Friday, September 30, 2005

 

Last Chance To Disco


Tonight I saw The Killers in concert at Jones Beach. It was a fantastic show and marked the end of the summer concert going experience for 2005. It was so great to see a band that appeared to be, well, sober.

Brandon Flowers, so milky so luscious, sang his heart out. They gave us everything from The Killers hits to David Bowie covers. Their tour is almost over but if you can catch them before they go away, I highly recommend it.

Thursday, September 29, 2005

 

Oprah is Trying to Kill Me and Lost is Giving Me Heartburn.


We are nearly two weeks into the TV season and it is time to make some observations.

#1: I have a routine that I try to stick to on weekday nights that are not dominated by work events. I come home from work, pour a glass a wine, cook dinner and a watch Oprah. But lately Oprah has been kind of weird. The set is awkward, she's on a power trip and the format of the show seems to be including 3 shows in one leaving very little time for in depth interviews. Today she did an 11 minute (not nearly enough) interview with the fabulous and inspiring cancer surviving Melissa Etheridge, then followed that segment up with two more stories, one of man who has prevailed despite having no arms and legs, and the third story about a paraplegic from Guyana. As you can imagine by the end of the episode I was a crying weeping mess. Oprah, you are giving me segments of real but not full hour episode real and it is more than my tiny brain can take. Each of these stories (especially Melissa) deserved your full attention and the full hour. Why are you giving us just teases? Damn it (picture me smashing something). Overall rating so far: c+

#2: Lost. As my dear friend WD says. "I cant watch this show any more if it is going to give me this much agnst." I agree with WD on the level that Lost has given me anticipatory anxiety. I have no answers, no clarity, no closure, what will happen next? I shutter to think. But, I still give it an A+

#3: Supernatural has been dropped from my TiVo.

#4: Invasion sparked my interest on Episode 1, but even though it was the highest rated show of last week, it started to slip away on me in episode 2. It will remain at a solid B- for now.

#5: Over There on FX is still one of the best shows on television. It should be mandatory TV. I actually save it on my TiVo, it has become my reward show, the prize at the end of the week. A+

#6: Desperate Housewives, eh, not so much. B

#7: Gray's Anatomy: could Dr. McDreamy obsession be over? B

#8: Added Commander in Chief to the TiVo, any thoughts? I haven't watched it yet.

#9: ER? ooops, I fell asleep. C-

(see previous posts if you need links, I dont have the energy right now).

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

 

Killer Hairballs, Hippies and Matthew Fox


Last night I had a crazy dream. It goes like this...

I was standing on a city street corner with some coworkers. All of a sudden gigantic monsters started jumping out of the office building windows. The monsters, resembling huge hairballs complete with fangs, ape like arms and lizard like legs, began to eat people. As the chaos ensued giant military planes began to fly over head. I thought "thank goodness the military is here to kill the hairballs." But then I realizeed the military was destroying the hairballs along with the city. It was as if we were all being exterminated together. Buildings were falling down around us, people were running and the hairballs was growling loudly. We were doomed as we faced death by either the hairballs or the bombs. So we took cover in an empty park. Flash.

I suddenly found myself in some sort of camp. I lived with a group of unhinged hippies who all survived the killer hairball monsters yet we all still lived in fear of the monsters return. Matthew Fox was there and we were a couple (well, it is my dream after all). We survived on chocolate and Trader Joe's olive oil soaked almonds. One night while we were sitting in the center of our make shift shanty town Matthew Fox coughed up a hair ball. I freaked out and exclaimed, "Oh no, you are turning into a hairball monster!" He denied the claims but I knew in my heart he was done for. I also know that if he was to transform he'd end up eating us all and that would be bad.

So I set out in search of a renegade doctor. Someone who could lead me to an antidote. And then I woke up.

I dont know if the killer hairballs ever came back and I dont know of I was able to save Matthew Fox. What I do know is how much I totally hate when I wake up before the proper ending of a dream!

