I apologize in advance for this rant, but I really need to get this off my chest:
I am SO SICK of hearing people telling other people how they should live their lives and judging them for it. Having children for example. Some people choose not to have children and that's looked at as "selfish". No, selfish is when you have a child and think the entire world owes you something because you're a parent. History has shown us that not everyone is cut out for motherhood (Joan Crawford, anyone). So what's the alternative here? Have a baby that you don't want and/or can't afford to prove some point? Yeah, that's a healthy start to give a child in life. Also "being a mom" changes you, there's no doubt. But stop throwing it in people's faces. You should be proud of your children and encourage them. Not to show someone else up. What bothers me the most is that most of these people are part of our generation! It's not some old lady saying "I want grandkids" It's a 25 year old without a hair out of place (often with a nanny and a two hundred dollar manicure) Saying it to the 27 year old who will be in debt the rest of their lives for college loans.
Then there are the self-righteous hypocrits
I'm not going into abortion, because frankly, I don't feel like fighting with anyone. I will say though, that defunding planned parenthood is so wrong, it would take me another blog to get it all out. And then of course, you have the fake or brainwashed. "No sex before marriage!" "If you get pregnant, you're having that baby!" and all that shit.
Which brings me to my favorite biggest pet-peeve, the term "The Good Old Days"...you know when everything was wholesome and sweet and we had real American family values. Here's a newsflash: THEY NEVER EXISTED! Anyone who knows me knows I'm an old soul and would have loved to live in that time. However, I would not want to live in that time as a woman, a homosexual, or an african american. Do you honestly think that just because we flaunt our sexual escapades and drug usage and boozing that we're making some kind of statement and defying convention? What is convention these days anyway? All this nonsense was going on long before any of us were born. They were just a little more discrete. But trust me, I have friends who are in their 90's and they can attest that some of the things that went on behind closed doors made what's happening today look like a kiddie show.
And don't even get me started with the Donald Trumps, and Kim Davises of the world. I can not roll my eyes far enough into the back of my head. Hell, I'm still pissed about the Bill Clinton trial. If anyone out there thinks that's the first blow job the oval office has seen, then you're completely delusional. What president hasn't cheated on his wife? We all know about Kennedy, we know he was most likely involved in Marilyn Monroe's death, but what? That's okay because it happened before twitter? He's remembered as a great leader while Clinton is remembered as the guy who had sex in the oval office regardless of his accomplishments.
I'm also really sick of the judgment and entitlement of this generation. "What!? You don't eat vegan? I don't think we can hang out anymore" and yes, that's a direct quote. If I couldn't be friends with someone who didn't love Judy Garland, I'd have no friends. Get over yourself, eat your fucking tofu! I'm not shoving steak down your throat! People (especially in the retailed world) want a red carpet rolled out for them even though they have no intention of buying anything. It's a very arrogant air of self-importance.
In the final analysis (and this really is important) Political Correctness can only go so far. Not because I enjoy that kind of humor but because the world doesn't care about your feelings. This is not a world to have a thin skin in. Trust me, I've tried it and it doesn't work. So, lighten up, and let people live their lives. You're no better than the next schmuck.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
"Why Do You Love Judy Garland?"
"Why do you love Judy so much?" It's a question I've been asked time and again by many different people. How do you answer that? Do you say, "Oh, she was so talented"? or "Oh I love this movie"?. For me, it's very personal and I seldom talk about it. But I spoke to a woman today who respected my feelings and it really made me think, "What the hell am I so afraid of?". I've been judged, made fun of, ridiculed, it's an age old story... But here's mine.
Many psychoanalysts have asked me what my first memory is. And the answer is always the same: "I remember a beautiful lady in a red dress sitting in a window singing to a little girl at Christmas time". We now of course know, that the little girl was Margaret O'Brian and the beautiful lady was Judy Garland. The film was "Meet Me In St. Louis". It's such a clear memory. The big brown eyes that I peered into, the sparkly knitted scarf she took off of her head. I literally can't remember a time in my life without her in it.
Now, strangely enough, I saw "The Harvey Girls" before "Meet Me In St. Louis" but that didn't come back to me until a few years later when I saw it again and remembered the scene where they sing "It's a Great Big World". I saw "The Harvey Girls" and "Meet Me In St. Louis" when I was about two. Oddly enough, I wasn't exposed to "The Wizard Of Oz" until I was about four. And let's face it, there's no coming back from that.
But it was her. It was always her. There was something in her I saw in myself even at that age. I still get choked up which is why I don't speak about it often. They're not sad tears. They're tears of joy, tears of a time in my life when she was there. She was always there and still is. I never saw her as a movie star or a legend. To me, she was just my Judy. If I was sad, I'd put on a record and she'd make me feel better. If I was happy, I'd pop in a movie, and we'd celebrate together. It's a tradition that goes on to this day nearly thirty years later.
The thing is, I didn't want to only know the "public persona" of this lady. I wanted to suck up all the information I could about her as a person, because that's how I saw her. My first day of school I came home furious because I still couldn't read and had pile of books about her that I couldn't wait to devour. When I finally did, I still had that mystical image of her because she was so talented yet SO incredibly human. For better or worse, we had a lot more in common than I could ever dream possible. She taught me to see the similarities in all of us rather than just the differences. That, along with the ability to laugh are the two greatest gifts she gave me.
