Recently in NYC Life Category
Do we really need to explain why Givenik.com is one of this month's Things We Love*? (OK, apparently we do!)
We love to see shows on Broadway. It's one of the biggest frills that comes with being a New Yorker. You also know that we love giving to charities (yes - even in these tough times ... they need us the most now). Well, now we can do BOTH of these things at the same time.
With Givenik.com, you can get great discounts on Broadway and Off-Broadway tickets and have 5% donated to the charity of your choice! Honestly, why wouldn't you use Givenik to get your tix?
This is cool enough with individual ticket purchases - but just imagine how much you could raise for your favorite charity if you organize group sales! Although you can always add one of your charities to get that 5% ... we were happy to see that some of our favorites are already listed:
*who do we think we are, Oprah?
The sinful dance den Mr Black is moving yet again to a new location starting on Nov 7th. It's 3rd(ish) location will be Club Rebel at 251 W 30th Street ... where hopefully all the cute boys and fierce trannies won't kill themselves on the all those steps. Let's just hope they let me bypass the line at the new location, too.
I'm a huge fan of the novel
, and Jeremy Irons, Diana Quick and Anthony Andrews created such depth in their roles on the mini-series that I almost cannot imagine another version of this epic being created.Matthew Goode, Ben Whishaw, and Hayley Atwell have some big shoes to fill ... and I reserve the right to judge. The movie already has one strike against it: the weak tagline in the promo above. "Privilege. Ambition. Desire. At Brideshead Everything Comes at a Price." Let's hope the movie isn't made for the Gossip Girl
audience.I'm also a bit worried that the gay undertones will be ironed out. At least from the advertising I've seen so far, this isn't a big part of the movie.
All that said. I'm super excited to finally get to see this. I've been waiting for this movie since stumbling across the IMDB page a couple of years ago. Woo hoo.
*I'm sure no one else will come up with that bit of wittiness in this entry title.
I am happy to report that I was able to snag an iPhone on Friday after standing in line for many ... many ... way too many hours. Somehow, the Apple staff at the 14th St location still managed to be happy and energetic even tho it was 12:30am by the time I got up to the 3rd floor. I don't know what they were on to stay that happy ... but I want some. Mr. Jobs, can you send me some?
![MaleGaze_OpeningEvite_0[6].jpg](http://certaindisaster.com/archives/MaleGaze_OpeningEvite_0[6].jpg)
Finally! An art event that actually looks worthy of attending. Sponsored by the powerHouse Arena and OUT magazine, the exhibit runs through May 27th, 2007 and shows the works of over 20 artists dealing with subject matter involving masculinity and homosexuality. Included in the exhibition are works by Bruce LaBruce, Slava Mogutin, Paul Mpagi Sepuya, and Wilhelm von Gloeden. Check it out: 37 Main Street, Brooklyn (yes ... Brooklyn ... if I could drag my ass there so can you) M-F: 10am - 7pm Weekends: 11am - 7p
For someone with a fear of falling ... I seem to be experiencing it pretty intensely these days. I just can't help it ... and I'm actually not minding so much. I think I'll even grow to like it. And that's all part of falling ... isn't it? Ever suspended in that magical place of ecstacy and fear?
Candis ripped it up (bad choice of words??) at Opus 22 on Sunday in celebration of Pride. Thanks to GOOL for the lovely photo that will trigger memories of the event for years to come. That girl can perform!
Even after a potentially fatal wardrobe failure (have you ever tried to do high kicks standing on just one high-heel???) she tore up the West Side Highway much to the enjoyment of passing cars and pedestrians alike. What better way to spend Pride Sunday afternoon than eating a big juicy hamburger from the grill, getting to kiss a cute boy, downing a potent vodka beverage (or two ... or three ... or ... ), and watching a performer that actually has talent?
Even after a potentially fatal wardrobe failure (have you ever tried to do high kicks standing on just one high-heel???) she tore up the West Side Highway much to the enjoyment of passing cars and pedestrians alike. What better way to spend Pride Sunday afternoon than eating a big juicy hamburger from the grill, getting to kiss a cute boy, downing a potent vodka beverage (or two ... or three ... or ... ), and watching a performer that actually has talent?
Who doesn't love Mr. Jon Jon Battles? Thankfully, one of our favorite DJs now has his very own blog.
Finally ... something we all want ... Instant Love! "Oh no!" the drag queen inside of me says, "Nothing comes that quickly ... you gotta work for it, girl!"