Sunday, September 25, 2005

 

10


Ten conclusions I came to last week:

10. Never say "good luck" as it implies doubt, instead say "congratulations"

9. Clapping your hands hard stimulates the nerve endings in your palm which signals your brain to take a photograph of the moment

8. Not all 'peels' are chemical

7. Anyone who haggles and asks "can you do better than a $1.00" at a charity yard sale should be beaten to death with a large citrus fruit

6. A book called "100 Vicious Little Vampire Stories" is in fact, too many vampire stories.

5. Indecision leads to doubt, doubt leads to anxiety and anxiety leads to fear

4. Soulvaki is pork, and Gyro is beef

3. Rob Marciano on CNN is the hottest weatherman on earth

2. The metal quality in the new US nickel is substandard

1. Stores carrying Christmas decorations in September is a harsh form of consumer abuse.

Friday, September 23, 2005

 

"Don't Panic!"


I watched The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and was shocked at how much I loved it. I mean I knew I would like it, but I had no idea I would like it this much! I'm sad I missed the chance to see it in theaters. I can't really describe it, but I can say that the film's clever wit and colorful imagination is reminiscent of Time Bandits combined with the social political comedic commentary not seen since the Monty Python films. I can see why this film was in development hell for years, but perhaps it was worth the wait.

# of Post Screening Phone Calls: 3 (if you count the mid screening call to popmuse to say, "this film is brilliant!")
# of minutes the "So long and thanks for all the fish" song stayed in my head: 20
# of creatures I thought of when pondering who is the smartest on the planet: 12
Favorite character: the depressed robot played by Alan Rickman.
# of times wish I saved my Jaws 3 - 3D glasses from 1983: 4

 

Make It a Double


People are talking about the National Enquirer story that alleges Bush is back on the booze. Apparently after news of Hurricane Katrina hit, Bush downed very large sized shot prompting an exclamation of "Stop George!" from Laura.

While I think it is totally sad that he (or anyone for that matter) falls back into the pattern of addiction, I cant help but wonder if it is really such a bad thing. I mean think about the decisions Bush has made sober. Maybe a drinking Bush is exactly what we need to realign the country's course and fix our karma.

Could this be a turning point for America? Time will tell.

Thursday, September 22, 2005

 

Like It or Not...


The full track list for the new album is…

Hung Up
Get Together
Sorry
Future Lovers
I Love New York
Let It Will Be
Forbidden Love
Jump
How High
Isaac
Push
Like It Or Not

want more?

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

 

Ground Control To Major...Anyone?


Last night, I was forced to tiVo Lost because I was glued to the tv for another airliner incident in the form of breaking news. If any of you saw the Jet Blue emergency landing in Los Angeles you know what I mean. Basically, a Jet Blue flight had major landing gear issues and had to make a crash landing at LAX. While I was watching this unfold on my tv, I couldn't help but wonder if the people on the plane where watching the same breaking news on their direct TV offered in every seat. Suddenly live TV in flight seems like not such a good option. Those poor people.

After all was said in done one passenger said, "It was earie watching pur possible demise live on in flight CNN."

Ahhh technology. But glad everyone is ok nonethelsee. Now back to Lost (how ironic).

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

 

Talking Babies and Chest Hair




The new Robbie Williams video is here!

go here, scroll over "reveal your future" then click on "insane".

complicated I know, is it worth it? I can't tell.

Monday, September 19, 2005

 

Check It!





new Depeche Mode video!

here

 

Now, Thats Power


You know I love me some Oprah. But today when Oprah brought the President of Hermes onto her show I couldn't help but cringe a bit. She tried to set up the segment as if it was no big deal as she told the story of being turned away from a Hermes store over the summer. But then after she shrugged it off she basically made this man publicly apologize. The Oprah ass kissing was uncomfortable to watch but before I was fully finished with my judgment I realized how powerful Oprah is. Because of Oprah the entire staff of the Hermes company is now going to sensitivity training. Perhaps thats a little extreme, but damn, thats power.

