Wicked Wednesday

On Wednesday, I took my mother to see Wicked at The Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco. We went to the 2pm matinee. If you aren't familiar with the story, it is the (unauthorized and unrelated) prequel to the Wizard of Oz story. Now, when I first heard about this story, I thought it was a stupid plotline. I didn't get the hype. I've now seen it, I get the hype. It is a fascinating story well told with great music, awesome actors, and amazing special effects.

The show is a bit long, close to 3 hours but there is one very necessary intermission 2/3 of the way through. The cast is full of talent. Amazing voices. The actors are not well known in the non-Broadway world (meaning, I don't recognize them from TV or Film) but a couple of familiar faces do pop up such as Carol Kane known for many television shows and films, one of them being "Taxi". Also in the cast is David Garrison, not a household name but you might remember him as Steve Darcy, the first husband of chicken-legged neighbor turned lesbian Marcy Darcy on "Married with Children". Wicked in San Francisco is funny, clever, makes you think, and brings back memories of that old movie from 70 years ago. I'd be interested to see how sales of The Wizard of Oz spiked in San Francisco. I'm sure plenty of people walked out of the Orpheum wanting to watch the 1930's fantasy with that sweet faced pre-pill popping Judy Garland. Me, eh...I'd rather just go see Wicked again.

Plain White T's new song/video

Check out the new single from the Plain White T's. Cute video and great song. My only criticism would be that it would have been nice to see one same sex couple in there, but other than that, it's the best love song I've heard in a long time. Love songs are always so sappy and heavy. They're either about breaking up, making up, fighting, crying, missing, regret, etc. Finally, a great love song that's simple, happy, and about what a love song should be about. Love. Just love. Maybe because this is "our song" and epitomises my relationship I am biased but you be the judge.

Clooney picks Obama over Oscar

George Clooney didn't attend the Oscars on Sunday night. Instead, he was at the White House with President Obama. The 47 year old actor was there to discuss the crisis in Darfur. Clooney has been to Sudan's Darfur six times and witnessed the tragedy first hand. The President and Vice President Joe Biden seemed to appreciate Clooney's concern and were receptive to his suggestion of a full time regional envoy that reports directly to the White House.



He discussed all of this on Monday night's Larry King Live which he did via satellite from the White House lawn. He also mentioned that he and Juliana Margulies will appear on the final episode of "ER". So...yeah, lots going on for GC.

Bardot to Obama "Save the Seals!"

Bridget Bardot, who has been a long time animal activist, is asking President Obama to save the world's seals. Bardot, French movie icon, wrote a letter to Obama asking for his help in the seal matter. President Obama made his first trip abroad as President yesterday when he visited Canada, where annual seal hunts are popular and widely criticized.


Bardot said she has "immense hope" that the President could help her in her seal saving endeavors. She also acknowledged that the President already has a full plate with U.S. matters. Ummm, ya think?

On this day....

....in 2003


The band Great White was performing a concert at a nightclub when there was a pyrotechnics malfunction. A fire ensued killing over 100 people and injuring over 300.



....1966

Cindy Crawford was born.



....in 1967
Kurt Cobain was born.



....in 1988
Rihanna was born

The Cougars strike again!

A funny skit from this week's Saturday Night Live starring Alec Baldwin...who just might be the funniest man in America. If you don't watch 30 Rock, you should.

BART - Take a lesson from MUNI

So, living in San Francisco, I take the BART quite a bit. It's really handy as long as you're not going too far north in the city. Also great if you're going out for some drinks and don't want to even be tempted to drive.

Here's the problem, BART stops running at around 1am. The bars serve last call around 1:30am. Do the math. Not a very practical schedule for those of us who like to stay out a little later and have a couple on a Friday or Saturday. The MUNI (bus system) runs until about 2-2:30am generally.

Now, I know what my mother will say (who reads this blog daily) "Do you really need to be out until 2am?" The answer is yes. I'm joking. Of course not, but the reality is that people do stay out until the bar turns on the harsh lighting that makes us all cringe like we are vampires at sunrise. I have heard from people too many times "What time does BART stop running? That early? I'll just drive" Not the behavior that the city should want to encourage.

So, let me know your thoughts on this subject. Should BART run until 2:30am?

Andy Warhol hits Golden Gate Park

The Andy Warhol exhibit "Warhol Live" at Golden Gate Park's De Young Museum officially opens today. It is scheduled to run through mid-May. Even if you're not a fan of his pop culture art, the De Young is a great place to spend an afternoon. Take a trip up to the observation deck and get one of the best views of the city. (I would rate the view from Delores Park #1, Twin Peaks #2, then the De Young).

Tickets are $20 and available through Museumtix.com: http://www.museumtix.com/venue/program.asp?pvt=&vid=133&pid=5552371&code=.

