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Millions | Libera

A sweet gem - Millions, from the director who brought us Trainspotting and 28 Days Later, a movie about a little boy who came across a bag of money and all he wanted to do was to help all others with the newfound money. Go see it if you get the chance, I had tears in my eyes during most parts of the movie. I'm such a softy [no, not in that way!]! I knew I wanted to see it when I first came across the trailer about 2 months ago, and it's well worth the wait. Was gonna get the soundtrack a few days ago, but it won't be out yet 'til next month. Ugh.

The last track from the movie is called Nirvana by a group named El Bosco, and it reminded me of this boys choir Libera - the sound is pure and angelic, sooo not like me. Give it a listen.

[The presence of] Children are ever so powerful and naive in their own rights. You just gotta love them!

Image: Fox Searchlight

The Nomi Song

He looked like an alien, but sang like a diva. Klaus Nomi was one of 1980's most profoundly bizarre entertainers—a New Wave cult figure who sang pop music like opera and brought opera to club audiences. His "look" was so strong audiences went wild before he even opened his mouth. On the verge of international fame as a singer, he instead became one of the first prominent artists to die of AIDS. Director Andrew Horn tells Nomi's remarkable story—one of fame, friendship, betrayal, and a performer so unique he is still unforgettable even twenty years after his death.

Text: Palm Pictures

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I know I've written about Nomi before... but I can't believe it, it's finally here! There've been talk about the movie a few years back, and now I'm gonna go see it this Friday! woohooo! Euphoria! When was the last time you were really, really excited about something? I'm like a kid again! Wait, I AM a kid! Look, a tribute! *...and I, got - a dress!*

I just watched the trailer [QT; 4.2MB] and it's been looping on my screen for the past 10 minutes [and I like the fact that the trailer was narrated by a child, heh!]! I was listening to Nomi's rendition of Der Nussbaum just this morning, and I was almost in tears. I felt really sad. Such triumph and tragedy in such a short time. As for the song Total Eclipse:

Last dance
Let the entire cast dance
Due to dismembered
Last dance
As we get atomized

...I just love that!! It's like in the very end, why not go out with a bang - and with style!! And so he did.

If you listen to 1 Nomi song, you prolly think "What the hell is this?!?" 2 songs, you'll really think that he's a friggin' oddball. 3 songs, confused and think "I still can't believe what I'm hearing!!" But if you keep listening, you'll eventually see the world that Nomi saw. I think for Nomi, it was more than about breaking boundaries, being different and avant-garde, or maybe performing just for the sake of eclecticism, it was about self-discovery, finding your true inner being and for once, and completely, not being afraid while doing it. Living the life!

"It's so simple!"

--

TOTAL ECLIPSE
Big shots
Argue about what they've got
Making the planet so hot
Hot as a holocaust

Blow up
Everything's going to go up
Even if you don't show up
In your chemise Lacoste

Total eclipse, it's a total eclipse
It's a total eclipse of the sun
Welcome to this
With the total eclipse
Just a slip of your lips
And you're done

Fallout
Nobody left to crawl out
If someone calls we're all out
Turning into French fries

Last dance
Let the entire cast dance
Due to dismembered
Last dance
As we get atomized

Total eclipse, it's a total eclipse
It's a total eclipse of the sun
Welcome to this
With the total eclipse
Just a slip of your lips
And you're done

Total eclipse, it's a total eclipse
It's a total eclipse of the sun
Welcome to this
With the total eclipse
Just a slip of your lips
And you're done

A Child Is But A Child

Originally trained as a painter, Ms. Lux continues to draw influence primarily from paintings by Old Masters, including works by Bronzino, Velasquez, Goya and Runge. This influence is especially apparent in Ms. Lux's compositions. Structuring the photographs by carefully choosing the models, costumes, and backdrops, she usually composes the works digitally "to make them meet my ideas perfectly," she says.

Ms. Lux uses her own paintings in the backdrops, and photographs the children separately, divorced from any social setting. The artist then places the subjects into the background, digitally enhancing various aspects of the image, including the costumes, subjects and settings. The effect is of isolation and distance, which Ms. Lux explains as a basic experience of human existence. This distance shifts Ms. Lux's images outside the normal realm of portraiture.

Lux's photographs of children are not portraits in the traditional meaning of the word. Rather, she sees them as imaginary portraits which deal with the idea of childhood as a paradise lost. The carefree, innocent childhood ideal is explored in the photographs as an imaginary kingdom, one which is created more by the projection of adult ideals and concerns. The images, portraying self-aware children, are about the discovery of the self, or the development of a concept of one's self. "We are radically alone and forced to choose our own path and create our own authentic life, but the self is a mystery." says Lux.

Photos: Loretta Lux; Text: Yossi Milo Gallery

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My friend Bridget invited me to PhotoLA yesterday and there were plenty to see. [I also got in free - Woohoo!] A good few pieces really appealed to me [I'm sure there were a whole lot more, but I'm quite jaded!!], especially Loretta's work. I've always loved photographs of children, happy ones at that...

Children are always, always wonderful subject matter do you think not? From the heart, they're pure, gentle, sparkly and effervescently enigmatic. How can anyone resist?

Music: Brian Eno - Discreet Music

Rock Star

Last night I was listening to This Mortal Coil and I can remember so much from my old days [I dare not say 'youth' cuz I wasn't that young then; ok, 21 years ago, 17 years young!]. Those 4AD import double albums kick'd some serious butt!! With attention to every detail... the photography, the design & layout, the typography, the printing and the pressing, the packaging and the music all in one ensemble / package was simply amazing!! One would have to see it to believe it.

I remember listening to their music would just take me worlds away. In a dark and soundless room [mine usually], I would put on their records in low volume and drift off... I believe their music does take a bit to get used to, but once heard, you'll be hooked. I wouldn't categorize their music as strictly being sad or depressing [most would agree], even though sometimes it can be dark and brooding, but in my eyes [and ears], it's nothing but ethereal bliss. Beautiful & poignant. It's my perfect music. My life was transformed.

Their music had reshaped my way of thinking and on how I see my worlds, yet still today, and I can say that they are, and will always be, my favourite band of my time. Rock on!

Night Music

Was going to upload a picture of some flowers [x-rayed], but decided not to. Didn't feel like having 'em static, so this is just something I rehashed and tweeked. Seems so disorderly yet beautiful - such as life! I like brittle things...

And I also love a pretty, tangled mess!

Music: The Hope Blister - Friday Afternoon

Brand New Year

I hope everyone had a great first day of 2005. This picture was taken at this beach right below Alec's parents' home. Call me crazy, but I do love this cool, cold wintery weather here in Olympia, Washington. There's definitely this distinguished tranquility & calmness feeling about it here...

Tonight we saw the film Sideways, pretty good and there are a couple of scenes that are just laugh-out-loud hilarious!! And if you happened to be a wine enthusiast, you'll really dig the film.

Anyway, it'll prolly take me a week or so to catch up on some of my favourite blog reads... can't wait! So last night, my cousin Mike sent this to me along with his New Year's greetings... Dunno where he got it from [does anyone?], but it made me chuckle! haha!

PS. Isn't it a good thing to end one's post with a big laugh?

The Other Itzy Bitzy Spider

Most peeps prolly already know the trick on how to make the presidents on all your US dollar bills smile and frown... [An easy trick really, yet it really works!] I found out the trick from many years ago when I was reading the once Omni magazine... [and from that Klaus Sperber came up with his name Klaus Nomi!] Such a great rag!! The other day while I was watching Strangers With Candy, they were showing the exact same trick... haha!

