XtineFiles

2007-04-12T11:23:00.000-04:00

Do As I Say!!!

2007-04-02T20:21:00.000-04:00

go here now

set your Tivo.

Oh Trent!

2007-04-01T00:15:00.000-04:00

Trent Reznor lives!

It seems like he has been gone for quite a bit and there were rumours in LA for like two solid years that he became one of the departed. The living proof? I just got an advance of the new NIN cd. It is pretty great.

All this time I thought Trent was dead in the Mojave desert. But I was wrong, Trent is not dead, he's just been at the gym. Dare I say, he's now hot in that post goth way. Shaved head, buff body and all. Am I nuts? Maybe a little bit. Perhaps I've just been sleeping too much.

check this out...performing Bela Lugosi's Dead w/ Peter Murphy. (one of the best songs of all time, remember the Hunger?)

Ed vs. Spencer and What Not

2007-03-25T18:48:00.000-04:00

I've been home...sick all weekend. As a result I've gotten myself caught up in several cable tv marathons interspersed with an occasional flick. Here is how Xtine spent her weekend.

Ed vs Spencer.
I pray you have BBC America! Ed v. Spencer is a non-fiction series (I prefer to not use the word "reality") where Ed and Spencer are the best of friends (with a competitive edge). Each week they challenge each other to a ridiculous competition. From "who can get the sickes" to who can "earn the most money in a day." The show is utterly entertaining, fun, and lets face it both Ed and Spencer are very easy on the eyes. I think I like Spencer better.

Gene Simmons Family Jewels.
When this series first hit A&E I shrugged it off as an Osbourne's copy. And sure enough it is an Osbournes copy. But I watched every episode and needless to say I am hooked. One day I'll do a side by side caparison of both shows; both wives are named Sharon, there is a son and a daughter. Yadda yadda. But for now what I find most interesting is this show is funnier than the Osbournes. Where the only funny thing was trying to understand Ozzy. Gene on the other hand is totally articulate. Must be the tongue (ewwww). Tonight is the premiere of Season 2. Cant wait.

How Clean Is Your House?
I love this show. I have always caught bits and pieces but this weekend I was caught in a marathon. Perhaps its the quick wit of those lovely English ladies sniffing all the people's dirties or perhaps its just that this show makes me feel better about my own clutter.

Underworld: Evolution
I dont like Kate Beckinsale. Perhaps it was the moment in Pearl Harbor after the place got leveled. She lovingly looks at Ben Affleck and says, "You left and then all this happened," as she points to the burning wreckage. All this? Meaning? Pearl Harbor?? Either way, her role in Underworld ROCKS making me rethink my dislike of her. Underworld 2 was not nearly as good as Underworld 1 but nevertheless I enjoyed it.

Jerry Maguire.
Every time this movie is on I have to watch it. I guess deep down inside it is remains one of my guilty pleasure films. Perhaps it reminds me of a time when Tom Cruise seemed normal and likable. Oh well.

The end.

The Joshua Tree Turns 20

2007-03-20T22:18:00.000-04:00

and I am officially ancient...

read this post and watch the clips please.

I cant discuss the meaning of this for me right now, its too emotional. Perhaps, some feelings are best left unspoken.

This Is SPAARTAAAA!!!!!

2007-03-17T21:38:00.000-04:00

300 is my porn equivalent. Stunning visuals, a loud layered score, men dressed in leather speedos, steel boots and red capes throwing spears and shields. Really. What could be better? And even though I tried dating Greek once before and it ended horribly, I've been inspired to try again (note to self...even though the cast was mostly not Greek, its the idea that counts). But that is a story for another day.

Its no wonder 300 was borne of a Graphic Novel. All the good movies these days seem to be in one way or another. And even though one can compare the violence in this film to that of Sin City you can't compare apples to oranges even if they are grown in the same state. Or something like that.

It was especially interesting seeing this film in my very Greek neighborhood. "That's not very historically accurate" said one woman only after pointing out to her date that she has a bit of Spartan blood in her.

Histrionics aside. This film kicked ass. And the oozing bliss of this film aside it's simple message happens to be a very good one (except for the baby throwing of course).

Hot Actor Factor: 100 on a scale of 100 (I love you Gerard Butler, always have)
Quotability Factor: 100 (my boss actually said in a meeting this week when referring to a rival company, "If they go after me, that would be very stupid of them, it would be WAR!")
Cry Meter: 0
# Of Motivational Spartan pre-battle speeches: 46
# Of Times I wished King Gerard Butler would say "THIS IS SPARTA" again: 8
# Of Times I pondered Gerard Butler's abs: 117
Running time of the film: 117 minutes

All Hail SCORSESE!!!

2007-02-26T00:22:00.000-05:00

Amen.

MEGA BOOKSTORES!

2007-02-18T13:17:00.000-05:00

Every Sunday I go to the very large commercial bookstore in my neighborhood. I go there because there was a time when I liked book stores and old habits dont go away so easily.

I remember a time when book stores (even the big ones) were quiet. I MEAN SILENT! Sadly times have changed. Book shops are now mega bookstores. They are sort of like a Costco or Best Buy for books. Where by loud music echos throughout the store, milk is being steamed to perfection as it bellows from the cappuccino machines, and small children are encouraged to run around screaming.

I'm all for Americans reading more but I cant say for sure if any reading is actually going on. In fact I cant quite understand why so many people are there in the first place.

You cant thumb through a new novel that you may want to buy because you would need to actually pull a book off a shelf first. This task is impossible to do unless you are willing to you climb over packs of children that litter the isles using book shelves as leaning posts and head rests. You cant sample a chapter of that new political biography because even if you make it to the shelf you cant actually hear your inside voice read over the noise of Dido singing about "going down with the ship" on the store's stereo system. You cant even read a magazine because the local chapter of Moms with Attitude are holding a town meeting about alternate side of the street parking and the new neighborhood hair salon in the magazine section.

The only section of the store I can find any kind of peace is in the Religion and Middle Eastern studies section which is sort of ironic. Its the only section of the store that has not been colonized by the suburban American beasts that do nothing but drink Green Tea Frappaccino's and catch up on local gossip while other shoppers watch them wishing Hilary Clinton's "It Takes A Village" really gave permission to scare other people's children into obedient silence.

For the third week in a row I have come home with a book about the religions of the world. This weeks purchase was Jerusalem: One City Three Faiths last week's purchase was The Fight For Jerusalem. Interesting reading, yes. But in a sea of books could I dare hope to find something else? Nope.

I used to like book stores. I like reading. I like browsing for new ideas. I dont want to buy my books on-line. I miss the old lady in the reading glasses with her gray hair pulled back in a bun shhusshing everyone. I want my damn bookstore back.

So when did this happen? Has the bookstore truly gone the mega route? Is nothing sacred anymore.

Perhaps I need to renew the good old library card. Or do they play out dated pop music there too?

This Little Piggy Went To...

2007-02-17T20:37:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Mongolian, etc NEW YEAR.

2007 is knows as the year of the Pig (actually its a Boar). It is also known by its former name of Ding Hai. Or as I like to call it, "keep eating porky, and you'll need to buy new clothes"

Some fun facts:

"Its better to give than to receive" would probably be the Pig’s motto

Famous people born in the Year Of The Pig include Hillary Rodham Clinton, Nigella Lawson, Sarah Ferguson, Julie Andrews, Winona Ryder, Marie Osmond, Jenna Elfman, Shannen Doherty, Camilla Parker-Bowles, Paula Yates, Marie Antoinette, Christina Applegate, Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball, Humphrey Bogart, Thomas Jefferson, Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Hitchcock, Mahalia Jackson, Letterman and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Air Travel

2007-02-02T22:19:00.000-05:00

I had only a few days home between Israel and heading to Utah for the Sundance Film Festival. I got a cold sometime after I got home from Tel Aviv. I got rid of that cold in Utah, only to get a whole new cold after I got home from Utah. A wise friend of mine said, "You just need to stay off of airplanes for a while." And its true, I've pretty much flew around the world in 40 days. London, Israel, and the less exotic Utah. The frequent flyer miles pile up but man does the body hurt. And lets face it, flying pretty much sucks. I sat in business class to London and Israel but felt the pain of coach on my trip to Utah. Which brings us to the topic of this post.

Exit Rows.

My sister just got home from a trip and has confessed to me that her policy on planes is to request and in some cases DEMAND the exit row. And I don't blame her. There was a time in my adolescent days of business travel that I too would opt for the Exit row. You get more leg room, wonderful nods of appreciation from your fellow travelers and a sense of human heroic obligation.

Now, in the heyday of my business traveling life I push over babies waiting in line, I flash my Gold Member Mile card at every turn and I plow past the greetings of the pleasant flight attendants all in the quest of getting that coveted overhead bin space. I've earned the right to board first, get overhead space first, be belted up first, and get the lone pillow first. Mostly I've earned the right to be the first to be knocked out cold from enough Xanax and in some cases Booze and Xanax that would quiet a medium size sheep dog who was forced to sleep on a bed a push pins.

I no longer can request Exit rows because on air planes, I am no longer qualified. I leave that duty to the more alert folks on board who appreciate the leg room and relish in the opportunity to do their civic duty should they be required. Or so I thought!

On my sister's most recent flight she sat in the Exit row as per her new policy. And the very strong man seated next to her proceeded to drink 4 bottles of wine during the flight. Rendering him not drunk enough to cause an emergency landing in Dallas, but just drunk enough to make him utterly useless in the event he needed to open the door and perform the duty that befalls one who sits in the Exit row. My sister was alone, carrying the burden that no person should carry alone, regardless of their upper body strength.

