Today, Montclair State University had it's second documented snow day in the past 400 years. Tomorrow will be the third, and I could not be more pleased =)
I know! You're thinking to yourself, "When is this kid gonna stop exaggerating???" Well I'm not, and it's my blog, so you can blow it out your nose with a rubber hose! That's not an exaggeration, I'd really like you to do that.
Ok, so here's the deal. I didn't get RENT. I know, big shocker- what's a short, bald, italian who's a classically trained tenor NOT doing in RENT? It was a huge surprise to me too, but I think I'll manage. The point is, it kind of hurt because it isn't like some huge production, so I couldn't imagine why they at least didn't want me for ensemble or something, but I think I'm over it. I think in the end, it just wasn't meant to be, and that means there must be something bigger and better on the horizon... right?
Spamalot National Tour auditions are on Monday, and I'm going to those, which should be fun. Again, not getting any hopes up, but it'll at least be a day off from class, and an opportunity to keep working on my audition skills. The best part about the RENT audition process was that I was so comfortable- it's really becoming very easy for me to walk into an audition room and just be myself without getting all jittery and crazy. I guess we'll see if I can make some kind of impression on the Spamalot people. It should be a better match, because that show totally fits my sense of humor =)
Anyway, I'm going to bed because I'm tired, and will be making the long journey home tomorrow... and by long journey, I mean an hour on the train. Sue me, I exaggerate (it's my blog, and I'll die if I want to).
Remind me the next time we're talking to tell you my feelings about Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
<3
Peace
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
There is a Presence in this House...
A while back, my roommate Rachel went to some kind of bizarre event and somehow came back with a helium-inflated pig. It is roughly 200 feet wide, and 7 feet tall... ok, maybe a bit smaller. But the point is, Porky (as I've come to call him) has been taking up residence in the corner of our living room next to the tv.
Now, imagine this- I'm sitting in the chair next to the tv... minding my own business... when Porky, perched quietly in his corner, suddenly drops about a foot and a half. I can understand that. "Maybe it's the wind," I think to myself, "a draft, perhaps?" I go back to my healthy round of facebook stalking, listening to Wanda Sykes on HBO.
Moments later, Porky is wandering, ever so slowly, toward the television. "Strange," I think, and I give him a slight push so that he might find his rightful spot again. I go back to the computer. Just over the top of my computer screen I see a pink mass floating slowly but determinedly towards the entertainment cabinet.
By now I am slightly frustrated, and I can't help but give old Porky a nice kick back to the corner. Wasting no time, he made a 180 degree turn and is now charging like a stealth bomber towards the screen, apparently wanting nothing more than to obscure my view of Ms. Sykes.
I reached over again, grabbed a hold of a great chunk of the pink beast, and hurled him towards a different corner of the room. The pig, now on a mission, sank another inch, and began spinning in a death swirl in my direction. As I watched my life flash before my eyes, the pig spun quickly toward my face, and in a moment whirled by, circling back towards the TV.
In a fit of rage, I threw myself on the balloon animal, wrestling it to the center of the room. I refused to give in to the power of that peptobismol colored problem, grappling and tackling until finally it escaped and began climbing back toward the ceiling. This round is over, and my view unobscured, but somehow, as I peer over my shoulder to the center of the room, I can't help but feel a slight sense of uneasiness, as though this is just the beginning...
Now, imagine this- I'm sitting in the chair next to the tv... minding my own business... when Porky, perched quietly in his corner, suddenly drops about a foot and a half. I can understand that. "Maybe it's the wind," I think to myself, "a draft, perhaps?" I go back to my healthy round of facebook stalking, listening to Wanda Sykes on HBO.
Moments later, Porky is wandering, ever so slowly, toward the television. "Strange," I think, and I give him a slight push so that he might find his rightful spot again. I go back to the computer. Just over the top of my computer screen I see a pink mass floating slowly but determinedly towards the entertainment cabinet.
By now I am slightly frustrated, and I can't help but give old Porky a nice kick back to the corner. Wasting no time, he made a 180 degree turn and is now charging like a stealth bomber towards the screen, apparently wanting nothing more than to obscure my view of Ms. Sykes.
