About Me, For a Change

Since childhood, I (like so many Americans) have struggled with weight issues. In 1996, while directing a production of Romeo and Juliet in which I also played Friar Laurence, I went on a strict diet and exercise program, resulting in a 70 lb loss. I looked (if I do say so myself) and felt terrific.

Of course, since then I have gained it all (plus more) back. Last year, I joined Weight Watchers at work. I lost close to 20 lbs and then got bored. Over last winter, I gained much of those 20 lbs back. It made me sick and angry. This year, I am determined to get rid of the flab once and for all.

Using what I learned from previous regimens and WW, I put myself on a new diet. All grains must be whole; all foods must be low-fat and high protein. Currently, my knee issues make it all but impossible to get back on the treadmill (10 minutes of walking result in 48 hours of pain). But I've truly changed my eating habits. I eat smaller portions of high-fiber, low-fat, high-protein foods in several small meals about 5 times a day. I am rarely actually "hungry' and find I have more energy.

The real payoff, however, came today.

I have been wearing shorts every day this summer (mostly to show off the fabulous new ink on my left calf). The shorts all have elastic waistbands with drawstrings (my day job allows for very casual attire). Today, the weather in the Northeast was particularly cool and I decided to wear jeans for the first time in several months. I put the jeans on and found loads of room in the waistband, prompting me to use a belt for the first time since May. To my surprise and delight, I had to move up one notch on my belt! Yay! The last time I was weighed (about a month ago) I had lost 16 lbs. I can't wait to go back to my doctor now and see how much more I have lost.

Hopefully, once my Synvisc treatments are complete, I will once again be able to jump on the treadmill and lose even more. This is honestly the best day of this summer since the final performance of The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told.

Should you care? No. But I just had to crow a little.

More, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article About Me / Excercise / Fat / Ramblings / Weight with the title August 2009. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2009/08/about-me-for-change.html. Thanks!

Worst Remake Idea EVER

Steve McQueen, like many successful actors, started his career in a B-grade horror movie that has since become a classic, The Blob. Thirty years later, it was remade starring Kevin Dillon in the role that made McQueen famous. Granted, Dillon did not go on to the same kind of career that McQueen did, but the 1988 remake was fun, at least. It featured then state-of-the-art FX (see the photo, above), actress Shawnee Smith (who would later go on to become Jigsaw's apprentice in the Saw franchise) and ER's Paul McCrane (someone with whom I share 1 degree of separation, having worked with both of his sisters at Macy's many moons ago). It also featured actor Bill Mosely, who would go on to star in Army of Darkness; House of 1000 Corpses and The Devil's Rejects, among many other Z-grade horror movies (Evil Bong, anyone?).

Now (via), comes word that House of 1000 Corpses and The Devils' Rejects director Rob Zombie has been tapped to once again remake The Blob. Now I have to be honest and admit that I actually like House of 1000 Corpses. It's an insane homage to 70's exploitation "white trash" horror with an even better sequel in The Devil's Rejects. But Zombie's remake of John Carpenter's quintessential slasher movie Halloween was a complete waste of time (and I won't even comment on that movie's now-playing sequel). In discussing The Blob remake, Zombie has been quoted as saying "My intention is not to have a big red blobby thing -- that's the first thing I want to change..."

What?! The Blob without the blob? What the hell? Further proof that Hollywood is being run by morons and Rob Zombie is retarded. I say a full boycott is called for.

In other movie news, while looking for interesting tidbits to post about, I came across a trailer for a movie I had never heard of and can't believe I missed. Below is the trailer for 2008's British horror flick, The Children:

Apparently, The Children was released on DVD this past March. I completely missed it and now must make a pilgrimage to my local Blockbuster to check it out. And I am wondering what other bits of wonderful (and maybe not-so-wonderful) horror may have missed, recently. Any suggestions? You know I love to hear from you. Comment away.

More, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article Horror / Movies / Remakes / Rob Zombie / Steve McQueen / Trailers with the title August 2009. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2009/08/worst-remake-idea-ever.html. Thanks!

