Jason Paul Smith | Director • Producer • Writer

Cat Shelter's Rock

2009-08-11T08:26:00.001-07:00

Rob Dorn's Birthday and Amy Cole's Linda Show - What are you doing this evening!

2009-07-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

Hoorah!! It's Rob's Birthday today! Unfortunately, we are celebrating with some basics - laundry, cat litter, dishes.... etc. But, later this evening - we are going to Amy Cole's Linda Ronstadt Show!

July 24, 2009 at 8:00pm
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

For tickets, please click here or call 847-677-7761.

Skokie Theater Music Foundation
7924 N. Lincoln Avenue • Skokie, Illinois 60077

Three Cat Media is proud to present "It's So Easy: The Music of Linda Ronstadt". Join Chicago Jazz and Cabaret favorite Amy Cole as she celebrates the incredible career of Linda Ronstadt. With 40 years in the entertainment industry, Ronstadt's music celebrates multiple genres including rock, country, jazz and many more. Songs include, Blue Bayou, Different Drum, When Will I Be Loved and What's New.

Financial Aid Stinks...

2009-07-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

So, today, I got amazing news! I was admitted to Loyola University in Chicago. I am thrilled that my application was accepted. HUGE PROBLEM! Financial Aid. I have never experienced funding and financial aid at a private school. And boy is it crazy! TUITION IS RIDICULOUS. Loyola is an amazing school. Beautiful campus - i have heard an amazing institution - but the cost of tuition is crazy. I have received 75% of my tuition funded - and I am still about $4000 short per semester. GURRRL are they crazy? It's like blood from a turnip!

So, my plans for a BA/BS in Education may very well be on hold for a little while. I am now going to look at UIC to see if they have the classes I need for the fall!

Anyone got an extra $10,000?

Three Cat Productions and Timmy Samuel!

2009-07-21T16:02:00.000-07:00

On July 17th, my production company, Three Cat Productions, sponsored a Mix and Mingle event at the Skokie Theatre Music Foundation. You may have seen the flyer in a previous post. We were so lucky to have the photographer Timmy Samuel from Starbelly Studios at the event taking pictures. Here is a sample of photos from the event!

Painting....AAAAA

2009-07-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

Rob is at a cabaret master class. I have no immediate projects that have to be finished by the end of the weekend. We are moving our office home by the end of the month. So, now is the only time I can think of to finish the two painting projects that we have on our list.

I spent the morning finishing up the taping in the bedroom. I started priming the blue color in our bedroom. I have no idea what I was think. Why did I paint the bedroom that blue color. I have been pretty on the spot with colors in our house. But, BLUE, and a sky blue. Not good. So I am painting.

I have finished two coats on the two walls. Two more to go. I should be done painting the color early this evening. I am even hoping that i can start on the kitchen/dining room. We are going to paint all three rooms the same oatmeal color. It's going to look fantastic when we are finished. Hopefully, I will have photos to post tomorrow.

This is how I feel!! AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!

Biking - Love Me Some Bikes

2009-07-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

My bike was stolen a few months ago. In fact, some one actually broke our condo buildings basement door and stole all the bikes. They got away with my bike, the lock, and the helmut. It was lovely. So, I have spent several months looking through bike shops, on and off line for a new bike.

Over the weekend, I finally pulled the trigger. I had been looking for months at these amazing bikes at the copenhapen bike shop in chicago's wicker park neighborhood. Copenhagen Cyclery is an amazing shop - and if you have $800 to $1200 to spend on a bike - than purchase a bike there - it's worth the money.

For me, $800 was out of my price range. I wanted a high quality bike that was cute - but affordable. I am too tall and too big a person to be able to ride a $120 bike. The seat never stays were it needs too.

So, this weekend - for my birthday, I finally pulled the trigger. I bought a bike (and all the additional equipment). Play It Again Sports was having a large sale 25% off. So I purchased, bump bump bam, a biria in black. And I love it. I also got a diamond back helmut and a u lock. I have made two large trips around the city - 8 miles each - and it's awesome. (I also bought a bell and a light).

Here are some pictures - more to follow!

July and August Calendar

2009-07-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

It's been a while since I last updates. Things have been very crazy but awesome. I am performing, producing, and directoring more now than every. I have a pack of shows I want to promote over the next month and a half.

I am producing and directing this chamber event on

July 17th, 2009
6:30pm to 9:30pm
Skokie Theatre Music Foundation

Tickets: $20 (Members) $30 (Non-Members)

Skokie Theatre Music Foundation
7924 N. Lincoln Avenue • Skokie, Illinois 60077

Join the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for it's first ever suburban networking. Bringing together members from ten or more surrounding chambers of commerce and the Chicago Cabaret Professionals organization, this will be an unprecedented networking event. Three Cat Media will present a showcase of cabaret talent including After Dark winners Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael, and local cabaret favorites Amy Cole, Rob Dorn, and Laura Freeman.

During the evening we will enjoy appetizers, an array of chocolate, champagne and a sampling of the best Chicago cabaret. We will end the evening with a complimentary array of pizza at Skokie’s own Village Inn which will include a drink with the presentation of your event ticket. This not to be missed event is a must to build your referral network in a whole new way.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact Christina Pinson via phone at (773) 303-0167 or via email at cpinson@glchamber.org. Tickets can also be purchased online at http://glchamber.org.

More shows to be announced!

Sunday in the Library with Rob

2009-04-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

It's a cloudy Sunday afternoon. Rob and I decided to get out of the house for a little while. Due to the economic recession, our pocket book is bare. So, today, we decided to head up to the Evanston Public Library. It's a great way to get out of the house. We got to Evanston specifically because we can drive and park for free. They have a great jazz and original cast album section. (As I type this, I am listening to the Grammy winning cd "Loverly" by Cassandra Wilson.

Cassandra Wilson is amazing. I was lucky enough to meet her a few years ago in Minneapolis. She was performing with Bill T Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company at the Walker. If I remember correctly, it was a performance to celebrate/honor the tragedy of Sept 11. The Bill T Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company is one of the single most influential groups for me personally. The company has a unique ability to tell story and the human experience. LOVE LOVE LOVE. They are performing in Chicago at Ravinia on Sept 17, 2009 - here is a promotional video.

And another piece because:

They are truly AMAZING!! So, be sure to check them out!

I have been working on "The Straight Girl's Guide to Dating: Written by a Gay Man" for the last week. Due May 1, 2009, I have a quick turnaround time for this project. Rather than over think this project, I want just get it finished and have a ball! So the outline it almost finished, and the prologue is finished. All the design elements are finished. So it's just a matter of writing.

Well, that's all for this sunday afternoon. Let me know what you think of the Bill T Jones clips. And one more clip for the road. (This is one of my favorites)

The recession, cats, and withdrawal

2009-04-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

Communicating, relationships, and love. These are just a few of my favorite things. I have always had a special insight into love and relationships. Perhaps, it's all the time I spent single and dateless in my teens and twentys.

I had an interview today with Crain's Chicago Business. The interview was about small business owners balancing work and relationships. It was interesting discussing these two topics at the same time. I usually keep our work life so separate from relationship discussions.

(MORE TO COME SOON)

Now is the Month of May....

2008-05-31T20:48:00.000-07:00

May is now almost official over. Memorial day has passed. The grills are now on the deck. SUMMER IS HERE...

I am simpsonized!

2007-08-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

The before.... The after.....