I reached over again, grabbed a hold of a great chunk of the pink beast, and hurled him towards a different corner of the room. The pig, now on a mission, sank another inch, and began spinning in a death swirl in my direction. As I watched my life flash before my eyes, the pig spun quickly toward my face, and in a moment whirled by, circling back towards the TV.
In a fit of rage, I threw myself on the balloon animal, wrestling it to the center of the room. I refused to give in to the power of that peptobismol colored problem, grappling and tackling until finally it escaped and began climbing back toward the ceiling. This round is over, and my view unobscured, but somehow, as I peer over my shoulder to the center of the room, I can't help but feel a slight sense of uneasiness, as though this is just the beginning...
Don't Ask, Don't Tell... Because We Already Know You're Stupid.
In all seriousness, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" should be applied to something that truly makes a difference in the military, like the IQ's of the idiots who make these laws.
Wouldn't you be truly horrified to find out the Secretary of Defense was working with a solid 45 or 46? The entire administration in Washington combined can't break 100, and I'd bet money on it. Because no one in their right mind, or at least one that breaks 100, would implement such a bigoted, red-neck, bible-thumping law.
General George Casey, the Army Chief of Staff, commented in an address to congress, "We just don't know the impacts on readiness and military effectiveness." Could someone please explain to me how men who can handle being shot at, blown up, and living in holes in a desert for months on end can't handle someone in the military being gay? Killing people is a day's work, but cuddling up next to Colonel Sanders at 14:00 is a big no-no.
It gets better- Defense Secretary Robert Gates goes on to question how lifting the ban will "[affect] troops and their families". Let me get this straight (HA)- The army thinks that having gays in the military will affect... soldiers'... families?
Well, luckily for all of us (and the state department), I took High School english, so I will draft the letter for them... considering they're probably working with the same education:
Listen people- can we just call a spade a spade and say that this is good ol' fashioned bigotry? They're afraid the other soldiers won't be able to play nice with the sissies, and it'll fuck up morale. Well how about this: when the meat heads get rough, they get kicked in the ass. Rather than make soldiers hide in the closet, why don't you tell Billy-Bob to put down the Bud Light and pick up "The Pink Triangle", he can "Larn him some toler-ance".
So tired of this issue. I'm starting my own country, and none of these people can be in it.
<3
Peace
Wouldn't you be truly horrified to find out the Secretary of Defense was working with a solid 45 or 46? The entire administration in Washington combined can't break 100, and I'd bet money on it. Because no one in their right mind, or at least one that breaks 100, would implement such a bigoted, red-neck, bible-thumping law.
General George Casey, the Army Chief of Staff, commented in an address to congress, "We just don't know the impacts on readiness and military effectiveness." Could someone please explain to me how men who can handle being shot at, blown up, and living in holes in a desert for months on end can't handle someone in the military being gay? Killing people is a day's work, but cuddling up next to Colonel Sanders at 14:00 is a big no-no.
It gets better- Defense Secretary Robert Gates goes on to question how lifting the ban will "[affect] troops and their families". Let me get this straight (HA)- The army thinks that having gays in the military will affect... soldiers'... families?
Well, luckily for all of us (and the state department), I took High School english, so I will draft the letter for them... considering they're probably working with the same education:
Dear Ms. [Insert Lesser Sex's Name Here]:Truly, how could a soldier being openly gay affect soldiers' families??? Unless one of those soldiers leaves his wife and kids to go adopt one of the insurgents with his new life partner 'Rex', I just don't see the affect.
We regret to inform you that while serving his country in the Iraq desert, your husband, [Insert Heroic name like "Hank" or "Texas"] was forced to cohabit with homosexuals. His brave efforts and heroic example inspire all of us to fight for this beautiful, God-fearing nation to our last breath. Unless it is next to a fudge-packer.
Counseling for you and your loved-ones is available, and fully provided by the Horizon Blue Cross insurance provided by your husband's service and the unmarried, tax-paying gay couples throughout the country.
Our condolences and best wishes go out to you in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dick Cheney
Listen people- can we just call a spade a spade and say that this is good ol' fashioned bigotry? They're afraid the other soldiers won't be able to play nice with the sissies, and it'll fuck up morale. Well how about this: when the meat heads get rough, they get kicked in the ass. Rather than make soldiers hide in the closet, why don't you tell Billy-Bob to put down the Bud Light and pick up "The Pink Triangle", he can "Larn him some toler-ance".
