Sacramento Hair - Artistic Differences

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This is the only stage performance of Hair I have seen, and I am so pleased that it is from my hometown. I agree with pretty much everything our director Jon Rosen had to say about it. This group really had an excellent sense of what a tribe is supposed to be. I am drawing inspiration from them, especially their Woof, Nic Candito. You can see me in the background breifly toward the end, sitting with my castmate Brie, during Let the Sunshine In.

Easy To Be Hard

How can people be so heartless
How can people be so cruel
http://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

The timelessness of these lyrics really gets to me.

22 Soldiers died since last post

This is really astounding to me, once you start counting the casualties day by day the numbers make a lot of impact.

Fast Approaching 3-5-0-0

I have yet to make my anti-war sentiments very clear on this blog, simply because I think most people will agree with my belief that this war has been a terrible waste of money, time and human lives. As we march steadily on toward almost 3,500 dead in Iraq however it seems that protest should be growing louder not quieter. I think that my participation in Hair can provide an inspiration if not a forum for this war protest. It is of course an extremely relevant issue, and the eerieness of the song 3-5-0-0 could not be more powerful than now. Christian, a tribe member and my fabulous commute ride companion to San Jose each day, thinks we should sing this song at Gay Pride. I think it's rather dark and may be difficult to pull off the context of some of the lines (Allen Ginsberg's quote from Witchita Vortex Sutra contains the lines "Prisoners in Niggertown, It's a Dirty Little War").

But maybe the gays could use a little rallying themselves, since on that day we should be celebrating our right to be free as well as our right to dissent. My ideal line-up of songs would be: Aquarius, Hair, Hare Krishna, Walking in Space and Let The Sunshine In. Of course, Walking In Space is best performed in low light. Maybe 3-5-0-0 instead can be done in a way that evokes the energy of the moment and segue into our own personal protest against the Iraq War. Just some thoughts.

The Nudity

Me at volcano in Hawaii

Our last rehearsal before the Memorial Day Weekend break had us choreograph Donna, my first solo song in Hair. I am happy to report that my days as a go-go boy at the Stud may finally come in handy! Sure enough, Berger typically performs this song in a loin cloth and our director Jon Rosen is not about to stray from this one. . . Barb the producer and wardrobe specialist has already asked me to start shopping for thongs in the Castro.

Which begs the question: Is the nudity here symbolic of anything in particular or simply gratuitous. I mean, there is obviously the famous "nude scene" which still manages to dominate discussions of this show to this day. I have pretty much accepted that I will be totally nude for at least a minute or two at the end of the First Act. But this makes sense in the context of the story. And then there is Berger himself, who is in various stages of undress throughout the show evidently. It could be argued that he does it for shock value, and I guess it doesn't hurt to perform it with a little bravado.

Yet I have found that in explaining these things to potential viewers I usually get one of two responses. The first is a sort of "whatchootalkinboutwillis" crazy look. It often is accompanied with a sarcasm that begs more explanation to the purpose of the nudity in general and my reason for doing it specifically. As I mentioned earlier, I have a history of gettin nekked for free. So I am used to not having to give an artistic purpose to my exhibitionism, but in this case it's almost as if I have to justify it in the show. The second response often follows the first and it is sheer excitement and giggles that I would go through with this.

I am hoping that I can pull this off in a way that does not distract from the other aspects of my performance. I mean, just cuz I lap dance a man of my choice from the audience each night does not make me a cheap ho. Does it? I have to say that vocally I am in good shape, but can still use work. It's funny because from the beginning I knew I would have trouble hitting that A - note in Donna. I have had several cast members mention to me that they would like to see me get it, and in rehearsals I seem to always hear a little echo of the note from the other actors. Well, being that it is an ensemble I supose they are just singing their part. I aim to master the song in my own way, and if that doesn't do the trick there's always the thong. ;)

Inspiration

My one friend who reads this blog, as far as I am aware (comments please!) has asked me to keep up with my entries. So I turn to the image of the original Berger and co-creator of Hair, Gerome Ragni, for inspiration.

I have been researching a bit on my free time about the characteristics of this role I am playing. The most interesting information is from the Michael Bulter (original Broadway producer) website, where some of our tribe has engaged in a discussion regarding the nudity in the show.

