ZOMG--But it's...it's...SOCIALISM!!!
August 28th, 2009

Yes, Virginia (and Texas, and South Carolina, and Eastern Washington)...it's called The Commons, and we're all charged with its care, feeding and maintenence.

Actually, I Think These Are Rather More "Win"....
August 9, 2009

So Full of Win:

see more Fail Blog

Win:

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Win:

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Win:

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Christian Family Values Fail:

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US National Debt Clock
May 15, 2009

This speaks for itself.

Entertainment Weekly Editorial on Susan Boyle
April 14th, 2009

Clearly my last post regarding the apparent inequity of competitive reality show prizes did not spawn the constructive debate I'd hoped for. Disappointing, but I'll survive. Moving on...

I just read this article on EW.com by Lisa Schwarzbaum. I couldn't have said it better myself. With the exception of the fact that she's Scottish: You go, girl.

'Britain's Got Talent' breakout Susan Boyle: Why we watch...and weep

I'm still stuck on Susan Boyle, and still weeping. I suppose that's so 24 hours ago, and I should be thinking instead about how Mel Gibson's divorce might affect his box-office cred with conservative Catholics. Instead, I play the YouTube clip over and over of Boyle, the frumpy, middle-aged British lady who marched out on the stage of the national TV show Britain’s Got Talent this past weekend. She bided her time through the judgmental hoots and snickers of the studio audience and judges (headed by international snickerer-in-chief Simon Cowell). She sang "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables. And she brought a worldwide audience to their feet -- to her feet -- with the grandeur of her voice.

I'll get back to pondering how Vin Diesel's future might change with the success of Fast & Furious soon enough, but right now I'm pondering why the experience of watching and listening to Ms. Boyle makes so many viewers cry, me among them. And I think I've got a simple answer, at least for me: In our pop-minded culture so slavishly obsessed with packaging -- the right face, the right clothes, the right attitudes, the right Facebook posts -- the unpackaged artistic power of the unstyled, un-hip, un-kissed Ms. Boyle let me feel, for the duration of one blazing showstopping ballad, the meaning of human grace. She pierced my defenses. She reordered the measure of beauty. And I had no idea until tears sprang how desperately I need that corrective from time to time.

Yep. Simple as that. That's why I weep. What's your excuse?

What's bolded encapsulates how I feel. We sneer and pre-judge, even those of us who desperately try to break free from those societally-embedded bonds. Perhaps that's why so many of us fight relentlessly against our inner critics. The powerful voices embedded in our unconsciousness which constantly admonish us that we are (or might be) that person at whom people openly sneer or pity and dismiss as unimportant and invaluable.

This gentle, authentic, unemployed cat-lover has overcome a lifetime of ridicule and marginalization. She's never been given a chance to share her remarkable talent with the world because even she was a stumbling block to her own success. It took the sad circumstance of her mother's death, the loss of her unwavering supporter, that gave her the courage to risk auditioning for the show in her mother's honor.

And just look at the results. Everyone wins; her singing is a gift to all who hear it.

I'm ashamed that I summarily dismissed her based on initial visual impressions like the rest of that audience and later, the world. Thank goodness she came by to serve as a checksum reminder that everyone has value. Susan Boyle, we want to hear more!

Do yourself a favor and watch this clip if you haven't yet seen it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY.

Pre-Finale Recap: Observations on Cultural Inequity
April 11, 2009

There's so much to say about the finale, reunion and RuPaul's Drag Race in general that I've been procrastinating because the task feels monumental. However as RPDR is one of the Top Five Best TV Shows Ever, I feel I owe it its due diligence.

Prepare to be here a while, because this is gonna be a long couple of posts. I'll break them up, but consider yourselves warned.

Before I recap, I've been mulling this over for ~two months and I haven't yet been able to articulate it. Bear with me as I muddle through. I'd like an open and constructive talk about this.

Let's take a philosophical look at the relative "cost/reward" benefit of many so-called "Competitive Reality" shows. I think it encapsulates a huge societal inequity which I find patently unfair and unwarranted.

America's Next Top Model: Each cycle they roll out a new batch of anorexic and overwhelmingly vapid screeching harpies. Yes, there are a few exceptions-I acknowledge it. Nonetheless, each cycle gets progressively more astonishing in lowering the proverbial bar. Meanwhile, Tyra's narcissism increases, impossible as that seems. Winner-take-all grand prize: $100,000 USD

Project Runway: Ah, my first reality show love. I was smitten from the moment I saw Austin Scarlett and Jay McCarroll in the "coming soon" ads. I suppose I always will be, even though my love affair has cooled somewhat in more recent seasons. Bless BPR, they still put up with me, answer my emails and link to this blog when I recap. I don't have much general criticism of the show except that due to litigiousness we've been denied S6, but that's a post for another day. The challenges are difficult, and I will grant that contestants for the most part (obligatory low-hanging fruit excepted) are talented. And...The Divine Tim Gunn. 'Nuff said. Regardless, winner-take-all grand prize: $100,000 USD.

