all u need is luv

Just a few more days for the single release, and one more week til Superbowl. This is the cover art for the single. Waaaaay better than Hard Candy stuff.

50/50 plus 5

My love of certain movies are well-documented here. But here are five random movies I love that have nada to do with hobbits or two people walking around in a European city:

Terms Of Endearment - 50/50 was touching/funny and brilliantly acted and the best 2011 movie I saw. Oh what a freaking shame that it didn't score nominations for best picture, the script, JGL, Anna Kendrick, and Anjelica Huston. There were so many scenes where you don't know whether to laugh or cry and you end up doing both. It reminded me of Terms Of Endearment, which made me cry like a baby when I first saw it way back when. Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger will break your heart. I idolize James L. Brooks' humanity-filled brand of comedy (Mary Tyler Moore, Broadcast News, etc.).

Shawn Of The Dead - This is hilarious and surprisingly thrilling for a spoof zombie movie. It was the first of Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright's "Blood and Ice Cream" series. Hot Fuzz followed, and word is that the third in the trilogy At World's End is now in the works.

Atonement - Epic, tragic romance on the level of Titanic, with a heartbreaking/devastating plot twist like The Others or The Sixth Sense. And Kiera Knightly in that green dress - forget about it...

True Romance - Ah back in the day, Christian Slater was cool and Patricia Arquette was hot in this exhilarating lovers-on-the-run story. I believe this was the film that introduced me first to Quentin Tarantino. Clarence and Alabama may be down on their luck and they may have the mob and everyone else after them, but they got love and witty dialogues on their side. "That's the way it goes, but every once in a while, it goes the other way too."

Catch Me If You Can - I am not a fan when he goes all Oscar-bait in biopics (Aviator, J. Edgar), but I seriously love Leonardo as an actor. He has mad charisma and a perfectly-pitched, light-as-air touch in one of the most entertaining movies he's ever made.

fckit

I kinda love this article in defense of Madonna. I agree that the only crime she has really committed is growing old as a pop star in an ageist, sexist society, and not apologizing for it.

HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MADONNA?

In 1984, the school newspaper where I went to college ran an editorial called “It’s Time to Get Really Mad About Madonna.” Her message, as the male writer repeated, was “fuck me.” If there was an additional message behind the “banal” songs and videos for “Material Girl” and “Like a Virgin” it was “fuck me again.” The world’s biggest slut had been born, and the country needed to stop caring about the arms race or Reaganomics or the widening income disparity between rich and poor, and obliterate the cunt among us.

Something happened on the way to her circumcision, and Madonna, unlike most of her detractors, remained intact. More than 25 years later the vitriol mob remains, exhausted but as angry as ever, and they’ve added to her list of whore crimes, “fuck you.” Madonna is about as “over” as the Common Cold, and just as infuriating, and when you can’t stop someone you can only reduce them. Good luck with that.

Gearing up for a new album, a new movie, and a Super Bowl half-time appearance, the Queen of Pop Provocation did a couple of talk shows and, as effortlessly as the reactions were strained, marketed a maelstrom. Never mind Madonna’s take on mothering a 15-year-old girl or her penchant for dating young men or even her just announced 40 million dollar record deal, all anyone cared about was Madonna’s opinion of Lady GaGa, and both Graham Norton and Cynthia McFadden were determined (rightfully so) to satisfy the audience.

Madonna said lots of things about Lady GaGa; lots of good things. She called her “a very talented artist” and said, of her work, that “sometimes I think it’s amusing and fun.” None of that matters either. When she told McFadden that GaGa’s “Born This Way” tune “feels reductive,” the definition of the word was over before the search began. Madonna, the bitch, the shrew, the hag, the has-been, and, quite possibly the most critically reduced artist on the planet, had crossed a line. Ironically, she also invented the line.

Whatever one personally thinks of Lady GaGa or the song “Born This Way,” the fact is that for the past year both the artist and the tune have been put under the Madonna microscope. No sooner did the single hit the airwaves than the other bleach-blond Italian American gay-loving pop star got accused of copying Madonna’s “Express Yourself,” inciting a plethora of YouTube parodies and mash-ups and criticisms that would make “reductive” sound like high praise.

