Monday, July 31, 2006

Out of this World


So I got to thinking about classic Saturday morning cartoons (yeah, I know - Saturday on Monday) and I remembered how much I loved The Herculoids as a kid.

I loved this sci-fi family who spent week after week defending their home from the evil forces who threatened to destroy their happy existence. I loved how the family was made up of three humans and five other-worldly creatures. I can remember trying to draw the dragon Zok and the blob-like Gloop and Gleep, as the show buzzed by. I sometimes think nailing the drawing of Zok, started my love of drawing.

With other classic cartoon television shows now on DVD, my only hope is that Hanna-Barbera will put out this classic out soon. I know I can't be the only one who remembers this series, fondly.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Game Over?


So I said I wasn't going to get addicted to Big Brother: All Stars - but alas, that was not meant to be. In perhaps the most dastardly way, it appears Jase will be walking out the door on Thursday. More interesting, Will has the best chance of winning the whole show (again) but playing into everyone's egos - I really enjoy how he can insult all the other players and still remain immune by the nomination process. How anyone couldn't look at him as a HUGE target is beyond me. Only time will tell if the 'Mandana' hottie with the killer body can save himself and remain focused enough to kick some ass. I for one will be said to see him go home, being backdoor-ed.

Monday, July 24, 2006

All Washed Up


So this weekend James and I caught the latest ego-driven piece of crap known as The Lady in the Water. Granted I knew it was going to be bad, based on the overwhelming critical blasting the film got on Friday, but we went anyhow.

What a waste of $22, first off never cast yourself as the 'Messiah' character in your film; when you don't have the acting weight for the role. Secondly, I know you wrote this fairytale for your daughters, but have the courage to accept criticism from studio executives when they question your vision. Thirdly, give your characters something to do other then be introduced, or cut down those numbers, so you can spend more then six minutes on each one. And finally, give us a main character we care about or at least find remotely interesting and I'm sorry changing hair color is not interesting.


I have a feeling this film which opened third this week; behind an animated evil house will sink fast. If you're feeling the need for a water-based fairytale rent
Splash, you'll thank me. Both women spend plenty of time in the bathtub.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Rock Goddess


That roar you hear emanating from your TV set is not the crowd, however they are loudly expressing their delight. No that might roar is coming from right up on stage, my early favorite and predicted winner for Rockstar:Supernova is Dilana. Tommy and Co. would be foolish to let this lead singer slip through their fingertips.

She has everything you can want in a rock icon - killer raspy voice, the right rock edge, beautiful, alluring, one hell of a stage presence, not to mention the tattoos and piercings. She is a force of nature and the 14 other rockers should all be very afraid - the girl is playing to win. She kicks ass right up their with other rock goddesses like Joan Jett, Shirley Manson, Tina Turner, Debbie Harry, just to name a few. I predict we will be hearing a lot from this Texas stunner - via South Africa.


To quote Tommy Lee (wow, never thought I would say that) "I wanna."
Keep kicking ass girl - own that stage, it's yours for the taking.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Too Hot


With the temperature so hot, Matthew's got the right idea. So stay indoors, crank the AC, and try and stay calm - this heatwave can only last so long. Hopefully, I will have something more interesting to blog about once I'm able to concentrate once more. Until then, enjoy the beauty that is Mr. McConaughey and try not to get overheated.

Friday, July 14, 2006

It Can't Come Quickly Enough


With a new Scissor Sisters album not scheduled for a few months, the buzz is starting to build for their sophomore release. Tomorrow if you can stand the heat, they will be the headlining act at the Siren Music Festival in Cooney Island which of course is FREE! Not sure if I can stand fighting off the hordes of people to see them perform, but would love to experience the Sisters in concert. So if your not doing anything tomorrow, the festival starts at 1pm, but you better get there early if you plan on seeing anything - and don't forget your sunscreen. Rock On!