Next stop, Chicago

President Obama and his family left for Chicago yesterday for the long weekend. The President went to the gym at a friends apartment building this morning. This is the President of the United States, right? I mean, what does he say to the secret service? "I'm gonna hit the gym at a buddies, see you in a couple hours". They probably laugh and bring him back to reality. Ok, they probably don't laugh but I would just bet he has already tested his boundaries with them. Actually he has, I'm waiting for a picture of him with that blackberry.

I think it's great that the President is going to great lengths to try and keep a sense of normalcy for his family. Life is anything but normal for them however. They are experiencing a life that only 44 familes can stake claim to in 233 years. Plus, they are the first African American family to live under this microscope. But hey, you go to the gym Mr. President, and take your wife out for Valentine's Day dinner tonight (he has reservations at a Chicago restaurant). You do whatever you want. After all, it is President's Day Weekend.

TGIF13

Today is the first of three Friday the 13th's this year. Another next month, and yet another in November. If you are superstitious, a numerology junkie, love getting creeped out, or just love horror movies, here are some Friday the 13th facts to ponder:

1. The British Navy built a ship named Friday the 13th. Its maiden voyage was on a Friday the 13th, and it was never heard from again. Who thought it was a good idea to get on a ship of that name, sailing on that day?!

2. The Apollo 13 Space Shuttle launched at 13:13 CST on Apr. 11, 1970. The sum of the date's digits (4-11-70) is 13. The shuttles explosion occurred on April 13 (not a Friday). The addition of the date's digits is a stretch but the rest is quite a coinkidink.

3. Butch Cassidy, notorious American train and bank robber, was born on Friday, April 13, 1866.

4. Fidel Castro was born on Friday, Aug. 13, 1926.

5. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt would not travel on the 13th day of any month and would never host 13 guests at a meal.

6. Superstitious diners in Paris can hire a quatorzieme, or professional 14th guest.

7. Mark Twain once was the 13th guest at a dinner party. A friend warned him not to go. "It was bad luck," Twain later told the friend. "They only had food for 12." Now that's a nightmare.

8. Woodrow Wilson considered 13 his lucky number, though Friday the 13th of December 1918 was not lucky for him. He arrived in Normandy, France for peace talks, and returned with a treaty he couldn't get Congress to sign. He toured the United States to rally support for the treaty, and while traveling, suffered a near-fatal stroke.

9. The number 13 suffers from its position after 12, according to numerologists who consider the latter to be a complete number - 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles of Jesus, 12 days of Christmas and 12 eggs in a dozen. Sounds like 13 is the Jan Brady of numbers. "12, 12, 12!"

10. The seals on the back of a dollar bill include 13 steps on the pyramid, 13 stars above the eagle's head, 13 war arrows in the eagle's claw and 13 leaves on the olive branch. Maybe the Treasury needs to redesign these. Who knows, then the dollar might actually be worth something.

11. Four of the Eleven "Friday the 13th" movies has opened on Friday the 13th. Including the latest installment which opens today.

12. We're not going to do a 12, that number already gets enough attention with its zodiac signs, Olympic gods and apostles.

13. BOO!!

Enjoy your own "Office Obama"

Are you as big a fan of our new President as I am? Now, you can have him around all day long. Make yourself a paper President Obama. It takes a little time and a good amount of patience but it's worth it! My day stays a little brighter knowing we are finally in capable hands. Print out your "Paper Obama" template at http://www.cubeecraft.com/characters/character097.jpg

Zero tolerance this year for alcohol, nudity, and floats at 2009 Bay to Breakers

The Bay to Breakers, a race from the Embarcadero to the Great Highway, has been a San Francisco tradition for 98 years. It is the longest consecutively run footrace in the world. It has become a "Mardi-gras-esque" street party that brings almost a hundred thousand people to the city by the bay each year. Every year you have several different groups. The serious runners who have trained all year (they represent less than 1%), the runners who have no intention of winning but take the race seriously and challenge themselves to beat their own best time (maybe 3%), and then there are the freaks: 96%. Now, I use the term freaks loosely. It is San Francisco. You have people in flamboyant outfits, giant floats which are basically bars on wheels, groups who dress alike, ...and naked people.



This year, city officials, and Bay to Breakers sponsors announced a zero tolerance policy for 96% of those who attend...the freaks. There is to be no alcohol, no floats, no elaborate costumes, and no nudity. So, basically, this 98 year tradition that generates millions of dollars in revenue for the city, will now consist of about twelve Kenyans and maybe a couple hundred serious runners. Why bother? I understand the shutdown of the Castro Halloween festivities since that has at times been truly out of hand; but there is no comparison between an event that resulted in nine people getting shot last year (Castro) and a yearly street party where there were no arrests and no injuries (except for the plants that might have perished due to public urination).