Anyway, but this little 'discovery' I have not heard from anyone ever. Y'know all the 'webbing' that is all over your dollar bill? The little creature that's responsible for it, is actually hiding in the front top-right corner of the note!!! Yeup, that little critter's been sitting up there since day one! You prolly think that I'm nutz, but that's my theory!

Totally useless information, I know! heh!

Dreamy Demons

A few of my friends/coworkers, Alec and I flew up to San Francisco for the long weekend. Got up there last Friday and did a bit of shopping, actually, I just window shopped... All 3 days I didn't buy a thing! Hard to believe eh? Anyway, shopping was MAD! Seemed like everyone from the city was out and about... But I had a lot of fun just being with them!

One afternoon Alec and I took off by ourselves and walked thru downtown SF. Life in contrast. Seeing all the high-end shops, merchandise and people looking all fabulous. I also saw quite a few homeless people all about that area, too, but I didn't give them any $$. There was a sea of people everywhere, quite overwhelming.

Then I saw this old lady with her little pully cart in one hand behind her, and a walking/pickup stick of sort in the other, scrounging for cans and bottles. Finally I caught up to her and I gave her some money from my pocket, and she then proceeded to rambled on and on in another language, all the while Alec and I were just walking away. I didn't know if she was screaming at me or thanking me... Nonetheless, made my day when I turned back and saw her standing there, still talking loudly - smiling. To me, I admired her for at least making something of herself. That day the city was chilly, but not as cold as I thought it would be.

I've been busy. I've been lazy, and everything in between and around. Dunno if it's the holiday month that's making me 'uninspired' and feeling a little down, or what. Maybe it's the 'what'. Am I ready for another year to come? Or even tomorrow? How does one get ready?

I wonder if that old lady is happy.

Flying Daggers

Enters the House of Flying Daggers! I bought the DVD from China when Alec and I were there but didn't see it until the other night, and tonight we went to a KCRW Matt's Movies premiere screening and it was fan-fuckin'-tabulous!!!! Sooo great to see it on the big screen. [Thanks Babe!]

Aside from the actions and special effects, HoFD's bascially a love story. But there's this one scene that I watched for like 20 times in one sitting, the "Echo Game" inside the Peony Pavilion, was just simply AMAZING!!! The entire movie is just gorgeous! Hard to believe it's from the same director who did Raise The Red Lantern, The Road Home and Not One Less... All my faves, oooh!

The sad part about seeing the movie was when at the end, the credits stated that it's being dedicated to the late Anita Mui, in which she was supposed to have a vital part in the film.

The colours, the costumes, the every sound, the fight scenes, the editing, the special effects... Alec had already said that we're gonna go see it again when it opens next month! Woohoo! So, go check it out on December 3rd.

It won't disappoint.

Got Beer?

Remember the Subservient Chicken from Burger King? Well, I think this is faaaar more entertaining! Many of you prolly have seen her already, but if you haven't, Tammy from Beer.com is a real looker, and she's hilarious!!

She's THE Virtual Bartender and I love her!!! She's talented AND fun-knee!!! You can tell her to: kiss, pillow fight, kick, sleep, jiggle, naked, topless, jump, pour beer, drink beer, sing, stretch, dance, lick, hummer, wave, tickle, hat, strip, breast, dance on bar, karate, robot, shoes, show me something, spin, read, write, hair, belly, gymnastics, fire, spread, pitcher, hand stand, arms, phone number, I love you and laugh...

Don't forget my personal faves: Jedi, be a pimp, magic and... hmm... banana! ha-ha!

She's a hoot and I don't even drink! heh! Enjoy and have a grrreat weekend everybody!

Chant

Music In The Sky

Images: USPS

The Incredibles

I think they should be called The Adorables!!! They're sooo cute in [and out of too I bet!] their costumes! 2 of my co-workers and their friend went out to West Hollywood Holloween Bash and they told me that there were 'paparazzis' EVERYWHERE! Took them like an hour just to walk down one block since people wanted their pictures taken with them! Could you believe I heard that there were about 400,000+/- peeps showed up at the event?? CRAAAAZY!

They were surprised that only 2 other peeps dressed up as The Incredibles... A guy with a 'real' gut [heehee!] and a little boy about 3yo... They told me that they took a picture with the kid on top of M's shoulders [guy in middle]... Cute!!!!!

Anyway, they did a great job on putting together the costumes from scratch! Great idea guys! So what did I do on Halloween night? Stayed home and watched 60 Minutes with Alec. It's all good eh?

Finish Him!

Well, I'v been playing the video game Mortal Kombat: Deception since it came out earlier October, and this past weekend it's gotten pretty intense! Why? Cuz I've finally gone online... and the peeps there are B-R-U-T-A-L... to say the least!

Have always played the MK series since the MKII, and Mileena is such a babe, AND a monster at heart! awh! Gotta love her. Anyway in this series, all the chicks are hard to get used to, damnit, but I guess eventually I'll get to master at least one of them. I like the character Jade the best, but she looks a bit butt-ugly in this game! bleh! Alec doesn't play at all, he just watches me perform all the sweet sweet fatalities, that's if I'm lucky! Sometimes all the button combinations drive me nutz!

Y'know the terrible thing is, any one person whom I'm playing with online could be a 13yo for all I know... Does that make me a bad person now that I've contributed to purchasing the game? But y'know, all the peeps playing online, they're all out to kick my ass, so I feel no remorse! :-) heh! My hands tremble and my heart beats reeeeally fast and steadily when I'm playing online, does that count as cardio?

So sit reeeal tight and watch the video [Mature 17+; 3.6MB; .wmv] and you'll see what I mean! heh! Screen name's "roberth", I challenge you! bwhahahahah!! *wink*

A Not So Foreign Land

It was quite an experience. Most parts of Beijing wasn't what people would call - beautiful, but the land is great. A quick recap on the places we visited: The Gate of Heavenly Peace [Tiananmen]; the 78-acre pied-à-terre to the emperors - the Forbidden City; the imperial retreat - the Summer Palace; the almost 4,000-mile magnificent Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven, which is set in a vast 660-acre park. We also visited the province of Xi'an, where it houses the 2,000-year-old army of terra-cotta warriors. *Whew!*

Each destination takes at least a day-long to soak in all of its splendor, with the exception of Tiananmen and the Forbidden City, which are connected. Each place has its own brilliance, and each place is strikingly beautiful.

The people there were equally as exciting... Tho I did see a few things that were heartbreaking. The sidewalk vendors from all the touristy spots are really really pushy, it's survival of the fittest. At one point in Xi'an, I saw this feeble old lady was trying to sell this one box of miniature warrior set to the tourists. There were so many other [younger] vendors in front of her... As I was walking away, I heard her little voice saying the price of the warriors were only 10 yuan [$1.22USD]... There were just too many vendors and I only walked away. Alec didn't see her, but I saw the look on her face... Afterwards I felt really, really shitty... and I couldn't help but to think about her all that day...

Not to change the subject, but that was just one of the reminder to me that my life's been soooo kind, and simple. China is massive, but most parts of the country is still undeveloped and mostly rural areas. Seeing some of the living situations over there, it's beyond words, and I know that there are even more poorer countries out there...... I'm never a happy camper am I? We really have it good here...

Anyway, I shall end this. The pictures are uploaded here, and Alec and I have talked about it and are planning on going back in 2008 for the summer Olympic games. It would be really nice to go back again, and I don't think I'll ever get tired of China. Thanks Babe!