Personally I have been feeling mostly liberated in my attitude toward appearing in the nude for the end of the First Act. And from what I've been reading that is a good thing, because Berger typically is the first to shed his robe!

I also have been talking to friends of mine who have been in this show or directed it before. One interesting comment I received is that it is less important to study others' interpretations of Bergers than it is to understand the context of the period in which Hair took place (hat tip Brian Hayes). I agree to an extent, though I must say I do know a lot about the 60s hippie movement and not as much about the stage version of Hair.

And so I am pursuing this information bit by bit. . . wherever possible. Any youtube links or websites that folks are aware of are appreciated. Need not be Hair specifically related but anything relating to the times (1960s).

On another note, we had our first publicity photo shoot which was fun. Everyone got dressed up in some last minute costumes and wigs. It felt kind of like Halloween which was annoying in a sense- as I thought the costumes detracted from our true talents. But it was silly fun, and isn't that what it's all about. The only messed up thing is that I damaged a borrowed vintage vest. It pretty much spoiled the weekend for me, as I worried what my friend would think. The production has offered to pay for repairs, but I have learned my lesson on using valuable clothing items for the theater- you just don't.

HAiR to perform at SF Pride

Muwekma Tribe, HAiR San Jose is scheduled to perform Saturday, June 23rd at San Francisco Gay Pride main stage in the Civic Center. This is a truly bitchin fact given that thousands of people attend Pride and it is the best publicity we could get- for free! Additionally, I think the show will be received superbly by showtunes loving gay men and lesbians, and their straight allies.

When speaking with some of the organizers of this year's Pride committee, we were informed that Saturday is going to be programmed as a "high arts and culture" day. Among the talented performers we will share the stage with are the Glide Memorial Ensemble and the Gay and Lesbian Chorus I believe. There are supposed to be other Broadway like performances that will accompany our show's musical theater style.

I'm excited by this in part because I know that some people won't be able to see the show in San Jose, and others will be convinced to come watch it after our Pride show. It won't be the entire show of course but I think that whatever songs we perform will be tight by that point and give us as a tribe a good indication of what responses we'll get from the audience.

It's going to be great as well because our message in HAiR is strongly anti-war and the themes of revolution, love and freedom are very relevant today and that day especially. I am curious to see how these themes will intersect and if we will be received enthusiastically as part of the spirit of Pride. I'm also going to do my best to present this to the tribe as a special opportunity which we should feel we are a part of us just as much as anyone else at Pride. I happen to be a gay cast member, but this is irrelevant to my role in the show. At the same time it entirely informs my experience with the idea of liberation and sexuality which I must tap into for some of Berger's characteristics. I'll expound on that a bit more later.

Muwekma Tribe

This is gonna be a quick post cuz I'm in a hurry to get home to Brian and spend a few hours before he flies off to see his Momma in Boston (ya he's a momma's boy like me). So our tribe has a name, and it Muwekma Tribe. This is the traditional name for the Indian tribes of the greater Bay Area and is fitting since we drive from all over (hat tip Esther).

Last night was a pretty fun rehearsal with Jon directing us through all songs learned thus far. When we got to Hair the electricity in the room was not only palpable but overwhelming. I got beads of sweat all over and even some goose bumps hearing folks support Brennan (Claude) and I singing together. As for our duet, it seems to be improving with each day. At first I worried that I could match his professionalism and the loveliness of his voice. I tend to sing a bit throaty and soulful, not to mention I've had almost no training other than the karaoke mic. :( But after we were done Claude complimented me on my harmonizing, which is cool because I had asked him the week before if that's how he wanted to sing it.

I still have work to do on Donna- and Hair and every other song for that matter. It was apparent from the first day of auditions that my vocal range poses a bit of a challenge in hitting the highest notes of this song. I have resolved this by bringing my voice down an octave (is that the correct term?) and injecting a little more rock interpretation. Jon has been quite supportive in allowing us all to take our solos in the direction we like. But I am sure he will pipe in more once we work individually.