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Vintage Beefcake


So today I got to thinking about old cheesy 80's television I loved as a kid and how I wish some of it was on DVD. One of my favorite actors for purely visual reasons was Jon-Erik Hexum, star of both Voyagers! (time travelers fix mistakes in history) and Cover Up (photographer and her 'male model' apprehending crimes- classic!). Sadly, he died while bored on-set of the latter when jokingly placed a prop gun against his head and pulled the trigger.

He possessed the good looks and killer body that would become a staple of soap stars and action heroes to come. And let's not forget the classic made-for-TV-film Making of a Male Model with Jackie Collins, that camp classic should have midnight screenings throughout the country.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Summer Reality


So I'm excited because the summer is just about to get hotter, with tomorrow's premiere of season three of Project Runway (Not to mention Rich's spot-on commentary of all the episodes. - I dare you not to get addicted.)

Speaking of hot reality television, words cannot express my delight in this seasons RockStar: Supernova. Once again, almost all the rockers are amazing (a few I predict will go in the next two weeks or so) and unlike last year, the lead singer has some pretty big personalities to work against - Tommy Lee, Gilby Clarke, and Jason Newsted.

All and all, I'm excited about television again and trying to fight the urge to get sucked into Big Brother: All Stars. But I have a feeling it's going to be a loosing battle. I say this every year.

Monday, July 10, 2006

Ponygirl


While working at SVA, I began a friendship with photographer John Arsenault and was more then excited when he agreed to pose for one of my drawings. Above is a detail of our time spend together - and I'm thrilled with the results. You can view both the complete painting and John's work by following the links. Would love to hear some feedback on what you think.

detail from Untitled (Ponygirl), 2006, gouache and pencil on paper.

Friday, July 07, 2006

Yo Ho, Yo Ho... a Pirates Life for Me


So tonight, what I'm guessing is going to be the biggest summer film opens tonight and I'm like a little kid in a candy store. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest opens nationally and of course brings us three of Hollywood's most alluring stars today. Just look above at the poster for the film, and tell me they all don't ooze sex appeal. Sea you at the theaters, dear readers. Anchors away!

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Rally Cry

An open letter from Alan VanCapelle, Executive Director of the Empire State Pride Agenda

Dear Friends,

Today New York's highest court decided by a vote of 4 to 2 that the State of New York can discriminate against gays and lesbians and our families by continuing to deny the protections that come with legal marriage. It is now up to our lawmakers to right this wrong and act on the will of the majority of New Yorkers and provide full marriage equality for same sex couples and our families.

Tonight, our community and our friends will gather in rallies across the state to let New York know that the marriage debate is not going away and that Albany needs to act quickly to protect our families from discrimination by passing a marriage equality law. We will send a message to politicians who say they are our friends that this is the moment we need them to demonstrate that their friendship is more than just words. We will call on them to work with us in winning our freedom to marry here in New York State.

Tonight, we also stand alongside religious leaders, union activists and other allies who have been boldly advocating for our community when few people would. Tonight, we will show New York that it's not just lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who care about marriage, but that it is also our straight family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors.

Those who oppose our right to marriage equality want to push us back into the closet. At best we are an annoyance to them and at worst they wish we would disappear. They will view today's court ruling as a victory, but our presence tonight at these rallies will let them know in the loudest possible way how wrong they are.

I urge you to come out, bring your friends and family and stand with thousands of other New Yorkers who demand full equality for same-sex couples and our families.

So stand with us at 6pm
Sheridan Square (West 4th Street and 7th Ave., Manhattan)

For other locations throughout New York State, click here.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

The Devil Made Me Do It


Very rarely do I see a movie in theaters twice, never mind twice in the same week. That all changed this weekend with the tasty confection known as The Devil Wears Prada. Meryl Streep alone is worth the price of admission. If she doesn't get an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of fashion mega-bitch magazine icon Miranda Priestly, the Academy is blind.

Everything about this movie is pitch perfect. The clothes, the acting, the editing, music, the cast - just perfection. Of course, seeing the movie with an enthusiastic crowd of fashionistas always helps. I recommend, Cheslea Clearview on 8th Avenue. To quote Miranda, "That's All."