Throughout my life, I've always been very proud and content, and in some ways I hope -- after this trip -- even more so with a deeper understanding to all things to come.

Caught On Wired

The Chicks' shtick - boiling down the most palatable elements of fringe music, art, and fashion into a single package -- smacks of early-90's Beastie Boys.

"We Don't Play Guitars," a killer collaboration with Peaches, proves that electronic producers can rock as hard as any metal band. Best of all, a bonus disc with two stunning videos and a slew of remixes from hotshot DJ pals like Cristian Vogel and Trevor Jackson makes 99¢ worth every penny.

Tamara Palmer on Chicks on Speed's 99¢;
Wired, November 2004

--

A year later? It's about friggin' time!

BTW, thanks for all the good wishes! I apologize for being a bit 'quiet' for the past few days, been busy just getting back into things. Am catching up tho, slooowly...

Can you play guitar?

Wedding Night

Here's to Brigitte & Ben, the lovely couple. Brigitte's been a good friend since the 80's, the amazing era when we both attended the same art school, where we met. Sunday night was their wedding day and since Alec and I were still a little 'off' from too many hours flying [and riding on the train], we only showed up for dinner and a bit of dancing...

2 wedding in 1 month... I think I've come to enjoy attending weddings... The unity of 2 peeps, a wild and lovely idea! :-) Tho this one wasn't covered in rose petals, Brigitte did DJ her own wedding with the help of her Apple iPod. What an ingenius idea! And who would've thot one would ever hear the song Martin by Soft Cell at a wedding!!! I think that was MY highlight of the evening! heh! "kill kill kill kill...."

I was happy just to see her being so. It was a lovely night indeed. A toast - to B&B, and to Togetherness.

Music: k.d. lang - Love Is Everything

Wedding Day

Not mine! Was at my cousin's wedding yesterday afternoon up in Santa Barbara. They had one of those picture-perfect garden weddings by the sea, and the entire 'path' was covered with these rose petals. Very nice.

Alec couldn't make it since he had to fly out to New Orleans Saturday for a convention. So if the time comes for our own wedding, he better be there! Maybe? :-)

Music: Jane Siberry - Love Is Everything "Thanks Jeff!"

YES

This shirt design is from Yoko Ono's 2001 YES exhibition up in San Francisco that year. I drove up with some friends one weekend just to see the exhibit. I'm very glad that I did. She's one amazing woman.

I haven't worn the shirt for a long while. The other night I wore it and I felt good. It put a smile on my face. *happysad*

Of All Colours

Life is black and life is white. Yet it's the in-between colours that I crave... How vibrant is your life?

Music: Various trad. Chinese music

Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops

I think I'll be going to the CocteauFest this September. I missed it last year... There'll prolly be a big nerdy bunch and 'lukewarm' cover bands but I don't care. Tho I'm by far not as HUGE of a fan as I once was, but their music still delights me in every way. They still make my heart pitter-patter!!!

Over 20 years ago since I first had the pleasure... Saw them live twice and they were... ethereal, to say the least! Hey, if you're into the Twins and in Los Angeles, we should go! heh!

Floatation

First off, a couple of days ago I just noticed that 2 other bloggers added me to their list... THAT was a pleasant surprise. Thanks a ho bunch to Ryan and Daniel... What sweeties! I know that I have read their blogs before and went back many times... o and they're both oh-so adorable! Big hugz and mmm-mwah!

Anyway, not much to report. But this past weekend I had an excellent time in Vegas. Stayed at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and spent most of my time swimming in their 'wave' pool... mmm... and it was also my good friend Joey's birthday, and this weekend he was one happy boy!!!

So at the end, we all had a wonderful time. Got lotza sun, tanlines are clean, and Floatation was my first AOL screen name... and that was over a decade ago.

Tho maybe we have chatted before? Maybe?

Music: Cocteau Twins - Wolf In The Breast

Hong Kong, 1981

So no one knows what it says, heh... Well, egg-cept for Wayne boy, he's good with his Chinese. But the song was originally written and sung in Cantonese, so the Mandarin translation would be a bit different. Thanks to the amazing Yee Wun, she did an egg-xtrodinary job on Sam's unofficial website.

His songs and sweet music always make me cry. I've been familiar with his tunes since the mid 70's, and today, they're just as good, if not better, like the way I remember them.

This is one of my faves [up there with the Drifter's Song]. At one point, he talks about all the affairs in the world are sorta like a game of chess... He asks that we play a game some time sometimes, and maybe then, we can find out a little more on what this so-called life of ours is all about - from each other... And he talks about so much more...

Shall we play?

Hero

For me, something to be egg-cited about for tomorrow night... Going to see this movie called Hero at the Ford Amphitheatre, part of the 9-day LA Film Festival showing. Like I said, I've seen it before on DVD, but I just want to get the full egg-xperience from seeing it on the big ass screen, that's all! Wayne said that he didn't like it much, the storyline does get a bit complex, heh, but I guess it's just one of those films that you either love it or hate it. I'm familiar with all the actors in the movie, so that's a bonus. All the different colour schemes made the movie a pure visual eye-candy. The director Zhang Yimou happens to be my all time fave director... 'nough said. I'm just estatic to see it tomorrow night before it opens nationwide this late August. Here's the official Japanese site for the movie, check out the trailer, it's puurrrrrdy.

It might appear to most audience to be over-the-top with a heavy tone of drama-overkill, but I still like it. It's a sorta fantasy kung-fu flick, I'm from Hong Kong, I'm supposed to dig stuff like this... haha... but NOT this [6mb; .mov; NC-17]... hehehehe!

UPDATE: The show was sold out... and there were tons of people waiting in line just to see if there were any cancellation. Insane! But it was a great spectacle. During the movie, some people chuckled at some of the special effects... and I was thinking: 'fun-knee that people don't laugh during the Matrix...' heh! I guess since this is supposed to be a 'traditional Chinese' movie, people think it's odd to see characters 'flying' everywhere... maybe. All and all, it was great. I want to see it again when it plays nationwide. Me-likey!

The Sleepless Man

I wanted to put out a description last night, but didn't. Anyway... Yeah, I like the image of the face, and I like the word/text, so I just meshed 'em together. Nothing much, but I think I would like it if it's accompanied with some music...

Hey, what about Playgroup? Trevor Jackson came out with the Playgroup CD last year, was gonna get it then, but never did. A sorta re-release just came out this month, along with a limited edition CD of all the hits... It's looovely! The mix is egg-cellent! Mixes by Felix Da Housecat, Chicken Lips, Todd Terry, Fatboy Slim, Soulwax, etc... I'm not into chanting/music all the time! heh!

Weird to have the face of Buddha and talking about electro-funk music at the same time, kinda... but I'm sure he doesn't mind.

Music: Playgroup - Number One [Blackstrobe remix]

WaterSea

Wayne is sweet. Wayne is fun. We met last weekend, and if you've read his WaterSea's Ocean Bloggie recently, then you'd know what happened that night.

I don't really have much to add really. Our meeting was a good few hours. We had a lot to say, we talked, as if we were old friends. We chatted much on family and friends, music, hobbies, just about everything we can think of... oh yeah, we talked about bloggers, too... that's you, and you, and YOU... It was hella fun [as Wayne would put it!]! Tho we definitely have an age gap between us, he's in his mid 20's and I'll be 38 this year... I asked him if that bothered him at all, he said no... I didn't feel a least bit uncomfortable that night, and I hope he didn't as well... Hmm, maybe he was just being nice? heh! It did feel like an awe[3]some first date tho! :-)

All and all, it was such a delight to have finally met him. He was in southern Cal for just a few days, so prior to our rendezvous that night, him all running around the city taking care of errands and visiting friends... and by the time I dropped him off to his car around 10:30pm, he was egg-xhausted to no end. Poor guy! He actually cancelled on one of his friends that evening just to meet Alec and I, awh!!! Looking forward to September, buddy!