Thankfully no such duties where needed on her flight. But it does beg for some questioning. Shouldn't the PA system that announces emergency procedures be revised and shouldn't new rules be applied? Instead of, "If you are seating in an emergency row and can not perform the duties please notify the flight attendant blah blah blah" (Which basically means, 'If you are to much of a sissy and if you are dumb enough to give up the extra leg room, raise you hand'). I would much prefer the announcements set some ground rules. For example, refraining from getting wasted, falling asleep or popping so many pills so that in the event your services are needed you are actually able to perform them.

In fact, the only thing you should be allowed to do on a plane in an Exit row is pray that you don't have to perform your duties.

I vote for change my friends. Someone's gotta do it, and that someone is not me.

Israel- last post

2007-01-26T01:24:00.000-05:00

Whatever your faith, this is how God says "goodnight" in Jerusalem

...lights will guide you home

More from Israel

2007-01-16T16:39:00.000-05:00

In addition to the spirituality, the warmth of the people, the seriousness of the politics, here are some of the other things I loved about Israel...

1. My new friend Henry refers to the hummus in Israel as "sex in a bowl." He is right. It is one of the best things you will ever taste.

2. Mud from the Dead Sea heals everything. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. It has a salt content so high that it will kill you if you swallow a gulp. However, the mud from the sea floor is magic. I had exczema on part of my left hand for weeks. On Sunday I stuck my left hand into the sea and into the mud. It burned like hell for about five minutes, but since then the exczema has cleared up. My hand is not even red any more. Amazing!

3. You can buy a bag of anything for less than 20 Shekels (about $4.00). Bags of dates, bags of beads, bags of bread, bags of salt, bags of hot jelebi (fried dough-yummm!)...you get the point.

4. Everything in the arab quarter of the old city in Jerusalem costs 40% less than the price they originally ask you for. I was walking down a tiny street past Station of the Cross III and a man jumped out from an alley way and said to me, "You want car? I have nice car for you American lady, good price." And then a little kid rode by on a bicycle and spit on me (but thats for a different list).

5. Everything is cooked in copious amounts of olive oil (the green kind!)

6. Almost every day they (I dont know who they is) clean away all of the paper prayers and wishes that people place in the cracks and crevices of the Western Wall. They bury the wishes and prayers in holy ground, making room in the wall for more wishes.

7. Hebrew is written from right to left. Why? Because Hebrew is an ancient language and before the days of paper and note pads things needed to be etched and carved in stone. Given that most of the population then and now is right handed it was and is much easier to carve out letters from right to left than the reverse. One holds the carving instrument at an angle in the left hand and bangs a mallet with the right, thus creating letters from right to left.

8. "Fish" means shell fish (shrimp, calamari, etc) "Meat" means other kinds of fish (a.k.a. salmon) and also meat like red meat and poultry.

9. Camels have a punk rock attitude like no other animal

10. When Israelis speak Hebrew they speak like Israelis, when the speak English they speak like New Yorkers.

11. All signs are written in Hebrew and Arabic. Every sign you look at is a fantastical graphic design (for those of us that dont speak Hebrew or Arabic)

12. Tel Aviv clubs and bars play huge amounts of Depeche Mode and the Cure

13. I wanted to get a quickie re-Baptism and my friend now and forever more known as Eli wanted to get a quickie Bar Mitzvah, but sadly Jerusalem is not like Vegas. Probably a good thing in the long run.

more to come.

Xtinefiles in Israel

2007-01-15T12:21:00.000-05:00

Shalom!

I'm home. I'm a little sad, I wish I could have stayed longer and I cant wait to go back.

It was a very intense journey. We saw as much as we could. From the night life in Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea, to the Old City in Jerusalem.

Every moment was breath taking. It was a clash of cultures. One moment you are standing on Jewish Holy ground surrounded by the Israeli Army, the next moment you're touching a piece of rock were Jesus was anointed, all while hearing Muslim prayers over loud speakers that echo throughout the city.

I can't fully articulate what it is truly like in Israel. I dont even think words can capture it. There is something magnetic about Jerusalem. The Western Wall vibrates. When you touch it you can feel its pulse. Everywhere I walked, everything I saw, everything I smelled and heard is so vastly different from any other place I have ever been. There is intense security, which is good because in the back of your mind you know how volatile this place is. And its no wonder why there is so much fighting. Everybody wants a piece of it.

On my final day I sat on a slab of rock right outside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. I had a long conversation with one of our guides, Adam, a 28 year old Israeli, with an amazing perspective on the world. He said the Hezbollah in Lebanon are re-arming and he expects this summer to be a hard time for the Israelis. Then he said, "I am so glad you got to see this place now...It is the center of the universe and the center of religion and it can get destroyed at any time." That makes me deeply sad.

I'm moved in a way I cant explain and will remain forever changed from this experience.

Xtinefiles Goes to the Middle East

2007-01-01T01:25:00.000-05:00

No joke.

In less then a week
Xtinefiles is off to the Holy Land for a bit of work, some self discovery and a whole lot of character building.

Stand by for Updates from Israel.

Peace be with us all.

Happy New Year.

MOVIES OF THE YEAR

2006-12-31T17:08:00.000-05:00

This year movies pretty much stank. The Oscars are going to be a joke. In fact, the Oscars are a joke! An antiquated system governed by antiquated people. So, here on Xtinefiles, I'm making my own rules. Movies of the Year go to films that made me scream YEAAAHHHH while holding back droplets of pee pee.

I hate to be graphic, but come on for a minute! Movies are supposed to keep you on the edge of your seat. They are supposed to make you want more as they throw you head on into the abyss of all that is real and unreal. They should make you think, feel, cringe, cry and scream. That is what movies are supposed to do. Period.

Movie of the Year...
SUPERMAN RETURNS
THE DEPARTED*
BORAT: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
BLOOD DIAMOND

* lets just make one thing perfectly clear...if Leo DiCaprio, Marty and Departed don't win some sort of Oscar I'm quitting da bizness. (And the Golden Globes do not count because have you ever met a member of the Hollywood foreign press? Thought not.)

I shall name my first born Leonardo Kal-El.

End Year.

What Will Be Movie of the Year????

2006-12-29T22:07:00.000-05:00

Tune in New Years Eve!

WOMEN OF THE YEAR

2006-12-29T10:59:00.000-05:00

1. Beyonce.
Ms. Knowles tops the list because she is a star with out the raucous. In a recent interview with Diane Sawyer, Beyonce admits that the most important thing to her right now is going home to her mom's house where she will spend the week eating fried turkey. Now, what other female celeb will admit to eating, no less eating fried turkey? bon appetite Beyonce.

2. Nancy Pelosi.
She'll be the first woman speaker of the house in US history when the congress hands over power in January. Her first order of business? Having a four day party to celebrate this historic occasion. Go Nancy Go Nancy Go!

3. Diane Sawyer.
She dresses like a Wisconsin librarian, forgetting at every turn that she is on TV and people are watching. But perhaps thats just what is most brilliant about her. The work comes first, the glamour comes second.

4. Madonna.
She cant do anything right. She's been unfairly 'crucified' in the media for the adoption of baby David, thus proving the theory that people just dont like it when celebrities do good things. Keep up the good work Madge.

5. Barbara Walters.
Say what you want about baba, she gets huge props for standing behind Rosie O'Donnell for blasting that sue happy Donald Trump (so far, that is). She also gets a big nod for her very human, funny, and genuine interaction with the Dali Lama in her recent special on Heaven.

MEN OF THE YEAR

2006-12-29T10:58:00.000-05:00

1. George Clooney.
Its simple. People know what Darfur is because of him.

2. Sacha Baron Cohen as Borat.
Inbetween the sex jokes, the mispronunciations and one very large bag of poop, Borat has pointed out all of our flaws in this supposed civilized nation.

3. Martin Scorsese.
Once again Scorsese has delivered a Oscar winning movie that will probably NOT earn him the Oscar. See the Departed, weep for him in February.

4. Bono and Russell Simmons (tied).
Busy dudes? Hell yes. Time for the people? Hell yes.

5. Anderson Cooper.
Wherever the world needs him, he goes. He's been battered by hurricanes, moved to tears by humanitarian crisis, and nearly died when Hezbollah rockets flew past his head in Haifa. For those things alone, he must be on a best list!

BEST NEW TELEVISION SERIES OF THE YEAR

2006-12-28T20:32:00.000-05:00

Doctor Who

RUNNER UP:
Jericho

DOCUMENTARY FILMS OF THE YEAR

2006-12-28T20:25:00.000-05:00

1. The Beauty Academy of Kabul (dir. Liz Mermin)
2. DARKON
3. So Goes The Nation (dir. Adam Del Deo and James D. Stern)
4. This Film Is Not Yet Rated (dir. Kirby Dick)
5. Word Play (dir. Patrick Creadon)
6. The Gospel of Judas

Ad Campaign of the Year

2006-12-28T19:48:00.000-05:00

1. Star Wars on Cinemax set to Coldplay.
2. The Gieco Ads. Caveman goes to the therapist.
3. The GAP: Audrey Hepburn Back In Black

Best Live TV Moments of the Year

2006-12-26T22:35:00.000-05:00

Best Live TV Moments of the Year (world wide)

1. Borat on Letterman
2. Thom York on The Henry Rollins Show
3. The Head Butt heard around the world
4. Muse on the MTV Europe Awards
5. Ozzy Osbourne on the Henry Rollins Show
6. Matt Lauer vs. George Bush on the Today show
7. Nancy Pelosi wins the house

Parody of the Year

2006-12-26T19:43:00.000-05:00

The Barry Gibb Talk Show.