I, myself have been praised, paid many compliments about my performing and so forth, and you kind of wonder after a while, "Who are they talking about?". You're grateful and sometimes need the reassurance, but when you go home, scrape off the makeup, and get into a pair of pajamas, you're just you. And that can be very hard to accept and/or understand. So I can't even imagine what being JUDY GARLAND must have been like. Barbra Streisand talks about it a lot and I get it. She sings a song called "Being Good Isn't Good Enough" and I encourage you all to listen to it.
In the final analysis, Why do I love Judy? I can't answer it simply, except to say that she makes me happy. She's there for a laugh, a cry, a lazy afternoon. SHE'S THERE. She can't desert me and even though it's not physical, she's been the only constant in my life and at times the only one I can count on. I find it insulting hen people refer to her life as "tragic". Bullshit. Look what she gave. Look what she left us! Nothing but joy and laughter and talent that can never be duplicated.
I hope that answers any question anyone may have on the subject.
Many psychoanalysts have asked me what my first memory is. And the answer is always the same: "I remember a beautiful lady in a red dress sitting in a window singing to a little girl at Christmas time". We now of course know, that the little girl was Margaret O'Brian and the beautiful lady was Judy Garland. The film was "Meet Me In St. Louis". It's such a clear memory. The big brown eyes that I peered into, the sparkly knitted scarf she took off of her head. I literally can't remember a time in my life without her in it.
Now, strangely enough, I saw "The Harvey Girls" before "Meet Me In St. Louis" but that didn't come back to me until a few years later when I saw it again and remembered the scene where they sing "It's a Great Big World". I saw "The Harvey Girls" and "Meet Me In St. Louis" when I was about two. Oddly enough, I wasn't exposed to "The Wizard Of Oz" until I was about four. And let's face it, there's no coming back from that.
But it was her. It was always her. There was something in her I saw in myself even at that age. I still get choked up which is why I don't speak about it often. They're not sad tears. They're tears of joy, tears of a time in my life when she was there. She was always there and still is. I never saw her as a movie star or a legend. To me, she was just my Judy. If I was sad, I'd put on a record and she'd make me feel better. If I was happy, I'd pop in a movie, and we'd celebrate together. It's a tradition that goes on to this day nearly thirty years later.
The thing is, I didn't want to only know the "public persona" of this lady. I wanted to suck up all the information I could about her as a person, because that's how I saw her. My first day of school I came home furious because I still couldn't read and had pile of books about her that I couldn't wait to devour. When I finally did, I still had that mystical image of her because she was so talented yet SO incredibly human. For better or worse, we had a lot more in common than I could ever dream possible. She taught me to see the similarities in all of us rather than just the differences. That, along with the ability to laugh are the two greatest gifts she gave me.
I, myself have been praised, paid many compliments about my performing and so forth, and you kind of wonder after a while, "Who are they talking about?". You're grateful and sometimes need the reassurance, but when you go home, scrape off the makeup, and get into a pair of pajamas, you're just you. And that can be very hard to accept and/or understand. So I can't even imagine what being JUDY GARLAND must have been like. Barbra Streisand talks about it a lot and I get it. She sings a song called "Being Good Isn't Good Enough" and I encourage you all to listen to it.
In the final analysis, Why do I love Judy? I can't answer it simply, except to say that she makes me happy. She's there for a laugh, a cry, a lazy afternoon. SHE'S THERE. She can't desert me and even though it's not physical, she's been the only constant in my life and at times the only one I can count on. I find it insulting hen people refer to her life as "tragic". Bullshit. Look what she gave. Look what she left us! Nothing but joy and laughter and talent that can never be duplicated.
I hope that answers any question anyone may have on the subject.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Fear
I've been doing a lot of thinking and self-searching lately (as usual, more than is for my own good). As many of you know, lately I've been going through some health issues that have only made me much more aware of my already constantly lingering mortality. I had a talk with a friend of mine yesterday who I know gets it but I decided to write about it anyway just to organize my thoughts a bit. And who knows, maybe someone can relate.
My mind works in a very theatrical way. It always has. It's just my natural thought pattern. When I look back on my life I see it like a movie. I see high points, low points, climaxes, sometimes I even hear an underscore. I can go back to those past feelings so easily. Even the ones I've let go of or at least put to bed or learned to deal with a little better. You have to find away to handle them to survive. In that way, I suppose I'm a bit of a method actor.
Now, getting back to fear, I find the older I get, the more I spend the bulk of my life in abject terror ALL the time. I'm going to use performing as an example just because to go into the deep personal stuff would be a novel and I think this will get my point across a little more clearly.
I'm a born performer. I don't know anything else, I can't do anything else well (at least not that I enjoy). I could never have the love and dedication for any other career that I have for Entertainment. As a kid, I was always in a top hat twirling a cane, sitting in front of the television memorizing every song from every MGM musical, every heroine's speech, and every star's life story. As a teenager, I performed. I did every show I could. I sang, I told jokes, did impressions, hosted events, became drama club president, taught classes about musical theater, mentored people, you name it. There was no question of where I was going. The goal seemed so attainable.
Then I became an adult. It happened a little too quickly for various reasons and I found myself being bounced around and forced to try to support myself out of necessity which led to many personal and physical problems as well. But whatever crumby little job I worked, I knew it was just a stepping stone but still started to feel a little hopeless and stuck.