So, if anyone ever gets a chance to meet Meester WaterSea himself, don't pass up the chance. Wayne is a sweetheart.

...and NO spanking took place that evening, imagine that!

Music: To Live - Soundtrack

2046

Tonight I saw the teaser 'clip' for the film 2046 by Wong kar-wai, staring Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Zhang Ziyi and Gong Li [pictured above], Faye Wong, Maggie Cheung and many others. Melancholy... yet glorious! Can't wait to see it! Remember In The Mood For Love [3.48MB; .mov]? MonkeyPeaches rocks!

Run Run Run Sleep

Poor little chap [1.3 MB, .mov]! I wonder if he gets doggy insomnia? I wish I can do that... Just typing away and when I least... zzzzzzzzzzzz...

Project Kuanyin

Shit, it's almost 11pm, and by the time I'm off to bed, it'll be way past midnight... Least it'll be cooler... The temperature went up to triple-digits today, oy... My landlord still hasn't fixed the air cond... He's a cheap bastard according to the live-in manager here... My landlord is a very sweet elderly guy, but still a cheap bastard... Maybe I'll go freeballin' into work tomorrow... woohoo!!

Made a good few more shirts the other night... This one's navy blue, but who can tell, right? Maybe I should get a manniquin to pose for me next time... I'll fetch a dummy from somewhere, o wait, that would be me! It's the image of Kuanyin... She's been called the Goddess of Mercy, sorta mystical like... like... Pegasus, but not really [k, now big Buddha's gonna smash me with his big belly! hee!]... I'm still an agnostic, or did I say I'm an atheist before? I don't remember. I like my thoughts to be freeform. Anyway, I've always liked the lady called Kuanyin... all her images and statues that I've seen of hers since I was young were ever so graceful...

I guess before my class ends in 3 weeks, I'll be making my final 2 designs... One that reads: DESTROY ALL MANKIND. What do you think? Been wanted to do this one for a longwhile... The phrase... seems so... final!! How else would one describe it? It's a joke [really!] and when people see it, they'll prolly hate me AND maybe, just maybe, it'll strike a spark in them, realizing for a moment on how vulnerable we truly are... K, maybe not... but y'know, I'm just doing it for myself anyway! heh heh! So does anyone know of a good sans-serif, semi-bold, end-of-the-world kinda font?

And my final project will be a Mrhappysad shirt... "Why be happy? Why be sad?"

Music: Buddhist chant -

I'm in South Park

Hey, I look kinda cute here, in 2D... heee! Make your very own South Park character... I wanted Cartman's body tho and they didn't have it... poo! Nice weekend everybody!

The Man Who Is Awake

One of my favourite images from Vivienne Tam's book, China Chic... I never knew the story of Buddha... Never was familiar cuz I was never informed. I was a reeeeallly quiet kid. My family never told me and I never asked... Just one of those things! When I was young, I was educated in a Catholic school yet brought up in Buddhism at home, kinda fun-knee yet I'm glad it happened that way. Why? Cuz that's what it makes - me.

Spider and I

Well, might as well put my spidey on the net, too... along with its other dead friends. Its fangs are pretty big, but I'm sure not many people are interested in seeing. Couldn't resist purchasing this poor lil' chap when I saw it being displayed on the wall. "Look at me look at me... please please take me home and I'll be your best friend forever!!!"

"Mmm... Okay!"

On another note, I've been feeling tired lately, I think it's anemia... I'm sure I know why but for reasons I can't really say. I dislike taking my iron pills... Last week I took 2 the same time and it made me all nauseous. I don't take my health too seriously... a bad thing. I should take better care of myself...

Anyway, better go to sleep...

PS. Remember that really disturbing 'Inverse Birth' movie clip that I was talking about the other night? It's back!!! Please view it at your own risk! Totally not safe for work [nor anywhere else really!] and don't say that I didn't warn you peeps! AAAHHHH!!!

For Homer

Thanks Homer, for the thought! I took this picture just for you. It's one of my bug collection. I especially adore the 2 butterflies with the 'transparent' wings, it's lovely and amazing. O heck, I like 'em all! You oughtta see my tarantula, with 'em legs all spread out, it's the size of my friggin' hand with fingers out-stretched! It's craaaazy, but I love it!

The LA's Natural History Museum's 18th Annual Bug Fair is coming up in May, I can't wait. Y'know I used to be really reeeally horrible to bugs... Fun-knee how a person can change so much given time... Maybe when I die, someday I'll come back as an insect or a myriapod myself! [squish]

Music: Sutra of the Medicine Buddha

Ciao!

I've been so happy since I walked away
I never thought that I could feel as great as I do today
'Cause you were nothing but a big mistake
And life is wonderful, now that I'm rid of you

Oh I must've been crazy to have stayed with you
I can't believe I thought I was in love with you
But now the scales have fallen I can really see
And I say go to hell, 'cause thats where you took me

Well, I've felt better since I slammed that door
You always cramped my style, I never noticed before
It's been a non-stop party since I flew the coop
I can't believe I fell for such a loser like you

And is it any wonder that I felt so blue
When I was always having to put up with you

Oh, here we go again, just lay the blame on me
Don't say another word, 'cause sweetheart - you're history

I know that you miss me really
Bet you wish that you still had me
You'll never find someone like me
But I've got no regrets at all

'Cause I've met this girl and she's so good to me
She's really beautiful, fantastic company
Oh, when I'm with her I realise what love can be
'Cause she's fifty times the person you will ever be

Good luck mister, do you think I care?
Since you've been gone the offers have been everywhere
I've got a million guys just lining up for me
I've turned a corner, boy, my life is ecstasy

Well, I've been in heaven since I walked away
I never thought that I could feel as great as I do today
'Cause you were nothing but a waste of space
And life is wonderful now that I'm over you

Text: Miki Berenyi

--

It's a 'duet' between Miki and Jarvis Cocker... I remember whenever I listen to this song mp3 [3.2MB], whether I was or wasn't in the midst of a breakup, or whatever, I always felt better afterwards... Who wouldn't? hahaha!

So this is the second shirt that I made. School's out this week, so I won't be making any, ugh!, but shall resume the following week. O and I had to flip the image or else the logo would read backwards. Now for something completely different, tonight I found something quite disturbing... hmm... it's a short video of a man's head [the one between the shoulders, and he's bald, thank goodness!] entering a woman's... mmm... Well, let's just say the title of the page is called "Inverse Birth"... You can figure out the rest! Anyway...

...so to all the heartbreakin' low-life bastards in the world - Ciao!

I Feel Love

...and it looks like this!

It's a great shirt from American Apparel... The print is a weebit uneven cuz of the ink... it was kinda 'stiff' cuz someone from class left the lid open... ugh! But overall, I love it! Not that I can start to mass produce tons of shirts cuz the process is just a bit too 'tee'dious!!! [heh!] I'll just make a few whenever I can. Sure is fun, as long as I don't fuck it up!

