radiopeter

I’ve been making a picture of myself every day. I’m not going to post the series just yet, but I made this photograph the other morning and it’s pretty spectacular if I do say so myself.

Yes, I’m so vain. But I’ve realized that looking back, I don’t have tons of photos of myself over time. I want to change that going forward, and begin some better record keeping of me.

I have the tech, time to use it.

Pumpkin spice muffin,
Aren’t you out of season?
I will still buy you.

The power of the media, and the power of the internet, are contained not in the images they show us, but the words they use.

A picture IS worth a thousand words. But please, choose your own words. Don’t rely solely on what someone writes next to a photograph.

There has been quite a ruffle around the internets about a picture where Obama is apparently ignoring Clinton during the State of the Union address. Dubbed “Obama snubs Clinton” you can search for it if you like. I won’t post it. I’ve seen it across numerous “news sources” and blogs.

The fact of the matter is that a photographer happened to catch a moment, and someone made up a story about it. A story which set the internets ablaze, fueling the purported hatred between the camps.

Today Obama explains. I don’t know if he’s telling the truth or not, but IT DOESN’T MATTER. Who cares?

If people let a single photograph dictate the politics of people that could be elevated to the office of president, I pray they’ll look deeper into the candidates instead of inhaling everything the media vomits onto the ‘net.

One of the brighter moments in musical television history. I could watch this clip over and over for hours.

Live Gospel piano… shut UP! You GO Aretha.

I’ve finally gotten around to loading up my Goodreads profile with many of the books I’ve read. The dates aren’t nearly accurate, but I’m collecting the whole lot as best I can. I was staring at my bookshelves the other day and jotted down a bunch to input. There are loads more, I just have to get them in.

I tossed a banner on the right side of this page. Neat little flash widget-y thing.

I know I’ve been busy when I have to look back at my calendar to figure out what all I did this weekend.

Friday evening I had to pop over to my folks house to sort out an IRQ issue with their PC. I hate Windows PC’s and IRQ errors are the most evil thing in the world. Why TF can’t the operating system just down-shift to the next request port. It’s so insane that Windows has these errors. Truly. But I fixed it quickly and they were back on the internets.

I used an iGo car to head to them and did a little necessary shopping. It was snowing the whole time and it had been quite a while since I’d drive in the snow on the slushy Chicago streets. Of course, when you’ve commuted for years (in my previous job) in the rain/snow/sleet/cold/hot/whatever Chicago throws at you, it’s no problem. But the other folks on the road were a mess and I saw two accidents on my way home. Yikes.

I had to stay in Friday ’cause my audition(s) for Die!Mommy!Die! were set for the next day. Which brings me to Saturday AM when I woke up far too early for my own good.

But let’s rewind to early last week.

There were something like seven or eight sides I had in front of me for the audition, and after reading through them all, I mistakenly chose two and worked through them a ton. Well, of course, in my ignorance I didn’t realize they’d perhaps call me for the other ones. I should have asked. But I didn’t.

And now for Saturday’s auditions.

I was a bit disjointed when it came time to do my thing. I wasn’t nervous, and I was glad the director gave us some direction as the pieces began, but all I kept thinking was how much better I would have been if I’d been doing the pieces I’d worked.

Lesson learned. Prepare everything you are given.

I headed home, inhaled a sandwich, and decided a nap was in order. I woke up to find my friend Jen had phoned and we made plans to hit The Violet Hour before heading to see my friends Tim Howard and Andra Simon in a production of 1776 at The Chopin.

The Violet Hour was simply fabulous, as always. The Winter menu (which I’d not seen) seemed a bit more comfortable, but I chose two tart drinks and enjoyed them both immensely. We had some nibbles; curry rice-krispy bars, spiced nuts, and some sort of savory cracker concoction. Then we headed off to the show.

Of course, there were a handful of Handbaggers in attendance, along with my friends Dan & Mark. Had I known they were all going to be there, I would have tried to arrange dinner or something before the show. But since I think selected invites to the preview were handed out, nobody knew who was going to arrive.