I thought the whole bit was a little unnecessary but by the end of the show Oprah fully redeemed herself by announcing she has donated $10 Million to New Orleans, and then she unveiled her incredible "Put your money where your heart is" plan.

Again I say, now thats power!

Sunday, September 18, 2005

 

And So It Begins


The Fall TV season has begun. I've been counting the days, minutes and seconds for the return of some of my favorite shows. Here is a quick guide to my TiVO:

1. LOST: will those stranded on the island go down the hatch? Are the rafters at sea dead? Can Matthew Fox be any hotter?

2. ER: Can ER last without Dr. Carter?

3. Medium: Will Allison stop doubting herself? Can her on screen husband be any cooler?

4. Desperate Housewives: whose the baby's daddy?

5. Grey's Anatomy: is the comeback of Patrick Dempsey (aka Dr. McDreamy) for real?

6. Jack and Bobby: did this show get canceled? I cant find it.

Wondering if I should Tivo:

Supernatural (I watched the season premiere and I loved the Mulder and Scully references) and is Invasion any good?

Still way into Over There which is in it's mid season. And while I said farewell to Rescue Me I cant wait for its return next July.

So little time, so much TiVo.

 

Who Needs an Oscar Anyway?


Gangs of New York is one of my favorite films, its no wonder that even though I own it on DVD I found myself watching it tonight on television. And sure, it is like me to love a Scorsese/ DiCaprio flick (some of you can attest to how much I cried this year when the Academy didn't give either them a damn Oscar for Aviator--I couldn't get to the airport fast enough, I wanted to come home to Scorsese's town like never before). But beyond that, the poetry of Gangs will always be ingrained in my soul.

I first saw a glimpse of Gangs of New York in a 30minute preview at the Cannes Film Festival. The entire cast had gathered as Martin Scorsese presented his preview for the first time to the world. Later that day at the press conference I listened to Harvey Weinstein yell at the press for questioning how long the film took to make and how much money it cost (the quote went something like, "I'll f*cking tell you why this f*cking film took so long to f*cking make...").

When it came out in theaters I saw it with my friend JP. We cried, and cried some more, we felt pride for the city that we live in and the heritage that looms on the streets we walk every day. The whole film is a gem, but it is the last scene when the camera pans over the Butcher and the Priest's grave over looking the Brooklyn bridge that sums the film up best. Scorsese transports us across time as New York changed ending at our city's lost jewel. It is the moment that seals this film as a masterpiece which perhaps was more appropriate to the time it was made in than even the period it was about.

I cant review this film in the way I normally review movies on xtinefiles. For some reason tonight, I just needed to talk about it. Thanks for listening.

 

A Letter To...


Dear Bubba,

I miss you.

I saw clips of you last night on Larry King and it reminded me of a time when I actually had confidence in our Government. When you were President I felt totally protected and totally taken care of.

Bubba, YOUR America was the right America. YOUR America was something to be proud of. Life in YOUR America was so much better.

If you ever consider buying a large island and becoming King, I'd move there in a second. We can call it The People's Republic of Bubba. And we can all be happy, sane and safe again.

Love Always,
Xtine

Friday, September 16, 2005

 

And We Shall Call Him #2








WATCH

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

 

Cosmic Systems Intertwine


Damn it! The one time I decide NOT to go to a film festival Madonna and Bono show up. I've been traveling the world of film festivals, fighting off the endless rumors that clammer through festival crowds, "Madonna is here, Mick Jagger, Robbie, ooohh aaaaah". Well, they were all lies until now!

Madonna was at the at the Toronto Film Festival in support of Guy Ritchie's new film (see review, see soundbite, eeek). Bono showed up too. Though they were at separate events I am overwhelmed with the regret I feel for sitting this one out. Big mistake.