Talking politics and the the issues of the day.

Talking it up.

(check out 2nd place too)

Coming Soon...

2006-12-23T10:27:00.000-05:00

The 2nd Annual
Xtinefiles Year-End BEST OF Special

Tiny Tim and What Not...

2006-12-02T10:55:00.000-05:00

Top reasons why I am very excited to go to London:

5. I've been to England twice, but never around Christmas time. I'm into the idea of an English Christmas, and the folks at work have dared me to taste some figgy pudding.

4. I'm looking forward to getting all of my News from BBC1, HELLO!, OK, The Telegraph, and Sky sports.

3. It is going to be really interesting to see if the above News will be reporting on a) the war in Iraq b) crisis in the Middle east c) radiation poisoning in London d) American politics all with same fear, fury, and spin as like I am seeing on my TV right now here in the US

2. "Welcome to the Virgin Mega Store, Piccadilly Circus" boom cha boom cha boom cha. "Whats the lemon?" Time babies, time...cockney rhyming slang. oh yes.

1. Maybe Robbie will be there too.

Killer Queen

2006-11-28T22:04:00.000-05:00

I wanted to title this post Who Wants To Live Forever? But thought that too morbid.

Xtinefiles in off to London in less that a week. Mostly for work, partly to stalk Robbie, and sort of to just live the brit life. The last time I was in London was during the big millennium celebrations of 2000. I'm glad to return six years later and in honor of my glorious return I have loaded the following songs on my ipod for the journey:

Radio Ga Ga
We Are The Champions
Killer Queen
Under Pressure
Who Wants to Live Forever
The Show Must Go On
These Are the Days of Our Lives
God Save the Queen
Somebody to Love
In The Death Cell (Love Song from Flash Gordon)
Flash (Flash Gordon)
I Want to Break Free

Orange Food

2006-11-26T21:44:00.000-05:00

Sad Thanksgiving is over? Here is a recipe for you:

Sweet Potato Latkas

Sweet potatoes
Butternut Squash
Plantains
Matzo Meal
Egg

Grate the potatoes, squash and plantains into a bowl. Add egg and matzo meal. Deep fry in a pan of vegetable oil. Server hot with apple sauce or sour cream.

Follow with 2 tablespoons of pepto.

Mini Cup

2006-11-12T17:37:00.000-05:00

I'm going through significant World Cup withdrawal, and apparently I'm not the only one. This weekend DN and I attended the Viking Cup. Its a round robin tournament for soccer fans playing the game in teams representing their country of origin.

One of the attendees filled me in that even though most of the teams there were of Swedish background, they organized themselves to, at least, represent some of Europe. A Swedish team pretended to be Swiss and a mixed team represented what looked like to be Croatian uniforms. There was however one team that stood out. The ITALIANS of course!

After a day of gaming it came to down to two teams, and even though a France v. Italy rematch would have been great deep in heart of Queens, the finalist were the Swedish pretending to be Swiss verses the Italians. Guess who won? The Italians!

The best part of the day though was when I got hit in the leg with a ball gone fowl. I'm a little bruised but the Italian apology made it worth it. Ahhhh, only in Queens. Only in Queens.

Quotes of the day:

Xtine to DN: "I hope one of their balls hit me in the face"
DN faking the voice of her son to a blonde Swede: "Are you my daddy?"
Sweed#22 to Italian #11: "Svsaai Yaaaa Zvaa Edinswen" (or something like that)
Italian #11 to Italian #22: "Paolo! F%@K! Shut It, F&@K, Ass..."

I II III IV V VI

2006-11-11T21:24:00.000-05:00

If Xtinefiles had an award show and "best movie promo" was a category at that awards show Cinemax would win! As all of you by now know the movie channel Cinemax is having (for the first time ever) a Star Wars marathon. Yes, episodes 1-6 back to back all weekend. My tivo is working overtime, not just for the films but for the promo's.

A couple of weeks ago JF, SR and I were strolling through Brooklyn and we noticed signs all over the place reading "Street closed for star wars promo. Cinemax." I knew if several blocks of Brooklyn real estate were to be closed for a promo shoot, the result had to be entertaining, and it was, oh it was.

Try to catch the promo's and the marathon. Here is just a little taste

Movie clips set to Fix You (you will cry!)

Funny Promo

Leo D Wants an Oscar

2006-11-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

Would someone give this man an Oscar already? And while you are at it, please give him one too.

I finally saw The Departed. My love for Leo D aside (its a deep love kids), it was amazing. The Departed was Scorsese evoking that Goodfella's spirit we love so much. I remember the year Gangs was nominated. I was standing in MBP's living room in West Hollywood when Marty was robbed by the Academy. I swore right then and there that I would never return to LA, the town the loves to rob Scorsese. Of course I have returned dozens of time. A little heart broken but hopeful that one day that rusty old Clint would be sitting in the audience watching Scorsese claim the award. Same goes for Leo. I dont know if this is the year (Flags of Our Fathers, damn it!!!). But please please let me dream.

Words cant describe the Departed. Just go see it already.

Hot Actor Factor: LEVEL 10 (x 3...sorry boys but Mark, Matt and Leo in the same movie is whole latta man)
# of itches away from the edge of my seat: 1/4 inch
#of times my friend had to poke me to point out that I was making squeaking noises during the film: 17
Bathroom visits: 0
#of in film homage's to Scarface: 1 1/2

Nov. 5th

2006-11-05T11:18:00.000-05:00

Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...

confused? go here

In need of an update? check this.

Chenquieh

2006-11-04T17:26:00.000-05:00

I braved opening night at the movies, something Leo Dicaprio can barely get me to do, but BORAT was calling. So I went and I like! No sense in writing an extensive review, I mean its Borat, you either get him or you dont. Which I might add is my only concern. Will people find him so funny that they fail to get the point? Borat in all of his satire is trying to teach us dumb Americans a thing or two. Will we learn?

Laughter Meter: Level 1, wall to wall
# of hours I spent contemplating the legal budget of the film: 3
# of minutes spent covering my eyes: 5minutes (when you see the movie, you'll know the scene)
# of bathroom breaks: 0
Hot Actor Factor: 7.4, ok I'll admit it. I have a crush on Borat.

And thanks to Borat, as of today, the following terms are now being used (liberally) in all of world...

Khram = genitals
Chenquieh= Thank you
Hand relief = masturbation
Jagshemash= how are you
Liquid explosion/ sexy time explosion/ romantic explosion = ejaculation
Sexy time (sexy intercourse) = sex
Testes satchel= scrotum
Mouth party (sex in mouth) = oral sex
Making a dirt= to defecate
Making brown = to defecate
Making romance inside= to have sexual intercourse

A Hunting We Will Go

2006-10-29T20:04:00.000-05:00

In celebration of Halloween, I've been stuck on several ghost hunting shows. Shows like A Haunting and Most Haunted have kept me moderately frightened and entertained. As a result, I've come to several compelling conclusions about possessions, hauntings, exorcisms, and the over-all evil doing un dead.

*When a family reaches their breaking point and leaving their haunted house is not an option their final attempt on eliminating the ghosts is calling in the Catholic Priest. Nobody ever seems to call a Rabbi, a Muslim Cleric or a Buddhist Monk. Sure every once in a while a shaman will show up, but for the most part de-haunting a house has become the plight of the Catholic Priest.

*During an exorcism the person calling out the spirit always screams and yells in a manner that seems to only infuriate the spirit more. Asking it to leave nicely seems totally out of the question. "Leave this house now, I command you!"

*The Night Vision Goggle Green Light Re-inactments: Why the hell would you ghost hunt in the dark?

*With regard to the Catholic Priest. Any Priest has the authority to perform a common exorcism, that is excising evil from a home or place. However, the Vatican must approve any attempt on an exorcism of a possessed person or persons. As in, "lick me lick me" and "the power of Christ compels you"

*Thanks to the Sixth Sense suddenly everyone is an expert. A light chill in the room? Clearly the house is haunted. Hairs raised on the back of your neck? Oh yeah, thats a ghost for sure.

*Advice to Ghost Hunters: Dont scream out, "Show yourself you evil bastard, I'm not scared of you!" and then scream like a little girl when the unplugged tv mysteriously turns on by itself. wuss.

Happy Hunting.

Confirm or Deny

2006-10-22T10:52:00.000-04:00

I just watched the controversial documentary Loose Change. The film Loose Change is a deeply concerning documentary that systematically pulls apart the details of September 11th providing a view point that clearly implicates the Government as the cause, catalyst and beneficiary of the Attacks. Some the the theories the film presents are not only plausible in its presentation but also quite alarming. The film maker never wavers in his point of view and never presents an alternative argument to his thesis. A lot of people are understandably pissed off about this film, but I have the feeling that was the intent.

This film is not a masterpiece by any means (the film has various versions due to legalities, fair use footage, copyright issues and an issue of Popular Mechanics which was devoted to debunking the whole film) and true this is only one of dozens of docs about 9/11 conspiracies. And of course whether or not you believe in the film makers 'conspiracy theory' is up to you. But what is refreshing is that now (more than ever) there is a willingness to question and consider new possibilities. And, I appreciate that this willingness is coming from a younger demographic.