THE REVOLUTIONARY MUSICAL FOR TODAY

2007-05-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

British Word of the Week is BACK

2007-05-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

word of the week is 'bint' meaning a stupid woman

eg. the stupid bint did not iron my shirt!

testing out my webcam

2007-05-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

Lady Elaine Fairchilde

2007-04-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

One of my idols = MR ROGERS

I was thinking about Mr. Rogers the other day. I wish more talk shows would cover his dramatic impact on the world. I was born in a divorced family at a time when being in a divorced family was frowned upon. I was different in a town were different was horrible. And Mr. Rogers helped. Wow!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaJQLgiXKO0

YOU HAVE TO WATCH THE ATTACHED LINK - There is a clip from my favorite Mr. Rogers ever - with the boy in the wheel chair. It still makes me cry!

Lady Elaine Fairchilde, the outspoken, cranky schemer who took over the Museum-Go-Round after the Froggs moved; oft known to say "Okay, toots." She is generally the villain when a storyline calls for one, but her neighbors are quick to forgive her because they understand her so well. It is discerned during the series that she has low self-esteem and is extremely self-conscious, and because of this, her neighbors are extremely patient with her until she finally learns her lesson. Despite her own faults, she consistently shows King Friday when he is wrong about something and frequently goes to extremes (such as physically moving her museum or modifying a comet) to do so.

Truly the greatest man on television:

WOW _ this is scary

2007-03-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

Funny Girl Jack-in-the-box

2007-03-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

Funny Girl Jack-in-the-box
Originally uploaded by Pop Art Creations.

this woman is a genius - this is awesome!! rob has to have one of these - maybe for his b-day as it's coming up

SANJAYA ROCKS

2007-03-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Ok - Sanjaya has to stay for one more week - i wanna see him on the tour!

My Idol 10 - my predictions - i kind of think the bottom five - plus are pretty equal.

1.) Melinda
2.) Blake
3.) Jordan
4.) Gina
5.) Lakiska
6.) Chris (short hair)
7.) Sanjaya
8.) Chris
9.) Stephanie
10.) Haley

Out - Phil

REASON ENOUGH TO VOTE FOR SANJAYA

2007-03-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

COME ON PEOPLE - WE ARE AT WAR!!!!!!!

The Brown Elephant

2007-03-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Brown Elephant
Originally uploaded by chattingjason.

one more just for fun!

The Brown Elephant

2007-03-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

The Brown Elephant
Originally uploaded by chattingjason.

What an amazing weekend - this is one of my pictures from this weekend. We went to Chicago;'s legendary thrift store The Brown Elephant - it was the first stop on the way to our adventure - today we brought a bunch of bags of stuff to the elephant - I LOVE SPRING CLEANING!!

My Best Friend

2007-03-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

blip
Originally uploaded by michales.

Ok - so i was sitting here trying to work - and i am stuck on writing some copy for my business website - so i googled my friend Jeanne and here she is on flickr! How cool is that!! And she looks great! Go Jeanne!

The greatest american idol = Femmy Gays UNITE

2007-03-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

I know a lot of people don't like him and I don't think he should win the whole thing, but i think sanjaya malakar should make it to the top 10 - and now he will get to go on the idol tour 2007 - how exciting for that super gay 17 - hoorah! Femmy Gays UNITE

Jennifer Hudson Day

2007-03-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Hudson Day
Originally uploaded by chattingjason.

Congratulations to Jennifer Hudson - how exciting - today is Jennifer Hudson Day in Chicago!

BARACK

2007-03-06T09:11:00.000-08:00

Bathtime

2007-03-01T21:18:00.000-08:00

Library - 0231
Originally uploaded by chattingjason.

Our new adopted son - taking a bath.

Rob Dorn Portrait

2007-03-01T21:17:00.000-08:00

Rob Dorn Portrait
Originally uploaded by chattingjason.

another one i took recently - i am so happy with the lighting on his face

self portrait - am i bored

2007-03-01T18:56:00.000-08:00

portrait 22.jpg
Originally uploaded by chattingjason.

i should be working or cleaning the house, instead i am playing on flickr... oops - sorry dornie

SELF PORTRAITS

2007-02-28T16:08:00.000-08:00

self portrait 12.jpg
Originally uploaded by chattingjason.

So, I am finally coming out of this cold. Thank god. I decided after taking Rob's photo's yesterday, that I would try taking some self portraits - here is one of them.

THIS IS HER...

2007-02-27T21:27:00.000-08:00

British Word of the Week

2007-02-08T07:33:00.000-08:00

Here is the word for this week:

GIP- meaning to be sick.

e.g. i hate olives, they make me gip.

Past tense- gipped

After 12 pints of lager last night, i went home and gipped.

Enjoy!

Ric

British Word of the Week

2007-01-25T09:23:00.000-08:00

HOORAH - IT"S TIME FOR ANOTHER INSTALLMENT OF THE BRITISH WORD OF THE WEEK:

Here is goes:

As for words of the week...here goes:

fiddle arsing - meaning to spend one's time doing nothing.
e.g. I was supposed to be working but instead I was fiddle-arsing around!

WAHOO RIC!!!

If I Told the Truth - I LIKE FOOTBALL

2007-01-21T15:06:00.000-08:00

Ok - I may not be a junkie - but i sure love the home town team!!

As of right now, they are gonna win!!!!

THE BEST MOMENTS OF GOLDEN GLOBES

2007-01-17T11:37:00.000-08:00

I was sooo happy about two awards in particular at the Golden Globes - ATTENTION ACADEMY - award your prizes to people like these two and you will get great ratings!!!

UGLY BETTY

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

British Word of the Week

2007-01-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

Time for word of the week...again! (oh joy i hear you say!)

We are kicking off 2007 with this delight:

gobshite- meaning someone who talks crap all the time or someone who is loud!

enjoy!

Ric

365 - Day Two - The year of rosie...

2007-01-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

Rosie Vs. Trump
The clear winner here is Rosie - and I am completely over the Donald. I think there is a small group of over inflated celebrities like Donald, Regis, Paris Hilton who are famous for being famous.

Donald trump can go suck it! His latest accusation is that The Views ratings are bad due to Rosie O'Donnell and that her own talk show's ratings were down and that they fired her.

The truth is that it's Trump's ratings that truly suck ass!!!

Case in point - here are The Apprentice's ratings:

Season	Timeslot	Season Premiere	Season Finale	TV Season	Ranking	Viewers (in millions)	Finale Viewers (in millions)
1st	Thursday 9:00PM	January 8, 2004	April 15, 2004	2003-2004	#7	20.70 ^[1]	28.05 ^[2]
2nd	Thursday 9:00PM	September 9, 2004	December 16, 2004	2004-2005	#11	16.14 ^[3]	16.93 ^[4]
3rd	Thursday 9:00PM	January 20, 2005	May 19, 2005	2004-2005	#15	13.96 ^[3]	14.02 ^[5]
4th	Thursday 9:00PM	September 22, 2005	December 15, 2005	2005-2006	#38	11.01 ^[6]	12.81^[7]
5th	Monday 9:00PM	February 27, 2006	June 5, 2006	2005-2006	#51	9.73 ^[6]	11.25 ^[8]
6th	Sunday 9:00PM	January 7, 2007	[[]], 2007	2006-2007

As for the Views Ratings: According to David Bauder of the Associated Press,

Walters envisioned a show with irreverent, back-porch chatter for women when she invented it a decade ago. This year's departure of current "Today" co-host Meredith Vieira, usually the moderator of the day's discussions, led Walters to seek out O'Donnell.