Well, perhaps that inner diva is wrong about that just this once. The truely amazing Jami Attenberg of Whatever-Whenever fame serves up the love in her hot new book Instant Love. I'm not offering a review quite yet ... but just know that this book is on Oprah's "What You're Really Going to Want to Read this Summer" list. So, head out an buy a copy today for your reading pleasure. You wouldn't want to make a liar out of Oprah, would you???
Well, perhaps that inner diva is wrong about that just this once. The truely amazing Jami Attenberg of Whatever-Whenever fame serves up the love in her hot new book Instant Love. I'm not offering a review quite yet ... but just know that this book is on Oprah's "What You're Really Going to Want to Read this Summer" list. So, head out an buy a copy today for your reading pleasure. You wouldn't want to make a liar out of Oprah, would you???
When Leather Invasion announced that its next invasion was IKEA, I thought, "Awesome! They're coming to my apartment!". It took me a few minutes to realize that although I have a lot of furniture from IKEA (before their quality dropped), the leather studs would probably not be coming to visit me. Sigh. Maybe next time.
Although the aisles there already remind me of 8th Avenue (except for the fact that more couples hold hands at IKEA), this really is a sight not to be missed. If you are into leather (i.e., if you can afford it), why not join in. Having already invaded MoMA and the skating rink in central park, this group seems like a great bunch of guys creating one of those unique experiences you'll only find in New York.
Although the aisles there already remind me of 8th Avenue (except for the fact that more couples hold hands at IKEA), this really is a sight not to be missed. If you are into leather (i.e., if you can afford it), why not join in. Having already invaded MoMA and the skating rink in central park, this group seems like a great bunch of guys creating one of those unique experiences you'll only find in New York.
OK, really now. When has the title of a show been as much fun to say as 'Measure for Pleasure'? I just can't stop saying it. "Meeeeeeh-shuuuure for Pleeeeeh-shuuuure". I'm a geek, I know. Just gotta embrace it sometimes.
Opening last night for previews at the Public Theater, Measure for Pleasure is on my short list of shows to see. Not only does it have a damn hot poster (see Gawker for the clean version printed in the NY Times), but it's directed by the uber-talented Peter DuBois - who directed Richard III last year and, before coming to the Public, served as Artistic Director of the Perseverance Theater. This new play (read: world premiere) by David Grimm sounds like sex for my brain (and I'm expecting it to deliver):
But really, just think of the fun you'll have the next morning telling all your co-workers, "I just saw this great show downtown featuring a sex cave!" How often are you going to be able to say that? Tix here.
Opening last night for previews at the Public Theater, Measure for Pleasure is on my short list of shows to see. Not only does it have a damn hot poster (see Gawker for the clean version printed in the NY Times), but it's directed by the uber-talented Peter DuBois - who directed Richard III last year and, before coming to the Public, served as Artistic Director of the Perseverance Theater. This new play (read: world premiere) by David Grimm sounds like sex for my brain (and I'm expecting it to deliver):
Will Blunt is in love with Molly, a young transvestite prostitute. But when Blunt rescues him from a life on the streets, he doesn't count on Molly falling in love with Dashwood, the handsome womanizing rake.Obligatory sex cave? Sounds like a typical night out in the East Village, if you ask me.
Restoration comedy meets modern sex farce in this romantic adventure, exploring the elusive nature of happiness; featuring mistaken identities, duels and double-dealings, and the obligatory sex cave.
But really, just think of the fun you'll have the next morning telling all your co-workers, "I just saw this great show downtown featuring a sex cave!" How often are you going to be able to say that? Tix here.
Occasionally, when I'm out grabbing drinks with friends, I'll get some ... um ... undesired attention from a drunk guy that thinks being obnoxious can somehow be substituted for charm - a deadly mistake, boys. Being the genuinely nice person that I am, I usually have a difficult time signaling my disinterest and end up embroiled in bizarre conversations. Recently, however, I was able to end one such conversation rather quickly.
The next morning, however, I woke to a frantic call from my mother. An enormous oak tree had apparently fallen in a storm the night before and had come precariously close to smashing through the roof and killing both my parents at they lay in restful repose (not a bad way to go if you ask me). My mother was still a shaken as she described how the oak tree had flattened her fake pine trees like pancakes, and I couldn't help but feel a bit guilty.
What made me feel even more guilty was when I realized that I would probably use my new 'conversation-killer' again. But don't worry - I'll only use it if absolutely necessary.
Drunk: (coming up behind me, throwing his arm over my shoulder and slurring) You're cute. Do your parents know you're gay?Not bad if I do say so myself. I was worried for a few moments that I had somehow damned my very-alive-parents to some horrible catastrophe, but alcohol soon removed those worries.