Age of the film maker Dylan Avery: 22 years old
At the time of this post: 2,548,331 have dowloaded the film
According to a New York Times/CBS poll: only 16% of Americans believe the government is telling the truth on what it knew prior to the terrorist attacks

watch the doc here:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7866929448192753501&q=loose+change+recut

Ghosts, Fairies, Aliens and Dust Balls

2006-10-19T21:58:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken of me last night at a party. Yes, I know my eyes are very telling (wine, rum, wine, rum, wine, etc) but that is not the point. The point is, above my head is an Orb. Some people say Orbs are just dust particles in the air or simple light reflections into camera lenses. Others however think Orbs are spirits, ghosts, guardian angels, fairies, or alien monitoring systems.

I was kind of on the fence about all of that, but 73 pictures were taken last night and I was the only person who had an Orb hovering above them. And as a result of my massive Internet research on the subject of Orbs I am totally freaked out!

What do you think? Discuss.

here is what the experts say:
ghost study
hollow hill

You're Gonna Make It After All!

2006-10-16T22:51:00.000-04:00

Those of you who work for a big company know at least once a year the whole company gets together in a giant hotel ball room to talk about successes, air grievances, sing songs, and celebrate working with the 'best of the business'. I had such an event the other day. At the event the head of the company gave out funny awards.

I received the Mary Richards Award.

At first, I was mortified. After all, Mary Richards is the fictional character played by Mary Tyler Moore in the Mary Tyler Moore Show. Mary moves to Minneapolis after a relationship goes bad. She finds work as a producer in a small television newsroom. Mary continues to hope for romance but she finds her friends are more dependable. Hummm.

By now the shock is starting to wear off as I sit here with my framed Mary Richards award certificate. And, well, to be honest it is starting to grow on me. Perhaps Mary Richards and I aren't so different after all. And maybe thats not such a bad thing. Oh Mary.

RED

2006-10-13T21:43:00.000-04:00

Read about it here
Do something about it here
Join here
Buy it here

Grey Gardens

2006-10-12T08:32:00.000-04:00

My dear friend LM is proud of me. After all these years I have finally embraced the ever elusive documentary film. True I was forced into it by some strange office twist of fate, but nonetheless I am finding a new found joy in all that is truer than fiction.

In celebration, this weekend I watched the infamous 1975 Maysles classic Grey Gardens. Holy cow. Gray Gardens is a painterly like film that looks inside the very very strange lives of Edith Bouvier Beale and Edie Beale (the aunt and cousin of Jackie Kennedy). The film looks at their eccentric lives in a cat infested broken down mansion in Long Island's well to do East Hampton. It is riveting from start to finish and not surprisingly is making a comeback as out takes are about to be released on DVD. Netflix it. Now.

# of times I called my outfits this week a "costume": 4
# of times I have heard "Its like Gray Gardens meets..." in pitch meetings: 14
# of head scarfs and pashmina's I own: 8
# of times I wear said head scarfs: 0 (well, maybe once on Memorial day weekend)
# of cats in the Beale home: more than 10
Rumored to play Edith and Edie in the "based on" movie: Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange
Other famous East Hampton residents: P.Diddy, Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, Steven Spielberg, Will Smith, Ronald Perelman

Scene from Grey Gardens set to Madonna music

The Remix

Claymation Edie on finding a Libra husband

Gray Gardens Fan Site

Cooper!

2006-10-11T20:03:00.000-04:00

Prior to the plane crash moment in NYC this afternoon xtine had a celebrity sighting. I dont normally get star struck. I mean there was a time way back when celebrity left me in constant awe, but after you meet enough of them the enigma, allure, and exhilaration tends to wear off. It becomes, at the very least, only slightly amusing.

That said, today's celebrity sighting evoked the spirit of surprise and childlike giddiness I once had. I was walking down 23rd street, I had my new prada hand bag in one hand and script for my latest project in the other. I was lamenting on the rough cut I had just screened and continued on my walk back to the office as most NY'ers do, in silent soulless oblivion. I rounded the corner of 23rd street and 7th avenue when I bumped into, literally, CNN's Anderson Cooper. I stopped dead in my tracks, and like a star struck fool my mouth was agape as my body froze. Anderson Cooper, tv news super star and me on the corner of 23rd and 7th. My reaction was slightly embarrassing, I mean I've become a self proclaimed anti celebrity whore (goes to show you sometimes our personal declarations best go unspoken).

But all of this is not the point of my story. The point is, should I be concerned that the only people (celebs or sub-lebs) left for me are those who give me my tv news? Would Larry King have evoked the same reaction (yikes)? Are my tabloid days truly over?

Perhaps some meditation is in order.

p.s.
AR-be safe over in Tel Aviv, come home soon.

Heads Up

2006-10-06T17:36:00.000-04:00

It is my dream to get Marco Materazzi and Zinédine Zidane to either make up or work their stuff out live on air on one of the shows I produce. I am starting to get the feeling I'm the only one in America who still cares, but I won't give up (yet).

Watch this VERY funny recap.

At Least He Tries

2006-10-05T22:03:00.000-04:00

I saw this on "PopBitch." I'm not sure if its a joke or if its true, but I will admit it made me laugh:

Bono is at a U2 concert in Glasgow when he asks
the audience for some quiet. Then in the silence,
he starts to slowly clap his hands.
He says into the microphone...
"Every time I clap my hands, a child in Africa dies."

A voice from near the front pierces the silence...
"Well, stop fucking clapping then."

Oh Robbie!

2006-09-26T21:32:00.000-04:00

He is back, just when I needed him most.

Lovelight

Soilent Green is People...Its People!!!

2006-09-18T20:43:00.000-04:00

I have made a very important decision. I have decided that from this day forth I will only get my television news from either the BBC or CNN International.

When I awoke from a bad nights sleep several days ago, the very last thing I expected to see on my TV was a bright red BREAKING NEWS graphic on CNN (US) that read "KILLER SPINACH, 1 DEAD, 100 MORE INFECTED." That warning has been playing on my TV every day since. We got the message the first time, don't eat bagged spinach (which by the way, ha to all you people that thought if something wrapped in dupont plastic its clean). I cant help wonder, despite the unfortunate souls with severe E.Coli symptoms, that this is some sort of conspiracy sponsored by a pharmaceutical company.

I keep imagining a room full of corporate masterminds conspiring on how to make Americans constipated quick. In fact I am so convinced that there is something sinister behind this horrible defamation of spinach that I am willing to wager a bet that within the next month Merck, Glaxo and others will be advertising a new drug certain to clear up your clogged pipes. I am sure the commercial is being shot right now somewhere in Burbank. You know the kind of commercial that you see during your morning TV routine where a woman wearing a white track suite is running on the beach while a fast speaking voice over announcer lists the side effects. I'll raise that bet and go on to say that the over the counter stomach aids like Malox, Pepto, Pepcid and the like all come out with special "loose stool" formulas by Christmas.

And even if in the very small chance this isn't a conspiracy I know with 100% certainty, someone is going to gain.

So, international news is where I will turn to from now on. Hungarians rioting in the streets of Budapest, Coverage of UN Week, Chirac wanting to negotiate with Iran, an apologetic Pope, and vital soccer scores just seem more relevant than 24 hour KILLER SPINACH coverage.

What do you think?

Confessions from an H&M Store

2006-09-14T21:16:00.000-04:00

Ok Ok Ok, I did it. I didn't realize I did it, and no matter what popmuse says, I swear I didn't know I did it until after I did it.

I bought a shirt from the Madonna H&M line. I have to admit it caught my eye, and it was only after the sales girl scanned my mastercard did I see the Madonna logo. By then it was too late. I swear. Does that make me a bad person? I feel dirty.

In other news, Sean Penn is on Larry King. He's boring me. I think I'll put on my new shirt and parade around town instead.

Reach Out and Touch Me...and Jamelia

2006-09-05T22:34:00.000-04:00

You know it was only a matter time before the Depeche Mode posts started. Take a listen to this amazing song, riffing and referencing DM.

BEWARE OF THE DOG

(thanks mbp)

Summer 2006

2006-08-30T21:29:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to figure out how I can fill in the blanks for all of you, perhaps an attempt at explaining my 3 month absence from my very tiny yet beloved xtinefiles fan base. But instead of giving you a narrative of the ins and outs, ups and downs and here and there's, I thought I would just create for you a playlist.

The songs below will forever be a part of my memory, as they were and will always be, my Soundtrack to summer 2006. Download the songs and hear to them for yourself.

#1. Original of the Species, U2: dedicated to GD who gave me the gift of August

#2. City of Blinding Lights, U2: dedicated to the WORLD CUP CHAMPION ITALIANS. The games still remain saved on my Tivo. ole.

#3. Live To Tell (live bootleg), Madonna: I dont care what ya'll say, that Madonna hanging on a disco cross moment was enlightening for me. Maybe a little earth shattering too.

#4. Crazy, Gnarls Barkley: 'nuff said

#5. Tiny Dancer, Elton John: dedicated to DN and VB for our July 4th road trip, when we asked ourselves "what is this tiny dancer and why does Elton need to hold it so damn close"

#6. Take a Bow, Muse: dedicated to the side porch talking, coffee drinking Sundays at LK's house...a lot

#7: Take My Breath Away, Berlin: dedicated to all the people I passed on the San Diego side streets as I drove recklessly in my rented silver blue mustang convertible pretending to be Kelly McGillis (call sign Charlie) while attempting to reinact the chase scene between Charlie and Lt. Pete Mitchell (call sign Maverick).

#8: Flash, Queen: dedicated to all the uber geeks I maced with my Chanel No. 5 at Comicon in order to dull the stank of gym socks, farts and pizza.