"It always had an edge to it, but not a cutting edge," said Bill Carroll, an expert in television syndication for Katz Television. "Rosie brings a cutting edge to the show."

She also brought renewed attention, rare for any program in its 10th season. The show's typical audience of 3.3 million so far this season is up 13 percent over the same period in 2005, according to Nielsen Media Research. "The View," shown on ABC stations, is co-owned by Walters and ABC, which is owned by the Walt Disney Co.

And Rosie's Ratings, I couldn't find specific ratings information for the rosie o'donnell show - but as for her ratings slide, Ratings have slid for "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," as they have for most talk shows, because there's more competition in daytime TV, said Bill Carroll of the Katz Television Group.

"The audience has accepted her and I think they will be accepting of any choice she makes," he said.

IN FACT - Donald himself benefited from Rosie's contribution to boosting NYC's economy by promoting, successfully, Broadway Theater to the average American. She also contributed to the successful television airing of the 1997 Tony Awards. According to the June 3, 1997, NY Times, Nielsen rating for CBS portion of Tony Awards broadcast jumped about 35 percent from 1996, to 11.2 rating and 17 share in 37 major markets; PBS, which took part in Tonys for first time, doubled its usual market share in New York City for time period; League of American Theaters and Producers credits role of Rosie O'Donnell as host, move to Radio City Music Hall and PBS participation for attracting wider audience; awards sharply boost ticket sales of winners.

So DONALD maybe you should spend more money on better hair and stop wasting america's time. Because in fact you are the liar not her.

Pat Robertson's Insane

2007-01-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

Pat Robertson is mentally ill. I love how god speaks to him in special ways. Who believes him? I mean, who actually thinks this is man is telling the truth. It's so bizarre.

It really makes me so angry that this even gets attention. The fact that cnn covered this story. I think we live in an alternate universe. I would love to know how much money was spent on covering this story. How much man power was connected? Couldn't these people have spent there time and energy doing something more constructive with their time? Couldn't they have educated the country about Ford instead of this nut job? All I have consistently heard is the Ford was an eagle scout. I mean who cares about. Is that this man's one consistant contribution to the world? That he was an eagle scout.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAhhh

SOO weird and funny

2007-01-02T09:48:00.000-08:00

365 - Day One - The start of a new year...

2007-01-01T17:30:00.000-08:00

Ok - so as all of you know - at least those who have read this blog, or know me at all. I have been struggling with weight issues for a very long time.

Happy New Year - 2007

2007-01-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I am finally back home after some fun traveling. I went with my brother to see my parents. It was a riot. We had a great time.

2006-12-21T19:23:00.000-08:00

adopt your own virtual pet!

it's so cute....

2006-12-20T07:05:00.000-08:00

adopt your own virtual pet!

More northern lights

2006-12-17T19:37:00.000-08:00

British Word of the Week - 4

2006-12-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

HOORAH!!! A BIG WEEK OF BRITISH!!

Sorry for the recent delays in new and exciting words, but school has been a bit manic- still, all finished now PHEW!!!!

I have decided to give you 3 words to make up for it:

1. Bolshi- meaning argumentative, over- confident, bossy (not sure if this really exists but i use it all the time!)

2. Minging - meaing ugly, horrible or unattractive. (often used to describe a women!)

3. Plinth- a stand or horizontal beam of wood or stone (similar to mantle)

Hope you enjoy these!

Hope you guys are doing well and looking forward to the festive season!

lots of festive wishes,

Ric (English)

British Word of the Week - 3

2006-12-17T19:34:00.000-08:00

The third installment:

Fortnight (meaning a 2 week period)

It originates from the 100 years war, when troops who were on guard at a
fort were given their shift - 2 weeks Yawn! How interesting!

Northern Lights and North Dakota

2006-12-15T21:27:00.000-08:00

So, I am visiting my parents this weekend in rural north dakota. It's very weird to be back. One of the big reasons is because my brother is here too. We actually surprised my parents with my brother flying in from california.

It feels incredibly bizarre. I am nine years old again. I am not talking very much. My brother is teaching us all about his ipod. It's huge and holds all his music - 60 gig. (Of course, I have the 80 gig video ipod - but I still don't know how to use it.) What is it about family that you suddenly revert back to old patterns?

It's interesting that at I haven't been saying much since I have been at my parents. (In my real world, I talk all the time - too much in fact).

So anyway the other night - we went and looked at the northern lights - here are some pictures:

MY CUTE KITTEN!!!

2006-12-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

If I Told the Truth - FAMILY

2006-12-11T11:09:00.000-08:00

Ok so this weekend was a stressful weekend. I was inspired by a song from Death Cab for Cutie - Brothers on a Hotel Bed - the music more than anything - so I started writing this:

A families pain is open wide
All are bruised, no one can hide.
The pain I felt at twelve years old
Is back again to takes it hold

But I am now a different guy
Without the fear without the lie
Of who you wanted me to be
That persons dead he'll never be

So with these wounds again so raw
can we learn the truths of loves big law
Love is patient love is kind
if you seek than you shall find

I love you mom, you set me free
The gift of strength to just be me
Sometimes it bits you in the ass
i don't believe this ceilings glass

A families pain is open wide
All are bruised, no one can hide.
The pain I felt at twelve years old
Is back again to takes it hold

Your bravery set your two sons free
Can you find the strength to be
The source of overlasting light
To help you sleep all through the night

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

2006-11-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

Ok so it was rob and my anniversary over thanksgiving. Due to the fact that he loves streisand, and because we just saw her... I made this little video.....

SO FUNNY

2006-11-28T12:27:00.000-08:00

British Word of the Week - 2

2006-11-24T20:11:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our friend Ric - for the new word of the week...

And welcome to yet another edition of 'British Word of the Week'.

(yes i know you must be so excited)

Here it is:

crikey! (an expression of surprise or shock)

Black Friday Fun

2006-11-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

British Word of the Week - 1

2006-11-17T22:38:00.000-08:00

I am starting a new feature here on my blog, it's the british word of the week written by my good friend "English" Ric!

Here is the bloody bollocky word of the week:

higgledy piggledy

it means that everything is muddled!

I Enjoy Being a Girl - Chita Rivera, Caterin & Carol Burnett

2006-11-16T11:51:00.000-08:00

ONE MORE FOR THE TRILOGY

Chita Rivera, Julie Andrews, AND Dinah Shore

2006-11-16T11:48:00.000-08:00

This is sensational!!

CARRIE THE MUSICAL _ I LOVE YOUTUBE

2006-11-16T11:28:00.000-08:00

ROSIE MEETS BARBRA

2006-11-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

OH MY GOD... More details tonight but this is how ar evening started..

THE DAY IS HERE.... Look out world - here comes Barbra

2006-11-07T11:01:00.000-08:00

Well, my partner Rob and I are going to the Barbra Streisand concert tonight. There is also something really amazing that's happening as well!! But I can't say anything about it until tomorrow. I can eat, sleep. I am going crazy! Here comes Streisand!

Rob is the true Streisand fan. Read more about his obsession at Am I Self Absorbed or Is It Just Me?. I was at CVS buying breath strips - you know - just in case! And I saw this...

For Rob it's kind of both.... Seeing Streisand live is perhaps his biggest dream... And it's coming true! She inspired him to be a singer... Check it out at Rob Dorn!

