what I learned from NewFest 2008...

A: No one under 30 goes to see these movies.
B: No one under 200lbs goes to see these movies.
C: There are no princesses, only sagging queens.
D: Gays are vicious when films are delayed.
E: Gays are even more vicious when you try to save seats.
F: Gays see gay films. Lesbians see lesbo films.
G: Although black women can't shut up during a screening, their "mmm-hmms" and "oh no he didn't! to "oh he is teasin' him!" sure provide comic relief.
H: Volunteers are like the nazi-line police.
I: There are some films that just need to be burned.
J: Couples are VERY monogamous.
K: It is almost as equally offensive seeing someone 50 dress like he's 20, and worse, someone 20 who dresses like he's 50.
L: Sex scenes are AWKWARD.
M: Lines are as long as Disneyland rides.
N: Methods of hitting on you are along the lines of "I have an extra ticket to see...or, "Is it me, or is it awfully stuffy in here?
O: Hipster gays are weeeiiiirrrd.
P: Emo gays are even weeeeiiiirrrrdddeerrr.
Q: Someone always cries during the Q&A, which leads to a mixed heartfelt, yet awkward situation. (groan)
R: If you see more than one film, you're likely to pick up a stalker.
S: The IPOD was the best invention for zoning out all pointless conversations and attempted pick-ups.


All in all NewFest was a very interesting experience. Favorite movie by far was The Sensei, and Ready? OK! Dream Boy was also good too. Will definetely go back next year...hopefully with more friends to ward away the meat-hungry queens looking to pounce on you at a moments notice (shutters) Until next time....

The Sensei soundtrack

sex and the city...

SUCKED!!! Seriously the biggest waste of 11.75 and 2.5 hrs of my life. Was super excited to see it, yet once I sat down, saw the dozens of gitty no-brain-barbies with their wanna-be designer summer dresses that look like they purchased at the H&M clearance rack, I knew there was trouble. Fast forward to the endless cheesy, cliched romantic-comedy preview films, it was sure to be a long evening. The movie was totally predictable, lacked balance in character development and all around was the same lines, situations as seen in the previous six seasons. I would say the only two highlights of the film was Sarah Jessica Parkers fabulous new hair color, and the naked beach house guy that tries to get with Samantha...which she disappointedly DENIES! Ugggh, maybe it wouldn't have been so painful if I had a couple of cosmo's before...although now come to think of it, a carrie-cosmo is more like a carrie-crapsmo. Until next time...
BC

crane collapse, NYC gentrification and on being a social outcast...

Sad news today in the Big Apple, another crane collapsed on the UES this morning. 2 people (construction workers) were killed. It's been all over the news. Sad, but more frustrating that we can't maintain safe construction sites. I bet the Bloomberg administration is up in arms about this. I can only hope this will prompt better safety standards for other cranes and sites being built elsewhere in the city. I being a preservation-yuppy am all about decreasing the amount of construction going on in this city. When I lived down in SoHo on Varick St, they began building the Trump SoHo tower. I recall many were up in arms about this god-awful glass building soaring above the quaint 3 story brick and iron-cast buildings, which gives SoHo it's own historical integrity. I don't know how they got the zoning clearance to build such an impersonal ugly looking skyscraper. It's gentrification, and it's becoming more apparent each day as more and more rich people from Europe move here to fill these rich 1.1+ million dollar condos. I for one would never want to live in a glass building. Although I'll gladly take a nice brownstone anytime...preferably in Chelsea, W20-22nd St, anywhere btw 8th-10th Ave. As I walk by these gorgeous tree lined streets, thoughts of my tragic financial state and lack of security kick in, for I know I will never be able to afford these places...unless of course I marry a rich sugar daddy. Better get on that soon before I hit 30. Since moving to Manhattan I have become somewhat obsessed with real-estate. Many of my colleagues look at me strangely when I discuss the crisis of the housing market as if I am speaking like a middle-aged gay man going through the throws of his gay-mid-life crisis. I can only conclude the reason why I feel the way I feel is because I have an old soul. I never felt like I was truly the age I was. Whether I was 8 or 18, 20, or 23...I have always felt beyond my years. This has made me feel at times very isolated from the rest of society. Coming to the realization of being an outcast is not easy, however those close to me are always there to comfort me and share their own experiences. I am thankful for being aware of what I know is right and it has definitely helped in times of turning away from something you know isn't going to work in the long run. All in all I just keep waiting for the moment where it won't feel so depressing at times. Perhaps in a couple of years? Who knows. In the mean time, I know the most important thing to do is to stay busy with my practicing, working out, and staying informed.