More New Movies

This is director Christopher Nolan. He's made a couple of little films you might have heard of: Memento; The Prestige (one of my favorite recent films); Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. His next picture, Inception stars an actor of whom I have never been particularly fond, Leonardo DiCaprio. He's always just given me the creeps. I hated Titanic (a titanic snore-fest) and The Beach was just plain stupid. But I must admit he's finally maturing into his looks and the upcoming Martin Scorsese horror movie Shutter Island certainly looks promising.

Inception also stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt; Ellen Page; Marion Cotillard; Micheal Caine; Ken Watanabe; Tom Berenger; Lucas Haas and Drag Me to Hell's Dileep Rao. That's quite an impressive line-up of talent. Of course, working for a director of Nolan's reputation is probably incentive for a lot of terrifically talented folks.

The good folks over at Trailer Addict have just added the teaser trailer for Inception and it looks like another mind-bending psychological thriller from Nolan:

And though I posted it before, here's the trailer for Shutter Island:

Come on. Patricia Clarkson's presence alone makes me want to buy tickets now. Add Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow, Jackie Earle Haley and Michelle Williams to the mix and I have to see it.

Finally, also from Trailer Addict, comes this very amusing trailer for George Clooney and Ewan McGregor's psychic-soldier comedy with unlikely title, The Men Who Stare at Goats. Actor turned director, Grant Heslov has assembled an amazing supporting cast which includes Kevin Spacey; Jeff Bridges; J.K. Simmons; Robert Patrick and Stephen Root. This one looks like it could have come from the Coen brothers:




Rehearsals for "A View From the Bridge" kick into high gear next week, so I probably won't be posting as regularly as usual, but I'll do my best to keep you informed and entertained. By the way, you can see my most recent headshot at that link, if you are so inclined. I'll leave it to you to figure out which one is yours truly.

More, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article Christopher Nolan / Ewan McGregor / George Clooney / Horror / Leonardo DiCaprio / Martin Scorsese / Movies / Patricia Clarkson / Stephen Root / Trailers with the title August 2009. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2009/08/more-new-movies.html. Thanks!

A Quickie, Tonight

It's late and I'm tired (and still sore from my latest Synvisc injection, yesterday), but I really wanted to show you all this fantastic T-Shirt design from Klaus Industries (via).

Simple, succint and powerful, it says it all.

You can order the shirt (and others) here.

As soon as I can find something truly new and interesting to post about about movies, theatre or anything else, I'll share it with you. Until then, continue to write, email and generally pester your local, state and federal representatives to remind them that LGBT rights are NOT special rights, but HUMAN rights, which should be afforded to every man, woman and child on the planet.

See that? I'm all riled up again. It must be that a**hole in Utah.

Seriously... when is religion going to stop being a part of this debate? It just makes want to stand up and shout "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!" Though I suppose I've been doing that for a while now, haven't I?

More nonsense, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article LGBT / Marriage Equality / Religion with the title August 2009. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2009/08/a-quickie-tonight.html. Thanks!

Why Have I Not Seen Him Before?

Warning - this post would probably be rated "R" by MPAA for language.

This is British comic musician Tim Minchin. Raunchy, clever and downright hysterical, Tim writes and performs hilarious songs that many would consider risque. Obviously classically trained, he is a clever lyricist and brilliant pianist.

I just discovered him after Jonco over at Bits&Pieces posted a video clip from an appearance on the Graham Norton Show. Norton is an hilarious, openly gay and rather naughty Irishman with his own chat show on the BBC. He's not above placing speakers and cameras in public toilets as pranks and often manages to have major celebs like Dustin Hoffman and Cher take part in his impish shenanigans. If you've never seen it, I suggest you check his show out on BBC America.

The first clip below is the first one I saw of Minchin in performance, and it made me laugh so hard, I had to seek out others.

Not for the prudish or easily offended, Minchin's songs make fun of everything from weird sex to racism and movies. In fact, while searching for clips of his work, I realized that his excellent cover of Tears for Fears' "Mad World" was used in one of my favorite modern films, Donnie Darko, the film in which I first fell in love with Jake Gyllenhaal.

Enjoy these clips of Minchin in performance (some of which may be NSFW).

First, "Inflatable You," the clip that made me love Minchin:

And then "If You Really Loved Me," a song about... well... golden showers:

Next, a parody synopsis of Donnie Darko:

And the music video for Minchin's beautiful and haunting Donnie Darko cover of "Mad World:"

And finally, a favorite silly song, from which Minchin must have taken inspiration:

You can be assured that I will be on the lookout for more from this talented and hilarious performer.

More, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article Cher / Comedy / Dustin Hoffman / Eric Idle / Graham Norton / Monty Python / Music / Music Video / Tim Minchin with the title August 2009. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2009/08/why-have-i-not-seen-him-before.html. Thanks!

This Is a Christian?

(Via) comes the below video clip from MSNBC, which features an audio clip from a recent sermon by Arizona Baptist preacher Steven Anderson. It's a hateful, vitriolic piece of trash in which Anderson says that every night he prays that "...Barack Obama will die and go to hell."

What? Seriously?

Apparently, yes. I have to ask myself, has the man ever actually read the New Testament? I suppose he's only read the parts that talk about hating people and hoping they die.

Now, even though I do not consider myself a Christian (nor do I ascribe to any particular faith, as I have noted before), I have actually read the Bible (both the Old and New Testaments), and as far as I can recall, no where does Jesus ask his disciples to pray for anyone to die. In fact, I played Jesus once in a production of "Godspell," which was presented in the auditorium of a Catholic church. The ground did not open up and swallow me. I was not plagued by boils or locusts. I did not receive the "Mark of the Beast." I did, however, get a standing ovation at the end of each performance.

Here's the thing: If true Christians actually stopped to listen to (or read) the words in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; they would realize that nowhere does any of them mention homosexuality. The few Biblical references to homosexuality all occur in the Old Testament, and most scholars now agree that those passages are in place to scare people into reproducing little followers who will then grow up to produce more followers.

Watch the clip and tell me what you think:

I imagine (and hope) that if there is, indeed, a hell, there is an especially painful place for hatemongers like Anderson and the members of the Westboro Baptist Church, where they are all forced to have gay sex with demons for all eternity.

And, as a little side note, here's a funny bit (via) about roommate pranking that goes too far (please note: no actual aliens were harmed in the making of this video):

If I were a horrible human being (which I really hope I am not), I'd be playing similar pranks on my dear D, but with clowns (D - if you are reading this, do NOT click on that link!).

More, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article Barack Obama / Clowns / Gay / Hate / Politics / Practical Jokes / Religion / Video with the title August 2009. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2009/08/this-is-christian.html. Thanks!

I Am Curious: Giallo

In the late 60's there was an infamous (though by today's standards, quite tame) soft-core porn movie called "I Am Curious (Yellow)." It was also released as "I Am Curious (Blue)," depending on which tint was used to hue the film. I've never seen it, but by all accounts, it's pretty bad.

This post's reference (if you haven't figured it out by now - and those reading this blog should have) is meant to evoke the spirit of Italian "Giallo" movies, so named because of the yellow covers given to Italian mystery/slasher novels. In case you haven't figured it out yet, "giallo" is Italian for "yellow." Pioneered by filmmakers like Mario Bava and Umberto Lenzi, giallo movies are probably best represented by the films of Italian director Dario Argento (Susperia). Giallo movies are usually about serial killers and feature extended scenes of bloody mayhem and murder. They often have American or British actors as their stars and are usually in Italian with the non-Italian actor's speaking English which is then dubbed into Italian.

Argento has now made a film called "Giallo" featuring King Kong star Adrien Brody. Here's the trailer:

While the concept of Giallo seems quite familiar, I'm willing to give it a look-see.

Speaking of familiar things, here's a trailer for the upcoming remake of Larry Cohen's killer-baby flick It's Alive. In the original, it was obvious from the outset that the baby was a monster (and it blames pollution and household chemicals for the horrific mutation). The remake, however, seems to take a slightly more subtle approach:

Hmmm... not sure about this long-delayed film, scheduled for a late October release.

And while not exactly a remake, (though a version of the tale was made by Hammer in the 70's) The Countess is a fictionalized biography of Elizabeth Bathory, the Hungarian countess who was probably more inspirational to Bram Stoker than Vlad Tsepes ever was. Bathory reportedly slaughtered over 600 young women and bathed in their blood in an effort to retain her youth. French actress Julie Delpy writes, directs and stars, along with William Hurt, in this bio-horror flick:

As an Hungarian with a supposed (though rather tenuous) familial connection to Bathory, I have always been fascinated by this story and have even gone so far as to have outlined the plot for a musical about the murderous Hungarian royal. Maybe someday, I'll actually sit down and write the damned thing.