It probably didn’t help much that GaGa (who called any song similarities “retarded”) took a sudden liking to videos where she dances in her underwear and wears bullets for bras and throws in a lot of crosses and rosaries and pisses off the Catholic Church. It also probably didn’t help that, when GaGa won a Grammy for something other than “Born This Way,” she took to the stage in a Blond Ambition ponytail and cone-breast corset and thanked her “Born This Way” muse Whitney Houston—the woman who once said she’d kill her children if they turned out to be like Madonna. (I’m fairly certain that murdering your kids is a tad worse than calling a song “reductive,” yet that comment never put a dent in Houston’s, at the time, good Christian image.) And it also probably didn’t help that, when asked why people compare her with Madonna, Lady GaGa, wearing bright red lipstick and the “Express Yourself” platinum-blond locks, said it was because they “sort of” look alike. Yes, and I “sort of” look like Jake Gyllenhaal.

The counter-argument most people give when the GaGa/Madonna imitations arise is that Madonna has copied everyone under the sun, and therefore has no right to criticize her predecessor. It’s a valid point, even if those same people don’t generally acknowledge that Madonna never did criticize GaGa until the McFadden interview, nor has she ever denied taking on the personas of other image makers.

What Madonna accomplished is unprecedented genius. Colliding with the 1980s MTV Generation, and her spoof of Marilyn’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” the singer grabbed the 20thcentury’s most iconic ladies and photographs and films and fashions and trends, and spun them into three-minute movie musicals, complete with the catchiest soundtracks on tap, and all the while keeping her signature wink intact. She resembled a lot of women, but none of them more so than the one calling the shots. In her crass sentiment, Madonna did something utterly original. To sum it up as clever marketing, the one area where people begrudgingly give her credit, is reduction in the most demeaning sense.

Madonna forever changed the way female pop artists are marketed and sold, and every girl with a material dream has studied or has been instructed by someone who’s studied Madonna. Whereas “re-invention” used to be frowned upon as too dangerous, it’s now de rigueur for longevity. Whereas “Bad Girls” used to be the victims of a Donna Summer song, they’re now the envy of innocent fools. From Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl” to Britney Spears’ “Oops!… I Did It Again” to every song by Ke$ha, if you want to prove yourself as a commodity, you have to light a fuse.

If Madonna made a major mistake in her professional life, it wasn’t her acting career or her Sex book. It was getting older. We’re a country of ageists, especially in regards to women, and if there’s anything we hate more than a woman getting older it’s a woman who doesn’t apologize for her disgrace. Had Madonna any dignity, she’d have offed herself years ago. At 53, she may be the biggest selling female artist of all time and she may have more hits than Elvis Presley (a one-time looker/singer/provocateur who was smart enough to overdose), and she may still be one of the most famous women on earth, but none of that matters when she spits in god’s eye by deciding for herself what’s attractive.

Last week, on the heels of the “reductive” comment, Madonna won a Golden Globe award for her song “Masterpiece.” If there’s another way to stop the unworthy, it’s to deny them praise, and Madonna’s career has been peppered with everything but legitimacy. Her critics dove right in, and, not surprisingly, the biggest offenders were women and gay men. The New York Times’ Alessandra Stanley became psychic and said they only gave her the award because “everybody wants to see her,” that few will hear the song (it’s that rare thing when people listen to a Madonna track), and that they were forced to start the music to cut short her ego-laden speech. Stanley, apparently, missed the rest of the show, as pretty much everyone was cut off by the music, including that self-involved, talentless egomaniac Meryl Streep.

