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December 10, 2003
For how long after Thanksgiving are you allowed to use turkey as an excuse for being sluggish? I'm trying to get back on the ball over here - guess I'll just add that to the resolutions. Are you starting to write yours? ("I will go to more Van Vader parties . . .") . . . Aah, what's the good word out there?! Everything is ok over here - a bit sick with this east coast weather change; sipping tea, the whole nine. But, I won't complain. Hope you're doing well as you head into the holiday season. And, if you're out there shopping, don't let me see you on the news beating some elderly woman for a cart. Not fresh . . . Respect due to Marvel Events and the folks who hosted Rah Digga's release party Thanksgiving Eve - a major success . . . Happy Birthday's going out to my man, Burty, Justin M., my dog Cornelio, and an extra special shout to Nik-Nak!! Check back often for New Year's Eve info (that's going to be serious), and other events . . . Oh, and for everyone asking for Jalen's Cat In The Hat pic, I wasn't able to get one. His mother caught a few I am trying to steal, so bear with me . . . Check you soon!
- "The V, the A, the N, the V, the A, the D, the E, the R, Van Vader! Word up!"
"Guilty Pleasures"
I bet Gillian has been trying to figure out why everyone else gets the cliff notes on me here while it took her years (I will respectfully withhold exactly how many) to learn some of my, shall we say, nuances. For some unknown reason, there seems to be something therapeutic about revealing parts of yourself to an international audience on a website. Don't really know, but I do know that this one is going to get back to me somehow . . .
We've all got guilty pleasures. You know, things you find extreme joy in, but don't really let too many people know about? Yeah, well I'm not afraid to admit them; at least not for TV, movies, and music. If you feel so encouraged, I invite you to holla back with some of your own . . .
When it comes to television, everyone is watching a show or two by themselves. E online posted a list of the top 20 shows people won't admit they love. Safe to say, I only shared one on that list (phew). Here's my countdown:
5. "Around The Horn" (the guilt is in the pleasure of arguing with the screen)
4. "Iron Chef" (is it normal to cheer?)
3. "Queer Eye" (when Leno asked Thom why he left the 'h' in his name - he said, "I'm gay")
2. "Family Feud" (although, it's sometimes hard to watch my people on that show)
1. "MacGyver" (don't sleep - I've used some of the creations myself)
I can already feel the backlash coming here. Then again, might that be brewing support? . . . Doubt it. The ingredients to a good Saturday movie? High on cheese, low on substance, acting, or intellectual value. I haven't figured out why, but when these movies are on, I'm watching (I obviously have left off "The Wood" and any slapstick you can think of - no guilt there):
5. "Who's Harry Crumb?" (I can't even justify this one)
4. "The Sandlot" (the kids defeat the beast? What's not to love?)
3. "The American President" (Moms got me hooked - she and Ted Turner, that is)
2. "Little Giants" ("Spike don't play with girls")
1. "Rudy" (chokes me up every time . . .)
And, finally - the music. The area that probably only Cricket and Mo will feel me on. And even they will tell me I'm on my own on some of them. Then again, maybe there are more of us lurking out there; with high doses of cheese crammed deep in our closets. I've given you ten. You never know - I may just be so inspired as to bring some of these tunes out for a live set:
10. "I'd Do Anything" (Simple Plan - and, all that other 'young' rock out there)
9. All-4-One (seriously, I'm not the only one, right?)
8. "We Are The World" (the ultimate group hug song)
7. Freestyle (don't talk bad about Lisa Lisa or The Cult Jam in front of me)
6. Christmas music (it's good anytime, but even better with snow)
5. 80's (not the good stuff either)
4. "Would I Lie to You Baby" (Charles and Eddie - if it comes on in McDonalds, it's over)
3. "The Heart Is Not So Smart (old El DeBarge track - I'm cheesing through the whole song)
2. "I Love Your Smile" (never realized how much the titles give them away)
1. "Tomorrow" (Am I the only one that wonders about Tevin?)
I know, I should be embarrassed . . . You tell me yours first . . . ;)
(Honorable mention for music went to: Techno, "Someday" by Sugar Ray, and Whitney's first two albums)