Starting to get some responses on planned publicity happenings such as San Jose Pride and even a SF Pride performance. More on this later. I hope that lots of tribe members feel comfortable with joining these. Regardless of what one's orientation may be these are traditionally open forums of expression and that includes political, individual, social commentary or otherwise. I can't think of a more appropriate venue then to showcase some of our songs from HAiR. . .

Rehearsals Begin: 1st read through

Treat Williams as George Berger


So last night began our rehearsals with our first entire read through of the script involving the entire cast. There were some drop-outs unfortunately so we are still desperately seeking more African American peformers. I have put a call in to my alma mater, UC Santa Cruz to see if they might not have interested students from the theater arts department. Of course, when I was in school ten years ago it was the whitest of the UC's- so we'll have to keep our fingers crossed!

A funny thing, I mentioned to Barb the hair and wardrobe stylist (and wife of our fabu director Jon Rosen) that I would be open to considering extensions for my hair. This immediately generated excitement from Barb and Jon. I was encouraged to not cut my hair so that it could be used to hold the extensions. After mentioning it, I thought about how that would feel- having long hair permanently through the run of the show. The longest my hair has been is just past my ears when I was sixteen. I have very thick and black hair, straight with subtle waves to it. I imagine if I had let it grow out of control it would look something like Treat Williams' above.

Can you imagine me with that mangy ass lion mane of hippy hair? I would definitely be laughed out of any gay bar and poked fun of at work. In short, it is not a very contemporary look. My alternative is to go with a Native American straight long hair look, but I'm sure then I'd be called Cher or Geronimo or something. Truth is, many people really loved my hair when it was longer. But it got really old fast. I think the first time I went short I actually shaved my head- and it was no small coincidence that the fashion of the time (1992) in the gay community was a military buzz cut look. After coming out, I realized that the more boyish I looked the more likely I was gonna get laid.

Now I have a boyfriend and I shouldn't be so concerned. Or should I? I have not asked his opinion but I am curious how he would like it... He's wanted me to get a mohawk or shave my head before so I can't imagine he would be that opposed to an entirely different look. Then again, he's the one who has to sleep next to Medusa. It is all very interesting...

Anyway- long hair notwithstanding, this is going to be a fucking amazing show! I was sort of bummed to be honest when I realized half way into the callbacks that I had little chance of getting Claude. After the first read through yesterday, I see that I am gonna have a lot more fun with Berger than I had imagined. His character demands a certain circus like performance, comedic antics and big entrances/exits. Not only that but I sing right along Claude in some of the big numbers such as Hair. And I had almost all but forgotten about the song "Going Down" which is going to be a blast. It's about dropping out of high school and uses the metaphor of Lucifer the fallen angel. It is a riot. So I guess it is a good thing that I got that record sixteen years ago and memorized the Broadway version of the songs- cuz that is what we're emulating.

Cast as Berger in HAiR

"Hair artwork and logo copyright Michael Butler. Used with permission".

Well I didn't even get around to breaking down the rest of my audition days before having to report that I have been cast as George (Berger) in the San Jose production of HAiR this Summer! HAiR, the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical is the original rock musical as stated on the Stagelight Productions website, where one can now buy tickets to our show.

"Before Jesus Christ Superstar, before Tommy, and long before Rent, there was Hair, the original rock musical. In honor of the 40th anniversary of Hair's premiere at New York's Public Theatre, Hair returns to San Jose this summer in what will surely be a celebrated event."

Let me just say that I am so thrilled to have been accepted as a member of this tribe and even more ecstatic to be playing the role of Berger. As I said before, I had fantasized playing Claude but after Day 2 of auditions it was very clear that a handsome young man who looked exactly the part (not to mention sang like an angel and acted superbly) was made for the role. On the day he arrived, I was actually all but convinced I would not get Berger but rather a non lead tribe role. This would have been fine, but I am so much more pleased to have my very own songs to sing on stage. I really cannot wait to take off for San Jose in a few minutes to attend our first read through with the cast!

I'll write more later about this exciting news and why HAiR is so significant to me... OH yeah! I sang Sodomy and Air (from the musical) at Martuni's this Sunday night and last night I sang I Got Life at the Mint. These were all well received, and I will continue to do my own grass roots promotion of the show and shameless self promotion around the circuit. My big idea at the moment is to try to get the cast to sing at a special event this Summer. More on that in a bit...