So tired of this issue. I'm starting my own country, and none of these people can be in it.
<3
Peace
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Moliewwwwwwwww
Ok, so it's been a REALLY long time since I posted, but in all fairness, this has been a terrible week.
In a BFA performance program like mine you often have to partake in what are called "production practicums". These include Stagecraft (building and erecting sets), business (advertising), costumes (pretty self-explanatory), and production operations (running crew, or on-stage crew) which I'm doing now.
The show- "Moliere". The writing- terrible. It's a show about the life of Moliere, not by him, and it is the most boring show I have ever seen. It makes so little sense that I'm not sure I even follow it most of the time, let alone express an interest. Luckily for me, it's a workshop production and there is very little for me to do.
Unfortunately for me, it's a workshop production and there is very little for me to do. I have been at this small, black box theater every night from 5pm-approximately 11 or 11:30, not to mention Saturday when I was here for the matinee AND the night show, as well as Tech last weekend that was 10am-10pm Saturday and Sunday. So for a show that I do very little in, it has taken up a great amount of my time that could better be applied toward activities that would really matter... like having clean clothes or being able to do my work at home with all of my resources.
Well, to put it mildly, I have been a bit on edge this week. I've had a very short temper, and will admittedly say that I have been a huge grump. But like I said, I feel like I'm wasting my time here doing nothing, not to mention the fact that I have to deal with condescending stage managers on a show that isn't very good.
Luckily, as I speak I am sitting backstage at the last performance. The only downside is that after the show today we have strike, which won't be so bad as there is no set, just props. However, I have a callback for RENT at the Montclair Operetta Club at 7pm (actually 4pm, but I explained that I had a show today) and I'm praying that strike does not interfere with that.
On a completely different note (with the possible exception of the fact that it also is irritating me), I have started to learn to knit continental. While I was so quickly picking it up, I noted two things-
1- It is a BITCH doing a knit stitch from the front if you're used to doing it from the back. There were tears, counseling sessions, and a few weak moments, but I think I'm getting it...
2- I have not been combination knitting for the last two years... entirely. I have been doing a combination knit stitch and a continental purl stitch (thank you Nanny for being completely misguided and passing that down to me), which is why my stitches always looked so tight and neat. This is because if you do a continental purl, the working front leg of the stitch slants down to the right. If you work this stitch from the back as in a combined knit stitch, when you slip the stitch off of the left needle, you are technically twisting the stitch the wrong way, thus making the bottom look tighter, and the stitch actually looks more clean (I think, at least).
It's funny because as I was working in proper continental, and even when I tried working in true combined knitting I found the stitches looked very loose, and often appeared to be upside down because the edges of the separate stitches were closer together than where the two legs meet in the loop of the stitch below. I'll provide pictures later to show what I mean, but that's the best way I can explain it. I suppose this issue stems, in some part, from how my tension is affected by the change in method.
So what to do now? I don't really like the way my stitches look in continental, but I'm also torn by the idea of knitting "improperly" or without a recognized method of working stitches. I am always looking to improve my skills as this is a hobby and I want to keep learning and improving, however I find I am missing my old method and the way my stitches turned out. In the end, I keep thinking that I should do what makes my work look good, and that makes me want to keep working in my old style. But that one part of me keeps saying "You should learn to knit properly, you should learn to knit properly..." I guess I'm just at a bit of a loss at the moment.
Thoughts?
Here's to the end of a very unpleasant week, hopefully the beginning of a great artistic venture, and figuring out what the hell is going on on my needles...
Oh, and the ladies who lunch =)
<3
Peace
In a BFA performance program like mine you often have to partake in what are called "production practicums". These include Stagecraft (building and erecting sets), business (advertising), costumes (pretty self-explanatory), and production operations (running crew, or on-stage crew) which I'm doing now.
The show- "Moliere". The writing- terrible. It's a show about the life of Moliere, not by him, and it is the most boring show I have ever seen. It makes so little sense that I'm not sure I even follow it most of the time, let alone express an interest. Luckily for me, it's a workshop production and there is very little for me to do.
Unfortunately for me, it's a workshop production and there is very little for me to do. I have been at this small, black box theater every night from 5pm-approximately 11 or 11:30, not to mention Saturday when I was here for the matinee AND the night show, as well as Tech last weekend that was 10am-10pm Saturday and Sunday. So for a show that I do very little in, it has taken up a great amount of my time that could better be applied toward activities that would really matter... like having clean clothes or being able to do my work at home with all of my resources.