Looks like the Fall is shaping up to be an interesting (if nothing else) movie season. When (and if) I see these films, you can be assured I will be reviewing them.

More, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article Adrien Brody / Giallo / Horror / Julie Delpy / Movies / Trailers / William Hurt with the title August 2009. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-am-curious-giallo.html. Thanks!

Bi Bi Bi

Wow! Two music posts in a row. that's a record for me (you should excuse the pun).

This is Danyl Johnson. He is the latest "overnight sensation" to come out of the UK. On "The X-Factor" - sort of a cross between "Idol" and "(Insert Country Name Here)'s Got Talent." As the last auditioner on what had been an apparently fruitless day, Danyl's version "With a Little Help from My Friends" actually brought Simon Cowell to his feet.

Embedding has been removed, but you can watch Danyl's audition here. I will admit, he is a terrific singer with loads of stage presence. And it doesn't hurt that the 27 year-old teacher is also very pretty. But, during a Google search for more info about him, I came across this article in the Daily Mirror. Apparently, beautiful Danyl doesn't limit himself to one sex or another when choosing his partners, which means his fan-base automatically increases by at least 10%.

Honestly, as much as I loved watching Susan Boyle shock the "Britain's Got Talent" judges with her amazing rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream," I'd rather watch a hot teacher singing Beatles' tunes than a frumpy Scotswoman singing show tunes. Who wouldn't?

Finally, this almost got its own post, but I've already posted a "Gayest Thing" this week. I suppose I could have called it "The Gayest Video Game You'll See This Week," but that would be a bit redundant, especially after you see the clip. Ladies and germs, (via) I give you "Ultimate Muscle Roller Legend" (possibly NSFW):

I just love how the rider gets "extra power" from his "cycle." Redonculous, as the kids say.

More, anon

Prospero

You have read this article Gay / LGBT / Music / The Gayest Thing / Video / Video Games / Viral with the title August 2009. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2009/08/bi-bi-bi.html. Thanks!

The Gayest Thing(s) You'll See This Week

I must admit that despite being "wired in," I am not actually current on most popular music. Yes, I know the names and the styles (usually), but am not always familiar with the actual music, itself.

Now you have to understand, my rather extensive CD collection is comprised of mostly film scores and soundtracks, followed closely by Original Cast Recordings, Cirque du Soliel scores and other odd bits of epehemeral weirdness. Of course, my collection contains many standards and must-haves (everything from Beethoven and Mozart to Pink Floyd and The Beatles and almost anyone in between - with the exception of most CW and almost all Rap). I have CDs by The Who; Elton John; Olivia Newton John; Madonna; Frankie Goes to Hollywood; The B52's; Devo; Loreena McKennitt; Cyndi Lauper; Annie Lennox; James Brown; Tom Jones; Dead Can Dance; Pet Shop Boys; NIN; Peter Gabriel; October Project... the list goes on and on.

Sadly, I find few modern pop artists interesting in the least. But lately I've been reading lots and lots about Brooklyn-based, openly gay band Grizzly Bear. I hadn't heard any of their music until I stumbled upon the below link (via). It's fan-made video (by a str8 fan) for the song "Two Weeks" and is just a gorgeous, surreal, Steampunk-Papercraft-Puppet-Animation gay love story. And the song ain't too shabby. Excuse me while I peruse the Grizzly Bear catalogue and please enjoy the video while I do so:

Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear from Gabe Askew on Vimeo.

OK. Entertainment out of the way, it's on to politics. Also via, comes the following clip of National Organization for Marriage (NOM) spokesperson Nancy Gallagher being ripped to pieces by CNN's Lou Dobbs and University of Pennsylvania Law Professor Tobias Wolf. I love how, like everyone else who opposes same-sex marriage, Gallagher cannot come up with suitable answer as to how same-sex marriage affects and/or attacks hetero-marriage. Watch the bitch squirm here:

Sorry, I forgot. Oded Gross already told us how:

Yeah, THAT's the ticket!

More, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article CNN / DOMA / Gay / Idiots / LGBT / Marriage Equality / Music / Music Video / Obama / Politics / The Gayest Thing / Viral with the title August 2009. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2009/08/the-gayest-things-you-see-this-week.html. Thanks!

A Belated Birthday Gift

A friend posted this on facebook. It was recorded on Nelson Mandella's birthday, which also happens to be mine. Cyndi continues to be my heroine! Enjoy:



More, anon
Prospero

You have read this article Cyndi Lauper / Music / Music Video with the title August 2009. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2009/08/a-belated-birthday-gift.html. Thanks!

Not That You Care...

This is my "Mad Men" caricature. It's also currently my facebook profile picture. It's fairly accurate, though I think there's a bit more brown in my hair. Still, it definitely is recognizable to those who know me.

Speaking of facebook, here's one of those "Questions About Me" things you are supposed to share and flag friends with. I figured I'd do it here and let the fb friends who read my blog to come here to see it. Then no one is obligated to respond or flag anyone or make a big hullabaloo out of it (and yes, I actually typed the word "hullabaloo." So what? It's a good word and I don't care if makes me sound like I wear white bucks and listen to Chubby Checker. Plus, it fits in with the whole "Mad Men" doo-hickey). Anyway, for your consideration (or not - I really don't care) is YES or NO (my answers in red; links, as usual, in blue):

1. You can ONLY answer Yes or No.

2. You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages or comments you and asks—and believe me, the temptation to explain some of these will be overwhelming nothing is exactly as it seems.

Now, here’s what you’re supposed to do: Copy and paste this into your notes, delete my answers, type in your answers and tag as many of your friends as you’d like to.

Kissed any one of your Facebook/Myspace/Twitter friends? Yes.
Been arrested? No
Kissed someone you didn’t like? Yes
Slept in until 5 PM? No
Fallen asleep at work/school? No
Held a snake? Yes
Ran a red light? Yes
Been suspended from school? Yes
Experienced love at first sight? Yes
Totaled your car in an accident? No

Been fired from a job? Yes
Fired somebody? Yes
Sang karaoke? Yes

Pointed a gun at someone? No
Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t? Yes
Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? Yes
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? Yes
Kissed in the rain? No

Had a close brush with death (your own)? No

Seen someone die? Yes
Played spin-the-bottle? Yes
Sang in the shower? Yes
Smoked a cigar? Yes
Sat on a rooftop? Yes
Smuggled something into another country? No
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes? Yes
Broken a bone? Yes
Skipped school? Yes
Eaten a bug? Yes
Sleepwalked? No
Walked a moonlit beach? Yes
Rode a motorcycle? Yes

Dumped someone? Yes
Forgotten your anniversary? No
Lied to avoid a ticket? No
Ridden on a helicopter? No
Shaved your head? No
Blacked out from drinking? No
Played a prank on someone? Yes
Hit a home run? No
Felt like killing someone? Yes
Cross-dressed? Yes
Been falling-down drunk? Yes
Made your girlfriend/boyfriend cry? Yes
Eaten snake? Yes
Marched/Protested? Yes
Had Mexican jumping beans for pets? Yes
Puked on amusement ride? No
Seriously & intentionally boycotted something? Yes
Been in a band? No
Knitted? No
Been on TV? Yes
Shot a gun? Yes
Skinny-dipped? Yes
Gave someone stitches? No
Eaten a whole habeñero pepper? No
Ridden a surfboard? No
Drank straight from a liquor bottle? Yes
Had surgery? Yes
Streaked? Yes
Taken by ambulance to hospital? No
Passed out when not drinking? No
Peed on a bush? Yes
Donated Blood? No
Grabbed an electric fence? No
Eaten alligator meat? Yes
Eaten cheesecake? Yes
Eaten your kids/siblings Halloween candy? Yes
Peed your pants in public? Yes
Snuck into a movie without paying? No
Written graffiti? Yes
Still love someone you shouldn’t? Yes
Think about the future? Yes
Been in handcuffs? Yes
Believe in love? Yes
Sleep on a certain side of the bed? No

More, anon

Prospero

You have read this article About Me / FaceBook / Mad Men / Memes / Ramblings with the title August 2009. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2009/08/not-that-you-care.html. Thanks!

...and His Hair Was Perfect!

"Even a man who is pure of heart and says his prayers by night/Becomes a wolf when the wolfsbane blooms and the moon grows full and bright."