The show was excellent. I say that because given the subject matter, which happened to be the days leading up the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I was worried it would be far too dry for my taste. Andra, director of music, had a nice ensemble of instruments. And Tim was great as Thomas Jefferson. But overall, for such a strong ensemble piece, the production was sort of riveting. You know the ending, but you want to watch…

Picture, at most moments, 15 or so men in redingotes and colonial dress milling about, debating the pro’s and con’s of colonial independence. The occasional fop, the swelled detracteur, the aging man with a lust for the drink, all weighing in on the subject. 1776 is truly a fascinating show because it humanizes so much of what many Americans only knew as words on pages during their history lessons.

The show’s music, through no fault of Andra’s, isn’t great. There is only one stand-out song called Molasses To Rum, sung by the representative of South Carolina, Edward Rutledge (played by a BRILLIANT Jeremy Trager). Otherwise the melodies are fairly predictable and the songs lack much of a spark over all. That isn’t to say that they aren’t well sung or acted throughout the performances. Quite the contrary. But outside of Rutledge’s song, the melodies aren’t memorable.

After the show I headed home where I fully intended to call it a night. But then a text message or two later and I was out and about. Which turned out to be quite fortunate because again, at Sidetrack, I met yet another guy who I ended up spending some time with.

A pleasant surprise, and perhaps, if the planets align, there will be a repeat with him. I’d like that for sure because the little bit that we did chat (Oh, get off your high-horse, I know what you are thinking. No judging from all ye who doth have significant others) was nice. Of course, the rest was more than nice. As I twittered the other day, every once in a while, sex is so good that I can’t believe it even happened.

And his eyes are so killer. So, so killer.

Hush you. A boy can wonder, can’t he?

Last night I went to see My Fair Lady.

It was simply sublime.

It’s a long show, no doubt about that, but it is filled with comedy, costumes up the wazoo, and such lovely melodies that stick in your head. Even this morning I woke up humming most of what I’d heard last night.

The part of Eliza was played well, a little shaky at the top of her range, but her comic timing was simply brilliant. I laughed myself to tears during the scene at Ascot, my absolute favorite scene of the whole show. The staging and timing were so on point in this cast that I laughed and cried until my face ached and my sides hurt.

The costumes during that scene (as they always are) were so outrageously beautiful that I think I need to go out and buy all the feathers in the city just to whip up one of those magnificent hats. Everything was done in monochromatic black. Every gown was a combination of styles; beaded, furred, feathered, wrapped in devore or panne velvet, couched, bias hemmed, or, in Eliza’s case, done in a triumph of black grillework arabesques set against a black-tulled cream base with a wide ribbon spiraled from shoulder to waist to hem. She looked like she was wrapped from head to toe in the most beautifully crafted cage of fabric and lace. Her hat, a nearly three foot oval, was attached to the left side of her hair, so that as she approached the crowd, only looking stage right, her face was hidden until she turned stage-left for the reveal. You could hear the gasps in the audience. The “inside” of the hat was a spray of deep purple flowers in an arc above her head. Something about that moment seemed magic, as Eliza took her first few “society steps” into the world.

Anthony Ward (Scenic and Costume Designer) and Christine Rowlands (Costume Design Associate), you are both genius, and I bow humbly to your amazing vision and talents.

One of the hats, and I’m not joking, was about as big as the guy who played Rudolph this year. It was topped with a massive field of black tipped coque feathers that swayed every time the rather large actress walked. I found it odd that she was holding on to her umbrella for dear life until I realized that her hat must have weighed a ton. I’m certain her parasol was there for support and balance. I could have rented that hat and lived in it with both my cats. Simply amazing.

Over all the show is, as many have put it in the past, the “perfect musical”. I wouldn’t necessarily call this production perfect, but it is quite the spectacle and the leads are strong and suited for their roles. The part of Mrs. Higgins was played by Marni Nixon, who is famous for being THE voice of many Hollywood stars, and most apropos of this show because she voiced Audrey Hepburn’s Eliza in the film version of My Fair Lady. Every time she left the stage the audience applauded wildly.

I didn’t love the softer moments that Eliza presented, but I loved Henry when he was softer. And I could do without her father Alfred, but I’ve never liked that character or the extremely loud scenes that usually accompany him. The actor was great, I just dislike the character.