So, this year you might want to skip the Bay to Breakers unless you've been training all year and plan on taking home the $25,000 grand prize. The rest of us will watch the "festivities" from a local pub, wearing something silly...or nothing at all.

On this day...

...in 2006 Vice President Dick Cheney shot his "friend" Harry Whittington in the face with a shotgun.


...in 1969 Jennifer Aniston was born


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...in 1964 Sarah Palin was born

Nite-nite: Phil Carey 1925-2009

Phil Carey, who played Asa Buchanan on "One Life To Live" has died of lung cancer. He was 83. When I was a kid I used to watch this with my sister when I got out of school. I always wanted to be like his character. He was a tough, shrewd business man who didn't take any crap from anyone. He was the self made billionaire who came from meager beginnings and made a name for himself and everybody knew it. Asa Buchanan.

Anyway, that was just his character. Phil Carey was a U.S. Marine who started his TV and Film career in the 1950's working opposite some pretty big names. Joan Crawford, John Wayne, Gary Cooper, and Henry Fonda. He took on the role of Asa Buchanan in 1980 and played him until his on-screen death in 2007. Though he did return to film "video wills" - it's the soap world, nobody really dies...well...until they die. A larger than life character that will be missed.

David Grohl for marriage equality

Foo Fighters front man David Grohl was seen sporting the white knot on his lapel at last nights MusiCares Person of the year tribute to Neil Diamond.


The white knot represents the support of marriage equality and Grohl made sure everybody knew it. "Anybody know about whiteknot.org?" the former Nirvana drummer said on the red carpet before the tribute. "I believe in love and I believe in equality and I believe in marriage equality".

Kudos to David Grohl for joining the growing group of straight celebs who are growing tired of intolerance and making their feelings known. Look for the white knot on tomorrow nights Grammy telecast. Stars already committing to wear it include Grohl, Michael Buble, Adele, Dave Stewart, and Kristian Bush.

Get your own white knot at www.whiteknot.org!

Ashley Judd and Sarah Palin in a cat...I mean...wolf fight

Ashley Judd and Sarah Palin can now be added to the list of feuding celebrities. Though this feud is actually over something serious: the slaughter of wolves in Alaska. Judd filmed a video for the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund in which she accused Palin of "championing the slaughter of wildlife" by backing the act of shooting wild wolves from a helicopter.

Palin has responded by slamming the Defenders of Wildlife as a "fringe group" and accused them of using her administration as a means to raise money. Judd appeared on Larry King on Friday and held her ground and stuck to her guns (pun intended). No one from Palin's administration took part in the interview. Does this surprise anyone? Didn't we all hear about Governor Mooseburger and her love for snuffing out innocent wildlife during the campaign? I support Ashley Judd's cause and think it's admirable that she's standing up for what she believes in. However, it just keeps that Tina Fey wannabe in the limelight that much longer. We know you hate Palin, so stop talking about her, celebs. 2012 is just around the corner.


On a related note, the ladies on "The View" got into it yesterday about this subject. Guess who came to Palin's defense? Guess. You got it, Elisabeth Hasselbeck. The woman who is trying to compensate for every baby aborted in America by having another one of her own jumped at Joy Behar and Whoopi by shifting the subject to abortion. Now, I have to say, I actually respect Hasselbeck quite a bit. Her views could NOT be farther from mine, but she has her beliefs (no matter how silly I find them) and it can't be easy to sit at that table with those liberal bulldogs every day. I also think she's very smart. That girl probably goes home every day after a heated discussion with Joy and waits for the phone call from Fox News offering her "The Elisabeth Hasselbeck Show". Oh, and it will happen. My guess is it will go on opposite Rachel Maddow.

Nite-nite: James Whitmore 1921-2009

TV, Film, and stage actor James Whitmore passed away from lung cancer on Friday at 87. To the older generations he was known for his westerns, musicals and dramas such as "The Last Frontier", "Oklahoma!", and "Planet of the Apes". To us (somewhat) younger folks (young in comparison to 87 at least) he was known as the spokesman for Miracle Gro





Though not known for his politics, Whitmore was an early supporter of President Obama (you were waiting for the signifigance, right?). Even campaigning for him in 2007. He was also an avid supporter of the separation of church and state. Rest in peace Mr. Whitmore. Now, I'm off to water my plants.

Governor Kilmer?

Yes, another aging action star is mulling over the possibility of a run for the governors mansion. Though this mansion is most likely a lot smaller than the Sacramento Schwarzenneger palace and with a lot more Santa Fe style furniture and cattle skulls on the wall. Yes, Val Kilmer is considering a run for governor of New Mexico in 2010 when Bill Richardson's term expires.