#9. Alone, Heart: Inspired by an early spring trip through the desert with MBP, this song stuck with me, reminding that sometimes all you need in life is a power ballad

#10. Almeno Stavolta, Nek: not only is Nek the next greatest thing soon to hit the pop scene in America (its my personal mission to get him to be the opening act for Robbie Williams next summer at the Staples Center in Los Angeles...should I keep dreaming-on both accounts?) either way, this song is on the list because even if I try to get it out of my head, its the kind of song that sticks, and sticks and sticks.

#11: Little Bird, Annie Lennox: dedicated to DN, LK, LS, and AP for kicking off the summer on Memorial Day weekend with lots of hope and great sausage.

BONUS
Knights of Cydionia and Starlight, Muse: these 2 songs will be the sound of my Labor Day road trip, which will, for sure inspire me to plow full steam ahead into Fall.

for those near and dear whom I have not seen enough of this summer...
LKM and TM I owe you a visit "up state"
WMD I owe you a glass of wine after work
JP I owe you steak frites at Pastis
SMG and MN tree trimming will be here soon enough
VS I owe you 2 pounds of cheese for letting me use you home as my quartly gettaway
LL, ML, KL, JF, SF, SF, KF thanks for putting up with me
AR you owe me a dinner

stay tuned...the reinvention of xtinefiles continues, dont worry- the shout outs will end soon.

You Think You Know, But You Have No Idea

2006-08-25T17:21:00.000-04:00

Xtinefiles is BACK!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay tuned

ANNOUNCEMENT

2006-05-30T11:27:00.000-04:00

Xtinefiles will be closed temporarily for no reason other than Xtine needs a break.

You will all be notified once Xtine returns.

Thank you for your support.

-X

Xtine is still a slacker!

2006-05-22T16:27:00.000-04:00

still cleaning

watch this to keep you busy

http://www.ifctv.com/ifc/insiderNews?CAT0=5827&NID=16568&CLR=black&BCLR=000000

Xtine is a Slacker!

2006-05-17T19:55:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posts.

I have some cleaning to do.

Mean while - enjoy the photo.

2006-05-12T17:00:00.000-04:00

What did you learn at school today?

2006-05-11T09:09:00.000-04:00

Could teen inspired super POP circa 1998 be making a comeback via Europe?

check it out here

blog about it here

Be prepared to sing it all day. And dont ask too many questions.

Re-View

2006-05-10T12:36:00.000-04:00

I know I am going to get some backlash for this one, but I don't care!

Evita has been showing on one of the cable movie channels that I have and never watch. I got sucked into it on Sunday morning and haven't been able to get the tunes out of my head since. I remember loving Evita when it came out in theaters. Perhaps it was because of Madonna or maybe because it brings back childhood memories (it was the first Broadway show I ever saw). I'm over Madonna as Evita now. I mean it was a nice moment in time, she did a great job worthy of the Golden Globe and I love how we now know that she was preggers with Lourdes during the filming. What strikes me more, now here in 2006, is Antonio Banderas.

Antonio was truly amazing in that film. I cant remember if Madonna overshadowed him in the press for the film or not (I am sure she did), but I think we should give a special Golden Globe to him. He clearly was the strength and the backbone of the film, and well, the costumes too.

Evita re-view:
#of days the song "A new Argentina" has been stuck in my head: 4
#of times I am irritated by Madonna's overuse of her movie teeth: 6
#of times I revolt myself at the thought of Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith as a couple: 14
Cry meter: level 2
Wardrobe Jealousy: level 3

Oh The Horror

2006-05-08T14:01:00.000-04:00

click here

or copy and paste: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LFQkOQhBCg

Lost and Found

2006-05-04T15:26:00.000-04:00

Ana Lucia is Dead. And I'm now back into LOST.

Last night's episode was amazing in that finally one of the main characters goes completely insane and starts killing people. Is he one of the "others"? Is he just crazy? Was he trying to set Henry up? I dont know and to be honest I dont care. Its just great to finally see people on this island wig out to this extent.

I know if I was stuck on that damn creepy Island with all of those freaking people I'd go ape wild too. Which brings me to the point of my post. If stuck on the LOST Island, what items from civilization would I miss the most.

#1. Air conditioning
#2. Wireless internet access and an ibook
#3. Cell phone
#4. Sunglasses
#5. Sun block
#6. A tweezer
#7. an ipod
#8. a Starbucks
#9. electricity or a power supply
#10. a tv (with a full cable package and/or Direct TV)

Coachella Review

2006-05-01T20:47:00.000-04:00

to see video from Coachella go here

Depeche Mode at Coachella...

#1. Not DM's best show. You could tell, they didnt seem to want to be there
#2. HOME was the best performance
#3. Seeing DM from 1.3 miles away makes me sad
#4. Hearing DM do Photographic and Stripped was pretty cool
#5. Perhaps I was too far away but they were not loud enough

end result...thank goodness I am seeing them in NY in 2 weeks.

Coachella
#1. Never again will I go to the beast that is Coachella
#2. Dry heat is not my thing
#3. The bathrooms....oh the bathrooms... there is not enough Purell in the world!
#4. I've never seen so many wasted people
#5. Audio overload...to many bands, too many sounds, too many things to run to

Pain and Suffering at Various Distances: DM at Coachella

2006-05-01T20:37:00.000-04:00

review to come shortly

Coachella

2006-04-26T13:53:00.000-04:00

I'm off to Coachella with Popmuse to see Depeche Mode in the desert...I'll report in as soon as possible.

You too can see the Depeche Mode performance by going here on Sat. night.

I know what you are doing this summer...

2006-04-24T12:11:00.000-04:00

In "cant wait to see" order:

#1. The DaVinci Code (may 19th)
#2. Superman Returns (june 30th)
#3. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (july 7th)
#4. Apocalypto (aug 4th)
#5. Snakes on a Plane (aug 18th)
#6. Lady in the Water (july 21st)
#7. Poseidon (may 12th)
#8. Miami Vice (july 21st)
#9. Scanner Darkly (july 7th)

Wanted...

2006-04-22T17:01:00.000-04:00

from Depeche Mode.com...

FANS WANTED FOR DEPECHE MODE OFFICIAL RETROSPECTIVE DOCUMENTARY

Brown Owl Films have been commissioned by Depeche Mode and Mute Records to produce a documentary film tracing the history of Depeche Mode as told by the followers of the band.

We would like to make contact with fans and admirers of Depeche Mode to tell us about their lives and what the band and their music means to them.

We would also like to hear from anybody who has any personal stories, anecdotes, photographs, personal artwork, scrapbooks, writing, diaries, film or video footage and memorabilia.

If you would like to share your experience of being a follower of the group and would like to be a part of this unique project, please get in touch with a contact telephone number via this email address URGENTLY! info@brownowlfilms.com

The Power of Goodbye

2006-04-20T13:38:00.000-04:00

I dont know why but this little bit of gossip has made me laugh so hard my ribs hurt.

Fans are whispering that Madonna will announce her retirement after a last world tour, with a final NYC concert, 14th August 2008, before her 50th birthday.

Hasn't Cher been doing this for 25 years?

from http://www.popbitch.com/

Great Quakes, Judas and Predicting the Future...

2006-04-17T20:25:00.000-04:00

In keeping with #3 on my birthday to do list, I've been obsessively watching, recording and surfing the National Geographic Channel. In the past week or so I've seen a special on the Lost Gospel of Judas, an in depth narrated reenactment of the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, over 5 editions of Science of The Bible and tonight I'm all set to watch the Nostradamus Effect. My brain is full of historical information that I never needed to know. But, to be honest, I feel smarter because of it.

During Good Friday Mass I almost stood up in church and shouted a grievance at the Priest who made reference to Judas' betrayal of Jesus. "Not according to the National Geographic Channel!" was what my brain thought but my lips dare not utter.

I dont want to be the only smart one at this party inside a rectangular yellow boarder so if you want to join I say tune in and "dare to explore!"

Happy Sugar, I mean Easter

2006-04-15T12:43:00.000-04:00

Here is my contribution to Easter Dinner...

Candied Walnuts

2 Cups of Sugar (brown sugar, white sugar, sugar packets from Dunkin Donuts, any sugar will do)
1 and 1/2 cups of Walnuts

Put sugar (in the oldest frying pan you own) over medium heat. Let sugar totally melt. Add the walnuts. Stir to coat. Cook until golden brown. Be careful 'cause this gook is hot. Remove nuts from the saucepan and place on wax paper to cool.

Throw out the frying pan (the labor involved in cleaning it is just not worth it). Crack the cooled walnuts into pieces. Place in a container, wrap it in an Easter bow, and present it to the poor soul whose house you've been invited to for Easter.

Oh 2 B N LA...

2006-04-14T12:32:00.000-04:00

Everything I needed to know in life I learned from Popmuse.

Tone! The Rollatini! Act 3...

2006-04-12T19:34:00.000-04:00

I had to watch the Soprano's twice this week because the first time I saw it I was just merely a spectator, the second time I watched it I was able to really participate as a fully conscious viewer.

Once again Michael Imperoli has the best line of the episode. The scene picks up speed when Carmella shouts for Tony from the across the room at the wedding.

Carmella: Tone! The Rollatini!

Chris: We are gonna do it, we should do it ourselves, maintain control. Better yet, tell NY to handle it already

Tony: John just asked me specifically

Chris: So its like the movie then

Tony: What Movie?

Chris: One. You cant refuse a man's request on his daughter's wedding day

Tony: No, its the other way around, I should be asking him for something he cant refuse.

Chris: So did you?

Tony: No.

Firstly it took me a few seconds for "One" to register. But when I realized that "One" referred to Godfather One, well, a little bit of pee came out. I mean truly. Maybe I am the only person who thinks this, but to me Soprano's is sometimes more like a comedy then a drama. I mean that in a good way of course. And lately the Christopher character is just so damn funny.