Well, to put it mildly, I have been a bit on edge this week. I've had a very short temper, and will admittedly say that I have been a huge grump. But like I said, I feel like I'm wasting my time here doing nothing, not to mention the fact that I have to deal with condescending stage managers on a show that isn't very good.
Luckily, as I speak I am sitting backstage at the last performance. The only downside is that after the show today we have strike, which won't be so bad as there is no set, just props. However, I have a callback for RENT at the Montclair Operetta Club at 7pm (actually 4pm, but I explained that I had a show today) and I'm praying that strike does not interfere with that.
On a completely different note (with the possible exception of the fact that it also is irritating me), I have started to learn to knit continental. While I was so quickly picking it up, I noted two things-
1- It is a BITCH doing a knit stitch from the front if you're used to doing it from the back. There were tears, counseling sessions, and a few weak moments, but I think I'm getting it...
2- I have not been combination knitting for the last two years... entirely. I have been doing a combination knit stitch and a continental purl stitch (thank you Nanny for being completely misguided and passing that down to me), which is why my stitches always looked so tight and neat. This is because if you do a continental purl, the working front leg of the stitch slants down to the right. If you work this stitch from the back as in a combined knit stitch, when you slip the stitch off of the left needle, you are technically twisting the stitch the wrong way, thus making the bottom look tighter, and the stitch actually looks more clean (I think, at least).
It's funny because as I was working in proper continental, and even when I tried working in true combined knitting I found the stitches looked very loose, and often appeared to be upside down because the edges of the separate stitches were closer together than where the two legs meet in the loop of the stitch below. I'll provide pictures later to show what I mean, but that's the best way I can explain it. I suppose this issue stems, in some part, from how my tension is affected by the change in method.
So what to do now? I don't really like the way my stitches look in continental, but I'm also torn by the idea of knitting "improperly" or without a recognized method of working stitches. I am always looking to improve my skills as this is a hobby and I want to keep learning and improving, however I find I am missing my old method and the way my stitches turned out. In the end, I keep thinking that I should do what makes my work look good, and that makes me want to keep working in my old style. But that one part of me keeps saying "You should learn to knit properly, you should learn to knit properly..." I guess I'm just at a bit of a loss at the moment.
Thoughts?
Here's to the end of a very unpleasant week, hopefully the beginning of a great artistic venture, and figuring out what the hell is going on on my needles...
Oh, and the ladies who lunch =)
<3
Peace
Saturday, February 20, 2010
So Busy =(
Dear Blogspot-
I'm sorry I haven't been keeping up with this, my week has been terribly busy. I'm working running crew on a crazy show, and going absolutely crazy. I'll be posting more next week to fill you in.
On a side note, my knitting world has basically been turned upside down. After almost two years of knitting, and trying to make combined knitting work, I think I'm finally going to have to switch to continental. It's just too big a hassle to keep trying to figure these stitches out and how to twist them and turn them and make them work. Sooooooo I hope this all goes well. It's been rough so far...
<3
Peace
I'm sorry I haven't been keeping up with this, my week has been terribly busy. I'm working running crew on a crazy show, and going absolutely crazy. I'll be posting more next week to fill you in.
On a side note, my knitting world has basically been turned upside down. After almost two years of knitting, and trying to make combined knitting work, I think I'm finally going to have to switch to continental. It's just too big a hassle to keep trying to figure these stitches out and how to twist them and turn them and make them work. Sooooooo I hope this all goes well. It's been rough so far...
<3
Peace
Monday, February 15, 2010
Movie Magic and Make Believe
Who knew that besides being a knitter, actor, singer, mask-maker, and defamer of flamboyant bloggers, I was a literary critic? So here goes-
I try to read before bed every night just to keep my mind fresh, and my most recent read was "Jurassic Park" by Michael Crichton. The movie was playing on HBO all through the beginning of January, and I've always had a soft spot in my heart for watching people get ripped to pieces by giant, scary lizards... or as Dr. Grant would suggest, giant leathery birds.