In other Toronto Film Fest news, I hear the film world has taken a universal gasp at the site of Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as cowboys turned lovers in the new film Brokeback Mountain (out this December). It is sure to be the kiss heard around the world. Guess we'll have to wait a couple of more months to see for ourselves. Haaarumph.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

 

And In A World Of Plenty...


OK, I'm gonna say it. I may get shit for it, but I am going to say it anyway. I am sick of benefit shows, sick of celebrities telling me to donate "everything I can" and sick of the same tired sad songs played for the express purpose of making you feel like crap over world events. I reflected on this after a conversation with Popmuse and my thoughts were confirmed after watching Larry King's broadcast last night. He showed a performance of Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban duetting to her song "Angels." They sounded like two pigeons fighting over a bread crumb in a supermarket parking lot.

First, people should feel compelled to donate money to those who need it and I have to say, shame on people that need to see a concert to remind them of their civic duty in the first place. We should want to donate not because we are being entertained to do so, but because its just the right thing to do.

Second, I find it particularly offensive that the people asking me to donate are among the richest in the country. People with 17 homes are asking me to 'donate everything I can.' What's up with that? If every celebrity that sang donated a percentage of their income similar to the percentage that I donate, trust me, everyone would be just fine. Open your homes, do a Japanese Rolaids commercial, write a check instead of going on TV and faking like you are upset while asking me to donate.

Third, and this is a biggy, stop singing depressing songs from a dark depressing sound stage! If you have to do a benefit show then make it up beat. After all you are asking people to do a good thing. Donating should be about celebrating your neighbor, the help one person can give another. The more songs I hear about death the more paranoid I get which actually takes my mind off of donating and instead I focus on the world ending and shit. Live 8 did it right, that was for a good cause I didn't want to kill myself after watching it. Even the Concert for America after 9/11 was pretty good because the people in audience were actually people who needed to see a good concert.

How about all celebs getting together and singing a new Feed The World (no, not re-recording the Hand Across America stuff I mean a NEW song). Or how about broadcasting a concert where the only people in the audience are those who lost everything. They could use a little entertainment and I bet the donations would come pouring in. Jeez, I'll take anything over another depressing benefit show.

I hope by now all of you have donated. Not because someone sang a song or because some over paid celebrity told you to do so. Donate because you would expect others to do the same for you. Donate because you probably have a little bit extra to give. Donate because you care. Donate because knowing you are part of the solution and not the problem will make you feel good. Donate because you should.

and if you dont believe me, listen to what Popmuse has to say.

 

Thanks, or As They Say in Iceland, Takk


I dont know how many Sigur Ros fans are out there, but my guess is there are tons of you and you just dont know it yet. Try to get your hands on their new CD Takk, it dropped today. Get Takk, pop it in your car stereo and drive.

And if you are already a fan, watch their new video

I saw Sigur Ros in concert a couple of years ago. It was the most depressing thing I ever saw and loved every second of it! Now if that's not a ringing endorsement what is?

Monday, September 12, 2005

 

"The extreme always seems to make an impression"


Ahh do I miss the angst ridden disenfranchised teen days of 1989 and 1990. Yesturday, for no apparent reason, I watched a double feature, back to back Heathers and Pump Up The Volume.

Perhaps I have a false perspective on my youth or perhaps in these two movies lies a message, a gem from long gone days of our Gen X past. It was fun to watch high school rebels making a mark, shedding the cloak of conformity, rising up and embracing individuality. I wonder how movies like these influenced us deep in our subconscious adolescent minds. Beyond the social messages, beyond Christian Slater's God like status and past the questionable fashion the truth is the late 80s and early 90s were a breading ground for Voice of Generation films. And probably these films wouldn't and couldn't exist in any other time period, especially not today.

If you want to a go on a trip, I suggest you dust off your Concrete Blond CD, crank up "Everybody Knows" and netflix Heathers and Pump Up The Volume.


Saturday, September 10, 2005

 

Confessions from a Gap Store


No, this is not a post mocking the title of Madonna's new album (though I expect that will come soon) it is though about something all together different...