Ok wish us luck.... Love, Jason

Minneapolis Pride 2002

2006-11-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

In 2002, I wrote and producer a one-man show called Consulting Mavis or How I Got My Ass Out of North Dakota and Remained Sane. As a promotional stunt, I had a float in the gay pride parade (Twin Cities Gay Pride Parade 2002). I found a picture of myself in the Parade online the other day. Here it is....

Liberal vs Conservation

2006-10-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

THIS IS NO BIG SURPRISE!!

Your Political Profile:

Overall: 10% Conservative, 90% Liberal

Social Issues: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal

Ethics: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

How Liberal Or Conservative Are You?

Project Runway Reunion

2006-10-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

Ok this cracks me up!!! - I LOVE PROJECT RUNWAY

Chicago's Loop - September 6, 2006

2006-09-07T13:23:00.000-07:00

Chicago's Loop - September 6, 2006
Originally uploaded by chattingjason.

This is my one of my favorite pictures from yesterday's photoshoot - i like how the lady is walking on the let and is reflected on the right

The Satellite Dish on the side of my building

2006-09-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

Photo-0164.jpg
Originally uploaded by chattingjason.

I had a rough day - and I got home, I freaked out - OUr condo association is having the roof of the building redone... We have a Directv Satellite Dish on the roof of our building so instead of working around it or having us have it uninstalled, instead they through it over the side of the building - here it is...

Chicago - The Loop

2006-09-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

Chicago - The Loop
Originally uploaded by chattingjason.

Ok - I am testing the flicker blogger tool =

I am so bored...

2006-09-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

1) Using food names, spell out your name:
Jam
Apple
Salmon
Orange
Newman's Own Ranch Salad Dressing

2) What song makes you cry? Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now

3) What do you like to listen to before bed? Will and Grace and my kitties purr

a p p e a r a n c e

HEIGHT: 6 5
HAIR COLOR: flesh tone - i am bald
SHOE SIZE: 12
PIERCINGS: not any more
TATTOOS: 0
r i g h t - l e f t ? right

PANTS YOU'RE WEARING: jeans

WHAT SONG ARE YOU LISTENING TO? I am listening to Sirius Satellite Radio's Broadway Best

WHAT TASTE IS IN YOUR MOUTH?: coffee

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?: a bit chilly and cloudy

d o - y o u

GET MOTION SICKNES?: yes. from spinning round and round

HAVE A BAD HABIT?: thousands

GET ALONG WITH YOUR PARENTS?: yes

f a v o r i t e s

TV SHOW: Sex and the City (i know), Mary Tyler Moore, Will and Grace, Project Runway

MAGAZINE: martha stewart, domino, vanity fair

THINGS TO DO ON THE WEEKEND: read, clean, laundry, watch movies, talk on the phone

h a v e - y o u

BROKEN THE LAW: no

RAN AWAY FROM HOME: yes

SNUCK OUT OF THE HOUSE: yes

EVER GONE SKINNY DIPPING: yes

MADE A PRANK PHONE CALL: yes, back in the day. damn u caller ID!

USED YOUR PARENTS' CREDIT CARD BEFORE: yes

FELL ASLEEP IN THE SHOWER/BATH: no

LET A FRIEND CRY ON YOUR SHOULDER: Yes.

Li v e

CHILDREN: god no

BEEN IN LOVE?: yes

HAD A HARD TIME GETTING OVER SOMEONE: Yes

YOUR CD PLAYER HAS IN IT RIGHT NOW: nothing

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?: brick

LAST TIME YOU CRIED?: rather not say

PART TWO

1. Have you ever licked the back of a CD? maybe

2. Have you ever puked at a bar or club? yes

3. Have you ever dated someone you met online? no

4. Have you ever smoked pot at a concert?: no

5. Have you ever dated/fooled around with a coworker? yes

6. Ever been involved in a hit & run?: no

7. Have you ever been on a blind date? yes

8. Are looks important?: yes & no

9. Do you have any friends that you've known for 15 years or more?: yes

10. By what age would you like to be married? never

11. Does the number of people a person's slept with affect your view of them? not really

12. Have you ever sacrificed yourself so your friend can get in good with a person of the opposite? yes

13. Have you ever drank milk that was past the expiration date? no

14. Are you a good tipper?: probably not

15. What's the most you have spent for a haircut? 85

16. Have you ever had a crush on a teacher? no

17. Do you know all the words to the first verse of Ice ice Baby?:
I know the words to every verse

18. Have you ever had crispy bangs? yes

19. What was the worst style of the 80's?: Shaker knit

20. Have you ever peed in public: yes & I'll do it again

Once upon a time, there was fat young thing

2006-08-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

I weighed myself today...it had been a few days - i wasn't very optimistic.

Food has been my friend as of late. Doritos, McDonalds, Pizza, have all been angry with be as of late - I am sure there stock has gone down from my lack of attention.

Gay Chicago Book Club

2006-08-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

I want to join or start a gay chicago book club. We read any books we want - but we can come at them from a gay perspective. Anyone interested? Let me know

Two Little Monsters

2006-08-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

I was watching Good Morning America today - when I was at the gym. And the aryan freaky little creepy childern were on - beware of these people!!!

http://prussianblue.net/

Best Books Ever Part Two

2006-08-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

The following list is from - The Observer - Remember I want to hear your picks. If not top 100 - give me your top 10

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,6903,1061037,00.html

The 100 greatest novels of all time: The list

The case for the defence. Don't like the list? Post your own suggestions for the 100 best books on the Observer blog.

Robert McCrum
Sunday October 12, 2003
The Observer

1. Don Quixote Miguel De Cervantes
The story of the gentle knight and his servant Sancho Panza has entranced readers for centuries.

2. Pilgrim's Progress John Bunyan

3. Robinson Crusoe Daniel Defoe
The first English novel.

4. Gulliver's Travels Jonathan Swift
A wonderful satire that still works for all ages, despite the savagery of Swift's vision.

5. Tom Jones Henry Fielding
The adventures of a high-spirited orphan boy: an unbeatable plot and a lot of sex ending in a blissful marriage.

6. Clarissa Samuel Richardson
One of the longest novels in the English language, but unputdownable.

7. Tristram Shandy Laurence Sterne
One of the first bestsellers, dismissed by Dr Johnson as too fashionable for its own good.

8. Dangerous Liaisons Pierre Choderlos De Laclos
An epistolary novel and a handbook for seducers: foppish, French, and ferocious.

9. Emma Jane Austen
Near impossible choice between this and Pride and Prejudice. But Emma never fails to fascinate and annoy.

10. Frankenstein Mary Shelley
Inspired by spending too much time with Shelley and Byron.

11. Nightmare Abbey Thomas Love Peacock
A classic miniature: a brilliant satire on the Romantic novel.

12. The Black Sheep Honore De Balzac
Two rivals fight for the love of a femme fatale. Wrongly overlooked.

13. The Charterhouse of Parma Stendhal
Penetrating and compelling chronicle of life in an Italian court in post-Napoleonic France.

14. The Count of Monte Cristo Alexandre Dumas
A revenge thriller also set in France after Bonaparte: a masterpiece of adventure writing.

15. Sybil Benjamin Disraeli
Apart from Churchill, no other British political figure shows literary genius.

16. David Copperfield Charles Dickens
This highly autobiographical novel is the one its author liked best.

17. Wuthering Heights Emily Bronte
Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff have passed into the language. Impossible to ignore.

18. Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte
Obsessive emotional grip and haunting narrative.

