The Pursuit of Liberty

I just don't know where to begin. So I'll thank Andy Towle for the heads up. It seems a certain county Commissioner Mark C. Scott of reading believes Berks County native Keith Haring's work is obscene and should not be displayed on the side of a public building. The mural, of the Statue of Liberty created by Haring and 900 school children, will not be shown do to the fact that Scott fears that taxpayers should not embrace Haring, do to work he viewed on a web site featuring Haring's work. "I'm surprised that of all the artists that have come out of Berks County, this one would be embraced by the board of the Reading Public Museum." he's quoted as saying. Funny, I thought Haring was one of the most renowned artists of modern times, just a thought.

Scott continues, "Some of this art, even the Statue of Liberty, looks more like bathroom graffiti in a seedy bar than it does artwork." Hmmm, I wonder what kind of bathrooms Scott's been hanging out in? I just hate the fact that some asshole with a bit of power, who knows nothing about art, is able to have so much power over what one can view. Sad day indeed when Haring's cannot get the respect from his hometown he deserves. Good luck to the Reading Public Museum as an exhibition of Haring's work makes it debut on February 18th. Somehow, I doubt Commissioner Scott will be attending.

The Tribe Has Spoken

So it appears that Richard Hatch was unable to out play, outlast, or outwit a jury of his peers when it came to not paying his taxes on his Survivor million or the money he made from his radio show and rental properties. For someone who was so adept at playing the game of Survivor, it would be extremely hard to believe his lawyer's defense that he's the "world's worst book-keeper." I'm sorry, I just don't buy it. Hatch faces 13 years in prison and a fine of $600,000.

What I find most interesting about the whole case was that his lawyer made an argument, which was never heard in court, that Hatch found fellow contestants cheating (friends smuggling food to them) and that producers agreed to pay the taxes if he won. Whether or not this is true, remains a new Survivor mystery, one that is truly interesting to this contest of determination and wits. Either way, this was one jury Hatch was unable to control and manipulate like he so successfully did on the first season. Richard, your tribe has spoken.

All Hail the Queen

There is a reason why Queen Latifah was the first rap artist to receive a star on the walk of fame. My Jersey girl has got so much charisma on screen, it oozes. Last night, James and myself caught the 10:45 showing of Last Holiday, which was very much a throwback to old classic Hollywood comedies. Her chemistry with her co-stars is dazzling to watch, not to mention she's a gifted comedian. I never get bored of seeing her on the big screen. If you're looking for a fun feel good film, I highly recommend you check out Last Holiday, if not for Latifah then for the beauty that is LL Cool J. But that is best discussed in another entry.

Buzz on the Buzz

Heads up for tomorrow evening, if you're free dear readers. Come on down to Siberia (356 West 40 Street) for a hot evening of punk, alternative, ska, skin and oi which is known simply as Buzzcock. One of the hosts, Barber Andy (a friend of mine and soon to be model for me) will be shearing and chopping to some kick ass music and atmosphere. Party starts at 10pm with a cover charge of $5 before midnight, $10 after. Just remember look for the red light on 40th Street, Siberia has no official sign. Come join in the mayhem.

Show Me the Love

So I received my first birthday surprise today, superstar DJ Peter Rauhofer will be spinning at the Roxy on my birthday (January 28th) for a party dubbed "The Love Ball." Just the other day I was saying how much I miss him spinning there and pow bang, I get my wish.

I can't wait to see what surprises Peter and John Blair have in store for the night. And dear readers, if you see me on the dance floor please stop by and wish me a happy b-day.

Happy, Happy Endings

With a cold brewing, I don't really have too much in me, as far as blogging goes. So when all else failed, run a Crush of the Week. This week's winner is David Sutcliffe, the scruffy hairy handsome man of films like Testosterone & the film I watched in bed last night, Happy Endings. I'm just a sucker for a man with a smile, that tends to knock you on your feet and Mr. Sutcliffe has that in spades. Now it's time to find him a movie he can really excel at. Enjoy the beauty that is David Sutcliffe.

Pitter Patter of Tiny Feet

Seems baby fever is on everyone's mind in Hollywood these past few days. From Brad and Angelina's announcement, to Lindsay's mysterious home pregnancy test while checked into the hospital, to Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin who are expecting their second bundle of joy, finally working towards that bushel. I'm delighted to hear that little Apple will have a brother or sister to play with shortly. My recommendations for names are Peaches if it's a girl and Rhubarb if it's a boy.

Congratulations one and all. Hear is praying that the paparazzi aren't too much of a nightmare and you call have normal healthy pregnancies.

A New Year, A New Post

So, I promise by tomorrow I will be back to regular blogging. Between the return from sunny Mexico, lost luggage, my job, unpacking (why, is it so hard to empty a suitcase) and the opening of all the new galleries on 27th Street, its hard to find the time to breath never mind write something hopefully witty and enjoyable. Have no fear dear readers, we will be back to business with some entertaining news and gossip in the next few days. Stay tuned.