I used to work at the Gap. I started folding jeans when I was 16 and continued working there until I graduated college. The brainwashing of my Gap days still lingers. Therefore I am pre programmed to remind you that it is back to school shopping time. I did some shopping today and after spending $80 I got this neat free CD "Favorite Songs." Michelle Branch covering David Bowie's "Life on Mars" made it the best $80 I've spent all weekend. The Alanis moment is pretty great too.

Friday, September 09, 2005

 

Fashion! Turn to the Left, Fashion!


Tonight I went to a fashion industry party to kick off Fashion Week in NYC. Usually I stay clear of fashionista parties - I'm more down with the movie, music, tv kids but for some reason tonight I made an exception. I know now why my previous policy of avoidance was aptly guided, because with all due respect to those involved, these fashion people are well, weird.

After crowd surfing through a sea of 400 or so fake tits for a rum and diet coke, I was able to observe the crowd through booze induced eyes. While some were there to see the night's entertainment [insert Grammy winning R&B act here] others were there in hopes of being discovered. Those "others" being freakishly tall women who were so hungry I pondered sponsoring them much like my Save the Children kid in Mozambique Africa and men with eyebrows waxed and tweezed enough to make an Italian girl like me jealous.

That said, I did spot the "outsiders" in the crowd, the out of place 'industry' people like me who were thinking the same thing as I, "why am I here." At times I would glance at those key "others" and would notice them composing their blog entry in their mind.

I made the fatal mistake of leaving before gift bags where distributed but I have to admit a slice of pizza seemed more compelling than sample sized hand cream wrapped in a bow and a starbucks gift certificate.

Dont get me wrong, I was grateful for the invite and I am glad I went. If nothing else it was nice reminder that food, in any form, is never a bad thing.

Haarumph.

Thursday, September 08, 2005

 

This just in...





Depeche Mode has announced their US tour dates. Opening act will be The Bravery!

I'll see ya'll at Madison Square Garden on December 7th

 

And We Are All Yellow


I saw Coldplay last night at Madison Square Garden in NYC. It was one of the best shows I have seen in a long time, solid A+. It was hit after hit after hit, and while watching the show I couldn't help but notice how amazing Coldplay truly is.

Upon entering the Garden I kept searching for Gwyneth Paltrow with Apple in tow screaming for people to Make Trade Fair. Well, I didn't see screaming Gwynie in the lobby, I did however notice her in the audience. Apple was seated behind her being tended to by the nanny.

Back to Coldplay. Here are my favorite moments:

1. Giant yellow beach balls fell from the ceiling during "Yellow", when they popped yellow confetti was dumped all around us

2. Random moment when they broke into the chorus of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence"

3. Chris Martin running out into the audience and singing "In My Place" from the crowd

4. The joy I felt during "Fix You"

And on a side note, have any of you noticed how cell phone lights have replaced the cigarette lighter as means of rock and roll concert worship? Times they are a changing.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

 

A Message from Anne Rice



"To my country I want to say this: During this crisis you failed us. You looked down on us; you dismissed our victims; you dismissed us. You want our Jazz Fest, you want our Mardi Gras, you want our cooking and our music. Then when you saw us in real trouble, when you saw a tiny minority preying on the weak among us, you called us "Sin City," and turned your backs.
Well, we are a lot more than all that. And though we may seem the most exotic, the most atmospheric and, at times, the most downtrodden part of this land, we are still part of it. We are Americans. We are you."


go here and read her whole article

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

 

Robbie Gets No Love


While on my Robbie Williams kick I found an interesting tidbit. The conversation allegedly went like this...

Courtney Love, "Hey, I was asking my friends who I should sleep with when I visit England and they said you. But I can't sleep with you because of the pop thing."

Robbie, "Well, I can't sleep with you because of the ugly thing."

yikes.

There is also a horrific rumor out there that Robbie may star in, I shit you not, a remake of Saturday Night Fever. I'm terrified.