And yes...for those who did the double take, the wedding did take place at Leonard's of Great Neck. Oy.

32

2006-04-10T11:37:00.000-04:00

Today is my birthday.

The day started with a CD that my sister made for me. The playlist is as follows:

1. Dont Stop Believin' -Journey
2. Tumbling Dice- Rolling Stones
3. You're My Best Friend- Queen
4. Blue- The Jayhawks
5. Lovely Day- Bill Withers
6. Bleed to Love Her- Fleetwood Mac
7. Only You- Yaz
8. If You Leave Now- Chicago
9. Nightswimming- REM
10. New Slang- The Shins
11. The Wind- Cat Stevens
12. Jesus, Etc.- Wilco
13. Summer, Highland Falls- Billy Joel
14. One- (U2) Sung by REM
15. The Only Living Boy in New York- Simon and Garfunkel
16. Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer- Stevie Wonder
17. I Sing the Body Electric- Fame
18. Everyone's a VIP- The Go! Team

I love mixed CD's because I never would have picked these songs for myself, but now having listened to the CD twice today I am really thankful. It has actually inspired me to make a birthday list.

This year I would like to...

1. Listen to more Simon and Garfunkel
2. Take a cooking class with my sister :)
3. Watch more National Geographic Channel
4. Take a horseback riding lesson
5. Go to more museums
6. Switch to real sugar and ditch the fake
7. Use more sunblock
8. Take more long drives to the above CD
9. Bike everyday the weather is above 65 degrees
10. Breathe in the positive, breathe out the negative

XK

2006-04-08T09:18:00.000-04:00

First Celine, then Sting now...this!

Maybe I am the only one, but I am so digging the new Jaguar XK commercial (ok, yeah I'm also digging the car too, but I'll just have to keep dreaming on that).

Popmuse, please advise us as to what music is playing in that commercial...I must find out!

I Dream of Rain...

2006-04-07T16:21:00.000-04:00

Three weeks away from Xtine's desert adventure to see Depeche Mode at Coachella....I'm counting the seconds.

Check out some DM Touring the Angel moments:

World in My Eyes from Wembley
Policy of Truth from Madison Square Garden
John The Revelator from Barcelona
Home from Madrid
Enjoy the Silence from Madrid
A Pain that I'm Used to from Madrid
Just Cant Get Enough from Texas

Samurai Kittens

2006-04-05T12:26:00.001-04:00

Click here to play.

sorry- I know I am gonna get some flack for this one--with a tag line like "Waste time, kill kittens" I guess I get what I deserve.

"At Last The Seven are Complete"

2006-04-01T22:32:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday Night I watched THIS after I watched THIS.

I suggest you check your local listings, follow these links and Tivo both.

Robert Smith, Anton Corbijn and DM

2006-03-30T07:08:00.000-05:00

This just in from depechemode.com

"We are getting preliminary reports that Robert Smith (lead singer of The Cure) is looking to stop further production of the album "Playing The Angel". It is said, through sources, that Robert has a concern that the "Mister Feathers" character that Anton Corbijn created for the "Playing The Angel" cover bears more than a passing resemblance to the cover for The Cure's "Boys Don't Cry" single."

I've been waiting years for a DM vs. The Cure smackdown. The time has finally come!

The Pitch...

2006-03-28T12:38:00.000-05:00

I hear bad pitches for movies and tv shows all day long, and boy what I'd give to hear a pitch as fantastical as the one that was shouted on this week's Soprano's. If only Hollywood was as easy as the Soprano's....or is it?

In case you missed it...said with a heavy NY accent:

"Saw meets Godfather...proven track record-both genres, young wiseguy gets betrayed by his people and then they whack him...leave his body parts in dumpsters all over the city--long story short he is put back together by science or maybe its supernatural and he gets fucking pay back on everyone who fucked him over, including the cunt he was engaged to."

Brilliance comes in many packages...what a scene!

Hello Again

2006-03-27T10:55:00.000-05:00

For years I was convinced that Neil Diamond was following me. I'd see him in airports, shopping malls, McDonalds drive thru's. Everywhere I went Neil was sure to follow. Then suddenly one day out of the blue he just disappeared. He stopped lurking in my shadows, leaving me with a sense of loneliness and loss. That is until this week.

I'm proud to say Neil Diamond is back! At first I didn't believe it as I spotted him pulling out of the Starbucks parking lot on Northern Blvd in Bayside, NY. I brushed it off as a coincidence, a simple case of mistaken identity as I drove past him on the Long Island Expressway by Kissena Blvd. in Queens. But then, this morning I was certain Neil was standing at the ATM next to me at the CitiBank as I withdrew this week's spending money.

I know what you are thinking, "xtine has officially lost her mind" and that very well might be the case. But until I receive confirmation otherwise I shall stand here proud because Neil Diamond's got my back!

A List...

2006-03-25T10:33:00.000-05:00

I got this from Dave2 and Kevin and it seemed like too much fun to pass up. Since Dave2 used Depeche Mode I will instead use Coldplay, answering each question in the form of a Coldplay song title.

1. Are you male or female?
"X & Y" (ok ok ok, just X, but I am trying to follow the game rules)

2. Describe yourself:
"Yellow"

3. How do some people feel about you:
"What If"

4. How do you feel about yourself:
"Dont Panic"

5. Describe your ex boyfriends:
For the most recent it is "Trouble".
For the one before that, "Warning Sign".
For the one before that, "A Rush of Blood the The Head".

6. Describe your current significant other (-ish):
"Clocks"

7. Describe where you want to be:
"Amsterdam"

8. Describe how you live:
"In My Place"

9. Describe how you love:
"See You Soon"

10. What would you ask for if you had just one wish:
"A Whisper"

11. Share a few words of wisdom:
"We Never Change"

12. Now say goodbye:
"Til Kingdom Come"

The New Feast...

2006-03-23T21:58:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you need to shed your inner Mariah and embrace that fact that creativity comes in all sorts of packages. Check out these three musketeers.

Henry Rollins
John Gulager
Judah Friedlander

Shaping a new Hollywood? Nah, but it at least we dont have to endure any baby adoption/divorse/pregnancy/"i'm so in love oprah" antics from these guys and sometimes that's just the refresher Hollywood desperately needs.

The Soprano's

2006-03-22T19:56:00.000-05:00

Ok, it just finally set in. Tony Soprano is going to die.

I'm not sure where this show is going, I'm not sure if I approve, but I must admit I am slightly intrigued. On the one hand I dont think I can stand an entire season of a weeping Carmella as Tony is stuck in the fantasy world of a Tony Loman-esque sales person. I also dont think I can stand an entire season of ancillary characters fighting for the top seat because, hey, I work in TV and that just reeks of spin off. But, what will in fact happen?

I'm quite shocked too, that in my world people seem to be in denial. Very little has been said at the water cooler. Perhaps people are too freaked out by the "he has an open wound" Tony and maybe it is all too much to handle on a Monday morning. Or perhaps people have just stopped caring about the Soprano's.

What do you think?

Life is Like a Box of Adjectives...

2006-03-21T10:30:00.000-05:00

I'm lucky enough to work for company that believes in 'executive coaching' which is basically a nice way of saying "company enforced professional psychotherapy so that our senior managers dont end up beating our clients with tape dispensers." (sometime it doesn't always work).

Anyway my executive coach thought I should take this new personality test that was developed by some Swedish dude. And so, in keeping with one of my 'core values' I shall share this with all of you.

the results...

"In order for me to feel most meaning and meaningfulness in my life it’s important for me to”:

Receive comfort, solace, and consolation in times of fear or grief.
(Comfort)

Be treated in a fair, just, and equitable manner both socially and legally.
(Fair)

Be intuitive in my knowing, in touch with my deeper levels of consciousness.
(Intuitive)

Convey compassion, genuine concern, and wishes of well-being in all my relationships, even the most difficult.(Compassion)

Be spoken to and touched fondly with affection, tenderness and regard.
(Affection)

Communicate, convey, and exchange information, ideas or feelings.
(Communicate)

interesting, eh?

The Last of the International Playboys

2006-03-16T20:59:00.001-05:00

The boys are still at SXSW. Today they kept instant messaging me to say how exited they all were for the Morrissey concert...and now I am officially pissed I didn't go to SXSW.

The last time I saw Morrissey my hair was fire engine red and you know what? That was a long time ago. I wonder what he will sing and if he is still depressed and all. DRM said seeing Morrissey may make him feel old but I disagree. There is so much from my past musically and cosmically floating around me lately I think it actually could be a positive omen.

An omen that says "wave that freak flag high" and "be proud of the angst you so defiantly threw about in your youth" because sometimes a good dose of the past can put your present shit in perspective.

Right?

The Stars at Night Shine Big and Bright

2006-03-15T10:25:00.000-05:00

Popmuse and crew are down in Texas at the SXSW music and film conference. I was supposed to go but changed my mind at the last minute, opting for some home time.

I miss the gang- this is the first time they've gone to a festival without me but I've been getting pretty consistent updates throughout the fest.

Check out the popmuse SXSW post for an update from Austin, Tx.

Old Me

2006-03-14T11:42:00.000-05:00

I was driving around my town this weekend enjoying my first weekend at home in 2 weeks. I ended up doing the normal weekend stuff, like signing up for belly dancing classes at the "yoga center", using my starbucks gift certificate, and driving around to the gone but not forgotten Ray of Light cd. At one moment I was stopped at a traffic light on the main drag and what faced me on my left was a site that I was not prepared for. At first I thought it was a premonition, a vision, a spritely site in Queens, then I realized it was just a new TV show. "OLD CHRISTINE" printed in gigantic red letters on the side of NY city bus.

