Away" by Dar Williams
"The Theme From Twin Peaks" by Angelo Badalamenti
"Turn the Lights Down" by A-Ha
"That's Me Trying" by William Shatner/Ben Folds/Aimee Mann
"Tapes" by Alanis Morissette
"This is Your Life" by The Killers
"This Conversation" by The Submarines
"This Place is a Prison" by Postal Service
"The Temporary Blues" by The Features
"That's Not My Name" by Ting Tings
"Tag" by Throw Me The Statue
"These Are Days" by 10,000 Maniacs
"The Tide Falls Away" by Dar Williams
"The Theme From Twin Peaks" by Angelo Badalamenti
"Turn the Lights Down" by A-Ha
"That's Me Trying" by William Shatner/Ben Folds/Aimee Mann
"Tapes" by Alanis Morissette
"This is Your Life" by The Killers
"This Conversation" by The Submarines
"This Place is a Prison" by Postal Service
"The Temporary Blues" by The Features
"That's Not My Name" by Ting Tings
Monday, December 6, 2010
Paul Thorn - Joanie The Jehovah Witness Stripper (8-21-08)
Pay no attention to the shaky video. I love Paul Thorn's voice and the story he tells before he starts singing is great. I grew up a JW, so this is probably funnier to me than you. Maybe not.
One Good Thing
My niece Serenity is in love with Jake from Avatar. She LOVES him! She's only two so the story itself isn't very important to her. Anyway, so my sister gave her a picture of Jake which was apparently included in her Avatar DVD. Of course, Serenity loves this little gift. It's all day long with the "Dake! Dake!" (She can't pronounce her "J's" yet.) My mom put the picture in an old frame and Serenity's eyes lit up. She now has her big blue boyfriend in a frame. Upon seeing it, he lovingly touched the glass and then kissed it. "Oh, Dake..." And now, Jake is on the bureau watching over her as she naps. Ah, first love...
12 Songs From S
Shuffled:
"Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield
"Sisters of Mercy" by Leonard Cohen
"Seal It With a Kiss" by Grant Lee Phillips
"September When It Comes" by Roseanne Cash/Johnny Cash
"Spanish Pipedream" by The Avett Brothers
"Sarah (live)" by Stevie Nicks
"Separate Ways" by Teddy Thompson
"Summer Days" by Norah Jones
"Sailing to Nowhere" by Broken Bells
"Sweet Tooth" by David Rawlings Machine
"Saint Agnes & The Burning Train" by Sting
"So Far From Me" by Brett Dennen
"Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield
"Sisters of Mercy" by Leonard Cohen
"Seal It With a Kiss" by Grant Lee Phillips
"September When It Comes" by Roseanne Cash/Johnny Cash
"Spanish Pipedream" by The Avett Brothers
"Sarah (live)" by Stevie Nicks
"Separate Ways" by Teddy Thompson
"Summer Days" by Norah Jones
"Sailing to Nowhere" by Broken Bells
"Sweet Tooth" by David Rawlings Machine
"Saint Agnes & The Burning Train" by Sting
"So Far From Me" by Brett Dennen
Sunday, December 5, 2010
One Good Thing
I haven't done one of these posts in a while. I didn't get a lot of response to them so I thought perhaps I was boring you. Must keep the readership happy, you know. But I have gotten a few inquiries as to where they went so here's a new one.
Received an early Christmas gift from my sister Amy and her hubby Nick, who live on the Naval base in Japan. Amy downloaded her music library onto one of those tiny flashdrives and sent it to me. She knows me well! I've always said the three best gifts anyone can give are good books, good music, or good wine. When I opened the envelope and saw the little flashdrive I at first thought, "What a strange little lighter? I don't smoke, and neither does she...Right?!" Then I thought, "Espionage! My sister's a spy!" Then reality took over and I realized it was lots and lots of music. My sister and I don't have the same taste all the time. (I can't get behind My Chemical Romance. Sorry.) But we do share quite a bit more in tastes than me and the rest of my family. Anyway, good music, and lots of it, definitely a good (if overwhelming) thing.
Received an early Christmas gift from my sister Amy and her hubby Nick, who live on the Naval base in Japan. Amy downloaded her music library onto one of those tiny flashdrives and sent it to me. She knows me well! I've always said the three best gifts anyone can give are good books, good music, or good wine. When I opened the envelope and saw the little flashdrive I at first thought, "What a strange little lighter? I don't smoke, and neither does she...Right?!" Then I thought, "Espionage! My sister's a spy!" Then reality took over and I realized it was lots and lots of music. My sister and I don't have the same taste all the time. (I can't get behind My Chemical Romance. Sorry.) But we do share quite a bit more in tastes than me and the rest of my family. Anyway, good music, and lots of it, definitely a good (if overwhelming) thing.