That infamous bit of doggeral from the original 1941 film, The Wolfman is first uttered by the late Maria Ouspenskaya, a Russian actress who would rise to marginal fame in Universal Studio's horror flicks from the 30's and 40's. When prodigal son Larry Talbot returns to the homeland, he is attacked by a peculiar beast and soon finds himself (via then state-of-the-art replacement photography) turning into a monster. Lon Chaney, Jr. - the less-talented son of "The Man of 1000 Faces" - had the titular role and no less than Claude Rains played his father and Bela Lugosi played the poor afflicted son of Ouspenskaya's ancient gyspy.

Now, the inevitable remake is soon upon us. Delayed for a very long time, The Wolf Man is finally scheduled for release in 2010. Sadly, it's in February of 2010. And you all know what that means. Or not. There have been those occasional February gems... I think... um, let me get back to you on that. Anyway. the good news is that is not being directed by The Mummy and Van Helsing (what a waste of everyone's time) schlockmeister, Stephen Sommers. The bad news, it's directed by Jurrasic Park III's Joe Johnston. Now Johnston is an okay director. I like The Rocketeer (I first feel in lust for Billy Campbell then) and Jumanji is just fun. Hell, I even enjoyed Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. I haven't seen 2004's Hidalgo, but this is Johnston's first film since then. Six years is sometimes very long to be away in the business. JP3 was a complete piece of crap and I have to wonder whose fault that is. And Hidalgo didn't exactly break any box-office records, despite the presence of Viggo.

Alright, then. Here's the trailer for The Wolf Man, starring Benicio del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Hugo Weaving and the amazing Geraldine Chaplin (!!!) as Maleva, the role that made Ms Ouspenskaya famous. Enjoy:

Mmmm... steak tartare...

Well, at least I know they'll never remake this 'classic:'

Oh wait! They did:

God bless Larry Cohen. Of course, watching that made me think of this:

I wonder if there's a Rifftrax version of Reign of Fire? There must be, don't you think? Oh, well. I suppose I should round the whole thing out with this trailer:

And maybe just one more:

"It's Scare-ewey!" Get it? Scary and screwy? Get it? And 10 bonus points to whoever can tell me what future icon of Horror has a voice cameo at the end of that last movie.

More, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article Abbott and Costello / Anthony Hopkins / Benicio del Toro / Geraldine Chaplin / Horror / Hugo Weaving / Joe Johnston / Larry Cohen / Movies / Ramblings / Remakes / The Wolf Man / Trailers / Universal Monsters with the title August 2009. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2009/08/and-his-hair-was-perfect.html. Thanks!

On Pain

Pain is both universal and subjective. What may be excruciating for you, may be a walk in the park for me. Conversely, what may seem like nothing to me might make you cry just thinking about it.

While still in my 30's I was diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis in my right knee. It wasn't awful. I thought maybe I had sprained or over-extended it. It was occasionally annoying, but certainly manageabe. Over the years, it has progressed into someting that is always annoying and more and more often, unmanagebly painful. Genetics, age and years of dance-realted abuse in Musical theatre all were taking thier toll. Little over a year ago, I saw my GP about it, who prescribed an NSAID which provided much relief. But this past spring, I noticed I was having some stomach issues, a common side-effect of long-term NSAID use. I stopped taking it and went to my GP again, who gave me a topical version of the drug I had been taking orally. I might as well have used Pond's Cold Cream for all the good it did. A third scrip (for naproxin) failed, as did a fourth (for the generic version of Ultram - which was as effective as St. Joseph's Baby Aspirin).

So, I broke down and used Health Advocate (one of the many terrific bennies provided by my full-time employer) and found an orthopedist who prescribed both physical therapy and Synvisc injections. Today, was my first of three shots.

Now, I've had some painful injuries in my day. Cuts; sprains; dislocations, etc. I had three root canals done on the same tooth (a long story) as well as several oral surgeries (all related to a childhood injury). In 1994, I had a nosebleed so bad that an ER doctor had to cauterize it with a ball of molten silver-nitrate, Two years ago, I had a procedure in which a camera was shoved up inside me to take pictures of my bladder (oh, the horror!). None of these impressively scary procedures can compare with the pain I experienced in a rather pleasant treatment room at the hands of a very pleasant orthopedist.