Oh Joy.

I'm 28 days away from my 32nd birthday. Do I feel old? Hells no. But a show called
"OLD CHRISTINE" (xtine=christine for those of you who may be a little dim) is just cruel. On behalf all Christine's in the world I'd like to just say publically; couldn't they have picked a more obscure name like Gertrude, Belinda, or Inga? And did they really need to put that much into the Ad campaign. I mean even the shows I produce dont market on city buses because of the expense.

And what is the Old Christine (correct title: The New Adventures of Old Christine) show anyway? It is kinda of a dumb name for a show dont you think? It sounds sort of like This Old House meets the Waltons. I also hear it stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus, which actually makes me feel even worse about the whole thing.

As you can tell by my mini-rage I wont be tuning in. I hope you dont either.

TECH SUPPORT!

2006-03-11T21:42:00.000-05:00

Xtinefiles needs your help...

I cant seem to figure out how to get the videos I shoot on my Cannon PowerShot SD400 camera to load up (import) onto my imovie on my mac.

I can't figure out what I am doing wrong. I dont even think my camera is reading in imovie.

I've trouble shooted and mac helped and now I am out of options. Does anyone know what I am doing wrong?

Help.

More DM Dates, I'm Exhausted.

2006-03-10T11:12:00.000-05:00

I got this off of a Greek Depeche Mode website (for those who know me please do try to avoid the irony). I dont know if all these dates are true or not, but nonetheless something to get prepared for...

Touring the Angel, North American leg:

April 27th Mountainview, CA Shoreline Amphitheater
April 29th Indi, CA Coachella Festival
April 30th Las Vegas, NV Theater Under the Stars
May 2nd El Paso, TX Don Haskins Center
May 5th Mexico City, MEX Estadio Foro Sol
May 7th Monterrey, MEX Arena Monterrey
May 10th Kansas City, MO Starlight Theater
May 11th Chicago, IL Allstate Arena
May 13th Wantaugh, NY Jones Beach Amphitheater (xtinefiles already has her tickets)
May 14th Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
May 17th Montreal, QU Bell Centre
May 18th Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
May 20th Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Event Center
May 21st Washington, DC Nissan Pavilion

2006-03-07T10:25:00.000-05:00

One of my new favorite show on TV is Related. I know its predictable, girly, over the top and frilly. But I love it! It is about four very different sisters living in NYC who spend way too much time with each other. You should check it out if you are into dramedy sap during the week.

And so my cred isn't totally blown by this admission, you should note that one of the shows co-stars is Dan Futterman who not only wrote the screenplay for Capote, but was nominated for an Oscar and won the Indie Spirit Award for screenplay this past Saturday (by the way I saw Dan driving away from the Spirits in a Honda).

Related also stars the fabulous Jennifer Esposito who also stars in the Oscar winning film Crash.

So there. With my cred fully intact, I whole heartedly endorse Related, Monday's at 9pm on the WB.

Level OT III...What???

2006-03-05T22:58:00.000-05:00

This article in this month's issue of Rolling Stone magazine kept me on the edge of my seat on my trip back to NYC from LA.

Do yourself a favor and run to the newstand and buy yourself a copy. Everything you wanted to know about Scientology but where afraid to ask is written about in systematic detail.

Crazy!

The Blizzard of Ozz

2006-03-03T13:32:00.000-05:00

I'm currently in Los Angeles doing some work, hence the delay since my last post. But really it was worth the wait.

I don't normally get star struck, but yesterday was one of the days when you see someone and you blush as your mind says, "oh my goodness oh my goodness." Ozzy Osbourne, yes the Prince of Darkness himself made me giggle like a school girl. I did a shoot with him yesterday and it was truly amazing. I'm mean, Ozzy, he's a legend right?

During the two hours of watching him being interviewed and photographed I made some observations:

1. Despite what you've seen on TV, Ozzy is actually pretty articulate. Sure he is hard to understand and all but the things he says are really quite well thought out and all wisdom like.

2. He has really shiny hair

3. He has more bling on his wrist than P. Diddy

4. He arrived in a red Bently, driven by a driver (would you let Ozzy drive? thought not)

5. He is like a daddy. We had a photographer on set and when it came time to take staff photo's my self and my co worker walked up to him as he put his arms around us and said, "Come on girls" - awe.

6. When I was introduced to him he shook my hand while repeating my name, "hello xtine." (it is always nice when celebs say your name...sign of respect)

7. See number 6- I have Purelled a lot, but have not really washed that hand yet. (ewe)

8. Unlike most rock stars (and I have met many) Ozzy is truly greatful for his success and shows love for his fans more then any rocker I have ever met. "I should be dead," he said, and in that statement there is a genuine humility.

9. He is a really good story teller

10. He doesnt like it when people come up to him on the street and say, "Ozzy fucking Osbourne" he prefers, "Hey Ozzy!"

Ozzy was one of the coolest celeb experience I have ever had. He was amazingly nice, patient and way more normal that I ever could have expected.

I'm now an Ozzy fan, forever.

When Will It End?

2006-02-27T10:07:00.000-05:00

I am so glad the Oscars are this weekend, marking the end of the 2005 movie year. I hope this also means all of those damn Brokeback parody films can be put to rest. In fact if I see one more of those things I may just smash something.

So, out with a bang they go. Here is my favorite one, courtesy of Linda K M.

Go here.

Enjoy- for the last damn time.

Everything is Everything

2006-02-26T21:18:00.001-05:00

Sometimes there is a reason why a song gets inside your head. Today is no exception...

Everything is everything
What is meant to be, will be
After winter, must come spring
Change, it comes eventually

I wrote these words for everyone
Who struggles in their youth
Who won't accept deception
Instead of what is truth
It seems we lose the game,
Before we even start to play
Who made these rules? We're so confused
Easily led astray
Let me tell ya that
Everything is everything
Everything is everything
After winter, must come spring
Everything is everything
I philosophy Possibly speak tongues
Beat drum, Abyssinian, street Baptist
Rap this in fine linen
From the beginning
My practice extending across the atlas
I begat this
Flippin' in the ghetto on a dirty mattress
You can't match this rapper / actress
More powerful than two Cleopatras
Bomb graffiti on the tomb of Nefertiti
MCs ain't ready to take it to the Serengeti
My rhymes is heavy like the mind of Sister Betty
L. Boogie spars with stars and constellations
Then came down for a little conversation
Adjacent to the king, fear no human being
Roll with cherubims to Nassau Coliseum
Now hear this mixture
Where hip hop meets scripture
Develop a negative into a positive picture

Now, everything is everything
What is meant to be, will be
After winter, must come spring
Change, it comes eventually
Sometimes it seems
We'll touch that dream But things come slow or not at all
And the ones on top, won't make it stop
So convinced that they might fall
Let's love ourselves then we can't fail
To make a better situation
Tomorrow, our seeds will grow
All we need is dedication

Let me tell ya that,
Everything is everything
Everything is everything
After winter, must come spring
Everything is everything
Everything is everything
What is meant to be, will be
After winter, must come spring
Change, it comes eventually

(thanks mbp)

Touring the Angel in Paris

2006-02-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

And finally, here is the review of my trip...

My journey began with good number karma (flight 11 seat 11) and ended with Brad Pitt. I’ll admit from the start that my reason for coming to Paris was because I really really wanted to see Depeche Mode overseas. Why? Because that is what obsessed fans do. I cashed in 90,000 frequent flyer miles, packed my luggage and my sister and off we went. Thanks to friends in high places I got AMAZING Depeche tickets and passes (“The orange pass gets you…”)--more DM later.

Paris, is well, all that you would expect Paris to be. Its sexy, it’s Euro, its arty and free spirited. We saw the Mona Lisa’s, the Degas, the Arcs and the Towers, the bridges the tunnels, the stores and the mounts. We saw it all. My sister was keen on reenacting scenes from key movies that took place in Paris (i.e. Audrey passing out in the Louvre while saying “Rusty are you happy she is dead” a la European Vacation, or strolling past Shakespeare and Co, a la Before Sunset.). I on the other hand took in the sites, ate pounds of goat cheese and counted the seconds to Depeche Mode.

And now…the moment you've (well, the three of you) been waiting for. Seeing Depeche Mode at Bercy was the single most exhilarating concert experiences of my entire life. Thousands of people singing (with accents) to the songs we all love was so moving.

Some important points to make:

* “Oohhh ohhh ahh oohhh” from Waiting for the Night to Fall seems to be the Parisian anthem much like We will Rock You in events in the states

* Depeche Mode fans in Europe are as normal as Bon Jovi fans in New Jersey, thus proving my theory that non DM fans are the strange ones. (I can’t describe to you how important DM is to Europe—I thought I knew, but I had no idea).

* Every single person in Paris saw Depeche Mode this week. Even the kids next to us at lunch a day later were talking about the show

*Hearing Shake the Disease made me cry and hearing David Gahan shout “Goodevening Paris” made me weep

*Getting an Orange VIP after party pass was priceless, realizing all of Paris has been invited was even more priceless AND uttering the phrase “I’m with the band” at the box office will be a moment in time I shall etch into my brain.

* “Eversing COWnts Sen LARgeemounts.” “Deepeche Mode Deepeche Mode Deepeche Mode”

*I was fascinated by the songs that the French seemed to go crazy over. You’d be surprised, because they vary a bit from the songs we freak over in the states. Never Let Me Down Again and Personal Jesus were pretty huge just like in America. But surprising Behind the Wheel and Suffer Well brought EVERYONE to their feet.

