And More TV

Today I was going to talk about movies. I saw Sin City last night. Loved it but I have more to say about TV.

Yesterday, I mentioned that I have been watching the reality series Situation Comedy on Bravo. My best friend Patchy and I think that Sperm Donor creators Mark Treitel and Shoe seem to be the nicest guys. I didn't vote for their show but still they seem pretty cool. Well, sure enough, Mark Treitel posted a comment on my blog. At first I thought, "cool, he really is nice." Then I did some research and found out that Mark did the same for this guy. Not that I need to feel special...I just need to feel...you know, special. Anyway, I went to Mark's site and it was pretty cool. I even found a link to a rejected script. I'm going to have some Labor Day reading, I think.

Today we Salute TV

First up is a salute to a television icon that meets a geek phenomenom in this short.

From TV past to TV present and TV future
Apperently I am the only person in America still watching Situation Comedy. The show must not be doing so hot because they moved them from Tuesday night at 8 pm central/9 pm eastern to Fridays at 6 pm/7 pm. That time slot change can't have made the producers feel so great.

I love the show. It should be shown to anyone aspiring to be in the television industry. Better to know now rather than later. Get ready for the negative, ass-kissing, hysterical, pissing contest that is Hollywood. On the positive tip, you do see nearly the whole development process of putting up a television pilot. You see "the pitch," the network meetings, the casting, the design process, the tweaking, the runthroughs, and all the bullshit. Again, I love it.

It would be lovely if every show was put on television based on the quality of the product but that is not what television is about. It is about getting stars on a program so that the networks can sell advertising time. Entertainment is all a crapshoot. I can easily entertain myself watching my dogs but Ford can't sell you a car while I do that. Instead, someone comes up with an idea where two families have a dog live with them and we get to see which home is best for the dog. While we wait for the drama to play out, Eukanuba sells you expensive dog food.

I will continue to watch the TV. I am insanely excited about the new fall season. And when I say insane, I mean like I should be medicated because I need some new TV. I need my Everybody Hates Chris, I want to see Martha's new show, I want more America's Next Top Model, Give me more Amazing Race, more Project Runway (thank you Bernard for turning me on to this), I could do this for hours.

Until the new shows come, I still have my Situation Comedy which ends this week. I watched the presentation of the two shows and voted. Which would you choose?

It's Monday...Morning...Eww! I don't have to leave the house for "work" today but I do have to write three sketches by Wednesday. There is going to be a lot of tea being brewed around here and a lot less Vicodin. The glorious days of wake and bake are being replaced by "bacon days," those are days that I have to "make the bacon" on my own time. I know I can do this. I do it all the time. If I can write two scenes a day, I can edit them on Wednesday and poof...It's that easy....Oh, my ass is in T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

Yesterday was Steve's B-day (plus LL Cool Ps and her other part White Shaft). To celebrate his significant number of years on the planet, we spent the day antiquing. I know antiquing is sooooooooooo gay but that is what he wanted to do, so we did. But not before having breakfast with friends at Breakfast Club. I love spending time with Steve.

We walked all over creation looking at doors, tables, fireplace mantels (although we dont' have a fireplace), carvings, dishes, jewelry, etc. We hardly bought anything but we looked at EVERYTHING. Steve was so sweet. About half-way through our day, Steve looked at me to see if I was into what we were doing. At the time, I kind of was...but mostly...wasn't and I told him so. I also told him that I wanted to spend the day with him and if antiquing was what he wanted to do then that is what I wanted to do. I wuv him. He's the best. He has supported me in all my artistic endeavors. I had to put in my time for the dude.

Steve wore me out dragging me from the Chicago Antique Market to a speciality store and then another.

For dinner we headed to Asado to consume massive quantities of meat. After that we chilled at the crib with my current Netflix pick, Chinatown (I gave it 4 stars). Following the movie we talked a bit and then...collapsed, or at least I did. I don't know how Steve has so much energy. He did forward me a link for gay fuel, maybe that will help me keep going, and going, and going.

Ad of the Day

Let us Save The Music

What's Better than Live Jazz? Free Live Jazz

Petterino's presents
COLLEEN McHUGH in
JAZZ SUPPER CLUB

Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday
August 30th, 31st & September 1st
Shows at 6pm & 8pm

No cover, no minimum,
with Petterino's great bar and dinner menu available
Musical Director Beckie Menzie, and Bassist Geoffrey Lowe
Guest vocalists Tom Michael, Beckie Menzie, Foiled Again and more!
Celebrating the release of Colleen's debut CD
"Songs of Self Delusion"
http://www.colleenmchugh.com/

Petterino's Restaurant
150 N. Dearborn - 312.422.0150

More Fun from My Shoot

_MG_1156, originally uploaded by mylilpip.