The Huffington Post ran an “Onion”-worthy piece called “A Letter to Madonna from a Concerned Gay,” in which the writer, Domenick Scudera, whines over how disappointed he is in his former hero for calling wise-ass straight comedian Ricky Gervais a “girl” (yes, you read that correctly), and then goes on to pretty much fault Madonna for everything but Global Warming. He writes, at the end, “I am desperately seeking the Madonna of yesteryear: daring, a ray of light, in a league of her own. That girl is still inside you somewhere, I bet. Please bring her back. Open you heart, express yourself like you used to do, so that I can justify my love for you again.” I’m not sure what’s more offensive, that Scudera penned this piece of tripe or that Arianna Huffington allowed it to go to print.

Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, expressed themselves in a way that set back gay men about 50 years. John started the Bitch Brunch on the red carpet, saying Madonna couldn’t win with her “fucking” song, then sat stone-faced when she did. His charming spouse took to facebook afterward, decrying Madonna’s win—“Madonna. Best song???? F**k off!!!”—defaming the Golden Globes as being without merit (an awards show that doesn’t always give to the most deserving? No!), and ending his tantrum by saying Madonna’s “criticism of GaGa shows how desperate she really is.”

It’s always the work of the truly desperate to use the “D” word when describing Madonna. She must be desperate because she cannot be good. She’s not allowed to be attractive because she’s a whore. She certainly can’t be happy, because that will make us miserable. And she’s not allowed to criticize Lady GaGa because she never earned her place on top.

Lady GaGa’s second chapter of fame has played out like a bad sequel to a great first flick. She started out wonderfully, with a strong voice and savvy song-writing skills. If there was a message behind her work it was to embrace your oddity and celebrate unconvention. In that regard, she resembled Cyndi Lauper or Bette Midler more than Madonna. Last year, on the heels of “Born This Way,” she set herself up for failure by repeatedly telling everyone how wonderful her new album would be, then started hammering out weak singles and ridiculous stunts to stay topical. Showing up to an awards show in an egg carries no message other than that you are showing up to an awards show in an egg.

Like countless other female stars, GaGa then read the Clift Notes for Madonna’s career and decided to re-invent herself as Madonna 2.0. That never works, especially when the first one is still in stores. Whereas Madonna hiccuped and the world reacted, GaGa tells us she’s about to cough and then informs us of its importance. Call her videos and outfits what you want; imitation, homage, copies—ultimately, they look like poorly designed remakes of Madonna’s material. Bigger budget, more pyrotechnics, but forced and lacking vision. The only rule of re-creation is to do it well, and she’s failed. If Lady GaGa is as smart as she is talented, she’ll pay attention to the woman who wanted “to rule the world” and carve out her own path to universal domination.Madonna’s message isn’t “fuck me” or “fuck you”; it’s “Fuck It!” And she does it better than anyone.

the great leap forward

Hey guys. Cannot believe Feb is almost over. It's 2/29/2012, a day that only comes once every four years. I gotta make great use of today. Should I go skydiving? Or get married? Or invent a cure for cancer?

The Oscars were handed out just a couple of days back. I really didn't have much of a rooting interest - nobody to root for or against (neither Ryan Gosling or Charlize Theron got nominated, and WE didn't even get nominations for score or costume design), which made this year's Oscars really boring. Thank goodness for the red carpet gorgeousness of Charlize; she was a vision in haute coulture. And what was with Angelina Jolie - she looks more and more like a robot to me? Like something out of Blade Runner. Anyways, congrats to Meryl Streep, George Clooney, Octavia Spencer, and Christopher Plummer. I guess I will eventually rent The Artist which took home best picture and Hugo which took home best director, when those movies go for 99-cent rental on Amazon.

How magical was Madonna performance at the Superbowl! People might not line up for her movie, but no one can deny Madonna is one of the best live performers of our times. (Ok, maybe Elton John and David Furnish can, but they are really bitchy old dudes.) I bet Lady Gaga was taking copious notes and will surely come up with something reductive. I am so psyched for MDNA. Only one more month to go!