HAiR CaLLBaCKs - DAy THRee

On the first day of callbacks, the director asked if anyone else wanted to sing Sodomy - which is meant for the character Woof. I had my heart set on the lead Claude and was pegged early on for his best friend Berger. But I had always wanted a chance to sing this song in front of a crowd. Ever since my Junior year in highschool, fifteen years ago as a scrappy headed 16 year old on the verge of self discovery, when I auditioned for Fiddler on the Roof with just this song. That time I only got as far as: Sodomy, Fellatio, Cunnilingus, Pedera- before the music director screamed for me to leave the stage. I then came back and tried to sing Colored Spade. It didn't work.

This time I was even more ready. I had cracked a bit on my Claude audition songs but was feeling confident nonetheless. If nothing else, this could show off my range. The familiar organ music started and I did my best to channel a fiery if not flaming 60s hippie who is enamored with perversity. I think they loved it! After I was done I explained how I had been kicked off stage in high school. It ellicited laughter. That next morning in the halls I passed the music director. He told me that if it were up to him, he would have me barred from the production. But I had allies in the theater department evidently, and I got the role of the tailor Motel Kamzoil.

That was 1992. Fifteen years later here I am auditioning for another musical. Some of the kids at callbacks acted surprised when I told them this. "You can't possibly be that old" they said. Oh really. Thanks! I think. . . The fact that so much time has passed since I have been in the theater is not lost on me at the audition. I watch so many talented performers who have obviously honed their skills and have much time ahead to perfect it further. Young individuals whose dedication has led them to participate in many shows around the Bay Area and even inspired them to attend art schools as far away as Liverpool! Ironically, I had auditioned for the 25th anniversary production of Hair- but I was turned away for being too young to be on stage in the nude. Well, here I go (I hope) and this time I plan to do it (as my friend Gilberto would say) balls out.

My White Christmas

I know this is a bit delayed... but nonetheless here it is...

This holiday was spent with the "in laws" in Boston. I was hoping for a White Christmas. Boy is it ever true that you should be careful what you wish for! I was the only brown face for miles on Xmas eve, in a cozy family reunion of the Burns in this pictaresque New England town. I felt like family though, and relatives showered me with love (and gifts). They were only slightly melancholy though because the family matriarch (brians gramma) died this past year. Nonetheless, there was much to learn from observing the family interact. And I must admit to a few pangs of revelation in my tummy (I am joining this family! -shh!)

Brian's momma made us sleep in separate rooms- which was more of a deal for him than I. It's interesting, they are quite traditional and Catholic compared with mi familia. The upside is that Xmas is really traditional and I got all sorts of gifts. This just does not happen in my family anymore. Maybe it's the kids getting older and more fiscally conservative. Maybe it's the fact that we have smaller kids nowadays who suck up all the attention and $. Either way, I don't mind but it is a pleasant surprise to do a gift exchange. Like old times. The downside is that I was then expected to buy gifts for everyone from Brian's parents to his brother's girlfriend. And I aint cheap! So I pretty much am paying for it now.

Funny story: Brian's great aunt joined us for Xmas dinner. She is 80 somtn and a chain smoker. When I was warned that she is not to find out about the nature of Brian and I's (gasp) re-la-SHON-ship, I KNEW this would be one to write home about gurl! The first thing Auntie Ellie did when she came through the door (after the customary greeting of Ed and Ronnie) was to present me with an old photograph. "I'm supposed to show you this" she says with discernable sarcasm, "I don't know WHY." I look down and to my horror and embarrasment I see a photo of Brian home for the holidays in college- WITH PEROXIDE BLEACHED HAIR. In my attempt to shield Auntie Ellie from my reaction at seeing the love of my life express himself in flaming faggotry, I simply say, "Oh my. . ." At this point she took the photo back and retreated to the kitchen. Read: It all came together for Auntie Ellie.