This shot is one I will not use but I love it because Iron Chef is in the background. This looks like I'm being interviewed by Vanity Fair.

Scariest and Most Honest Ad on the Web

Be A Witness

Headshot Choices

James Banasiak, Photographer, originally uploaded by mylilpip.

I had such a great time at my photoshoot the other day. The morning started out a little tense. Steve didn't sleep very well the night before due to my tossing and turning in preparation for facing the one-eyed monster (get your mind out of the gutter, I'm talking about the camera). Turns out there was nothing to fear.

When I got up on Monday, I had my usual cup of tea followed by a Vicodin. The Vicodin helped...A lot, after it got into my system, I took a long bath, gave myself a facial and pressed my clothes for the shoot.

My friend Stephanie came over for a quick lunch. Stephanie and I have come up with a great way to deal with the stress of being busy as a famous celebrity without actually being famous--you need an assistant. We have started our own assistant exchange program. She assisted me all day Monday for my photoshoot and I will be her personal assistant on some future date. It was a lot of fun (and the Vicodin helped).

We made our way to James', the photographer, studio. James turned out to be a really great person. He immediately made me feel comfortable, relaxed and at ease. He offered me water, juice, and liquor. Yeah! We love James. Stephanie REALLY loved James. I have to admit that James is a total hottie and Stephanie was drooling from the minute we walked into the door. Hilarious. The studio is located in the Rush/Division area of Chicago near where Stephanie performs at Jilly's tonight and every Wednesday night. "I sing right down there," She mentioned at least half a dozen time followed by a coy giggle. Again, I say Hilarious.

My make-up artist, Angela, was also a dream. She did a solid job and worked very quickly. She also put me at ease and was a lot of fun to be with for hours and hours.

I brought along a posse with me to the shoot. Originally it was going to just be Stephanie to keep me calm. You are supposed to be energetic but not nervous during photoshoots (like performing) but it does just not seem normal to have your picture taken all day long. So, Steve and Iron Chef dropped by the studio too.

I burned a two CDs for the shoot and we listened to them while we drank, laughed, and took pictures. My photoshoot went from 1 pm to 6 pm but it was totally worth it. I have so many great shots to choose from. I can't wait to show these to my agent.

Say Cheese

, originally uploaded by mylilpip.

Today I go to a photographer to get new headshots (now in color). I am a little nervous but I will be taking part of my posse with me to the shoot. My homegirl, Stephanie, will be going with me and I am going to get my friend Iron Chef off work early to come and watch me Sashay! Shante!

When I choose my new shots I will post them on my site. Wish me luck and think good photogenic thoughts.

As Long as It's Artistic

Leave it to the New York Times to publish a piece called Beyond Cute Boys in Their Underpants and then give you a multimedia slideshow of cute boys in their underpants.

Image of the Day

Diamonds Are For Heifer.

Say No to Albertsons/Jewel

FuckCorporateGroceries.net is a website started by a Chicagoan who couldn't understand why she could go to a locally owned store and get interesting product at a major cost difference than the chain stores. I like the idea behind the movement and I love her URL. She is featured in this week's issue of TimeOut Chicago magazine.

Repeat That

Found a great post at Daily Kos. It seems that he has quoted some of America's finest conservatives when they bashed Clinton for sending troops to Bosnia. You all remeber Bosnia? Remember we went there and did the job and got the fuck out without bringing our buddies in to try to rape the land?

Hump Day

We're halfway through the weeks so I present Jude Law! Naked!

Big Willie Style

Trust me, this has nothing to do with Jude Law naked.

Wanna know what Bill Clinton is listening to these days? Neither do I but somebody must because they are releasing a compilation discs of WJC's favorite tracks.

Have You Heard?

Gossip Turns Out to Serve a Purpose - NY Times.

I Don't Think They Are Asking the Right Questions

Roberts Opposed Presidential Letter to Michael Jackson .

Big Star Fall Down

Madonna Injured In Horse Riding Accident

Why I love the Cool P

LL Cool P provided this very entertaining and...I'm not sure what the word is I'm looking for...Maybe ludicrous is the word, doesn't matter, this site features God's two favorite mimes. That's right, mimes. The Lord indeed works in mysterious and queerball ways.

Special Note to LL Cool P: I am attending this event in LA, want to go?

Back To School

Today is the first day of rehearsal for SRL! I am a little anxious about going into rehearsal. I haven't done a musical in several years and I haven't done this one since January 1997. I will let you know how it goes...

I Didn't Say It

This is not my idea but someone out there has put together this website that attacks some otf the right-wing and religious extremists that are in our country calling them, The American Taliban. Calling them the Taliban is about as acurate as calling them Nazis but the idea is close enough. Judge for yourself.

