I just stepped in a big pile of sassy!

If you are going to produce a movie about deafness, Deaf Culture, and cochlear implants, please include all of the signing with the frame!

It’s so frustrating to be following along with the signing and then have it cut to someone’s reaction while the other person is still signing. Especially during a conversation involving all deaf people.

Once again, deaf and hard of hearing folks will have to watch a movie about their culture, filmed by hearing people, without respect for their culture. They have to access it through written English (closed captioning).
What a disappointment.

The play is better, anyway (I saw it at Mixed Blood a few years ago).

Lately I’ve been interested in a lot of music that makes me feel like a teenager.
I suppose I do act like one from time to time.
It’s a job hazard.

I have also been annoyed with many typical “teen” things. One text speak that bugs the dickens out of me is “idk” (for “I don’t know”). I see it at work way too often, was text’d it today, and my bff just used it in an IM. Actually, it’s fine in text or IM but in formal writing? No way!

Anyway, I have felt quite silly in my musical taste/tendencies as of late.
Here are two examples:

1) I love the “Touch My Body” video (link here).
It cracks me up.
Something about the nerdy guy fantasy - I didn’t pay enough attention to the video the first time I watched it and I kept wondering why she was into laser tag, playing with remote control cars, and frolicking in costume with horses.
OF COURSE. It’s the nerd’s fantasy. Rock on.
I think all of this stems from the fact that I had a few really hot friends growing up. I can totally relate to the “compu nerd” in the video.

2) I’ve been enjoying “With You” by Chris Brown.
It took me a while to find out who the singer was. I thought the lyric was “saving hearts all over the world tonight” (which I, apparently, was relating to), but I was incorrect. I still like the song, though the video doesn’t do as much for me as Mariah’s. Click here to watch it.
I also thought he said “I need to move” at the beginning of the song. He actually says “I need you boo.” Hmm. See, now, what if I mishear stuff all the time and run around liking multiple songs for all the wrong reasons? That’s trouble, I tell ya.

Enjoy!

Two hours later - two more. :)
1) Sexy Can I by Ray J (ooh dirty)
2) Take a Bow (no video yet) by Rihanna (a quality bitter break-up song)

Late last night/early this morning, I purchased a copy of Spin magazine at the Las Vegas airport.
R.E.M. was on the cover and I couldn’t help myself.
I, like many of their fans, have not been too fond of their last few albums. That’s not to say that i didn’t enjoy a song here or there - I love “Daysleeper,” “Bad Day,” “Imitation of Life,” and “At My Most Beautiful.”
None of their last few albums were as palatable through and through as their earlier stuff, that I would attest to.
Regardless, I love R.E.M. and am excited for their new album (click on “Accelerate” to hear sample tracks). It’s garnering great reviews, and some controversy. Michael Stipe, as he has done for many years now, mentions his boyfriend in the interview. Apparently people didn’t know that he was queer? If you’ve read articles about R.E.M. for the past 10+ years, I would say that it’s pretty obvious that Michael is not hiding his sexuality. Go figure.

In response, he released this adorable tongue-in-cheek video. Check it out.

If you’re an old R.E.M. geek like me, I’d suggest picking up a copy of the latest issue of Spin magazine. The article was very well-written and included some nice photos. Is it April 1st yet?

Added (3/23) - hear R.E.M. live at SXSW (click this link) - Thanks, Stacia!

Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix
Loved it.
Hermoine was bad ass in this one.
I would like Ron to be less of a weenie.
I don’t like Voldemort (or rather the actor playing him’s interpretation) - it’s such a caricature.

1408
Liked it so much I went right out and bought the short story.
The screenplay was well written and creative.
I was quite let down by the short story.
Damn you, Stephen King — learn how to END a story.
For once, the movie really is better than the book.

Spiderman (all of ‘em)
meh schmeh - enjoyed the special effects in 3 better than in 2, definitely.
Kirsten Dunst is tolerable in this movie, though not an any other that I’ve seen her in.
Attention casting directors for major motion pictures: Hire Topher Grace. Thanks.

I’ve seen a few other movies recently but can’t think of ‘em off the top of my head. Therefore they must not be any good. Yeah, that’s the ticket.

