Here are some more pictures I took at the Names Project quilt display in 1989 in Washington, DC.
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Weekend Away
This weekend I will be joining David Dust and the Dust Bunnies for a weekend in New York City. I plan on leaving on Friday and returning home on Sunday evening., so posting might very well be light. I am looking forward to seeing Miss Ginger, Marker, Mark In Delaware and hubby Joe, among others. I hope to get to meet the fabulous Miss Kitty Bradshaw. For more information and to join us, click here. To mark the event, here is the video of Manhattan Transfer singing The Boy From New York City.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Great Video - That Darned Cat
This might be completely silly, entirely frivolous, but I can't help but post it. After all, is there nothing sweeter than a cat? Enjoy!
Friday, October 16, 2009
GLEE TV - Preview 2 - Mash-Up
Thanks to my friend Rickey, here is another clip from the upcoming episode of GLEE. Click here to visit rickey.org to see it. In it, Puck sings Sweet Caroline to someone - is it to Rachel? Does Finn have more competition?
Also, Entertainment Weekly has released some plot outlines for upcoming episodes. Click here for the original post.
Episode 8 “Mash-up” (Oct. 21)
Description: Inspired the by the students, Will composes a mash-up for a very special occasion. Meanwhile, in a shocking reversal of roles, McKinley High’s cool kids are dethroned in an “icy” fashion, and Sue shows off her softer side. (And we can also reveal we get to meet Puck’s mom in this episode. Songs will include “Bust a Move,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Thong Song” and “I Could Have Danced All Night.” Julie Andrews and Sisqo in the same episode, be still my heart…)Episode 9 “Wheels” (Nov. 11)
Will encourages the Glee Club to support Artie, and asks each of them to perform in a wheelchair. Meanwhile, Kurt and Rachel compete for a big solo. Songs include “Defying Gravity” from Wicked.Episode 10 “Ballads” (Nov. 18)
Mr. Schuester has the Glee Club split up into pairs to sing their favorite ballad, but when one kid gets sick, he’s forced to step in and winds up in a sticky situation. Meanwhile, Finn has dinner with Quinn’s parents.Episode 11, “Hairography” (Nov. 25)
Eve guest-stars as a rival glee club’s instructor in another all-new episode. The Glee Club checks out their hair-raising competition, and Kurt gives Rachel a makeover.Meanwhile, episode 12 will be called “Once, Upon A Mattress” and episode 13 will be “Sectionals” (whaaaaat? We have to wait that long for sectionals?!?! It already feels like they’ve been practicing and talking about it for months).
So much GLEE-TV to look forward to!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Soundtrack Welcomes New Followers & News
This week Soundtrack to my Day has two more followers, and I would like to welcome them. I truly appreciate it when people go out of their way to make sure they are aware of the posts here.
James Johnson joined up recently. If I follow the links properly, James is an aspiring Christian rocker. To find out more about James and his music, click here. However, I didn't find a picture of him, but here is a link to his profile.
Thankfully, the same cannot be said for Mauro Paim, a handsome Brazilian Gaucho, a pampas cowboy. OK, as far as I can figure, a pampas cowboy is a cowboy who works on the grasslands of Brazil, but I [and the internet] could be wrong. If so, perhaps Mauro will let us know. Mauro has the blog Realizações em/Actualizations in Porto Alegre, or Observing Reality And Its Impact On People, From Porto Alegre RS, Brazil. You can check out his blog here. He offers different views on a variety of subjects, from political to literary.
In other news, SIRPAUL has just released a new collection of mixes for his latest music here. He also sent a message that he might have a new look. Can't wait to see it! Christopher Dallman is getting ready to release a new EP, his first in a couple of years. And Westlife is going to release a new CD at the end of November, though there is rumoured to be a single release in the next 2 weeks. And Eric & the Adams are in the studio recording new music for a release by the end of the year.
So, as always, I am grateful for all who stop by and read, comment, or just look at the pictures.
James Johnson joined up recently. If I follow the links properly, James is an aspiring Christian rocker. To find out more about James and his music, click here. However, I didn't find a picture of him, but here is a link to his profile.
Thankfully, the same cannot be said for Mauro Paim, a handsome Brazilian Gaucho, a pampas cowboy. OK, as far as I can figure, a pampas cowboy is a cowboy who works on the grasslands of Brazil, but I [and the internet] could be wrong. If so, perhaps Mauro will let us know. Mauro has the blog Realizações em/Actualizations in Porto Alegre, or Observing Reality And Its Impact On People, From Porto Alegre RS, Brazil. You can check out his blog here. He offers different views on a variety of subjects, from political to literary.