And I still feel bad for betraying my hometown and rooting for the Pats over the Niners. It was sort of a Sophie's Choice, except it was as if Meryl Streep were in China choosing between her boy child and her girl child. I've been a Pats fan for the last decade, and I am not gonna stop now. Maybe when Tom Brady is no more, then I would switch my allegiance somewhere else. I am glad though for Alex Smith for overcoming his early career setback and making it to the Big Game. It was a valiant effort. Goes to show you that you just gotta keep trying. Maybe next year, Niners. This year, it's all about Tom Brady and his two tight ends (uh, that sounds kinda wrong...).

They finally removed the Costa Concordia shipwreck after a whole month. 32 people died in total. The cowardice of the captain Francesco Schettino will not be soon forgotten. Abandoning his ship before he ensured the safe evacuation of his passenger was just inexcusable. I think they are going to put him in the middle of the town square and have him stoned to death.

It's looking like Newt Gingrich has the momentum to becoming the Republican's choice to go up against Obama. Ugh. Is that really the best this country has to offer to be President? They might as well put up a Kardashian or a Housewife of New Jersey or Beverly Hills. I actually am afraid of what the Republicans will do to universal healthcare, so geez, I might have to vote or something.

Anyways, as for today, I think I am going to just play hooky and hang out with my girlfriend after her modeling shoot. We might go grab some Indian food and then watch The Vow with Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams. Despite the bad reviews, maybe it's going to be just like The Notebook. Of course, Channing Tatum is no Ryan Gosling, and Rachel McAdams now is no Rachel MacAdams circa 2004. I am of course not what I was back in 2004 either. Thank goodness my girlfriend loves me just the way I am. She didn't even mind that I didn't buy her anything for Valentine's Day. She said to me, "You are all I need. That and argan oil..." Haha, she's such a kidder.

red and gold

They got the city all lit up in red and gold for the Niners (okay maybe more just red than red and gold - except for City Hall). Go Niners! (And go Pats!)

i been thinkin' 'bout forever

One of my favorite artists to emerge last year is Frank Ocean. But I've never listened to his Novacane Ultra mixtape in full til this weekend. It's quite brilliant. Now I am even more excited for his first official release coming in 2012. Check him out:









A tornado flew around my room before you came
Excuse the mess it made, it usually doesn't rain
In Southern California, much like Arizona
My eyes don't shed tears, but, boy, they bawl

When I'm thinkin' 'bout you
(Ooh, no, no, no)
I've been thinkin' 'bout you
(You know, know, know)
I've been thinkin' 'bout you
Do you think about me still?
Do ya, do ya?

Or do you not think so far ahead?
'Cause I been thinkin' 'bout forever

Sigh.

stuff and nonsense

Ten random objects around the house:


Bought these silicone splatter screens from QVC. They are very useful. Use them for microwave reheating all the time and also substitutes as pot lids. They are not so great for oven baking though - I used the large one to bake frozen eggrolls, and it got stained.


I just tried this yesterday, and it is surprisingly yummy. Got it from Target for $1.50.


Acquired from an Ikea trip in December. These musician animals were only $1 each. They are kinda old-fashioned to me. I actually bought them for a little girl I know, but I haven't had a chance to see her, so they are on my bookshelf for now.


Flowers on their last days. Fresh flowers are purty...


My Vitamix is a total splurge, so I try to make use of it every week and not let it become another one of those appliances that just stays in the closet. I like the clean-up better than other blenders I've had. I just put a drop of dishwashing soap and let it blend. I've been making banana kiwi soymilk smoothie - so yummy.


This is my collection of Buy-Ten-Get-One-Free cards in my wallet. I have not been able to cash any of them in yet.


Chi Young and I are rewatching Buffy from the start. So awesome. Makes me appreciate SMG and Joss Whedon all over again. We just finished season three.


My new Dr. Dre Beats earphone. The bass is heavy. I like the cord since it doesn't get tangled like all my other earphones.


Postcard from Adam from Afghanistan. I asked him to find me one, and he delivered. I think this might be the hardest-to-come-by postcard I have.