12 Songs From R
Shuffled:
"Radio Euphoria" by Joseph Arthur
"The Rescue Blues" by Ryan Adams
"Runnin' Out of Fools" by Neko Case
"Raining in Baltimore" by Counting Crows
"Rock DJ" by Robbie Williams
"The Revolutionary Costume for the Day" by Christine Ebersole (from Broadway's Grey Gardens)
"The Road" by Mary Beth Maziarz (love her!)
"Ruby & Carlos" by James McMurtry
"Regret" by New Order
"Ready for a Fall" by P.J. Olsson
"Return to Innocence" by Enigma
"Relax Max" by Dinah Washington
"Radio Euphoria" by Joseph Arthur
"The Rescue Blues" by Ryan Adams
"Runnin' Out of Fools" by Neko Case
"Raining in Baltimore" by Counting Crows
"Rock DJ" by Robbie Williams
"The Revolutionary Costume for the Day" by Christine Ebersole (from Broadway's Grey Gardens)
"The Road" by Mary Beth Maziarz (love her!)
"Ruby & Carlos" by James McMurtry
"Regret" by New Order
"Ready for a Fall" by P.J. Olsson
"Return to Innocence" by Enigma
"Relax Max" by Dinah Washington
Saturday, December 4, 2010
12 Songs From P (And 3 From Q)
The music library on this computer doesn't have many in the "Q's", so I'm combining lists today:
P
"Precious Pain" by Melissa Etheridge
"The Promise" by Tracy Chapman
"Postcard From Far Away" by Coldplay
"Passing Afternoon" by Iron & Wine
"Portland, Oregon" by Loretta Lynn/Jack White
"Penelope's Song" by Loreena McKennitt
"Pray For Rain" by Massive Attack/Tunde Adebimpe
"Power of Two" by Indigo Girls
"Proud Mary" by Credence Clearwater Revival
"Praying For Time" by George Michael
"Policy of Truth" by Depeche Mode
"Pancho & Lefty" by Gillian Welch
Q
"Quittin' Time (live)" by Mary Chapin Carpenter
"Quartet" by Thomas Newman (from Angels in America)
"Que Hago Ahora" by Richard Shindell
P
"Precious Pain" by Melissa Etheridge
"The Promise" by Tracy Chapman
"Postcard From Far Away" by Coldplay
"Passing Afternoon" by Iron & Wine
"Portland, Oregon" by Loretta Lynn/Jack White
"Penelope's Song" by Loreena McKennitt
"Pray For Rain" by Massive Attack/Tunde Adebimpe
"Power of Two" by Indigo Girls
"Proud Mary" by Credence Clearwater Revival
"Praying For Time" by George Michael
"Policy of Truth" by Depeche Mode
"Pancho & Lefty" by Gillian Welch
Q
"Quittin' Time (live)" by Mary Chapin Carpenter
"Quartet" by Thomas Newman (from Angels in America)
"Que Hago Ahora" by Richard Shindell
Hot Shot: Alex & Heph?
Nice conch, huh? I love photos like this, using contemporary models to hearken back to ancient times.
Friday, December 3, 2010
12 Songs From O
Shuffled:
"One True Love" by Semisonic
"Over The Rainbow" by Eva Cassidy
"Once Around The Block" by Badly Drawn Boy
"The One I Love" by David Gray
"Out of The Woods" by Nickel Creek
"O Mio Bambino Caro" by Sarah Brightman
"On My Way" by Cocoon
"One Step Up, Two Steps Back" by Bruce Springsteen
"On Her Mind" by Duncan Sheik
"Only Love" by k.d. lang
"One" by The Bee Gees
"O Fortuna" by Carl Orff
"One True Love" by Semisonic
"Over The Rainbow" by Eva Cassidy
"Once Around The Block" by Badly Drawn Boy
"The One I Love" by David Gray
"Out of The Woods" by Nickel Creek
"O Mio Bambino Caro" by Sarah Brightman
"On My Way" by Cocoon
"One Step Up, Two Steps Back" by Bruce Springsteen
"On Her Mind" by Duncan Sheik
"Only Love" by k.d. lang
"One" by The Bee Gees
"O Fortuna" by Carl Orff
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Psych Intro - Twin Peaks Style
Last night's episode of PSYCH was an homage to TWIN PEAKS, and it was cute. Some of the stars from David Lynch's twisted serial made appearances and they even got Julee Cruise to sing the PSYCH theme song in a Lynchian manner.
Gordy & Bubbles: Character Sketches
Abs has done a wonderful job bringing my characters to life. Here is another peak at college jocks, Gordy and Bubbles from the hopeful comic book. It will be the last peak for a while because 1) I don't want to give too much away and 2) it's still so early on that anything could change.