P.S. Jon Lovitz - thanks for punching Andy Dick in the face. I mean it. You’re the best!

P.P.S. Tammy Faye - thanks for being such a kindhearted woman. You’re fabulous and you will be terribly missed, by so many.

I am sad that my girlfriend* Sabrina Matthews was voted off of Last Comic Standing last week.
She’s my favorite.
I’ve had a crush on her for just about forever. I love me a funny lady, I tell you what.
You can listen to her here - an awesome podcast. Also, you can find lots of videos of her through her website, which I linked to above.

I e-mailed her back in February of 2004, because I’m a huge dork. She did write back, quoted me (woo a personal response) and said that she had added me to her mailing list, which I appreciate. Also, we’re “friends” on myspace.

I will continue to watch Last Comic Standing because there were a couple of other comedians that tickled my funny bone, but I will do so with a heavy heart as there will no longer be any more Sabrina Matthews on the show. Sad day.

*note: Sabrina Matthews is not my girlfriend. Damn.

I’ve never live blogged before - let’s see how this goes.

Before the show starts:
I’d like to see either Bald Guy or Justin Timberlake Guy go.
That’s right. I don’t remember their names and I’ve been watching all season!

First thought:
Seacrest - button your shirt!
Bon Jovi?
Glam rock fest!

Bon Jovi does not equal one of the greatest rock bands in history.
I respectfully disagree.

I’ve never heard of Bon Jovi’s keyboardist before. Seriously. I thought it was just Jon and Ritchie.
Keyboard guy - nix the poodle perm!

Seacrest - SHAVE. You look like a pedophile with stubble. I’m just sayin’.

Creepy Bald Guy goes first!
Blaze of Glory - he’s goin’ down this week. Suckfest. I had a friend in junior high named Stacey - she was cute, but insecure. A redhead. I wonder what ever happened to her… What’s up with the gun points to the camera, Phil? I know his name now - thanks for popping it up on the screen, kids - I seriously couldn’t have remembered it if I tried! Wow. Phil’s doing well. Not fond of the crotch shots, or the dark bushy eyebrows + pointy ears. I’m judgmental. I’m an American. We’re made that way. Quote of the night (so far), “He looks like a chemo patient, but he’s doing very well.”
Randy says: “Look dude other than country week this is your best performance ever on the show.”
Paula says: incoherent babble. no complete sentences until “Best opening we’ve had all season long.”
Simon says: “Like a bad actor playing a role.” No authenticity. “I don’t think you’ve done enough to last next week.”

Up next…Jordin Sparks - yay!
“Livin on a Prayer” - hot. Nice hair! Mine used to look like that for dance recitals. I love that she’s a plus sized model. She’s quite a snazzy dresser on the show. Ooh nice interaction with the musicians - not so fond of her tone. Pitch problems. She looks uncomfortable. It’s weird - she pulled off the Gwen Stefani song so well, but she is just not doing this song justice.
Randy says:”Interesting… tough… the verses were rough…”
Paula says:”You went for it… knowing it was a little bit out of your range. You’re hot.”
Simon says: “Cue the boos in advance… the look is like something out of the Adams’ Family… singing was out of control… It was terrible.”

Third… Lakisha Jones - that’s a bad look.
“This Aint a Love Song” - I’m not a fan of the song… it’ll be interesting to see what she does with it. I”m not feelin’ that wig in general, especially the greasy-looking hair in her eyes. I’m bored. Girl does know how to end a song, though.
Randy says: “You started out rough… by the middle… you sold me.”
Paula says: “That low (and ???) tone of your voice, that’s like money in your pocket.”
Simon says: “LaKisha, I actually could kiss you after that.” KISS. (ooh! on the lips!) “You were so good!”