Top Chef: More of the same, just with food as opposed to fashion. It's no Project Runway, and Tom Collichio isn't in the same trophic layer as Tim Gunn (but who is? Did I mention I adore Tim Gunn? Just checking). I do appreciate that most individuals on the show are normal-sized human beings. But again, winner-take-all grand prize: $100,000 USD.

There are more examples, but you see my point.

RuPaul's Drag Race: Grand Prize: $20,000 USD. One fifth. Twenty percent.

Look, wherever you land on the GLBT tolerance spectrum, if you OBJECTIVELY evaluate some basic criteria, RPDR's contestants got a raw deal. Don't get me wrong; I'm not dissing the show; quite the contrary, in fact.

Those individuals have spent the better part of their lives overcoming narrow-mindedness from every direction, even within their own community. They endured hatred, bigotry, criticism from every angle and have shined in spite of all the negativity thrown at them. They arrived on set with their wardrobes and makeup kits, most of which I'm sure cost a fortune. It's not like most dudes can buy fabulous drag outfits off-the-rack at TJ Maxx and Nine West; much of the clothing is custom, and man-sized stilettos aren't sold just anywhere.

The challenges in RPDR were in many ways as difficult, sometimes I assert MORE difficult than other reality shows. Their deadlines were always incredibly short. Furthermore, not only did they have to prepare for the task at hand, they had to factor in:

• Shaving, hiding tattoos, feminizing and essentially 'reinventing' themselves;
  
• Doing their own makeup and hair;
  
• Assembling or sewing their entire look;
• Accessorizing;
  
• Doing the challenge itself - which robs them of precious prep time; AND
  
• Preparing a lip-sync routine in case they were in the bottom two at judging.

Come on, folks. Those bitches worked HARD. They had to transform themselves using all kinds of props and tucks--these aren't standard or insignificant variables. With regard to ANTM, the extent of their prep was showing up on time and throwing tantrums about the stylists' work. Give me a frigging break.

Let's set all of that aside and put the rest on a hypothetical equal footing. To wit, contestants (ANTM N00bz excepted) are Subject Matter Experts and cooking, sewing/fashion and drag challenges all lie within every contestant's RELATIVE comfort zones. Given that assumption, maybe the RPDR challenges weren't orders of magnitude harder than the other shows. Though it seemed that way from my view in the cheap seats.

But look at the risk/reward ratio. I assert that these individuals are working harder, and putting themselves out to a higher level of public scrutiny than their counterparts. They had to arrive at the competition with custom wardrobes that undoubtedly cost *thousands* (ok, maybe not self-professed 'Cheap Ho' Akashia, but generally my point holds). Everyone comes out of the experience with public exposure, which has pluses and minuses. Bebe Benet Zahara came out of it with $20k. I'm willing to bet that Nina, Bebe, Ongina and Shannel spent much more than that just to get there, so financially speaking it's a net loss.

Yet the grand prize payoff is 20% of the rest of the shows. It's paltry considering what they had to spend (financially and psychologically) just to GET there.

Is it that Logo (or their sponsor, Absolut) doesn't have deep pockets? Clearly not.

I'm not an idiot. I know drag is considered a niche and doesn't have the same "wide appeal." But why is that? These drag queens are artists. Why are they not more appreciated and valued in general society? Does drag have to become mainstream before we demonstrate that it deserves parity?

It frustrates me. Ok, yes, even $100k isn't much these days, but honestly, that's not the point. It's the message being sent and perpetuated.

Watch some of the interviews and confessionals of many ANTM model-wannabes. Vapid isn't strong enough, but I'm at a loss for a better word. Most are incredibly dumb. In many cases, they're completely unaware about even the industry for which they profess having passion. And when it comes to worldliness, just...OMG. Even considering "creative editing" the bulk of these girls have no political or social awareness, are not articulate, and I'd argue that some have a total lack of talent. Yeah, I know; who am I to judge. But watching ANTM is NOT mind-expanding television. I periodically watch the (endless) ANTM marathons out of sheer morbid curiosity.

With the exception of Akashia, none of the drag queens on RPDR came off on the show as oblivious or inarticulate. And ALL of them had talent. Nina Flowers, bless her heart, was FAR too hard on herself when referring to the language barrier and her accent. It wasn't a liability, it's part of her charm. I'm not saying that as a sycophantic fan. Public reaction to Nina speaks for itself; we were ALL charmed by her. The periodic language 'barrier' never diminished how intelligent, worldly or kind she seemed.