Next thing you know it the family is congregating in the living room in a very quaint scene from a Norman Rockwell painting- airbrush the Mexican on the couch. Brian's father had just mixed up some delicious cocktails and served a platter of salami, cheese and crackers. His mother spent the good part of the week cleaning the already impeccable home for the anticipated arrival of this special guest. His brother and I sat back and teasingly barked criticisms as Brian attempted to play us some holiday tunes on the piano. Actually, aside from a few rusty notes it was very nice and I marveled at how functional this family operated. Then the question was shot across the room like a cry in the dark, "So are you going to Australia as well?" Auntie Ellie was referring to Brian's plans to get a nursing stint in Sydney. She had put 2 and 2 together, they weren't giving this woman credit. "Um... yeah." I replied. At that moment Brian's mother saved the day as she called on Brian to play a new song.

I have to say that I honestly wasn't uncomfortable, and didn't feel unwelcome by the Great Aunt. It was actually refreshing to have this experience and to be able to get a glimpse into a window to the past. My favorite part was the protocol of grace prior to eating dinner. Brian was called upon to say it- in his own style. But Auntie Ellie was not to be outdone, and she interrupted him twice to point out that he wasn't saying it the "proper" way. He protested that he was saying it his own way and she apologized before allowing him to continue. This really drove it home for me. I mean, we may be on opposite sides of a very old cultural debate. But when it comes down to it, isn't this what family should be about? We sat together and shared in a hearty holiday meal, enjoying each others presence and getting to know one another for the first time in some cases. Both old and new were allowed to co-exist and I would argue that neither threatened the existence of the other. Maybe I'm reading in too deep, but for me this stands out as a very great experience with the Aunt indeed.

A New Year, A New Me

In the true spirit of a blogger I have decided to reinvent myself and my blog to better reflect a feature that is fundamental to this art form: solipsism. I am really doing nothing new, since the old form pretended to be about triathlons and actually just gave me a forum to show off my body. Having failed miserably at triathlons, I think I will stick to writing about myself in general. It's far more interesting, and seems to disturb some at their very core.

At the moment I am having a very ugly email war with a close friend who has finally told me what they think of me. It aint pretty. I've been accused of being self-absorbed, narcissistic and a solipsist. The last definition actually was said of me when we first became friends, and was not used in the email. My take on the situation is that my dear friend has become bored with himself and is choosing to attack those closest to him who are obviously more interesting. But at the heart of it all is of course a bit of truth to what he says: I cannot help seeing the universe only through my eyes. That's what they are for, actually.

I won't lie, this fight has left me feeling emotional and powerless. But it also has made me just want to do more of the same, continue to be self-involved, admire myself for my good qualities and collect compliments wherever possible. You see I am not interested in listening to criticisms from others if they do not serve to make me a better person. Why not use what talents I have to attract the positive things in life, even if that means coming across as a little solipsistic.

And so I bless this new year with a new blog that is going to allow me to roam into some new territory- some of it humorous, some of it dark, some enlightening. Much like someone I know very well actually.

A priest, A party, and some. . . well

My new friend and infamous creative personality Cookie Dough has invited me yet once more to participate in a Trannyshack performance with her. Trannyshack - Ladies Of The Church night is Tuesday December 12th at Midnight.

This time I will be following my Freddie Mercury debut as Cheech Marin performing this soliloquy from the film From Dusk Til Dawn. I am to be dressed as a priest as I spout these dirty words. Rehearsal is tomorrow.

I will also be singing at Martuni's Holiday Extravaganza on Sunday December 17th from 6-9pm, Martuni's lounge on Valencia at Market Street in SF. I have been a patron of this classy piano bar since I first moved here over 7 years ago. In fact, I used to live a few blocks away next door to another former diva and hostess of Mondays at Martuni's, Madame Jo. I don't know what happened to her but I will never forget the mornings waking up on our "terraza" (read rotting Mission 3rd floor back patio) while she smoked her joints and served me Cuban coffee singing Piensa En Mi or Edith Piaf. It felt like my own Tales of the City and one day I will immortalize her through some short story or screenplay.



In the meantime y'all can see just how well I karaoke Feliz Navidad and Silent Night with Dee Dee (MC from the Mint Lounge) and Armond (fantabulous friend from college). They will be backing me up at Martuni's. Armond says it's because I want people who can actually sing to accompany my (ahem) voice. I think he's just jealous because I attempted Bronski Beat's Smalltown Boy last night at the Mint- even if it may have sounded a little flat. But I saved myself with a roof raising Chains of Love, by Erasure. A lil new wave nod.