Please understand, I always have been and always will be a baby when it comes to three things: the dentist, the phlebotomist and any kind of injection. Several friends gave me tips on how to deal. "Pinch your arm," one friend posted on facebook. "Blow bubbles" my 'work spouse' said. "Just look away," was the prep nurse's advise. None of them worked and none of them could have prepared me for the most intense 5 seconds of white-hot pain I have ever experienced. It literally took my breath away. Now I know why women have babies.

And I have to go back for 2 more. This stuff better work.

More, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article Arthritis / Doctors / Pain / Ramblings with the title August 2009. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2009/08/on-pain.html. Thanks!

Get Ready to Set Your DVRs

The new fall season is almost upon us. My most-anticipated return to the airwaves? Why Fox's "Fringe," of course.

In the 90's there was "The X-Files" (and a fine program it was - I had standing appointment with several friends each Sunday night). It was terrific episodic TV with plenty of stand-alone episodes to almost qualify as an anthology show with recurring characters. It was also probably the first regular TV series to exploit the Internet and create such an exceptionally elaborate and arcane mythology.

Now, wunderkind J.J. Abrams ("Lost;" Star Trek), has reinvented the formula with enough lunatic logic to take it to another level. As with "X-Files," a specialized FBI division is sent to investigate weird and extraordinary events, all tied to something referred to enigmatically as The Pattern. What makes "Fringe" so good is not just the writing, but the exceptionally talented ensemble cast led by the astonishing John Noble having the time of his life playing literally mad scientist Dr. Walter Bishop. Anna Torv; Joshua Jackson; Lance Reddick; Blair Brown and simply adorable Jasika Nicole round out the ensemble. No less than Leonard Nimoy has a recurring role as the mysterious Dr. William Bell.

The first season ended with the revelation that SPOILER ALERT there is not only a parallel Universe, but that Walter's son Peter (Jackson) is not the Peter from this Universe.

I cannot wait to see what Abrams and company have in store for Season 2. Here's the teaser:

On a side note - I don't understand why a network that has some of the most creative, talented and left-leaning people in the business working in their Entertainment Division, also has the most lop-sided, right-wing crackpot news in the history of television. Can anyone explain this?

OK - In other TV news...

Since I already awarded a Man of the Week (which henceforth shall be known as Person of the Week) to Brad, David Letterman comes in as a close-second. Via Towleroad comes this clip from a recent interview with Donald Trump:

Love ya, Dave!

More, anon

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That's a Title?

Before I say anything tonight, I'd like to thank the lovely and talented Stephen Rader (you know who he is, 'Raderettes') for the shout-out on his ferociously fabulous blog Are You There, Blog? It's Me, Stephen. He and I both know that when we finally meet face-to-face (and we will - oh, we will), the Theatre - nay, perhaps Western Civilization itself, will never be the same.

Anyway, I wanted to post about this movie the other day, but that was when my Internet was wonky and I lost a post. So, here it is now.

Gentlemen Broncos, is the latest from Napoleon Dynamite director Jared Hess and his co-writer brother, Joshua. Michael Angarano (probably best known as Jack's son on "Will and Grace") plays a high-schooler who worships Science Fiction author, Ronald Chevalier (Half of the duo responsible for "Flight of the Conchords," Jermaine Clement). When a blocked Chevalier steals the lad's novel (changing the names only slightly and turning the hero into a gay stereotype), trouble ensues.

What I think I love most about this movie is the cast. The always-hilarious-no-matter-what-she's-in Jennifer Coolidge (Best In Show; American Pie) had me sold, before seeing Moon's Sam Rockwell riding a flying reindeer rigged with outboard missiles made it a "Must See". How insanely fun does this movie look? Enjoy:

Honestly, is it me or does that just look bizarre and hilarious or not? I can't wait for this one, either.

More, anon.
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Brad Pitt, Gay Marriage, Rom-Coms and Horror

If the title didn't get your attention, then I know the picture did.