*Despite their worship of Depeche, the French are in fact trying to kill David Gahan. Thousands of people chain smoking their way through the show made it the smokiest concert I’ve ever been to. At one point David Gahan coughed up a big one.

*I don’t know how DM do this show over and over and over night after night, but what I do know is that DM is, well, the BEST BAND IN THE WORLD!

Back to Paris. All good things must come to and end. We headed to the airport Wednesday afternoon to take an Air France flight from Paris to JFK. When we arrived at the terminal we were yelled at by a ticket agent and practically strip searched before boarding. Even though I was flying business class I was still treated like a cow in a heard (flying today sucks!). BUT BUT BUT the trauma of check in was erased when I glanced up from my Vanity Fair and saw the one, the only Brad Pitt board my plane.

He sat about 8 rows infront of me. I was gonna take a bet from the girl next to me who was daring me to go up to him and have him autograph the Angelina Jolie photo that was sitting open in the Vanity Fair in my hand. But I chickened out.

Priceless. Well, more like $1500. But who is counting?

Paris

2006-02-23T20:01:00.000-05:00

Take a look at these for now. The complete review will come tomorrow.

Bon Voyage

2006-02-17T17:21:00.000-05:00

XtineFiles will be closed until Febuary 23rd.

Tune on 2/23/06 for a complete recap of Xtine's Paris adventure including a review of the Paris Depeche Mode concert.

See ya!

Darkon..

2006-02-15T15:46:00.000-05:00

Counting the seconds until I see this documentary. Riveting.

Olympic Mania

2006-02-14T21:27:00.000-05:00

"For now, my critics can eat it," was what he said in his interview as I watched the men's short figure skating program. Could Johnny Weir be the diva figure skating has been waiting for? I have no idea.

Read more.

Hunting? Really now.

2006-02-13T23:30:00.000-05:00

Oh so sad a world we live in.

Possession

2006-02-11T16:15:00.000-05:00

A snow storm is brewing here in NY, and so what better way to spend the time than with a bottle of red wine and some DVDs. First up, The Exorcism of Emily Rose.

Man, possession looks like a bitch. I can see how all that body contortion could bring out the worst in any one. Overall I enjoyed the movie. I'm scared to death and probably wont sleep until June, but I am grateful for the two hours of entertainment nonetheless.

#of times I wanted Emily's Rose's head to spin around: 1
#of times I said, "She's gonna yuke, any second now": 3
#of people I have recommended Laura Linney's hair style to (post screening): 1
#of times the phrase "The power of Christ compels you" was said in the film: 0
My new fear?: waking up at 3:00am

Growl

2006-02-09T20:18:00.000-05:00

My new favorite blog is...

here

"Even cleaning up the elephant dirt is ok"

2006-02-08T21:16:00.000-05:00

Tonight the Grammy Awards where on. I watched (in semi real time too). It actually wasn't the worst awards show I have seen, and so I'm kinda ok about posting on it. I like rock stars because of their unhinged sensibility, their false sense of ego, and their overall pompous demeanor which often times result in intelligible comments, over the top swagger and all around ridiculousness. And so, in honor of the insane, here are some of the quotes I heard during the show. Could these nonsensical phrases serve as pearls of wisdom for years to come? Probably not.

"Being in a Rock band is like running away with the circus"- Bono

"Even cleaning up the elephant dirt is ok" - Bono

"I'd like to thank Gabe, my publicist, imagine being my publicist, how hard thats gotta be"- Kanye West

"On national television he's about to do his business"- Chris Martin

"My homie, you know me"- Will, The Black Eye Peas

"My nanna Reese is an evaganlist" - Mariah Carey

"Start the five second delay now"- Kanye West

"At her age, she really shouldn't be showing all that crotch"- Xtine's mom, discussung Madonna's performance

And by the way...MARIAH RULES, say what you want about Mimi. She IS saving us. One soul at a time!

Alone in the Woods

2006-02-07T11:58:00.000-05:00

I watched Tristan and Isolde on Sunday (I know what your are thinking-- I didn't pay for it. A screener came my way).

Anyway. It was your usual period the-English-are coming movie. Thus getting in a third use for the King Arthur costumes that lay in storage. But I can't complain. A half naked James Franco is a fine way to spend Super Bowl Sunday. So if you want to get all fired up watch it.

Hot Actor Factor: 11
Cry Meter: level 2
# of times I pressed pause: 6
# of times I said out loud "Oh come on, that's just not normal": 3
# of times I said "Get in the damn boat your damn fool": 2
# of times I wondered how people in "olden times" knew so much about medicinal herbs and potions and yet couldn't figure out simple dental hygiene: 4

A Letter To...

2006-02-04T16:47:00.000-05:00

Dear Mr. Gecko:

You don't know me, but if you did you would know that I have several irrational fears. The top three are bee stings, decapitation and the slightly more off center fear of non animated talking animals/babies. The first two are fairly easy to understand. The third may need some explanation.

For some reason non animated talking animals and babies (that speak in adult voices) totally freak me out. Animals are not supposed to talk and babies should sound like babies and not Bruce Willis. The Taco Bell dog, the Quiznos baby Bob among others scare the hell out of me. Irrational? Perhaps. Understandable? I am sure you agree.

However, something strange is happening. I recently discovered that in this commercialized -talking- non-animated -animal -baby world there is one non animated animal that seems to put me at ease. And that animal is you the Geico Gecko. In fact. I'm down right fond of ya.

For the life of me I cant understand why I can tolerate you, the Geico Gecko, above all others. Could it be your Greenish hue? Your calm demeanor? Your lovable sense of self worth? Your English accent? I dont know the answer, but I do wonder if this simple act of interest raises particular questions about my own character.

For now, I'll keep admiring you from afar my little green friend.

Keep up the good work.

Love,
Xtine

p.s. I enjoyed reading your blog

Reach Out And Touch Berlin – Depeche Mode in Concert

2006-02-02T20:08:00.000-05:00

My new friend Oliver from Berlin was kind enough to deliver this amazing and exclusive Xtinefiles report on the DM concert in Germany...read on...

Reach Out And Touch Berlin – Depeche Mode in Concert

Wednesday, 2006-01-22 0630pm, Velodrome, Berlin. A 200 m queue in front of the Velodrome. Thousands of Fans waiting in line, freezing. It’s cold on the outside but not on the inside. The hall (actually for Bicycle races) is packed soon with 10.000 people. Sold out since months. To shorten the wait people warm up with La Ola waves throughout the hall and clapping along the beats of a Minimal Techno set. Support act on the European leg of the tour is The Bravery from New York City.

They kick off at 8pm exactly for a 30 minute show. Compared to previous support acts on
Depeche Mode tours The Bravery are well accepted it seems. Their style is a mix of The Cure, Duran Duran and other classic 80ish sound.
A good and short start for what is to still to come.

After another break and more superb minimal beats the siren call of ‘A Pain That I’m Used To’ is opening the Show we have all been waiting for so long. The band climbing the silver shinning futuristic stage (designed by their longtime mate Anton Corbjin).

Here we go again, after 4 years of waiting, Depeche Mode arrived finally in Berlin.

The atmosphere is not to be topped from the first second. People dancing, screaming and singing along the new songs from Playing The Angel as well as old hits like Enjoy The Silence, Personal Jesus, Just Can’t Get Enough and Everything Counts.
It made me a bit feeling like 15 again:-D

A highlight of every show is when Martin L. Gore takes over the lead vocals, this time with Macro, Home and the old 1984 classic Somebody. Thousands of lit lights lighten up the hall during these ballads. The show finds it’s all time high during the last encore with Never Let Me Down Again. Thousands of arms waving through the hall. The show ends with the Exciter track Goodnight Lovers. Depeche Mode in unity with their fans…soul sisters and soul brothers…a fantastic end for this show.

So this is the end!? Two hours are going by damn fast. I am looking around and see people smiling, laughing and some even weeping. Some might say this is a all retro show, but this is far more. After 26 years this Band is still around, writing their own songs, touring, selling out world wide tours in a few days time. Like Dave Gahan said here in an Interview with MTV: “This makes us still some kind of relevant”. Pure understatement. Where would be Electronic Music without them today?

Depeche Mode continue to tour throughout Europe until Spring, taking a little break, and coming back for a Summer Open Air Tour. There are some tickets left for a few shows so take your chance.

We will continue our in-depth reports from the live shows in March (Friedrichshafen) and in July from the Locarno, Switzerland and Berlin Open Air Shows. Stay tuned.

SEE YOU NEXT DATE!

Because this makes me feel better than the State of The Union

2006-01-31T12:25:00.000-05:00

I dont know if it is ironic or not, but tonight intead of watching the President's State of the Union address, I choose to watch the trailer for Superman Returns - a lot. And wow golly gee...I really cant wait. As the winter blues kick in while the State of the Union is questionable there is nothing like a good trailer for a July blockbuster to warm the soul.

For the most part I find trailers infinitely more enjoyable than the actual films. And the trailer for Superman is one of the best I have ever seen. This will be one of those rare cases where I know the movie will live up to the trailer's power and I am happy to have this gem hold me over while I count the seconds until July.

Superman Returns TRAILER:
Cry Meter: 10 (I cried at the end of the trailer that "the light" bit got me-weep!)
Hot Actor Factor: 10 (really now, is all that necessary?)
#of times my sentimental heart string were tugged: 7
#of times I wondered if the new Lois Lane is gonna be smoker like she was back in '78): 2
#of times I watched the trailer: lost count after 8
#of days until July: too many