The movie has always been one of my favorites- Steven Spielberg shockingly made an amazing movie that captured the magic of what Michael Crichton's novel set into motion. Mr. Spielberg's ability to use brand new technology and the scoring of the amazing John Williams to bring us into this unbelievable world filled with animals that precede humanity by several million years is uncanny. It takes the vision of someone who truly understands how magical this idea is to make a movie like Jurassic Park successful.
So after watching this movie that uses such superb imagery and affective storytelling, I decided to read the original book. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed by the book. I understand that Michael Crichton is a more scientific writer than a visual one, and I did appreciate the amount of time he spent explaining the complex science that (theoretically) would go into cloning extinct animals. However, I felt the moments that required more thrill or magic, more awe in the face of this dramatic discovery, were sort of breezed over. I felt like some of the amazement of being thrown into this world where man and beast are abrasively propelled into a game of survival was just a matter of explanation rather than description.
I thought Crichton's rhetoric is what suffered the most. His ability to describe the moment in detail and suck you into this very visual world was surrendered in place of explaining the science. For that reason, I enjoyed the movie more because it focused more on the drama of the situation than explaining how the situation came to be. I thought Spielberg used as much of the exposition as he needed to explain the story, and then told the real story.
I also felt that Crichton ended the book reasonably abruptly- There was Hammond's death (sorry for those of you who haven't read it, but in all fairness, it's almost 20 years old), they follow the velociraptors into a cave, they get on a helicopter, and it's over. I just think there could have been more excitement. Even the parts that were thrilling, or should have been, lacked any exciting description or detail. It was very choppy.
Anyway, I'm sorry this couldn't be a more in-depth entry, but I'm in tech for a show and can't devote much time. The next post will be more detailed, I promise! Consider my writing here a tribute to Mr. Crichton.
I've started a new knitting project, as my sweater is on hold while I wait for more wool. Some capped fingerless mittens in pink with pink/green/white argyle caps. Should be fun.
I try to read before bed every night just to keep my mind fresh, and my most recent read was "Jurassic Park" by Michael Crichton. The movie was playing on HBO all through the beginning of January, and I've always had a soft spot in my heart for watching people get ripped to pieces by giant, scary lizards... or as Dr. Grant would suggest, giant leathery birds.
The movie has always been one of my favorites- Steven Spielberg shockingly made an amazing movie that captured the magic of what Michael Crichton's novel set into motion. Mr. Spielberg's ability to use brand new technology and the scoring of the amazing John Williams to bring us into this unbelievable world filled with animals that precede humanity by several million years is uncanny. It takes the vision of someone who truly understands how magical this idea is to make a movie like Jurassic Park successful.
So after watching this movie that uses such superb imagery and affective storytelling, I decided to read the original book. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed by the book. I understand that Michael Crichton is a more scientific writer than a visual one, and I did appreciate the amount of time he spent explaining the complex science that (theoretically) would go into cloning extinct animals. However, I felt the moments that required more thrill or magic, more awe in the face of this dramatic discovery, were sort of breezed over. I felt like some of the amazement of being thrown into this world where man and beast are abrasively propelled into a game of survival was just a matter of explanation rather than description.
I thought Crichton's rhetoric is what suffered the most. His ability to describe the moment in detail and suck you into this very visual world was surrendered in place of explaining the science. For that reason, I enjoyed the movie more because it focused more on the drama of the situation than explaining how the situation came to be. I thought Spielberg used as much of the exposition as he needed to explain the story, and then told the real story.
I also felt that Crichton ended the book reasonably abruptly- There was Hammond's death (sorry for those of you who haven't read it, but in all fairness, it's almost 20 years old), they follow the velociraptors into a cave, they get on a helicopter, and it's over. I just think there could have been more excitement. Even the parts that were thrilling, or should have been, lacked any exciting description or detail. It was very choppy.
Anyway, I'm sorry this couldn't be a more in-depth entry, but I'm in tech for a show and can't devote much time. The next post will be more detailed, I promise! Consider my writing here a tribute to Mr. Crichton.
I've started a new knitting project, as my sweater is on hold while I wait for more wool. Some capped fingerless mittens in pink with pink/green/white argyle caps. Should be fun.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Just For Fun
One more post about this mask! I couldn't help it...
This'll be a short one, I just wanted to post the finished product next to the original mask:
This'll be a short one, I just wanted to post the finished product next to the original mask:
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