(Brilliant opening line, right?)
Me: Um, no.
(Lies are sometimes more interesting, aren't they?)
Drunk:Why not? Afraid to tell them?
Me: No. (dramatic pause) They're both dead.
Drunk: Oh (pause). Um (removing arm from around my shoulders). Oh (walking away).
The next morning, however, I woke to a frantic call from my mother. An enormous oak tree had apparently fallen in a storm the night before and had come precariously close to smashing through the roof and killing both my parents at they lay in restful repose (not a bad way to go if you ask me). My mother was still a shaken as she described how the oak tree had flattened her fake pine trees like pancakes, and I couldn't help but feel a bit guilty.
What made me feel even more guilty was when I realized that I would probably use my new 'conversation-killer' again. But don't worry - I'll only use it if absolutely necessary.
Here's a little something for all of the single folks out there - to whom February 14 is a day of fear and dread (I'm not quite to that point yet ... but I'm getting there):
How many more Valentine's Days must I spendsending flowers to myself and pretending they are from 'Juan Carlos' alone? It's like every time the day comes and goes, a little bit of the romantic in me dies a slow, torturous (and melodramatic) death (think: very bloody).
And yet, I still say 'Cheers' to love and to the possibility of somehow finding it in this big city. Bring on the challenge - I'm a glutton for punishment.
How many more Valentine's Days must I spend
And yet, I still say 'Cheers' to love and to the possibility of somehow finding it in this big city. Bring on the challenge - I'm a glutton for punishment.
Going to the dentist is scary enough, but when mine told me that I should buy one of these or else he'd eventually have to shave the roof of my mouth to make new gums for me, I was a bit freaked out. OK. More than freaked out. Who wants to have to have new gums installed? I'm sure now, however, that Sonicare probably pays him to scare his patients into purchase because at the end of the appointment, he patted me on the butt as we walked out and said, "Everything looks fine. Come back in a year to get your teeth cleaned."
I couldn't believe it. Everything looks fine?? What about my replaceable gums? What about ... what about ... what about that pat on the ass?
or else he'd eventually have to shave the roof of my mouth to make new gums for me, I was a bit freaked out. OK. More than freaked out. Who wants to have to have new gums installed? I'm sure now, however, that Sonicare probably pays him to scare his patients into purchase because at the end of the appointment, he patted me on the butt as we walked out and said, "Everything looks fine. Come back in a year to get your teeth cleaned." I couldn't believe it. Everything looks fine?? What about my replaceable gums? What about ... what about ... what about that pat on the ass?
A recent email exchange:
Friend: As for MarieBelle, that's SO last year. That's where I got one of Mom's Xmas gifts last year. But, it can't be THAT last year cause she wants something else from there this year.Damn. I love living in this city.
Me: Did you really just say something was 'SO last year'? You've been living in NY way too long to be useful to society any longer. ... Congrats!
Friend: I can still be useful to other New Yorkers, right?
Me: Apparently the only uses that New Yorkers have for other New Yorkers are:
1) providing bitchy comments
2) disdainful looks
3) holes to stick things in
4) any combination of the above
in short, yes, you can still be useful to other New Yorkers ... well, after your bum heals, anyway.
Looking for that perfect holiday gift? D. recently turned me on to Spring Plum Tea available from MarieBelle retail locations. This tea comes wrapped in a tight ball which blooms in your cup as it steeps. What a surprise! Not only does this special tea taste amazing, but it's packaged in a signature tin that looks ... well ... like the tea cost a lot (which it does).
You can also find Aztec Hot Chocolate (Yum! Makes me think of Chocolat), boxed chocolates, and other special gifts.
If you're in NYC and want to sample some of the goodies, head to the Cacao Bar in SoHo (accessed through the rear of the MarieBelle shop).
You can also find Aztec Hot Chocolate (Yum! Makes me think of Chocolat
), boxed chocolates, and other special gifts. If you're in NYC and want to sample some of the goodies, head to the Cacao Bar in SoHo (accessed through the rear of the MarieBelle shop).
Smiling when you walk down the street makes you more attractive.
I knew I was off my game when the guy I was chatting up abruptly pulled a dollar from his wallet and strode towards the bar - where a go-go boy eagerly awaited as his wresting gear strained under the presure of his enormous muscle(s).
I knew my chances were dwindling when the guy expertly slid his single deep into the singlet.
I knew I was going home alone when I heard the guy ask the wrester if he was 'working' after closing.