Numero Quatro… Blake Lewis - new hair!
“You Give Love a Bad Name” - I loved this song when I was a kid! I like the hair color but I’m not sure about the cut. It makes him look younger. Like an emo high school boy. He’s kinda giving the song the 311 treatment and I’m not sure how I feel about that. He has a lot of energy and the crowd is into it. I dig that. I dig the beat boxing and dancing and work with the drummer. It hasn’t been done before on Idol, and it’s working well for him, still nice and energetic. Workin’ the crowd and camera… Blake is still one of my favorites. That was really cool. I wonder if Simon will kiss Blake…
Randy says: “Most original version of a song ever on American Idol. That was hot baby.”
Paula says: “You really put yourself out there. This was amazing.”
Simon says: “Thank you mum. 1/2 the audience will hate it 1/2 the audience will love it. This is what is going to keep you in the competition next week.”

Fifth…Chris Richardson - is he still on the show? Damn the luck.
Interview/audience response (What do you think right before you perform?): Inarticulate much? “Just have fun. Just have fun. Just have fun.”
“Wanted Dead or Alive” - Is that a sock monkey on his shirt? So far not too bad - I have a feeling it’s going to venture into nasalinsanity any moment now… Creepy eyes. Bad lighting. Chris is neither badass nor tough. I’m underwhelmed. ;) Chris is also not a cowboy. More creepy wide eyes. What a flat and boring performance.
Randy says: “You did your thing… that was nice… I liked that. Nice.”
Paula says: “You did your thing. This is turning out to be a great night.”
Simon says: “This is not your style of music. Whether that’s good enough or not to stay next week, I’m not sure.”

Last, coming to us with the shortest neck on television, Melinda Doolittle - she really needs to step up her game. I’ve been bored with her the past couple of weeks. She picks songs that are too old for my taste. Maybe old-fashioned? At any rate, she hasn’t thrilled me for weeks.
Bon Jovi: “I can teach you how to rock.” Hah!
“Have a Nice Day”
Don’t you need a neck to head bang? Why’s she sassin’ off to the guitarist? Her outfit is making me laugh and laugh and laugh. I think it’s getting a bit too churchy. Ooh she’s sassin’ to the guitarist again. What the hell does her shirt say? She’s doing that foot to foot stompy thing that she does. I dont’ like it. What’s with the wiggly fingers, Melinda? Her voice is ok. I’m not really buying the song. I feel like I’m watching a bad one-hit-wonder female sidekick of Prince’s.
Randy says: She’s got “Tina Turner” attitude.
Paula says: “You’re a rockstar.
Simon says: “Like a young Tina Turner.. vocally in a different league to everyone else tonight.”

G.W. Bush says, “God Bless.”

On second thought - creepy bald guy reminds me of an acquaintance from high school, who happens to do (boy) drag now. Gawky and awkward just like her.
I love Blake!

If you know me, then you’ll know why I find this to be unbelievably hilarious.

No vaginas please, we’re Floridian
snippet:
A theatre in Florida had to change the title of a charity production of The Vagina Monologues on its marquee, after a woman complained that it was offensive.

The new name? They decided on ‘The Hoohaa Monologues.’

I’m so excited to watch American Idol tonight!

Yay for making fun on Minnesotans, focusing on Minneapolis, and hopefully having some talented locals (as well as local idiots) displayed on national t.v.

I can’t wait!

I overheard a woman at Herbegers (dept. store) saying so the other day.
She heard it on E!, so it must be true.

I saw Katy Gerdes (Project Runway + my high school) AGAIN at the State Fair tonight.
She’s obviously stalking me.
Sowaytotally.

I also saw an ex (boo hiss) at the fair.
An ex that I had been feeling bad about (the way things ended, I was immature yadda yadda).
I feel bad no longer - she was a total punk when she saw me! She even made the patented ass-face. It was obvious that she was uncomfortable and purposefully shunning me (we have a mutual friend apparently, hence the awkward interaction).
I will feel bad no longer - no longer, I say!
(take that)

I neglected to mention that after The Flaming Lips show at The State Fair, I saw Katherine (Katy) Gerdes.
I was waiting for my park-and-ride bus, and she was standing right in front of me.
She’s so wee and cute!
Though we went to the same high school, I never knew her (she was a year behind me and I was shy). She seems like the type of person who would be in my circle of friends and I even had an “in” to speak to her (same high school, yadda yadda - saw you on Project Runway, yadda yadda - read your video blog, yadda yadda) but I didn’t.
Ho hum.
Y’all should check out her “Auf’d from the runway segments,” they’re really well done.