In other news, SIRPAUL has just released a new collection of mixes for his latest music here. He also sent a message that he might have a new look. Can't wait to see it! Christopher Dallman is getting ready to release a new EP, his first in a couple of years. And Westlife is going to release a new CD at the end of November, though there is rumoured to be a single release in the next 2 weeks. And Eric & the Adams are in the studio recording new music for a release by the end of the year.
So, as always, I am grateful for all who stop by and read, comment, or just look at the pictures.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Names Project 1989
I think it was 1989, but it could have been 1988. If I only blogged back then, I would have a better idea than just finding a bunch of pictures in a shoebox. But I remember going to the original showing of the Names Project in 1987, but not bringing my camera. I went to DC to be a part of the National March on Washington for Gay & Lesbian Rights, and saw the it. Spread across the mall, there was what seemed like miles of fabric set up in a symmetrical pattern, a beautiful patchwork quilt. People were wondering around, looking at individual 'patches.' I knew what it was, but the sheer size was jolting, at first so pretty, but then just jarring that so many had died to bring this beauty into existence. As I got closer, the dark lines I thought were thread were people on their knees touching the panels of loved ones. There weren't a few milling around, but many, and most were emotionally touched by the experience. I made my way through, and happened across a panel of someone I had known, and it stopped me in my tracks. I knew him in NYC, but he had left to return to his family, and we had lost touch. I guess this meant he had passed away, the disease had taken him away. I froze, and felt a tear run down my cheek. My mind raced, unable to really grasp it all, keeping me still. Someone came up and touched my shoulder, and asked if I was alright. They were a volunteer, specifically there for those who needed comfort. I thanked them, stood there with tears falling, and said I was OK, just needed a moment to come to grips with my grief. They stood with me, hand on my shoulder, until I could breathe again.
Click to enlarge individual pictures
I returned in 1989, with friends and feeling much better prepared for what I would see. I brought a camera, capturing my memories. But no matter how well prepared you think you are, there are some things you will never be ready to see. The squares are such personal statements from loved ones, so many touch your soul, even if you didn't know the person at all.
The Names Project was started by Cleve Jones, based on something he noticed when organizing an annual march for Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone in San Francisco. As more people were claimed by AIDS, he asked people to make placards of those who had passed and hung them on a wall of the Federal Building. He thought it looked like a quilt once the names were hung. From that sprung The Names Project, and the Quilt. For more information about the Names Project, to donate, host a display, or submit a square, click here.
Monday, October 5, 2009
My Blog Would Suck Wihout U
I have to say, it has been a great couple of weeks for this blog, and I can't tell you what it has meant to me. This blog would not exist without the talented and gifted artists who are the literal soundtrack to my day. Over the past few months, there have been a couple of new discoveries, but for the most part, I am taking a tour of my iPod and my record collection.
Ari Gold referenced my post!
Christopher Dallman appreciated my posts.
Collective Soul not only read, but liked my post!
I never expected this to be much more than me posting some fond memories of my life, and chat about some of my favorite indie performers now, maybe exposing them to a few more fans. That is how it was going, much to my delight. But over the last two weeks, I have heard from the artists more than ever before. I was getting Tweets from several for the most recent posts, and I suddenly realized they might be reading the blog.
Dave Patten was appreciative.
Eric Himan promised to come to the area soon.
Mikey Wax was very nice.
Aiden James is so nice!
Derek Nicoletto read and posted!
A note inside my EP from Ariel Belkin
A blog on Angela Leo's website.
I guess I just wanna say thanks to all these artists, and I am so glad I don't sound like an idiot. I just wanted to take the time to say I appreciate they took the time to read my words and contact me. Much like I appreciate those who stop by and leave comments, and those who stop by to read. Without you, I'd be mumbling to myself. Three weeks ago I celebrated 10,000 hits. Last Friday, the counter tipped past 15,000. Thank you all for sharing the experience.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
My Opinions & Telling On Trixie
OK, I know I announced Telling On Trixie had broken up, and that remains true, but it doesn't make their music go away. In fact, if anything, I kinda hold it closer They had two terrific albums, and won many awards. A year ago they were lighting up on LOGO, with Orion's Light and Halfway Back To Sane sitting on top of the LOGO video charts, and the band was busy writing stuff for the new CD.