19. Vanity Fair William Makepeace Thackeray
The improving tale of Becky Sharp.

20. The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne
A classic investigation of the American mind.

21. Moby-Dick Herman Melville
'Call me Ishmael' is one of the most famous opening sentences of any novel.

22. Madame Bovary Gustave Flaubert
You could summarise this as a story of adultery in provincial France, and miss the point entirely.

23. The Woman in White Wilkie Collins
Gripping mystery novel of concealed identity, abduction, fraud and mental cruelty.

24. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland Lewis Carroll
A story written for the nine-year-old daughter of an Oxford don that still baffles most kids.

25. Little Women Louisa M. Alcott
Victorian bestseller about a New England family of girls.

26. The Way We Live Now Anthony Trollope
A majestic assault on the corruption of late Victorian England.

27. Anna Karenina Leo Tolstoy
The supreme novel of the married woman's passion for a younger man.

28. Daniel Deronda George Eliot
A passion and an exotic grandeur that is strange and unsettling.

29. The Brothers Karamazov Fyodor Dostoevsky
Mystical tragedy by the author of Crime and Punishment.

30. The Portrait of a Lady Henry James
The story of Isabel Archer shows James at his witty and polished best.

31. Huckleberry Finn Mark Twain
Twain was a humorist, but this picture of Mississippi life is profoundly moral and still incredibly influential.

32. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Robert Louis Stevenson
A brilliantly suggestive, resonant study of human duality by a natural storyteller.

33. Three Men in a Boat Jerome K. Jerome
One of the funniest English books ever written.

34. The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde
A coded and epigrammatic melodrama inspired by his own tortured homosexuality.

35. The Diary of a Nobody George Grossmith
This classic of Victorian suburbia will always be renowned for the character of Mr Pooter.

36. Jude the Obscure Thomas Hardy
Its savage bleakness makes it one of the first twentieth-century novels.

37. The Riddle of the Sands Erskine Childers
A prewar invasion-scare spy thriller by a writer later shot for his part in the Irish republican rising.

38. The Call of the Wild Jack London
The story of a dog who joins a pack of wolves after his master's death.

39. Nostromo Joseph Conrad
Conrad's masterpiece: a tale of money, love and revolutionary politics.

40. The Wind in the Willows Kenneth Grahame
This children's classic was inspired by bedtime stories for Grahame's son.

41. In Search of Lost Time Marcel Proust
An unforgettable portrait of Paris in the belle epoque. Probably the longest novel on this list.

42. The Rainbow D. H. Lawrence
Novels seized by the police, like this one, have a special afterlife.

43. The Good Soldier Ford Madox Ford
This account of the adulterous lives of two Edwardian couples is a classic of unreliable narration.

44. The Thirty-Nine Steps John Buchan
A classic adventure story for boys, jammed with action, violence and suspense.

45. Ulysses James Joyce
Also pursued by the British police, this is a novel more discussed than read.

46. Mrs Dalloway Virginia Woolf
Secures Woolf's position as one of the great twentieth-century English novelists.

47. A Passage to India E. M. Forster
The great novel of the British Raj, it remains a brilliant study of empire.

48. The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald
The quintessential Jazz Age novel.

49. The Trial Franz Kafka
The enigmatic story of Joseph K.

50. Men Without Women Ernest Hemingway
He is remembered for his novels, but it was the short stories that first attracted notice.

51. Journey to the End of the Night Louis-Ferdinand Celine
The experiences of an unattractive slum doctor during the Great War: a masterpiece of linguistic innovation.

52. As I Lay Dying William Faulkner
A strange black comedy by an American master.

53. Brave New World Aldous Huxley
Dystopian fantasy about the world of the seventh century AF (after Ford).

54. Scoop Evelyn Waugh
The supreme Fleet Street novel.

55. USA John Dos Passos
An extraordinary trilogy that uses a variety of narrative devices to express the story of America.

56. The Big Sleep Raymond Chandler
Introducing Philip Marlowe: cool, sharp, handsome - and bitterly alone.

57. The Pursuit Of Love Nancy Mitford
An exquisite comedy of manners with countless fans.

58. The Plague Albert Camus
A mysterious plague sweeps through the Algerian town of Oran.

59. Nineteen Eighty-Four George Orwell
This tale of one man's struggle against totalitarianism has been appropriated the world over.

60. Malone Dies Samuel Beckett
Part of a trilogy of astonishing monologues in the black comic voice of the author of Waiting for Godot.

61. Catcher in the Rye J.D. Salinger
A week in the life of Holden Caulfield. A cult novel that still mesmerises.

62. Wise Blood Flannery O'Connor
A disturbing novel of religious extremism set in the Deep South.

63. Charlotte's Web E. B. White
How Wilbur the pig was saved by the literary genius of a friendly spider.

64. The Lord Of The Rings J. R. R. Tolkien
Enough said!

65. Lucky Jim Kingsley Amis
An astonishing debut: the painfully funny English novel of the Fifties.

66. Lord of the Flies William Golding
Schoolboys become savages: a bleak vision of human nature.

67. The Quiet American Graham Greene
Prophetic novel set in 1950s Vietnam.

68 On the Road Jack Kerouac
The Beat Generation bible.

69. Lolita Vladimir Nabokov
Humbert Humbert's obsession with Lolita is a tour de force of style and narrative.

70. The Tin Drum Gunter Grass
Hugely influential, Rabelaisian novel of Hitler's Germany.

71. Things Fall Apart Chinua Achebe
Nigeria at the beginning of colonialism. A classic of African literature.

72. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie Muriel Spark
A writer who made her debut in The Observer - and her prose is like cut glass.

73. To Kill A Mockingbird Harper Lee
Scout, a six-year-old girl, narrates an enthralling story of racial prejudice in the Deep South.

74. Catch-22 Joseph Heller
'[He] would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; if he didn't want to he was sane and had to.'

75. Herzog Saul Bellow
Adultery and nervous breakdown in Chicago.

76. One Hundred Years of Solitude Gabriel Garcia Marquez
A postmodern masterpiece.

77. Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont Elizabeth Taylor
A haunting, understated study of old age.

78. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy John Le Carre
A thrilling elegy for post-imperial Britain.

79. Song of Solomon Toni Morrison
The definitive novelist of the African-American experience.

80. The Bottle Factory Outing Beryl Bainbridge
Macabre comedy of provincial life.

81. The Executioner's Song Norman Mailer
This quasi-documentary account of the life and death of Gary Gilmore is possibly his masterpiece.

82. If on a Winter's Night a Traveller Italo Calvino
A strange, compelling story about the pleasures of reading.

83. A Bend in the River V. S. Naipaul
The finest living writer of English prose. This is his masterpiece: edgily reminiscent of Heart of Darkness.

84. Waiting for the Barbarians J.M. Coetzee
Bleak but haunting allegory of apartheid by the Nobel prizewinner.

85. Housekeeping Marilynne Robinson
Haunting, poetic story, drowned in water and light, about three generations of women.

86. Lanark Alasdair Gray
Seething vision of Glasgow. A Scottish classic.

87. The New York Trilogy Paul Auster
Dazzling metaphysical thriller set in the Manhattan of the 1970s.

88. The BFG Roald Dahl
A bestseller by the most popular postwar writer for children of all ages.

89. The Periodic Table Primo Levi
A prose poem about the delights of chemistry.

90. Money Martin Amis
The novel that bags Amis's place on any list.

91. An Artist of the Floating World Kazuo Ishiguro
A collaborator from prewar Japan reluctantly discloses his betrayal of friends and family.