Call me crazy, but I sure am proud to wear Nomi on my chest. For that, here is Nomi's very own live [electroclash] version of Donna Summer's I Feel Love mp3 [5.1MB]... Gives me goosebumps everytime I hear it!

The Cold Song II

What power art thou
Who from below
Hast made me rise
Unwillingly and slow
From beds of everlasting snow.

See'st thou not how stiff
And wondrous old
Far unfit to bear the bitter cold.

I can scarcely move
Or draw my breath
Let me, let me
Freeze again
Let me, let me
Freeze again to death.

Text: Henry Purcell

--

I was in bed already, but I always listen to CDs right before I fall asleep. Was listening to Klaus Nomi again, the Cold Genuis... his voice and music is bittersweet as ever... Playing The Cold Song again and again and again...

Tonight, I screenprinted my very own Nomi shirt...

Baby Asian Mix

Wasn't gonna write anything tonight but couldn't help it... 'bout an half hour ago I was going to the fridge, trying to get some salad [leaves] for my millipedes for dinner. From one of those Trader Joe's pre-packaged salads... Baby Asian Mix!

The bag's been in the fridge for at least 2 weeks... wilted, but doesn't matter, the pedes will still eat it! Looking into the bag, I found a ladybug clinging onto a leaf [so much for triple-washed!]!!! I picked it up but it wasn't quite moving... and then seconds later, there it goes...

Now it's finally free and that's a little something to be happy about!

Superblast!

Me in the world Losing tears, shedding fears Strain for the sun Make you run, make you come

You don't know
You don't know

I'm in my home
All the time, on my own
Low finger fine
Take what's mine, from behind

You don't know
You don't know
It's not there
You don't care

You're still inside of me
Beneath the cotton core
My pictures smile at me
And soon they'll rise and soar

Fill up my space
Turn around, fade and trace
Be absolute
Blue and white, fatal fruit

She nylon smile
Full of lies, shining eyes
Cover my grin
Take a chance, maybe win

It's not there
It's not fair
You don't know
You don't care

Text: Emma Anderson mp3 [4.8MB]

--

Ahhh... KICK ASS!!! Make you run... make you cum....

HA HA HA!

A blonde goes into a world wide message center to send a message to her mother in Poland. When the man tells her it will be $300, she exclaims, "I don't have any money. But I would do anything to get a message to my mother in Poland."

To that the man asks, "Anything?" And the blonde says "Yes... anything!" With that, the man says "Follow me." He walks into the next room and tells her, "Come in and close the door." She does!!

He then says, "Get on your knees." She does.

He then says, "Take down my zipper." She does.

He then says, "Go ahead... Take it out." With that, she takes it out and takes hold of it with both hands.

The man then says, "Well. Go ahead!" She brings her mouth closer to it, and while holding it close to her lips she says, "Hello? Mom?"

--

Hehe... made me chuckle! O and check out these commercials... Ikea [1.1MB] and Maryland Cookies [3.8MB]... and this big-ass explosion happened in Las Vegas back in 1988... Just something to look at!

Yeah, nothing original tonight... hmm... and the girl from the Ikea commerical is a blonde... hee!

Stille Nacht

Nothing to report. Not so manic Monday. Some links for your viewing pleasures! Some are not safe for work. Yikes!

<------N-A-I-L-S------>

Ashkan Sahihi's Cum Shots

Funny and Strange Trading Cards

70's Live Action Kid Shows

Baaaad Ass Spider

Online Orgasm Simulations

...and last but not least...

The Best Educational Film... Period! People say this is a bit less gory than The Passion of Christ. I beg to differ!

Think Green Petticoats

Christmas trees? Available at your local nursery! NOT! [wmv file] Impressive!!!

Also check out the Petticoat Pond... There are girls, and there are guys! Wild eh? Don't say that I didn't warn ya!

Total Eclipse

It's finally here... The Nomi Song! Well, not actually here in the US yet, but was shown at the Berlin Film Festival early February. I'm a huge fan to say the least! No one else can do a better rendition of Wizard of Oz's Ding Dong [The Witch Is Dead] than Nomi. Actually, don't think anyone ever has!?! Let's go see it all together when it comes out!!! woohooo! Can't wait!

Nomi Rules!!!

Image: The Nomi Song
Music: Klaus Nomi - I Feel Love [live]

All The Flowers In The Sky, Part III

I'm at work and am sneaking in one!!! Pictures like this, and this put me in awe! I found this site earlier today and it made me smile... and it made me ponder, too! The images are simply gorgeous. Thanks Troy. The 'magic' of the Northern Lights... dreamlike...

Somehow, it made me think about my evenings... During the week when Alec's away, I have the whole place for myself, maybe it's terrible to say, but it feels good [but y'know it feels better when he's around!]... Just doing the things I do... even the mundane things like making dinner [to eat, or not to eat! chili cheese fries with a fatty burger? heh!], sitting in front of the computer surfing the digital space, listening to music... Mostly quiet times, and it feels soooo great!

Just want to say...

Image: aurorawebcam.com

Sheepfilms

He makes me giggle!! Brilliant! Check out the shorts under animations, I especially like the head-popping one, of course!

Images: Sheepfilms.co.uk

tokyoplastic

Beauty and the beast. Brilliant Flash 3D vector animation indeedy! Pump up the volume! tokyoplastic 2, Spring 2004

Image: tokyoplastic

raewbyddet

Respire

Approche toi petit écoute moi gamin je vais te raconter l'histoire de l'être humain Au début y'avait rien au début c'était bien la nature avançait y'avait pas de chemin puis l'homme a débarqué avec ses gros souliers Les coups de pieds dans la gueule pour se faire respecter Les routes a sens unique qu'il s'est mis à tracer Les flèches dans la plaine se sont multipliées Et tous les éléments se sont vus maitrisés En deux temps trois mouvements l'histoire était pliée C'est pas de mal à veille qu'on fera marche arrière On a même commencé à polluer le désert

Il faut que tu respires
Et ça c'est rien de le dire
Tu vas pas mourir de rire
Et ç'est pas rien de le dire

D'ici quelques années on aura bouffé la feuille
Et tes petits enfants ils n'auront plus qu'un oeil
En plein milieu du front ils te demanderont
Pourquoi toi t'en as deux tu passeras pour un con
Ils te diront comment t'as pu laisser faire ça
T'aura beau te défendre leur expliquer tout bas
C'est pas ma faute à moi c'est la faute aux anciens
Mais y'aura plus personne pour te laver les mains
Tu leur raconteras l'époque où tu pouvais
manger des fruits dans l'herbe allongé dans les prés
Y'avait des animaux partout dans la foret
Au début du printemps les oiseaux revenaient

Il faut que tu respires
Et ça c'est rien de le dire
Tu vas pas mourir de rire
Et ç'est pas rien de le dire

Il faut que tu respires
Et ça c'est rien de le dire
Tu vas pas mourir de rire
Et ç'est pas rien de le dire

Le pire dans cette histoire c'est qu'on est des esclaves
Quelquepart assassins ici bien incapables
De regarder les arbres sans se sentir coupable
A moitie défroqués 100% misérables
Alors voila petit l'histoire de l'être humain
C'est pas joli joli et je connais pas la fin
T'es pas né dans un choux mais plutot dans un trou
Qu'on remplit tous les jours comme une fosse à purin

Il faut que tu respires
Et ça c'est rien de le dire
Tu vas pas mourir de rire
Et ç'est pas rien de le dire

Text: Mickey 3D

I'm reposting. I just got their CD Tu Vas Pas Mourir De Rire in the mail yesterday. Caught my attention the first time about a year ago. Their videos Respire and the lull'ing sound of the accordian from Ma Grand-Mère [RealOne Player]. Breatheeee...