One of the things this tells me is exactly how hard it is to catch a break in the music business. You can bring in the reviews, the awards, but to try to climb the wall not necessarily to fame but to self-sufficiency is so hard. Radio has such a stranglehold on the business, and they are held in a vice-grip by the major studios. I have read countless interviews from indie artists who do the radio tours, booking gigs along the way, but who just can't get airtime for the song. Sure, the internet and YouTube have given consumers another place to look, but it is still radio that seems to control music sales. Does anyone really think the top-selling acts right now would be selling without constantly hearing their music on the airways?
When I listen to radio - which is rare - I am amazed how often you can hear the same songs/artists over and over again. Some stations seem to have a 4-hour cycle, others less, in which the same basic line-up of Top 40 music is played, with occasional oldies and new stuff added - 99.99% of it from the very same labels. This is why it is easier for Britney to lip-sync her way to a comeback than to hear amazing voices like Derek Nicoletto, Eric Himan, Aiden James, Tom Goss, Christopher Dallman, Casey Stratton, Jay Brannan, Garrin Benfield and so many others.
I know Aiden James received a certain amount of airplay on at least one local station here in Delaware, but that is a rarity. I remember growing up in Delaware listening mainly to Philadelphia stations, and having quite the assortment. There was WMMR and WYSP, featuring current rock and classic rock, hearing music not played on Top 10 stations. But with the advent of media conglomerates like Clear Channel Communications buying stations all across the major markets, there has been a homogenization of the music we hear, and a smaller group of artists the public is exposed to. This means the amount of artists selling is much more focused than ever, and they are the ones the record labels are pushing.
That is why I firmly believe in supporting my indie artists. When they come to my area, I wanna show up and show my support. I'll buy the t-shirt, the latest CD [or more than one, and give it away to someone who might like it and buy the next on their own], or invest a little bit of money in a fund and/or prepurchase for the upcoming CD. In the words of the inimitable Dolly Levi, 'Money, pardon the expression, is like manure. It's not worth a thing unless it's spread around, encouraging young things to grow.' I feel the same way - if I don't use my money to encourage music artists to keep on producing the music that speaks to me, then I can't complain if it is no longer there. It is investment capital for my future happiness.
That happiness is not being bolstered, for the most part, by what is playing on radio. Sure, something sneaks in from time to time I like, but today, in a world that seems to move to greater homogenization than ever, hearing repeated songs utilizing Auto-Tune as the major inspiration just doesn't give me hope, doesn't speak to me. I don't need my vocalists to sound like my computer, I want them to sound like living, breathing people with issues like I have, we all have.
Now that rant is over, I will get back to the point. Derek Nicoletto posted a video for Late So Tired by Telling On Trixie. He said the following on the YouTube posting: "Late So Tired was written in the car after our Telling on Trixie show at the Bele Chere Music Festival in Asheville, North Carolina. I was riding in the backseat next to my 6 week-old son, on our way to Charleston, South Carolina. He looked at me, and I knew for the first [time] he recognized me. So, I thought back to the first moment I ever saw him. And I wrote these words.
Brad Small had already done some work on the chorus of this song, and I had the chord progression in my iPod. The video are just fragments of pieces my partner and I shot on our Flip video during Asher's first year.
Lyrics by Derek Nicoletto. Music by Derek Nicoletto, Brad Small and Tommy Kessler, Copyright 2009. Produced by Tommy Kessler. From Ugly, Broke & Sober 2009."
This is music that speaks to me.
You can buy the MP3 of this song from iTunes by clicking here. After all, I am sure baby still needs a new pair of shoes...
One of the things this tells me is exactly how hard it is to catch a break in the music business. You can bring in the reviews, the awards, but to try to climb the wall not necessarily to fame but to self-sufficiency is so hard. Radio has such a stranglehold on the business, and they are held in a vice-grip by the major studios. I have read countless interviews from indie artists who do the radio tours, booking gigs along the way, but who just can't get airtime for the song. Sure, the internet and YouTube have given consumers another place to look, but it is still radio that seems to control music sales. Does anyone really think the top-selling acts right now would be selling without constantly hearing their music on the airways?
When I listen to radio - which is rare - I am amazed how often you can hear the same songs/artists over and over again. Some stations seem to have a 4-hour cycle, others less, in which the same basic line-up of Top 40 music is played, with occasional oldies and new stuff added - 99.99% of it from the very same labels. This is why it is easier for Britney to lip-sync her way to a comeback than to hear amazing voices like Derek Nicoletto, Eric Himan, Aiden James, Tom Goss, Christopher Dallman, Casey Stratton, Jay Brannan, Garrin Benfield and so many others.