92. Oscar And Lucinda Peter Carey
A great contemporary love story set in nineteenth-century Australia by double Booker prizewinner.

93. The Book of Laughter and Forgetting Milan Kundera
Inspired by the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, this is a magical fusion of history, autobiography and ideas.

94. Haroun and the Sea af Stories Salman Rushdie
In this entrancing story Rushdie plays with the idea of narrative itself.

95. La Confidential James Ellroy
Three LAPD detectives are brought face to face with the secrets of their corrupt and violent careers.

96. Wise Children Angela Carter
A theatrical extravaganza by a brilliant exponent of magic realism.

97. Atonement Ian McEwan
Acclaimed short-story writer achieves a contemporary classic of mesmerising narrative conviction.

98. Northern Lights Philip Pullman
Lyra's quest weaves fantasy, horror and the play of ideas into a truly great contemporary children's book.

99. American Pastoral Philip Roth
For years, Roth was famous for Portnoy's Complaint . Recently, he has enjoyed an extraordinary revival.

100. Austerlitz W. G. Sebald
Posthumously published volume in a sequence of dream-like fictions spun from memory, photographs and the German past.

Best Books Ever Part One

2006-08-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

I recently started reading Pride and Prejudice and am now wondering what took me so long to start reading this book. I love it!!

So I decided to start compiling my own personal list of the 100 Best Books Ever Written. In compiling my own, I thought it would be fun to find other lists that have the best books ever written. Over the next few days, I will be posting various top 100's. Let me know what your top 100 books are....

This list is from - http://bluepyramid.org/edpop/booklist.htm

The 100 Best Books I’ve Read So Far
1. Watership Down, Richard Adams
2. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley*
3. 1984, George Orwell*
4. Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury
5. Non-Violent Resistance: Satyagraha, Mohandas K. Gandhi
6. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More, Roald Dahl
7. Island, Aldous Huxley
8. Green Shadows, White Whale, Ray Bradbury
9. In the Penal Colony, Franz Kafka
10. The Catcher in the Rye, J. D. Salinger*
11. The Last Battle, C. S. Lewis
12. Borderliners, Peter Hoeg
13. Animal Farm, George Orwell*
14. Our Town, Thornton Wilder
15. Beware the Fish!, Gordon Korman
16. One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, Alexander Solzhenitsyn
17. The Mouse That Roared (series), Leonard Wibberly
18. Night, Elie Wiesel
19. Cat’s Cradle, Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
20. The Short Stories, Ernest Hemingway
21. The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald*
22. Antigone, Sophocles
23. I Sing the Body Electric!, Ray Bradbury
24. Trout Fishing in America, Richard Brautigan
25. All Creatures Great and Small (series), James Herriot
26. Babar’s Anniversary Book, Jean and Laurent de Brunhoff
27. Pigs Might Fly, Dick King-Smith
28. James and the Giant Peach, Roald Dahl
29. The Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling
30. Gandhi on Non-Violence, Mohandas K. Gandhi
31. The Little History of the Wide World, Mable Pyne
32. The Magus, John Fowles*
33. The Silver Chair, C. S. Lewis
34. Hamlet, William Shakespeare
35. Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton
36. A Lesson Before Dying, Ernest J. Gaines
37. The Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka
38. The Zucchini Warriors, Gordon Korman
39. The Celery Stalks at Midnight, James Howe
40. Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: an Introduction, J. D. Salinger
41. Beloved, Toni Morrison
42. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
43. The Things They Carried, Tim O’Brien
44. Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare
45. Danny, Champion of the World, Roald Dahl
46. The Illustrated Man, Ray Bradbury
47. The Time Garden, Edward Eager
48. The House at Pooh Corner, A. A. Milne
49. A Medicine for Melancholy, Ray Bradbury
50. 40 Stories, Donald Barthelme
51. Matilda, Roald Dahl
52. The Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan
53. Losing Joe’s Place, Gordon Korman
54. Uncle Wiggily’s Story Book, Howard R. Garis
55. Nine Stories, J. D. Salinger
56. The Waste Land, T. S. Eliot
57. The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
58. No Coins, Please, Gordon Korman
59. The Just So Stories, Rudyard Kipling
60. The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader", C. S. Lewis
61. Franny and Zooey, J. D. Salinger
62. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Barbara Robinson
63. The Peace Book, Bernard Benson
64. The Cask of Amontillado, Edgar Allan Poe
65. Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson
66. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain
67. Boy, Roald Dahl
68. Nothing But the Truth, Avi
69. Little House on the Prarie (series), Laura Ingalls Wilder
70. The Toynbee Convector, Ray Bradbury
71. Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, Eleanor Coerr
72. The October Country, Ray Bradbury
73. Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, Roald Dahl
74. The Martian Chronicles, Ray Bradbury
75. Bunnicula, Deborah and James Howe
76. Charlotte’s Web, E. B. White
77. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C. S. Lewis
78. A Semester in the Life of a Garbage Bag, Gordon Korman
79. The Haunted Bookshop, Christopher Morley
80. We, Yevgeny Zamyatin
81. Magic or Not?, Edward Eager
82. The Voyages of Dr. Dolittle (series), Hugh Lofting
83. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
84. Driving Blind, Ray Bradbury
85. Long After Midnight, Ray Bradbury
86. Early Stories, Anton Chekov
87. Marcovaldo, Italo Calvino
88. Dubliners, James Joyce
89. Fantastic Mr. Fox, Roald Dahl
90. Quicker Than the Eye, Ray Bradbury
91. Miracle on 34th Street, Valentine Davies
92. A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
93. How to Play Better Baseball, C. Paul Jackson
94. Dear Mr. Henshaw, Beverly Cleary
95. The Golden Apples of the Sun, Ray Bradbury
96. Frog and Toad are Friends (series), Arnold Lobel
97. I Will Adventure, Elizabeth Janet Gray
98. The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams
99. Mossflower, Brian Jacques
100. Who is Bugs Potter?, Gordon Korman

Funny Quote of the Day

2006-08-19T23:07:00.000-07:00

I just watched the movie Adam and Steve - and Parker Posey has the funniest line in the whole movie - "You know, Oprah has made it impossible for me to have a close relationship with anyone, besides Oprah."

Tony Bennett

2006-08-19T20:27:00.000-07:00

I want to get this new album - it's on my must list for FALL 2006. A little bunny told me that the KD LANG track is one of the best! I can't wait to hear it.

Track Listing for TONY BENNETT: DUETS/An American Classic
Boulevard Of Broken Dreams /STING
Smile/BARBRA STREISAND WITH PINCHAS ZUKERMAN (Violin)
Put On A Happy Face/JAMES TAYLOR
The Shadow Of Your Smile/JUANES
Rags To Riches/ELTON JOHN
The Very Thought Of You/PAUL MCCARTNEY
Lullaby Of Broadway/DIXIE CHICKS
Cold, Cold Heart/TIM MCGRAW
The Best Is Yet To Come/DIANA KRALL
For Once In My Life/STEVIE WONDER
Are You Havin' Any Fun?/ELVIS COSTELLO
Because Of You/K.D. LANG WITH CHRIS BOTTI (Trumpet)
Just In Time/MICHAEL BUBLE
Sing You Sinners/JOHN LEGEND
The Good Life/BILLY JOEL
I Wanna Be Around/BONO
How Do Keep The Music Playing/GEORGE MICHAEL
I Left My Heart In San Francisco/TONY BENNETT WITH BILL CHARLAP (Piano)

I am looking forward to this album - and I must say to the new Killers album - which will hopefully be fun.