Sigh. You really can't get a clearer signal that you're not going to hook up than that, can you?
Lesson learned: Wear a wresting singlet.
I knew my chances were dwindling when the guy expertly slid his single deep into the singlet
.I knew I was going home alone when I heard the guy ask the wrester if he was 'working' after closing.
Sigh. You really can't get a clearer signal that you're not going to hook up than that, can you?
Lesson learned: Wear a wresting singlet.
Now, we all know that BAM has some kick ass performances - especially as part of it's Next Wave Festival, but I was unprepared for the journey on which the Compagnia Aterballetto would take me last night when I attended the opening night performances of Les Noces and Petrushka.
Before the curtain even rises on Les Noces, the audience is flooded with the sound of metal 'chairs' being rocked against the stage in unison by their soon-to-be-revealed occupants. Immediately drawn into this hidden world, it's almost a shock to finally get to see the dancers seated frozen-faced along the wings as the curtain races towards the rafters.
I'll refrain from further description for fear of doing the work an injustice. By the end of the piece, however, I was thoroughly enjoying myself. Having given up on any attempts to follow a narrative, I was swept into the world of movement - of the surprises that the choreography and music held. The experience was similar to that of a feather gently touching a bare stomach. There is sensation. There is reaction. There is pleasure. But there are no good words to describe the feeling.
Petrushka shocked me by it's difference to the first piece. While the first dripped with restraint (which is part of what made it so beautiful), the second was unrestrained, exuberant, and sometimes (just sometimes) inexplicably creepy. As if their movements were fueled by their deepest desires, these dancers made it look way to easy to perform with such exacting technique. It was quite thrilling to watch.
Oh. And did I mention the principle male dancer for Petruska wears tight camouflage pants and a ripped up punk t-shirt? (droool.)
Normally, I would mention some of the particularly stunning dancers by name, however, I ditched my program before crashing the opening night reception with N. (Thanks, Adrian).
What surprised me most about these performances is that they stuck with me far after I had left the theater. I was touched by the passion with which the dancers embraced their roles ... embraced life, and I was inspired to re-evaluate my own 'roles' ... the ones that I have chosen to play. We'll see how that goes as time goes on, but the experience reminded me of how powerful (and purposeful) art can be.
My only criticism (there has to be one, doesn't there?) would be that the company is way too attractive for their own good.
From the press card:
Before the curtain even rises on Les Noces, the audience is flooded with the sound of metal 'chairs' being rocked against the stage in unison by their soon-to-be-revealed occupants. Immediately drawn into this hidden world, it's almost a shock to finally get to see the dancers seated frozen-faced along the wings as the curtain races towards the rafters.
I'll refrain from further description for fear of doing the work an injustice. By the end of the piece, however, I was thoroughly enjoying myself. Having given up on any attempts to follow a narrative, I was swept into the world of movement - of the surprises that the choreography and music held. The experience was similar to that of a feather gently touching a bare stomach. There is sensation. There is reaction. There is pleasure. But there are no good words to describe the feeling.
Petrushka shocked me by it's difference to the first piece. While the first dripped with restraint (which is part of what made it so beautiful), the second was unrestrained, exuberant, and sometimes (just sometimes) inexplicably creepy. As if their movements were fueled by their deepest desires, these dancers made it look way to easy to perform with such exacting technique. It was quite thrilling to watch.
Oh. And did I mention the principle male dancer for Petruska wears tight camouflage pants and a ripped up punk t-shirt? (droool.)
Normally, I would mention some of the particularly stunning dancers by name, however, I ditched my program before crashing the opening night reception with N. (Thanks, Adrian).
What surprised me most about these performances is that they stuck with me far after I had left the theater. I was touched by the passion with which the dancers embraced their roles ... embraced life, and I was inspired to re-evaluate my own 'roles' ... the ones that I have chosen to play. We'll see how that goes as time goes on, but the experience reminded me of how powerful (and purposeful) art can be.
My only criticism (there has to be one, doesn't there?) would be that the company is way too attractive for their own good.
From the press card:
Les Noces and Petrushka, two signature works of Diaghilev's Ballets Russes set to visionary scores by Stravinsky, are sensitively re-conceived by Mauro Bigonzetti, artistic director of Italy's astonishing Compagnia Aterballetto. Known for a repertory ranging from neoclassical to avant-garde to postmodern, the troupe moves between multiple genres with extraordinary ease and grace. These two works are the perfect progeny: proud of their parentage, yet unmistakably a part of the here and now.