I know Aiden James received a certain amount of airplay on at least one local station here in Delaware, but that is a rarity. I remember growing up in Delaware listening mainly to Philadelphia stations, and having quite the assortment. There was WMMR and WYSP, featuring current rock and classic rock, hearing music not played on Top 10 stations. But with the advent of media conglomerates like Clear Channel Communications buying stations all across the major markets, there has been a homogenization of the music we hear, and a smaller group of artists the public is exposed to. This means the amount of artists selling is much more focused than ever, and they are the ones the record labels are pushing.
That is why I firmly believe in supporting my indie artists. When they come to my area, I wanna show up and show my support. I'll buy the t-shirt, the latest CD [or more than one, and give it away to someone who might like it and buy the next on their own], or invest a little bit of money in a fund and/or prepurchase for the upcoming CD. In the words of the inimitable Dolly Levi, 'Money, pardon the expression, is like manure. It's not worth a thing unless it's spread around, encouraging young things to grow.' I feel the same way - if I don't use my money to encourage music artists to keep on producing the music that speaks to me, then I can't complain if it is no longer there. It is investment capital for my future happiness.
That happiness is not being bolstered, for the most part, by what is playing on radio. Sure, something sneaks in from time to time I like, but today, in a world that seems to move to greater homogenization than ever, hearing repeated songs utilizing Auto-Tune as the major inspiration just doesn't give me hope, doesn't speak to me. I don't need my vocalists to sound like my computer, I want them to sound like living, breathing people with issues like I have, we all have.
Now that rant is over, I will get back to the point. Derek Nicoletto posted a video for Late So Tired by Telling On Trixie. He said the following on the YouTube posting: "Late So Tired was written in the car after our Telling on Trixie show at the Bele Chere Music Festival in Asheville, North Carolina. I was riding in the backseat next to my 6 week-old son, on our way to Charleston, South Carolina. He looked at me, and I knew for the first [time] he recognized me. So, I thought back to the first moment I ever saw him. And I wrote these words.
Brad Small had already done some work on the chorus of this song, and I had the chord progression in my iPod. The video are just fragments of pieces my partner and I shot on our Flip video during Asher's first year.
Lyrics by Derek Nicoletto. Music by Derek Nicoletto, Brad Small and Tommy Kessler, Copyright 2009. Produced by Tommy Kessler. From Ugly, Broke & Sober 2009."
This is music that speaks to me.
You can buy the MP3 of this song from iTunes by clicking here. After all, I am sure baby still needs a new pair of shoes...
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
More Sadness - RIP Telling On Trixie
Much to my chagrin, I read a Tweet Wednesday afternoon that really cemented this day as a really sucky one. It started by having to be a part of an insurance audit, presenting the books and payroll for the last 12 months. It lasted longer than it should have, but eventually ended as well as it could. And Mary Travers, one of the amazing trio Peter, Paul & Mary, passed away. Leaving On A Jet Plane, Puff The Magic Dragon, and If I Had A Hammer have been running through my mind all day. And I got that Tweet.
I will be honest. At first I was confused, then pissed. And I felt a little welling in my eyes. I really love Telling On Trixie, and thought they really rocked it. I love lead singer Derek Nicoletto, an out gay singer for a rock band. See, we aren't all about the divas or the club music, some of us just wanna rock. Out musicians like Derek, Robert Urban, The Cliks, they were the gifts, the people that tell me I don't have to be in the closet in with my rock-love, or think that culture of macho bravado should keep me away. Eric Himan joining Angel and Jimmy Adams and plugging in the guitar and rocking excites me about seeing Eric & The Adams. I had yet to see Telling On Trixie live, and was looking forward to it.
The funny thing is I couldn't write this post too soon. I needed the time to let it settle in. And a second notice was found from Derek on FaceBook, trying to put a better spin on the news. So now I understand better, but I am still upset.
I should try to get to bed early to put this day behind me, but instead, I am up late typing on this blog. But I will publicly state here I will follow whatever Derek has coming up next. I think he is a talented man, working on the career while having a great life outside of it, with a handsome hubby and adorable child. And a sad but loyal fan from Delaware.