Fast forward a few years, I have a sudden span of time where I'm getting performance work left and right. For a solid year I was recording, hosting shows, I did a Burlesque show which was a blast, I did two films, wrote a lovely ballad with two friends, and got all the creative juices flowing at full speed. And the best thing about all of this is that it all basically fell into my lap. One gig led to another and parts and music was written tailored to me and my personality and stage persona. Now, the downside to this is gradually, this fear crept in. I'm still not a hundred percent sure what it is I have. I just go out and do what I do and people seem to respond to it. I don't know where that comes from and therefore I don't always know how to summon it at command. It comes all by itself and it's one of the only things about myself I've found I can rely on. But what if one day it's not there. As I said to my friend yesterday, "I wake up every morning and think 'This is the day they're going to catch me and find out I'm a complete fraud'". What do they expect of me when they ask me to do these things? And even worse what if I disappoint? I realize this is completely irrational because I can honestly say I've never truly bombed in front of an audience even if I knew the material I was given to do was a piece of shit. I learned that from Bette Davis. Always give an A performance even if it's in an B piece.
These feelings and fears have carried on into my personal life and I'm at a point where I just don't know who to trust, who to believe, who really cares about me, or if I'll ever be on my feet and well much less, dare I say it, happy. The song that explains this better than I ever could is "What Did I Have I Don't Have Now" from "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever". In fact it's one of my favorite songs that I've alway been scared to death to sing because it hits so close to home. Anyway, that's my neurotic rant. Hopefully it made some sense.
My mind works in a very theatrical way. It always has. It's just my natural thought pattern. When I look back on my life I see it like a movie. I see high points, low points, climaxes, sometimes I even hear an underscore. I can go back to those past feelings so easily. Even the ones I've let go of or at least put to bed or learned to deal with a little better. You have to find away to handle them to survive. In that way, I suppose I'm a bit of a method actor.
Now, getting back to fear, I find the older I get, the more I spend the bulk of my life in abject terror ALL the time. I'm going to use performing as an example just because to go into the deep personal stuff would be a novel and I think this will get my point across a little more clearly.
I'm a born performer. I don't know anything else, I can't do anything else well (at least not that I enjoy). I could never have the love and dedication for any other career that I have for Entertainment. As a kid, I was always in a top hat twirling a cane, sitting in front of the television memorizing every song from every MGM musical, every heroine's speech, and every star's life story. As a teenager, I performed. I did every show I could. I sang, I told jokes, did impressions, hosted events, became drama club president, taught classes about musical theater, mentored people, you name it. There was no question of where I was going. The goal seemed so attainable.
Then I became an adult. It happened a little too quickly for various reasons and I found myself being bounced around and forced to try to support myself out of necessity which led to many personal and physical problems as well. But whatever crumby little job I worked, I knew it was just a stepping stone but still started to feel a little hopeless and stuck.
Fast forward a few years, I have a sudden span of time where I'm getting performance work left and right. For a solid year I was recording, hosting shows, I did a Burlesque show which was a blast, I did two films, wrote a lovely ballad with two friends, and got all the creative juices flowing at full speed. And the best thing about all of this is that it all basically fell into my lap. One gig led to another and parts and music was written tailored to me and my personality and stage persona. Now, the downside to this is gradually, this fear crept in. I'm still not a hundred percent sure what it is I have. I just go out and do what I do and people seem to respond to it. I don't know where that comes from and therefore I don't always know how to summon it at command. It comes all by itself and it's one of the only things about myself I've found I can rely on. But what if one day it's not there. As I said to my friend yesterday, "I wake up every morning and think 'This is the day they're going to catch me and find out I'm a complete fraud'". What do they expect of me when they ask me to do these things? And even worse what if I disappoint? I realize this is completely irrational because I can honestly say I've never truly bombed in front of an audience even if I knew the material I was given to do was a piece of shit. I learned that from Bette Davis. Always give an A performance even if it's in an B piece.
These feelings and fears have carried on into my personal life and I'm at a point where I just don't know who to trust, who to believe, who really cares about me, or if I'll ever be on my feet and well much less, dare I say it, happy. The song that explains this better than I ever could is "What Did I Have I Don't Have Now" from "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever". In fact it's one of my favorite songs that I've alway been scared to death to sing because it hits so close to home. Anyway, that's my neurotic rant. Hopefully it made some sense.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
My Thoughts And Reflections On Nick Trent...
We buried my Uncle, Nicky today (No, not smoke shop Uncle Nicky, we call him Nicky D.) This is Nicky Trent. My mother's brother. Today at the funeral almost all the grandchildren came up and said a few words. I personally don't do that sort of thing. I did it once for my grandfather when I found out that no one was planning on saying anything and it's something I'll probably never do it again. I prefer to pay my tributes (when possible) in life. That and I'm always afraid my emotions will get the best of me in public.
However, today, after hearing several things some friends and family had to say up at the podium. It brought back a lot of memories and put them in perspective for me.
Nicky Trent was infamous. He was a lot of things. He wasn't the most trusted or well-liked man all the time and everyone seemed to "know" every flaw the man had. But he was truly charming which is why people were attracted to him. That being said, I truly (and I mean this) don't believe there was any true malice or intent to hurt anyone. He was a worker. He went into things with his whole heart. As an old friend of his said, "Nick had a lot of dreams...finishing them was another story".