I just think that given the monumental challenges these contestants had to go through, it should be AT LEAST equally valued and rewarded like the other shows of the same category. The Logo network and the sponsors are sending the wrong message by trying to "get out cheaper." In other words, it communicates--to me at least--that Logo is shooting themselves in the foot. They profess to fight for parity, but it's just lip service. Literally--put your money where your mouth is. If your mission is to widen acceptance, then model good behavior and treat everyone equally.

The GLBT and allied communities are fighting for equality. True parity in American society. And rightfully so. I say let's start DEMONSTRATING it.

I'm going to leave the comments open on this post because I'm TRULY curious to hear peoples' thoughts. I reserve the right to delete hatred, bigotry and bile-spewing. But if you've read this far and you have some constructive thoughts, share them here. Let's talk.

Recaps of the finale and the reunion to come soon. I wanted to get this post out first.

Thanks,
-ScubaOtter

"Rages With Hangover" Regrets Blog Neglect
April 11, 2009

Yeah, I suck. Has it really been a month since I last posted? To the five or six of you who actually read this thing, I apologize.

I could placate you with excuses, but I have too much respect to patronize you like that. The truth is, I've been melting my brain with television and Hulu on FaceBook. Tivo is one of the greatest innovations ever, but it's also a huge time-suck vortex. For the record, 30-second skip rocks.

IMHO, YMMV and all the usual caveats.

The incredibly-overdue recap of RuPaul's Drag Race and Reunion show is forthcoming, assuming I can actually summon the willpower to close the Hulu episodes of Family Guy. *sigh*

Oh, and Lost this week? Duuuuuude, it was SO awesome.

So, I'm going to go to a weapons range today to finally quell that little bit of curiosity within me that wonders if I'd be any good at it. For the record, I don't condone guns, violence or killing things. But I see little harm in shooting at a piece of paper in a safe environment with an expert instructor. Perhaps doing this while nursing a hangover isn't the smartest thing I've ever done. Ya think?

Don't Hold Back; Tell Me What You Really Think

March 11, 2009

In my home office I have a box on the floor of paid bills and such “to be filed” (in reality it sits there and amasses until I can’t stand it anymore and lose a weekend to filing ~2x/year).

This evening I found a Feline Opinion Editorial (FOE). On top of my gym membership, third paper down, one of the cats had left…shall we say…"solid waste."

It’s very unusual for them to go outside their litter boxes, and there’s no litter box in my office at present.

I can only assume it’s a commentary about their opinion of my gym membership. I mean, I don’t enjoy working out either, but I don’t defecate on the statements to get my point across.

Shannel, Why Hath Ye Forsaken Us at the Drag Ball?
March 10, 2009

Shannel, Shannel, Shannel, Shannel.....WHY? HOW COULD YOU SELF-ELIMINATE??

I was certain you and Nina were shoe-ins for the top two. Your three looks were superb this week, but when you spoke to the judges it seemed like you were deliberately throwing the race.

You were SUCH a strong contender for the title. You're spectacular (that's saying something from someone not "into" the whole Vegas showgirl look). Those stunning eyes, great stage presence, superior vogueing, great poses and lip-syncing, and a hella spectacular body. You're the whole package girl, and don't tell me you don't know it.

You stuck your foot in your mouth several times in panel/judging causing some classic 'cringeworthy' moments. I know, those living in glass houses....who am I to judge, dawling?

Stunning Campy/Fun / Total Glam Drag

I'm disappointed not to see you go forward. I'm sure you and Nina would have vied for top two, and it was going to be a nail-biter.

Clearly now the top two are Bebe and Nina Flowers. You deserve to be there so much more than Rebecca. All you had to do was toss her under the bus during the "who should be eliminated" question, and you'd have moved forward. It was obvious you'd lost some of your joie de vive about the contest because you served up 110% and you didn't win challenges you clearly should've. But we were eager to see more!

Brian/Shannel, what about us, your fans? *sigh.*

I'm just sayin'. You'll be missed.

Nina Flowers: Girl...You are now-and have always been-my bet for la enchilada grande. Latina Fantastica, eres magnificante. You're so charming, I love your accent, in drag or out. You have an original and unique look that never fails to deliver. You da bomb, baybee. Keep working it! I truly believe you ARE the next great Drag Superstar.

Business PR/ Swim Glam/Mango Eve FAB.

Boricua fantastica! Te mueves de verdad como una reina. Es tuya para siempre la corona en este reino de color alternativo, donde tu reinas, indiscutible. Eres como el Quetzal Esplendoroso!

It was clear to us when saw your runway looks that you were moving forward, and thought you should have won the challenge. I am die-hard Nina Fan, rooting for you FULL FORCE through the finish line. I screamed at the television when they didn't pick you for the win tonight.

Bebe Zahara Benet: An interesting choice for the win. Her looks were ok, but not spectacular. I would've ranked her third behind Nina and Shannel (in that order). Frankly other than the creative use of east-meets-west with the Geisha hair decorated with raspberry kanzashi, my overall reaction was 'meh.'