I will be honest. At first I was confused, then pissed. And I felt a little welling in my eyes. I really love Telling On Trixie, and thought they really rocked it. I love lead singer Derek Nicoletto, an out gay singer for a rock band. See, we aren't all about the divas or the club music, some of us just wanna rock. Out musicians like Derek, Robert Urban, The Cliks, they were the gifts, the people that tell me I don't have to be in the closet in with my rock-love, or think that culture of macho bravado should keep me away. Eric Himan joining Angel and Jimmy Adams and plugging in the guitar and rocking excites me about seeing Eric & The Adams. I had yet to see Telling On Trixie live, and was looking forward to it.
The funny thing is I couldn't write this post too soon. I needed the time to let it settle in. And a second notice was found from Derek on FaceBook, trying to put a better spin on the news. So now I understand better, but I am still upset.
I should try to get to bed early to put this day behind me, but instead, I am up late typing on this blog. But I will publicly state here I will follow whatever Derek has coming up next. I think he is a talented man, working on the career while having a great life outside of it, with a handsome hubby and adorable child. And a sad but loyal fan from Delaware.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Another Milestone - 10,000
At some point on Friday, this blog received the 10,000 hit. This happened while I wasn't looking, and all I can think to say is thank you so very much. When I started this blog just over 3 months ago, I never would have had a clue anyone would be interested in my petty ramblings about music I enjoy. But I decided to do a blog that focused on music that makes me happy, and to avoid writing about what doesn't, to keep this a positive blog, and with your help, I think we have done that together.
For those who have been with me from the start, you have my gratitude. To those finding the blog more recently, I am so glad you have come. Feel free to keep coming back, and to click on the follow button on the upper right-hand side of the screen to help keep up with the latest posts. To all the artists whose music has appeared in the blog, thanks for putting out great music, and to those who have contacted me, thank you for your support.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Pied Piper I Ain't & Other News
Corve, left, and Larry, right.
But somehow or another, I still manage to have people follow me. Or at least the blog. Since my last update, two more people have joined my soundtrack, and I continue to be grateful. There is Corve, a gorgeous 22-year-old who loves to read, write and listen to music, and is an aspiring model. You can check out his blog here. And there is also Larry_Ohio, who runs the blog Patently Queer. The blog has moved and has a great new layout, and you can check it out here. Welcome to the blog, and thanks for following it.
Speaking of the blog, this will be post #201, somewhat of a milestone. I wasn't sure I would be making it past the first week, so go figure! And by the time this posts, the blog will have made it past 9,200 hits, so thanks to all the visitors who have found my little corner of the 'net, and special thanks for those who have taken the time to post their thoughts. It is greatly appreciated.
In other news, Eric & The Adams have announced they will have a CD coming out by the end of the year, and are raising funds to make sure it happens. It is more than a donation, it is an investment paying returns. With each donation of $20 or more, you will get an autographed copy of the CD and be entered for a chance to win an iPod Touch! To offer your support, click here. You can also click on the 'Merch' tab at the top, and buy CDs [I have them all and can vouch for their greatness] or some fun t-shirts.
Speaking of Eric, he just completed his month of 'Free Cover Mondays' with 6 great cover songs. This batch included Use Somebody/Pokerface [Kings of Leon/Lady Gaga], Hometown Glory [Adele], I Believe [Blessid Union of Souls], Fast Car [Tracy Chapman], Bad Things [theme from True Blood by Jace Everett] and Somewhere Over The Rainbow [Judy Garland]. He managed to put his own particular twist on each song and I do love his style. The above video is a cover of Matt Nathanson's Come On Get Higher. I am still swooning every time I hear his cover of the Hoagy Carmichael classic Nearness of You. All you have to do is join the mailing list. And I bet if you ask him nicely, he might even share the link to the files. He's nice like that.
Speaking of new releases, Casey Stratton has a new one out called Memories & Photographs. I bought it and downloaded, so I hope to tell you how much I love it shortly. It's already on my iPod, primed to be played tomorrow!
And Tom Goss will be playing at Delaware Pride on September 19th. I am really looking forward to hearing him sing live, and will be hope to see blogger Mark In DE, who writes the Tales of a Sissy blog. To find out more about the Delaware Pride festival, click here.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Anniversary Party - Update
Mom and Dad surrounded by us 'kids'
Well, the 50th Anniversary party went off without a hitch. Everyone had a wonderful time, and the surprise was achieved. I took some pictures, but tried to enjoy myself and cuaght up with some family friends I haven't seen for a long time.
Among the guests were the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as the latest arrival, great-grandaughter Caitlin.
And the videos were a success, and many people wanted copies of it. All went well!
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