My uncle did a lot of questionable thins during the corse of his life. But haven't we all? He was also spooked and turned off by anything involving death. I don't think he was afraid of the physical act of dying, I think (and I can absolutely relate to this) he was afraid of dying without something somewhere saying "Nick was here". To somehow have eternal life and be remembered.
People have always said (and not in a nice way) to me "You're just like your Uncle Nicky". Well, you know what? Maybe I am. He was one of the only people I knew who truly knew you only have one life to live and one day at a time and if that's the day to do what your heart (or head) tells you to do, you do it! If you've wanted to live in Las Vegas your whole life and finally can, pack your bags! And that's just what he did and he was happy there.
My Uncle also had many passions and believe it or not, for hie being a mechanic, we both had a lot of the same interests. For starters, whenever I'd stay there, and we'd have coffee together, we talked and laughed about episodes of "I Love Lucy" as if they aired for the first time the night before. To hear him and my Aunt TT (Theresa), his wife, tell a story was like watching a comedy routine. They were truly funny and meant for each other. I'm not sure the world ever really figured that out.. I also liked that no matter his ignorance about something, he was never afraid to ask a question. If he didn't know something, he simply asked. I admire anyone who does that. He was obsessed and I mean OBSESSED to the point of sometimes wanting to be Elvis Preslely. In fact, he's in my phone as Elvis. I always found it interesting how no one ever seemed to find this odd or had a problem with it but when it came to me and Judy Garland, EVERYTHING was wrong with it and it and I was considered to be "not normal". I'm not dwelling, it's just been on my mind for the last twenty something years. I think it's important to have a hero. He certainly did, I obviously do, and they get you through the hard times. I remember as a kid, he owned the garage (on our corner) and he had a "Wizard Of Oz" photo which found may years later at a flea market, and he'd always let me come in and see it and say I could have it when I was older. Unfortunately, it was lost. I also remember his letting me take a broom, sit on the car lift with it and "fly" like a witch (usually wearing my witch's hat, of course). He just got it and never questioned or judged it. That stayed with me.
Now, the thing that came up time and again... his vanity. Okay, now, I wouldn't call myself "vein" but I would call myself meticulous when it comes to my appearance. At least four people mentioned how long he took in the shower/bathroom getting ready (for anything). Then when it was YOUR turn, YOU took too long. And every single Christmas he'd tell me that the bathroom smelled like a Whore House because of my perfume. Mind you, I stepped into a could of whatever he had sprayed before. But I always found it funny and would always make sure to get in a few extra sprits! I missed that this year.
This may sound like self-indulgence to some and while it's true I've inherited SOME of these traits, there is a lesson to be learned here:
DO IT!
If it makes you feel better about yourself to have your hair perfect, you spend as much time as you need to styling it.
If listening to a record makes you happy and no one else likes it, you play it until you feel better
If you have a passion that seems odd weather it be restoring antique cars or collecting Judy Garland and Oz memorabilia and it makes you happy, GO FOR IT!
My Uncle was a true original. He did what he liked the way he wanted to do it and if someone didn't like it, too bad. Now, of course, he made his share of mistakes. Some big, some small. But the quality I'll always hold nearest and dearest to my heart is that he just didn't care. I mean that in the best way possible. He was one of the least judgmental people I ever knew. He didn't care about your orientation, color, background... none of that insignificant hogwash. To him, people were people.. Be who you are and don't apologize to ANYONE. That's his legacy, at least to me. Before I wrap this up, I just want to say to him directly (not that he'd bother to read this unless it was about a car for sale), Uncle Nick, you always made me laugh, I always loved you, I enjoyed busting your stones perhaps more than anyone (excluding Aunt Linda) and I hope that while you're up there playing poker with Elvis, Marilyn, James, Bogie, and the rest of the crew, you tell Judy I'll be seeing her soon. ;) I love you, Elvis!
Till we meet again,
Vince <3 nbsp="" p="">
Some things I learned from Uncle Nicky:
1. Always make sure your hair is perfection
2. Use Witch Hazel after you shave (do not do this, many fabulous products have been invented since then)
3. Use a fine-tooth comb and some small scissors to trim your eyebrows if they seem a bit on the busy side
5. Be who you are and don't apologize for it.
6. Live and let live and mind your own goddamn business
7. Hold up your head even when you know everyone in the room is looking down on you and and judging you.
8. You don't need a reason for loving or admiring anything.
9.Get a fog-proof mirror
10. Look back and laugh, what else can you do?
However, today, after hearing several things some friends and family had to say up at the podium. It brought back a lot of memories and put them in perspective for me.
Nicky Trent was infamous. He was a lot of things. He wasn't the most trusted or well-liked man all the time and everyone seemed to "know" every flaw the man had. But he was truly charming which is why people were attracted to him. That being said, I truly (and I mean this) don't believe there was any true malice or intent to hurt anyone. He was a worker. He went into things with his whole heart. As an old friend of his said, "Nick had a lot of dreams...finishing them was another story".
My uncle did a lot of questionable thins during the corse of his life. But haven't we all? He was also spooked and turned off by anything involving death. I don't think he was afraid of the physical act of dying, I think (and I can absolutely relate to this) he was afraid of dying without something somewhere saying "Nick was here". To somehow have eternal life and be remembered.