Above all, the male dancers (yeah, I know, hush) were incredible. Whenever the ladies were dancing, it sounded stampedish (could be the heels, who knows) but the men were so light on their feet, bouncing here and there, it was most impressive.

I’ll close with this: If you’ve never seen My Fair Lady, this is the perfect time to see it. And if you have seen it, this is a brilliant production in our very own Chicago that is worth revisiting.

In a strange yet fascinating moment of internets surfing, I stumbled across an entry on geek.com about ordering pizza via a text message.

I didn’t know this was possible. “Danger Will Robinson, Danger!”

Papa John’s does this too?

Oh noes. Iz willz get fat nao. kthxbai.

ee-may eh-lee-knee-koh-ah-me-ree-kah-nee-kohs (say that five times fast!)
“I am Greek-American”

Last night I finally had the chance to meet Dr. Anthony Xidis, the founder of the Institute of Greek Language and Culture. We met at the St. George Center near Sheffield and Diversey.

After introducing myself and expressing my intentions, he introduced me to the program and the layout. There are many layers to it, but I’m convinced that this is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thank god Google brought me to it.

He had me read from the third chapter in our text book, and I found myself tripping over the diphthongs as usual. Time and practice will correct that, but surprisingly I was able to read pretty well. My accent even struck me as sounding particular fan-freakin’-tastic as I glided over some of the phrases.

He had me translate what I read (which I did a so-so job of) and then talked with me in Greek a bit about visiting Greece, the things I liked about it, and some short conversational quips. The good news is that I don’t have to start from square one. I’ll be joining the third session of the beginners classes. The first three chapters in the book, which has NO ENGLISH IN IT AT ALL, are what they have been working on.

There is a supplemental book with English and lots of explanations, but the main book is 100% Greek. Exactly the way I need it, and like it.

I’m nervous to be honest. I know that dredging up all the Greek studying I’ve done will only bring back memories of learning Greek in grammar school. That wasn’t my favorite time in life, but I know I’ll get past it with some work.

And so it begins.

The weekend certainly didn’t go as planned, but there you have it. Life changes, and we follow. I just posed some photographs that I made from where I grew up.

Every time I return my parents house, I feel like I see it with new eyes. I remember when it was the insular center of my world. There were people I knew, places I’d been, and bike rides around the ‘hood that I’ll never forget. It was a place of safety and comfort.

These days I live in an urban jungle in the city. It’s fast-paced and there are often folks on the streets at all hours. I love every moment of it, but returning to my original home mixes me up. The difference between where I live now and where I come from is what I’m trying to capture in the photographs. There are more to come, but these four are only the first few I’ve managed to grab.

—

Tonight I’m meeting the instructor who runs the Greek language school for the first time. I’m anxious to get my hands on the book for the course and see just what I’m getting myself into. If all goes well, I’ll begin classes later in February.

It’s kind of odd for me to be taking Greek again after so many years. The last time I had a Greek class was in 1990. Which is a long while ago, truly. But you know me, always up for a challenge. Greek will be yet another project I’ll sink my teeth into to keep me busy.

—

I had a chance encounter with someone. It wasn’t anything more than a romp in the hay, but it was more than I’ve had in a while. I don’t know if it’ll happen again, but I’d enjoy it if it did. He made me laugh, which is about the sexiest thing in the world someone can do for me.

And beautiful? Good l o r d he was beautiful.

Monday is MLK Jr. day, so the bank is closed in observance. I’m glad I will have the day off, but I won’t really have the day off. There is recording to do in the morning and a million other loose ends to tie up during the day, so my day will be busy with activity.

In fact, the flurry of to-do’s starts tonight. I’m going to see the gorgeous Trista Smith in Forbidden Broadway: Special Victim’s Unit at the Royal George before it closes for good. I haven’t seen her in the show and I’m excited for the chance!!! Plus I’m having margaritas at Uncle Julios with Laura, whom I haven’t seen recently, so that’s another reason for multiple exclamation points!!!

Tomorrow I’m heading to Milwaukee with Kenz & Bradz for some fun in the WI. Saturday brings a bit of this and that, including Handbag’s party (which I am secretly excited for, if only because I miss those damn theater people already!). I plan to keep my camera in hand the entire time.