St. Valentine

Yes It Was An Artery...

Image: Brothers Quay - Still from Can't Go Wrong Without You

Zhang Yimou

I own a good handful of Zhang Yimou's movies on dvds. I think he's my favourite director so far, the other one would have to be Jean Cocteau. I have Lumière & Company, but I bought it because Yimou was one of the directors that was featured in the movie.

I watched The Road Home again a few nights ago... and everytime I can't help but to feel a little sad, though in a good way. A simple story about love, life and devotion.

And I like that.

Image: Sony Pictures Classics

Polly Vandersma

I've Heard The Mermaids Singing, the DVD [NTSC version] just came out last week, and last night getting it was a real treat! Another one of my favourite films of all time [I think I have like... 3!]. A Canadian independent flick directed by Patricia Rozema that came out in the late 80's [and the fashion to prove it, too!]... About a girl-Friday who's "organizationally impaired", getting her first full-time job at age 31... The lovely Sheila McCarthy plays Polly, a bubble-brain who thinks too much [or too little], and an under-achiever who ponders about life, hmm, or thinking about the everyday stuff like being able to fly like Superman, and the ability to like uh, walk on water, etc...

Also from the movie, it was my first time being exposed to Léo Delibes' "Viens, Mallika", from the opera Lakmé! A gorgeous duet indeed. The 'painting' from the movie was outlandishly magical... You'll love the ending as the final credits roll...

I can totally relate to Polly. "Isn't life the strangest thing you've ever seen?" Yeeeeup!

Fly and Be Mary

This might be old, but I just saw it today... A coworker of mine sent this link to me last Friday, a commercial for Travelocity. Fun-knee as hell... click to play from Windows Movie Player [1MB] or Quicktime [1MB]... View their print ads here and here from Commercial Closet... "Tickle me Pink!"

O and this [1.8MB] one made me chuckle, kudos for FedEx! Haha... thanks Joey!!

Wait, but theeeeere's more... Something for everything now: Super Model Meat Sports... woohooo, I can die now!

Music: Siouxsie & The Banshees - Red Light

The Last Song

Today was Anita Mui's funeral. I wish I were in Hong Kong, I would've waited for the few hours, to bid my final farewell. Big White Guy, a.k.a. Randall, was there, the writer/blogger who resides in HK with his wife Mabel. I often times read his blog to get my news and information about HK. Here's his entry on today's procession.

The following is an excerpt from The Star Online:

Less than a year after thousands of people in Hong Kong turned out for singer/actor Leslie Cheung’s funeral, thousands will line the streets once again today to send off Anita Mui. Mui – a close friend of Cheung who was present at his funeral – passed away on Dec 30 at the age of 40, having lost her battle against cervical cancer. She leaves behind a mother and two brothers, and a legacy of songs, films and charity works.

Although Mui will be best remembered for her illustrious career in showbiz, there was another side to the superstar that is equally cherished by people whose lives she touched.

As a person, Mui was generous and straightforward, one who valued friendship. Colleagues in Hong Kong’s entertainment circle have come forward with tales of Mui’s generosity, how she had made personal sacrifices to help a friend without being asked, and without expectation.

Mui's fans from Indonesia grieving over her death outside the Hong Kong Funeral Home. The five-time winner of Hong Kong’s best female singer award once said: “Many people thought I’ve made a lot of money. But actually my biggest gain is friendship. When I was frustrated, many friends were concerned and gave me support. It is such a precious feeling when you have so many friends who can help you.”

Acting as mentor to many of Hong Kong’s new acts, she played a huge role in building the careers of several Hong Kong stars, including Andy Hui and her former back-up dancers Grasshopper.

A devout Buddhist, Mui was known for her charity work, having organised numerous fund-raisers and donating a substantial sum of money to good causes. In 1993, she set up the Anita Mui True Heart Charity Foundation, and held a charity concert in Toronto, Canada, and a charity dinner in Hong Kong to raise funds for the foundation. She also donated HK$1mil (RM500,000) to the Tung Wah Hospital Group and helped found its seniors’ centre, while another generous donation resulted in Hong Kong’s Queen Mary Hospital naming an orthopaedic surgical theatre after her.

Her generosity was not limited to the former British colony alone. The Mayor of San Francisco once declared April 18, 1992, as well as Oct 26 the following year as “Anita Mui Day”, to honour her work in raising funds for the nursing home that bears her name.

During the height of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak early last year, Mui initiated the fund-raising 1:99 Concert at the Hong Kong Stadium to help raise spirits and money for families affected by the disease. The event raised over HK$18mil (RM9mil).

Last month, she published her book, Heart of the Modern Woman (Xian Dai Nu Ren Xin), and dedicated proceeds from the book to the Children’s Cancer Foundation of Hong Kong.

Mui went public with her illness on Sept 6 last year. At a press conference, she vowed to beat the cancer and to carry on for her fans. In November she held a series of eight concerts at the Hong Kong Coliseum, and later in the month she was in Japan to shoot a commercial. But her condition took a turn for the worse when she returned to Hong Kong and she was admitted to hospital.

Even after death, her generosity continues, as she had pledged to donate her organs upon her demise.

Despite all that she has achieved in life, Mui once said that her biggest regret was not finding her Mr Right. The talk within the industry was that Mui held a torch for Hong Kong actor/singer Andy Lau all these years, but Mui had always maintained that they were good friends, and made no secret about her fondness for him.

It was widely reported in Hong Kong newspapers that Mui had known about her illness in the year 2000, but deferred treatment which might involve hysterectomy as she was holding out for marriage and having children.

Compiled by Michael Cheang from Sin Chew Daily, Shenzhen Daily

The Riddle - Revisit

?

Text: Unknown Sound: Barry Adamson

Farewell, Anita Mui

Anita Mui, an actress/singer from Hong Kong, diagnosed with cervical cancer just a few months back, died today from lung complications. In a concert she held last month, towards the end she came out wearing a wedding dress, singing her last song, and then told the audience that it's unlikely for her to ever get married... Her elder sister was also succumbed to and lost her battle with cervical cancer back in 2000.

I don't have a single CD of hers, nor familiar with any of her songs, but I do recognize her voice... Her vocal was very lustrous and deep... When she spoke, her voice was most distinctive, you can't miss it! I've seen more of her movies than hearing her sing... By far, Anita was one of the funniest and definitely the more talented entertainer in Asia. She was 40 years of age.

Goodbye for now Anita, may you find your road home...

Matt Stuart

I think Matt Stuart is simply amazing. His love of photography [and humanity] is genuine. His work is playful, light-hearted, and whimsical with a dash of mystery. It's serious fun indeed. Thanks Matt.

Image: Matt Stuart
Music: Michael Andrews - Liquid Spear Waltz

My Prince Has Come

Oh sorry hunny, not you... it's the other prince, the Prince of Persia! Yeah, not gonna talk about world issues today [but when do I ever?], I'll just chat about this PS2 video game that I just got [Shallow? Who? Me?] Ah, yes, the prince... He's lean, mean, a bad-ass fighting machine, and sexxxy... and the best thing is, he's GAY and very acrobatic!

K, so he's not gay! But during the middle of the game, you do get to play him 'topless'! He loses a sleeve here, then the other, then the entire shirt... that's right, like a strip tease! O how his skin glistens... woohoo! Forget Lara Croft... she's a dud!