People have always said (and not in a nice way) to me "You're just like your Uncle Nicky". Well, you know what? Maybe I am. He was one of the only people I knew who truly knew you only have one life to live and one day at a time and if that's the day to do what your heart (or head) tells you to do, you do it! If you've wanted to live in Las Vegas your whole life and finally can, pack your bags! And that's just what he did and he was happy there.
My Uncle also had many passions and believe it or not, for hie being a mechanic, we both had a lot of the same interests. For starters, whenever I'd stay there, and we'd have coffee together, we talked and laughed about episodes of "I Love Lucy" as if they aired for the first time the night before. To hear him and my Aunt TT (Theresa), his wife, tell a story was like watching a comedy routine. They were truly funny and meant for each other. I'm not sure the world ever really figured that out.. I also liked that no matter his ignorance about something, he was never afraid to ask a question. If he didn't know something, he simply asked. I admire anyone who does that. He was obsessed and I mean OBSESSED to the point of sometimes wanting to be Elvis Preslely. In fact, he's in my phone as Elvis. I always found it interesting how no one ever seemed to find this odd or had a problem with it but when it came to me and Judy Garland, EVERYTHING was wrong with it and it and I was considered to be "not normal". I'm not dwelling, it's just been on my mind for the last twenty something years. I think it's important to have a hero. He certainly did, I obviously do, and they get you through the hard times. I remember as a kid, he owned the garage (on our corner) and he had a "Wizard Of Oz" photo which found may years later at a flea market, and he'd always let me come in and see it and say I could have it when I was older. Unfortunately, it was lost. I also remember his letting me take a broom, sit on the car lift with it and "fly" like a witch (usually wearing my witch's hat, of course). He just got it and never questioned or judged it. That stayed with me.
Now, the thing that came up time and again... his vanity. Okay, now, I wouldn't call myself "vein" but I would call myself meticulous when it comes to my appearance. At least four people mentioned how long he took in the shower/bathroom getting ready (for anything). Then when it was YOUR turn, YOU took too long. And every single Christmas he'd tell me that the bathroom smelled like a Whore House because of my perfume. Mind you, I stepped into a could of whatever he had sprayed before. But I always found it funny and would always make sure to get in a few extra sprits! I missed that this year.
This may sound like self-indulgence to some and while it's true I've inherited SOME of these traits, there is a lesson to be learned here:
DO IT!
If it makes you feel better about yourself to have your hair perfect, you spend as much time as you need to styling it.
If listening to a record makes you happy and no one else likes it, you play it until you feel better
If you have a passion that seems odd weather it be restoring antique cars or collecting Judy Garland and Oz memorabilia and it makes you happy, GO FOR IT!
My Uncle was a true original. He did what he liked the way he wanted to do it and if someone didn't like it, too bad. Now, of course, he made his share of mistakes. Some big, some small. But the quality I'll always hold nearest and dearest to my heart is that he just didn't care. I mean that in the best way possible. He was one of the least judgmental people I ever knew. He didn't care about your orientation, color, background... none of that insignificant hogwash. To him, people were people.. Be who you are and don't apologize to ANYONE. That's his legacy, at least to me. Before I wrap this up, I just want to say to him directly (not that he'd bother to read this unless it was about a car for sale), Uncle Nick, you always made me laugh, I always loved you, I enjoyed busting your stones perhaps more than anyone (excluding Aunt Linda) and I hope that while you're up there playing poker with Elvis, Marilyn, James, Bogie, and the rest of the crew, you tell Judy I'll be seeing her soon. ;) I love you, Elvis!
Till we meet again,
Vince <3 nbsp="" p="">
Some things I learned from Uncle Nicky:
1. Always make sure your hair is perfection
2. Use Witch Hazel after you shave (do not do this, many fabulous products have been invented since then)
3. Use a fine-tooth comb and some small scissors to trim your eyebrows if they seem a bit on the busy side
5. Be who you are and don't apologize for it.
6. Live and let live and mind your own goddamn business
7. Hold up your head even when you know everyone in the room is looking down on you and and judging you.
8. You don't need a reason for loving or admiring anything.
9.Get a fog-proof mirror
10. Look back and laugh, what else can you do?
Uncle Nicky and I sometime in the early 90's.
Nick Trent, Little Vincent, and Nicky D.
Where I know he is right now having the time of his life!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
What Could I Possibly Have To Be Thankful For?
While making myself a cup of Ovaltine and freezing, I suddenly came to the realization that it's nearly Thanksgiving which means that it's nearly Christmas. I'm usually not one to jump the gun on holidays (unless of course, it involves shopping), but standing there, with my ice cold feet (cloaked by three layers of socks and a pair of fuzzy slippers), I started to actually think about Thanksgiving, Christmas, holidays, and gratitude and all the rest of that nonsense you're too busy to think of at any other time but at 3 a.m. while you're standing in the dark instead of sleeping with the rest of the world....
Though in my head, I'm pretty optimistic and try to look at things through the eyes of a 40's musical heroine, outside of my head and through my eyes, I'm not blind to the fact that I'm actually rather prickly, neurotic, sometimes insecure, bitter, and down right AWFUL. But that doesn't stop me (see, that's where the musical heroine comes in.). I really began to go through the roll-index of crazy, ridiculous, horrifying, scary, miserable, untimely, tragic, and ultimately destructive shit that has happened in my life. Then, my mind immediately went to all of the funny, sappy, adorable, lovely, flattering, RIDICULOUS things that have happened in my life. And every single one of those things came to mind in the form of a person.