Lots to talk about tonight, so let's get started, shall we? First (via) comes a video clip from Brad's recent appearance on HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher." Now Pitt and Jolie may be pure products of the publicity machine and maybe even more than a bit of the fuel for Society's sad and bizarre (though if nothing else, consistent) obsession with celebrity. Granted, both of them are are fine actors. Ms. Jolie has even won and Academy Award for her performance in Girl, Interrupted (something I'm sure makes Winona Rider want to go out and steal from Bergdorf's). Pitt can be alternately hilarious (Kalifornia; Burn After Reading); devastatingly gorgeous (Interview with the Vampire; Thelma and Louise) or just plain crazy (12 Monkeys; Fight Club).

But here's the thing: Pitt honestly wants to use his celebrity to not just further his own agenda, but to speak out for the disenfranchised. His continuing work in New Orleans after Katrina and his stance on LGBT rights and Marriage Equality, as well the sense to know that the legalization and taxation of marijuana would go a long way towards solving much of the economic problems America's struggling to overcome make him one of the sanest voices out there. So, with this single appearance on the nation's highest-rated Premium Cable channel, Brad Pitt becomes my first ever Man of the Week. Enjoy:

P.S. - The next Man of the Week will get his own post, but I'm sure Brad doesn't mind sharing his.

Okay - now that that's out of the way, let's talk about upcoming movies, shall we? So, those of you know me and/or read me regularly, know that I am a Horror/Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Action guy who can also appreciate a fine indie comedy or off-the-wall arthouse mindf**k flick. However I rarely, if ever, find myself wanting to see, let alone endorsing a Chick Flick. Especially when said Chick Flick is a Rom-Com, unarguably the worst kind of Chick Flick to be found in your local cineplex. That having been said, (via) comes the trailer for When in Rome, starring Kristen Bell; Josh Duhamel (sorry, guys and gals, I just don't get him. Fine bod and face, spoiled by a GIGANTIC B.F. Skinner forehead); Will Arnett(!); Danny Devito; Angelica Huston(!!); Jon Heder; Lee Pace and Don Johnson. Talk about a diverse and talented cast! But that doesn't mean a thing if the script and direction suck. Screenwriter David Diamond makes his directorial debut and I have to be honest, the trailer made me laugh out loud more than once. Enjoy:

Speaking of Horror and Sci-Fi, here's the trailer for Whiteout, starring Kate Beckinsale. I must admit, I'm not fan of her films. Most of them are pretty terrible; the Underworld films are simply dreadful and Van Helsing is just unwatchable, though I will say that I liked Vacancy, though I suspect that has more to do with Luke Wilson more than anything. And doesn't it more than just remind you a little of a certain John Carpenter classic? I'll let you decide:

Finally, this teaser trailer (via) for the indie horror flick Bitter Feast, which apparently does to Food Critics what the Vincent Price classic Theatre of Blood did to Theatre Critics, though much, much nastier. Here's to the secret (or maybe not-so-secret) foodie in all of us:

Tasty, no?

More, anon.

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If Athiests Ruled the World

The video below (something I've been holding onto for a while) features actors reading actual posts from fundamentalist Christian websites' forums. They are both hilariously uninformed and frighteningly ignorant.

I think I've said before that I consider myself to be a Secular Humanist with Agnostic leanings. I have no idea how the Universe was created. But I'm pretty sure it happened a lot longer than 6000 years ago. I really shouldn't need to say this, but the speed of light is a proven constant. If the Universe is only 6000 years old, why can we light from stars that are 30,000 light years or more away?

I mean, I know that I am preaching to the choir here, for the most part (and you should excuse the allegory), but honestly. How stupid can one be?

Well, as the video proves, pretty stupid.

My grandmother was barmaid, and she had lots of colorful expressions which she passed down to my mother and consequently, to me. One of them is: "He talks like a guy with a paper asshole." While I have no clue as to the phrase's etymology, I know what it means. The folks who posted these comments obviously have paper assholes, because the crap they are spewing is pure nonsense. Take a look for yourselves:

I'm not saying here that people don't have a right to express their opinions - far from it. But what I am saying is; if you don't know what you're talking about, then just shut the hell up. Believe in God or Allah or Buddha or Yahweh; Isis, Gaea, Cthuluh, The Flying Spaghetti Monster or nothing at all, I don't care. Just don't try to me tell me that what I believe is wrong, if you don't have all the facts.

Okay - I'm done ranting for tonight. More movies, theatre and general nonsense, anon.

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