Image: UbiSoft

Expense Report

Everyone should file one of these on their next business trip. It's only fair! Though I'll prolly never get any work done!

Let me see... I would like 2 appetizers, 3 entrees and 2 desserts... to go! Is that too much to ask? But what about tips and gratuities?

In an elevator... Egg-cellent!!!!

Starlovers

Image: Otogai's Masturbator [Flash]

Hits!

And they're still making sweet sweet music!!!

Image: Jason Evans; erasureinfo.com

The Snow Show

Image: The Snow Show - Steven Holl & Jene Highstein's Oblong Voidspace

Take My Hand

Glorious!!!! Yet a place that's inaccessible in many lifetimes, a place which we'll never be... mmm...

Image: The Hubble Heritage Project

Silly Wabbit

Image: Unknown; via internet

Out TODAY!

THE NEW CD 99 CENTS IS SO FINGA LICKIN GOOD YOU WILL BE, ERM, LICKIN YOUR FINGERS (AND SOME OTHER BODY PARTS) WHEN YOU HIT THE PLAY BUTTON...99C SEE DA CHICKS TAKING MAJOR QUANTUM LEAPS WITH THEIR TRADEMARK CONCEPTUAL TRASHING. YOU CAN CALL IT ELECTROCLASH BUT ITS TRULY A NEW HORIZON! SINGLES "FASHION RULES" AND "WE DON'T PLAY GUITARS" SET THE TONE FOR MASSIVE YET CRITICAL KIDDY DANCE STOMPERS, WITH EXTRA WEIRD AND WONDERFUL STUFF HAPPENING IN BETWEEN...AN ULTIMATE COVER VERSION FOR TOM-TOM CLUB'S "WORDY RAPPIN HOOD"; "SHICK SHAVING", A SLAB OF PURE INSANITY FEATURING MISS KITTIN; "COVENTRY", AN ELECTRO R 'N' B TUNE TO MAKE YOU SHAKE YOUR HIPS AND SHED A TEAR AT THE SAME TIME; "CULTURE VULTURE", AN ANTHEM FOR THE NOUGHTIES WITH A TRUMPET PART...AND MUCH MORE...DON'T FORGET THE WE DON'T PLAY GUITAR VIDEO AND A HIDDEN EVIL TRACK. AN ALBUM FOR THE HEAD AND FOR THE ASS. GET IT WHILE ITS STILL LEGAL!

Text & Image: Chicks On Speed

Black November

Both Defixiones, Will and Testament and La Serpenta Canta will be out late November. Yummy! Also check out Austin Young's portfolio, definitely worth a look if you're into photo portraits!

Image: Austin Young
Music: Chicks On Speed - Shooting From The Hip

Freak

Nothing to blog really, but this morning my cousin Mike sent me a link to a music video named Freak [Quicktime] by LFO. Quite refreshing, reminded me of my old school daze...

Music: Andrea Doria - Bucci Bag [Rauhofer's Reconstruction Mix]

The Power to POP! 2

Yeah! O yeah! Sweeeet!

Image: Unknown

99 Cents - Prelaunch

Chicks On Speed's 99 Cents out 09/29th. Check out their version of Tom Tom Club's Wordy Rappinghood, and the We Don't Play Guitars video, they're way fun and the video has Peaches in it... hmm... She is quite a performer in concert I must say [especially with her dildo trick]! Take a lick look at her Crotch Gallery, you think people would be tired of her crotch already... no?

Image: Tina Frank
Video: Deborah Schamoni

Manly Rubber

His name is Charlie and he can be yours for only $6,999.00 [includes anal entry if desired, plus one size penis attachment] plus $450 shipping & handling. California residents please add 7.75% sales tax... ALL SALES ARE FINAL!

They should make a self-cleaning model I reckon.

Image: Real Doll

Thursday Afternoon

Image: Seven Video Paintings of Christine Alicino. Filmed in San Francisco in April 1984. Treated & Assembled @ Sony in Tokyo.

My Last Christmas

Maybe it's time to start on a new project...

Photos: Nick Knight
Music: Cocteau Twins - Cherry Coloured Funk

I Think I Just Pee'd!!!

Beautiful Thing

Whether you're gay or straight, a mother or a father who has a gay child, or maybe having teenage 'gay-angst', or just want to see a geniunely feel good movie, try this! It's been 7 years, and the movie is still one of my faves!! Also has a soundtrack with Mama Cass & The Mamas & The Papas... Sweeeet!

Image: Beautiful Thing, 1996

The Dance

In a field of cinders where Armenian life was still dying, a German woman, trying not to cry told me the horror she witnessed:

"This thing I'm telling you about,
I saw with my own eyes,
behind my window of hell
I clenched my teeth
and watched the town of Bardez turn
into a heap of ashes.
The corpses were piled high as trees,
and from the springs,
from the streams and the road,
the blood was a stubborn murmur,
and still calls revenge in my ear.

Don't be afraid;
I must tell you what I saw,
so people will understand
the crimes men do to men.
For two days, by the road to the graveyard...

Let the hearts of the world understand.
It was Sunday morning,
the first useless Sunday dawning on the corpses.
From down to dusk I had been in my room
with a stabbed woman -
my tears wetting her death -
when I heard from afar
a dark crown standing in a vineyard
lashing twenty brides
and singing filthy songs.

Leaving the half-dead girl on the straw mattress,
I went to the balcony of my window
and the crowd seemed to thicken like a clump of trees.
An animal of a man shouted,
"You must dance,
dance when our drum beats."
With fury whips cracked
on the flesh of these women.
Hand in hand the brides began their circle dance.
Now, I envied my wounded neighbor
because with a calm snore she cursed
the universe and gave up her soul to the stars...

"Dance," they raved,
"dance till you die, infidel beauties
with your flapping tits, dance!
Smile for us. You're abandoned now,
you're naked slaves,
so dance like a bunch of fuckin' sluts.
We're hot for your dead bodies."
Twenty graceful brides collapsed.
"Get up," the crowd screamed,
brandishing their swords.

Then someone brought a jug of kerosene.
Human justice, I spit in your face.
The brides were anointed.
"Dance," they thundered -
"here's a fragrance you can't get in Arabia."

With a torch, they set
the naked brides on fire.
And the charred bodies rolled
and tumbled to their deaths...

I slammed my shutters,
sat down next to my dead girl and asked:
"How can I dig out my eyes?"

Text: Siamanto (Atom Yarjanian)
English translation: Peter Balakian and Nevart Yaghlian
Performed by Diamanda Galás - Defixiones, Will and Testament

Underwater

Source File: Unknown

Music: His Name Is Alive - Drive The Dreamy Demon Down

Simple Man

"They made me wear a plastic bag when I visited him," recalls Joey Arias.

"I wasn't allowed to touch him. After a few weeks, he seemed to get better. He was strong enough to walk around. So he left the hospital and went home. His manager was making him sign all these papers, like we'll give you $500 if you sign your life away one more time. He developed kaposis [lesions associated with Kaposi's sarcoma, a rare skin cancer linked with AIDS] and started taking Interferon. That messed him up real bad. He had dots all over his body and his eyes became purple slits. It was like someone was destoying him.

He used to make fun of it. He'd say 'Just call me dotty Nomi.' Then he got real weak and was rushed back to the hospital. He couldn't eat for days because he had cancer in his stomach. Herpes popped out all over his body. He turned into a monster. It hurt me so much to see him. I talked to him on the night of August fifth. He said, 'Joey, what am I going to do? They don't want me in the hospital anymore. They pulled all the plugs. I have to stop all this stuff because I'm not getting any better.'