For Cat Lovers In Chicago

2006-08-19T18:19:00.000-07:00

I met someone today. He was so handsome and an incredible flirt. He had short gray hair and a low deep voice. His name is Moses. He is seven and a domestic short hair. For those slow on the uptake, he is a cat. An adorable handsome boy cat. I met him at Felines, Inc.

Felines, Inc. Website

Felines, Inc. is a no kill cat shelter in the Edgewater Neighborhood of Chicago. I went over there today to learn more about there organization.

Here is what their website says: "Founded in 1977, Felines Inc. is a licensed cageless, no-kill cat shelter located on the north side of Chicago.

As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), Felines Inc. is funded almost entirely through membership, adoption fees, fundraising events, and the generous tax-deductible donations of caring individuals like yourself. We do not receive any federal or state funding.

We care for over 160 cats and kittens in our two floor house. Our small but dedicated staff tends to the daily needs of the cats and, with our highly valued team of volunteers, spends time with helping to heal the bodies and souls of the injured, abandoned and abused cats brought to our shelter.

Our goal is to find the right lasting and loving home for each of our residents. We work with our adopters to find the right cat for them, with the understanding that a lifelong relationship is about to begin. We follow up on all our adoptions and are available for consultations to help ease the cat's transition into its new home.

Every cat admitted to Felines Inc. is examined by a vet, is spayed or neutered, and is kept up to date on all their vaccines. Most of the procedures are carried out on the premises by a skilled team of vets and vet techs. "

It was a really incredible experience to see all these great cats who need homes.

It's slowly happening....

2006-08-17T22:33:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law created this interpretation of my nightmare

Mama Rose - Back with vengeance

2006-08-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

Months ago, my partner Rob and I were driving up Lake Shore Drive in our deep blue Volkswagen beetle having a very important conversation. The topic - what classical musical theater piece would be right for Patti LuPone? I know, I know - I mean while some people obsess over Oprah's sexuality, Tom's obvious imprisonment of Katie, and Jennifer's on again, off again marriage to Vince Vaughn, my Rob finds solace in Filofax agendas and Patti Lupone's career strategy.

So I was with great joy that the musical theater gods overheard our conversation and days after we decided that the only role Patti LuPone had truly left to play was Mama Rose in Gypsy, that the show was announced at Ravinia.

The day of the event, we rode the gayest train in Chicago - the Ravinia express. Another hundred homos got off of the train, another hundred homos got off of the bus and are looking around...I think you get the idea.

Anyway, the thousand of us gay men piled in to the theater prepared to be brought back to another time. A time when lyrics were actually rhymed and people actually sang. As the orchestra played the brilliant score by Jule Styne, we realized we were seeing something special. A brief moment of history was being recaptured.

It was incredible, or I should say she was incredible. The cast was fine, the orchestra was lovely, and the costumes were spot on, but is was LuPone's performance that shined. She was perfectly cast as Mama Rose, and with the subtle work she did in the critically acclaimed Sweeney Todd I am not surprised.

For a more indepth review - visit this spot on review at the NYTIMES. New York Times - Gypsy Review

NO Carbs after 5pm - I am going to go insane

2006-08-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I went to Minneapolis to do an talk show about my documentary film. It was a public access show and they give you your tape when you leave. I sat is horror as I watched the footage. I am tall, 6'5" and weight - 1230 pounds - ok maybe not that much, but let's just say I am fat - obese even. As I am watching the footage, I notice I look like a bald duck. I have big lips that protrude from my face. Almost Angelina Like. And I am nodding, repetatively. Very much like a duck.

I am an active listener. I also have been. I am the kind of person that would watch Days of Our lives in College and nod or scream at the television - giving the characters my advice as they would get buried alive or turn in Satan.

So, I realized in watching myself on this television interview program, that somehow without my knowledge, I have turned into a fat, bald duck. I don't know exactly when it happened, but slowly over the course of 5 years I have put on more weight that I would care to admit.

Working my crappy day job for 4 years didn't help matters. I would show up to this nasty ugly job and work from 9-9:30am to 8-9 at night. Now that may not sound like much, but when you hate your boss, and your job, and the company you work for - it's torture.

So I am making a change, I know - I have sad this many many times before, but I am doing. I just quit smoking. And I sure as hell am not going to up even more weight on from that. So I made the change, I went to the gym. It's a nice gym, It's has a pool and is in an old hotel ballroom. I go in the morning, before i go to my office (where my production company is located). I am looking at this like it's my job. Hard crappy work that I don't want to do - but if want to get what i want - I have to.

My Birthday

2006-07-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

Ok - Today is my birthday - and this was the song i used to play every year!!

Link: http://www.captainzoom.com/jasonlong.mp3

The Lady in Purple

2006-05-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

There's a little old woman in a purple beret
Who walks down the street she knows the right way.
With a dingy old sack and her ripped grocery bag
this little old woman to some is a hag.
But late in the evening when the summer sun sets
the little old woman surprises her pets
The four hundred pigeons and the families of squirrel
get a present each day from my purply girl.
A handful of peanuts and a loaf of old bread
a gift of great love from her heart not her head.
This special routine, it happens each day.
A summer sun santa without her snow sleigh.

Cool/Fun video of Al Gore

2006-05-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

If I Told the Truth: I hate the dentist

2006-05-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

Ok - here is something really gross - my sister-in-law had to have a root canal.....

The April Cold

2006-04-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

I have been sick all week with a horrible cold. AAAHHHH NO FUN!!

Someone once told me that getting sick means that your body needed a rest. And we have been really busy lately. Working on the fundraising trailers for the film has been really interesting. It is difficult trying to separate myself from the project - trying to maintain some sense of objectivity - and still being close to subject. I have a stack of movies I need to review for the Digital Bits. They have been sitting on my shelf for the last week. We have been swamped trying to get this business off the ground.

I have to say that it is nice being busy with projects that I care about - I have finally made it over the first hurdle.

Something I have learned this week - it's really important to surround yourself with people who believe in you - it's even more important to surround yourself with people that will help you grow as an artist. I feel really good about the people in my circle - I feel that they are pushing me in important ways. I don't feel bad about my abilities - I am excited at the possibility of growth.

I hope my cough goes away soon....

The path is there
for me to see

I know just where
its up to me

I know can walk
with both my feet

I will not balk
or skip a beat

slow and steady
that is the course

I know I'm ready
just use the force........... he he he

If I Told the Truth: My Mazatlan Memories

2006-04-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

I have been home for only five days after an amazing holiday in Mazatlan (Mexico). It was an incredibly beautiful place. We were all treated like royalty. With food and cocktails brought to us as needed.

I am having reentry problems. Were is the maid or the pool boy to bring me my drinks. My cats just look at me funny when I ask for "un pacifico por f

If I Told the Truth: Knitting is my therapy

2006-03-10T20:29:00.000-08:00

It's true - I have been knitting now for almost a year and I love it. It's fun - it's a great thing to do when I want to keep my mouth shut at large group functions. (i.e. - I am naturally a person who shares far to many of his opinions at large gatherings - knitting is saving me from total embarressment - I know can shut my mouth)!!!

I love this picture!!