I've been told (by more than an appropriate number of people) that I just appeared in the world fully formed. It's as if I've always been a hundred years old. Which, yes, has been used as both an insult and a compliment when calling me an "old soul". And I can't really argue. I agree with that explanation of the way I seem to be and have always seemed to feel. The thing is, "coming into the world" that way makes it kind of hard to find "your people". Who could possibly identify with that or want to deal with it? You come with your own set of rules written in a language that NO ONE (not even you) understands. However, I've been very spoiled because, even though I've tried, I never really found my people. They've all found me. I've been lucky enough to know and encounter some of the most colorful, interesting, diverse people there are in the last 20-something years that I can't imagine there are more out there! But there are. And weather "my people" have known me since the day I was born, or just randomly walked into my life and became my family, they're MY people and they seem to be in that incoherent little rule book in plain sight. To truly not "need" people (yes, I'm going all Barbra on your asses) to me, is tragic. Loneliness is the worst feeling in the world. I can't say that I'll never be lonely again or that I won't have moments and lapses where I truly do feel alone, but, even though I make it a rule for myself and anyone I know to NEVER apologize for feelings, I want to sincerely apologize to my people who, you guessed it...have made me one of the luckiest people in the world. Yeah, I just went there. How predictable.
I'm glad that all of my baggage comes with an individual luggage tag signed in different handwriting. I probably seem completely unchanged on the outside, but, what was once in this technicolor, withered- before- it's- time shell of what resembles a human, is considerably changed from what was there when it appeared in a world that seemed black and white. And as saccharine as it sounds, that really is what I'm thankful for. In case you missed all of the idiotic metaphors and song lyrics, it's people. I'm thankful for people.
I'm not going to start caring about orphans or planting trees in Israel any time soon, but I really do thank everyone who has been there in any way to either delight or irritate me in the last two to three hundred decades. The best of them usually do both at the same time.
Thanks, Kids.
Though in my head, I'm pretty optimistic and try to look at things through the eyes of a 40's musical heroine, outside of my head and through my eyes, I'm not blind to the fact that I'm actually rather prickly, neurotic, sometimes insecure, bitter, and down right AWFUL. But that doesn't stop me (see, that's where the musical heroine comes in.). I really began to go through the roll-index of crazy, ridiculous, horrifying, scary, miserable, untimely, tragic, and ultimately destructive shit that has happened in my life. Then, my mind immediately went to all of the funny, sappy, adorable, lovely, flattering, RIDICULOUS things that have happened in my life. And every single one of those things came to mind in the form of a person.
I've been told (by more than an appropriate number of people) that I just appeared in the world fully formed. It's as if I've always been a hundred years old. Which, yes, has been used as both an insult and a compliment when calling me an "old soul". And I can't really argue. I agree with that explanation of the way I seem to be and have always seemed to feel. The thing is, "coming into the world" that way makes it kind of hard to find "your people". Who could possibly identify with that or want to deal with it? You come with your own set of rules written in a language that NO ONE (not even you) understands. However, I've been very spoiled because, even though I've tried, I never really found my people. They've all found me. I've been lucky enough to know and encounter some of the most colorful, interesting, diverse people there are in the last 20-something years that I can't imagine there are more out there! But there are. And weather "my people" have known me since the day I was born, or just randomly walked into my life and became my family, they're MY people and they seem to be in that incoherent little rule book in plain sight. To truly not "need" people (yes, I'm going all Barbra on your asses) to me, is tragic. Loneliness is the worst feeling in the world. I can't say that I'll never be lonely again or that I won't have moments and lapses where I truly do feel alone, but, even though I make it a rule for myself and anyone I know to NEVER apologize for feelings, I want to sincerely apologize to my people who, you guessed it...have made me one of the luckiest people in the world. Yeah, I just went there. How predictable.
I'm glad that all of my baggage comes with an individual luggage tag signed in different handwriting. I probably seem completely unchanged on the outside, but, what was once in this technicolor, withered- before- it's- time shell of what resembles a human, is considerably changed from what was there when it appeared in a world that seemed black and white. And as saccharine as it sounds, that really is what I'm thankful for. In case you missed all of the idiotic metaphors and song lyrics, it's people. I'm thankful for people.
I'm not going to start caring about orphans or planting trees in Israel any time soon, but I really do thank everyone who has been there in any way to either delight or irritate me in the last two to three hundred decades. The best of them usually do both at the same time.
Thanks, Kids.
"Hunger and thirst, but first be a person who needs people..."
Friday, October 11, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
"The Wizard Of Oz" 75th Anniversary IMAX 3-D Release
Andrew & I at the movie theater after our EXTREMELY
long but fabulous day. :)
Andrew got me a replica of the Wicked Witch's hat from
"Oz: The Great & Powerful" while we were in The Disney Store :)
And yes, I'm a dork so it made my day! <3 i="">
Well, the real beginning of the many celebrations Warner Bros. has in store for the 75th Anniversary of "The Wizard Of Oz", my all-time favorite movie and life's dedication (along with Judy, of corse) was the re-release of the film in IMAX 3-D for the first time ever! I've been hearing rumors and speculation about this for years now but who knew if it would ever really happen and if so, how it would turn out? It was publicly released on September 20th to rave reviews and unanimous praise from critics and fans alike.