A miniature chair made by a homeless guy who used to hang out on Howard Street near my old office. Miniature chairs rock. Talented homeless guys rock.

beginner

Weather: Beautiful fair January day
Mood: Contemplative
Music: Madonna - Masterpiece (it's just like a 90's Madonna ballad), Frank Ocean's Novacane Ultra mixtape
Last Movie: Water For Elephant (the middle was kinda boring, but I am a sucker cuz I got all emotional at the end when Hal Holbrook recounts what happened with RobPat and Reese
Reading: 1Q84
Last Pleasure: Snatching an LG 42 inch 1080p tv for $200 from Best Buy!!!!!!
Last Worry: Coming back to work to an avalanche of emails and projects waiting for me
Last accomplishment: Finally filed my FSA claims for 2011
Looking Forward To: Madonna Superbowl performance in less than a month
Not Really Looking Forward To: Endless Beyonce baby hype
Gas Price: $3.69/gallon for Honda
Clothes: Gap navy blue v-neck sweater, Land's End Canvas navy blue polo shirt
Today's Headline: GOP Rivals Finally Go After Mitt Romney
Current iPad Wallpaper: Greece
Last Website Visited: Macys.com, trying to figure out how to use a gift card
Last Meal: A bowl of combo noodles at HD Chinese Yunnan Rice Noodles on El Camino - yum
Last Purchase: Seasons 1 and 2 of BBC series Skins from iTunes
Item Off My Wishlist: Suncast GS1000B horizontal storage shed, 20-cubic ft
Saying goodbye to: 2011
Latest Evidence It's A Beautiful World: The work of Sori Yanagi

let's talk about a resolution

Hey folks it's 2012, the year of the Hobbits, Dark Knight, new Madonna, end of my BMW car payment, the London Olympics, and the end of the world! And by the grace of God, the return of the Patriots to the Superbowl (yes, my God cares about these things).

I am optimistic about this year, only because you kind of have to be optimistic on the first day of the year. If you are not optimistic this early in the year, you would just be fighting a losing battle the rest of the way. So with the renewed sense of purpose, I woke up checking off the first item on my calendar today - clean the kitchen. I then finished using the olives in the fridge and made a new batch of olive tapenade and also made some panna cotta for tonight's dessert. I paid some bills online, potted a plant, checked on the Patriots score (they won and will be top AFC seed throughout the playoffs) and am about to put the laundry in the washer. All the while, I didn't spend a dime and did not buy anything online.

So here are my resolutions for this year, which are likely to be abandoned soon enough. But that's alright - you always have to maintain hope and not give up on yourself. So it is better to at least make an effort with some resolutions instead of just plain not bother. You should always bother.

1. Spend less money. Stop buying stuff just because it's on sale. Speaking of which, I scored a 42 inch LG LCD tv for $200 yesterday. That's like better than Black Friday. Surely I don't need another tv - but $200 for a 42 inch!!! Thank goodness that was yesterday, all the back in the year 2011 - so my resolution is not broken yet.

2. Worry less about work. Really, it is so unproductive to fret. Just go in and do my best - that's all I need to do. Also, come home at a reasonable time and not check emails at night.

3. Sleep better. My sleep habit sucks big time. I need to go to sleep earlier and try not to wake up in the middle of the night.

4. Exercise and eat better. I didn't go to take my blood test this December cuz I ate so badly that I was really afraid my doc would put me on cholesterol med. I will go at end of January, so starting today, I will try to discipline myself.

5. Read and write and draw more. Something else I need to cultivate to become a renaissance man.

6. Purge. Live with less clutter. I am going to try to get rid of stuff instead of acquiring stuff. And stop collecting things. Action figures, dvds/blu rays, etc. This is gonna be hard, cuz Lego announced it is going to make LOTR collection this year...

7. Monitor my Honda better to avoid more troubles.

8. Clean more.

9. More outdoor time. Whatever that entails. I love being a homebody. I love my tv and my computer for sure. But the sun and outdoor air are good for the soul, and I need some soul nourishing.

10. Balance checkbook and file every month. It becomes such a chore when you let either of these tasks go for too long.

Every time I make a list of this sort, it reminds me of Radiohead song Fitter Happier from OK Computer. But I am still approaching this without any irony.