I had this dream of Klaus getting strong and singing again - only he'd be a little deformed, so he'd have to stay behind a screen or something. 'You'll be the phantom of the opera,' I told him. 'We'll do shows together again.' 'Yeah, maybe,' he said. But Klaus died in his sleep that night."

Text: From sperber was his real name

SIMPLE MAN [excerpt]
I'm, I'm just a simple man
I have to do the simple things that a simple man - can,
You, are holding out your hand
You want to know the simple things, and my simple plan, and...

I know there's so much to share
So what else can I do?

Yes I'm a simple man
Come now and take my hand
Now and forever, never to be lonely

Yes I'm a simple man
I do the best I can
Now and together, just remember only
That I'm a simple man

That I'm a simple man
I do the best I can
I got a simple, simple plan
I hope you understand

I'm just a simple man
I'm holding out my hand
It's such a simple, simple plan
I feel you understand

I can see you look to me,
So what else can I do?

Yes I'm a simple man
Come now and take my hand
Now and forever, never to be lonely

Yes I'm a simple man
I do the best I can
Now and together, just remember only...

It's so simple!

The Cold Genius

Sometimes I wish I were more like Klaus, so bold and fearless... His career was just getting started in the early 80's [remember he backed David Bowie on Saturday Night Live way back when? Martin Sheen was the host that week!], then he passed away in the midst of it all, of AIDS in 1983. He did mostly cover songs, and every single one, I thought, was a work of art - the one and only Nomi way. Songs like Can't Help Falling In Love, Just One Look, You Don't Own Me, I Feel Love, Der Nussbaum, the notorious Ding Dong from the Wizard of Oz, and The Cold Song by Henry Purcell!

Here's The Twist mp3 [2.9MB] and The Cold Song mp3 [3.8MB].

PS. One might think it's silly, but I used to tear up often whenever I played his songs. I couldn't help it. I think I've gotten to 'know' him better through listening to his music and the way he sang and portrayed himself and such, I can't explain it, I feel sad whenever I listen to him, but I also feel good that I've come to know his work... His life was cut short from fighting the AIDS virus, ironically, NOMI - turned 180° clockwise - reads I WON!

Music: Klaus Nomi - Death

We Are Family

Image: patriciapiccinini.net - Game Boys Advanced

Music: Au Pairs - Come Again

It'll End In Tears

This Mortal Coil's post project The Hope Blister, did a wonderful rendition of Neil Halstead's song, which I absolutely adore:

DAGGER
The sunshine girl is sleeping
She falls and dreams alone
And me I am her dagger
Too numb to feel the pain

The world is full of noise, yeah
I hear it all the time
And me I am your dagger
You know I am your wound

I thought I heard you whisper
It happens all the time...

Music: The Hope Blister - Dagger

All Is Full Of Love

Image: Bjork.com

We Don't Play Guitars

Image: Chick On Speed.com Music: Chicks On Speed - Kaltes Klares Wasser

Nude: Spliced

Image: Unknown

Music: Thomas Otten - Dulciate

The Red Pill

Ooh, got these babies after work today with Stuart. 2 red [also called 'fire'] millipedes and 1 big ol' giant pill bug. I've seen pill bugs from Bug's Life, but never the real thing. I'm so sheltered!! Big ass bug... Now I have 3 African giant black, 2 milk, 1 pumpkin, 2 fire millipedes and 1 pill bug. All my millipedes are still in their pre-teen days. Would like another pumpkin and pill bug though, so the single ones here won't get too lonely. hee!

Don't have my digi-cam with me this week, so these pictures will do. They look exactly like the ones that I have. Pill bugs are so weird. When I hold mine in my palm and it starts crawling, it looks like a little wind-up buggy! Strange creature indeed, yet cute!

Photos: Pet Hobbyist.com

Coronal Loop & The Red Moon Rising

Fountains of multimillion-degree, electrified gas in the atmosphere of the Sun have revealed the location where the solar atmosphere is heated to temperatures 300 times greater than the Sun's visible surface.

Scientists discovered this important clue for solving the long-standing mystery of the hot solar atmosphere while observing the gas fountains (known as coronal loops) in unprecedented detail with NASA's Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) spacecraft. Scientists are interested in the Sun's outer atmosphere, called the corona, because eruptive events occurring in this region can disrupt high-technology systems on Earth. Moreover, studies of the solar corona will help astronomers better understand other stars, which cannot be observed in as fine detail as the Sun.

The new observations reveal the location of the unidentified energy source, showing that most of the heating occurs low in the corona, within about 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers) from the Sun's visible surface. The gas fountains form arches (some more than 300,000 miles high and capable of spanning 30 Earths) as gas emerges from the solar surface, is heated and rises while flowing along the solar magnetic field, then cools and crashes back to the surface at more than 60 miles per second (100 kilometers per second). Millions of different-sized arches, called coronal loops, comprise the corona, and a 30-year old theory assumes that the loops are heated evenly throughout their height. The TRACE observations show that instead, most of the heating must occur at the bases of the coronal loops, near where they emerge from and return to the solar surface. mpeg [1.9mb]

These images are false color pictures of ultraviolet light emitted by the hot gas that comprises the coronal loops. Ultraviolet light is invisible to the human eye, but detectable by the special instruments on board TRACE. White represents the brightest ultraviolet light.

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RED MOON RISING: During the total eclipse this Thursday night, watch the Moon turns dim and fiery orange as it hides in the Earth's shadow...

"During May’s lunar eclipse, the Moon crosses fully inside the north section of the Earth’s shadow core, called the umbra. Much less noticeable are the preceding and following stages of the eclipse, when the Moon is in the shadow’s outer fringe, or penumbra."
Sky & Telescope

Photo, Text & Mpeg: NASA, Standford University & NASA/GSFC

[Nothing But] Blood

The open ends are the key! For every thing they do, there need never be another... mp3 [2.3mb]

WITH TOMORROW
It was more like a dream than reality
I must have thought it was a dream while you were here with me
When you were near I didn't think you would leave
When you were gone it was too much to believe

So with tomorrow, I will borrow
Another moment of joy and sorrow
And another dream, and another, with tomorrow…

So if there some day won't be time just to look behind
There won't be reasons, no descriptions for my place and mind
There was so much I was told that wasn't real
So many things that I could not taste but I could feel

So with tomorrow, I will borrow
Another moment of joy and sorrow
And another dream, and another, with tomorrow…

Image: This Mortal Coil - Blood [CD insert]

My Grocery List

Illustration: Unknown

Music: Diamanda Galás - There Are No More Tickets To The Funeral

All The Flowers In The Sky, Part II

'Abraham's Tree' growing over Mount Shasta, Northern California

Image: Jane English © 2001

Music: Cocteau Twins - The Thinner The Air [Massive Attack mix]

My Easter Sunday with Leigh & Joshua

Was my book-browsing day today... Looked through a lot of books and then came across these 2 photographers: Charlie White & Fergus Greer. I wasn't so much interested in their photographs really, but more so on their subject matter...

Source: Charlie White - Photographs

Source: Fergus Greer - Leigh Bowery Looks

I don't know if one would consider these the 'good' or the 'not-so-good' design / photo books... The photography was definitely well excuted, and as far as the context goes - the protagonists: Leigh & Joshua - it's a wild spin! The 2 books did keep me interested for about 15 minutes altogether on this quiet Easter Sunday.

Thinking Is Not Necessary v2.0

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