The Top Gun "Iceman" turned Jim Morrison turned Batman grew up in LA but has resided in New Mexico since the 80's. Though he's publicly stated he's a Democrat that supported Obama, he hasn't been very visible in the party or the political arena. Schwarzenegger, who was able to sneak in the back door during a recall election in California, was at least vocal about his political opinions and aspirations. He was even the Chairman of the Presiden'ts Council on Physical Fitness in the early 90's.


There's still plenty of time for Kilmer to get his face in front of the cameras before the election, but the years haven't been good to Iceman. If he's gonna do it, he better do it Gore-style. Drop 30, get a haircut and a good shave, then announce your candidacy. As shallow as it is, nobody wants to look at Gary Busey at the podium.

Cockpit/tower audio released of Flight 1549

Check this out, amazing how calm the pilot seems in this situation. I'm sure the passengers, who were getting an all too intimate view of the George Washington Bridge were not as calm. Amazing job though.





Also, check out this rough but pretty amazing video of the crash

Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg has cancer

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was hospitalized today for Pancreatic Cancer. She has had colon cancer in the past. She is 75 and one of the most liberal justices on the Supreme Court. She has said in the past she sees herself staying on the court well into her 80's. Hopefully she will, for her sake and ours. Get well Justice Ginsburg.

On this Day...

...in 2004 Facebook was founded by Mark Zuckerberg

...in 1913 Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks was born

...in 1987 Liberace died

The bitch is backin' out

If you haven't seen Elton John's Vegas strip show, you have two more months.

He announced today that he will be packing up his jackets and his red piano on April 22nd after almost 5 years at Ceasars Palace. Tickets for his final performance will go on sale Thursday. No word yet on a replacement but Cher and Bette Midler are still performing at the Colosseum so have no fear, Ceasars is still the gayest place on earth. (....and I live in San Francisco)

A President that takes responsibility?!

Ok, so I'm still getting used to this concept. I know I need to let go of my bitterness towards the previous administration, but it's just such a contrast from the Bush administration to the Obama administration.

Today, Obama took total responsibility for the failed nominees he put up for his cabinet. "I screwed up". Those were President Obama's words. He nominated two capable people who just happened to have tax issues in their past. Imagine that, elected officials with tax issues. Not good, but it happens and this President took responsibility.

I know, I know, get over the past...but we have yet to hear those words from George W. Bush. Didn't he "screw up"? 9/11, Katrina, Guantanamo Bay, torture, Rumsfeld, Ashcroft, Cheney, I could go on and on. And on. Ok, I'm letting go now.

So, not a good week so far for President Obama, but a refreshing one for us. We can deal with mistakes, everyone makes them. It's nice to have a leader who owns up to it.

Gregg is going to the White House

Well, not this Gregg..YET

It will most likely be announced tomorrow that Republican Senator Judd Gregg from New Hampshire will be announced by President Obama (that might be the first time I typed that...feels good) as his pick for Commerce Secretary. I'm trying to remember how many Democrats President George W. Bush appointed to his cabinet in his first 20 days. Hmmm...I won't spend too much time on that.

Anyway, it is rare to see a fellow two G-er so Republican or not, he's got two things going for him: That name...oh, and the fact that he has a moderate voting record for a Repub. He voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2007 (as did 5 other Republicans) and he supported the Stem Cell Research Bill.

Oh, and in the interest of fairness, Bush did pick Democrat Norm Mineta as Secretary of Transportation in January 2001. Of course he also picked Ashcroft and Rumsfeld so it wasn't exactly a blended Cabinet. Obama has already picked two Republicans and two Independents.

Best of luck Senator Gregg. (Sounds like that creepy bathroom sexaholic...tap, tap, tap)

J-Hud back in the spotlight

After a nightmare end to 2008 (the tragic murder of her mother, brother, and nephew), Jennifer Hudson came out of her understandable hiding to sing the National Anthem at yesterday's Super Bowl XLIII. She was perfect. Even though I look at these outdoor performances as more theatrics (it is common to pre-tape the vocals due to stadium acoustics) it was still her up there. Her flawless voice, her stage presence. You could see the vulnerability and nervousness in her eyes but she knocked it out of the park (I don't care if it's football, I like baseball)

Check out her stellar performance.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. My hope is that this will be a place for me to voice my views on anything and everything that makes me think. My fear is that you will come to this blog again in six months and this will be the most recent posting. I'm a procrastinator. I don't know if I spelled that right. I hope blogspot has spell check. We shall see.

I hope you find my views interesting. My goal isn't to get you to agree, but get you to think. Again, welcome.

Who am I kidding, Kim you are the only one reading this. Another website you sucked me into. Congrats.