Clearly, the reviews have nothing to do with the actual movie. I mean, it's "Oz"! It's the most watched and beloved movie ever made so it's success really depended on the execution of the IMAX restoration. In 2009, for it's 70th Anniversary, Warner's released a PRISTINELY restored print from the original three-strip technicolor negative for DVD and Blu-Ray. The movie truly never looked better... until NOW!
After the Broadway (Equity Fights AIDS) Flea Market today, which will be a blog in itself, Andrew took me to see it in Manhattan. I'd read all the articles, heard all the hype, talked to a few people who've seen it since it was released earlier this week, and even though I make it a rule NEVER to give into hype or expect things like this to live up to it, I made an exception because, for me, it's quite the event. I was not disappointed! Not only did it live up to my expectations, it surpassed them beyond my wildest imagination! They've done EVERYTHING they can with the film as far as removing dirt, aligning the strips of color, restoring the sound etc. in '09. It's been restored using the best possible technology available in the world. Now the real question: How do you take a 75 year old movie everyone has seen a million times and make it look like something new without destroying the original integrity of the film and making it look like a cheap ploy to prey on us Oz fans who will buy anything and EVERYTHING available to us?
Well, Congratulations, Warner Brothers! You've done it (again)! Classic movie fans have come to expect a certain standard of quality from Warners for a while now. They began restoring films like "Meet Me In St. Louis", "Gone With The Wind", "Singin' In The Rain", "Easter Parade", and so on and so forth a few years back. The first really major release was the Blu-Ray version o Judy's "A Star Is Born" which was done using original eliminates and the highest bit-rate quality available at the tine. But the pristine restorations have been going on since the early 2000's, but somehow they constantly manage to surpass their own best work. I think it's because this truly is a labor of love for the people who do this painstaking work. Reportedly over 1,000 people worked on this particular version of "Oz" and let me tell you, it shows!
From the very first scene when the lion roars, you're astounded! It's a brand new movie, yet it's the same film with the same characters we all grew up knowing and loving. I won't sit here and list every single moment of the movie. I mean we've all seen it! However some moments were just so breathtaking, they absolutely warrant mentioning. Let's start with "Over The Rainbow", naturally! To see up close like that makes you feel like she's right there, singing only to you. She look ravishing. And of corse, that moment we all wait for when she opens the door and leaves the black & white (or sepia) Kansas behind and reveals the Colorful Land Of Oz for the first time has always been movie magic at it's best and the moment we all wait for; but now, it's unlike anything you've ever seen! You're actually THERE! Every detail, every flower, every color, every bumble bee in every flower is surrounding you and you're just transported to Oz. The first time you see The Wicked Witch of The West appear in her signature red and orange smoke, it seems as if it could make you cough, it's so realistic! Glinda's wand, the Witche's broom (those small details) are really neat to see in 3-D. I must say though, for me, the two moments that just made me gasp out loud were the first glimpse you get The Emerald City and the shot showing the flying monkeys coming to abduct everyone for the witch.
As usual, I cried several times. I start at the first note of "Over The Rainbow" and then by the time Dorothy turns to the Scarecrow and says "I think I'll miss you most of all", I've gone through three packs of travel Kleenex.
25 years ago when Oz had it's 50th Anniversary, a lot of really quality merchandise was produced. Since then, the copyright has been sold and it's now all in Warner's hands. They have managed over the years since they acquired the rights to produce some nice things and five years ago for the 70th Anniversary, they did put out some cute things like Pez dispensers, a few dolls, and a handful of other okay collectables including the best "Ultimate Box Set" since "The Ultimate Oz" back in the 90's when MGM still had the rights and we, the world, still used VHS tapes. The 60th Anniversary set wasn't all THAT impressive. It was basically a rehash of the "Ultimate" set with different photos and glossier covers. However, this was also the beginning of high-def and the first really great DVD release, which at the time was a new thing. But here we are, fifteen years later, and fifteen years more technologically advanced, and I must say, I'm impressed with what we have to look forward to this year! This new latest "Ultimate" box set includes literally every form of media available to watch the movie on in it's new (and semi-new) glory and a few new other little glories. Also, due to the recent "Oz: The Great And Powerful", which was a big hit with the kids for Disney, Warners has launched a $25 million dollar ad campaign to promote the film (which is already seeing profits) and the box set and various home video releases haven't even been put on the shelves yet! Also, a few of the things i+I've seen are of pretty good quality, reminiscent of what we were seeing back in 1989 for the 50th Anniversary, which makes me really happy and excited as a lifelong devoted Oz collector! There are even some updated re-releases like John Fricke's fabulous Pictorial Oz History starting with its birth in 1900 as a children's book. At the end of this post, I'll include a few highlights (old and new) along with some links . However, I think that's enough babbling on about this for one evening. It's an exciting year for Oz fans (albeit and expensive one!). So make it as Oz-Some as possible! Yes, I just used the term Oz-Some (because it's 4 am and I've been in the streets of Manhattan all day rooting through vintage theatre memorabilia) don't judge until you've walked a mile in my Ruby Slippers.