World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day, and to commemorate I thought I would link to a documentary that I made a few years ago on the AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride from San Francisco to LA. I am seriously considering undertaking this challenge once more this coming year, and encourage everyone else do to the same.

Alternately, if you are doing online shopping for the holidays there are some good products out there which are being sold through Apple, Armani, Converse, Motorola and GAP which are raising money toward fighting the global AIDS pandemic. Put your money where your mouth is.

Quieto Despertar / A Calm Awakening

Thanks to the advent of YouTube and Flash video, I am now able to share my short films with the world. Prior to this moment, the last audience to view this short was the New Festival at NYU 2004 and the Frameline Gay + Lesbian Film Festival in San Francisco, 2001.

This was my Senior Thesis film from UC Santa Cruz in 1998. It was influenced by Isaac Julien's "Looking For Langston", Cheryl Dunye's "Watermelon Woman" and the films of the Mexican Golden Era- notably those starring Dolores Del Rio and Maria Felix. I also might add that at the time I was trying to communicate an aesthetic which celebrated my Latino heritage with my pride at discovering a queer sensibility. How distant these once urgent themes seem, and yet still very relevant.

where we come from, sometimes, beauty
floats around us like clouds
the way leaves rustle in the breeze
and cornbread and barbecue swing out the backdoor
and tease all our senses as the sun goes down.

-from People of Watts by Ntozake Shange

On my way to work I saw this marvelous rainbow, which I wish I could say is pictured above but thanks to the wonders of the modern age and google and no thanks to my ghettofab low tech cell phone camera that is not the case. . . And so I saw this rainbow and it totally lifted my mood- which by the way was quite nasty -like boom!

It got me thinking, well maybe I need to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me more often. One of the jewels of my Thanksgiving break was realizing how un-mindful I have been of what is important to me. I am using this blog for a moment to self reflect so stay with me folks. Basically I am gonna try to focus on what matters more intently from now on. We'll see how it goes. Maybe I'll take the time to snap a pic of an actual rainbow, from like, my life.

Thanksgivin Meme

One of my favorite bloggers, Angry Black Bitch, inspired me today with her answers to this Thanksgiving meme. My answers below:

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? Good lawd do I really need to use that flat iron, I'm in a hurry!
2. How much cash do you have on you? $48
3. What’s a word that rhymes with “DOOR?” Whore.
   
4. Favorite planet? Earth
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? Cookie Dough.
   
6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone? Shit. Like a bitch, I am old school. But if pressed to describe I'd say it was a cross between electronic doorbell and a windchime.
7. What shirt are you wearing? Blue Gay Games closing night party Masterbeat giveaway, with words "Inspiration/Triumph" inscribed on front and some gay ass hands holdin a torch.
8. Do you “label” yourself? I am a "non-label whore".
9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing? Adidas.
10. Bright or Dark Room? Dark
11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? Ghettolicious.
12. What does your watch look like? A Sprint cell-phone.
13. What were you doing at midnight last night? Singing Wild Night (John Mellencamp/Me'shell Ndegéocello version) with Dee Dee at the Mint.
14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? Call when your here love to see u - Jake Boe
    