More Plugs

My show Boojie Nights closed last night at IO. It was a reat performance and a good run. Now that it is finished, I can move on to other projects and drive myself crazy in a whole different way.

It seems that this is the week for my singer friends are all so busy. Yesterday I posted the info for my friend Becca's performance with Tori Amos. Today I bring you the incomparable Colleen McHugh. Colleen and I toured together for Second City. Not only is she very funny and quick witted but she has an incredible voice. She also has a very "interesting" photos of me wearing an orange speedo that worries me a little bit. Anyway, she recorded an album here in Chicago earlier this year and now "Songs of Self-Delusion," her long-awaited, soon-to-be-critically-acclaimed debut CD is now available. Get psyched.

The CD is not officially "released" yet, and will eventually be available in all the best retail establishments, but for now it's exclusively available through her website! And if you know any independently-produced artists, you know it's a hell of a lot better for them when you buy your copy directly from them. You can even request a signed copy. How fancy!

Get Your Butt Off the Street

I love how when politicians don't know how to fix a problem, they pass idiotic laws that don't address the real issues but sound good in theory. For example, President Bush can't get shit together in Iraq so he pushes the Federal Marriage Act. Or take Mayor Williamson on Flint. We all remember Michael Moore's film Roger and Me, right? Well, the place is still just as shitty. almost 1/6 of the population is unemployed but you can't throw cigarette butts in the Street? The Least of Their Problems - New York Times

Mark Your Calenders

I received this announcement from my friend Becca about a show she has coming up.


Ladies of the Canyon Present
An Evening of Tori Amos
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
9:30 pm at Martyr's,3855 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago

Tori Amos is one of the most influential female singer-songwriters of the past two decades. In The early 90's she began to build a dedicated fanbase with her melodic, piano-heavy, alt-rock. Her lush melodies and poetic lyrics have drawn comparisons to the likes of Kate Bush & Joni Mitchell. Tori recently released her eighth studio album, The Beekeeper.

Featured Performers:Becca Kaufman, Annie Kellet, Erin Miller, Kari Nelson, Stephanie Rogers & Shana Spiegel

The Band:

Drums - Rich Stitzel

Bass - Chris Clemente

Guitar - Chris SieboldPiano - Paul Mutzabaugh

Violin - Anne HarrisCello - Alsion Chesley

Second Drum - Tom Hipskind Percussion - Bob Garrett

Guitar - Tom McCarthy

Background Vocals - Desma Mitchell, Erika Turner, Kim Frost

GALVANIZE!

Its just like grad school all over again. Do you all know this game called Galvanize? The site is just a promo for The Chemical Brothers (whom I also love) but this game is effin addictive.

I start to work and write but I keep going back to the game. I am currently in the top 100 (#61 at last check but I can't keep up with the kids). Its sickening I know. I had the same problem when I was supposed to finish my thesis back in 1994 but the game was Taipei. This time around I get groovy beats and spinning circular blades.

RIP

John Johnson, Publisher of Ebony and Jet, Dies at 87 - New York Times

What Is Wrong With US?

Specifically, what is wrong with DL Foster? I will never, never, never understand how people of color (particular Black folk) cannot see the amazing parallels between being gay and being Black. As a Black gay man, they are obviously apparent to me since I have to live with this kind of bigotry every day from my community while fighting institutionalized racism in our greater America.

And what gay emperor does he refer to? This reminds so much of the people that fought (and continue to fight really) against civil rights for Blacks. Ignorant.

Ultimely, I have to ask, "what is your beef? Why are people like Mr. Foster threatened to the point of action. It takes a lot of work to blog daily (I know you all feel me). You have to be committed to you idea. Is he really that against gays that he needs to blog daily about us struggling just to have simple and basic human rights and equality?

It amazes me that so many do it in the name of the Lord. In one entry Mr. Foster criticizes Al Sharpton for his end homophobia campaign. He tells Mr. Sharpton that homophobia is not a sin because it is not even mentioned in the bible. Excuse me but didn't Jesus say, "love thy neighbor as thyself"? and more importantly didn't he say "why beholdst thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thy own eye?...Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out a mote that is in thy brother's eye."?

Not In MY Brooklyn

Did anyone hear about the Black Man Attacked by Whites in Brooklyn? This is really fucked up and this shit happens everyday. Sometimes the victims are Hispanic, or Middle-Eastern, or Gay, or white but it is all bullshit and has to be stopped.

P.S. - We all know what "the N-word" stands for and I thiink the paper should just print what they called the man which is a niggar. There I said and it won't the last time.