2013 Ultimate Box set due in October
(Amazon.com Exclusive Version):
Special Features:
Hours of extra content including:
-Sing-a-long feature with the film
-Complete Magic Cloak of Oz silent shorts (60 min)
-All-New Feature Length Documentary The Making of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
-The Dreamer of Oz TV Special (101 min)
-Munchkins at the Hollywood Walk of Fame Featurette (20 min)
-Patchwork Girl of Oz (60 min)
-6 hr. MGM Documentary When the Lion Roars (exclusive to Blu-Ray)
...and more
Exclusive Promotional Items:
-52 pg Hardcover Photo Book
-Ruby Slippers Sparkle Globe
-Collectible Award Pin Set by The Noble Collection
-Journal
-Frameable Map of Oz
Amazon exclusive Promotional Item:
-4 GB "Wicked Witch of the East" flash drive
-Sing-a-long feature with the film
-Complete Magic Cloak of Oz silent shorts (60 min)
-All-New Feature Length Documentary The Making of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
-The Dreamer of Oz TV Special (101 min)
-Munchkins at the Hollywood Walk of Fame Featurette (20 min)
-Patchwork Girl of Oz (60 min)
-6 hr. MGM Documentary When the Lion Roars (exclusive to Blu-Ray)
...and more
Exclusive Promotional Items:
-52 pg Hardcover Photo Book
-Ruby Slippers Sparkle Globe
-Collectible Award Pin Set by The Noble Collection
-Journal
-Frameable Map of Oz
Amazon exclusive Promotional Item:
-4 GB "Wicked Witch of the East" flash drive
The Wonderful World Of Oz
By: John Fricke
The wonderful world of Oz is a magical place—and has been for generations of Americans since L. Frank Baum penned his enduring classic in 1900. With the 1939 movie starring Judy Garland, Oz was forever woven into our culture. Over the course of the 20th century, Oz continued to capture the hearts of the American people—as well as people all over the world.
This book documents that magical journey through beautiful photographs of the world’s largest collection of Oz memorabilia. Whether it’s first-edition covers, a munchkin costume, or the Wickedplaybill, the iconic items on these pages tell the story of America’s most beloved fairy tale. Come over the rainbow and see why there truly is no place like Oz.
This book documents that magical journey through beautiful photographs of the world’s largest collection of Oz memorabilia. Whether it’s first-edition covers, a munchkin costume, or the Wickedplaybill, the iconic items on these pages tell the story of America’s most beloved fairy tale. Come over the rainbow and see why there truly is no place like Oz.
An over-the-top, beautifully designed book that commemorates the seventy-fifth anniversary of The Wizard of Oz. Officially licensed with Warner Bros., this collectible edition features accessible text, a host of never-before-seen ephemera, and nine removable features.
Written by the foremost authorities on the subject—Jay Scarfone and William Stillman—and designed in close collaboration with Warner Bros., The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companiondelivers an entertaining and interactive experience, transporting readers over the rainbow and into the wonderful Land of Oz. The authors detail filmmaking secrets—the inspiration behind the film's realistic tornado; why Dorothy's shoes were ruby-colored; and how the filmmakers got a fleet of monkeys to fly—and reveal never-before-seen artwork from their personal collection, including, but not limited to, rare stills, Technicolor test frames, and costume and set illustrations.
For anyone who was ever enthralled by the story of Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, this the perfect keepsake celebrating some of the most popular elements from The Wizard of Oz.
Miniature ceramic commemorative plate with easel
Miniature ceramic commemorative plate with easel
A Ruby Slippers pendant
A 9 x 12” The Wizard of Oz poster tied with ribbon
64-page book: A “75 Years of Oz” introduction is followed by a novelization of the story, illustrated with full-color photos from the movie.
A 9 x 12” The Wizard of Oz poster tied with ribbon
64-page book: A “75 Years of Oz” introduction is followed by a novelization of the story, illustrated with full-color photos from the movie.
The Wizard of Oz: The Wicked Witch of the West Light-Up Crystal Ball
Generation after generation of fans have fallen under the spell of The Wizard of Oz and this officially licensed kit focuses on the ever-popular Wicked Witch of the West. Kit includes a figurine of the Wicked Witch of the West with a light-up crystal ball that glows green, plus a 32-page book of full-color photos and quotes from the movie.
The Making of The Wizard of Oz
This is actually one of my favorite Oz (movie-related) books. It's been around for years and has been re-released a few times with different covers. It is THE definitive "making of" book even if you're just into old Hollywood and/or the studio system. FANTASTIC book! With a forward by Margaret Hamilton.
Synopsis:
Released in conjunction with the 75th-anniversary DVD release of The Wizard of Oz, this book is the definitive story of how one of America’s most beloved movies was made and a marvelous, unprecedented examination of how Hollywood used to make movies. This updated edition includes numerous photos and shares hundreds of interviews with cameramen, screenwriters, costume designers, directors, producers, light technicians, actors, and more to reveal how the factory-like Hollywood system of moviemaking miraculously produced one of the most enduring films ever made. From the scandalous headlines of Munchkin orgies at the Culver City Hotel and the Witch’s (accidental) burning to the building of the Emerald City and the sewing of nearly 1,000 costumes, The Making ofThe Wizard of Oz provides a richly detailed re-creation of MGM’s production No. 1060 and a detail-by-detail, department-by-department look at the most powerful and flamboyant studio Hollywood has ever known.
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