And on Sunday I have work to do with my folks and a serious photo tour that I’ve planned for myself. I’m praying it isn’t snowing because that would be a monkey wrench in the works I don’t need, but hey, we’ll see how the weather is. Can’t really change Mother Nature now can you?

—

Writing all of that makes me realize how much I plan out my life. I do, it’s true, but that how I like it. I don’t care much for surprises and last minute changes, especially to my schedule, but I’m really ok with them when they happen. I just prefer to meter out my life as I see fit, and I’m far better at doing that a week ahead of time than at the last minute. The reason I plan is because I like to have a plan, and because I keep a lot of pots on the stove at once. Without a plan, they tend to boil over and make a mess.

Metaphors aside, the biggest reason I like to plan things out is because I know when, where, and how often, I can tune it all out and spend some quality time in the kitchen. More and more I’m finding my zen with a knife in hand, a pot on the stove (non-metaphorically this time) and something in the oven.

Methodical chopping, simmering, roasting, and the whole chemistry of baking seem to transport me right to my happy place. Truly, there is so much more I have yet to learn about cooking, so each chance I get to work at it pays immediate dividends. In exactly ten minutes last night I whipped up a delicious (and healthy!) meal. Steamed broccoli, pan fried beef strips, some cheese and spinach tortellini, and a quick sauce of lemon-butter with oregano. No measurements, no thermometers, just a few pans on the stove, a clock, and my senses to guide me.

Delish.

Disclaimer: I work with both Handbag Productions and Windy City Media Group.

An interesting article is in the Windy City Times today about The Bailiwick Repertory. I’ve worked on Rudolph there, as well as Caged Dames, and Follow My Lead.

How interesting that he called out the Center on Halsted and the Gay Games as part of ‘donor slump’ as well as citing Broadway in Chicago and even technology like Tivo and Neflix as a problem affecting the finances of the theater. My take is that it has nothing to do with any of that. True, he points out that the coming-out stories of the past aren’t as appealing, but it ain’t people not going out.

It’s people going elsewhere.

Why are the other storefronts I regularly go to filling houses?

From my vantage point, having worked in the gay community now for a number of years, nearly every business (bar, club, theatre, restaurant, store) earns a reputation over time, positive or negative. Most folks have a perceived reputation of the Bailiwick that “it’s that place where those naked boys sing on stage.” There is no denying that. Try asking a lesbian the last time she was there, or what she knows about that name. (ok, generalization, but the perception is there)

I’ve had to counter that nearly every time I tell someone where the show I’m in, or the production I’m working on, is playing. And if I can actually convince my friends to go, that’s great. But what happens to those people seeing the name in a paper, or online? How do you convince them?

If you ask me, and since you’re reading this, you’re basically asking me for my opinion, the Bailiwick needs to work on changing their reputation. They need to work REALLY hard on that. Once that changes, the clients will return, and business will flourish.

In our community, it has very little to do with what you are offering, and a ton to do with what people think you are offering. Change the perception, and the world is golden.

How to do this? Well, I’m not getting paid to solve that problem, so I’ll keep that to myself. But I think, no I know it can be done.

Well, I didn’t hear what I wanted during the Macworld Keynote. 3G iPhone was the speech I was hoping for. But all is not lost. There is a new iPhone update in the pipe so the moment I arrive home I’m updatin’ my handset.

As cool as the new slim mac looks, I’m not really into it because it doesn’t have a great CPU or a firewire port. Both of which are good to have for video editing, the only reason I’d purchase another laptop.

So my pennies will stay in my wallet until the 3G iPhone comes along. Or I decide to buy the HD camera, one or the other. Or maybe both.

No, not the Big Mac kind of attack, the Macworld Keynote kind. My Firefox will be pointed at the following links to see what kinds of goodies Steve Jobs ‘n Co. will be providing us for the coming year. Last year I salivated while the iPhone stuffs was coming out. Who knows what this year will hold? Nearly 40 minutes until we find out…

Cnet’s Live Blog
Macworld’s Live Update
TUAW’s Live Blog