If I Told the Truth: Self Esteem

2006-02-22T11:14:00.000-08:00

I have been suffering from some serious low self esteem lately. Not sure if it's the weather or if I just really think I suck. Maybe both...

Here is my horoscope from Rob Brezny this week:

CANCER (June 21-July 22): As of this week, I have written 1,500 astrology columns. Some have been better-written and more useful than others, but I've given my utmost effort to every single one. My style has mutated over the years; the horoscopes I penned in, say, 1994, are so unlike those I write now that they almost seem to be the product of a different author. But then I myself have transformed radically since then, so it makes sense that my work has, too. In fact, my personal development has been fueled by my growth as a writer. I urge you to do what I've just done, fellow Cancerian. Take an inventory of the big tasks you've been doing for years. Evaluate the way they've evolved and how they've shaped your destiny. It's time for an expansive look at the labors of love that have made you who you are.

His horoscopes are always right on with what's happening in my life at the moment... A few years ago I had a falling out with a friend. I felt neglected - she was ignoring all her friends and being a complete narcistic B****. OR at least that is how I felt at the time. Recently, I understand that she thinks I am evil and shallow. I realize that most of the time accusations like that are really more of a reflection of the person slinging the mud. But lately I have been wondering if she is right.

My eyes are open, my mouth is shut
It's time to listen to my gut
That cold strange city, that dull drone job
From both I'm free, no more

Daniel V. is growing on me more and more....

2006-02-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

Check out his article re-American Fashion....

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/02/fashion.tv/index.html

Oprah and Fry

2006-02-09T22:51:00.000-08:00

The First Topic: Il Divo - I didn't think it could get this bad.

2006-02-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

Angry Kitty,

I justed watch "Martha" and Il Divo was on. One of the most horrible 2 minutes of my life. Their new album is apparently #1 on the Billboard charts, which means our parents were right. We did go deaf listening to all that loud music. There is no way that if you could actually hear the music you would want to listen let alone buy the album.

My favorite would have to be the italian four part version of All By Myself.

What do you think??

Big Gay Jay

If I Told the Truth: The Life of a Corporate Drone

2006-01-24T12:11:00.000-08:00

I have to apologize - I have been too preoccupied with life to bother writing. The big news is that I am free of my corporate job. I am going out on my own. Actually my partner and I are starting a media company. threecatmedia.com.

_____________________________

If I Told the Truth: The Life of a Corporate Drone

It has been a while

2005-10-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

It's been a while
by me

it's been a while that i have spoke
about my truths it's time to poke

the job is normal, bad as hell
or is it me filling my well

the film is moving very fast
it's fun to learn about the past

but than sometimes, i need to stop
before my head begins to pop

so i sit at home with my cute guy
we make our dinner and wonder why

we work so hard at stupid things
and dream of more career flight wings

but there has been a major major change
we're doing the work we have found the range

between the artist child inside
and the major block we've tried to hide

but to hide the block is not the answer
we should face the thing as if it's cancer

the blockage killer the radiation
is to begin the process of creation

a simple poem like this that's bad
will prevent the child from going mad

Me at work

2005-08-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

Little boxes made of ticky-tacky

2005-08-09T06:16:00.000-07:00

I have my new song for the moment...
Little boxes, the lyrics are attached.
This is how I feel right now.
I am a circle in a world of little boxes.

I have to finish my Miss Piggy post today. I will try to remember - anyway - check this song out on itunes - very simple - yet very apropo (sp?).

1. Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes made of ticky-tacky,
Little boxes, little boxes,
Little boxes, all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same.

2. And the people in the houses
All go to the university,
And they all get put in boxes,
Little boxes, all the same.
And there's doctors and there's lawyers
And business executives,
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same.

3. And they all play on the golf-course,
And drink their Martini dry,
And they all have pretty children,
And the children go to school.
And the children go to summer camp
And then to the university,
And they all get put in boxes
And they all come out the same.

4. And the boys go into business,
And marry, and raise a family,
And they all get put in boxes,
Little boxes, all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same.

BOSS PTO UPDATE

2005-08-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

I am going to start keeping a BOSS PTO Calendar

=======================

Monday, July 25, 2005

Boss emailed that he will be out of the office all day. He is seeing the doctor "today as she wants to do some tests on my proboscis."

No More Boss Patrol

2005-08-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

ok - so I am removing all of mention of my job - check this link out and be careful.

Miss Piggy is Back

2005-08-08T13:36:00.000-07:00

If I told the truth, I would have to tell you about my obsession with Miss Piggy. I don't remember when or why it started, but as a child, I was a Miss Piggy fan. Obsessed is the only way to describe my child infatuation with the female piggy.

On my fifth birthday, I had the chicken pox. It was horrible. And than she arrived, in a big wrapped package with a blue bow. - to be continued - I am at work...

It's now august

2005-08-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Monday morning is very sad
I wake up early already mad
Dreading the work to come ahead
Typing memos my fingers lead
All my knowledge slipping away
The brain cells dying more each day
I have wanted for sometime
To work a job

Julia Roberts on Broadway

2005-07-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

Well, my dream has come true. Julia Roberts is going to star on Broadway. Okay. That's not really my dream - but it's fun to think about. I would love to go to New York and see her. Hurrah!

On another note, Rob and I watched the the 16th annual GLAAD Awards on Logo last night. It was hysterical. Liza Minnelli sang! It was so fun! She is crazy, weird, and brilliant.

Off the GLAAD Website:

Accompanied by Tony Award-winning lyricist and composer Marc Shaiman, Minnelli performed "What Makes a Man a Man" - a song written by Charles Aznavour in 1972. "This is a song by Charles Aznavour. He wrote it a long time ago. In fact, I've been singing it for the past 15 years all over the world," Minnelli said. "It's a beautiful song and it also reminds us just how far we've come, thanks in great part to GLAAD."

Tonight, we are going for happy hour with some work folks over to the Hard Rock Cafe/Hotel. And than to the Millenium Park Outdoor Theater to hear some Broadway Divas: Jan Horvath, Jodi Benson and Debbie Gravitte. It will be fun.

Work Update

2005-07-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

Ok - so i know i was out sick today. My allergies are bad. My boss was also out today - migraine. no calls.

The Boss Log:

2005-07-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

===========================

The boss log:

Out today - with the trifecta - to quote my coworker - of reasons -
1.) Dentist appointment
2.) Follow up with dermatologist
3.) No electric at his house

Tuesday is better than Monday

2005-07-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

So I am at working. Suppose to be learning how to do this data entry stuff. Yuck! Not my thing...is this why I went to college and put in my self 25,000 in debt - for a 13 bucks an hour - ahhhhhh.

I think I am going to join the New Town Writers Workshop thang - sounds good to me - check out their website:

http://www.newtownwriters.org

So nobody is responding to my blog - maybe i suck - ok - i know i do - i am a need queen - give me feedback please. tell me you love me, tell me i suck - anything, anyone please please please.......

Back to Work

2005-07-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

I am back at work
was gone a week

so not a jerk
i need time to seek

a job to love
and make me happy

a peaceful dove
i know it's sappy

======================

Yeah Yeah Yeah - so stupid. So, I am back at work - having been out of the office all last week working on this documentary. It was a great week - got a lot done. It was a very draining week, though. It was weird being back in Minneapolis. Seeing all of my friends was really amazing - but just being in that environment/city again sure made me realize why we moved to Chicago. There is a sense of relief being back here. Back at work though, not so great. We have had so many people giving there notice - two more are coming - and my boss is out again today.