RIP

Peter Jennings, Urbane News Anchor, Dies at 67 - New York Times

PTL

If you ever get one of those crappy emails from "Africa" that tell you that they have gazillions of dollars for you if you would just send a "security" or someother bullshit. Do what Jude did.

OK, OK, OK

rock, originally uploaded by mylilpip.

I haven't signed the contract yet but I am joining an Equity cast of this show for this theatre under a TYA contract (that's union talk for children's theatre).

Final Clue

My roots are soul
but I love to rock
especially your head
cause knowledge is power
you know what im sayin
i will rock your school
by george
i will rock your school
again
and again

and all the kids
will be all hyped up
like they're on
strong coffee
or joe java
cause that's me
baby

Hint #2

Those of you that have known me for more than 7+ years have probably already figured out most of the first riddle (and you are RIGHT...more details to come).

For the rest of you, I will do it Rosie style.

i love to make 'em laugh
so much better
to me
than being
the second negro on the right
moving cotton
and singing
ol man river

its okay when they
let u do both
music and merriment
my style
i've done it once or 2x
gonna do it again

let the rumors
circulate
so come on
everyone
get it on

That was fun.

Big Announcement Coming

Yesterday, ,my best friend sent me this article in an email attachment with the subject line: "Do they have rainbow colored flags in Anatevka?"

It looks like former talk-show host and Broadway enthusiast Rosie O'Donnell will become the latest actress to play Golde in the current revival of Fiddler on the Roof.Although a spokesperson for the production could not confirm O'Donnell's casting at this time, reports in the New York Post and on television's "Insider" reveal that O'Donnell will join the company of Fiddler — currently headed by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein as Tevye — in September.

And, O'Donnell's publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed to Out.com that O'Donnell, who has been friends with Fierstein for years, will join the Fiddler cast in the fall and stay with the production through the end of its run.

There was also a recent, cryptic entry on O'Donnell's blog, located on the internet at www.rosie.com, that indicated the actress was contemplating a Broadway return. In her July 31 entry, O'Donnell wrote about a conversation she had with her son Parker:

"parker and i
on the boat
yesterday

so are you gonna do it

- well i am not sure

i think you should

- i worry i am not good enough
- that people will make fun of me
- maybe i can't do it
mom…u have a GOLDEN BLIMP

- true my son

and well…you have to try

- amen"

The Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof — directed by David Leveaux — will play its final performance at the Minskoff Theatre Jan. 8, 2006. The Minskoff is located in Manhattan at 200 West 45th Street; call (212) 307-4100 for tickets.

Well Rosie, two can play at that game. I will hint at an announcement about my professional life. I will give you hint. In September, I will be singing for my supper AND dancing for my lunch OR breakfast BUT not for my liquor. Hey! That would be wrong, indubitably. Keep tuned for more hints.

Two More Show Left

Boojie Postcard copy, originally uploaded by mylilpip.

Okay, so EVERY Wednesday I put up this artwork from my show but I am struggling businessman trying to make a dollar.

The show will close in two weeks and then we have to decide what the future of Straight & Nappy will be. We have produced three new shows in 4-5 months. I'm tired. We need to restructure, or at least take a breather, before we head into the next venture.

Until then, get your ass out of the house and get over to IO, 3541 N Clark.

I also want to add that in today's Chicago Tribune Metromix Planner, we are listed alongside Faith Evans. That's not so bad.

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y

In California, a Lesbian couple sued a country club over membership privileges that favored married couples over domestic partners and they won. I hope their battles ends here but I have a sneaking suspicion that some bastard will try to take their victory away.

Smoke 'em if you got 'em

I was taking an afternoon break and decided to google the word "faggot" Don't ask me why, I just did. I found a Straight Dope Staff Report: How did "faggot" get to mean "male homosexual"? You're welcome.

Right to be Right

A conservative blog (I don't support such things but you should always know what your opposition is saying/thinking) asked other right wingers whom they considered to be their "least favorite people on the right." Being a black, openly gay liberal makes me less than qualified but Right-Of-Center Bloggers Select Their Least Favorite People On The Right

Karma is a Bitch

After talking to my best friend, Patchy, I decided to take down a post from the weekend. He thought I was being a little passive-aggressive. Since I had no intentions of dragging up more bad shit with the parties involved, I decided he was right. I never want this site to be a place where I dump on people in a way that I would not do in person. Even still, there are some things that I don't feel comfortable addressing in a public forum. While cruising ye olde web I found just such a post at Breakfast at Tiffany's. If you are gay, stay away from Tiffany's boyfriend and don't piss her off 'cause she will put you on her website...OKAY?

Happy Monday

Thank you to Rod 2.0 (again) for sharing this great site where you can make your own stripper and watch him/her strip for you. Don't worry/hate me, they only go to their underwear.