15. Where is your nearest 7-11? Fuck that shit… I get my Mountain Dew at Presidio Bowl.
16. What's a word that you say a lot? OHhellno.
17. Who told you he/she loved you last? My good friend Dominic. Love you honey!
18. Last furry thing you touched? OOo-eee, uh-uh.
19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days? 3: Alcohol, Coffee, and Nunya
20. How many rolls of film do you need developed? Maybe 3, from as 2001.
21. Favorite age you have been so far? 30…this has been a good year.
22. Your worst enemy? Am my biggest critic.
23. What is your current desktop picture? Skulls and Hearts a'la Alex McQueen- helleaux.
24. What was the last thing you said to someone? We're having nightlies in here at 4:30
25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be? The money… cuz Department of Homeland Security would just shoot my ass down.
26. Do you like someone? I am easily prone to liking everybody.
27. The last song you listened to? Fascination Street, The Cure.
28. What time of day were you born? 10pm- in time for the disco honey! On Sunset. . .
29. What’s your favorite number? 9
30. Where did you live in 1987? Woodland, California.
31. Are you jealous of anyone? Yes I must admit.
32. Is anyone jealous of you? I hope not…jealousy is tragic.
33. Where were you when 9/11 happened? Asleep in my loft, recovering from Burning Man.
34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? Kick, hit, punch, scream.
35. Do you consider yourself kind? Not when the muthafuckin machine has my money.
36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? Maybe on my flesh above the iliac crest.
37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be? Russian.
38. Would you move for the person you loved? Of course.
39. Are you touchy feely? No.
40. What’s your life motto? If the shoe fits.
41. Name three things that you have on you at all times? keys, wallet, cell phone.
42. What’s your favourite town/city? New York, New York. (where my hustlas at?!)
43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash? Chinese Chicken salad with yummy jicama.
44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? 1996
45. Can you change the oil on a car? Um, no.
46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her? Bitchin cuz I aint called him. Then he didn't return my call.
47. How far back do you know about your ancestry? Tarascan indian not conquered by Aztec and something about a Basque country somewhere.
48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy? I bought a French Connection pullover (hardly fancy) and Barney's Co-op sweater at Jeremy's used. Attempting to look nice for the UCSF PositiveHealth (360) Gala.
49. Does anything hurt on your body right now? Lungs itch.
50. Have you been burned by love? Sho 'nuff.
    
    

I Want This Scarf For XMAS

Skulls and Hearts silk scarf, designed by Alexander McQueen
sold exclusively at Barney's of New York Co-Op. I'm such a whore.



Lest I forget:

http://tinyurl.com/y58o9p

CATALINA SPRINT TRIATHLON - PICS

motto of day: if ya can't win it, have some fun with it!



having fun on the bike!



what me, worry!



did they say 3 loops!



there's brian, damn!



having fun on the run!



NOTE: new iPod Shuffle

playlist of day: Samba Minha Terra - Bossacucanova / Good Times - Chic / The World Is Mine - David Guetta / Flashing For Money - Deep Dish / Rise - DJ Erick Morillo / Call on Me - Eric Prydz and Steve Winwood / Situation - Yaz / Roy Ayers - Running Away / Sweet Side of Fame - The Arbiters

CATALINA SPRINT TRIATHLON - SPLIT TIME

AGE GROUP: MALE 30-34

AGE RANK 42

OVERALL RANK 313

SWIM RANK 326

SWIM SPLIT 0:13:39

TRANSITION 1 0:03:40

BIKE RANK 291

BIKE SPLIT 0:37:36

BIKE MPH 14.84

TRANSITION 2 0:04:30

RUN RANK 165

RUN SPLIT 0:23:01

RUN PACE 0:07:40 (minutes per mile)

OVRALL TIME 1:22:26

Mercury Rising

I will be posting about last week's Catalina race shortly, in the meantime...

Yesterday a rare celestial occurrance coincided with a tribute to the frontman of the legendary band Queen (who would be 60 this year). "The planet Mercury made a rare transit across the Sun today as skywatchers across much of Earth watched through special telescope set-ups or on the Internet. Mercury appeared as a mere dot against the huge Sun." Almost as if to herald a new beginning, this event also marked a day in which the government of the US was taken to task on an Election Day.


The Trannyshack tribute to Freddie Mercury was aptly called "Mercury Rising" and took place at the infamous STUD bar, which some are aware I used to go-go dance at. Last night would be my first time on the stage at Trannyshack, not in female drag but rather Freddie drag- as I impersonated the rockstar in both his 70s Bohemian Rhapsody era and the more sporty/leather/gay 80s look. I will post images and YouTube video as soon as I can get it. This was a really fun experience for me, and my first time working with the talented Cookie Dough. I forgot how great it feels to be on stage, since abandoning acting in highschool. It's also awesome to interpret a famous person and get positive feedback from a crowd who recognizes the songs, moves and look. Our first number was "Let Me Entertain You" in which I came out for about 20 seconds in black heshen 70s garb. The second number was "Tie Your Mother Down" and I acted as the boyfriend (Freddie) to Cookie interpreting the song. Lots of requests for photographs. I think the best compliment I could have received was from a smitten Fauxnique backstage, who quite literally gasped and clutched her chest when she recognized in my outfit some spirit of Freddie perhaps she has always loved dearly. She said I looked just like him, and for that I felt I had done my job perfectly right!