Meh Meh Nice hair, unflattering dress.

Rebecca Glasscock: You were a bit of a train wreck. Your outfits looked sloppy and I don't think you rose to the challenge. Lose the uber-bitch 'tude; it's not a flattering color on you. I don't say that because you're shy and being left out. I say that because you're a douchebag in front of the confessionals and trash-talked all the other girls.

Ugh Ugh Ugh
ok look/coat, HORRID under blouse/ meh/ meh squared

Does that make you feel better, little man?

These challenges are already hard enough without having to sew your own clothing. The uneven hem was obvious, the shredded look was not professional looking, and your gown was "meh" at best. You needed more accessories with the evening look. Your professional look was ok until you took off the jacket. When the jacket was ditched, your shirt looked like it'd been rifled through by a pair of neurocephalitic paranoid racoons. WTF?

Personally, I also think Shannel did a better job of lip-synching for her life, but I think Shannel self-eliminating was your only saving grace. I wanted to toss somehing at the TV, but OtterSpouse stopped me from damaging the flatscreen.

Readers, don't take my word for it. See it for yourself:

More Gay & Lesbian Video At LogoOnline.com

More Gay & Lesbian Video At LogoOnline.com

Hopelessly Lost About the Most Recent "Lost"
March 8, 2009

I admit, I do loves me some Lost. I can't get enough of it. I lose days re-watching the DVDs. I maintain that Desmond and Sayid are two of the most slammin' hotties on TV ever.

I don't want to admit publicly how many times I re-watch S5 episodes to 'tide me over' until the next one airs. I don't blog it because I already waste too much time on the boards (I consume everything I can get, including spoilers). If I lived on Oahu, living a normal life sans obsessing over catching glimpses of filming would be nearly impossible.

With all that effort expenditure, I could've gotten elected for public office. Ah well--priorities.

So it's significant when I say this about "LaFleur:" WTF?

It's the first episode where I've ever tossed up my hands and said, "OK, I'm hopelessly lost."

I'm, shocked to say that I've been enjoying Sawyer's character arc, and I really like Sawyer and Juliet together. If the Skater reunion screws things up between them and sucks us back into that STUPID 'Jakawyer' love triangle storyline, I'm gonna be pissed.

Not as pissed as if TPTB separate or kill Desmond and Penny, but still. I'm just sayin'.

Is it 9 pm on 3/18 yet?

Additional Good News: "The Tudors" S3 returns on 4/3! Bona-fide costuming pron -W00t!

That should carry me until the "Weeds" Season 5 premier in June or July. Hooray for brain-melting addicting TV shows; pablum that mitigates the uncertain anxiety inherent in the reality in which we currently live.

Dragging Yo Daughters to a Power-Glam Makeover
March 7, 2009

RuPaul's Drag Race completes my Mondays. I love this show so much it hurts. It provides all the gratification of my favorite television things: gay men, drag queens, Project Runway, and ANTM in a competitive reality show, vying and bitching their way to becoming the next Drag Superstar.

This week was an interesting lesson in gender-bending. And TLo posted a great interview with RuPaul, those lucky bitches. Totally worthwhile reading.

Meanwhile, back to the episode:

• The female boxers were more butch than the contestants.
  


• I loved the dichotomy between Bebe Zahara Benet's and Ongina's reactions when they appeared in the workroom. This capture says so much about their personalities.



• We had to sit through the obligatory 'boxing workout montage' complete with 'last man standing' mini-challenge. You tell me who the power tops & bottoms are:
  

Rebecca wins, and gets to assign boxers to queens. No surpise, she stacked the odds in her favor (who wouldn't have?). The challenge objective was to "adapt your assigned lady boxer's look into your drag persona." That includes hair, makeup, outfit, catwalk, lip-sync and overall cohesiveness with their drag counterpart.

Oh, Bebe. Lose the 'tude and move on.

More Gay & Lesbian Video At LogoOnline.com

Guest judges: The founder of the PussyCat Dolls (Robyn Antin--thanks for the correction, SuperHaji!) and Xena the Warrior Princess (Lucy Lawless). *yawn.*

The boxer-girls lip-sync to Beyoncee' was a little painful. Nina's girl Mia had an Amazonian Gina Davis thing going on that I liked, but she didn't even bother phoning in the lip sync. Painful.

More Gay & Lesbian Video At LogoOnline.com

Winner: Rebecca.
Loser: Ongina.

While I'm sad to see Ongina go, I don't think she pulled off the result successfully, and I agree that her interpretation of the challenge and presentation was the weakest. Regardless, she has a wonderful and unique niche and persona, and I hope we'll see more of her in the future.

Good luck, girl. You have a lovely, fun spirit. Continue to celebrate life!