On a completely different note, I watched this documentary called A Very British Sex Scandal: Docu-Drama It was VERY informative and well made. It's in 8 parts on youtube. This is the kind of stuff that keeps me balanced and clear.

on dealing with pan-handlers/beggars and down right crazys...

I have always tried to be compassionate of those less fortunate than me. I am thankful for the roof over my head (even though there are loud obnoxious ri-ri-kids above banging into things)and for food, etc. That being said, those less fortunate than me (and the majority of NYers) stop at nothing to beg for some "spare change." We are faced with this EVERYDAY, EVERY HOUR, EVERYWHERE!! I swear if I had a dime for everytime someone asked me for change, I think I'd have my tuition paid for by now. And although I usually do have some bit of $$ on me, I rarely give, because I know most of these people do have shelters to live at, or at least city-assistance. Or they just may be downright liars and really be rich financial investors, like this guy

I swear there are times when I really just want to yell, why don't you pay me for MY DEBT!! See these pandhandlers may have "0" $$, I have some NEGATIVE $30,000. Whose worse off now? hmmm?

That is why I am so grateful for the invention of the IPOD! Just a few circles to the right, and presto...you're no longer connected to the comments of, "Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, so to bother you, my name is Joe, I'm homeless, spare some change, food, etc, yadda, the shelter is going to kick me out tomorrow (he said that yesterday and the day before, coincidently on the same train at the same time)

This is when you can tell a true New Yorker from a tourist. New Yorkers ignore, tourists give more.

on being a coffeeholic...

Prior to moving to the big apple, I generally maintained a decent enough schedule that required little caffeinated support. That has certainly changed over the year. Now I am a full blown caffeine addict But thank God for not having to sacrifice my full blown addiction for the sake of pregnant wives as depicted in Scrubs Cuz we know I ain't getting a girl pregnant anytime soon! ahahahaha.
Foregoing a day with out my coffee, latte, cappachino, or espresso. (red-bull and other energy drinks apply too) is like a day without sunshine. The smell and taste of
Joe brings more than a buzz, it actually has a calming effect too! It really keeps me from crashing from all the hustle and bustle of the city...

And who can blame us New Yorkers? All that walking, all that climbing up and down subway stairs, carrying our crap EVERYWHERE, working, running errands...it's EXHAUSTING!!! I have never had to expel such an exuberant amount of energy EVERYDAY! That being said, coffee has been my friend for quite some time. My newfound appreciation for $$Expensive$$ coffee has certainly added to the financial woes of moving here, but I figure we all have our guilty expenditure. I could be smoking, endangering my lungs and hacking up a storm, or not have such a low tolerance for alcohol, hence having to spend more on drinks. No instead I decide to drink caffeine and destroy, well I guess my stomach...I can't handle too much of it at a time...I have had some "moment" shall we say where I've "paid the price" like this celebrity after his Starbucks latte....ooooohhhh!
I guess it's an easy way to ahem...detox? lol.
But going back to my expensive taste and endless search for the best coffee in Manhattan. I can surely attest that Cafe Grumpy on West 20th St btw 7th and 8th in Chelsea is BY FAR the BEST place to go for coffee. The staff are super friendly and very knowledgeable about the different blends and monthly selections. The cafe is super cute too, I want that desk in the back! I've taken the majority of my coffee loving friends there and they too have loved it. Taking my dad this summer, so I'm sure he'll be revved up for that...literally! Until next time...

Sex and the City, New Fest and PRIDE oh my!

Though it's three days till the month of June, it might as well be bustin' out all over With the NYC premier of Sex and the City happening tonight, the whole city is celebrating amidst the sweltering humidity. I for one am very stoked and plan to see it Friday (pending availability). Then from June 5th-15th NewFest will be premiering over 250 films. I am particularly interested in the closing night gala of Were the World Mine and other films such as Ready? OK! and The Sensei

All in all it's going to be a great month. This years pride will actually be my first and although I'm sad I won't be in my native state to celebrate in SF, I figure NYC will be just as great. Until next time...