12 Songs From N
"New In Town" by Little Boots
"Next To The Last Romantic" by Josh Ritter
"Nursery Rhyme of Innocence & Experience" by Natalie Merchant
"Night Shift Guru" by Cash Brothers
"No One Is To Blame" by Howard Jones
"The New Love Song" by Joshua James
"Neutral Ground" by Sea Wolf
"Now We Are Free (Dance Mix)" by Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerard
"Nomenclature" by Andrew Bird
"Night & Day" by Bette Midler
"Not Ready To Make Nice" by Dixie Chicks
"Never Give All The Heart" by Anuna/Brenda Fricker/The Chieftains
"Next To The Last Romantic" by Josh Ritter
"Nursery Rhyme of Innocence & Experience" by Natalie Merchant
"Night Shift Guru" by Cash Brothers
"No One Is To Blame" by Howard Jones
"The New Love Song" by Joshua James
"Neutral Ground" by Sea Wolf
"Now We Are Free (Dance Mix)" by Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerard
"Nomenclature" by Andrew Bird
"Night & Day" by Bette Midler
"Not Ready To Make Nice" by Dixie Chicks
"Never Give All The Heart" by Anuna/Brenda Fricker/The Chieftains
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
40 Day Dream by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Someone's interesting personal video to a great song.
Ho Ho Ho, Kid Christmas
Another wonderful review for our favorite holiday ho, Kid Christmas, HERE. Just in time for Christmas!
12 Songs From M
Shuffled:
"Momentum" by Aimee Mann
"Midnight Radio" by John Cameron Mitchell
"My Baby Needs A Shepherd" by Emmylou Harris
"Measure Of A Man" by David Berkeley
"Mississippi" by Bob Dylan
"Mein Herr" by Natasha Richardson (from Broadway's Cabaret)
"A Message" by Coldplay
"Main/End Titles (From Mrs. Dalloway)" by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
"Magdelena" by Brandon Flowers
"Made By Maid" by Laura Marling
"The Man In The Long Black Coat" by Joan Osborne
"The Magdalene Laundries" by The Chieftains/Joni Mitchell
"Momentum" by Aimee Mann
"Midnight Radio" by John Cameron Mitchell
"My Baby Needs A Shepherd" by Emmylou Harris
"Measure Of A Man" by David Berkeley
"Mississippi" by Bob Dylan
"Mein Herr" by Natasha Richardson (from Broadway's Cabaret)
"A Message" by Coldplay
"Main/End Titles (From Mrs. Dalloway)" by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
"Magdelena" by Brandon Flowers
"Made By Maid" by Laura Marling
"The Man In The Long Black Coat" by Joan Osborne
"The Magdalene Laundries" by The Chieftains/Joni Mitchell
30 Day Blogger, Day 30: Plans For The Next 365 Days
Plans, I have discovered in the last ten years, are evil things. They tease you but rarely turn out how you would want. Evil, pernicious, vile things. And they bite too.
That said, my plans for the next year are as lofty as ever. I plan, first and foremost, to NOT end up in the hospital. (Knocking on wood). I have a few new releases coming out in 2011 as well. An ebook coming out Janary 12, Another Enchanted April, an audiobook version of Simple Men read by Charlie David, and my afterlife epic Woke Up In A Strange Place (I've never been more proud of anything published; as time nears I WILL be begging you all to read it). All three from Dreamspinner Press. There's a possibility I'll have a few short stories coming out, as well as my "Gordy" comic book, with Absolutbleu and Adam Gragg.
I plan to do some traveling as well. To England. Fingers crossed. Possibly Oregon as well. I wanna watch some whales.
Those are my plans, and that was my last entry for the 30 Day Blogger. Fun stuff. Now I have to come up with something else to keep you coming by my blog...aside from hot man butt.
That said, my plans for the next year are as lofty as ever. I plan, first and foremost, to NOT end up in the hospital. (Knocking on wood). I have a few new releases coming out in 2011 as well. An ebook coming out Janary 12, Another Enchanted April, an audiobook version of Simple Men read by Charlie David, and my afterlife epic Woke Up In A Strange Place (I've never been more proud of anything published; as time nears I WILL be begging you all to read it). All three from Dreamspinner Press. There's a possibility I'll have a few short stories coming out, as well as my "Gordy" comic book, with Absolutbleu and Adam Gragg.
I plan to do some traveling as well. To England. Fingers crossed. Possibly Oregon as well. I wanna watch some whales.
Those are my plans, and that was my last entry for the 30 Day Blogger. Fun stuff. Now I have to come up with something else to keep you coming by my blog...aside from hot man butt.
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