Monday, September 05, 2005

 

Truth Is Boring...


While taking a break from CNN I finally decided to check my email for the first time this weekend. I am so damn glad I did because waiting in my in box was a treat from Robbie Williams (well, not really from him, more like from his peeps). Listen to Robbie Williams' new song Tripping (let the page load and then click on "inspired").

Despite rumors that Robbie is refusing to release his new album "Intensive Care" in America, I intend to get it, even if I need to fly to England (album due out on October 24th).

Would somebody please tell me why Robbie can't break America???

Sunday, September 04, 2005

 

My Country, 'Tis Of Thee...


Most of you probably have not read these documents in years. I read them again today and they made me cry. With 9/11, the War in Iraq and the mishandling of the American Refugees I think it is time we take a long hard look around.

So lets journey back to the 5th grade and relearn about what America is supposed to be.

From The Declaration of Independence:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

Bill of Rights
:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

United States Constitution:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Saturday, September 03, 2005

 

BBQ Wisdom...


I thought in celebration of Labor Day's three day weekend I'd provide you with a list of ready made excuses. Use them when declining invitations to those relentless end of summer parties:

1. "I fell in the bathtub and knocked myself unconscious, I didn't wake up until Tuesday"

2. "I can't come to your party because I am too busy donating"

3. "I can't afford to drive to your BBQ because gas prices are too high"

4. "I can't leave the house, I'm watching CNN"

(I realize #1 is different from the rest, but it does make me laugh). Have a great weekend!

 

Jake Wants You to Donate


While I have been busy urging celebrities to donate their millions to the red cross, I have forgotten about those lovable four legged creatures. For those of you who hate people but still feel like giving, my dear friend WD asked me to share this with you.

"The Humane Society is assembling an emergency relief effort. Should
you want to donate to the kitties and doggies of the Katrina mess, go here."

p.s. This photo is of my parent's cat Jake (which I guess makes him my feline brother? I love him!)

Friday, September 02, 2005

 

"How am I funny, like a clown? Tell me. Tell me what's funny about me?"



Yesterday I had lunch with some colleagues. We went to a restaurant in mid town. The kind of neon decor, pine nut crusted place that attracks people mostly under the age of lets say 45. Which is why I guess my party of four was surprised by the party of four older, serious looking gentleman sitting next to us.

We joked about how out of place they looked, not because of their age, but because of how they looked. One guy looked a lot like Junior from the Soprano's. Another guy looked a lot like Joe Pesci. We joked around for a while and my friend loudly said, "Yeah that could be Joe Pesci if Joe Pesci was like 30 years older and more frail." We laughed at that thought and continued to eat our lunch joking about how much like Joe Pesci and Junior the two dudes looked.

It wasn't until the Joe Pesci looking guy turned around to give us a stare that we realized, the Joe Pesci looking guy was in fact Joe Pesci.

I feel bad because I think we were a little loud about it too. Nonetheless, I hope Mr. Pesci enjoyed his meal with the wise old men, and I hope he didn't forget to donate.

Only in NY.

Thursday, September 01, 2005

 

Confessions of an Arm Brace






She obviously read my letter and took my advice on getting a couture sling.

I hope she donates.

 

I Heart PopMuse


Dear Popmuse,

As you can tell I have been in a letter writing mood lately. I wanted to publicly thank you for providing the sound track to my life for over 10 years. No matter how bad a day I am having, all I need to do is tap into your pop culture world. It is a jumbo box crayola world that you draw for me daily. Vibrant, brilliant, and full of awe. You can make (within an instant) my day turn around.

Today I found inspiration in this. Thank you for finding it and thank you for sharing it with all of us. In a world of chaos, natural disaster, war, terrorism and horror, sometimes we all need to take pause and just listen.

To all my blogger friends...let it be known the one who goes by the name popmuse truly is a pop muse.

Love,
Xtine

p.s. news reports of devistation got you down? listen to the link above, and thank popmuse. oh and dont forget to donate.

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