Freddie Mercury Lives On!

Me as Freddie, at the Archbishop's Mansion annual Halloweeen Party

Brian won 3rd place at TriForReal!

Now this is good... last night I told Brian how I sent an early birthday email out to all of our friends to try and disgrace him, with the pic of the swim out of the TriForReal (posted yesterday). He asked if I had found his bike pic, because surely you could see his rage in his expression... And look what I found today!



Not only that, but I also found out through our friend and co-training buddy Steven Middleton that Brian placed 3rd in his age group! RIGHT ON. My jealousy is over now, though I do recall at the end of the race Brian swearing he would never do another triathlon again. I remember thinking, this jackass doesn't even LIKE triathlons and he's beating me without trying. SHEESH.

But I have to give him congrats now, because placing in your first triathlon is just... well amazing. Good job Babe! (ps did u notice that 2nd place beat you by a whopping TEN MINUTES. . . time to turn it up a notch, time to turn it up bri)

Division: Men - 25-29
1. JAN MAYNARD, PLEASANT HILL, CA 28 1:25:29 O'All: 14
2. JASON FEYOCK, LIVERMORE, CA 29 1:29:40 O'All: 33
3. BRIAN BURNS, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 29 1:40:10 O'All: 96
4. BRIAN HUBINGER, MARTINEZ, CA 28 1:41:09 O'All: 106
5. TONY TRENTACOSTI, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 29 1:41:46 O'All: 110

September Tri For Real

Here I am beating my personal best on the 700 yard swim in the September Pleasanton Tri For Real. Brian was in the first wave, it being his first full triathlon and he still 29 (until Oct. 20th). Even 5 minutes ahead of me I was able to catch up to him in transition, which did not please him one bit! Before I continue to compare our performances, let me say that I am fully aware that a sport like this is best raced without any petty competitiveness. I am also, of course, fully aware that as a gay man and partner in a relationship with a co-athlete I am totally entitled to being just a little petty- just a lil!

Look at how mad my baby looks below! Could it be that he did not heed my advise and wear a wetsuit in the nasty as snot late summer algae strewn lake? Maybe he was still pissed at the temperature (sub 60) that morning as he had to force himself in the water besides his better judgement. Or maybe the wonderful man I know as the love of my life just didn't train hard enough- sucka.



Whateva the case may be, let me just state that this beautiful bitch beat my ass by a long ways once all was said and done. I thought I at least could ride with him on the bike out- but OH, NO. This muthafucka spat a coupla expletives as he threw off the cap and goggles, clumsily climbed his Bianchi Brava and took the fuck off. Any dream of riding side by side in our first full triathlon together was dashed as I quickly realized that I would not be catching up to Brian now, or ever. I pretty much conceded that he would beat me on the run (shit with 6 minute miles at Wildflower how could I possibly compete). But the real kicker was how fast he flew ahead of me on the bike. . . I blame my hectic production schedule at work and his cross training as a soccer player. And that's where the comparison will end folks.



I have to say, it is always a shock to me how slow my ass underperforms on the bike. But then, when I'm at work 55+ hours a week and barely even get on the seat of my bike what the hell can I expect. Still, I press forward with all my might, I suck on a GU as soon as I get on the bike, I power through it- and all I can average at BEST is 17mph! Now somebody please tell me, if it aint the bike, what in the fuck is it?

Now I must admit, that on the run portion of this race I pretty much took it easy. The reason being, I knew that I wasn't gonna be catching up to nobody. It was a Sunday, my ass had to be at work afterward (I ended up not leaving my job until the following Monday at 10pm). Now you tell me, what would you have done knowing this? Okay, maybe it is an excuse. And if I really want to not be beat by TEN MINUTES by Brian (TWENTY by Steve Middleton!) next time, I really do have to turn it up a notch.

Still, in my defense, I must ask you this:

Do I not look fierce?